Cherry Blossoms (Free! Iwatobi Swim Club- Haru x Makoto)

Chapter Three: The Failed Attempt

Summer was finally here. Time to break free and spend time in, you know what. These boys practically breathed it in from how much they adored it. They even had cute little names, Haruka was the dolphin, Makoto was the killer whale, and Nagisa was the penguin. Rei refused to be anything but a butterfly due to its beauty. Loser. But, did know know some killer whales and dolphins make long lasting partnerships? They can help each other get food, protect each other. Isn't that.. ironic?

The four boys met down at the pool, Nagisa, Rei and Makoto all making small talk before Gou arrived and forced them to swim for an hour or so. Haruka sat on the edge, his feet dipped in the water. They moved back and forth, the water rustling around him. He started to think, and think and think, but he couldn't get his mind off the large male that stood next to him all the time. Why?

Gou eventually arrived, late might we add. Something about forgetting her practice sheets. Doesn't that sound familiar? Nonetheless, they all got in and started practice, Haruka just swimming freestyle in his own lane. He normally didn't practice what they did, because they did all the strokes, and he only swam free. Rei attempted to do the same, but in butterfly, but he was overruled by Gou who was now standing on a diving block.

"Faster you two!! This kicking set isn't hard! You should be halfway done with this lap already!" She started to yell. Her clipboard firmly under her arm as she cupped her hands around her mouth letting her voice get louder. The two groaned, kicking faster in response, an encouraging huff coming from Gou. "It's nice to see them actually follow my directions for once."

As the final minutes of swim practice approached, they began to meet up at the side of the pool and talk about the plans of the summer, how it would be wonderful, and so on. Haru just treaded water and zoned out, Makoto was give his undivided attention, as well as Rei. Nagisa.. Was just holding his breath underwater. Of course. They talked about what was yet to come and competitions, nothing Haru was really into. He just wanted to swim.

Makoto got out of the pool and walked over to his towel, wrapping it around his shoulders to dry off. Once he was close to being dry, he walked back over to the pools edge. He set his hand down to help Haruka out. "Still up for a run this evening?" As the male gripped his hand he went backwards and helped pull he onto the land. Makoto shuffled backwards a bit, grinning, as he let go of his hand.

Haruka merely nodded and walked over to his towel. He supposed he would just take two showers, that'd be better.. He slung he towel around his neck then walked over to Makoto. "Do you still wanna walk home?" He asked, his voice soft, but.. Nice. It really was a nice, pretty voice.

"Always."

Makoto and Haru traveled the distance back to their houses, just talking about things. Of course, Makoto was doing most of the talking, and Haruka was doing most of the listening. But neither of the minded, that was how they always did it. Besides, Haru would just talk in his mind(if he really wanted too) and Makoto would head it loud and clear. That's just how things were, and neither of them expected change any time soon. That'd be.. Terrifying.

As they reached Makoto's house, he turned to Haru giving him a smile. "I'll stop by in a few hours for that run, alright?" When Haru gave him a nod and started to walk off, Makoto headed inside, but waited a little. Just to make sure Haru didn't wander off and get into any sort of water that wasn't his.. But he didn't, good. A sigh of relief came from the larger male as he walked inside. It was quiet. That was a rare sight. He went and took a shower, then changed into athletic clothes. He still had a few hours to wait, but it was good to get ready beforehand.

Haruka walked inside, dropping his bag at the door, sighing quietly. He could maybe fit in a two hour soak before Makoto arrived. And that's what he did. He put himself into his bathtub, sinking underwater. The weight of nothing practically lifted off his shoulders, and it felt amazing. He exhaled bubbles then came up to the surface. It had only been what.. Ten minutes sense he had last seen Makoto and he wanted to see him again.