(Makoto's POV)

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Makoto stood in the airport, keeping watch for jet black hair and sapphire blue eyes. He turned his head and saw black hair, and was excited for a split second until he realized that this person was much too tall and broad to be Haru. He sighed in disappointment. The teal eyed person turned his face and Makoto realized that it was...

"Sousuke!" Makoto waved.

Sousuke looked around for a while until he saw the brunette calling his name. "Hey, Makoto."

Makoto walked over to him, wearing a cheery smile. "Are you here waiting on Rin?"

The taller boy looked away with a faint blush. "I guess..."

Makoto chuckled warmly. "I'm waiting on Haru. I hope they had fun."

"Yeah."

Suddenly, Makoto caught sight of two unmistakable blue eyes from the crowd and a red mop of hair next to him. "Haru!" He called to him, waving his arm. "Rin!" Sousuke called.

The raven haired boy looked around frantically to find the source, and starting running at full speed when he found him, and Rin did the same to Sousuke.

Makoto opened his arms in preparation for a hug, but Haru dropped his bags and flung himself on the the brunette. He wrapped his arms around the taller boy's neck, and his legs around Makoto's waist. Makoto giggled and snaked his arm around Haru's back to hold him up. They both promptly ignored the few stares in their direction.

"Makoto. I love you." Haru said into his ear. He then started kissing him over and over on the cheek, nose, neck, and anywhere he could get to, making Makoto chuckle.

"Haru, I love you too." The taller boy nuzzled into Haru's neck. "I'm so glad you're back. I think I would've gone insane if you had stayed any longer."

Haru gave a tiny, dopey smile. "Mm. Me too."

"Oh! Haru, I got you something!" Makoto awkwardly shifted in attempt to reach his backpack while still holding Haru. The smaller boy reluctantly unwrapped himself from Makoto to stand on the ground. Makoto unzipped his bag and pulled out a big plush dolphin, handing it to Haru. "I couldn't help but think of you when I saw it..." He shyly rubbed the back of his neck.

Haru stared at the adorable toy in pure wonder. "Makoto... I..." He suddenly busted into a soft giggle fit. His eyes were watering and Makoto couldn't tell if it was from laughing or from high emotions.

"W-what?" Makoto tilted his head to the side.

Haru tucked the dolphin under his arm and reached into his bag to pull out a huge stuffed orca and handed it to Makoto.

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They both knew that Haru should probably be unpacking, but cuddling on Haru's couch in pajamas and a warm blanket proved to be much more appealing. Makoto talked himself into it, reasoning that he could afford one more day of loafing around, and besides, Haru was probably tired from his trip. So Haru rested comfortably in Makoto's lap, laying his head on his broad chest, and occasionally planting a kiss where his heart was. Makoto smiled fondly and kissed the top of Haru's head, rubbing soothing circles into the smaller boy's back.

And just a few days ago, he'd been worried sick that the raven haired boy didn't love him.

But was he still?

Makoto knew that with how sweet and kind Haru had been to him, it was obvious that he loved him. But still... It was too good to be true. Why would someone like Haru waste his time on someone like himself? It made no sense, but he definitely was not going to bring it up again and risk having a blowout like that again. But for the time being, it seemed that Haru was going to stay by his side, for whatever unknown reason.

"Makoto..." Haru was tracing gently on his chest.

"Mhm, what is it, babe?" Makoto combed Haru's hair out of his face to get a good look at those beautiful blue eyes he missed so much.

"We need to talk, for real this time." The smaller boy said firmly, lifting his head up to meet Makoto's eyes.

Makoto was a little stirred by this sudden seriousness, but went along with it, nevertheless. "Okay."

Haru sat up a little straighter, so Makoto did the same. Haru took a deep breath and then held one of Makoto's hands with both of his.

"Makoto. We have to tell each other everything. Every fear, every insecurity, every secret, every feeling; Everything. No more of this, 'pushing down emotions so we won't hurt the other,' because it obviously has an opposite effect. We can't just pretend like our feelings don't exist and just wait for them to blow up." Makoto could see tears glistening in his blue eyes and his voice got softer. "We're a team, Makoto... And what is a team if they don't communicate? What is a team if they let one member carry all the weight? We can't be afraid to tell each other that something is bothering us... You can tell me everything... You know that..."

Makoto's eyes widened. That was probably about how much Haru spoke over the course of a week. The fact that Haru said so much to make a single point, really meant that this was something extremely important and necessary. "Haru..." He murmured. "I... I agree. We can't let that happen again." Makoto shifted his hand, which was still being held by Haru's, and entwined their fingers.

A ghost of a smile appeared on Haru's lips. "Good. I... I'll start, then..." A dark pink tint filled his cheeks, so he stared down at his and Makoto's interlocked hand. "When I saw the acceptance letter in your mailbox... I was terrified. It felt like you were trying to abandon me. I thought you didn't want me to find out. I thought you wanted to find someone else at college and forget about me..."

Makoto gasped and sat up completely. "That's not true at all! Haru, I would never do that! I didn't tell you because I hadn't even decided myself, and I was going to ask you if... if..." He took a deep breath. Was he really about to say this? Haru definitely would not be up for moving so far away from home, and Makoto wasn't even sure if he was either. But he remembered what Haru said: They had to tell each other everything. "I-I just thought that, if you didn't know what to do, then, Tokyo has a lot of opportunities, you know? I just thought that maybe, you would want to... come with me..." Makoto felt even more stupid with every word. There was no way Haru would want to do that, and now he just made everything awkward.

Haru looked up, and his mouth was in the shape of a tiny 'o', sapphire eyes wide.

Makoto panicked. "But it's fine if you don't want to! I don't even know yet, so it's fine! I won't-"

"Makoto. Don't freak out. That sounds like an option." Haru smiled with obvious relief.

The brunette froze. "What? It... does? You don't have to lie if-"

"Makoto, I'm not lying. I'm not opposed."

"It... doesn't bother you? Being so far from home?"

There was a short silence. Haru blushed and kept his gaze fixed on their hands.

"It does. That's why I'm coming with you."

Makoto's jaw dropped. That meant... he was Haru's home.

"Come here." Makoto pulled Haru closer into his arms and rubbed his back. "Haru, I love you so much." He kissed his cheek tenderly. "We can talk about it more later, okay? We can decide on something together."

Haru nodded and nuzzled into the embrace. "Okay. But now it's your turn."

Makoto sighed and scratched his cheek. "Well, um. I just... Really don't understand why you would choose me. I had kind of just forgotten it after we started dating, and then... I ran into Kisumi in the store..." The way Haru twitched when he said Kisumi did not go unnoticed. "And he started saying all these things about how everyone knew that you liked Rin... and that I was just a tool."

Haru's hand clenched into a fist. "And why," It was obvious he was trying to keep a reign on his blistering fury. (And probably plotting Kisumi's demise.) He took a deep breath. "Why would you trust him?"

"It's not that I trust him... But what he said made sense... I-I didn't want to believe it, but... Why else would you stay with me?"

Haru shook his head in desperation, putting Kisumi aside for now. "Makoto... Why can't you see how perfect you are? How does it not make sense to you? It's you that's always saved me. It's you that cared about me when no one else did. It's you that has always been the constant source of happiness to everyone around you. You've been the only one I've ever wanted, and the only one I can honestly say... That I want to stay with forever... I want you to understand, Makoto. I'm the one that's unworthy. I'm the one that always needs to be saved..." His blue eyes now overflowed with tears.

"H-Haru! No, that's not true at all!" He cradled Haru's head into his chest in attempt to soothe his crying. "That's not true." He murmured over and over.

Haru lifted his chin up to reveal his teary blue eyes. Makoto inhaled sharply at the sight because he was just so beautiful. His sapphire orbs conveyed so much sincerity and affection, Makoto felt his heart flutter beneath his ribcage.

"Haru..."

"Makoto is the only one I love. If you don't believe me... I want you to know that I'm yours." He closed his eyes in defeat. "I belong to you, Makoto. Only you."

Makoto's heart stopped completely at that. Haru would never had said that in any other circumstance. Haru was a person who deeply valued freedom and independence, and here he was, blatantly giving himself up.

For Makoto.

So... Why?

Could it really be... that maybe there was something special about himself, however small that something might be?

Makoto would probably never understand, but he had to trust Haru.

"Haruka." The raven haired boy slowly opened his eyes at his full name. "How can I own you if I already belong to you?"

Haru covered his face with his hands to hide the adorable surprised expression he wore.

"Thank you, Makoto." He said softly.

The brunette shook his head.

Haru fidgeted with his fingers. "Um... Another thing is..." The smaller boy looked deeply troubled by whatever it was. "And... I'm sorry, Makoto..." He bit his lip as his brows pulled together.

"Sweetheart, you can tell me anything." Makoto pulled him closer and tried to keep an even tone despite his rising panic. What could make Haru so worried? Why would he be sorry?

"I-I didn't want to, Makoto, I swear! But I had to!" His lip was quivering. Makoto even felt himself trembling. "When I was in Australia... Rin and I had to share a bed!" Haru's eyes were still closed. "I swear I didn't like it and I turned the other way all night and I went straight to sleep and I didn't touch him at all and I'm so sorry, Makoto!"

"That... That's what you were so worked up about?"

Haru nodded slightly, eyes still clouded with guilt. "I'm sorry..." He repeated in utter despair.

Makoto felt so relieved that he started giggling. He nestled Haru against his chest as he breathed heavily, anxiety diminished.

"You're... not upset?"

"Of course not. I trust Haru-chan."

He felt Haru noticeably relax against his chest, no longer tense with worry. "Oh."

"Anything else?"

"Um... One more thing..." Haru straightened himself up and took a deep breath. "I-I think I want to swim, Makoto. I'm... I'm going to try at least."

Makoto's eyes lit up. "Haru, that's great! I'm so happy for you!" He wrapped his arms around the raven haired boy and kissed his cheek.

"I don't know, though... If it doesn't work out..." Haru looked deeply conflicted, it elicited a pang of despair from Makoto's heart. He would do anything to take away Haru's pain.

"Oh Haru...It'll be okay... I'll figure something out. If... If it comes to that, I could get another job or something. It'll be okay, I promise."

"But I don't want that!" Haru's voice suddenly rose. "I don't want you to have to do that... " And then, almost a whisper. "I don't want to be a burden..." He stared down at his hands looking dejected.

"Haruka Nanase!" Makoto exclaimed, making Haru jump and look up at him. "Don't you dare ever think you're a burden to me." He held the smaller boy tight to emphasize his point. "I was just saying that you shouldn't worry about if swimming doesn't work out, because I'll be here for you, okay? You could never, ever be a burden."

Those words were enough to make Haru tear up and clutch onto Makoto for dear life. They stayed like that for a long time, with Haru's head on Makoto's chest and Makoto's large hands rubbing soothing circles into Haru's back. The brunette sighed, supposing their feeling spill was over. Boy, was that an emotional rollercoaster. But Haru was right, it was necessary, and he felt a lot better now.

The raven haired boy was still pressed against his chest, now seemingly more at ease. Makoto couldn't help but feel awful for his poor boyfriend; The decision he had to make was by no means an easy one. But it wasn't healthy for him to be so stressed out and over think everything.

"Hey, Haru." Makoto gently nudged Haru's chin up.

"Mm?"

"You know, there's a firework show tonight at the festival. I-I mean... If you're not tired, or if you just don't feel like it-"

Haru's lips perked up a little bit, and his blue eyes brightened. "Makoto... That sounds great."

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"Wow, it's really pretty out tonight!" Makoto stared out into the ocean from the pier.

Haru smiled softly and nodded in agreement.

They both leaned against the railing, admiring the clear night sky casting a faint light out into the dark sea and the tents and festival goers below. The two were in a more secluded part of the festivities, which Makoto knew Haru was thankful for. He could tell the raven haired boy would much rather be away from the hustle and bustle of the festival while still being able to appreciate the fireworks.

But this small, private place filled Makoto with an indescribable feeling of affection. Suddenly, the memory was clear.

"Do you remember?" Haru asked quietly, as if reading his thoughts.

The taller boy smiled gently. "Of course."

"We were right here, too." Haru reminisced fondly.

Makoto was a little taken aback at how lightly Haru spoke of the bittersweet moment, but happy, nonetheless.

It was last year at an event similar to the present one. Haru had just gained knowledge that Rin was at the festival, and had admitted to Makoto that after racing Rin, everything felt dark. Makoto remembered the crushing pain he felt at those words. But then, Haru went on to declare that he still loved swimming with his team, and he still wanted to swim the relay despite his uncertain and conflicting feelings. It was the night Haru chose his friends over letting doubt rule him and hold him back.

And although Makoto felt guilty for even thinking it, he couldn't deny that it felt like Haru chose him.

Of course he remembered that moment.

"I chose you, Makoto..." Haru murmured. Makoto's eyes widened at that statement. Haru must be reading his mind.

"Haru..." Was all Makoto could say.

The shorter boy blushed as he took Makoto's hand into his own and interlaced their fingers.

"Makoto, if it's what you want, you need to go to Tokyo." Haru said softly, but his tone was firm.

Makoto did not like the sound of this and panicked. "H-Haru, no! I want you!-"

Haru gently squeezed his hand to soothe him and quietly shushed him. "I know, I know, Makoto. But listen, Tokyo is a once in a lifetime opportunity-"

"I don't care! Haru is more important!" He captured Haru in a tight embrace, on the verge of a panic attack. "I'm not leaving you! Never!" He held the smaller boy as close as possible with trembling hands and tears in the corners of his eyes. He couldn't even imagine being in Tokyo without Haru. Without anyone. A gigantic city like that, thousands of unfamiliar faces, the never ending hustle and bustle that was so different from everything he's ever known. No college was worth that to him. No college was worth the sleepless nights he would face missing his hometown, the depression of being without Haru, day after empty day, for four whole years. There was no telling how much he would miss in that time period, how much Haru will have grown up, how much Makoto will never know happened. The thought made his stomach lurch violently, and he was sure he would have thrown up right there if Haru hadn't put his tender hand on his face to calm him down.

Haru stroked his skin in a calming way, wiping away the tears that streamed from his dull green eyes. "Calm down, Makoto. I wasn't telling you to leave me." He said sweetly. Makoto was so glad he had someone as patient as Haru to soothe him when he had sudden anxiety attacks like that. Haru lifted his head up to kiss the taller boy's tear stained cheek. "I'm sorry I made you panic like that... That's not what I meant." Haru kissed his cheek again to further calm him.

Makoto felt his heart rate slow down to a normal pace. "O-Oh. I-I'm sorry." He apologized, now feeling stupid for panicking over nothing.

"Don't be. It's my fault. I shouldn't have worded it like that. What I meant was..."

Haru took a deep breath and entwined their fingers again. "I'm coming with you, Makoto. Wherever you go, I'm following you. I still choose you, Makoto. I'll always choose you."

The brunette's mouth gaped and his green eyes were awestruck, blush filling his cheeks.

"Haruka..." He said tenderly, just barely audible. Tears immediately refilled his eyes and he wrapped his arms around the smaller boy, holding him close to his chest. His emotions right now we're so raw that all he could stutter was, "I love you."

"I love you, Makoto." Right as the words left Haru's lips, a giant flash of green and blue sparks filled the night sky above the ominous ocean.

Makoto put his arms on Haru's waist and Haru put his around Makoto's neck. The taller boy leaned down to meet Haru's face, and gently pressed their lips together, just as another twinkle of fireworks filled the air.

It was perfect.

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Final Chapter: Forever and Always