Summer Sucks

Chapter One

Seeing everyone again was nice.

It didn't feel too long ago that they had finished high school and parted ways. Their stories were interesting, others dramatic but it was all very pleasant. Aiichirou even after all this time felt like a bit of an outcast, well not so much around Momo or Sousuke considering she wasn't that close with them both but that uneasy feeling never went away in her chest when she was around Rin's other friends. Well, formerly known as the 'Iwatobi Swim Club" back in the day although now they were just old friends and that title was still being passed down to the newer generations in their school.

For a brief second or two Nitori went into a little haze of her own, just watching them all interact. Sure, Rei had grown taller though he was still a very handsome young man but since he turned to contacts she didn't really think he was the same. Nagisa however hadn't changed an awful lot, he just looked stockier and his hair a ridiculous shade of bright blonde with high-lights. She figured once the two studied abroad in Europe they must have gone absolutely haywire.

Tall, dark and handsome as ever Sousuke was remained the same too. However, from their small conversation earlier he seemed more mature than she had previously known him. Still abrasive though and had a tone that could silence a conversation. He recently came back from America but had a few jobs to do in Japan so he decided to knock around at the gathering for old times sake.

Momo, the girl was crazy as ever. Though Nitori had to admit it was nice hearing about what she was up to these days but after a while hearing about her previous girlfriends and life story from what it seemed Nitori's mind shut down. Course, she stood there with a smile and agreed as usual.

It was all well until Haruka and Makoto arrived.

She saw how mental everyone reacted when those two emerged into the room. They looked lovely too, a part of her wondered if his outfit was picked out for him. Even though it was simple Haruka really nailed it.

Nitori shyly rubbed at her arm, her yellow sundress made her appear like a child.

Makoto was utterly beautiful.

There in her lace white dress that slapped her knee-caps, Nitori did nothing to help herself but compare. Her hair wasn't as long and naturally tousled, it was pin straight with no bounce or curl. Nor did she have much to put on show for that matter either. Lithe and basic was all Nitori felt like, this always happened. While Makoto was a true hourglass, a true woman.

As warm flushed into her cheeks she abruptly turned to look else where. That was until the cackling laughter belonging to her boyfriend brought back her attention, Rin with a hand on Makoto's shoulder and the other on Haruka's. She carefully observed the gesture.

It was friendly, his act was all in good faith. Nitori admired how he was raucous yet mellow with them. Haruka especially, she knew about their rambles in the past and thank god that was settled with.

Not once all evening did Rin approach his girlfriend, well when she wasn't looking he sent her glances but they always missed one another. All Nitori had to do was go over, barge her way past Nagisa bragging about his upcoming fashion event or Gou bickering and just drag Rin by the arm for privacy. Either that or cling to him but Nitori didn't want to seem too demanding and embarrass him. She knew he liked his space and so it was respected.

Not realizing she was gawking at them a bit too much Makoto noticed and sent her a fabulous smile. Awkwardly trying to somewhat shed a dimpled grin of her own, it didn't work too well and Nitori found herself walking away.

"Why did Rin pick me?"

Miserably glancing over at him laughing again Nitori headed inside. It was kind enough of Sasabe to throw them this small gathering, she saw that he was occupied in what looked like a very tense game of cards with a few of the other former swim team members.

He was a nice guy, everyone had bin glad for him with Ama-sensei agreed to marry him. Right now she was out-of-town unfortunately and couldn't make it, a bit of a downer but however she wished them all well.

Their house was certainly cozy, with their wedding pictures on display in the hall and all the various other little trinkets. Probably collected by Ama from over the years, you could tell the place had a women's touch to it. Not that it was surprisingly, Goro practically kissed the ground she walked on.

Nitori debated on grabbing herself another drink but after picking up the punch bowl's ladle she decided not to. Right there she felt hopeless, it was stupid still getting worked up over Rin's former crush on Makoto. She was something special though, the glimmering jewel and heart of the club.

She saw that look, fire in his eyes and Nitori never witnessed when they were alone. His were always calm and all spark that had for Makoto was washed out when it came to her. Obviously, something was still there and knowing that crushed her insides.

As she walked out the kitchen and back out into the hall Nitori picked up her bag deciding it was best if she just left. Not even two seconds it took for her to step into the genkan for her shoes was when she abruptly heard, "You're not sticking around?"

Turning she saw Sousuke standing there, hands in his pockets with that form default expression of his.

"No, I'm not feeling too good." She lied.

For the life of her Nitori didn't understand why he was smirking like that, was she that obvious? Probably.

"You've been off all night, want to talk about it?"

So he had watched her. That made her feel self-conscious, surely everyone noticed her odd behavior then. Maybe they didn't ask because they were either being considerate of her feelings or thought she wanted to be left alone.

They ended up sitting outside at the front. Sousuke brought her a drink and one for himself, it was certainly quiet. Quiet enough to hear the crickets and rustle of the trees in dusk's breeze. Nitori knew he was one to appreciate silence, not that it was a bother since she did too. It felt good.

"Quite a few stars out tonight, isn't there?" He randomly said. "It's nice though, to be back in the country after being in America for so long and the big cities you hardly get to see a view like this.. I've missed it."

Gradually she turned to him, Sousuke seemed so content sitting there with his gaze glued to the sky. Nitori couldn't help but crack a small smile, as she did her own eyes followed his. Millions were out tonight, infinite meadows of heaven blossomed by beautiful stars. She liked the stars because they forever stayed in silence, like trees in a forest they were alive and watching her. Never once would they judge her.

"Magic," She muttered breathlessly.

"Hm?"

"Yeah, don't you think so? I know, well magic doesn't actually exist like it's told in movies or books but when I see the flowers growing in the spring, the first set of snow on the ground in winter and even now looking up at them.. I think this is the closest we're ever going to get to magic."

It was Sousuke's turn to look at her. His expression was slightly questioning a mixture of 'did Rin's girl really just say that?' and 'really?' but all he came out with was, "I guess."

"Sorry.." Nitori harshly bit down on her lip. "T-That sounded stupid, I say stupid things all the time-"

"Nah, I do think you're a little too imaginative but there's nothing wrong with that."

"Thank you"

The corners of his lips quirked upwards at the tone of her voice, it went to so squeaky and she sounded so incredibly shy. He almost forgot how she could act, it brought him back to the first time they met in Samezuka. She complimented his 'perfect' form and started getting tongue-tied when he shot her a look. That certain memory would never stop bringing him amusement.

"So are you gonna tell me,"

"What about?"

With a deep sigh he says, "Don't give me that, I know you're feeling left out."

"A little I suppose but no more than the usual."

"What do you mean?"

Nitori wasn't really sure how to word her next sentence especially as he was glaring at her intently. It was burning her walls down, she didn't know what to say or do.

"I.. It doesn't matter."

"It does, there is something wrong-" Another sigh. "If you want I'll drop it"

They went quiet for a few minutes again. Nitori didn't want to tell him her insecurities, it wasn't as if her and Rin had a bad relationship they were pretty damn stable. But it was the thought of him leaving her and loving someone else. The 'what if's' wounded her poor heart, she couldn't bare ever being his back-up.

She thought he was getting up to leave for a second when he began shifting on his side. For some reason Nitori got all worked up and panicky, not wanting him to leave she grabbed at his sleeve. "Rin!"

"What?"

Forgetting her hand was tugging on him, Nitori burnt up red and batted her arms around. "S-Sorry! I thought you were getting up to go.. I didn't want to leave it at that so I want to tell you the real reason.. It's Rin.."

It came as a shock to her that she didn't start crying. The old Nitori would have begun bawling years ago, she was a lot stronger now but still had her moments. Sousuke was a good listening, he came across as understanding and patient with her. Not that Rin wasn't when they spoke seriously- just it was different with him. She couldn't understand why though. They were similar but not exact.

"He cares deeply for you, know that? Occasionally he'll mention you, he's pretty private and doesn't give me too much information if you're worried about that however it's the truth when you said he once liked Tachibana, now you're the one he wants to be with."

"B-But why did he choose me over her? I know Nanase-kun is dating her, they've been childhood friends for years and are literally joint at the hip but she's.. Tachibana-san.. She's so much more." Nitori ended on a shaky breath.

"We may never know, unless you ask? I'm guessing you guys haven't spoken about this have you?"

Shaking her head she denied it.

"Tell him, he won't bite your head off." Wasn't that an understatement.

"I want to.. It's not that I'm accusing him or anything.. I just need to know."

"He isn't using you as a substitute, Nitori he's serious."

"Nnn.."

Sloppily rolling his eyes at her, it seemed he wasn't exactly getting his point across. "I could stay here all night trying to convince you, but what good will that do? You really need to get some confidence in yourself."

Well, wasn't that her life story already. Constantly growing up that's all Nitori had ever been told. It wasn't that easy.

"I'm sorry,"

He frowned. "What for?"

"Making you listen to me babble like a baby.. You should go back inside with the others and enjoy the rest of the party, thank you very much for listening Yamazaki-kun but I think I'm going to go home now."

Sousuke watched her stand and flatten out her dress. One of the pleats slightly brushed against his face not that he minded. Seeing her from above he saw just how much she had changed. Physically of course but mentally she remained no different. Nitori Aiichirou was cute as a button and apart from her gaining some self-reliance he did not want her to be any one other than herself.

"Oi" He called.

As he got up to his feet now being the one to tower over her, Sousuke quickly dashed back into the hall and came out with his jacket. "I'll walk you,"

Their trail to her and Rin's apartment was quiet too. With only the clicking of her heels and shuffling of his shoes filled the air, it was still so humid even at night. No doubt tomorrow would be another hot day.

"You didn't have to leave the party because of me," She mumbled.

"I didn't? I was getting bored anyway, I mean it's nice to see everyone again but I've gotta head back."

"Are.. Are you going out-of-town again?"

"Not tomorrow, day after."

"W-Where?"

He glanced over at her with his brow furrowing "You're full of questions.. Alright I'll tell you, I'm meeting someone."

"Someone special?" Nitori asked sounding teasing but shy at the same time.

"Mmm.."

Nitori didn't really want to press on the matter so when she decided to leave it at that he mustered the topic back up.

"You could say that, it's nothing really."

"Eh? You're.. You're not serious about them?"

The taller of the two snorted at her. "You're so curious, if it's a girl you think I'm meeting then you're wrong-"

"Oh! Boyfriend?"

He snorted again but this time it broke out into a laugh. Nitori rarely ever heard him laugh, once or twice but he was constantly super serious. It was a shame really because it wasn't only striking but his short cackle was music to her ears and how she wished she could stop staring, but it was uncontrollable.

"No, no, no and most definitely not."

"Apologises, I just thought you see when.."

"I like girls,"

"Hm?" She blinked.

"Cute girls"

Sousuke was pretty secretive.

"Would you like to come in for some tea? I could get you something else although we have limited choice since Rin is on this strict diet and-"

Sousuke held up a hand to stop her and shook his head. "No, it's fine thanks."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah,"

"T-Thank you for walking me home, you didn't have to do that." He honestly didn't have to, Nitori had walked home in the dark countless times before today. Though she was still very careful and kept her phone on, but they lived in such a small and quiet neighborhood. Nothing ever happened.

"It's a pleasure."

She watched him spin on his heel ready to leave. After their evening together, Nitori didn't want to see him go. Not yet. "You will keep in touch, right Yamazaki-kun? Please say you'll do that, it's just Rin talks about you from time to time and even he misses you... It doesn't matter if it's a letter or an email either.. Anything! P-Please.."

Nitori's eyes were practically sparkling with plead. She had such lovely eyes, Sousuke tipped his head to the side giving her a lazy grin. "Kay, I'll do that alright? Tell Rin I said goodnight and I'll see you both soon hopefully, take care."

Strangely her fluttered when he gently rummaged a hand throughout her silver locks. It did cause colour to fill her cheeks rose-red and made her legs go wobbly. She bade him goodbye and closed the front door.

Tea and a hot bath made Nitori feel much better. It was very close to midnight and Rin still wasn't home, she figured he was going to be out all night. They were his friends whom he hardly saw anymore, it was expected. But much as she told herself that it didn't bother her and over thinking about the way he looked at Makoto, touched her and everything.

Her blood boiled.

Miserably stepping out the bath, Nitori threw on an old vest and pair of shorts from earlier and flopped on the bed. She trusted Rin with all her heart, every string attached to it throbbed and tingled when he popped in her mind. God, how she loved him.

Nothing would have happened, not with Haruka on watch. Something was there though and for a second Nitori wondered if Nanase thought the same. Surely he did.

It was all so exhausting, why did life and love have to be this tiring. It was draining.

She was just about to drift into a deep sleep until the soft buzz of her phone woke her. Stirring, Nitori's hand slapped around on the nightstand and what a horror when the bloody thing's light almost blinded her.

"Who is it.. If it's Rin I hope he's not lost his keys.. Nnn.."

Soon after adjusting to the blaring brightness Nitori found she was suddenly wide awake.

"Ai-chan were did you go?!"

It was only Nagisa.

Groaning, she typed a quick message back and ignored the text one. Nitori was too tried, no energy was left for texting at this hour. She still felt a bit overwhelmed over Sousuke. He was indeed very endearing, they would meet again someday. After all, this was his hometown, no matter how far the burly brunette ventured he always wound up back in Iwatobi.

He managed to cheer her up tonight, that was the main thing and she could dream in peace.

Shortly after with Nitori flat out, Rin arrived home. Okay, he wasn't that drunk but tipsy at the most. He was going to regret it in the morning no doubt, luckily it was his day off but that didn't mean he would somehow muster up the strength to do some training.

He made it into their bedroom and found his little Nitori balled up beneath the sheets. Sousuke already messaged him, not that he minded as he knew she would be in safe hands.

She didn't know but half way through the night he went looking for her and freaked out when she was missing. Yet when he found out she was taken and at home soundly he was relieved.

The redhead threw off his shirt elsewhere and then discarded his pants before sitting on the edge of the bed next to her. It was dark still but dawn was gradually breaking and therefore it was light enough to trace her delicate features. Nitori never snored, unlike him who could sometimes give her a headache.

"Ai?" He whispered, but nothing came.

She could have stuck round for him at the party, Rin wouldn't have minded if she wanted to leave earlier. Just as long as they were together, it felt nice to show her off. Not that Nitori was really in the picture that evening, he barely saw her at all. It had been in the back of his mind all night if he'd done something wrong or not. That caused him to frown, instead he would ask her tomorrow.

Rin leaned over to press a chaste kiss to her cheek and then another.

"You're so loved," He said softly into her ear.

For a few minutes Rin lay on his side watching her below him. His attention on her wafted in and out, it was the drink's doing but he never really paid much attention to her nowadays. They were just so busy and here he was with a beautiful girlfriend. He really should make more time for her.

Just then her phone vibrated once more. Rin snapped out of his thoughts and for a second patted around thinking it was his phone just when he realized it was actually Nitori's. That was given away from the stupid chibi puppy charm she had dangling off the thing. But who could be calling at this hour though? This was ridiculous.

Okay and he knew she shouldn't do this but Rin couldn't stop himself from flipping the device open.

And now wished that he hadn't.

"Everything will be better in the morning so sleep tight, sweet girl."

There was no number and Rin grew suspicious. "The hell?"

Not thinking properly he typed back asking who it was and when the response came through his blood ran cold.

"We spoke all evening, for a second I thought I was being obvious? Appears not, it's Sousuke."

Oh.

It was only Sousuke, at least Nitori hadn't bin chatting to strangers. He wondered how on earth his friend managed to get hold of her number because he sure as heck hadn't gave it to him.

Rin tried not to let it bother him. They might have chatted a lot when he was walking her back and asked for her number? He didn't know.

No matter what Rin couldn't prevent apprehension and that tad bit of jealousy overwhelm him like it was doing right now. She was his girlfriend, let alone available.

It may seem as a harmless message but he deleted it anyway.

Even though he wanted to wrap his arms around and pull her into his broad chest, Rin had his back to her. They weren't going to discuss it in the morning or ever.

He was a big boy, Rin could take care of himself. Just, why did this hurt?