Ocean Breeze (ch2)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY $30+ PATRONS!

I can't even begin to describe how much I was screaming during episode 4, oh my gosh... It was everything I could've hoped for (short of a kiss haha). But WOW, for real, I wrote ch1 of this story last week and had them be so distant and awkward, and canon pulled right up this week and was like 'they're best friends now, we got you', so now I'm going off writing them, full speed ahead.

I'm just pretending this takes place after episode 4, the day after the touch tanks and as if Fuuka's mom didn't appear yet.

Disclaimer: I do not own Shiroi Suna no Aquatope.

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							Chapter 2.

Somewhere in the earliest hours of the seaside summer morning, the chirping of crickets had been replaced by the droning screeches of cicadas.

When Kukuru groggily opens her eyes with a slight yawn, she can tell right away it isn't the same early hour she usually wakes just as dawn is breaking. The haze and heat of the day is already creeping in through the screenings around the walls of her room, indicating it's a bit later.

Already knowing in the back of her head that she'd slept in a bit, she doesn't mind all that much. It can't be that late, after all, because Fuuka would've woken her.

Now that Fuuka was living here, Kukuru's grandparents no longer had to worry about waking her whenever she slept in, as it was now her new roommate's job. Fuuka was always up and about before her, helping with the household chores and making breakfast.

But as Kukuru finally pushes herself up onto her elbows and turns, she's surprised to see her roommate hasn't gotten up yet. Fuuka is lying on her side with her back to her, her long, thick hair a bit messy from sleep.

Kukuru grimaces as she realizes what this means.

"We slept in…"

But it isn't necessarily a bad thing. Judging by the sun outside, it isn't like they'd slept all day, just maybe half an hour later than usual. Stretching her arms out in front of herself, Kukuru yawns again, cracking her neck and shoulders with satisfaction before turning to her still-sleeping roommate.

"Good morning, Fuuka."

Normally, on the rare occasions Kukuru was up before her, that's all it would take to rouse Fuuka.

But today Fuuka doesn't stir just yet. She only makes a small, half-conscious moan in the back of her throat.

Kukuru knows she'd had a long day yesterday at the touch tanks, on top of the stress of being recognized by the public as a former idol. She doesn't want to push her too hard today. But the rasp she'd heard in her voice just now is just enough to make her concerned.

Kukuru moves closer to her, peering over Fuuka's shoulder.

"Fuuka…?"

Her hands are curled up loosely at her chest, which is typically how she ends up in the mornings. But what's different is how flushed her face is, heated pink as though she'd suffered sunburn. And now that Kukuru is close enough to her, she can tell that Fuuka's breathing is heavier than it should be. Kukuru's stomach twists with dismay.

"Oh no…"

Just as she'd told Fuuka a few days ago, a touch would tell more about someone or something than a hundred words could. And when Kukuru reaches out now to gently touch her shoulder and the side of her neck, it tells her everything.

Sure enough, there's an unnatural heat boiling beneath Fuuka's clothes, and her skin is already slick with sweat on her neck and forehead.

Kukuru worriedly looks about the room, as if something would magically appear to give her a solution.

She knows she should probably just let Fuuka rest, but she's too nervous. She wants to hear from her.

So Kukuru gently gives a shake to her shoulder, placing her other hand on Fuuka's side to carefully turn her over to lie on her back. She calls out to her softly.

"Fuuka…?"

Fuuka's head rolls limply onto her pillow, her lips parted as she has to breathe through them. Her brow is furrowed with discomfort, and the flushed color of her face extends all the way down her neck and as far as her chest beneath the collar of her pajamas. Kukuru gingerly reaches out to undo another button and loosen it for her.

At last, Fuuka begins the struggle to open her eyes. Kukuru waits anxiously until she can glimpse them. But the usual brightness of her pretty green eyes is now extremely dull and fuzzy, riddled with confusion.

But for now, Kukuru is just glad she's awake. She offers a small smile just as Fuuka draws in an awkward breath to greet her.

"Kukuru…"

Her voice is so raspy and weak. Fuuka normally isn't the loudest person by nature, but the feebleness in her voice now is clearly unnatural.

Kukuru reaches to find one of Fuuka's hands and draw it from the blankets, holding it in both of hers. She can feel more heat wafting from Fuuka's fingers, and her hand is shaking very slightly.

"Fuuka…"

Kukuru doesn't know what to say for starters. But before she can say anymore, Fuuka's eyes widen just a little.

"It's already so hot… How late in the day is it? Did we sleep in-?"

The beginnings of panic in her voice were enough to indicate what would happen next. Fuuka uses her free arm to push herself up suddenly before Kukuru can stop her.

She watches the wave of dizziness crash over Fuuka in an instant. Her eyes roll as she starts to fall backward, and she gasps as though there'd been an actual wave to bowl her over and steal the breath from her lungs.

"Fuuka!"

Kukuru manages to dive forward and catch her before she can hit the floor. With one arm across Fuuka's back and the other across her chest, Kukuru can feel her heart pounding with worrying force.

Fuuka flinches in pain, and her breathing becomes hitched and uneven. Kukuru lies her back down carefully, doing her best to move Fuuka's long hair aside over one of her shoulders so she won't by lying on it, and so it won't cling to her neck so much. Fuuka lets out a withering breath, her eyebrows knitting together with distress. Kukuru frets, finding one of her hands again to touch her.

"Fuuka! Are you okay? Does it hurt badly?"

In her fright, she can only ask the questions with the most obvious answers. It's clear that Fuuka is in no condition to be leaving the house today. But no sooner has Kukuru come to this understanding than Fuuka is pushing her eyes back open with a breathless declaration.

"I'll be fine… Just give me a moment. There's a lot of work we have to do today…"

Kukuru shakes her head over and over and over.

"No way! I'm not letting you go into work like this, Fuuka! You have to stay home and rest!" Kukuru leans over her a little, pressing the back of her hand against her roommate's forehead. The heat coming off of her is startling. "You've got a really bad fever. You can't go in like this, Fuuka."

"Eh…?" As though the fever was news to her, Fuuka blinks before moving her arm up to touch her face. "So that's why it's so hot…"

Kukuru doesn't know if she's more shocked or even a bit touched that Fuuka had been so focused on going to work this morning that she hadn't even realized she was so sick until now. But Kukuru's already made up her mind. She's staying with her today.

"You should go, Kukuru."

"…Huh?!"

In direct contrast to Kukuru's thoughts, Fuuka looks up at her seriously when she tells her to go.

"I'll be all right. I just need to sleep it off. Please, Kukuru." Her eyes waver, enough to show how her thoughts are only on the animals and the aquarium, worried about all the tasks she won't be able to perform today and all the things that won't get done because she'd gotten sick. Kukuru shakes her head again, and allows a bit of sternness into her tone.

"Fuuka. What did I tell you? Gama Gama Aquarium takes care of its animals, customers, and staff. Especially the ones-"

"Who are living with and sharing a room with the Director…"

"That's right." Kukuru nods in satisfaction. But Fuuka is clearly still distressed.

"But… we can't both stay home today. That's too much work for everyone else…"

"Don't worry." Kukuru softens her expression with a smile and lays her hand over Fuuka's again. "There have been plenty of times when some of us had had to cover the others on short notice. But now that Umi-Yan is back those guys will be fine without us for a day."

"But… you're the Director…"

"The Acting Director," Kukuru corrects her. "My grandpa is still the real Director. Once I tell him you're sick I'm sure he won't mind going in to Gama Gama for a visit today to help out."

Kukuru says all of this calmly and honestly, hoping to sooth Fuuka's worries. But Fuuka's eyes begin to water, and she sniffles as her voice becomes thick with guilt.

"I'm sorry…"

Kukuru picks up Fuuka's hand trembling in both of hers.

"Fuuka, it's okay! Don't cry!"

"But…" In spite of Kukuru's plea, Fuuka's eyes squeeze shut as tears begin dribbling down the sides of her face. "I wanted to help… and I feel all I've done so far is cause problems…"

"Fuuka..."

Kukuru can't take this. She slides one arm beneath her, lifting her up gently into her lap so Kukuru can offer the best hug she can possibly give in this position. Fuuka's tears hurt more than anything, especially when she's so weak and shaking, feeling guilty for something that wasn't her fault.

"Fuuka…" Kukuru runs a hand gently up and down her side, where her heart is still pounding rather hard. "Fuuka, it's okay. It's not your fault you got sick. That's only normal. After all, you're not accustomed to the weather here yet. It's much hotter than what you're used to, and you're already prone to heatstroke because of that. You've been working extra hard to help us prepare for the touch tanks, and yesterday was stressful for you. It was a lot. It's no wonder you got sick, really." She runs her hands up and down Fuuka's quivering back, wishing the tears would stop. "It's okay, Fuuka. We all need help from time to time. And we take care of each other."

Kukuru just hopes the meaning of her words has reached Fuuka, because she cries a little harder out of relief, not guilt. Kukuru pats her back and down through her hair, wincing at the heat radiating from her.

Fuuka's sobs are quiet, but it isn't long before Kukuru spots her grandmother from within the main house glancing their way. Kukuru communicates with her eyes that she'll be over to explain things in a moment.

For now, she gently lies Fuuka back down on her futon, reaching for a tissue to clean the sweat from all over her face. Fuuka looks absolutely miserable, and her eyes are shut in pain once again. Kukuru hates the idea of leaving her more than anything, so she'll just have to make it as quick as possible.

"Fuuka…?" She lightly touches her roommate's shoulder, hoping she hears her. "I'll be right back, okay? Just rest. Don't try to get up without me."

Her only response is a whimper.

Kukuru gently tugs the blankets off of Fuuka's body in an effort to help cool her down a little before getting to her feet. Her mind is racing with things she needs to do now, but she tries to organize them logically.

First she hurries out of the bedroom and into the house to find her grandparents and tell them of Fuuka's condition. When Kukuru insists on staying home to look after her today, her grandfather agrees to go to the Aquarium and oversee activities in her stead. And her grandmother even agrees to go along as well. Kukuru hugs and kisses them both, thanking them for that, and for the breakfast they'd already prepared for her and Fuuka.

Next, Kukuru grabs a change of comfortable clothes for the day and hurries into the bathroom to clean and freshen up. As she exits, she peers over to her shared room to find Fuuka just as she'd left her, lying on her back and looking as though she'd been hit by a tsunami. Kukuru can't stop herself from popping in briefly to call out to her.

"Fuuka! I'll be back in a minute, okay? Just take it easy."

Fuuka's only response is another whimper.

Kukuru takes off through the house, grabbing a leftover chunk of fish from the kitchen before hurrying outside to the little shrine on their property. She slows her pace, placing the offer down with respect before backing out and dropping to her knees. Clasping her hands together, she squeezes her eyes tightly and prays.

"Please let Fuuka get better as soon as possible!"

She holds the pose for a moment longer, pouring all of her genuine desire into the prayer before getting up and sprinting back to the house. She says goodbye to her grandparents and thanks them again as they head out to make the drive to Gama Gama.

Kukuru goes back inside to the food they'd prepared for her and Fuuka, and begins gathering the plates and bowls up, as well as a cool bottle of water from the fridge. She brings everything back to her room, where Fuuka hasn't budged, save for the weighted rise and fall of her chest. Setting everything onto the floor a bit away from their futons, Kukuru crawls back over to her.

"Fuuka…" She touches her shoulder again to get her attention. Fuuka moans weakly and opens her eyes as best she can as a shudder runs through her. Kukuru frowns. "My grandparents are going to help out at Gama Gama today. So we can just take it easy."

Fuuka turns her face away.

"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to cause trouble for them."

"No! That's not it!" Kukuru berates herself; she should've known Fuuka would only think of it as burdening them. "They're happy to go. Don't worry, Fuuka. Right now all you need to do is rest and get better. I brought some breakfast."

But Fuuka is reluctant at the mention of food.

"I'm sorry… I don't think I can eat right now…"

"Are you sure? At least have some rice, then. You need to eat something. And have some water if you can. If you don't eat you'll only get worse."

Fuuka must realizes she's right, because she gets a determined look in her hazy eyes. She tries to push herself up on her own, but flinches at what must be a throbbing headache. Kukuru quickly reaches out to support her and help her sit up slowly.

"Take your time," she murmurs. "There's no rush, Fuuka. Don't hurt yourself."

Fuuka passes her a look that's equal parts apologetic and appreciative.

Once she's straightened up, Kukuru makes sure she can stay up on her own before bringing her a bowl of rice and a bottle of water. Fuuka picks at the food pitifully, barely managing more than two scoops of it before she has to put the bowl down, bringing a hand to her forehead.

"I'm sorry…"

"It's okay! Don't force yourself." Kukuru rubs her back gently, but she still doesn't like that she can feel Fuuka's heart pounding so hard. She's still cradling her head too, indicating a horrible headache to accompany the burning fever. Kukuru gives her a moment to catch her breath before bringing the water bottle into her lap.

"Here. Try to drink a little."

Fuuka gives her a withering look, but nods. Kukuru opens the bottle for her and holds her steady as she drinks a bit. When Fuuka is finished, Kukuru pours some of the leftover water out onto a napkin and pats it across her forehead a little. Fuuka sighs and shivers again.

Kukuru isn't sure if she should cover her with the blanket again or keep it off of her. But for now she simply helps her lie back down to digest what little food she'd eaten, and to rest her aching head.

Kukuru goes to the far side of the room to eat her own breakfast, knowing that the sight and smell of so much food might be bothering Fuuka right now. She eats a bit quickly, still anxious to help take care of her.

After Kukuru has brought the bowls back to the kitchen to wash later, she brings back a small bag of crushed ice from the freezer and places it on the floor above Fuuka's head, not touching her, but just close enough for her to be able to feel the cold chill of it.

Kukuru then pulls out the small portable fan from the corner of her room and plugs it in, turning it onto its highest setting and directing it toward her.

Fuuka lets out a sigh as the cooler sensations flow over her skin, but when Kukuru touches her forehead again, she's still burning up. Just as she's debating what she should do next, Fuuka blinks her eyes open wearily.

"Kukuru… Could you please help me to the bathroom?"

"Of course!"

Kukuru slowly helps her sit up again, then lifts Fuuka's arm to pull it across her shoulders. Kukuru presses close to her side and braces her own arm across Fuuka's back. As she supports Fuuka into a crouch in preparation to stand, the blankets fall away from her legs, and another shudder rips through Fuuka. Kukuru hugs her a bit closer, and she's able to feel her heart beating frantically.

"Fuuka… You might need to go to the hospital. I should call Karin-chan-"

"N-No…" Fuuka wheezes. She lifts her head just enough to send Kukuru an imploring look. "Please, Kukuru… I can't make you and your grandparents pay for something like that. I'll be all right."

"But-" Kukuru stops, trying to put herself in Fuuka's position. Of course someone as selfless as her wouldn't want to make any more trouble for her host's family than she already thought she was.

"You're no trouble," Kukuru murmurs. "But all right. For now I'll stay here with you. But Fuuka, if it gets really bad I'm taking you to the hospital no matter what!"

Fuuka is grateful to be given the chance to recover without medical care, but she nods in agreement.

With this, Kukuru makes sure she's as steady as she can be before helping Fuuka stand.

As soon as she's up on her feet she sways immediately, and Kukuru is ready to support her. Just that much renders Fuuka breathless, and Kukuru holds her up all the while as her roommate heaves for breath. Kukuru feels more heat wafting off of her, and it's almost sweltering.

When Fuuka is finally ready to proceed, Kukuru brings her one step at a time. They hobble over to the bathroom, where Kukuru has her lean against the sink before easing away.

"I'll be right outside," she says. "Call for me if you need anything."

Fuuka gives her an appreciative nod.

Before she leaves, Kukuru takes a few wash cloths with her, then exits the bathroom.

She stays close by in case Fuuka needs her, listening to the flow of the faucet and the slight scraping sounds as Fuuka brushes her teeth and washes herself off a little.

Kukuru returns to their room to smooth out Fuuka's blankets and futon, laying the wash cloths over the bag of ice so they'll absorb a bit of the coolness.

When she hears a shuffling at the doorway, Kukuru nearly yelps to see Fuuka trying to walk on her own, but slumping against the wall.

"Fuuka! I told you to call for me!"

"I-I'm all right."

"You're definitely not!"

Kukuru reaches her and puts an arm around her again, encouraging Fuuka to do the same before slowly helping her back to her futon. Clearly, just the journey to the bathroom and back had proven too much for her, as she can barely keep her eyes open past the pounding in her skull and in her chest.

Kukuru lies her back down again and reaches for one of the cloths. She pours a bit of water onto it, then lays the fabric over Fuuka's forehead. Fuuka shudders again, but the breath that comes out of her mouth is more like a sigh of relief this time.

Kukuru lightly brushes another rag across her roommate's cheeks, then down the sides of her neck to wipe the sweat away. She pauses at Fuuka's collar, pressing the cloth in a bit more to let it share its coolness with her scorching skin. Fuuka's pulse beats hard beneath her palm, and her chest is still heaving from all the movement she'd just done. Kukuru really doesn't like this.

"Fuuka…"

But as if she can already sense what Kukuru is going to say, Fuuka blinks her tired eyes open and offers a faint smile.

"I'm all right, Kukuru. Please don't apologize."

"But your heart's pounding, and your temperature is way too high. It's already so hot today and you're burning…" She rubs her hand over the cloth on Fuuka's collar, trying to help cool her down more. "Like I said, your body isn't used to the weather here yet, and you've been working so hard for us… I should've known this could happen and tried to be a bit more mindful."

"Kukuru." Fuuka says her name with almost a bit of a chuckle in her voice, raspy as it is. Her hazy eyes spark with a hint of appreciation. "This isn't your fault. You couldn't have prevented it. No one could have. I'll just have to push through it and get better as soon as possible."

Kukuru's shoulders slump and deflate, but she knows Fuuka is right.

"I guess so… The least I can do is stay with you."

"Thank you, Kukuru."

There's a slight shimmer in her eyes then, which tells Kukuru how honestly glad Fuuka is to have her near.

Kukuru can only imagine her nervousness in having fallen sick so soon after coming here, and already being indebted to Kukuru's family for letting her live with them. Kukuru doesn't want her to worry about any of that. She just wants her to get better.

"Do you want some more water?" Kukuru offers. "You're sweating a lot."

Fuuka makes an expression like she really doesn't want to sit up again, but she knows she should drink. Ultimately she nods.

Kukuru carefully helps her up again and hands her the bottle, which she'd been keeping cold on the bag of ice. As Fuuka drinks, Kukuru moves the cold cloth down the back of her neck and holds it there for a moment. Fuuka closes her eyes as she swallows another mouthful and caps the water. The fan blows and hits her with a cool, dry breeze, which she's grateful for after being so wet with sweat all morning.

Kukuru gently moves Fuuka's pajama shirt a little, pulling it free from where it had been sticking to her skin.

"Fuuka? Is it okay if I cool down your back a little? You have a lot of sweat glands on your back, so it'd be good to cool them."

Fuuka casts her a light, bemused look.

"You sound a bit like Karin-san."

Kukuru offers a tiny smile back, putting a bit of a joking chide into her tone.

"Well, maybe if you'd stop passing out from heatstroke, she wouldn't have to tell you about lymph nodes and stuff."

"I didn't pass out," Fuuka protests.

The two of them end up chuckling a little, and the sound of each other's laughter helps to calm both their hearts.

Kukuru takes the coolest cloth, keeping one hand on Fuuka's collar to support her as she leans forward a bit. With the cloth in her other hand, she slowly slips it up under Fuuka's pajama shirt, pressing it up against her back where her skin is damp and heated.

Almost immediately Fuuka shivers again, but it still sounds more relieved than pained. Kukuru rubs slow circles across the small of her back, letting the cloth exchange the sweat for cooler sensations.

At the same time, she takes note of Fuuka's heartbeat beneath her other hand. It's still a bit hard, but seems to have slowed at least a little bit.

For a moment, Fuuka is still, but before long her head must begin to get dizzy again, because she has to reach up and clutch onto Kukuru's arm for support. Not wanting to put anymore of a strain on her, Kukuru withdraws from her back and gently lies her down once again.

She switches the cloths and places the now-coolest one back onto her forehead. Fuuka's chest shakes with another gasp as a twinge shoots through her head, but she keeps her voice steady.

"Thank you, Kukuru…"

Kukuru finds one of her hands and holds it, rubbing softly.

"Why don't I tell you some things about the animals?" she suggests. "Stuff only a fish-loving nerd like me could know. Stuff so weird and boring you'll fall asleep in no time."

But Fuuka seems doubtful, and looks up at her with a spark of amusement.

"I don't think any of it's boring. But I'd love to listen anyway."

Kukuru smiles, then begins ranting off about the most random things she can think of.

As she rambles, she takes care of Fuuka as best she can, wetting a cloth every now and then to hold it over her wrists to help keep her cool. After wiping down her face and neck again, she rolls Fuuka's shirt up just a little and places one cloth on her stomach, rubbing gently.

Gradually, her pulse becomes less intense, and her breathing softens. But she still flinches or moans on occasion, which indicates her headache is still assaulting her.

Kukuru stays by her side for hours, and all the while Fuuka fades in and out of consciousness.

At noon, Kukuru only leaves her for a moment to get some lunch for herself, during which time she calls her grandfather to check in at the Aquarium, and is glad to hear that all is going well.

When she returns to her room, Fuuka is asleep.

From what Kukuru can tell, she seems better than she'd been earlier this morning. Her pallor has lightened a bit, though her cheeks are still a bit flushed. And though her pulse is still a little harsh, her breathing has evened out, and she's been suffering fewer chills.

Kukuru stays close beside her, already holding Fuuka's hand again before she even realizes it. She can't even bear to think about having gone to work today to leave Fuuka here alone.

"At least she's resting now…"

Kukuru traces her thumb across Fuuka's knuckles, then slowly reaches her free hand out to cup her cheek. At her touch, however, Fuuka stirs. Kukuru withdraws as her roommate's eyes flutter open.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

Fuuka makes a tired sound, but offers a smile and shakes her head. Her eyes don't have their usual spark in them, though. They're back to being dull and hazy.

Kukuru reaches for the water bottle.

"Would you like some-?"

"Hey… Director…"

Kukuru cuts off and tenses a little. She can tell right away something is off by Fuuka's eyes and her voice alone, but the fact that she'd reverted to calling her by her title is more to enough to indicate she's not fully in her right mind. Kukuru tightens her grip on her hand.

"Fuuka? What's wrong...?"

Fuuka looks up at her with sad, but desperate eyes.

"Gama Gama… if it's at risk of closing… if you need money… Then please use me."

"Eh-?" Kukuru is so baffled she can't make sense of any of it. "F-Fuuka, where is this coming from all of a sudden? What are you saying?"

"I'm saying…" Fuuka continues. "That people know who I am… they'll pay to take my picture. Maybe if you use me to advertise… you could attract more customers…"

"Huh-?!" Kukuru can't believe what she's hearing, and can't fathom why Fuuka would be saying such a thing.

Unless it's something she's been thinking of on her own for a while now, and the delirium of her fever has allowed it to slip out without restraint. When Kukuru understands that much, her stomach churns.

"Use you…?" she repeats. "Fuuka, I would never… I would never do something like that!" Kukuru ends up raising her voice a little, and Fuuka flinches.

"But… if it would help save-"

"No!" Kukuru cries, clutching Fuuka's hand between both of hers. "Fuuka, I would never put your safety and comfort at risk like that! You know that, don't you?"

Even though she's aware that Fuuka isn't thinking clearly, Kukuru can't help but respond in earnest.

Fuuka's eyes flash with hurt at the rejection, as she can't understand Kukuru's honest feelings right now when her mind is so jumbled and aching.

"I guess you're right…" she murmurs. "If people were only coming for me, they wouldn't actually be taking an interest in the animals or the aquarium…"

"It's not that!" Kukuru insists. "Fuuka, you aren't just some tool for us to use to save Gama Gama. You aren't something we can just exploit! You're my friend, Fuuka!"

By now, Kukuru has gotten worked up to the point of tears. The notion that Fuuka had actually considered this sort of thing upsets her beyond words, that she only valued herself for as many tickets she could sell, so to speak.

Kukuru shakes her head, trying to push the awful thoughts away. She softens her voice too, resting her other hand gently on Fuuka's collar.

"Fuuka… I know you just want to help save Gama Gama. But you don't need to think like that. Please don't think like that. I'd never use you, Fuuka. Never."

Fuuka's eyes remain glazed and confused, but after a moment she heaves a sigh.

"Kukuru…"

Kukuru isn't sure what she was about to say, because Fuuka tapers off, and her eyes begin to close. Kukuru rubs the cloth across her forehead soothingly.

"It's all right. Don't worry about anything like that, okay?" She pauses for a moment as a thought comes to her. "I guess… that's sort of what it was like being an idol, right? You had to work to please people, and I'm sure it was fun at times… But there were also times when they had to use you just for profit, right? I guess that's how it is…"

Fuuka struggles to keep her eyes open a moment longer, and they're swimming with so many different emotions that Kukuru can't decipher one from the other. She squeezes Fuuka's hand a little tighter.

"It must've been hard… trying to keep smiling for your fans, even if you were being forced to do things you didn't want to do."

She must've felt like a tropical fish in an aquarium, beautiful and exotic, but trapped behind a glass cage as everyone pointed and stared. She must've felt so nervous and alone at times. The pressure would've mounted and mounted, until she felt like she was going to drown-

A sudden cough from Fuuka brings Kukuru back into reality. She lightly rubs her chest for her until Fuuka has calmed down. When her breathing is finally steady again, she's already fallen back into an uneasy slumber.

Kukuru wipes her own face off for a moment, still upset by the thoughts.

She stays beside Fuuka, wondering just how many people had touched her when she hadn't wanted to be touched, or taken her picture when she hadn't consented to it, both during her time as an idol and after. How many fans had she been forced to bear with for the sake of the industry and her work? How many people had harassed her online after she'd quit? How many had stalked her?

Kukuru can only hope the numbers were low, if any, but she knows enough about the idol world to believe otherwise.

"It doesn't matter anymore," she murmurs. "I'll take care of you now, Fuuka. Just like you're taking care of me to help me with my dream. I won't use you. I won't let you drown."

She clasps her hands around Fuuka's and makes the vow in earnest, then continues to look over her.

Fuuka sleeps for about another hour, during which time Kukuru keeps monitoring her pulse and her breathing. She's relieved to find that both have improved, to the point where Kukuru is no longer considering a hospital visit.

Before too much longer, Fuuka opens her eyes again, and this time they are very clear. Kukuru perks up hopefully.

"Fuuka? How are you feeling?"

"Kukuru… You stayed with me this whole time…?"

"Of course I did! I wouldn't just leave you."

Fuuka's cheeks flush pink, but not from fever anymore. Slowly, she pushes herself up, and though Kukuru reaches out to support her, Fuuka manages to get up on her own without swaying even once. Kukuru sighs with relief.

"Does this mean your headache is gone?"

"Just about," Fuuka reports with a smile. "I think the fever has calmed down a bit, too. I feel much better." It's then she must recall some of the things she'd said in her dizzied state earlier, because her smile fades into a frown. "K-Kukuru… I'm so sorry. What I said before- I didn't mean to imply I thought you would do anything like that. I know you never would. You're such a good person-"

"It's okay!" Kukuru doesn't want her to get upset or start feeling guilty again. She takes both of her hands and holds gently. "It's okay, Fuuka. It was the fever talking. I know."

Fuuka sighs shakily. "Thank goodness. You're my friend, Kukuru. I'd never think of you like that... like someone who would use me…" It was just her old self, her old thoughts. How her previous job had used her, so she'd presumed this one would, too. Fuuka shakes herself off, fighting back tears.

Kukuru doesn't want her to cry anymore. She pulls Fuuka into her arms and hugs her tightly.

There's no more debilitating heat pulsing off of her, and no more shivers cutting through her. And though Fuuka's heart continues beating rather quickly, Kukuru can feel it's different this time.

It isn't because of any sickness now, but because she's so relieved, so happy to have finally found someone who will treat her like she deserves. A real friend.

Fuuka sobs softly into her shoulder, but they're good tears.

Kukuru hugs her in return, also feeling a surge of emotion rising up in her chest.

"I'm so glad we met," she murmurs. "I'm so glad I found you, Fuuka."

Fuuka sniffles, but smiles.

"Me too. Thank you for finding me, Kukuru."

They stay close for a while longer, hugging until the tears have come to a stop. Believing Fuuka should rest just a little more, Kukuru lies down with her this time and curls up beside her. She keeps her arms around Fuuka, and Fuuka doesn't let go of her either.

Both girls drift off into a comfortable slumber, napping for the remainder of the afternoon, where they'll soon wake and welcome Kukuru's grandparents home and join them for a hearty supper.

But until then they keep close, each protecting and being protected by the other.

And just as always, a familiar figure grins from the rooftop above them and munches away on a snack, as the sea breeze blows in across the white sand.

-----

A/N: I really really thought Fuuka fell ill and that was why she hadn't gotten up before Kukuru like always at the end of ep4... I really wanted to see a sick episode for her kasjdfhklsdf so here it is, sort of.

I'm not sure if Fuuka's idol job/life was actually as difficult and pressured as I've mentioned here, but I'm sure it was to some degree. I'm sure she loved it, but there were probably tons of people harassing her online and stuff after she quit. I'm still wondering if she'll use her skills as an idol to help save Gama Gama somehow, but I wanted to throw in the concept of being 'used' to ensure Kukuru would never do anything like that for the wrong reasons.

Also, I was dying to mention how Fuuka was like a tropical fish in a glass cage, being gawked at, trapped by the pressure of the deep water until she was about to drown. I wonder if her idol job was that bad for her at times. I saw the cover art of the ending song single and that's all I could think of, as Fuuka was inside the glass with bubbles coming from her lips while Kukuru was safely outside...

Anyway, this was a lot, but episode 4 was so so good. I wish every episode could be that hurt/comforty between them. Here's to Fuuka's mom probably trying to put a rift between them and forcing Fuuka to make a choice (and her choosing Gama Gama!) I'm already thinking of a next chapter, regardless of ep5's events.