Rated M for sexual themes in the future.

Hello everyone and welcome to my first fan fiction for Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club. It is now currently my favorite animation next to Shingeki no Kyojin, and I am obsessed with the pairing MakoHaru so I decided to write a fan fiction dedicated to them. Rather than following one definite plot though, I decided to do drabbles where I can sort of jump in and out of what I want to write about, which means there will be some Reigisa in this as well!

If MakoHaru/Reigisa is not your cup of tea, feel free to press the backspace button and no criticism will be made. However if this is something you enjoy, welcome!

In the meantime, "The Bet" and "Don't Say Good-bye" will be put on hold. I know I never updated them, but I don't have any inspiration for anything Bleachy at the moment. Besides, no one seems to appreciate it as much as I do… So for now, enjoy these drabbles!

I don't know how long this will go on for, but look out for some shippy stuff!

I do not own Free! Or High Speed! Or anything else other than this fan fiction.

The Swimming Drabbles!

Chapter One

~ Warm-Up! ~

"Haru-chan." His pet name was the first thing he heard upon lifting his upper body out of the water. He positioned himself into a sitting position inside the water filled bathtub, whipping his hair back and forth to shake off the water that was weighting his hair down and causing the mass to stick to his head like a messy mop. Howbeit, his raven black hair managed to remain perfectly flawless without a single strand out of place, framing his face and bringing out his dark, blue eyes. His head rose to the sound of a kind, hushed-tone calling his name. Only two people, aside from the once clueless Rei who had called him "Haru-chan-san", had the audacity to call him "Haru-chan" while others stuck with the normal "Haru" or "Haruka" in fear of receiving a death glare from the swimmer, or perhaps becoming cursed by the water gods for meddling with one of their precious descendants (judging the way Haruka was when it came to water must have meant something, right?). This time it was Makoto.

"Like I said," A miffed Haruka spoke. "Lay off the –chan." While he never failed to remind his friend that he did not like the honorific added to his name, it was still without a doubt true that in the end things went the way Makoto wanted them to be.

"Haru, you call me Makoto, don't you?" Makoto pointed out with a minor tilt of his head. He spoke thoughtfully and softly as if the smallest of mistakes could shatter away his concentration and determination. "Should I call you Haruka then?"

Haruka was aware that Makoto knew of his disapproval for his name for the fact that he often got made fun of for bearing a girly name. Back when they were younger, Haruka had even told Makoto how he felt about being called by his first name, requesting that Makoto would call him by his surname if referring to him was absolutely necessary. Though, there were times where calling him by his surname didn't suffice. If it came to the situation where Haruka's first name tumbled out of Makoto's lips accidently, Haruka would then look away while muttering things of distaste.

Haruka had once threatened to never speak to Makoto again if another "Haruka" left his lips, and to that Makoto had reasoned that Haruka called him "Makoto" therefore it was only fair that he would be allowed to call Haruka, "Haruka". At the end things always ended with the decision of calling Haruka "Haru" and nothing more. Haruka didn't know why he bothered to constantly have the same conversation with him over and over again, when the end results were never changing.

Coincidentally, they were having the same conversation right here in Haruka's bathroom. In spite of his unfriendly past with his name, Haruka no longer cared for it as much as he had back then. He learned to tune people out, and to occasionally shut people up with one glance towards their way. Nonetheless, his name was one of the things that unconsciously weighted him down.

Sadly, Makoto did not go down with one of Haruka's glares, and one simply did not tune out Makoto.

"If you call me that, I won't ever speak to you again." Haruka said in subjugation. He had long accepted the conclusion of their current argument, already knowing the end like the back of his hand. Except this time, he didn't add in the shrug he always did when saying his lines, turning his head towards the wall instead. This behavior was not foreign to the both of them either, being that they both knew Haruka tended to avoid things by looking away.

Haruka's actions issued an amused chuckle from Makoto's lips, knowing even without looking that there was a smile on Makoto's face. "Then Haru it is." Makoto drove the conversation home, confirming that their usual argument had taken place once again.

Haruka did not respond, keeping his face turned. Haruka never was a talkative one in general, usually sticking to one to two words when he spoke. He only vociferated his thoughts once in a while—mostly when it came to talking about the water. Many got the wrong impression that he was a cold hearted person, but he was far from it. The swimmer was simply not the best in expressing himself, or rather to be more accurate, chose not to. He saw nothing wrong with the way he handled things; his method of tackling down obstacles worked perfectly fine for him. It required the least effort, and kept more obstacles out of the way.

It was not long before the question that had been there in the back of his head for some time now, wedged its way forward into the front of Haruka's mind. Not being able to recall asking of Makoto to come over, he began to form the question in his lips as he turned his head, only to have Makoto a step ahead.

"Why am I here, right?" He asked Haruka with a knowing smile.

It was an advantage to be able to read Makoto like an open book but, that goes to say it worked the other way around as well and that proved to be a pain the butt.

To Makoto's words, Haruka turned his head away once more from mid-turn, focusing strictly on the bathroom wall.

"I'm here because you forgot what's happening today, didn't you?" Makoto interrogated.

Haruka's eyebrows knitted slightly as his lips pressed into a thin line. No matter how far he dug into his mind, he couldn't remember what was taking place that day. What was so important that Makoto would come in the flesh, to bring him there?

Not wanting to deal with whatever it was that was going to happen that day, he sank back into the water. If it was of great significance, he would have remembered.

"H-haru!" A panic-stricken Makoto cried out. He did not expect his friend to suddenly plunge back into the tub. Grabbing his arm and attempting to pull him back out, he rephrased, "You can't just go back in there! We have to go somewhere, don't you remember?"

"Mendokusai." Haruka retorted.

"Demo Haru, today is the day we're celebrating Rei's first time swimming!" Makoto told him. "Successfully!" He added after one thoughtful moment.

"Iyada." Haruka's eyes narrowed and snapped back to the wall as he slowly sunk lower into the water. And you don't have to add my name to every one of your sentences.

"How can you be so cold hearted? Haru, today is the day we also celebrate Iwatobi Swimming Club's grand opening!" Makoto said as enthusiastically as possible in hope to get Haruka out.

"We did that already."

"But you got sick the next day and we couldn't have an actual pool party for a swimming club! That's why we pushed it to today." Makoto's voice was firm and intent. He was bent on getting the water loving male out of the tub. It wasn't going to be easy, but the olive haired swimmer had a few tricks. He even made sure to stress the word pool, knowing it was one of Haruka's undeniable weaknesses.

The first hindrance was to prevent more than half of Haruka's face from submerging into the water. If it ever reached that far, then there was no returning to land for Haruka for at least a few more hours. And Makoto couldn't afford to waste those hours.

"No." Haruka said stubbornly, once more trying to pursue his nirvana of water.

"Are you absolutely sure?" Makoto asked, stopping him again.

Annoyed, Haruka didn't respond.

Makoto sighed in defeat then released Haruka's arm. "All right then. If you insist, I'll tell everyone you couldn't make it." He turned and made it for the door.

Naturally there was no response from the tub ridden male. Haruka carved an opening into the water and pushed his arms through, sliding his hands against the tub floor as he lowered his upper body into the water. The lower part of his face was inside the water, which meant there was no turning back for him. Silently, he enjoyed the coolness of the water on his skin, accepting the water as the water in return accepted him.

Acknowledge the water, and then allow it to acknowledge you…

Before Makoto opened the bathroom door, he looked over his shoulder and said, "Too bad you're missing it. We're doing it by the school pool so you could swim but I guess not." He studied his friend in the tub. "A pool is much bigger than a bathtub…"

When no response came, Makoto didn't know whether to be surprised or disappointed. His secret, his last resort, had failed but then again Haruka hadn't jumped out of the tub at the word pool. He didn't glance back, slowly walking out thinking Haruka wasn't going to budge. His shoulders sagged as his footsteps became heavier.

Maybe he didn't hear it?

A party without Haruka? Makoto meant no harm towards anyone else, but the thought brought him down. He knew Haruka would enjoy it if he went. If only he made it out of the tub and past the door. Makoto counted in his head ten long seconds, wondering just how far he had to count up in order to hear Haruka step out of the tub—

"Makoto."

Makoto couldn't suppress his smile, becoming noticeably brighter than before. "Hai?" He perked up, turning in time to see Haruka stepping out of the tub. Makoto was already out of the bathroom, it was impressive of Haruka to hold in his excitement for the pool for more than ten seconds.

"Matte."

Makoto didn't have to ask why he had to wait. It was obvious Haruka was coming along and he was asking Makoto to wait so he could get ready. "I was beginning to think you didn't hear me." He confessed with a sheepish smile.

"Urusai."

-; Some Water Time Later! ;-

"Tell me again why we're stopping by the supermarket?" Makoto questioned as he glanced at his watch. There was plenty of time before the party started, but he hoped no further distractions would come and take Haruka away.

"To buy mackerel." Haruka replied, walking into the supermarket and making a beeline for the seafood section.

"Don't say that which such a serious expression." Makoto sweat dropped. "—tte yuka, mackerel again! Didn't you have that yesterday for diner?"

"This one is for the party." Haruka claimed almost defensively.

"Hai, hai. I shouldn't have asked." Makoto scratched his cheek before chuckling, bordering on looking troubled. He sure loved mackerel.

"No one else would have brought mackerel." Haruka added solemnly, then commanded in his average voice, "Makoto, go buy the popsicles."

"Popsicles as well?" Makoto asked. "For just us or the party?" He wanted to clarify, becoming accustomed to Haruka's quick change of gear. He knew better than to ask about the strange blend of mackerel and popsicles; Haruka seemed to like the two aliments. What Makoto wanted to hear even when he knew the answer was whether or not the popsicles were for the party. Even though such an inquiry shouldn't have been a big deal, the popsicles held a deeper meaning for the two.

"…Suki ni shiro." Haruka muttered, avoiding eye contact with Makoto and making his way out of the seafood isle promptly after making a quick selection of mackerel. "Meet me by the counter."

Makoto watched his friend leave, a small smile playing on his lips as his upturned eyebrows rose. Giving into the urge of his initial desire, he parted his lips and allowed a melodious chuckle to escape when he decided Haruka was too far to hear. "He's so sly." He sighed to himself. "How did he know I wanted him to say it?"

Haruka stood in line to pack for the mackerel—and soon to pay for as well, the popsicles. The incident a few moments ago had fazed him a bit, but he was now recovered, his usual businesslike expression on his face. There was not even a semblance of a smile on his lips. He looked as if he was on an important mission, and even the smallest of distractions would cause trouble.

The swimming shorts he felt under his pants were a small and pleasant reminder that soon enough he'd be swimming. A smile threatened to take over his lips, but alas the mission was not completed yet. If he broke from his fortitude and faltered, he would regret it later.

"Haru-chan." A sincere voice said from behind him. "Aren't you going to pay?"

Haruka turned and saw Makoto emerging from the isles holding a box of popsicles.

He must have been staring quizzically at Makoto because soon enough Makoto gestured to the counter behind Haruka. Haruka zipped back around without another word and placed the mackerel pack onto the counter belt. Behind him he heard Makoto laugh softly before a hand slipped through the small gap between Haruka's arms and his sides, placing the popsicle pack onto the conveyer belt as well. He felt Makoto's chin on his shoulder, his back touching Makoto's body.

The lack of distance between their bodies should have made the both of them uncomfortable, but they didn't mind. Or at least Haruka didn't mind. The two had grown up together and were best friends comfortable enough to share shirts and have sleepovers. Normal boys of their age would have thought their level of comfort was unsettling and weird, but Makoto and Haruka knew better. As long as they both didn't misunderstand, it was fine.

Nothing bothered Haruka anyway (aside from the matter with his name, which was a complete different topic by the way!). He didn't pay much attention to the outside opinions of him or anyone else. However if it came to caring for his friends, even if he didn't openly show his concern, he did worry for them. Especially Makoto.

He knew Makoto didn't always say how he felt nor did he ask for Haruka's assistance. He was the type to figure things out on his own, and at the times it was troubling. Makoto was the big brother type, and Haruka knew him so well that even when Makoto didn't verbally ask for help, Haruka gave it to him willingly. He had to return the favor, he'd hate to think he owe anyone anything.

After paying for both the mackerel and popsicles they headed out of the supermarket and walked to the school pool.

"Hai, here." Makoto said, opening the box of popsicles and taking out a pack. "I chose the one Haru likes! The one where we can split it into two."

Haruka didn't reply, knowing that was the only ice treat they got when they decided to have any. Makoto didn't have to reiterate it to him. He merely stared at the securely wrapped popsicle in its wrapper, wanting it opened. The flavored ice on the stick was the closest thing he could get to the water right at the moment and in addition to that, its color blue was the color used to often symbolize the water.

Makoto saw Haruka's desires portrayed through one simple stare, handing the other half of the popsicle to him prior to breaking it in half to which Haruka accepted and bit right into.

With the popsicles in their hands, they walked to the school pool silently, enjoying the cold refreshment.

-; Some Water Time Later! ;-

The ecstatic blonde was the first to notice the approaching duo, his amethyst eyes widening in joy. "Uwaa! Mako-chan, Haru-chan, you made it!" He hurried over to them, grasping each of their empty hands. "Ano nee? We were worried Mako-chan wouldn't be able to persuade you! But he convinced you, I see!"

Haruka clearly was not listening, the only thing in his sight now being the pool. He could already feel the water on him, and that thought alone was enough to drive him. Before anyone else could get a word out, he was stripping off his clothes and diving into the pool water.

Immediately the water attacked, but he was not afraid. He welcomed the water as he propelled his body forward with each stroke, remembering that this was what he had come for. Highly pleased, he began to swim without bothering to come back up or to check on everyone's reaction. Surrounded by the water, he had nothing to worry for and he had not a single care in the world.

"He really is like a dolphin." Nagisa said with admiration. "He looks happiest in the water!'

Even a busy Rei, who had been going about with his daily exercise routine stopped in his actions to appreciate the beautiful sight.

"Mou… The only reason he came was most likely because of the pool." Gou said scolding, though there was a smile on her face that said otherwise.

"What is this talking as if he isn't present?" Rei finally asked with a sigh, snapping out of his stupor. He adjusted his glasses as everyone turned their attention towards him. "This said "he" is in the pool currently, is he not?" As if the attention was too much, a small blush coated his cheeks as he looked away with a clear of his throat.

"Now, now! Since everyone is here let's start the party!" Miho clapped her hands to steal the spotlight away.

"Ama-chan sensei, we brought a few things." Makoto held up the bag of popsicles in his right hand then scooped down to grab the bag of mackerel that Haruka left on the ground before stripping.

As if he knew he was needed, Haruka slipped out of the pool. Gou didn't miss a single change to swoon over his arms, cooing to herself as her eyes sparkled in euphoria. "Sutteki…"

"We brought mackerel and popsicles." Haruka said, flipping his hair a couple of times before walking over to the table set up not too far from the pool.

"Popsicles sound like a reasonable choice. But mackerel again?" Gou asked as her expression changed drastically. "Haruka-senpai!" She groaned accusingly.

"Mackerel is good." Haruka said simply before pointing to the barbecue grill. "And we can cook it there."

"Do not think you are the only ones who provided us with food! I could not come to the party without bringing anything!" Rei announced, making a comeback from his previous falter. "I have brought the sausages and buns!"

"Uwa! Sasuga Rei-chan!" Nagisa said happily, taking the opportunity to throw his arms around Rei and cling to him. "Demo, I also brought some stuff too! I brought Ramune for all of us!"

Rei looked uncomfortable with Nagisa glued to him, but only blushed as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"I helped Ama-chan sensei bring the barbecue!" Gou input.

"Women can't do hard things like that but we did it anyway!" Miho nodded, holding up an index finger for a good measure. "Nee?" She turned to Gou for back up.

"Hai!" Gou agreed with a nod.

"Heeeeeh? There you two go again being unfair!" Nagisa whined, releasing Rei in the process. Makoto couldn't tell whether Rei looked disappointed or relieved.

"How inconsiderate!" Miho gasped dramatically as she sat without budging from her lounge chair. "What do you mean unfair? A woman is simply more delicate than a man! There was once a quote that goes…"

"I want to be a woman, too!" Nagisa decided abruptly.

"Wh-what is with that absurd, sudden decision?" Rei asked, shocked from Nagisa's impetuous declare. Even so, it was nothing new.

Makoto rubbed the back of his head and smiled, not knowing what else to do. The conversation topic was moving at an overwhelmingly quick speed, and he deemed it better if he stayed out of it. It felt refreshing to see that everyone was becoming competitive over the smallest of things however.

"Is this what you wanted?" Haruka asked, both arms folded and perched on the edge of the pool. He looked up at Makoto, speaking quietly but loud enough for him to hear.

Makoto turned to where Haruka was, his smile becoming slightly bigger than before. "Mm. Arigatou, Haru." His green eyes twinkled.

"…Betsuni."

Words count: 3,388.

Don't you think a serious person like Haruka would take even the smallest of things really earnestly? I can totally imagine it happening!

I used some parts of High Speed! / Free! in this chapter. Let's see if you notice them ;)

Obviously this is a Fan Fiction so nothing in this will be 100% accurate.

The chapter name is called "Warm-Up!" because it's the beginning of my Fan Fiction and swimmers have to "warm-up" before swimming so… Do you see the resemblance there?

I hope you had fun reading this as much as I had writing this! I do hope I can do this often.

If you want more, remember to leave a review! Tell me what you think, and tell me what you want to read next! I didn't add much fluff or any sexual tension, but this is the first chapter. I like character development. Trust me I want MakoHaru sexy time as much as you all. (Oh please, wasn't that what you were thinking of when clicking on that Rated M option?)

Now for some translations because I used some Japanese words in here! (Sometimes, Japanese phrases express more things than English can, so I thought it was necessary to have a few):

Mendokusai – This phrase is used often by Haruka, and it generally means "too much effort".

Iyada – "I don't want to." This is sometimes translated to "I refuse", but the more accurate way would be to translate it to "I don't want to" because "I refuse" has another word that covers it. (To the curious ones, it's "kotowaru".)

Hai – "Yes."

Matte – "Wait"/"Hold on a second"

Suki ni shiro: "Do what you want". This is not the same as "whatever", because "whatever" would be "nandemo".

Tte yuka: "-Wait more like" or like, "Speaking of" and stuff like that.

Mou: It usually means "more" but it could also be used to say "mou ii" which means "Aw jeez" or something along those lines. "Mou" is a shortened version of "mou ii".

Sutteki: "Wonderful".

Demo: "But".

Nee: This usually means, "Hey" when you're trying to catch someone's attention or when you're asking for someone to agree with you like "right?" or "isn't that correct". It could also mean a (rudeish) way to say "older sisyter". (I'm aware that many other writers use "ne" while I use two e's. My best friend is Japanese and she told me that it was incorrect to use one e, so I used two).

Ano: Japanese "uhm". (In Nagisa's case, he used both "ano" and "nee". If you put the two together, it turns into "Hey, you know what?"). The second meaning of "ano" could mean "that" just like "kono" is "this".

Sasuga: This is hard to explain, but generically it means, "That's –blank- for you!" It's used to compliment someone. Nagisa says this to compliment Rei.

Ariatou: "Thank you".

Betsuni: The famous Haruka response next to suki ni shiro/mendokusai/iyada! This means many things. It could mean "not really" or "nothing in particular" and other things along those lines. But it could also be used as a form of "you're welcome".

(I do apologize if some are slightly inocorrect. I wrote this from my own knowledge when there was no internet [meaning no Google] so… please feel free to correct me!)

… Maybe I'll incorporate some SeijuurouxGou in here next. What is that ship even called? SeiGou? SeijuuGou?

See You Next Water Time!