Heat

Haru stared at himself in the mirror. This was not happening, this couldn't be real. Haru pinched his arm and closed his eyes hoping this was a dream and that he could wake up now. He opened his eyes and looked again.

"Fuck" He cursed which was very rare for the dark haired boy. He stared at the ears that had grown out of the top of his head over night. Last night he went to bed normal, this morning he had black fuzzy car ears, sharp teeth and a long black tail. He couldn't go to school like this; he couldn't leave his house at all until it disappeared. Haru looked at the clock,

'Mako will be here soon, what do I do?' He thought in a panic. The sound of the front door sliding open caused his ears to twitch.

'Shit' Haru panicked. He threw his sweat pants on to cover his tail and jumped into bed covering himself completely with the blankets.

"Haru!" He heard Makoto call as he came up the stairs, He heard the knock on the bathroom door, and Makoto say "Haru we're going to be late. I'm coming in." he heard the sound of the bathroom door open and soft footsteps on the floor. "Haru?" He heard the confusion in his best friend's voice as if he was standing right next to him and not down the hall hiding under his blankets.

The soft thumping of Mako's footsteps drew closer to his room and Haru curled up tighter in the blankets. He heard the footsteps stop outside his door and his breath caught in his throat.

"Haru? You in here?" Makoto called. Haru didn't know if he should answer, if he didn't Makoto would come in to find out where he was. If he did answer and told Makoto he wasn't going to school, he might come in to make sure he's okay.

'Either way I'm screwed' Haru thought.

"Haru?" Makoto called again

Haru took a deep breath, trying to calm himself to avoid any shakiness in his voice.

"I'm n...not going to school today" He said, cursing himself for stuttering. His ears twitched and laid flat against his head as he heard Makoto open the door, and step inside.

Makoto looked at the ball of covers that was his friend and frowned.

"Haru?"

"I'm n...not going to...school today." Haru stuttered again from under the blankets.

"Haru, are you alright?" Makoto asked with concern in his voice as he put his bag down and moved closer to his friend.

"I don't...f...feel well." Haru muttered. "I'm staying... h...home." He cringed under the blankets at his uneasiness.

"Do you want me to come by after school?" Makoto asked.

"N...No! I'm fine." Haru gasped.

"Okay... I'll see you tomorrow then..." Makoto said slowly, unsure if he should really leave his friend when he doesn't feel well.

"I'll t...text you if I'm feeling any better." Haru said quickly.

"Okay..." Makoto said. "Bye Haru, Feel better." He looked at the lump of blankets before walking out of the room and heading to school.

Haru didn't move from the bed until he heard the front door open and close, leaving him in utter silence. He sat up and looked down at his hands,

"What do I do?" Haru whispered, tears falling from his eyes.

"Mako-Chan, we should just cancel practice today because Haru-Chan's not here!" Nagisa pouted as they were entering Samezuka Academy for joint practice.

"We can't, we are already here and we can practice without Haru." Makoto sighed.

They all changed and entered the pool area, where they all split up and began practice.

Rin watched as his friends entered and frowned.

"Where's Haru?" he mumbled to himself confused. He stalked over to Makoto who was getting ready to swim.

"Oy! Makoto." Rin called to get the blonde's attention. Makoto looked up and smiled.

"What's up Rin?" Makoto asked at the look of confusion on the red heads face.

"Where's Haru?" Rin asked his eyes roaming over the room again searching.

"He's home. He didn't feel good." Makoto explained sadly. Rin's eyebrows pulled together in confusion. In all the years he had known the dark haired boy, he had never once missed swim practice.

Practice finished quickly and they all returned home. Rin lay in his bed staring at the ceiling, thinking. He remembered a time in elementary school when Haru came to school with a fever and collapsed during swim club because he refused to miss a day of practice. Haru must really be sick if he missed practice. Rin huffed, frustrated with his concern.

'Haru will be fine. I will see him tomorrow; we have joint practice every day this week.' Rin thought before rolling over and trying to fall asleep. His worry for the dark haired boy present in his mind.

Two days had passed and Haru was still sick. No one knew what was wrong with him. He wouldn't let anyone in when they tried to visit. They were all starting to get very worried.

Haru was currently standing in the kitchen cooking Mackerel for dinner, in a pair of black sweatpants and a white t-shirt. Haru sighed. He was running out of food but he couldn't go to the store looking like this. He was still terrified to tell his friends about what had happened to him so it's not like they could bring him anything.

"Maybe if I wear a hat over my ears?" Haru mumbled to himself. He didn't even know if he owned a hat. He sighed again. He needed help but how was he supposed to explain this? He had no idea how this happened or how to get rid of these damn ears and tail. His tail flicked behind him as he flipped the mackerel; the sizzle echoing in his sensitive ears.

'What do I do.' Haru growled

The sound of his front door opening caused his heart to jump into his throat. Haru pulled his ears back, and wrapped his tail around his waist, hiding it under his shirt. He didn't expect anyone to show up this late.

'Shit, shit, shit" Haru cursed, turning the stove off and whipping around as the soft sounds of footsteps approached.

"H...Hello..." Haru's voice shook as he called out.

"Haru?" the familiar voice rang in his ears as the red head rounded the corner into the kitchen.

"Rin...What..." Haru stuttered at a loss for words.

"Ummm...I figured you were too sick to go out so I brought you some groceries." Rin explained awkwardly. Haru noticed the bags in his hands and nodded. Rin moved into the kitchen and placed the bags on the table, before looking at his friend.

"You look really pale Haru." Rin noted moving closer to the boy. Haru glanced at the ground, not moving an inch. Rin reached up to touch Haru's forehead causing the boy to flinch and step back.

"Haru..." Rin murmured. Trying again only slower this time, but again Haru stepped back. Unfortunately, he noticed what was about to happen too late. He watched as Haru placed the palm of his hand on the hot stove. The boy yelped and pulled his hand off the red hot burner, immediately. What Rin didn't expect was the two fuzzy ears that shot up from Haru's head as he jumped away from the stove.

"Ouch." Haru looked at his palm with sad eyes. He had the strange urge to lick at it but restrained himself. The sound of his voice snapped Rin away from his thoughts and confusion. He grabbed Haru's wrist and dragged him over to the sink, shoving his hand under the cold water. He was standing behind Haru, the left side of his body pressed against the smaller boy as his right hand held his hand under the water. Rin's eyes drifted from their intertwined hands to the dark haired boys flushed face, then to the ears on top of his head. His left hand twitched at his side, he slowly reached his hand up and gently clasped the ear between his index finger and thumb. The ear twitched under his fingers and he cautiously started to rub the ear.

'Soft.' Rin thought. All too soon for his liking the ear was pulled from his grasp as Haru pulled away quickly. Haru pushed himself up against the opposite counter with his hands covering both ears and his face flushed bright red. Rin turned the water off and looked at the boy, giving him a soft smile and moving closer. He watched Haru flinch and press himself closer to the counter.

"Haru, you don't have to hide." Rin stated softly. He could see the fear in his eyes, but he didn't understand why.

"Is this why you haven't been to school in three days?" Rin spoke, slowly moving towards him. A small whimper was heard from Haru when he closed the gap. He gently removed his hands from his ears, and placed them at his sides. Haru was looking down at the ground, his whole body shaking. Rin frowned; he sighed softly and reached up to scratch behind one of the ears. He felt Haru stiffen but he continued his actions, watching him cautiously. Haru unconsciously leaned into the touch and closed his eyes; a rumbling sound emitted from the boys chest. Rin's eye's widened when he realized Haru was purring. Haru felt his tail slowly twitch under his shirt but he couldn't bring himself to try and hide it any longer. Allowing it to slide out from under his shirt, he allowed it to swing happily by his side. Rin faltered his movements as he felt something brush against his leg. He glanced down to see a long, skinny, black tail flicking back and forth.

"Haru..." Rin whispered as he watched the Raven. Haru looked so cute. His eyes lidded, glazed over with pleasure, and his tail flicking happily at his side. Rin bit his lip; all of the feelings he had for his childhood friend, the one's he had pushed down and refused to acknowledge for years, were bubbling to the surface. The image of Haru panting and moaning underneath him flashed through his mind and he felt himself harden.

Haru stood silently, a bit confused. He didn't understand what Rin was doing. All he knew was that this felt good; it felt right. He couldn't stop himself from leaning in to Rin's touch. He opened his eyes slightly when he starting purring again. He felt the finger's stop momentarily and almost whined.

'What is happening to me?' Haru thought confused. He could feel the red heads eyes on him, but he couldn't concentrate on anything. He didn't understand why his body was reacting this way. He knew he had feelings for Rin but he denied them. He knew his feeling would never be returned, but at this moment it was very hard to push is feelings down. Haru's eyes shot open when he felt something soft touch his lips. Rin was kissing him; his breath caught in his throat.

'Why?' Haru thought 'If you do this then I won't be able to...' a tear slid down Haru's face. As soon as the kiss started it was over and he looked into Rin's red eyes. His red eyes were filled with lust and something else that Haru couldn't identify.

"Why...?" Haru whispered.

"Because you're adorable." Rin smirked licking Haru's lips softly. Haru's breath hitched as his heart pounded in his chest. His face turned bright red, making Rin smile wider. He ran his fingers along the length of Haru's tail, an audible gasp escaping him.

"So, how did this happen?" Rin asked a little seductively.

"I don't know; I just woke up like this three days ago." Haru whispered.

Rin moved in closer and wrapped his arms around the Ravens waist. He felt Haru stiffen in his grasp.

"I won't hurt you."

"Rin... Please... stop..." Haru choked, holding back tears. His heart felt like it was going to be ripped from his chest. He placed his hands on Rin's shoulders and tried to push him away, turning his head to the left.

Rin could see the tears welling up in Haru's eyes. Pain shot through his chest when he heard the crack in Haru's voice.

"Haru..." Rin whispered, loosening his grip.

Haru looked at Rin, confusion flashing across his face. Why did Rin look hurt? He didn't understand any of this. Rin slowly released him and took a step back, pain and sadness written on his face. The look on his face hurt him even more than when he was holding him. He loved Rin and he didn't want to be toyed with.

"I'm sorry..." Rin whispered, looking at the floor "I'll go."

Rin turned to leave and Haru's eyes widened, he didn't want him to leave. Haru took a few hurried steps forward. Grabbing Rin's wrist, he spun him around. Unfortunately, he turned him so quickly that it knocked Rin off balance and they both tumbled to the ground. Rin landed on his back with Haru sprawled on top of him.

"Ow..." Rin whispered, opening his eyes, he wasn't really sure when he had closed them but the image before him had him blushing. Haru's face was only a few inches away from his. The boy supporting himself on his forearms and stared into red eyes, his own face flushed.

"S-Sorry..." Haru stuttered quietly.

"It's okay." Rin whispered.

Haru's heart was pounding in his chest. He watched Rin lightly bite his lower lip, and he couldn't stop himself. He pressed his lips to the boys underneath him. Now it was Rin's turn to be surprised. Haru let his weight off of his arms and pressed himself closer to him. In one swift motion, Rin rolled them over, breaking the kiss. Haru gasped at the quick movement and stared up at the red head now hovering above him.

"Haru...You shouldn't have done that." Rin growled seductively causing Haru to shiver.

Haru opened his mouth to reply but Rin crashed their lips together. Haru kissed back immediately, wrapping his arms around Rin and pulling him closer. He felt the red head lick at his bottom lip and he allowed him to snake his tongue in. Haru moaned as Rin explored his mouth, intertwining their tongues in a battle for control. He could feel the smirk on Rin's lips as he was victorious. Haru bit his lip playfully, and he heard the other groan lowly. They broke apart, both panting from lack of oxygen; a sting of saliva connecting them.

"Rin..." Haru whispered his faced flushed. Rin kissed him softly once more before getting up and offering his hand. Haru placed his hand in Rin's and he was quickly pulled to his feet. Rin smiled at the Raven.

"Your food is cold." Rin chuckled.

"So?" Haru mumbled his tail wrapping around his thigh.

Rin moved closer to Haru, "I don't want to push you." He whispered softly.

Haru bit his lip. He loved Rin and wanted to be with him, now more than ever. Rin walked over to the table and started to take the forgotten groceries out of the bags, placing them on the counter. Haru watched for a minute before going over to help. Once they were done Haru glanced at Rin.

"Rin..." he paused. "Do you want some tea?" Haru offered with hopes that he could spend a little more time with Rin.

"Sure."

Haru nodded. He heated up his fish and made some tea. At some point Rin moved into the living room and was sitting down waiting.

"Do you want any Mackerel?" Haru called from the kitchen.

"No, I ate at school." He shouted from the other room.

Haru finished and brought the drinks and food out. Sitting down next to Rin, he ate slowly, watching as Rin flipped through the channels uninterested. At that moment, Haru looked up at the clock, noticing that it was 9 o'clock.

"Rin?" Haru inquired.

"Yeah," Rin hummed back.

"Isn't your curfew at 10?"

"Ummm..."Rin blushed and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah it is."

Rin looked at the clock then down at the ground, "I guess I should go..."

"You can stay...if you want?" Haru mumbled embarrassed.

"I would but I have class early, but I have a free day after tomorrow...Can..umm I stay tomorrow night?" Rin shrugged.

"Yeah." Haru smiled, his ears perked up. Rin smiled back, causing Haru's tail to flick happily. Rin laughed and kissed Haru softly before whispering,

"I'll see you tomorrow...Kitty." Pulling away he watched the Raven turn bright red, his ears pulling back. Rin laughed and ruffled the kitty's dark hair and waved goodbye.

Haru pouted as he heard the door close. He didn't want him to go, but he was excited for tomorrow.