Letting Go

Chapter 5: Drowning in Memories

Makoto stared at Rin in utter disbelief. Why would he say something so cruel? He knew there was no way Haru could really be gone, right? He closed his eyes and shook his head quickly. "N-No.." clenching his fists, Makoto opened his eyes but the tears that had formed blurred his vision. All he could see was the image of Rin still holding Kisumi against the door. He thought he heard voices but even those too were faded and distant. His head fell back to the plush pillow of his bed then everything dissipated from his senses as he slipped into the darkness of unconsciousness but the darkness didn't last for very long.

"Ohayou, Haru!" Makoto's cheerful voice filled the house as he entered early one morning. Walking through, he made his usual route to the bathroom. "Haru, sheesh. Every time. You'd thing you actually live here and the rest of the house is just for decoration." He teased

Haru's blue eyes glanced over from the tub then looked forward as he sank down into the water a blew a few bubbles in an inaudible retort. After a few minutes he sighed and sat up, reaching for the familiar hand that waited for him.

As they both began their walk taking the route that had become so a custom to them, Makoto's eyes averted over to gaze at Haru and a gentle smile crossed his lips. It had been a couple of months since he had finally gotten the courage to ask his long time friend out. Though Haru had been surprised at Makoto's confession of feelings, he instantly said yes in his own.. silent way.

*The image of Haru began to fade from the green gaze then slowly it filtered out to be replaced with a time long ago. Childish laughter filled the air as the two sat in the sand. Makoto had just handed his friend the invitation to his birthday.*

Haru smiled slightly as he took it "You'll be eight tomorrow, right?" He questioned as he shoved more sand into his blue bucket. "I'm not sure what to get you" he admitted

"Hai!" Makoto answered with a bright smile "You don't have to get me anything, Haru. I'll be happy if you can come by. My mom is planning all sorts of games, it'll be so great!" Mako paused for a moment as he tilted his head "Um.. Haru, you're missing the bucket again." He stated as he watched the shovel empty right back onto the sand in which it had been scooped from, Haru's gaze wasn't looking down, instead out at the vast ocean. Makoto tilted his head "Haru?" He said softly.

Haru seemed to always get so distracted when it came to the water, especially the ocean. Mako had always teased him about it but eventually he'd grown accustom to it. Makoto watched his friend with soft eyes not bothering to call his name again. He wondered what it was that held Haru's interest so much but in the earlier days he could never really grasp as to why.

"Free"

Mako blinked, his concentration veered to the word he'd just heard. "Huh?"

"Free" Haru repeated softly then turned to look at Makoto.

*Once more his image began to dissolve and soon the sound of cheering filled Makoto's ears followed by the announcements from the PA system and the familiar scent of chlorine filled Mako's nose.*

A wave of applause and shouting followed as Rin and Nagisa both jumped up and down excitedly around Haru. "WE DID IT!!" Rin exclaimed "FIRST PLACE!" Nagisa cheered as he bounced next to Rin who clutched their trophy tightly in his arms the presented it to Haru who stood next to him. "We are the best team ever!" His magenta eyes gleamed proudly.

Makoto smiled happily as he watched then he blinked confused when a very familiar face came into his view beside Haru. The bright green eyed brown haired boy next to him. Nagisa ran over almost tackling him to the ground with excitement "Mako-chan! We did it we did it!"

*~What's going on...?~ Makoto thought as he continued to watch. ~Is.. that me? Why am I seeing this?~ He questioned as he still watched the events of his past unfold once more but from an outside perspective. He watched his childhood self wrap his arms around Haru and Rin and Nagisa continued to celebrate. ~I don't.. understand this.. why am I seeing this..~ he repeated but he could dwell on the thought. The happy occasion just made him smile as he wanted the flashback continue. Just as the thought hit him the scene shifted once more.*