Fish Outta Water (Haru x Makoto)

Chapter One

Makoto's POV:

There he is again... laying out in the pool. I understand doing that in summer, but it's January! The water should be frozen over! I slid open the door and ran to the poolside where Haru layed face-up in the water. His eyes were closed, and his gentle breathing made his chest heave up and down, making tiny ripples across the surface of the pool water.

"Haru, if you don't get out of there now, you're going to die of sickness," I tried to calmly earge him to leave, but he didn't respond. Haru only opened his eyes a crack and looked up at me, "I don't think it's a good idea to stay out here. I know you like the water, but can't you wait until it gets warmer out to do stuff like this?"

"It won't get warmer for so long though," Haru groaned.

"I could always take you to an indoor pool -- I don't mind paying for the both of us," I offered. I always take him to the pool. It's fun to watch him enjoy himself so much. It always brings a smile to my face.

"You mean it?" Haru's eyes sparkled momentarily.

"Of course," I smiled and him, offering my hand to help him out. He didn't accept it of course. Haru simply looked at it, then got out by himself. I felt a pang in my chest.

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Haru's POV:

I flipped the mackerel over, observing the nicely cooked side. By the time my toast had popped up from the toaster, my fish had finished frying.

"Haru, you ready to go?" Makoto had let himself into my house, and waltzed into the kitchen, "He had a bag in his hand, and a stupid grin on his face.

"After I eat," I said as I shoved the mackerel and toast into my mouth. I heard Makoto sigh, and I looked up at him.

"Cooking in your swimsuit again?"

"Apron," I pulled up the edge of my cooking apron which I had strategically worn over my swim-shorts. After all, I don't want to get oil on it.

"*Sigh*. Whatever. Just hurry up and eat so we can go," Makoto said with an exasperated expression, "I don't want to have to stay too late."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, "We're staying until they close."

"Ooof course we are," Makoto looked to the side. At first I thought he might be annoyed with me, but after I took a closer look, it didn't quite look like that anymore. It just looked like he was in deep thought. I wonder what Makoto thinks about...

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Makoto's POV:

After Haru finished eating, we headed to the swimming pool. Haru was already wearing his swim trunks, however he graciously waited for me to change and shower. I had changed in front of Haru many times, so, I really had no issues with him seeing my junk. But... the way he stares at it blankly occasionally puts me off.

"H-Haru... could you please look away, or something?" I asked.

"Why?" He questioned, cocking his head slightly to the side, "Are you uncomfortable?"

"Not really, it's just--"

"Then you're fine," Haru interrupted, "Now hurry up -- I want to get in the water already."

I sighed and threw on my swimsuit. After quickly rinsing ourselves off, Haru and I made our way to the poolside. I climbed in first, slowly wading into the water. Haru, however, did not take his time. I glanced up above my head to see Haru diving into the water. With perfect form, he dive in, then swam about half the length of the pool before turning on his back and just floating. There was an unmistakable smile resting on Haru's joyful lips, and that itself made me smile as well. This happiness I felt whenever I took Haru swimming -- I hope it never goes away...

To Be Continued...