Hello! This is my first fanfic! I've always wanted to write one but wasn't sure if I had the talent so I decided to just do it anyway. This story might end up being long seeing as how I"m not entirely sure on what i want to do with it yet. Please be gentle as I am but a soft cinnamon roll and of course enjoy.

"Rin, I love you." There it was, his last effort blurted out in the hallways of Samezuka. It couldn't have been worse timing, they were on their way to a party for Rin who had been scouted for the Olympics. Everything was about to change, after graduation he would be leaving for college and Rin leaving for training. He was slipping through his fingers. He thought he could accept letting him go but the words came out almost as if he had no control, like his mouth had a mind of its own. "I have for so long, I didn't want to say anything because you're my best friend and now everything is changing but God damn it I love you Rin."

Rin stopped and turned toward his friend but Sousuke's eyes were firmly planted on the floor. "I had no idea I'm sorry but…" He trailed off again when Sousuke looked up at him. Rin's eyes were apologetic and his mouth turned into a worried frown. He was shocked and confused not knowing exactly what to say. He looked at him. Sousuke held a hard expression and his fists were bawled, it must have took him a lot to say what he did. "I don't feel the same way about you." After those words there was a pause RIn looked down not wanting to see the expression on Sousuke's face, afraid of what it would be.

His heart was in his stomach, he felt stupid and embarrassed. They quietly stood there for a moment before Sousuke spoke again. "It's Nanase. You love him don't you?"

"Sousuke I-" Rin started but Sousuke interrupted.

"It's always Nanase." Sousuke said bitterly. He hated Haru, he hated his apathetic personality, his cocky attitude while racing, and most of all how Rin obsessed over him. Rin had fell speechless and kept his gaze to the floor when Sousuke left, walking away without another word.

Rin breathed out not knowing when he had started holding his breath. He wished he could console him but what would he say? Sorry I'm in love with Haru? He sighed, he knew it was his fault for not noticing how he felt, they were friends, teammates, roommates, but still he had no idea and he felt so guilty. He stood there alone unable to move when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

Nitori Ai

Rin-senpai are you on your way? Almost everyone is here!

Matsuoka Rin

Yeah I'll be there in a few minutes.

"Congratulations Rin!" Everyone cheered as Rin entered the room, he responded with a toothy grin. He had all his friends from Samezuka and Iwatobi there, including his little sister Gou. Rin always felt so grateful to have friends that truly cared for him, they were too good to him.

"Where's Sousuke-senpai?" asked Momo.

"Oh, he wasn't feeling well so he stayed home." Rin lied trying to brush it off as nothing. He tried to forget what had just happened in the hallway, although he still felt awful wanted to have a good time. After all his friends came out to see him.

The party was going smoothly and everyone chatted happily celebrating Rin's success. Rin stepped outside for a moment to get some air when he saw Haru. "Thought I might see you out here." Haru looked back in response. It was getting dark but the light from inside lit up the blossoming trees in view. Haru slipped his hand into Rin's. "I'm gonna miss this. I just got you back into my life and now I'm leaving again." Rin said scratching the back of his neck toting a faked smile.

"Hey Rin?" Haru ask interlocking their fingers and facing him.

"What's up?" Rin questioned confused by the seriousness in Haru's eyes.

"I um… Got scouted, too. I'm going to keep swimming with you". Rin's eyes widened and his smile grew as he embraced Haru. He couldn't believe it, he looked down on Haru's face and he smiled back at him. Rin pulled him into a firm and happy kiss.

"Have you told anyone?" Rin asked. Haru shook his head and Rin gave him another chaste kiss.

"Ehem." Rin and Haru turned to see their team's staring at them. "Haru-chan you've been keeping secrets!" Nagisa said pointing at the entangled hands of his friends.

"Tsk tsk Rin-senpai has been holding out on us!" Said Momo in the background.

"Umm.. surprise?" said Rin shrugging his shoulders with an anxious laugh, a deep blush grew on the pair. Everyone laughed and went back inside saying how they had basically already known and how bad Rin was keeping it hidden. Turns their sneaking around wasn't exactly sneaky at all.

It was getting late and everyone started to leave, with only Makoto and Haru left.

"I think we're going to head home." Haru said.

"Do you mind if I come spend the night tonight?" Rin asked thinking of how awkward it would be to see Sousuke so soon.

"Yeah sure." Haru replied.

"Okay I'm going to go to my room and get some clothes so you can head out without me." Rin gave his boyfriend a kiss and said goodbye to Makoto. It was easier now that everyone knew, and he thought it was silly of them to keep it a secret at all. With the friends he had surrounding him there was endless support. His mind shifted to Sousuke again, he said it was always Haru. What had he meant by that?

"Oh and tell Yamazaki-san to get well soon." Makoto said while grabbing his jacket to leave. Rin nodded in response and watched his friend exit the room.

On the way back to his room he was nervous to see Sousuke again but when he opened his door he was nowhere to be seen, he was both worried and relieved. Not knowing where he went he sent him a text saying he wouldn't be in the room tonight, he figured Sousuke felt as awkward as he did and didn't want to be in the room with him. He grabbed his stuff and headed towards the train station.

"So." Makoto started on the walk to the station. "How long?" Haru looked at him quizzically. "You and Rin, I mean." Makoto wasn't stupid, he noticed as much as the others did, but he wanted to wait till Haru told him himself. Clearly that didn't happen so he thought he might pry a little into the situation.

"Oh well." Haru paused thinking of exactly when it occurred. "I guess you could say after regionals."

"Hm." Makoto nodded not at all surprised by the lack of detail. "I'm glad you're both happy." He paused a moment. "Are you guys going to stay together while Rin's in the Olympics? I heard the training is pretty rough and takes up a lot of time, plus he'll be gone for so long." Makoto said concerned.

"I'm going too, I was scouted." Haru said flatly.

"WHAT!?" Makoto exclaimed looking at his friend in disbelief. "Why haven't you told anyone?" Haru shrugged kicking a rock that was on the road. Makoto shook his head, Haru was keeping lots of secrets it seemed. He felt disappointed that he didn't tell him sooner, he was afraid they would grow apart after he went to college but not he thought it might be happening sooner than that.

"I'm going to tell everyone at graduation, while we're all together." Haru said thinking Makoto would be satisfied with his answer. He wasn't sure why he hadn't told anyone, it almost seemed unreal like a dream and he was afraid of saying it out loud as if the words would make it fall apart. All he's ever wanted was to swim with Rin and now he can while helping Rin's dream come true too.

As they reached the station there didn't seem to be anyone around besides one man sitting on a bench.

"Isn't that Yamazaki-san?" asked Makoto looking at the strange man. "Yamazaki-san!" He called out. Sousuke looked up seeing Makoto and Haru and started walking towards them. "Hey I heard you were in bed si-" Makoto was suddenly cut off as Sousuke punched Haru to the ground, "Haru!" Makoto yelled, then bent down to help his friend looking up again to see Sousuke already leaving. "Haru are you okay?" He had a hand covering his left eye, rolling on his side in pain. He was confused wondering what the hell that had been about.