Free! x Reader [Oneshots]

Serendipity [Makoto x Reader]

The lake was a tantalizing shade of blue, calm and rippling gently in the afternoon breeze. Sitting on the edge of the wooden pier that stretched out to the heart of the lake, her legs created tiny waves across the surface as she moved her feet. Even though she couldn't swim, the lake gave her a sense of serenity and sometimes if she were lucky, she would be able to see a paddling of ducks; those cute yellow ducklings quacking as they followed after their mother.

She let out a sigh after glancing at her watch, deeming it time to head home. She brushed off the dirt from her school skirt as she stood up, her knees clicking softly from sitting down for too long. A sudden gust of wind created a soft whooshing sound.

"Oh no!" [Name] cried out as her scarf was carried away by the wind. The favorite scarf landed in the lake, not far out from the platform, and she bit her lip in determination as she tried to reach out to it.

"Just... a little more..."

Her hands quivered slightly as she strained to reach the hem of the scarf. Just as she managed to pinch the edge of the scarf with her fingers, she lost her balance.

A gasp left her lips as her body came into contact with the cold water with a loud splash. She moved her arms and legs, willing her body to swim. Her head barely managed to break through the surface of the water when she found herself sinking again.

Struggling to stay afloat, her arms flailed wildly, legs kicking furiously in the velvety water. It was difficult to keep her head above the surface, and the water threatened to rush over her face when she screamed for help.

Her voice was hoarse as she shouted out frantically, using all her strength to keep herself from drowning. But no matter how she struggled, she found herself being sucked back into the depths of the lake.

Vision engulfed by a crystalline blue, her arms and legs began to feel heavy, as though they were made out of lead. Water began to fill her nose and mouth as the last ounce of air left her lungs; her head was beginning to feel light.

She tried to reach out to the surface, but her body was sinking.

Deeper

And Deeper

Just when specks of darkness started to cloud her vision, she saw someone swimming towards her.

Using the last of her strength, she lifted her hand towards him.

~~

Hands tucked into the pockets of his uniform, Makoto continued on his walk home, passing by a lake where he occasionally brought the twins for fishing. He was about to walk past the pathway leading to the pier when he heard a scream.

He could faintly hear the sound of water splashing, and his eyes widened when he registered what was happening.

Turning back to the lake, he ran to the pier as fast as he could. Just up ahead, on the wooden platform was a bag, and the splashes were louder as he approached.

When he saw a person struggling in the water, his instincts kicked in, and he threw aside his bag and dived into the lake. Ignoring the sudden coldness, he swam towards the girl who was quickly losing consciousness, her hand outstretched towards him.

Her movements were starting to slow down, sending Makoto into a panic as he pushed himself to move faster to grab her hand, pulling her body towards his, holding her close as he swam back up.

Makoto took a deep breath when they surfaced, holding the girl's head above water as he brought her back to the platform, lifting her up before hoisting his own body out of the water.

He panted, watching the girl cough up the water she swallowed. She slumped down onto her side; breathing shallow and Makoto leaned over her, touching her shoulder gently. "Hey, a-are you alright?"

She nodded. "Yeah... Thanks..."

Letting out a sigh of relief, he gave her another glance and did a double take when he looked at her face closely. Her [h/c] hair was strikingly familiar, and her pretty features were the similar to someone he would never forget. "[N-Name]? Is that you?"

[E/c] eyes shot open and the girl stared at him.

He chuckled breathlessly, pushing his wet hair out of his eyes. "We used to play together when we were kids. Remember?"

The memory of playing with an olive-haired kid and his stoic friend surfaced in her mind. Gazing at his broad shoulders and tall stature, she peered into his warm green eyes. "Makoto? You sure grew a lot!"

Her laughter ended up in a small coughing fit, and the tall swimmer worried over her, hands hovering her body to make sure she was okay.

"It's been a long time, Mako-chan," she smiled.

Noticing her chattering teeth, he walked to his bag and quickly took out his jacket, helping her put it on and zipped it up. "You're shivering so badly... What happened earlier?"

"My- oh no!" She bolted up, and Makoto grabbed her, stopping her from looking over the side of the pier. "My scarf!"

"You almost drowned because of a scarf?" He asked incredulously, holding onto her tightly.

She leaned into his body, taking in what warmth he had to offer and mumbled, "it sounds stupid when you say it like that..."

"Sorry," he chuckled lightly, "how about I buy you a new one?"

"Just one?" she joked. "How about two?"

She was probably the only person who had the mood to joke after a near death experience. Makoto rolled his eyes playfully, recalling how he liked this cheery part of her personality. "Whatever makes you happy."

"That was so cheesy," she laughed, causing him to blush deeply.

The sound of her soft giggles soon faded as she buried her face in the crook of his neck, her arms wrapped around his waist. "Mako-chan," she murmured, "thank you for saving me."

He ruffled her hair affectionately, his face a deep red as he told her, "N-Next time, come here only when I'm around okay?"

"Definitely."