Here's my next Free! oneshots (spoilers for season 3)! This time they're all about Haruka x Albert! I totally fell in love with this pairing, even though we just met Albert in episode 9. He's so cool!

These oneshots will have no connection to one another (unless mentioned at the beginning of the chapter). Though, some oneshots may be based off of my headcanons on tumblr.

I don't own the Free! series. That belongs to Masahiro Yokotani and Koji Oji.

Oneshot #1 – Unexpected


"How do you buy this?"

These words shocked Haru. So this guy was new here? Perhaps that was why Haru didn't recognize his swim jacket? It was no matter though. Haru could tell he needed help.

Looking down at what the blond wanted, Haru couldn't help but smile. This was a pleasant surprise. So far, none of his friends shared a love for his favorite fish. Sure, sometimes they would eat it if there was nothing else, but Haru knew that given a choice? Mackerel would not be their preferred meal.

To see someone that actually wanted to purchase mackerel like this was refreshing. Quickly stepping forward, Haru paid for the tickets. Grabbing both, Haru gestured for the guy to follow. As they made their way to the cafeteria, Haru couldn't help but feel something had shifted because of his simple act.

Earlier when Haru had finished swimming and been walking down the hall, he hadn't been set on a destination. So to be here now with this swimmer, waiting for their meal? Haru felt his stomach growl. It wasn't uncommon for this to happen, especially in anticipation for mackerel. Hearing an echoing growl, he stared as the other man blushed and laughed.

"Guess you're hungry too? Don't worry the food will be here shortly." Not a second later, he smelt it. The delicious aroma of fish still sizzling. Head bowed, Haru said thanks for his food and dug in. A few seconds later, Haru realized he was the only one doing so. He then saw how the blonde kept dropping food. When it happened a second time, Haru stood up and left the table.

After returning with a set of utensils, Haru stood shocked for a moment. The other swimmer held the chopsticks well, picking up food securely with each bite. Well, this guy seemed to be a quick learner. Continuing to his seat, Haru set the knife and fork aside. It wasn't long before he resumed eating.

Seeing the stranger's eyes light up was nice. They were a bright purple, a different shade than Rei's. They showed enjoyment. Hearing the pleased noise emit from the man's mouth, made Haru's own lift up at the corners into a small smile.

Haru enjoyed glancing at his companion in between bites of their meal. He liked the cheerful expression on the other's face. And all because of mackerel. Haru felt lucky that he finally met another person who appreciated the delectable fish.

Even though they both couldn't understand exactly what the other was saying, lunch seemed to end all too soon.

Before the man left, he had turned around and waved at Haru. Once again, Haru was left shocked. Giving a quick bye in response to the other's farewell, his smile turned wider.

Haru hoped they would meet again soon.