Unnoticeable

Chapter 1

" Haru-chan cooked for me~ "

*A MakoHaru based fanfiction. I do not own Free! Iwatobi High School or any of the characters.

The point of this chapter is to set the stage, introduce the characters and show the readers where the pair are, what they are doing, and how they are currently handling life.

It had been a full three semesters, which felt like three years to both Makoto and Haruka who had joined separate universities in Tokyo. After Makoto announced to Haru that he would be leaving to a university in Tokyo and once Haru realized what he would be doing with his future he decided to follow Makoto to Tokyo with his own intentions in mind. Makoto's educational intentions were driven by his experience with working with children, studying grade school education as well as some classes that were usually given to pediatrician majors. Haru on the other hand was attending a university about an hour away from Makoto's for their well-known university swim team. Haru took very few classes compared to Makoto since he spent more time improving his swimming skills while still furthering his education. The two after high school decided to live together, not only for each other's company but for their economic standing, moving away from their families wasn't only hard on their friends but also their wallets.

Their small apartment was comfortable for the two of them but inviting a guest would be awkward because of the lack of space. Haruka was offered free room and board at his university when he was awarded his full sports scholarship but Haru never told Makoto, he knew it would be hard for Makoto to live alone, let alone afford it so by living with Makoto it would be easier on him, and he'd be able to see Makoto. Not being able to see Rei and Nagisa left an unsettling feeling in Haru's stomach but Rin's constant calls to Makoto and Nagisa's constant texts to the both of them kept them updated enough to keep them from worrying.

That Nagisa, always spamming us with photos and texts on the weekends.

Haruka sighed, lifting his head to glance up at the whiteboard at the front of the class where the teacher was pointing to the English words. This teacher was too eccentric, acting as though English was the most precious language in all the world. She reminded him of a certain coach that he hadn't heard about in a while. Haru glanced out the window he sat next to, his bright blue eyes settling on a tree out in the courtyard with considerable shade beneath it.

It would be nice to sleep there..

Haru thought to himself, barely paying attention to the rest of the lecture. The room was rather small compared to the rest of the classes at his university, most classes were large and could fit at least one hundred students. The room he was in was a separate building from the main university, the room could maybe fit forty students filled with windows and reminded him of regular high school classrooms. With the ' Easy - A ' classes Haru was taking it wasn't surprising he was in a smaller room with less students. Students began to pack up and so did Haruka, there wasn't a bell system like they had at his high school, students kept their own time and could leave a few minutes early if they didn't disrupt the class. Once Haru was packed and walking out the door he felt a fire start to burn in his gut, a feeling he loved. Haru made his way quickly down the stairs of the building he was in, ignoring any waves from students which he had acquainted in past semesters. Haru could feel an itch within him grow stronger and with his stoic expression found himself staring at a beautifully gated pool. This is what Haru looked forward to every afternoon after his classes. Haruka took no time in swiping his card through the electronic reader and pushing through the gate, dropping his bag to the side along with his clothes, modeling his American Speedoos* that he wore under his shirt. With no time wasted Haru was in the water, making three fast 50m laps before slowing his pace to a leisurely pace, noting to himself to retrieve his goggles and cap later

...

Today was one of the longest days of the week for Makoto, it was nearing the evening and Makoto was in his fourth lecture and he could feel the sweat on the back of his neck collect. The large lecture room filled with students to the brim made the already warm season worse. Not only was he tired but the heat was getting to him, managing to scribble down some notes as the teacher spoke out loudly to the students, making sure his voice reached every student, listening or not. Makoto was your average over achieving college student, keeping top grades but at a high price, a lack of communication with anyone other than Rin, Haruka, and his professors when he didn't understand something. And even then he barely had time for them.

I could really use a break to at least wash my face and neck, this stupid weather.

Makoto sighed out slowly, having a hard time understanding the math lecture, having gotten lost a few minutes earlier. It was nearly impossible to ask a question during a lecture, so if someone got lost they would have to ask the professor later during their office hours after class. Because of this Makoto knew that he would have to visit his professor after his last class of the day, he was grateful that his current class was his last for the day. Though he wasn't looking forward to spending more of his time talking to a professor when he should be studying for tests coming up in the next week.

The night seemed to drag on for Makoto but only seemed to end too soon for Haruka who was currently on his way back to his small shared apartment. Haru sat quietly on the bullet train, his stoic eyes out the window yet again, though it was too dark to see anything.

Makoto was really stressed yesterday, even if he wouldn't admit it. I'm sure he doesn't want to worry me…

"I'll cook. " Haru mumbled to himself on the train, hugging his backpack to his chest which rested in his lap, slipping his hand into it to grab a beaten up paper back which would keep him company on his way home. When he arrived at the station he took the local bus back to the apartment complex, giving a thankful gaze upon his apartment door. Even though their schools were an hour apart from each other, they chose an apartment that met half way which for them was perfect since they could live cheaply and still be able to attend their universities comfortably.

When Haru entered the small apartment, he felt the smallest of smiles grace his lips. The apartment was clean, neat and smelled of comfort, if comfort had an odor. Quickly Haru dropped his backpack on the small love chair where Makoto usually studied, stripping down to his swimsuit, usually lounging in his swimsuit. It didn't take long before Haru was in the small kitchen and wearing his dolphin patched apron, pouring water into their rice cooker which always made just the right amount for the both of them. It wasn't a surprise when Haruka slapped two familiar fish fillets onto a skillet, cooking them slowly. Haru left the food to warm as he freshened up in the apartment's rather spacious bathroom which was probably made for someone elderly.

When Haruka returned to the warm stove to continue cooking he felt slightly anxious, usually Makoto was home by the same time as he was, which was why he rushed to start cooking. Haru pushed aside his anxiousness and continued to cook the mackerel and once it was ready he placed the two fillets on one plate, opening the rice cooker, scooping out the warm rice and placing it on their one large serving plate. Haruka removed his apron and turned off the stove as well as the rice cooker, finding his seat by the fairly sized short table, looking down at the empty plates and glasses, the hot food wafting a wonderful smell and letting off steam. Almost as if on cue Haru heard someone jiggle the handle of their apartment door, feeling comforted by the struggle, knowing exactly who it was.

Makoto entered with an apologetic look, his eyes closed, one hand on the door handle another holding his heavy backpack. Haru was silent and stoic yet his eyes were waiting eagerly for Makoto to open his eyes and see the meal that was made for him. When Makoto finally did open his eyes and analyzed what he saw at the table his eyes slightly widened and his lips parted in a loose O shape. " Haru..." Came a grateful tone from the brunette, which then produced one of his killer smiles, earning a soft glance away from Makoto's smile by the blue eyed teen. Makoto quickly closed the door then dropped his heavier backpack beside Haruka's before leaving to the restroom to wash his hands. In the privacy of the bathroom Makoto smiled bright, chiming quietly, " Haru-chan cooked for me~ " speaking to his reflection in excitement.

Makoto soon returned to their little dining table, sitting on his knees in front of Haruka, shifting till he was comfortable. Haru was expressionless, picking up his thin metal chopsticks and a small serving plate, picking up what he wanted. Makoto had the most appreciative smile on his face as he did the same.

Makoto must have really needed some comfort today.. cooking for him always seems to cheer him up.

Makoto bit into his bit of mackerel happily, never complaining when Haru cooked for him, even though in the past his mackerel obsession was always a topic of conversation. Haru was the first to speak, but not with his mouth. Whenever Makoto and Haruka met eyes they had a strange ability to speak without ever talking. Though to the blue eyed teen's frustration, Makoto seemed to be the only one who could understand him and know what he was thinking, Haru could never read Makoto's eyes.

How was school..

The subtle look Haru gave explained everything to Makoto, noticing the faint friendly worry in his eyes. " It was a long day, I'm sorry about coming a little late. I had no idea you would cook. I'm glad. ". Makoto paused to take a breath. Haruka kept eating but kept his eyes up on Makoto as he spoke. " I had to stay after school with a professor again.. " Makoto received another silent response from the other. " My mathematics professor. " He answered, receiving a nod from Haru. For the next fifteen or so minutes the two were quiet, enjoying each other's company as well as the food. When they were done, Makoto was the one who picked up the dirty dishes, cleaning them in the kitchen with a handsome smile. Haru followed to help out, mumbling to the other, " Do you have a lot of homework for tonight? " Makoto gave a nod in the other's direction, he knew Haru asked that question to know if he should wait up for him at bedtime. Though he knew Haruka would never admit to it if he ever confronted him about it so he always kept it to himself.

When the dishes were cleaned and left out to dry Makoto gave Haru a grateful smile. " Thanks for the meal Haru, I really appreciate it. " Haru nodded rubbing his hands dry on a dry dish rag, his stoic eyes seeming to be asking the rag secret questions. Makoto wondered if Haru was trying to avoid eye contact but he didn't push, leaving the small kitchen to retrieve his backpack. Haru followed the other out, sitting at the same table they were eating at before, watching Makoto sit beside him, dumping the contents of his bag on the table. A deep sigh came from the brunette as he buried his face into the piles of papers and folders in defeat. He did it every ' long ' day of school, trying to motivate himself by making himself sit in one place until he started to work. Haru pulled out his one page of homework, noticing Makoto's frustration.

College changed him a little.

Haru thought to himself, ever since Makoto started college he had been more stressed, smiled less and had little time to be frivolous. Though since Makoto never complained Haru never tried to convince him to drop classes.

Maybe if I can distract him…

Haru thought to himself and he gently tapped Makoto's shoulder the the butt of his pencil. " Maybe you can help me instead. " Makoto lifted his head, cheering up instantly as well as seemingly interested. Haru felt like he accomplished his goal when Makoto was starting to use his hands to explain English to him. Makoto was much better at the English language than Haruka was, though Rin had them both beat put together. All the constant phone calls with Rin was slowly educating Makoto and he actually liked the language so he didn't mind helping out with it. Haru's expression through the tutoring was calm and his eyes were intent, not wanting Makoto's excitement to disappear if he were to think Haru wasn't listening.

Once Haru was finished filling out the worksheet Makoto seemed to be ready to do his own work, putting Haruka at ease. " I'm going to take a bath. " Haruka spoke clearly, standing up from where he was sitting. Haruka almost added ' since you have a lot of work to do, I can take my time ' but drew back the idea of saying it since he didn't want to discourage the green eyed teen with a reminder of the pile of homework he had. Makoto gave Haru one of his obnoxiously sweet smiles before looking back down at his working, letting Haru leave to the restroom. Haru took no time stripping from his bathing suit, he actually wanted to shower, not just wade in the bath water. After Haruka showered he drained the tub and stepped out, opening up a small drawer that was connected to the counter and large mirror. Inside were several folded identical swimsuits that belonged to Haru. Haru slipped into a fresh pair, filling the bath with warm water, waiting for it to fill completely before getting in and spending a considerable amount of time just sitting in the bathwater, thinking to himself.

Poor Makoto in the other room struggled to finish all his homework, almost all of his textbooks opened to one page or another. After two hours Makoto had found himself with a headache yet still continued to work. Makoto heard the bathroom door open and Haru emerged wrinkly as expected, causing Makoto to smile, finding it amusing as to why Haru would stay in the bath so long. Haru walked over to him, wearing his bathing suit and rubbing his hair dry with a small towel. " Sorry Haru-chan I won't be done for a while.. " He spoke with a small apologetic frown. Haru pouted at Makoto's comment, " Drop the chan already.. " He huffed and he turned away walking their shared bedroom, entering and then staring down at the two freshly made futons.

Makoto must have made them before he left.

Haruka thought to himself as he slid comfortably into his futon, laying on his side, staring at the door to their room. Since the two couldn't afford two separate beds they made peace with their own futons, which wasn't really a problem to begin with. It took about twenty minutes before Haru could fall asleep, he had a hard time falling asleep without Makoto, he felt it was unfair that Makoto had to stay up so late at night whereas he could pretty much sleep whenever he wanted to. It was nearly midnight when Makoto entered the dark room, carrying a normal sized pillow in his left arm. Makoto squinted looking for his futon and once he found it he carefully avoided bumping into and waking up Haruka.

Makoto tossed the pillow down first, pulling the futon back and sliding into it, pulling the pillow to his side and resting his head beside it. Ever since Makoto was young he had a rather high body temperature using the pillow as something to cuddle with as well as cool his skin down when he felt too hot. Haru had complained about the pillow a few times, claiming it was something a child did but gave up when Makoto started sleeping on the floor itself to keep cool. Since Haru's futon was adjacent to Makoto's he stared at Haru's sleeping back, holding his pillow close to his chest. " Goodnight Haru " Makoto whispered quietly over to the sleeping teen, not wanting to wake him up. Makoto felt one last smile grace his features before closing his eyes.

School plus… This is getting to me..I need to do something about this.. Maybe my next break..Spring break…. yeah…

With Makoto's wandering thoughts he fell asleep, pressing his face into his pillow with a peaceful expression.

Whatever could be the 'this' Makoto is referring to? In the next chapter the reader will start to understand what else is stressing out Makoto other than school as well as a visit from one of the pair's friends.

** Speedoo - A joke I made off of the American bathing suit brand ' Speedo '.