Chapter Text
You had finally been able to “reserve” your boyfriend for a nice date day and Mother Nature just had to visit you today, of all days. You guessed you were just lucky that you had everything you needed on hand at home, so you didn’t have to call him or anyone else for that matter for a quick rescue. There was only one problem left to deal with (aside from your slight moodiness).
You took your last painkiller this morning.
This meant that you had anywhere between 10 and 6 hours before your cramps would come back and make you feel like an alien was trying to claw its way out of your guts.
You sighed. Guess this means there was no way you were staying over at Haru’s for tonight. You wouldn’t want Mako to go on mom mode again because Haru…
Well, honestly, you weren’t too sure why Haru never quite seemed to have any reaction whatsoever when you had your periods. Of course, most of the time you did find yourself in this predicament, you just tried to avoid any human interaction because you felt like a scary zombie, so you usually just didn’t see him when you had your periods.
There’s also the fact that you haven’t been dating for all that long either, so maybe it comes with time? Makoto’s the only one you know who understands Haru despite his low facial expression level.
In fact, if Makoto hadn’t been there, you don’t even think Haru and you would be dating… You met Mako from your shared classes in education and, one day, as you had agreed to come help him with his kids at the pool (he was so much more comfortable with the younger kids than you were, but he still appreciated the help), you met Haru. He liked to come train in solo after the kids’ swimming lessons because it meant he could spend some time with his best friend as he convinced him to stay longer at the pool to swim together, “just like old times”, at which Mako would laugh and accept.
…But it’s not because Mako was your first link to Haru that you should rely on him the whole time to ensure that your couple’s doing fine! The poor guy, as sweet as he is, has difficulty letting himself even go on a date with someone since he’s always taking care of Haru… and you… and your relationship…
Though I’m guilty too… I’m Haru’s romantic partner… I should be the one taking care of him…
Of course, between your substitute teaching and your studies and Haru’s intense Olympic swimming practices and studies… You don’t really have much time to spend together. The only reason that your couple is still afloat is because of how surprisingly good Haru is in keeping touch through text messages… and because Makoto was kind enough to leave the apartment upon request to let you have a couple’s day together.
You shook your head as you reached the boy’s apartment door. You’ll have to repay Mako somehow.
A few sharp knocks on the door later, you were greeted by your boyfriend, clad in a simple blue apron.
Heat rose up on your cheeks. While you were used to see him in nothing more than a swimsuit on a regular basis at the pool… Let’s just say that the apron look gave him a different vibe…
Sexier.
You knew from Makoto that Haru has had this weird habit (or was it really? He wasn’t in briefs or boxers…) of wearing only his swim trunks back in his home town, since they were young. Apparently, he also very much enjoyed to bathe in his swimsuit when he couldn’t have access to a pool. It helped him relax.
“Still wearing the swimsuit?” You tentatively asked, barely able to look him in the eyes.
You tried not to look any further down than his collarbone.
“Of course.” He replied quietly as he took a step aside to let you in.
You let out a quiet sigh of relief. Your mind was about to wander off too far until you spotted the fabric covering his thighs.
Though even swimsuits don’t leave much to the imagination when you think about it… especially those tight fit shorts he like to wear…
You entered the house, took off your shoes as you excused yourself before wandering off to the kitchen as you guessed, from Haru’s attire, that he was cooking.
Please don’t be mackerel…
“Are you hungry? I’m preparing us a small lunch to start off our day together.” Haru asked as he softly hugged you from behind, leaning his cheek on your shoulder.
You didn’t know what to say. You forced a small smile as you spotted the rice, sautéd vegetables… and the mackerel. On any normal day, this would have looked, and smelled, great, but today was not just your regular day. It was your first day of being menstruated. One of the usual side effect, aside from horrible cramps if not treated early on, was a particular appetite. In your case, it didn’t only include the random cravings, but also acute pickyness, if not a total loss of appetite…
And let’s just say you weren’t in for fish right now, especially mackerel, as it wasn’t your favourite.
“I… um…” You searched for words for a few seconds. “I’m not much hungry right now, Haru… I don’t think I’ll be able to eat much.” You smiled sweetly, hoping he would not be insulted that you were turning down his cooking. “I know you’re a pretty good cook, I just…”
What did you even want to say? You were just in your periods so you weren’t hungry and the smell of the fish, his favourite fish, made you feel sick?
“I’ll pack the leftovers for you in the fridge, I don’t mind.” He said as he let go of you to go back to his pots and skillets.
“Thank you, Haru.”
You felt bad for him, but also incredibly grateful that he had not pressed the issue and, instead, respected your wish.
Most of the day had been fantastic, though you had to convince Haru to put on at least some joggers to ease your discomfort of being sat with him on the couch as he was nearly naked. You had been somewhat disappointed, though you wouldn’t admit it out loud, that he had also put on a shirt as he went to “get dressed”.
You had watched a movie or two, shared a few random snacks, and even ordered dinner on your request when you were craving some Thai food, even though you ended up not even eating half of your plate.
Nevertheless, it had been a great day where you had the chance to know a little more about Haru and him about you, bringing you closer. Though, as it was getting late, you had to convince yourself that it was probably time to leave before it would be too dark or you would be too tired to walk home.
“I guess it’s about time for me to go…” You smiled as you made a move to get up and off the couch, sadly leaving Haru’s light embrace.
That’s when you felt it. This horrible pang in the depth of your guts that made you flinch.
Haru noticed. “Are you sure you’ll be okay walking home? You haven’t eaten much and all day you’ve looked like you weren’t feeling well.”
So he noticed that too, huh?
You looked down, feeling your cheeks warm up and tears starting to sting your eyes.
“I… I’m sorry.” You croaked out with some difficulty, your throat feeling smaller because of the sudden wave of emotions. “I didn’t want to spoil today just because I…”
Why was it so embarrassing to say that you had your periods? It shouldn’t be, not with him, not with anyone, really. It is normal and should not be so embarrassing, so why was it?
And why were anything related to periods so embarrassing and expensive anyway?
But you diverged. You took a breath, but had to press your hand hard against your lower abdomen to counter the sudden cramp that came with that breathing exercise.
“I don’t think you should go home like that, [Name].” Haru got up after you, placed his hands on your shoulders and slowly forced you to sit back down. “Wait here.”
And he left you in the living room to deal with your cramps. You didn’t really know what to think about that, but he’d hopefully at least come back with a glass of water and a painkiller. Even though these don’t work as much for you, if Haru could at least think of doing that for you, you’d be happy; it would mean that he had some basic knowledge of how to care for someone who was sick.
As you were curled up on the couch, holding your stomach, you thought you heard him talk quietly, though you couldn’t tell if he was talking to someone or simply talking to himself, though the second option seemed very unlikely.
Bet you he called either his mom or Makoto.
You snorted slightly at the thought. Well, it was still better than nothing. He was learning and cared enough to ask someone who might actually know how to help.
He came back a few moments later with a cup of tea and painkillers.
“Take that for now. I’ll be back soon.”
And he left again.
With some difficulty, you sat up to take the pill he had offered you and sipped on the lukewarm green tea, waiting for him to come back. You didn’t know who gave him the idea of the tea, but it wasn’t bad. It was relaxing and warmed up your insides as you drank.
What the hell was he doing though?
You hadn’t heard him leave the apartment, so he didn’t run off to the pharmacy or anywhere else. Maybe he was searching for something else, though you couldn’t quite think of what exactly.
A warm magic bag would feel good though.
You heard quiet footsteps coming back to the living room. Haru knelt in front of you.
“Can you stand?”
“Just… give me a moment…” You slowly pushed yourself up with your arms, trying your best not to contract your abs too much as it would cause pain.
After what seemed like 5 minutes to you, you were up and concentrating to stay that way without making it look like it was hard to do so. You felt Haru’s arm slide under your waist to hold you against his side.
He’s lean, but he’s strong…
You blushed. This felt different than the cute cuddling you had done when watching movies. His hold was… present. It was a different type of presence than the lightness of his arm draped around your shoulders. Rather, it was… strong, yet delicate enough that he was able to help you feel lighter on your feet, but he wouldn’t leave bruises on your waist.
Adopting a slow pace (was he scared you would fall if he walked normally?), he brought you in front of the bathroom door.
You glanced at his face, curious. Why the bathroom? If he thought you had stomach aches, he’d bring you to the toilet* in case you would feel like vomiting…
But he brought you to the bathroom.
He caught you staring curiously at him and a small twinkle lit his eyes as the corners of his mouth curled up in a discreet smile. He opened the door.
The tiled room was dimly lit, and a soft sent wafted up to your nose, drifting along with the slight humidity in the air. The bath was filled with warm water, which was a cloudy color –you couldn’t quite tell the precise color, though you guessed it was caused by bath salts. The bath itself was surrounded with a few candles, burning in a slow dance in their glasses.
Then it hit you.
Oh no… He wants us to share a bath?!
The air seemed to become thicker as your heart made your lungs freeze. This couldn’t be happening now! You weren’t quite ready for this… and not just because you were suffering from period cramps. You knew bathing was very important to Haru –his whole relationship with water was, and it was for you too: bathing was a moment you could take for yourself, to resource your energy. In itself, bathing was already quite intimate, so sharing a bath with someone…
You felt your face flushing darker. You gulped: “Haru…”
He turned to you, quiet. He surprisingly still had his shirt on.
“I… uh… How can I say that…” You took a moment to gather every drop of courage you had in you, convincing yourself that everything would be okay. “I… well,” You looked down. Not looking in his clear blue eyes helped a little. “I can’t really take a bath now… I don’t have any change of clothes… or a swimsuit for that matter.”
You felt a little weird saying that, but since it was normal for Haru to bathe in a swimsuit… Maybe that’s what he had planned?
He let out a soft sigh before taking your chin between his fingers, lifting your face to make you look at him. His eyes glimmered.
He was hypnotizing.
“I prepared the bath for you. Every time I feel sick, I like to relax in a bath until it passes.”
“You just like to spend as much time as you can in the water, Haru.” You chuckled.
His smile grew, a little bashful. He seemed to say ‘you’re right, I do’.
“Though, it doesn’t really matter if you don’t have a change of clothes. You could borrow some of mine for tonight.”
You averted your eyes. You were blushing still, though the feeling of shame was coming back. You felt ashamed because, just like throughout the day, you had this impression that this date could have been so much better if it wasn’t for your periods…
“I’m not sure I’ll be able to stay over tonight, Haru…”
“I’m not letting you go when you’re feeling sick.” He protested.
“But I’m not sick, though…” He stared at you. “I got… I got my periods this morning…” You finally mumbled. “That’s why I’ve been a little weird all day… Sorry about that, Haru…”
You waited there, dreading the silence that followed your confession. You sniffled. Tears were starting to sting your eyes again.
“[Name], look at me.” He leaned his forehead on yours, practically forcing you to look him in the eyes as he stared deep into yours. “Why are you feeling so bad about it?”
“It’s just…” You blinked away a few tears. “Don’t you think-”
“Today was great, so why are you blaming yourself like that? There’s no reason to.”
He smiled again and wiped away a tear that threatened to fall from your eye.
“Thanks for the bath, Haru. And the whole of today, really. I loved spending this time with you.” You smiled before stepping inside the bathroom.
He held you back by the arm and quickly spun you around to land a swift kiss on your lips. “Maybe next time we’ll spend some time in the bath together.”
You giggled, kissing him back. “Maybe, we’ll see. For now, I’ll just have to take advantage of the fact that you prepared a bath, just for me~”
And you closed the door, leaving him outside.
You had been relaxing for about half an hour when you heard a knock on the bathroom door.
“Haru? You’re already back?” You had asked him if he could go get your cramp medicine (with some embarrassment, though he had told you that he’d rather do this that seeing you suffer).
Guess the pharmacy wasn’t too far.
He cracked open the door to put the little bottle on the sink counter.
Then, after a moment of him just standing there behind the door, he peeked through the doorway. “Are you certain I can’t join you?”
“Haru, please…” You shook your head, hiding a smile as you sank deeper in the water to hide yourself.
You knew he wouldn’t be able to stay away for too long knowing there was a tub full of water nearby…
“Maybe next time, okay? When I won’t… y’know…” You peeked up at him.
His eyes were shimmering. You could only hope it wasn’t just because of the water…
“Promise?” You blushed. He sounded really lonely and hopeful at the same time.
Nonetheless, he gave you a short nod and he disappeared behind the door again.
I said maybe though…
You thought for a moment. “Okay, Haru, promise…” You waited for a response, but heard nothing, though he didn’t close the door either. Was he still even there? “We’ll be wearing swimsuits though.” You added after a moment, not even sure he would hear you.
“Maybe.”
And he closed the door.