Chapter 1: I Like Your Free

((REPOSTED STORY. This fanfiction was taken down -by my assumption- due to my not having followed the sites guidelines in not having third person "you" POV's... So I have fixed it and am putting this story back up! I apologize greatly and will continue working on it. I have no intention of discontinuing, so if I scared you, I am sorry again. Please follow/go virtue again if you did so prior! Thank you for your understanding!))

~~After School: Age 10~~

"Ahhhh~! " I squealed, holding my hands together and staring at the bulletin posted on the lamp post. 'JOIN! Iwatobi – Swim Club!' My eyes sparkled as I read over the words eagerly. Spinning on my heel I ran to catch up with mother.

"Mommy! Can I join?"

I tugged at her arm, pulling her towards the flier, giggling. "H-Hoi! _-chan! Slow down!" I stopped abruptly and caught the paper grocery bag that slipped from her arms, hopping up to poke the post.

"I want to swim!"

She stood straight, huffing softly as she stared at the words, before looking down to smile sweetly. "Help me prepare dinner today and you can, deal?" I gasped, tightening my grip on the bag in my arms.

"H-Hai! I will!"

~~ Day 1 ~~

Breathing in a gulp of air, I held my breath and pushed open the doors. "Ah?" The man behind the desk turned around in his chair, raising a brow at the small girl that penetrated the glass doors.

"HI!"

Standing on my tippy-toes I slapped the paper in my hands down on the desk, barely able to see over it as my shining (e/c) eyes stared at the middle aged man who was looking right back. His brown eyes shifted downward, scanning over the document curiously.

"Oh! You wanted to join the team..?"

Nodding my head furiously I grinned, sliding down from where I was holding myself up. "Hai! What's your name Mr..?" The man smiled, fixing the cap on his head. "Sasabe! Coach Sasabe!" he answered, enthusiasm rolling off his tongue as he took the document and wrote a few things on it. "You're on the team, Miss _!" I threw my arms into the air, running around my mother as if throwing some sort of imaginary confetti.

"You're actually the first one today, _!" My mother followed behind me, holding my swimsuit in her arms as she smiled. My head tilted. "Ehh? Really?" Brushing a strand of hair from my face, I blinked in confusion.

"Only joking. There's actually four other boys that arrived here bright and early!" Coach Sasabe led us to the swimming area, opening the doors to let us in. Peeking around him, I looked just in time to see boy diving into the pool, ripples of water following after him.

"Ah, his swimming always looks to smooth..!"

A blond boy stood beside a slightly taller brunette, staring at the swimmer with awe in his eyes. "Yeah~! Just like a dolphin!"

Walking behind Sasabe, I gulped, blinking slowly as I gaped at the one swimming in the pool. My eyes soon shifted a tad to notice someone at the starting block, pulling his goggles into place. A tad of his red hair poked out from under the swim cap.

"Uuuu..." I mumbled a soft noise of admiration, a finger raised to my chin. The coach stopped suddenly, seeing as the other boys hadn't yet noticed our presence. "_, why don't you go change into your swim suit so you can begin practising with the others?"

Flinching in surprise, I broke my gaze, looking at him, then over at my mother. She nodded, giving a candy-coated smile and handing over my materials.

"O-okay!"

Placing a hand on his hip he pointed back at a couple of double doors beside the entrance I came. "Right over there." Holding back a yelp of glee I ran to the changing rooms, unfolding my suit before even reaching the doors.

With trembling hands, I stretched out the material, placing it down on the bench. I figured since everyone else was outside, I didn't need to go into one of the separate rooms- no time for that! Stripping out of my tank top and capris, I threw them on the floor carelessly, grabbing onto my (favorite/c) one piece swimsuit and stepped into it, pulling it on and slipping my arms through the straps.

-Clack-

"Huh?" Turning my head half way, I pulled the excess hair from my back, that had gotten stuck in the suit. Looking left and right I saw nothing, until a flash of blue hit my eyes. Walking toward it, I stared, then leant down.

"Goggles.." For a second my heart had stopped, thinking someone had come in. Placing the pair back on the small shelf I assumed they'd fallen from, I turned back and scooped up my normal clothes, stuffing them into the bag.

Upon reopening the doors I came face to face with an unfamiliar face. "Yaah!" Clutching onto my heart I dropped my things, pressing myself back against the doors.

"Hiya~!"

"Oi, Nagisa... you scared her!" The brunette scolded, pouting his lips and grabbing onto his shoulder. I began falling backward as the doors behind me hadn't gotten a good chance to close all the way. Nagisa took in a sharp breath, about to blurt an apology, but instead he stepped forward and gripped onto my wrist.

"Ahh! Be careful!" He protested, worry swirling in his eyes as his mouth formed an 'o' shape. Pulling me up, I stumbled slightly, quickly pulling my hand away and blushing. "I'm sorry for-"

"M-My fault!" I cut off, bowing my head and rubbing the bridge of my nose to rid the red tint.

"No, no, don't apologize, miss..!" The other boy rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, stepping forward. "It's Nagisa's fault for surprising you!" The blond furrowed his brows. "I didn't mean to, Makoto-chan! Really!" he flailed his arms in front of him in panic.

I blew out a breath, giggling softly before kneeling down to get my things from the floor. Just a good coincidence, the Makoto guy was about to do the same, accidentally bonking heads. Recoiling back at the same time, we rubbed our heads, both holding items in our hands. "Owwy.."

Coming back up I gratefully took my own pair of goggles and swim cap from him. "Thanks..!" He shut his eyes, dropping his hand and smiling awkwardly.

"You okay? Well, c'mon! We'll introduce you to the others~! They're almost done!" Nagisa clutched my hand, his pink eyes sparking with excitement as he ran past Makoto. "C'mon!"

"No running by the pool, boys..!" Sasabe sat up from his bench, but grinned when he saw who they were bringing along with them.

"Ah, _! You're mother was just about to leave, you make good time!"

I blinked rapidly, searching around for her. She stopped at the doors to the main entrance, stepping in and giving a short wave and wink of good luck. "Bye, sweety." she mouthed, closing the door behind her.

I just waved rapidly, suddenly being tugged by my wrist again. Coach Sasabe simply watched as the two boys took me to the edge of the pool, after I dropped off my bag beside theirs of course.

Each of us bent our knees, peering down at the pool just as both boys reached the opposite end of the pool, the one on the right's streamline was really powerful! The simple push off of the wall gained him a few feet on the other.

"Did you see that..."

My mouth stayed open, (e/c) eyes widening as the blue cap began gaining quickly, swiftly... it was beautiful. "Wow..." The one on the left came up first, taking in a deep breath. Hooking his fingers in the strap of his goggles, he pulled it upward off of his eyes, taking off his cap along with it. His hair was a dark, raven color with a hint of a blue hue.

Shaking out his hair, droplets of water landed on the surface of the pool. A moment after, the other boy surfaced, removing his equipment and tossing it up to the starting block with a big grin. "You're as fast as the rumors said," Leaning on the divider in the pool, the red haired boy floated there, looking to his side at the calm ravenette.

"I don't care about speed.."

Makoto held out his hand to help the boy out of the pool, smiling at his answer. They seemed to know each other well... Standing behind Nagisa, I stepped back, letting them have room to stand up. I glanced at the other boy, who had a content smile upon his face.

Cautiously, I stepped from behind the perky blond to hold out a small hand to him. His reddish eyes rounded, following a trail from my hand up to my face. "Here," I smiled softly, biting the side of my cheek about to pull my hand back after getting no response. "..Sorry-"

"-Thanks!" suddenly there was a vice grip on my hand. I wrapped my slender fingers around his hand by reflex, helping to tug him out of the pool. His hand was damp with water, chlorine filling my nose as he stepped up.

"-Oooh! Rin-chan!" Nagisa popped up beside me, playfully throwing an arm over my shoulder. I flushed as he leaned a bit. "This is...! Uhm..." Nagisa flinched, closing his eyes in embarrassment, a nervous chuckle erupting from his throat.

"_! I'm _ (l/n)!"

I gently released the red haired boy's hand, which I'd still been holding onto. He flashed his white teeth, crossing his arms over his chest as if proud to be introducing himself. "My names Rin Matsuoka~!"

Not giving me time to respond, Nagisa turned my body to face the other two with a giggle. "Thats Makoto Hachibana-chan~!" Pointing a finger toward the brunette from before, he let go, skipping backwards to stand beside him.

"Chan..?"

I cocked my head to the side, thrown off by the extended name. I wasn't familiar with people saying a full name and ending it with something like that. "And this is-"

"Haruka Nanase."

Fluttering my eyelids, I glanced over Nagisa's shoulder at the boy who'd spoken. Suppose he wanted to interrupt before the other blurted some embarrassing nickname? Before I could see him look back at me he had turned his head to the side.

The blond pouted, but the expression very quickly, melted into a beaming smile. "And I, you're hero, am Nagisa Hazuki~!" I could easily tell by his tone he was joking.

Holding a hand over my lips, I chuckled slightly. The entire group turned their heads to look at me, blinking in unison.

"What..?"

"I like your names~!" I exclaimed, cupping my face between my two hands with a cheeky grin. "Thats new.. people usually think they're too feminine.." Makoto placed his hands on his hips, his lower lip protruding outward a bit.

"I think it's cute." I blurted, watching as they all jumped at the sudden compliment. Noticing a soft, dusty red grace their cheeks I gasped, gulping and quickly pulling on my goggles, snapping the strap in place.

"-R-Race you to the pool!"

Running to the starting blocks, I climbed up, throwing my cap behind me just before I dove in. Idiot... I thought, squeezing my eyes shut tightly as I began moving my arms, quickly moving into a breast stroke.

When my head came up to take a deep breath of air, my eyes opened briefly to see four unisonic splashes rising into the air. "Ah?!" I let out a surprised noise, not actually expecting them to follow, let alone all of them. Snapping my lips shut, I held my breath, plunging back into the water.

It was exhilarating.

Whatever that meant at least! My mother always used that word whenever she talked about her success at work. Unknowingly I had switched styles mid-way, extending my right arm first and taking in a quick breath. Every stroke I could see the two lanes on either side for a few short moments.

Rin and Haruka.

Resurfacing, I gasped, having accidentally sucked a bit of water into my nose on the last lap. Slicking my loose (h/c) hair back and away from my face, I tilted my head up, eyes shut as I slipped my goggles off.

"Woah~! That was amazing!"

Eyes opening, I squealed in seeing Rin's face only a foot away from my own. Backing up and kicking off the wall I clumsily leant backward- yet again. Just as Rin was about to reach out to catch me, another hand caught mine, the water shaking in disturbance.

"I like... your free."

Clutching onto the hand intertwined with mine, I peeked open my eyes slowly, meeting a bright, shining pair of ocean blue.

~~After Club: End of the day~~

"Thank you, Coach Sasabe!" Bowing our heads, he tipped his cap to us all in return. "See ya tomorrow, kids!" With that, he turned and went behind the desk, putting a few supplies away for the night, swinging a ring of keys on his finger casually.

Pivoting on my heel, i saw each of the boys standing in a small line, holding the straps of their back packs on their shoulders. Shooting a wide, happy expression at each of them I bowed fully, my hair still slightly damp from the earlier swimming. "I'm happy to be part of your team!"

Standing straight, I blew a strand from my face, making my way toward them, I expected the line to dispatch and split for me to get through. But they didn't. Not until Rin spoke up. "_-chan,"

Stopping in your tracks, I pulled the bag onto my shoulder more securely, the other hand residing in my small shorts pocket. "Hm?"

"I was- I mean, we were wondering if you wanted to do the relay with me- us, next tournament?" He stumbled over his words a few times, holding that same toothy grin as he had practically the entire day. He seemed excited, and anticipating a positive answer.

"No."

Their faces fell immediately. But I smirked, laughing as I reached up to pat both Haruka and Rin on their heads, having to stretch slightly to reach, being so short. I really would have done the same to the other two- IF I had four arms.

"Only messing with you guys~! I really, really want to!"

Makoto sprung up and enveloped me in a tight hug, for what reason was beyond me. I felt warm as he did so, cheeks darkening. "YAY!" Then of course, Nagisa wanted in on the fun! Practically pouncing, Nagisa hugged me from the other side, squeezing the three of us together. My face was fire.

"-Time to go, _-chan~"

I gasped at the voice, my mother stood in the doorway, a smug, knowing aura radiating off of her as she pretended not to be seeing the other two hugging the death out of... me. "A-AH! O-okay~!" Puffing out my cheeks I, slightly, shoved the other two away in a flushed flurry of actions.

Slipping between the ravenette and fiery headed boys, what caught the corner of my eye was a slight shock. A ghost of a smile played across Haru's lips just before I walked past. Looking the other way to calm my slightly off beat heart, I grabbed onto my mother's hand shamelessly, speeding up your pace.

"Cya~!" They wall rang out, Rin eagerly waving as he skipped to the last step of the stairway. Pushing my hair behind my ear I chuckled, waving over my head and jumping into the back seat of the car, setting my things down to close the door. Sparing one last glance at them as the engine was starting, I saw the other three walk down to Rin, each waving until we'd drove off.

"So how was your first day, sweety?"

My seat buckle clicked into place, swinging my legs as I giddied. "It was amazing, Mommy~! Coach Sasabe is really nice too!" I could hear her soft laugh as she turned on the radio, lowering the volume and stepping on the gas pedal.

"Well...?"

I leant back in the seat, pressing my feet against the back of the seat in front, stretching my arms above my head and pretending to swim. "Hm..?"

"Which boy do you like~?"

I choked on my own breath, cheeks turning a rosy color, the rest of my body paling. "W-WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" I spat, brows knit together in embarrassment at the blunt, sudden question of the day.

She chuckled choppily, head tilting upward. I could see her shifty, taunting eyes in the reflexion of the rear view mirror, along with her wiggling eyebrows. "It's okay to like one, _~!" Covering my cheeks, I stubbornly looked out the window, sinking into my chair with a pout. "Is it that boy with the red hair~? The dark haired one? I saw you blush when he smiled!"

I only sunk deeper with every question.

"Or is it one of those cutie-pies that were glomping you to death~?" I shook my head rapidly in denial. "I-I don't like any of them like that..!" Infamously, she laughed, slamming on the breaks once we reached a red light. I sweatdropped. "Your such a bad driver, Mommy..."

Turning a bit to look back at me, she smiled. "I'm glad you had a good time, _"

((I'm soooo very sorry for the inconvenience! If you still want to follow and/or favorite this story once more I would greatly appreciate it! I took too long to switch the POV in this chapter to first person... I can blame nobody but myself.))