Another Not-so-Long one. It's been forever. So sorry! I had a writers block for the longest time and then when I finally got some notes and outlines done, they were mistakenly trashed. I sort of gave up for awhile until now. Um...but yeah. This was legit done on the spot so I'm sorry if it's not good. I've forgotten some stuff so if there are discrepancies, I hope you can please forgive me. It should be getting a little more romantic soon and again, if people want it, I'll see if I can shimmy in a M-rated scene in the main story as well as my (likely multiple) epilogues.
I really like epilogues.

Anyhoo, sorry, thank you and enjoy (:

Xoxo-Jem

Classes were boring and Rin found himself constantly staring off into the harbour. It didn't help that the classes were hard at Samezuka and being so preoccupied with swimming, he hasn't put as much effort as he usually does into studying. Still, Rin fared well in school and maintained good grades.

Though it was usually Rin's longing to jump into the pool and swim, today he found his legs restless.

He wanted to run.

There was practice again after school so there was no time for him to run today, he'd have to wait until tomorrow. It was the weekend and as a treat for practicing so hard every day, Captain Mikoshiba gave everyone a day off. Rin had been planning on using it to relax but since he did miss his morning jog, he'd have to make up for it...maybe by running around the harbour.

Ack. He looks mad.

Haru's eyes were as sea-blue as ever, reflecting the water and sky as usual, but today they seemed a little...darker.

It was Saturday afternoon and Rin had jogged down to the harbour again. He grinned, flashing his teeth when he saw a familiar figure bobbing inconspicuously in the water.

I knew it.

He slowed his pace as he reached the dark haired boy and called out "Yo! Haru!"

The water-loving boy turned swiftly, almost like he was a mermaid or something. The idea made Rin's heart flop. I NEED to compete with this kid. How is he so graceful like that? He gave a curt wave and expected the usual imploring eyes.

What he didn't expect was

"How come you weren't here yesterday?" Haru asked. His face was blank and he didn't look angry, but somehow Rin could tell.

Surprised, he scratched his head and grinned apologetically, "Ah...sorry Haru. I overslept yesterday."

Haru's eyebrows scrunched tighter, "I waited a long time you know."

This attitude irked Rin a bit and he furrowed his own brows, "Hah?! I said I was sorry. You don't need to be on my case, what are you, a girl?"

"I'm not. But you said "catch you later". At first I thought you were seriously going off to fetch a net and I was worried because Makoto had been caught in a net before and he got injured pretty badly...but when I asked Rei and Nagisa, they told me that it's human speak for "see you soon"."

Human speak? He doesn't even know phrases like that? He must be a sheltered young master or something.

Rin chuckled, his earlier mood lifted. Haru was just so...different that he sometimes didn't know how to react. The things he said were so abnormal that Rin simply followed his natural conversation instincts and ignored it.

Then, as smooth as a fish, the two broke into conversation. They talked about many things-though it was mainly about Rin (who did most of the talking). Haru was the quiet type but still had an opinion and things to say. He talked about his travels and how he really, really, really liked mackerel. Their conversation flowed smoothly; it pleased Rin and it seemed to please Haru too.

Rin was indisposed several times too, as Haru nonchalantly praised him again for his "beautiful shark-like teeth", "long lashes", "nice hair" and "sparkly eyes". It overwhelmed Rin and his face was as flushed as his hair. To escape the compliments he shifted the conversation in a different direction, using his favourite Haru-phrase:

"But man, you sure are a weird one. I've never met anyone like you before. Ah, by the way, who're these friends you mentioned earlier? It was Rei, Nagisa, and Makoto right? Am I supposed to know them?" he asked as he racked his brain for faces. But no one popped in mind.

"I'm not weird. And no, you don't." Haru shook his head.

"Do they go to your school or club or something then?"

Haru's face became even more solemn, "I-We don't really go to school. But we live in the same area I guess."

"Whoa! So you're a NEET after all. So all you do is swim in the ocean all day? I don't really get it but that's the dream, huh."

"What's a NEET?"

Rin snorted, "You. You're a NEET".

Haru's eyes shimmered at Rin's snort. It resembled the sea lions he often met and while he didn't usually like the sound, coming from Rin it was...endearing. But Rin was wrong. He wasn't a NEET, whatever that was. He was

"A mermaid".

"Hm?"

"Rin, I'm not a NEET. I'm a mermaid".

"Sure you are Haru. That's what I thought too. You're graceful in the water I'll give you that".

"You don't believe me."

"Of course not. Look at you. You've got a loose screw somewhere in that head of yours, sure, but ya look as human as it can get. You're eyes are a little creepy though."

Haru frowned, "I'm not lying, Rin. I'm a mermaid".

It suddenly hit Rin. For the second time. He brushed it off the first time because there was something that drew him to this water-loving boy but how could he forget?

He's a looney case. He's weird in the head, spends all his time in the freezing water and he's beyond socially awkward.

But, as he learned in Australia, one should be open and without judgement.

"'Kay...prove it." he said

Haru positioned himself accordingly and lifted the water up in a splash with his glistening

Rin's jaw dropped.

"T-T-TAIL?!"