I SWEAR I'M GOING TO FINISH THIS ONE.

Here is a Free! X KnB story~ Yes, I changed some things, because I don't want it to be exactly like the anime. But trust me, it is mostly like the anime, just a few Changes. So... Enjoy! Please? *Tetsuya puppy eyes*


To say you love swimming is one thing, but to be free is another.

You can stare at a pool all day, indoor or outdoor, trying to find the difference. You could take a dip, swim for as long as you wish, but the difference between swimming and being free is so different. It's rare for someone to know the feeling of free, and when they do, nothing else can change that about you.

To be free will show how you really are, to unlock something deep within. An amazing feeling escapes, a feeling that no sport, no achievement can bring, not even swimming. But just simply being free.

Some people say they love to swim in cold water and relax. That's what it means to love swimming.

But to feel the water on every inch of your skin. To feel the water around you as if it were oxygen, nothing but beauty you were drowning in. To see the clear, blue water making small ripples at the slightest touches, or big waves by great forces, as something so much more.

You practically are one with the water. If the water likes you, then you will know a deeper meaning then loving to swim.

That is what it means to be free.


A short, light blue haired boy stood in front of a large, clean indoor pool. His cerulean eyes scanning the water, yearning to just dive in and become one with the water. Though he held himself back, despite being all ready in his swimsuit, knowing he had to wait.

He didn't have the best body, but it was definitely fit, despite being a middle schooler. The boy was short, but he was still young and didn't grow yet. His body had muscles of course, but no more then any young teen should have. Basically, he was average.

But he had something everyone so rarely felt.

Whenever he swam freestyle in the water, he felt alive. He felt like he could do anything. It was like the water gave him power, giving him the strength to burst through the water. He felt much lighter, more soothed in the water then anywhere else. The water was his life, and he didn't know what he would do without it.

As the boy stared out into the pool, he didn't hear someone else walking up until a hand slapped his bare back. Flinching slightly, he turned in surprise as he saw a redhead behind him.

The redhead had medium blood red hair with cat like eyes to match. He was a few inches taller then him, and he had the best smile. "Don't worry Kuroko, you'll get to swim soon. We just have to wait for Haru." The male said, smiling as he looked out into the water.

"I know, Akashi-kun." Kuroko said simply, studying Akashi. He knew that Akashi didn't feel the true sensations of the water, but he was happy. So he didn't ever tell him what it's like to be free. He didn't think he ever would.

Akashi came from a rich family which expected nothing but perfect from their only child. Akashi tried his hardest to please his father, and thanks to his mother, he managed to get by. Luckily he had the swim club to relax and have fun, especially with his best friends Kuroko Tetsuya and another male named Haruka Nanase.

Kuroko knew that Haruka, who goes by the name Haru since people confused him as a female, was free just like him. They were simular as well, despite being free.

They were both usually quiet and calm, and limited their emotions on their faces. Though when it comes to water, Kuroko and Haruka could be seen stripping in sync until they were in nothing but their swimsuits. They always wore them, and even as they were questioned why, they never answered.

Often times when they dive into the water at the same time, it's immediate race between the two. Though Haruka would mostly win, Kuroko only getting lucky a few times.

Kuroko began shifting from one foot to another, anxious to get into the pool. The water was calling for him, beckoning him to join them and become one like always. Though he had to wait for Haruka, they both did.

Soon enough a boy around their height arrived, having short dark black hair with eyes like dark water. One way they met was because of their eyes. Both their eyes are the eyes of water, Haruka's being darker while Kuroko's was so much lighter.

"Haru-kun." Kuroko greeted softly.

"Hello Kuroko, Akashi. Ready to get in?" He asked, already removing his clothing as his swimsuit was always on.

"We both are." Akashi answered with a smile as Haruka came closer.

"Come on." Was all Haruka said before he began running towards the pool, Kuroko following close behind. Akashi just sighed, wondering how the two could be so excited to swim. He didn't follow them, just walking after them. The most beautiful thing in the world, was to see his two best friends diving into the water in sync.

Akashi watched as Kuroko and Haruka just dove in, creating a big splash together. Akashi crouched on the edge of the pool, watching the two swimmers just idly swim about under water. For middle schoolers, they were amazing. It was like they were apart of the water.

Soon they resurfaced at the same time, next to each other in the middle of the pool. Haruka used his hand to push his wet locks back as Kuroko gestured for Akashi to join them. Smiling, the redhead stepped back, before gracefully diving into the water.

He always loved swimming.

As Akashi swam closer to Kuroko and Haruka, it took longer then what the other two would. Sometimes Akashi noticed that Kuroko and Haruka were better at swimming then him, but he didn't mind. After all, he did have a busy life, being a rich kid. He was lucky to even be allowed on a swim club.

Akashi swam up to Kuroko and Haruka and resurfaced, smiling. "It's fun swimming together."

"I agree." Kuroko said, brushing his wet hair out of his face to look at Akashi. Haruka didn't reply, but they both knew that Haruka agrees as well.

"Well, I heard we are having a tournament next week. Let's practice hard, alright?" Akashi said with a small grin, and the two quiet boys nodded. Always so silent.

With a silent message going between all of them, they all swam off in different directions to practice the different strokes and to practice their speed while swimming. Akashi knew he would have to cherish every time he swam at all, knowing that one day his father might not allow him to continue if he thought it was pointless.


A week later the tournament finally arrived, and all the swim members were excited. The team was big, but Kuroko only knew Akashi and Haruka, ditto for the other two.

Kuroko began stretching as he stared out into the gorgeous indoor pool, memorized by the water. The water was always beautiful, so clean and perfect. It took all he had to refrain from jumping in the water and to just swim around.

He turned his head when he heard someone walking up, seeing it was Haruka. "Haru-kun, how are you?" Kuroko asked, shifting his whole body to face the water boy.

"I'm good. I see you are excited to swim." Haruka replied quietly, looking out into the pool. It was easy to block out all the people chatting around the pool, the people that was there to watch the tournament.

"You are excited as well. I can see it in your eyes." Kuroko said, making Haruka glance at him.

"Yours show the same as well." Haruka replied, making Kuroko smile softly.

Before their conversation could continue, Kuroko saw Akashi approaching from the corner of his eye. Turning his head, he noticed Akashi looked worried.

"Akashi-kun?" Kuroko asked, making Haruka look as well when he heard the concern in his tone.

"My father.." Akashi began, frowning. Kuroko blinked, and wondered if his father told Akashi that he couldn't swim in this tournament. Or at all. "He's here. He's going to watch me swim."

Of all things, Kuroko least expected that.

"He's going to watch you?" Haruka asked, tilting his head.

"Yes. And he's going to watch one of our practices if I do good here. But if I don't do good, I know he'll..." Akashi trailed off but they all knew. If Akashi wasn't seen as perfect in swimming, his father wouldn't let him continue.

A hand clasped on Akashi's shoulder, making Akashi look at Haruka in surprise. It was so rarely that Haruka touched someone. "You are a great swimmer. Don't worry about this. You will do good." Haruka reassured softly, making Akashi's eyes widen.

The redhead then smiled, nodding. "Thank you, Haru."

Kuroko walked up to them, smiling. "We will do our best, for you and for the team." He said, placing his hand on top of Haruka's. The other two nodded as Akashi placed his hand over Kuroko's.

"Together, we will win this."

Soon a whistle blew, getting everyone's attention. The tournament was about to begin. It was just a simple relay, then a freestyle. All they knew is that Kuroko and Akashi would do a relay together, and sadly Haruka would do a relay with another club member, who was named Rin. But they would all freestyle against the other team in a race.

Their coach asked who wanted to do the relay first, and Akashi volunteered, so that meant Kuroko had to volunteer as well. The coach nodded and told them to get ready and decide who goes first.

"Do you want me to go first, Kuroko?" Akashi asked as they walked back to Haruka who was staring at the pool again.

"No, let me go first. That way your father will clearly see how wonderful you have gotten at swimming." Kuroko decided, looking at Akashi who reluctantly nodded.

"Thanks." Akashi said, bowing his head a little.

Kuroko smiled, shaking his head. "No problem."

"All first swimmers get into position!" A man yelled, his voice echoing throughout the indoor pool.

"Good luck." Haruka said to both of them, where Akashi smiled and Kuroko nodded.

The light blue haired male moved towards the pool, getting onto the board first, getting ready. Kuroko saw who he was going against before looking away. He closed his eyes, relaxing as he readied himself. As soon as he heard the signal, he dove into the water quickly.

Kuroko felt the water around him, a calm passing through him as he began swimming quickly. It felt as if the water was pushing him with an invisible force, making him reach the other end in no time. Twisting, he kicked his feet on the edge to get a boost.

Knowing he was ahead, Kuroko slowed down a little. He couldn't bring too much attention to himself, as he knew Akashi had to look perfect. Though he would never go easy on an opponent.

He relished the feeling of the cold water around him, swallowing him whole. Kuroko could feel the strength and power, and it filled him with a feeling that made him feel like he could do anything. With such power he felt like he could swim from Japan to America in one day, even though it was impossible.

Soon enough, Kuroko felt his hands touch the edge of the pool and he resurfaced for a deep breath. Behind him he heard a splash, knowing it was Akashi.

kuroko saw a hand in front of his face and looked up, seeing Haruka. Smiling, he took his hand and pulled himself up with the help of his friend. He then looked back, seeing Akashi swimming so gracefully. For someone who just loved swimming, he was good.

Akashi was average speed but he did have beauty in his strokes. It was obvious he was working hard, knowing his father was among the crowd watching for perfection.

Haruka pulled Kuroko back away from the pool slightly so Akashi would have room to get out when he finished. The redhead soon emerged at the end with a heavy breath, and pulled himself up. The other competitor finally made it, pulling himself up as well.

Akashi panted as he walked towards Kuroko and Haruka, looking worried. "Was I okay? Do you think that was enough?"

"It was beautiful, Akashi-kun. Don't worry." Kuroko reassured, smiling. Haruka nodded in agreement. Akashi sighed in relief, returning the smile. "Thanks, guys."

"Let's sit and wait, okay?" Haruka suggested, leading them away from the pool.

They sat down and waited until it was Haruka's turn. Akashi cheered Haruka on as he walked to the pool while Kuroko just reassured him. When one was free, it didn't matter if one won or lost. It was only a matter of being able to swim with the water.

Haruka was absolutely beautiful when he saw, memorizing Kuroko. He would never question if they should have become friends. Besides Akashi, Haruka was someone he could talk to. Someone he trusted with his life, and someone he could swim with. He was glad he had another friend who was free. Kuroko still remembered the day he met Haruka.


Kuroko shyly entered the closed indoor pool in his new school. It was the first day of school, and after school he immediately went to the pool when he was sure no one had activities in the pool that day.

He just needed to swim, to feel the water around him to relax. The water has been cajoling him to join it all day every time he walked by to another class. Kuroko needed to swim.

He began walking towards the pool, but stopped in his tracks as he heard a splash. Water droplets flew in the air as a figure appeared out of the water, shaking his head free of water. Kuroko watched in surprise. He didn't think anyone was there.

Before Kuroko could flee, the boy noticed him and immediately dove under water. Kuroko watched as he began swimming towards the edge, and he walked closer to watch. The way he swam under water was magical, almost as if he was born in the water. It almost reminded Kuroko of a dolphin.

The boy emerged once again, slightly getting Kuroko wet but he didn't care. The boy rested his arms on the edge of the pool, as Kuroko crouched down in front of him.

"You love to swim, don't you?" Kuroko asked softly, catching the boys attention but said nothing. "I could tell by how you swim. You looked... Free."

"I am Free." The boy replied quietly, making Kuroko tilt his head. They were silent for a moment, before the boy sighed. "Are you here to swim?"

Kuroko nodded, before holding out his hand. "I am Tetsuya Kuroko, nice to meet you..."

"Haruka Nanase." Haruka replied, reluctantly taking the dry hand. Kuroko smiled as he felt the hand soaked in water shake his own, wetting it.

"Do you mind if I join you?" Kuroko asked and Haruka shrugged as he swam away, in case Kuroko liked diving in.

Kuroko stepped back and began stripping of clothing, already having his swimsuit on. Haruka watched him with a blank face, tilting his head. "You seemed ready to swim."

"I always have them on, most the time." Kuroko explained, looking away, embarrassed.

"I do too." Haruka replied, making Kuroko look back in surprise. He then smiled, walking towards the pool. He stepped up onto the board, looking at the clean water.

With a deep breath, Kuroko dove into the water.

Kuroko couldn't tell that Haruka was watching him with interest as he swam quickly under the water, emerging with a small splash.

"Do you love to swim?" Haruka asked, and Kuroko looked over.

"...I guess you could say that, but... I feel like there is a deeper meaning." Kuroko said, humming as he tried to think of how to explain.

"A deeper meaning?" Haruka asked, swimming closer to get a better look at the kid in front of him. The first thing he noticed was eyes the color of water.

"Yeah... Like, the water is always beckoning me to swim with it." Kuroko started, not minding if Haruka stared. "I feel like I can do anything when I swim. I can feel the power and beauty of the water every time I dive in, giving me strength. I'm filled with a feeling that overwhelms me, and I never want to leave the water."

Kuroko then looked away, scratching his cheek embarrassingly. "I'm sorry, that's crazy, isn't it?"

"I feel the same." Haruka replied, and Kuroko stared at him. He then smiled, then looked around. "Want to race?"

"Okay." Haruka agreed, and Kuroko didn't know if he was imagining, but he thought he saw the tiniest of a smile on the water boy's face.


Without noticing, it was Kuroko's turn for the freestyle. Stretching, he stood up and walked towards the board again. Freestyle was his favorite, as he could do as he wished.

"Go Kuroko!" Kuroko heard Akashi cheer and he shook his head. He was always so excited.

Akashi watched as the signal was given and Kuroko with the competitor dived in. Akashi could clearly see the strength and speed in Kuroko's freestyle swimming, and his smile slowly dropped.

How far ahead was Kuroko in swimming?

Compared to Kuroko, he was at the bottom of the pool, sunken like a rock as he watched Kuroko swim around on the surface. Kuroko was better at swimming then him, he already knew. But the fact that he knew his father would notice worried him.

Would he continue to swim if his father noticed his friends were better then him?

Akashi didn't even notice Haruka was swimming now. All he knew that at his lonely floor at the bottom of the pool, he watched as two dolphins meet in the water. The light blue dolphin swam away as the dark blue followed. They yipped excitedly as they swam away further from Akashi, who was being left behind.

The tournament soon ended, with Kuroko's team winning by a landslide. The whole team took a picture with the trophy, but who ever got the best points among the team would take it home. It was Haruka who got it, and Akashi insisted they got a picture for a memory.

Akashi pulled Haruka and Kuroko closer by their shoulders, and the two silent boys didn't complain at the touch. Akashi was grinning, and Kuroko just simply smiled. Haruka wasn't so excited on the outside, but the two best friends knew that he was indeed happy. He was smiling on the inside.

"Say, let's have a practice tomorrow?" Kuroko asked his friends once the photo was taken.

"I have no problem with that." Haruka replied, and Akashi nodded.

"I'll tell my father. Normal time?" Akashi asked, and once he got a nod, he walked off. Two pairs of blue eyes followed the redhead, seeing him walk to a tall red haired man who must've been the father.

"Let's hope he can continue swimming." Haruka said, saying Kuroko's thoughts.

"Yes. Let's hope."


The next day Kuroko swam in their school's pool, idly practicing his free style swimming.

Coming up from the water with a deep breath, he heard a splash. Looking over, he saw Haruka swim up to him. Kuroko smiled, tilting his head when Haruka emerged in front of him. "Where's Akashi?"

"I don't know." Kuroko replied, looking around.

"Do you think he will continue swimming?" Haruka asked, moving to float on his back.

"I don't know." Kuroko repeated, moving to float along side Haruka. "But... Knowing Akashi, he loves to swim. He won't give it up without a fight."

"But he's not Free." Haruka said, making Kuroko close his eyes.

"I know." Kuroko said simply. He didn't know if Akashi would ever be Free.

Haruka sighed and tilted his head back, diving into the water. Kuroko stayed floating, just thinking. Would Akashi ever be Free? He might have a chance if he is released from his father's strings that played him like a puppet.

Kuroko kept his eyes closed, relaxing as he felt the water under him confront him. Though soon he felt water splashed on his face and he shook his head as he stood up in the water.

"Where is Akashi?" Haruka asked, nodding his head towards the clock. An hour has passed without them noticing. Was Akashi not coming?

"...We should get out of the pool for today." Was all Kuroko said, swimming to the edge. Haruka followed after, silently agreeing.

As they got out and dried off, they sat on the bench as they got warm. They decided as they warmed up they would wait for Akashi in case he was late.

"He's not coming." Haruka said after half an hour. Kuroko bit his lip but nodded.

They got their clothes on, Kuroko sighing as he did so. He didn't think Akashi would stand them up like that. Something must've happened.

"I'm sure something just happened." Kuroko said once they exited the pool.

"What if his father stopped him from swimming?" Haruka asked, looking at Kuroko.

"His father promised he would watch the tournament and one of our practices before making the decision." Kuroko explained. "I know Akashi-kun. He keeps his promises."

Haruka just hummed, shrugging his shoulders. "I guess we won't know until tomorrow at school."


Akashi didn't show up to school the next day. Or the next few weeks. It worried Kuroko to no end, and even as Haruka hid it, Kuroko knew he was slowly beginning to worry too.

The two sat together on the roof with their bentos, quietly eating. It wasn't an awkward silence, but peaceful. They leaned on the fence surrounding the roof so no one fell off, and Kuroko sighed.

Haruka hummed in questioning, but Kuroko shook his head. Only a few people could understand their silent conversations. Kuroko stopped eating, just idly picking at his food, which was a rare sight.

"What's the matter?" Haruka finally asked, knowing the boy wouldn't bring up the topic without him asking.

Kuroko was silent for a moment as he tried gathering his words. "I'm worried. What happened to Akashi-kun? Where has he been these past few weeks?"

"Maybe his father transferred him?" Haruka suggested.

"He's still in the role call, and no teacher said he moved..." Kuroko said, frowning which was also another rare sight.

"It will be okay." Haruka reassured, placing a hand on Kuroko's shoulder. "If what you said was true about swimming, then he will be back."

Kuroko reluctantly nodded, sighing. "Sorry. I'm just scared that he won't come back."

"He will." Haruka said, before releasing his shoulder and continued eating.

"Thank you, Haru-kun." Kuroko said, smiling. Haruka stared at him for a moment, before looking away and nodding.

Kuroko continued eating his lunch, idly thinking about what Haruka said. Would Akashi ever return? It's a scary thought, to lose a friend without a word uttered about it. He hoped he would at least swim with Akashi one more time.

The school day passed by quickly, and finally the end of the day showed up. Haruka caught up with Kuroko as they began walking to the indoor pool, planning to still practice. Even if Akashi disappeared, they couldn't just stop swimming.

When they entered the pool, they were surprised to see a man already there with his kid. No, not just any man with their kid. It was Akashi with his father.

"Akashi-kun.." Kuroko said, trying to hide his surprise and relief. Haruka stared blankly at Akashi's father, who studied them.

"Race me." Was all Akashi said, his voice almost cold.

Kuroko was confused. Akashi finally came back after disappearing, and the first thing he says is 'Race me'?

"Fine." Haruka said, already taking off his shirt. Akashi sighed and copied Haruka, which surprised Kuroko. Were they really going to just race out of the blue?

As the two walked towards the boards, Kuroko felt eyes on him. He looked back at Akashi's father who was staring at him, then turned his attention to the two boys who were going to race.

Kuroko sighed and walked closer. "This will only be a simple back and forth freestyle race. Nothing more." He said as Akashi and Haruka got ready. With a sigh, Kuroko gave the signal to race.

Kuroko watched as Haruka already got a head start thanks to his more powerful jump. Haruka swam quickly, beautifully, not even holding back. Akashi was close behind, and made it to the wall a few second after Haruka did.

Kuroko glanced behind him and saw Akashi's father watching intensely. Was he interested in Akashi or Haruka?

Looking back, Haruka emerged from the edge of the pool, barley breathing heavily. Akashi made it to the end, his arms on the side as he panted hard. He almost looked defeated from Kuroko's view.

Then Akashi's eyes sharpened as he climbed out of the water. "Race me." He repeated, looking straight at Kuroko.

"I'm not sure.." Kuroko replied, knowing that Akashi would have no chance.

"Race me." Akashi insisted, stepping back onto the board carefully. Sighing, Kuroko stripped down to his swimsuit again. Haruka gave the same words Kuroko did, and once the signal was given, Kuroko dived in justike Haruka did.

He was already ahead of Akashi who was trying to keep up. He watched him whenever he turned his head to get air when he swam. What would happen if he won?

He got to the other side of the pool and made a quick decision.

Kuroko slipped up the push on the wall, letting Akashi catch up while he pretending to lose his momentum. He watched Akashi go ahead before he continued swimming as well.

Making it to the end, Akashi already climbing out of the water, he did the same.

"Why?" Akashi asked as soon as Kuroko emerged. Looking up, he saw Akashi was staring at him with angry eyes. "Why did you let me win?"

Kuroko just looked away, unable to answer. He didn't think Akashi noticed. He thought if Akashi win, they could continue swimming together.

Kuroko looked back at Akashi when he noticed he was walking closer. His eyes widened slightly as he saw a glimpse of gold in Akashi's left eye. Akashi frowned, grasping Kuroko's shoulders. "Why did you let me win? Do you think I'm weak?" He asked in anger.

Kuroko looked around, not knowing what to do. Haruka was watching, almost looking surprised which was a rare emotion to cover his emotionless face. What was even worse was that Akashi's father said nothing, not even stopping his son.

"You do!" Akashi yelled in anger, his voice traveling through the large room. Kuroko looked back, shaking his head. "No, you aren't weak. I.. Just wanted to swim with you again."

"And letting me win would solve that?" Akashi asked with a growl. "I'd rather swim with a shark." This wasn't Akashi, he never got mad Kuroko realized.

"..Who are you?" Kuroko whispered his question, making Akashi blink. He then smiled, his hands slowly crawling to Kuroko's neck. "I'm Akashi Seijuuro. Remember me as the person who will one day surpass you."

"Akashi!" Haruka raised his voice slightly to try to get his attention, but it didn't work. Hands tightened around Kuroko's neck and his own shot up to grasp Akashi's arms. Kuroko saw Haruka begin to run towards them, and everything froze.

He could see the dangerous glint in Akashi's eyes as he growled in anger. Haruka was running for them, and Kuroko wondered what Haruka could do in this situation.

His hands slowly fell as he didn't fight Akashi, his eyes closing. He wouldn't kill him he knew, because no matter what Akashi this was, he knew he would always be down deep inside the imposter.

Right?

"Kuroko!"

Kuroko's eyes opened in shock as he felt the hands disappear from his neck, and instead a fist hit his jaw. Was... Did Akashi hit him? He couldn't see because he soon fell back with a huge splash as he landed in the pool, water surrounding him.

The water stung in his wife opened eyes, and he gasped, accidentally swallowing the water. For once his body wouldn't work as if he was in shock. He could only sink as he tried to resurface, feeling a sudden pressure around him.

Soon Kuroko got too tired too quickly, giving up. He stared up, seeing a figure dive into the water. He couldn't tell who it was as his vision was blurry thanks to the water. He couldn't think either, too shocked.

Haruka grabbed Kuroko and began swimming upwards, making sure to get Kuroko above water before himself. He pushed Kuroko onto the edge of the pool, climbing out quickly. He then gently moved Kuroko away from the pool, Akashi and his father no where to be seen.

Kuroko rolled over onto his stomach, coughing madly. He spit out a lot of water, still coughing after ward's. He still felt so weak, and his eyes still stung, his jaw throbbing from where he was hit.

"Kuroko, are you okay?" Haruka asked almost worriedly, and Kuroko looked up at him weakly.

"..Y-yes.." He murmured, closing his eyes. Haruka pulled him closer, grabbing a towel from their bags and wrapping it around Kuroko.

"..What exactly happened?" Kuroko asked after a few minutes, beginning to lean on Haruka tiredly.

"Akashi.. He hit you. I'm sorry for not making it in time. You fell in the water and I guess you swallowed the water, and were too shocked to swim." Haruka explained softly.

So Akashi... did hit him? This wasn't the Akashi he knew.

"Where did they go?.." Kuroko asked, seeing the redheads no where in sight.

"They fleed once you fell in the water. I think even Akashi's father was surprised." Haruka said with a small sigh. "I'll get you home. Can you walk?"

Kuroko couldn't answer, his eyes closing. He felt so tired and he just wanted to go into a deep sleep. He felt hurt. Akashi had hurt him, and practically left their friendship behind. And it was all his fault.