Heyoooooo, tis the author! I'm here with another update! It was quite fast and I considered waiting another day for suspense but I've been waiting for this chapter! Watch out for your hearts! They may explode! But remember, I don't own free! no copyright intended, just luurvvee!
Chapter 11: As sleepovers bring you closer...
Haruka huffed shortly as he lifted his decently sized duffle bag over his shoulder. It was already nighttime but he was fully dressed in the casual clothes he wore to go outside in. A black tank top under a loose, light-blue t-shirt adorned his top and his usual jean and gym shoe combo. He had on only a single bracelet and didn't bother to comb his hair as the water usually draped it into its usual messily neat style. Makoto leaned on the doorway downstairs to walk him over to Rin's house. Though his face didn't show it, he was actually rather tense. He would be going to Rin's house tonight and even sleeping over. He chose to believe that it was because he hadn't been to a sleep over in Kami-sama knows how long and it would be with Rin, who is a loose cannon at best. That was certainly why his heart thudded in his chest and certainly why he brought the pillow Rin always used with him.
He'd become quite attached to the fluffy object though. He didn't really know how, he supposed it was during one of those weekends where Rin was working and he had to clean his house. He spied the pillow sitting innocently on the floor and picked it up only to be hit by a strange yet intoxicating scent. He'd pulled the pillow slowly to his nose and hesitantly sniffed, feeling warmed by the smell of flowers—cherry blossoms he thought—sunlight if that made sense and the underlying tone of chlorine. Before he knew it half an hour went by with him just smelling the calming smell of Rin's hair and he separated himself from the pillow, feeling embarrassed but happy since he thought he might've found his favorite smell. From then on, he always used Rin's pillow to sleep on weekends.
With the pillow firmly under his armpit, he walked past Makoto but as the other caught up, he let him lead him to Rin's house. It was a decent sized space with a neatly cut lawn and a stone walkway that lead up to a single-stepped porch and a warm, brown, wooden door that had never before been so intimidating to Haruka. He huffed out a sigh, looking at the inanimate object. Why should he have to be nervous about imposing on Rin's household? Rin always imposed himself on him, it was about time he returned the favor—that damned brat. With this thought, Haruka confidently walked to the door and raised his hand to knock when he suddenly heard the loud laughter and small sigh that accompanied Nagisa and Rei. He heard Nagisa jump and squeal, "Wah! It's Haru-chan and Mako-chan!"
"Drop the –chan Nagisa," I said blandly as I went to knock on the door. After a few minutes the door finally made an unlocking sound and slid open, exposing a tall, redhead who looked resigned. Wordlessly he let us in and we walked through a small corridor where we left our shoes. Haruka had to admit, it was surprising to see Rin so casual—though this was his house. He dressed in baggy, green sweatpants and a loose, white, graphic t-shirt. His pants sagged so much that even though they clung for dear life on his slender hips, the tiniest strip of Rin's black boxers could be seen and he was wearing slippers with his hair in a mess. And to top it all off, a pair of black glasses sat on the bridge of his nose, making Haruka do a slight double-take. It wasn't what he expected but it didn't look bad, Haruka found it incredibly hard to take his eyes off the relaxed Rin in front of him.
Sighing, the redhead reluctantly took them to the living room where they saw Gou looming over homework in front of her, her hair in its usual ponytail and in a pair of matching pink short shorts and a pink top. Once she saw them, her frustrated face brightened and she waved enthusiastically. "Guys! You're here! What should we do first? I made sure to bring out all the movies we have and I even made Onii-chan teach me how to play a few videogames. I could order pi—" She made a move to get up but her head was met with her brother's large hand that pushed her back down.
"Oi, Gou. You really think you can get out of this? Finish your homework, I already said I'd help you," Rin said, sitting across from his pouting sister who whined at the boring task, "And you guys just sit anywhere. Start a movie or something, they're all over there." He pointed at the rather large cabinet of movies beside the large television and he got busy teaching Gou-san about logarithms. Haruka was a bit disconcerted to see what Rin tutoring looked like when he wasn't the one being tutored. Haruka had long before accepted the fact that Rin was good at teaching in his own way but the patient look on his face with the studious glasses as he sat in front of Gou-san… it almost made him wonder if Rin had always been this pretty when he taught him.
He was only aware that he was staring when his wrist was suddenly grabbed by the gentle, big hand that he associated with Makoto. Turning, he saw him smiling at him and thought how it was bit strange—how often Makoto touched him that it. It seemed like he always found a way to make some sort of physical contact with him these days. It wasn't that they never had familiar touches before but they seemed to be becoming more frequently within the day. A hand on his shoulder, a brush to his hair, a thumb skimming his jaw… he supposed it wasn't uncomfortable so he never said anything about it. He thought perhaps it was Makoto's way of expressing some kind of concern about them not being friendly enough even after all these years. So he let him tug his wrist toward him, "Haru-chan, what movie to you want to watch?"
He looked at all of the movie, seeing if any peaked his interest. To his surprise there were actually a lot that were about swimming or that were water based. He felt glad, considering that those were the only kind of movies that he could sit through for hours while he would usually be soaking in a tub. He dragged out a documentary about underwater creatures and the ocean, satisfied that this movie meant he could watch hours of water. He peeked over his shoulder back to Rin and Gou-san who looked like they were finished. Rin surprisingly had on a smile. It was different from the one that he'd seen just a while before. This one had a considerably proud light to it as he pat his sisters head so she wouldn't see it. His eye unmistakably took a warm air and Haruka found his breath hitching a bit at the sight of that. Though strangely Makoto's face appeared in front of him just a moment later.
"Ah, Haru-chan so that's what you wanted? I guess it really isn't a surprise considering how much you love water. I chose a water-based movie too," Makoto said, holding up the DVD to Free Willy. Haruka looked at the movie with interest and soon found that the others also chose movies based on water which he found ironic but he supposed it was because they were all swimmer. Although Rei's movie was a fantasy with mermaids and Nagisa's was a comedy. Haruka thought that the movies all might've fit with their personality a bit. Curious, Haruka turned to see Rin browsing through his selection though his eyes lingered on a single movie. Impulsively, Haruka leaned toward Rin and grabbed the movie he wanted to watch, dangling it in front of his face.
"You wanted to watch this right? You were looking at it for a while…" He looked up and locked eyes with a red-faced, embarrassed Rin who quickly snatched the movie out of his hand. Haruka was confused for a moment before he saw the pink and blue cover of what seemed to be a romance novel about love on the beach. Well… that was unexpected. But he was sure that Rin had been looking at it intently before. He didn't know what kind of movies he liked to watch but he certainly didn't expect it to be something romantic. He thought along the lines of action since the other seemed to be quite dramatic at times but he supposed the emotional rollercoaster of romance might fit his restless personality. The raven found such a discovery to be quite cute.
"A-Absolutely not, I don't l-l-like to watch th-these kinds of movies!" He shouted in an attempt to defend his pride but Haruka wouldn't have any of it. He was positive now that the other like romance movies and was about to make something to make his claim clear but instead Gou-san peeked over his shoulder and said,
"But, Onii-chan that's one of your favorite movies. You like roma—"
"Gou!" Rin cried out desperately, his red face flustered and pissed off. Haruka felt a small smile tug at his lips as he watched the pair. Rin saw this and burned an even brighter red color, "Tch, Nanase don't laugh at me!" He growled and glared at the azure-eyed boy who only leaned forward and easily plucked the small DVD from his hands that clenched over the container.
"Since you like it Matsuoka, we should watch it. It's your initiation party after all," He said smoothly though he really only wanted to fluster Rin a bit more by watching it. He'd have to see what he actually liked in such a movie with his tough-guy standards. Rin was a bit speechless at his comment and he took that as means for his victory. Getting up and stretching, he waltzed over to the DVD player and popped in the film. "Pizza?" Rin looked down with a flustered face but nodded. He felt a warm feeling spread over his chest at the obedient gesture and turned away from him only to see Makoto right in front of him with a smile.
"Haru-chan, what kind of pizza do you want?" He asked as he dialed the number for the pizza place. Haruka thought about it and he hated plain pizza… knowing Makoto they called their usual place where they order pizza so he would order his usual.
"Mackerel," He said plainly, turning to turn the television on while everyone settled back into where they wanted to sit. The living room was rather spacious to begin with so they had the option of sitting on the floor, the couch or the chair on the side. Seeing Matsuoka migrate toward the couch, before he knew it, his feet began to drift over to the same area. He was about to sit next to the crabby teen, who had just then decided to clean his glasses, but before he knew it the seat was occupied by Makoto who smiled innocently. Haruka felt a stab of irritation at his foiled plans but quickly got over it, thinking that perhaps Makoto also wanted to get to know Rin a bit better. They hadn't talked too much since Rin had joined. So he sat on the other side of Makoto and let him take the seat next to his neko. "Matsuoka, what kind did you want?"
Rin puffed up a bit and Haruka inwardly raised his eyebrow as if figuring that the other would try somehow to save his pride even as he had anticipation shining in his eyes when the actions list came on the screen, "Hmph, unlike some pansies I know, I'll have a meat lovers pizza. It's a pizza for real men." Haruka's eye twitched in irritation as he knew that the other was purposefully poking at him for his choice in pizza. Well he'd have to poke right back, he couldn't let that cat get cocky although this was his initiation. A little humility is always necessary.
"Yeah, real men love romantic movies, work at flower shops and tie their hair in ponytails. That's real manly right there," he said in a dry voice, making Rin pale and deflate as Nagisa broke down with laughter in front of them along with Gou and even Rei chuckled a bit at Rin's shocked face. He heard Rin click his tongue in his embarrassment before he leaned over Makoto's lap, getting delightedly closer to Haruka who looked at him with nonchalance.
"What was that water boy?"
"You heard me, kitty-chan." The air crackled between them, a storm brewing from Rin's fiery stare and his utterly cool one. They felt like total opposites at this point, Haruka was cold and distant, having no difficulty making fun of someone like Rin who was boisterous and emotional. That big idiot always wore his heart on his sleeve and even when he tried so hard to disguise his feelings, they always showed right on his face. Pain, amusement, happiness… Haruka felt almost hypnotized by the constant flit of emotion on the other's face. He felt like the other was mesmerizing him, stunning him slowly until he had no choice but to succumb and pay attention to him. He who would never voluntarily crack a smile has got to be going insane for teasing him like this but… Haruka couldn't find it in himself to stop. The blush that covered the other's face, that small pout that adorned his lips though Haruka was sure he'd deny if asked about, all of it—it was slowly becoming an addiction. He would've never realized it if it hadn't been for this night. For him staying over and being in the right place at the right time. He would've never realized just how much he'd come to be enchanted by those small expressions that he only ever showed to him. For now, he would just consider it and infatuation for rustling his feathers.
Though even as Rin and he bickered non-verbally, their stare intense, just like that it was disrupted by Makoto gently pushing Rin off of his lap and back to his position. He blinked, turning to the brunette as if in a daze, "Mou, mou guys don't get so worked up over nothing. We're here to celebrate right?" Haruka was silent and Rin let out a quiet 'tch' as he turned away from him and leaned back into the couch. Haruka did the same and in silence, they shut the lights off and turned the movie on.
In no time at all, Haruka got tremendously bored with the movie. He couldn't believe that Rin actually liked watching this. The plot was simple and clichéd and even Haruka who was "oblivious" could tell that the ugly duckling female lead with clunky glasses was really a quite attractive and that the most popular guy in school would definitely fall for her regardless of how she looked though she would end up becoming beautiful in the end. Really, it was so predictable and he wondered if this was why the other was so simple-minded about most things. A light sigh escaped Haruka's lips and his clear blue eyes drifted over to see if the other was actually enjoying what he was watching.
Much to his surprise, Rin looked completely enthralled. His eyes were wide on the emotional scene that was on, his legs seemed to have come comfortably close to him, his knees in front of his chest and his chin resting on them. Rose-colored eyes glistened as the male lead confessed his love for the nerdy girl and he heard the lightest sniffle come from him, his hand moving his glasses up as he wiped his eyes quickly—like he wanted to stop his tears before they ever leaked out. Haruka felt as if someone had stuck something through his heart… no maybe injected it with something like adrenaline. It was pounding so fast at the flushed redhead whose lips quivered sadly at the movie. He never noticed how pink the other's lips were until then. He never thought he would catch himself wanting to reach over to him and wipe his tears away. What…what was happening?
Suddenly, once again Makoto's face blocked his view of Rin. Green eyes replaced watery red ones, Red tresses were covered by brunette bangs, and full lips were replaced by thin, manly ones. Haruka almost wanted to flinch back at the pure differences that struck him so suddenly. What did Makoto want? Was he bored of this movie too? He actually had a serious light in his eyes when he looked at them and a dimmer smile than usual was placed on his face. It wasn't as if he were really sad but… more like the look was different. He's never seen him look at him before, with those darkened, narrowed eyes. It honestly crept Haruka out and he wanted to tell Makoto to stop looking at him like that. Makoto opened his mouth ever so slightly as if to say something but was interrupted by the doorbell ringing.
"Ah, the pizza's h-here… I'll go get it!" Rin said eagerly, getting up and rushing to the door. Haruka huffed an amused laugh, knowing he probably just wanted some time to fix his face before anyone could tell he'd been crying just then. Though, Haruka wondered how his own face looked right then. He still felt funny, his chest was burning like there was a fire there. It was weird and unwanted. Though he'd felt something similar to this before… ah yes… that's right. He felt this feeling whenever Rin touched him. It didn't feel like this when he touched Rin—perhaps he felt a slight tingling sensation in his fingertips but it never felt so intense. Maybe it was the way he was being touched. While he always reached out to hit Rin or push him, it wasn't the same as those seldom friendly touches Rin gave him. The feelings behind both were different. Maybe that was why Rin didn't like it when he touched him.
He was in a daze for a while as he stared at the floor with a blank expression. He didn't hear the light thud of footsteps approaching him, nor did he hear the angry call of his name. He didn't notice anything until he felt a flick on his head. It didn't hurt but it felt incredibly warm to him and his sapphire orbs peered up into rosy ones who stared at him suspiciously. "Oi, Nanase, food's here. I'll throw out your Mackerel pizza if you don't come get it now. Who the hell serves that kind of shit anyway?" Rin mumbled as he walked away, hands deep in his pocket. Unconsciously Haruka placed a hand on his forehead and wanted to see a mirror. He thought if he saw his reflection, he might see a burning red mark in the middle of his forehead.
Shaking the idea off, he hurried to get his mackerel pizza as the other really intended to make good on his promise and throw the pizza out. Though if he did that, Haruka didn't know if he could keep himself tight-lipped about the scene he saw earlier. That was blackmail for another time.
They watched the rest of the movies without much drama, despite the fact that Nagisa had apparently gotten bored with watching movies after he'd eaten his entire box of pizza and half of Rei's. It was decided that after that they would quit watching movies and get ready for bed since it was already well past midnight. Rin got out the futons for the zagone that they were going to use for this occasion. Haruka didn't know exactly how it came to be but he once again found Makoto sleeping right in between him and Rin. He pushed down the hot feeling that boiled unexpectedly in his chest. It was an unpleasant feeling. Rin actually looked a bit tired as he began to settle down but apparently Nagisa was wide awake and wanted everyone else to be too.
"Aww! Come on guys! This is a sleepover and a party for Rin-Rin! Let's at least play a game before we go to bed, all we've done is watch movies!" Nagisa whined, looking at everyone with wide eyes. A sigh was heard from the redhead of the hour and he looked to Nagisa tiredly.
"Fine, but only this one game. Then afterwards everyone is going to sleep or else I'll kill you, Nagisa," he growled, making the blonde squeal in happiness and happily plop down on the futon he was on. Rin sighed again in an exasperated way and asked, "Oi, just what the hell are we playing anyway? If I don't like it I'm going to sleep."
"But, Rin-Rin, this game is especially made for you! It's called The Truth Game! It's where everyone asks a question to the person they choose and they have to tell them the truth. It's more of a get to know you thing really. That way we can all get closer," he said with a grin as he pointed to himself, "I'll start the game by asking… Makoto! Hm… ever been in a relationship?" That pure and innocent smile completely melted off of his face as the devilish one took precedence. "If you don't answer, there will be a punishment."
Makoto paled at the young blonde's face and shivered a bit, "U-Um… w-well…" He glanced at Haru for a moment as if to seek approval but Haru wasn't really paying attention at this point so it seemed a bit strange for him to look. He inwardly sighed. Would it kill Haru to be even the slightest bit concerned? It was who his best friend was dating… then again most of his free time was spent with Haru and he's never mentioned anything about a girlfriend. "N-No…"
"Really? But, Mako-chan is so cute!" Nagisa said, cocking his head, not seeing Rei turn away from him in a minor fit of jealousy but as if he could already feel such a thing, he reached out and grasped his hand. Intertwining his fingers, Nagisa turned to Makoto and said, "Your turn Mako-chan," Makoto jumped at the suddenness but he immediately turned to Haru, wondering what he should ask. He could ask Haru anything at this moment. But he had to choose carefully because he most definitely couldn't ask, 'hey do you like me or…?'
Instead he turned and asked him, "Have you ever had a crush on someone before? Ah! Someone that wasn't water or mackerel or something like that?" He had to add on the second part or else Haruka would probably tell them something about some kind of dolphin or waterfall. His Haru was just strange like that, but Makoto thought it was one of his cute points. His innocence was always adorable to him. But, today he was serious. He needed to know if he's ever had a crush on someone human before. It would be best if he said no or wait, maybe better if the other said yes while secretly thinking of him… a dopey smile came across his face when Haru answered.
"No, I've never liked anyone in particular," He said flatly, breaking Makoto's heart slightly. Though he got over it quickly. What could he expect? Haru was Haru after all. "So it's my turn right? Hm… Matsuoka, why do you like romance movies, they're really boring." Makoto glared at him from the corner of his eye. Again Haru's attention was on that guy. Hadn't he done a sufficient enough job in getting in between them? He literally has been pouncing in between Haru and that guy all night yet still Haru wanted to ask him a question? Why not ask him? Even though they've been together for years, there's obviously some things that Haru doesn't know about him! Or Rei, he was new too! Why Matsuoka?
Matsuoka stood a bit taller, looking away coolly though Makoto had also been there to see him cry but that was only because Haru was blatantly staring at him the entire time. It was hard not to notice that type of thing—when the person you love stares right past you to look at another guy. "Tch, I don't kno—"
"Don't lie, you cried three times dur— ," Matsuoka stiffened once more and blushed bright red. His body quivered lightly in his anger and he unexpectedly lunged at Haru, pushing him down until he was pressed firmly against the futon. Makoto's eyes widened and he couldn't stop the raging jealousy he felt at that moment. All he wanted to do was shove Matsuoka off of him and pull Haru to his chest. How dare he? Wasn't he being too dramatic? Shoving Haru down really wasn't necessary! That idiot, that nuisance.
"Che, Nanase don't go saying strange things!"
"Oi! Matsuoka, get off of him!" He said in his calmest, urgent voice he could use even though he felt like ripping that guy a new one. Matsuoka insolently refused him though, his legs on either side of Haru's hips, his hands gripping the other's wrist. Haru didn't say anything about it, though he was surprised when he was taken down. Makoto tried tugging at Matsuoka's shoulder but he wouldn't budge. Just where did he think he was? He just couldn't do that to people for embarrassing him! "Oi! Matsuoka!"
Haruka had been firmly amused during the entire thing. When the other attempted to lie though, he had to halt him in his tracks. He was actually curious to see what Rin found in movies like that though he tried to play the tough guy roll and pinned him underneath his body. Haruka didn't really know what he expected to see when he looked up but it certainly wasn't what he saw. Cherry eyes narrowed viciously at him as a pink flush painted across his face from the embarrassing secret he'd almost revealed. Rin's chest was heaving slightly from the effort it actually took to pin him down and he looked thoroughly flustered with his glasses slightly askew. Haruka cocked his head to the side, deciding he kind of liked this look but… something was off.
Haruka's eyes flashed and he suddenly got up from his position under Rin with ease that shocked Rin. Quickly taking advantage of that, he pushed the other so he was the one pinning him down though he thought the other was a bit more vulnerable with his legs spread like that. Once Haruka got a good look, he almost had to look away as his heart began acting weird again. There was something about Rin being underneath him, a look of anger on his face with his hair spread delicately on the futon below him… with his legs spread at that… it just made the image feel complete. Though, he didn't want Rin to think that he'd won based on his stony silence. He would definitely make the other talk and from this position, he thought he might be able to do just that.
Leaning a bit closer, he ignored the thrashing of his heart and raised an eyebrow, "So if you aren't going to answer… should we play the punishment game?" Rin stiffened underneath him and squirmed nervously. He squeezed his eyes shut like before when he fed him his lunch, Haruka nearly smirked. He was so winning.
"Don't say things like that while you're on top of me!" He tried pushing and shoving him off but Haruka stayed completely solid on top of him while Rin thrashed and struggled underneath him, kicking his feet and shaking his head back and forth, "Tch! Nanase, get off!"
"Answer my question Rin-Rin," a small smirk played on his lips and Rin looked so completely and utterly shocked that he went slack under Haruka's grip. "Feel like answering?"
"Shut up and get off… and never call me that ever again!" He answered and Haruka knew he'd won the battle. In his victory, Haruka went back to his mask of stoicism though the rest of the team would never forget how evil Haruka could be when he wanted something—especially from Rin. Moving off of the redhead, Rin quickly retreated back to his own futon, completely humiliated from losing so entirely to Haruka. "I… I just like them okay? I like th-the idea of having someone that's destined for you to be with and… someone who would accept you instantly with all of your flaws. Who would forgive you no matter what… I just like seeing that. So there. I'm sleeping now, this game was more tiresome than I thought," Haruka stared at the redhead, who took off his glasses and began to settle into bed. Hm… He's a hopeless romantic. I would've never seen that one coming.
"Wait Rin-chan! That's only because Haru-chan completely dominated you! It wasn't because of the game. Just one question from you!" Nagisa begged with a barely contained humorous smile that found complete hilarity in the smaller teen knocking someone as huge as Rin-chan down. Though Haru-chan was stronger than he looked and they were just about the same height… Nagisa supposed it was the same as a dolphin flipping a defenseless shark on its back. He now knew not to mess with Haru-chan, if he didn't want to get his ass kicked. Rin however looked just strong enough to place him in a chokehold so he stopped bothering him with that horrifying look he gave him. Suddenly, a smirk that seemed just as scary curled on his lips and he looked at them. He turned to consult with his sister who grew an identically maniacal grin that sent shivers down Nagisa's spine.
"Ah, yes… I have a question…" His predatory glance turned to Rei, who stiffened at being stared at with that kind of intensity. "You… why do you like Nagisa?"
Nagisa was prepared to answer any kind of embarrassing question that came his way since he was that kind of straightforward person but… Nagisa knew that Rei wasn't like that. He got flustered easily and sometimes got his feelings hurt when no one noticed. Rei definitely wouldn't want to answer such an intimate question—he wouldn't even answer when Nagisa himself asked. He would just get extremely red and change the question. Though it hurt Nagisa's feelings sometimes, he accepted that this was just how Rei-chan was.
"H-Hey… Rei-chan, you don't have to take this one… I'll take the punishment game for you. Don't wo—"
"I like… Nagisa because… N-Nagisa's special. He's really persistent a-and though his grades aren't the best… he's a really hard worker. He puts all of his effort and energy into everything h-he does and pursues it until he accomplishes it… and he always puts himself out there to make it easier for everyone else. I could never do something like that. It's really beautiful to watch Nagisa and fun to be with him. So… that's why I… like him…" he trailed off, blushed brightly and looking tentatively at Nagisa who—to everyone's surprise—had his face buried in his hands, the tips of his ears just as bright as his. Rei stared in wonder before smiling and giving him a small hug.
"You didn't have to say that you know…"
"Ah but I did… it's all true you know…" Rei said in a voice that was a bit more confident than before. Rei looked over when a sudden loud noise sounded. He saw a disgruntled Rin-san looking at them with happy, shining eyes that betrayed his disgusted face.
"Ugh, I didn't expect all that Ryuugazaki, you guys are really embarrassing to watch," he huffed, a strand of red hair flying back upon impact. Rei almost laughed at how bad Rin-san was trying to defend himself. He knew the other purposefully gave them that question just to fluster Nagisa. Really, nothing ever got over that redhead—except possibly Haruka-senpai.
"You're one to talk. You're embarrassing all the time," He said, making Rin-san puff his cheeks out in mild annoyance before he flopped down in bed, ignoring the comment. Thanks Rin-san.
After that question Nagisa had just given up on the game and wanted to go to sleep with Rei—though the red blush on his face told everyone he just wanted to cuddle his boyfriend for the moment. Makoto was glad for this as he didn't know how long he'd be able to control himself with the knowledge that Haru showed that sexy face to Matsuoka instead of him. That he'd willingly played along and pinned him in that sexy way! He would certainly have died if it were him… if it were him… sighing, he shook his head and settled into his futon next to his angel. He'd managed to do it—Haru hadn't talked to Matsuoka almost all day and despite that little setback, nothing would happen since they were both asleep and he was in between them. Maybe Haru would roll over and cuddle with him accidentally… he could only dream.
The night had gone smoothly by, everyone sleeping calmly and deeply because of the warmth present. There was not a sound to be made. Gou had gone up to her room, their mother had come home from her midnight shift and went to her own bed. No one could've anticipated it. Haruka, in his usual light sleep, heard the light tap of water against the windows. He knew it was going to rain before—his grandma had always taught him that the air smelled the cleanest before and after a rainstorm. Soon enough pellets of cool water belted against the windows and walls of the house, creating a relaxing rhythm even as the wind blew harder and the rain got heavier. It relaxed Haruka into a drowsy state though something… something didn't feel quite right.
He had no idea what it could possibly be but he felt a certain tenseness in the air that made his eyes open blearily. It intensified when he heard that first roll of thunder. A certain anxiety was radiating and it began to make him cautious. It wasn't until the second roll of thunder, when he began to hear loud, panicked breathing that he got up from his futon. At the strike of lightening, he heard a whimper. The thunderstorm was getting closer, louder… more intense as the feeling in the room. He turned and saw a strange kind of shaking in Rin's futon, the redhead's head not visible under the blankets. He stepped over Makoto and went over to Rin's futon. Reaching out, the moment he touched the other, a loud crash of thunder sounded and Rin jumped out of the futon with a loud, blood-curdling scream that instantly woke the others.
Haruka's eyes widened and he looked up to see pure and unadulterated fear in Rin's eyes. The pupil dilated, the whites were irritated but most of all… they were shedding uncontrollable tears. His hands grasped tightly at his hair and though he tried to stand, he fell to his knees as another crash of thunder struck right over the house. His scream was muffled and he clenched his eyes closed, hunching over as he trembled. Haruka's heart seemed to stop and he could not distance himself away from the panicking boy. He's never seen… anyone like this. The fear was so raw, you would have though he was about to be murdered. Rin's natural tan turned white while he curled into himself, desperately clawing at his ears as if to keep them shut. With every muted scream that pierced the air, muffled by the thunder and raging storm, Haruka felt a sharp pain. Like his chest would split in two at any moment.
The other's tears didn't strike him like they did before with pleasant feelings. All he wanted to do at this moment was make them stop. Make it stop, make it stop… Why does it hurt so bad? Haruka's own eyes glistened with foreign moisture that burned them more than looking through chlorinated water. His body moved toward the hyperventilating teen and got on his knees in front of him. He couldn't hear the other's panicked cries behind them, crying out to find what was wrong with Rin. He could no longer hear the thunderstorm but he could feel it. The other's fear struck him and he didn't want to see this. It was like this wasn't even Rin anymore…
"M…Matsuoka…" He reached out and touched his hand, if only to loosen his grip just a little. Rin reacted violently, flinching away from him looking up at him as if he were terrified of him. It felt as if Haruka couldn't do anything… was he useless?
"Don't touch me!" He snarled in an almost animalistic way. It didn't scare him… it made him sad. He was pushed away even as he held his hand out. Rin didn't want to depend on others. Not on him, not on anyone.
His mind flashed back to all those times he'd just upped and disappeared. Coming in randomly into others' lives and leaving just as abruptly, leaving no mark, no memory. He'd claimed he was his neko but was he really? Rin almost owned him more than he owned Rin. Because he never stopped him. He never grabbed him and made him stay before… he always let him go but now he just couldn't. Not anymore. He couldn't watch the other escape his grasp once again. He reached out and grabbed him, not caring that he thrashed against him even stronger than before.
He grabbed both wrists as the boom of thunder made Rin cry again. He couldn't tell how badly he was shaking until he finally got a hold of him. He was immobile with fear and could do nothing but look at me with those suspicious eyes, "I s-s-said do-don't touch m-me…"
His eyes narrowed and he released his grasp of his wrists and grabbed his knees, parting them so he could take residence between them. Rin looked shocked and pushed against him even more before he strongly grabbed his back and hugged him, trapping his arms between their chests and bringing his face to rest against his shoulder. His trembling didn't stop but he didn't thrash anymore. He was probably shocked. So shocked that he only wept on his shoulder, completely defenseless from him. He'd caught him and wasn't letting him go. A slender hand reached up to pet his hair soothingly, sometimes dipping to rub his back while Rin hiccupped on his shoulder.
"Shh, it's alright. It's okay… I got you… Rin," The other gripped the front of his shirt and shivered in his arms, "Calm down okay? Nothing's going to happen." He hadn't known until this day that he was not free. How could he possibly be when he had this guy in his arms? He just couldn't leave him alone could he? Distancing himself a bit, he wiped the other's flowing tears from his vulnerable eyes, stroking along his jaw to distract him from the noise outside. Much to his happiness, Rin eagerly leaned into his touch though he stared at him distrustfully. "Don't be scared anymore, Rin…"
"S-Stop… calling me that… embarrassing…" Rin said and Haruka sighed to himself. Rin finally sounded like he was calming down. He pulled him close again and pet him softly though Rin seemed to want something as he tugged at his shirt, "Um… i-is Gou… okay?"
Haruka smiled slightly and nodded, Nagisa had gone before to see about her and said she was still sleeping even through all the noise. "Gou is okay…"
"A-And… kaa-san?"
"Yeah. I saw her come in not too long ago," So whatever this thunderstorm fear was had to do with family huh? It was starting to come together, though there were still a few holes only Rin could fill in for him. Though, he trusted Rin would tell him when he was ready, "Do you feel tired?"
"N…No…" Rin sighed, clenching his shirt and Haruka huffed out a laugh, realizing that Rin might have thought he was going back to his own futon. Haruka was sure he was too prideful for that anyway.
"Rin, I'm tired. Let's sleep in your futon," He said with a small smirk as the other stiffened, knowing he'd been caught.
"E-Eh? Why? I-It's small—" he tried to act as if he didn't want him to sleep with him though Haruka knew better. He probably just wanted an excuse.
"Don't care. Hurry, or I'll carry you there," He threatened lightly, though it was a short distance and he didn't mind it really. Though Rin was quick to dive under the covers of his futon and Haruka followed, seeing the others watch him peculiarly but he couldn't be too bothered with him at this point. Instead, he just focused on climbing in behind Rin and securing his arms around him.
"Oi, just what do you—"
"It's to make you feel safer, Rin," He said bluntly, pulling him closer and resting his head on his neck. His heart fluttered as he thought it would, touching Rin so gently but he didn't hate it. He could get used to doing things like this especially as he smelled his favorite scent. He discovered that Rin most definitely was better than any pillow. "Rin…" He said softly, fascinated with the way it rolled from his lips. It felt good to say it.
"Wh-What…?" Rin stuttered, reaching under the cover and hesitantly touching the hold he had on him. Haruka lightly nuzzled the smooth skin of his neck, sending shivers down the other's spine that even he could feel.
"Goodnight," The other's body temperature rose to new heights and he ducked his head, mumbling softly.
"N…Night…"
Soooo... did ya like? Cuddles galore huh? Oh btw, a zagone is sleeping huddled up together if ya didn't know. Oh! And kaa-san means mom but if you already knew that then congratz! Wah! Gotta love seme!Haru calling Rin's name just to call it!
To my reviewers:
Maiden Warrior: Aww! Thanks! I also got some ideas from your review and put some Reigisa in that made me have heart palpitations as I wrote! I always thought of Nagisa as some guy who was really straightforward with whatever he does but when it comes to Rei telling him his feelings, he'd turn all uke! Kyaah! And Rin-Rin is fucking adoooorable! TTUTT Ah and Haruka is feeling something at the moment however, he's a bit dense so it might take him some time to figure it out. But oh yes, he's completely on the dark side *_* Btw it was kind of ironic for you to say that he'll kiss the pain away and then que the thunderstrike lol. Personal foreshadowing!
Ember: I knowww! I was like, it's HaruRin but I don't want this story to just have Haru and Rin in it (with a dash of Makoto) I kind of wanted it to be more realistic since everyone interacts with Haruka and Rin in their own way. And your chapter... is here!
LindyLinn: Ah yes, guilt tripping Haruka is hilarious XD and don't worry, these things will certainly be revealed mwahahaha!
Mini: How did you know? o-o you were too right! lmaooo, right from the start this was going to be an angstyish chap but I wanted to fuck your train of thought with those feel-good moments lol.
Guest: Oh trust me, this isn't even the beginning of killer whale Makoto ;)
Katt: Why thank you! I shall take responsibility for your heart! Do not worry *-* Your love is received! I wub you tooo!
Shootyourface: Yeah, major cockblocking Makoto ensues lol XD He couldn't cockblock for too long XD Yep! I likes me the looong chapters!
No0onat: Yeeesh! You're so right! Rin-Rin is so moe! I love him so much on the bottom! You don't know how hard it was not to just let Haruka push him to the ground-oh yea... I did that... well they didn't do it so there! Horny author out!