I Only Swim Free! (Free! FanFic)

I Said No

-Emiko's P.O.V-

"I already said no, Nagisa." I said while stretching.

"Oh come on! PLEASEEEEEEE!" He got on his knees and folded his hands together. I groaned and touched my toes.

"Look, I get that you need a fourth member. And I wish I could help you guys, but I just don't have the time." I tried to explain, "And besides, being the only girl on the team might be a little intimidating." I pulled a hand behind my back and pushed my elbow with my other, "I have too much to do right now anyways." I know Rin is back in town, even if no one else does. His sister told me.

"Emiko! We just need one more person!" He stood and stepped in front of me.

"Then ask someone else!" I matched his tone as I turned and walked towards the pool. I froze when he didn't say anything. I gasped slightly when I glanced to see him walking out.

"No one else wants to join.... I thought you might've at least considered it.... Especially if Haruka would train you himself." I was about to retort, when I realized what he was saying. Haru... training me...? At that, Nagisa disappeared. I just shook my head and got up on the diving block. Taking a deep breath, I dove in. After a single lap around the pool, my head rose to meet dark blue eyes. I huffed and started floating on my back.

"Hi Haru...." I mumbled.

"You'll catch a cold if you stay in there." His monotone voice rung in my ears.

"Well then you shouldn't've cleaned the pool so early." I retorted, "Why are you even here? To make me join your stupid swim club? Not gonna happen." My voice was cold as I glared at the sun. The water suddenly shook as I turned my head to see Haruka swimming towards me. I flipped so that my head was above the water.

"Your form needs work." He said, touching my lower back. I sighed and swam with him. I would normally be blushing, but I wasn't in the mood to fawn over him, "You need to stop thinking about Rin." I immediately pushed away from him.

"I'm not." I glared at the teen as he rolled his eyes and swam freely. I watched him as he did so. He looked so relaxed. I clenched my fists and climbed out, sitting at the edge, feet still submerged, "How can you not think about him...?" I asked quietly, not thinking he heard me.

"I do, just not like you." Haru said, coming up from the water in front of me. I gave a small smile and patted his head. It's true, my feelings for Haruka could drown someone, but I used to feel the same about Rin.... I might still, but I don't know.

"So, who are you guys after?" I asked, referring to the club.

"We were after you, but since you refuse to join, I think Nagisa has someone else in mind." I nodded, staring at the water.

"Hey uh.... You know me better than anyone in the circle...." I started, "And you know about my Rin obsession," I chuckled, "So I was thinking that maybe, you could help me out...?" I gave him a hopeful look. Haru gave an annoyed expression as I spoke, "It wouldn't take long! All you have to do is time me and comment on my form, like you did earlier!" I shook my hands in his face as I smiled sheepishly. He sighed and pulled himself up, grabbing the timer next to me.

"Only if you don't get offended or defensive." His voice was stoic, but I knew that he was smiling on the inside. I jumped up and cheered.

"YES!" I almost sang, running to the block. I got ready, and he shouted go. I can do this.

-Time Skip-

I slammed the locker door shut as I pulled of my cap and dressed myself.

"You keep distracting yourself with that stupid time. Just swim." Haru instructed. I huffed and stomped out, heading towards the train, "Emiko-" I felt him grab my wrist, but I pulled away from him.

"You don't get it." I whispered angrily. I clenched my fists as he turned me.

"What?" He asked, hands on my shoulders.

"I SAID THAT YOU DON'T GET IT!" I screamed, "YOU'RE THE BEST DAMN SWIMMER I'VE EVER SEEN, AND YOU KEEP TELLING ME TO JUST FORGET! BUT I CAN'T HARU! IT'S TOO IMPORTANT!" I glared up at him. I try to keep my feelings to myself, but sometimes it was just too much. I was kinda famous for my horrid temper, but I never blew up at anyone but Haru. I couldn't yell at anyone else, or else they wouldn't want to hang around me anymore. Haruka at least understands that I don't mean any of it.

"It may be important to you, but you need to let it go if you ever want to beat his time." I put my head down as he spoke. He's always right. I just sighed and turned, "I'll walk you home." That surprised me. Even though we were neighbors, Haru never tells me he's walking me home. He just kinda, does. I just shrugged and continued walking. My mood would change on the walk, I just know it. I can be really complicated, if you haven't noticed. I don't talk about it much, but I'm seriously Bipolar, if you haven't noticed already. I also have asthma. So swimming may not be the best for my health, but I love it wayyyyyyyy too much to quit. Luckily, I don't need my inhaler that often. Only in extreme cases. I usually leave it at home, or in my locker at school.

-Time Skip-

Once we got to my place, I was my chipper self again, like I said.

"So, you want some food?!" I exclaimed, racing into my kitchen. I looked around to find some food, but to my dismay, I only had apples. I sighed and brought them out, "This is it, sorry." I said sheepishly. Haru took one and bit it. I smiled at him and closed my eyes. I sat down next to him on the floor as we ate the fruit, "So you guys are really serious about this, huh?" I asked with my mouth full. Haru only nodded. I blushed as I noticed how close we were. I just sighed and slid down the wall more, "Do you miss Rin?" I asked, making Haru gasp slightly, "Sorry.... I just...."

"Sometimes." He said, "Not as much as you do, though." I could tell he was smirking inside, even if he didn't show it. I laughed slightly and nodded, staring at my lap.

"Yeah, I get that." I tilted my head back and closed my eyes, imagining Rin standing there, "I guess we'll just have to race him again, huh?"

-Time Skip-

My eye twitched as I walked. Nagisa and I had been hanging out, and he just wouldn't shut up about his stupid club. A few days had gone by since Haru helped me out.

"He's so cool! He can run like the wind, and his form is incredible! We're trying to get him to join, but he just doesn't want too." Nagisa crossed his arms, "But he did agree to go to a joined practice with us!" He jumped for joy at the sentence, "And the best part is that Rin'll be there!" I suddenly stopped, the bags in my hands dropping to the ground, "Emiko?"

"He'll be there?" I asked quietly, lifting my head slightly. Nagia nodded, and I immediately turned and ran off, waving to him as I went, "THANKS NAGISA! I'LL SEE YOU THERE!" I yelled, sprinting to the hair salon. I know what you're thinking. The hair salon? Really? Well yeah. I need a hair cut anyways.