A/N: Hello, I do hope you like this chapter and story and will continue reading.

Disclaimer: I do not own Free! Eternal Summer nor do I want to. If I did the story would be horrible.


Chapter Two: The Beginning of the End

Rin's POV

Staring at Sousuke a leaf fell to the ground. We hit our wrists to the other's starting our handshake we've had since we were little. After a bit we burst out laughing, I was glad to see him. "It's been awhile" I smiled when he agreed giving the exact years we've been apart.

I always thought it similar to how I kept track of the months I'm away from Haru. "It's been five years hasn't it?" he asked making me nod. I keep track by ages or grades when it comes to Sousuke.

"Why transfer at this time of year Sousuke?" I was confused by this because I don't get it. "You have no room to talk when you transferred in the middle of winter in the sixth grade" I frowned at this.

I felt bad for leaving Sousuke but compared to when I moved to Australia was little. I felt bad for leaving Sousuke and Haru for that long when I moved to a different country.

"Guess I did, what brings you to Samezuka?" I asked wondering how we ended up on a bench. Was it when I had the flashback? "I have my reasons" and that was vague.

That's almost as vague as Haru, and he shows very little emotion. "Being vague isn't like you Sousuke" I said worried now. "I just figured I'd spend my last year as a high school swimmer here" was his only answer. That still sounded vague.

Maybe he's leaving out details? But why? "I already know where I'm going after high school anyway" from his dark expression I jumped to conclusions. "Please tell me you aren't quitting swimming?" I worried as I stood.

He didn't answer after a bit so I thought I was right. I was about to open my mouth when he said he was scouted. "That's awesome" I smirked digging my heel into his knee.

Haruka's POV

I was staring out the window wondering what I should put down. I put down 'Art' and 'Free' but that's it.

I don't have a definitive career goal and the eyes are still creeping me out. I had finished the 'Spring' submission as well as the 'Samezuka Swim Captain' painting in art class.

When class ended Makoto and I were asked to stay after to discuss our career paths. "I was told this is 'Art' and this I know is 'Free' so what does it mean?" Amakata asked. "It means what it says" I told her blandly.

She was confused so I elaborated. "Something to do with art but where I can still swim free" I explained simply. "You could probably enter the sports world with your abilities so why go into art?" she asked. "I'm president of the Art Club, I love art" I answered simply.

"Oh! That's right! How could I forget" she was excited to be reminded. "You should give a bit more thought into what you want to do Nanase" I just looked at the paper. "There's this old saying Nanase" Amataka said making me look up.

"'Give it a try.

You won't know until you do'" she recited moving her arms as she spoke. I nodded deciding it was time to leave now. I do need to decide that soon.

Rin's POV

"This is Yamazaki Sousuke and from here on he's on the team. He's nationally ranked in the top ten for Butterfly" Sugimoto explained.

"Since you know him already Rin this makes it easier. You can show him around" I nodded accepting the task.

"Welcome to the team Sousuke" I smiled fist bumping. I told him to get changed before he left to do so. When he came back out to practice he went to the diving block.

Nitori was admiring Sousuke's body which was good for him. I'm not a fan of broad shoulders and bulging muscles. My sister would be gushing at his body if she was here. I'm glad she isn't.

Aichiro greeted Sousuke with a deep bow as he introduced himself. Leaning to the left I saw Sousuke's face. I wasn't surprised Ai was startled when he looked up at him. His face was intimidating like that.

I went back to my spot behind Sousuke when Ai was happy and cheery instead of intimidated and fearful. He asked if Sousuke was friends with Haru. I didn't miss Sousuke freeze at the name confusing me.

"Sousuke was my friend from Sano Elementary. He has nothing to do with Haru" I answered.

"I know of him. I raced him at a tournament once" what's with the change in attitude?

Does he hate my friend? "My whole body raced with energy when I raced him. I can see why you're so taken with him" my heart skipped a beat at that.

I realized he was joking when he dived into the water. He must be joking. Haru doesn't even know I have a crush on him, how could Sousuke? "For crying out loud" I scoffed scratching the back of my head.

"The both of you are close huh?" Nitori asked making me nod. Nitori admired his speed so I explained why he's so fast. "Raising his body unnaturally high above the water reduces water resistance during recovery. That's why he's so fast" I explained.

"No muscle training can give you those flexible shoulders either" I smiled. Just because I'm not a fan of big muscles doesn't mean I don't notice them. "He'll do well for our team" I smiled glad to have him here.

"So that amazing member Captain Mikoshiba was talking about…" I don't think it's Sousuke. He may be good but Mikoshiba doesn't know him well enough to keep tabs on him, or contact him.

Scene Change: Iwatobi SC Returns

Haru's POV

I was swimming freestyle still not able to get that feeling from my head. I think I was the only one still swimming since I didn't see anyone else doing the same.

I got out to see what they were doing and because I have an art submission to work on. "I'll be planning all kinds of fun stuff" I went to the locker room and changed since I need to go. Makoto grabbed my hand telling me I was going to help.

"I can't Makoto, I have other things to do" I told him annoyed. I ended up with Rei who I can't exactly say no to. I can't say no to Rin or Nagisa either. I'd have to give a reason for them or they'd try to find out on their own.

By the time the sun was setting everyone was finally done. I was sketching a drawing for the Four Seasons admission. A Mayan sun was in the middle with four lines coming from its sides. I don't know what to put for the seasons though.

Maybe a beach and birds and a beach ball for summer in the top right. Snowmen and snowflakes and igloos for winter on the bottom left. "What do you think Haru?" I was brought from my design by Makoto.

"I'm sorry what?" I asked not hearing the question. "What do you think the main event should be?" he asked again.

He sounded and looked worried making me frown. "A relay" I said going back to my work.

I have to do well as president of the Art Club and a competitor in the comp. They came at me making me drop my sketchpad. I stared blankly at the pad as my beautiful drawing got dirty.

I stood walking over and picked the sketchbook up. Wiping the dirt off the vines on the top line spread its ink. Annoyed that it got ruined I stood and grabbed my water and bag. "I'm going home" I said simply, angry but not showing it until I tore the paper off crumpling it and throwing it in the garbage.

Rin's POV

"Um… sorry I don't follow" I was confused when Rei and Nagisa spoke. Haru sent me a picture of a poster for 'SPRASH Fes!' So I think that's what they're talking about. "Hey Rin" I heard making me smile. "Is that you Makoto?" I asked glad to hear his voice compared to the other two.

They're more chaotic than Makoto and Haru are. "Yeah…" when he finished explaining I got the gist of it. "So you want us to be your opponents?" I asked understanding now.

"Do you think you could?" I looked at my phone a bit annoyed. "You guys" I said in annoyance before I asked where Haru was.

I saw that got Sousuke's attention. "We don't know, he ran off when his sketchbook fell in the sand" Haru likes his art class.

Maybe it had a drawing for class? "What was he doing with it?" I asked curious now. "We don't know but when he brushed the sand off it ruined the sketch.

He got mad and took off throwing the drawing away" Makoto explained. He sounded worried. "Did it have a sun in the middle with four lines coming off it?" I asked. He sent me a picture of a drawing like that last night before sunset.

Said it was something important he needed a second opinion on. "Yeah it did" Makoto was surprised before I sighed. "That was an important drawing for Haru guys. I'm not surprised he got mad if it was ruined" I scowled.

I ended the call going to the cafeteria with Sousuke. "How carefree and careless can those guys be?" I asked picking up my rice bowl and chopsticks. "You complain but you'll still do it right?" that is true.

"Who's going to swim it with me? It's not an official event so I can't really expect the Swim Club to join" I sighed annoyed.

"I don't mind doing it" I was surprised with what he suggested. He doesn't seem to like Haruka so I didn't think he'd volunteer to be in the same room as him.

"Really?" I asked showing my surprise. "Yeah, but… I'll only swim the Freestyle leg" that surprised me even more. "That's fine but isn't Butterfly your specialty?" why would he want to go against Haruka?

"I just feel like swimming free" he ate his meat reminding me of Haruka. When we went to the pool Nitori said he would want to participate. He wants to get more competitive experience. "Nakagawa said he wanted to try it to" Nitori informed happily.

This was a surprise. I looked to Nakagawa seeing he was a little embarrassed. "That's a big help you two" I smiled relieved. "Nakagawa will do Backstroke and I'll do Breaststroke" Nitori told me.

"Are you sure you'll be okay with Breaststroke?" I was worried about that. "It's my goal to specialize in two strokes, like you Rin. I've been training hard in Breaststroke" he told me.

It was a surprise to see such determination on the normally spacey and easily frightened swimmer. "I want to swim on the same team as you with pride senpai" I smiled shocked at the boy.

I turned to the pool thinking about a team. I can't comment on Haruka and the others, especially Rei.

I haven't built a solid team out of these guys yet. How can I make a team with so little time left? I looked to Nitori and decided what to do, even if it won't make a real team.

Haruka's POV

I zipped up my white and green running jacket not surprised to see Makoto there. We decided to run together, well he did anyway. "Are we running along the beach?" Makoto asked. I only nodded.

"Why don't we extend the distance a bit to prep for the tournament?" I only nodded again. "Why are you giving me the silent treatment Haruka?" he asked, annoyed I'm guessing. "Is it about the drawing you dropped?" Makoto asked. "It's not just a drawing" I said running ahead of him.

That drawing will decide if I am good enough for one of the top ten art schools in the world. "Does it have to do with what Rin mentioned?" Makoto called making me trip. I felt calloused hands grab my wrist before I was pulled upright.

"So it does" he said making me frown. "It's not a big deal, I redid it on another page" I said turning around to run again.

"You're in the Swim Club and the Art Club aren't you?" Makoto asked making me glare at him. "Why didn't you want people to know?" I frowned at this and continued.

"The only ones who needed to know knew. And I'm the president of the club" I told him. "So the sketch was for the club?" he asked making me nod.

"It's for the Four Seasons admission for a showing next week. If my admission for the Four Seasons and the admission for Spring is good I'm good enough for one of the top ten art schools in the world" I told him. If it's him or Rin they can know. They are my closest friends and less likely to bombard me with praise, encouragement, or questions.

"So that's why you didn't want to put up posters? To work on the admission?" he asked making me nod again. "They're a big deal for art schools. I already finished the Spring admission I just need the Four Seasons" I explained.

"I am so sorry for ruining your sketch Haruka" Makoto bowed when he stopped walking. "It's fine, I was upset because you guys didn't say sorry the first time. I'm not mad anymore" I explained getting him to straighten with a smile.

Time Skip: SPLASH Fes!

"Haru-chan!" Ran and Ren can also call me '-chan' since they're young. "Sorry we're late Haru" Makoto said tiredly.

"Ran and Ren are coming to then?" I smiled ruffling Ren's hair. He giggled before raising his arms.

I moved my bag to my right hip before picking Ren up by the armpits. I put him on my hip glad he wasn't too heavy for me to put him there. I have slightly wide hips for a guy so that also helped.

"They want to participate in the kickboard race" Makoto answered when Ren was settled. "Are you going to swim with us?" Ran asked. "I only swim free" I stated. "I'll swim free to!" Ran declared making Ren jealous.

He declared the same thing making me smile and Makoto laugh. I don't know why children like me. When we headed to the building the event was being held in we let the kids down after a block or two. Ren was messing with my bag since he was bored and I let him.

He took my sketchbook from my bag. "Ren don't mess with stuff that doesn't belong to you. Ask permission first" Makoto told his younger brother.

Ren gave me the puppy dog eyes making me sigh. "I don't mind, just don't rip or dirty the book and pages" I told him.

He smiled gleefully before we reached Nagisa and Rei. The building was right behind them.

Ren was still flipping through the pages so he didn't notice. "Yoink" Nagisa said taking the sketchbook from Ren. "Hey! I was looking at that" Ren complained crossing his arms.

"Nagisa be careful with that. Whose is it? The sketches are really good" Rei complimented. "They're mine" I said blandly worried he would drop, rip, or ruin it.

"Nagisa give it back to Haruka" Makoto and Rei said making Nagisa pout. I put it back in my bag making Ren pout. "You can have it when we get inside" I said making me smile happily. He noticed Rei when Ran said 'Big Brother Butterfly' running to Rei.

We were all shocked by their reactions to Rei. Rei was to apparently because he had a dumbfounded expression on his face. "You're so popular Rei-chan" Nagisa said.

I could tell he was jealous. Nagisa told me that he had a crush on Rei last year but he doesn't have the courage to ask him out.

"I'm honored" Rei said and I knew he was uncomfortable. "Ran, Ren, want to see my sketchbook now?" I asked.

They ran over taking the sketchbook without fighting. Rei let out a relieved sigh before we went inside. "This is today's program" Gou said handing it to Makoto.

Ren and Ran were too busy 'oooing' and 'aweing' at my drawings. They aren't that good though. "A lot of events are planned" Amataka said happily. "I can't wait!" Nagisa sure was excited.

I heard struggling from my left so I turned to see Rin dragging an unwilling party. "Onii-chan! Big Brother Butterfly!" "Haru-chan! Nagisa-chan!" "Rin-chan"* Ran yelled, then Ren, then both. Rin turned to us and away from the complaining red-head. "Give that back please" I said holding my hand out for my book.

They pouted before running to Rin, with my book. "Rin-chan!" they yelled before I turned to look at Rin. "Haru-chan drew this!" they said happily.

I fought down a blush since I know what one it is. It's the Spring admission sketch.

A drawing of the five of us in the cherry blossom pool on our backs. Rin picked the drawing from their hands looking at me as Gou kept the other red-head busy.

"This is really good Haruka" he said making me nod. "Thanks" I just hope it's good enough for the competition. I felt the same eyes on me again making me freeze.

I looked up seeing a dark-haired, aqua-green-eyed teen. "Sousuke!" Gou cheered running to the teen. As they talked Rin gave my sketchpad back. "Is this what you want to do Haru?

Draw?" Rin asked. He sounded hurt and I shook my head. "I don't know" a lot can happen in that time.

I may end up wanting to be a chef or swim my whole life. Or I might just open a store that sells my crafts.

I might even be six-foot under because I die young from some freak accident. Or even die young from a virus.

"Well we'll see you guys later" Rin smiled making me nod. We went to watch the events not long after they left. When it came to the Armored Sidestroke I left.

I didn't need to watch another Armored Sidestroke for the rest of my life. My mom is an artist and musician and my dad's a historian. He showed me a bunch of battle techniques, including the Armored Sidestroke. I paid for a drink in a dark hallway when I felt the eyes on me again.

"What is it that you want Yamazaki?" I asked annoyed. I heard footsteps come closer before I felt hot breath on my ear. Goosebumps went down my spine as a creepy chill followed**. "Just this" I felt a sharp pain on the back of my neck and white-hot liquid fill my veins.

"What was that for?!" I asked as calmly as I could when I turned around. "Stay away from Rin you understand me Haruka?" Sousuke asked darkly. I know what he did without having to ask.

"You won't be able to swim for much longer. You have less than four years, live your life however till then, away from Rin" Sousuke waved as he walked away.

I gripped my jeans in slight fear of that statement. I knew he injected me with something but I didn't know what.

I have to set up an appointment with Dr. Cortez sometime to get my blood analyzed. I need to know what he injected me with. No one can find out either, especially Rin.

I don't know what he would say but I don't want to worry him, if he'd ever worry about me. I went to the pool for the medley already having my green V-neck and brown cargos off. Our team was Team Dolphin while Rin's was Team Shark. I wasn't paying much attention to my team.

I was paying attention to Sousuke since if I didn't I would pay attention to Rin. "All our training has paid off" Rei observed and I agreed. When it was Rei's turn up I smiled trying to hold back laughter at Rin's comment. "You don't want to get bitten" it made Rei afraid and that look in Rin's eyes.

I shook my head to clear it thinking more about my entry. Sousuke and I got up onto the diving block when the back of my neck pulsed. I gripped my neck glad I already had my goggles on.

I got ready ignoring the pain in my neck. It was just sore from the injection, I hope.

I dived in glad that Rei was first. I was not glad however when I realized that water makes the injection feel worse.

I made sure I kept swimming without difficulty though. It would be bad if I showed problems. I felt eyes on the back of my head when I pushed off making myself swim faster.

I hit the wall before Sousuke if only by a second. What is this? I put my hand on my neck feeling it pulse like a slow heartbeat. It feels slimy and veiny.

I allowed myself to be pulled up before I kept my hand on my neck. "Let's keep this up and win at the Summer Tournament" Rei declared happily. I don't think I'll be able to make it to the Summer Tournament. "I'm glad it turned out to be an exciting race" Nagisa smiled.

I kept my hand on my neck when Rei said he thought he would actually get bitten. I looked at Sousuke feeling the vein beat again, more rapidly this time. I feel scared of Sousuke now.


A/N: Hello, I finished writing this at 9:59 P.M. on November 13, 2017. I love the part where Rin says that Rei might get bit. It's also a clip on 'Like it Loud' on YouTube or something like that.

*They are naming the people in the picture

**Despite not liking Sousuke in this show and loving Haruka, I love this scene. If only Rin saw this, I wonder what he would think if he found this out.

I do hope you like this chapter and story and will continue reading.