It was another typical day for Rin Matsuoka. He awoke to his alarm and left silently to go for his morning run. He took pride in his physique and never ceased to enhance it. He had to keep himself in top shape if he ever expected to get scouted for the Olympics. It was his dream, and he was slowly getting closer to it.

Rin's breaths created soft and formless white clouds as he ran in the chilled air. The cold felt good against his skin, which was slick with a thin layer of sweat. He took a swig of water from his bottle and pushed himself harder, his breath becoming harsher and more ragged. Rin enjoyed routine, and he followed the same path every day. Around half an hour or so later, Rin reached his most favourite part of his run-the harbour. Against the rising sun, the water glimmered beautifully and the scenery was breathtaking. He loved looking at the sea, especially during this time. He paused for a break so he could admire the view. Since it was so early, the area was practically empty. The serene silence calmed Rin, who didn't enjoy large crowds.

A black figure in the water caught his eye. Rin's eyes trailed to the silhouette.

Ah. He's here again today huh.

From afar, the black haired boy looked around his age, maybe a year or two older. Rin silently watched the figure as he bobbed in the water, up down, up down. It was sort of relaxing, watching him. Once in awhile, the boy would dive under and disappear, down in the water far too long to be human. But each time Rin thought the boy had gone for good, he would resurface. It mesmerized Rin and brought on a small pang of jealousy along with it. Being able to hold his breath that long would be a huge advantage when he raced; but it would only ever be a dream.

The hell is that kid doing though. He's been doing this every day since I first saw him two weeks ago. It's only getting colder. How can he be swimming in the ocean, of all things, in this temperature. Isn't he cold? Rin also loved to swim and he found comfort in the water, but he didn't-or maybe he couldn't- love it like that.

Usually, Rin would watch for a bit and then continue along as he did. Today, for the first time in a long time, he broke his beloved routine

and headed towards the boy.

"Hey you. Oi!" he called out to the figure in the water.

As he ventured closer, Rin's eyes widened slightly.

Wow was all his thoughts could muster.

Up close, the black haired boy, with his pale skin, sharp face and sea blue eyes that sparkled as it reflected the water was undeniably

"Beautiful"

Rin stared blankly for a moment, before realizing that the comment was directed towards him. He started, "Huh?" as he looked down. His face blushed a hue of pink which oddly matched the pink-orange-and-purple of the sky.

You're the beautiful one, Rin thought, his mouth slightly ajar.

The boy in the water was looking up, his clear eyes imploring on Rin's magenta ones. He continued staring, expressionless. Then he realized what he had said. Quickly, he drew his hand up to hide his face and flushed crimson red. His face turned away and he looked down, embarrassed.

"Hey now, what're you getting embarrassed for? You're the one who said it! besides, is that even something you say to a man? I can't say I agree with you either." Rin laughed.

The black haired boy turned back to him with a sour expression. "I take it back then."

"Hm, is that so? Well, whatever. You're a pretty interesting guy, in many ways. My name is Matsuoka Rin. What's yours?"

"Haru...ka" the boy mumbled.

"Haruka what?"

"Just Haruka."

"Got it. Guess I'll call you Haru then. That'a a pretty girly name though, Haruka." Rin smirked.

Haru shot a glare at Rin and retorted, "Like you're one to talk, Rin!"

Although they had just met, Rin was surprised at how well they got along. They seemed to click. Rin wouldn't be able to joke like this with any other stranger. He barely even joked with his friends or teammates. He felt bad about it, but he never felt as though he truly fit in and so he never really tried to.

"You've got me there. Man, what were my parents thinking." Rin grinned, exposing his sharp teeth, "So wonder boy, what exactly are you doing?"

Haru's eyebrows pulled in at the words "wonder boy" but he still answered.

"Swimming."

Rin sighed, "I can see that. But at this time? In this temperature? The water must be freezing!"

Haru shrugged, "It doesn't really bother me..."

"You aren't cold?"

Another shrug. "Not really. The water is nice. I love it. And I like being alone."

Rin nodded, understanding completely.

He likes being alone too huh. Oh. Is that a sign? Rin pursed his lips.

"I see...". Crap. Now it was awkward. "Ah! Haru, which school do-"

"Your teeth are very sharp. Like a sharks." Haru mentioned suddenly.

This time, it was Rin's face who pulled into a sour expression. His weird teeth were always a sensitive subject and he didn't like them much. They used to be the reason for his being teased after all. It's not as if he expected Haruka to understand, but it wasn't something a normal person would point out to someone they just met.

"Ah, yeah they are," he said bluntly, "I was born this way; nothing much I can do about them. Even if they are weird."

His eyes prickled.

Damnit! Rin thought. This was another part of him he hated. Unfortunately, against his will, he was by nature, sensitive and his eyes were his biggest giveaway; they liked to spring water like fountains for no reason at all. He was NOT going to cry in front of someone he just met.

"No, that's not what I meant. I like them, your teeth...they're pretty cool. And I admire sharks, even though we don't get along very well." he said matter-of-factly.

This was the first time someone had said something like that to Rin and he didn't know how to respond. He pulled the rim of his running cap down and mumbled a thank-you. Then: "You're a pretty weird guy you know? Besides, who gets along with sharks anyways? They're usually lone predators."

Haru made a noise to show he was thinking. "Well...the Octopi do. So do the whales and the sting rays seem to like them too. They get along well enough."

Rin was confused, "Erm...what?"

Haru's face showed no sign of joking.

"You're joking right?"

He wasn't.

Shit! This kid is a psycho! No wonder he's swimming in water when it's this cold out.

Being careful so as not to upset Haru, Rin said tentatively, "Is that so? Haha...that's interesting. I see. Well, I better finish my run. So, bye." Rin turned around in a rush.

"What's a run?"

"Hah?!" Rin exclaimed. As I thought! He IS weird! "You don't know what running is? How is that possible? Have you been living under a rock your whole life?!"

Haru answered calmly, "No. I've been here. I don't live under a rock. I sleep on one but it's really comfortable when you line it with seaweed and kelp and stuff."

Rin's head was going in circles. "What are you talking about Haru?"

Haru ignored him, "So, what's a run?"

"Well...it's um..this?" Rin jogged in a tight circle

Haru's eyes lit up, "Ohh. I see. I wish I could do that too."

"What do you mean? Course you can. If you would just get outta that water!"

Haru shook his head

"What, you got no legs or somethin'?" he scoffed

From the distance, chimes sounded.

"No, I-"

"Oh Crap! It's this time already?! I'll be late! Haru, right? I'll catch ya later. Don't catch a cold!" Rin called back as he dashed off in the direction of his school.

"I don't have 'legs' is what I was going to say..." Haru mumbled quietly as he submerged himself under the water, blowing out bubbles. He casted his eyes downwards and with a flick, drew his tail upwards.

...

-Do you like? Please tell me! Also, I will for sure put in a lemony scene as part of the epilogue (hence the label of M), but I want to know if you would like one in the main story as well?

Thanks (:

Jem