Finally Makoto is introduced (Yaaay)

Sorry for the long update as I have been had a busy weekend. I had work on the Saturday; a gig on the Sunday and signing up for more courses this week. (Phew)

I hope you like the new chapter and please review

Warning slight fluff (yes I will be writing SouMako moments in the future)

Please review, follow and favourite

Darkpheonix666

Haru sat beside the temple weakly; yet again he felt drained because of the demons using his powers. Usually he would have Rin help fill him with energy but she was out doing shopping. Since she would be living with him and was a spirit of the shrine; he had at least asked she help with chores. Today she had been sent to get food so they would have enough for two people.

However, she was taking longer than usual today. He wondered if it was because she couldn't find what she was looking for or being harassed by human males. While she was more than capable of looking after herself; she was very physically appealing.

Haru growled as he peered at the ominous faces of demons leering at him. Enjoying the fact that they were weakening him by feeding off his power. He closed his eyes trying to preserve what little strength he had left. He never even heard the footsteps approaching him until they made themselves known.

"Haru? Is it that bad today" a worried voice said. She had come here as fast as she could but the train had been very full today. Luckily, she hadn't been molested which she was grateful for. But she always worried it would be a risk; because of this she never really enjoyed trains.

Haru looked up weakly to see his best friend Makoto Tachibana standing beside him. They had known each other since they were kids and used to play together a lot. She had looked out for him all her life until she felt he was old enough to do so himself.

Makoto had a curvy figure and a rather sizable bust making her popular with the boys in her year. She had big green eyes and olive coloured hair that reached above her shoulders in a straight bob with a bang swept over her left eye. Makoto had never liked having long hair as she found it too troublesome to deal with.

She was one of the prettiest girls in her year (By her school's standards) and ran a medicinal shop with her grandparents. They grew all their own herbs in their garden and they had taught her since she was young. She helped cultivate their herb garden and even suggested new ones they could try selling.

Despite rumours going around their school; Makoto was simply platonically friends with Haru. She had known him since she was young and could see him as nothing more than a brotherly figure. The whole idea of the two of them being anything else made them cringe at the thought; it was just too awkward.

However, many people seemed to argue otherwise and would get interrogate them about this. It was fair to say this caused minor problems in both their lives but they usually just ignored it. Knowing that their opinion was far more important than what anyone else thought.

Makoto currently had a crush on the Kendo captain Sousuke Yamazaki. Like Haru he had blue eyes and dark hair; only his eyes were more turquoise than Haru's sky blue ones. He was broader and taller; but a gentle giant. The reason Makoto liked him was because he respected her and was polite; unlike most guys who only leered at her.

Haru had seen them interact a few times and had to admit they looked good together. Sousuke also tended to worry about Makoto and babied her a little; compared to the other way around. She had someone to take care of her for a change since she did so much for other people.

Haru could only moan weakly in response; he didn't even have the strength to get up. Without Rin to keep them at bay or the physical or mentalstrength to use a ward he was unable to move.

"I'll go brew some tea right away. Sorry grandma didn't have any tonics ready today" she apologized hurrying towards the direction of the kitchen. Usually her grandmother would have made some tonic for Haru as a pick me up. But today she only had ground leaves that could be made into tea.

She didn't have any pills either but she could make some in his kitchen. God, she felt so bad for taking so long to get to Haru's place; he looked terrible. How long had he been sat there trying to preserve his energy?

Haru simply nodded and Makoto went inside to make tea almost falling over. He was grateful to have her as a friend; it was times like these he had a backup solution when Rin was gone.

Meanwhile

Rin flew over the rooftops quickly her black wings spread through the sky blocking the sun from her eyes. She knew that her power would have worn off and Haru would be weak again. It had been at least on hour since she left and her spell would have worn off. God only knows what state Haru would be in right now. He would look like death and surely be keeled over panting breathlessly.

She held the 2 bags beneath her tightly making sure none of the food fell out. She had worked hard to find everything on the list and had no patience to go back. Plus he wouldn't be happy if she dropped anything.

Haru needed her and she could sense how weak he was already. He was in danger and she didn't like it; what if the demons tried to hurt him? The very idea made her blood run hot her eyes glow red with anger. In his weakened state, he couldn't fight back. What if a demon tried to kill him or worse even possess him? While Haru had a strong will; in his state, he was weak to influence.

"Hold on Haru; I'm coming" she said mentally. She had been worried about leaving him alone but he promised he could look after himself for an hour. But that didn't stop her from worrying about him.

Back at temple

Makoto sat beside Haru as he sipped the medicinal tea. He sighed pleasantly as he felt his energy levels slowly begin to rise. The effect of the demons getting weaker and weaker. He would last a while before he needed another pick me up from Rin. Not as long as being given her energy mind you; but it would do for now.

Desperate times called for desperate measures and besides he had managed on his own before this. And considering how he had no idea where Rin was; the medicine would have to do. He could only pray he lasted longer than usual this time or he would be in trouble.

Makoto sighed in relief as she saw the colour come back to his cheeks. She really worried about Haru sometimes. He lived up here all alone and he worked so hard. He knew this place had been important to his grandfather; but she worried Haru pushed himself way too much.

She really hoped to find an alternative to these short-lasting herbs. It worked mind you but only for a limited amount of time. She had a right mind to move in and look after him but she knew Haru would not allow it. Saying how she did enough for him as it was; needing to look after herself too.

"Sorry…." Haru muttered quietly. He had never asked to be born with these powers and they were a bother. But he enjoyed keeping people safe and the spiritual world balanced. He would never feel as at home and he did here at the temple; it was where he belonged after all.

Makoto blinked in surprise at his unexpected response. what was Haru apologizing for? He couldn't help it! He couldn't control the outcome of being a Shinto priest with such strong powers. So why on earth was he saying such things? She was doing this because he was her best friend.

Haru saw the confused look on her face and bowed his head in a shameful manner "You always take such good care of me. But you barely have time for yourself outside school and training" he explained. He could imagine her getting home and collapsing on her bed in exhaustion from how much she packed into her day.

He was surprised Makoto even had time to court her high school crush. She spent so much time caring for him he wondered if she ever made a move on him. Hell if she didn't he may have to interfere in her love life; as long as she had her own happiness too.

Makoto was stunned by Haru's concern for her and smiled "You silly. Of course, I do; I'm just better at multitasking than you" she teased. It was a proven fact that women could multitask better than men could. While men could only do one or two things at once; women could do at least three tasks at once.

Because of this she could easily balance her social life and personal life. She was more than capable of handling herself and Haru without any problems. So he didn't need to worry too much; she was tougher than she let on. Deep down she was a tough little cookie indeed.

Unlike Sousuke's other fangirls she was never in his face all the time; she simply watched from the sidelines. She was supportive and gave him his personal space but made herself known. She left him small energy drinks made of herbs in his locker for after training to help give him energy. She even said good morning to him every day giving him her sweetest smile that would make his heart flutter.

Her methods were subtle but effective; which was always the best course of action. Her "notice me senpai" methods were working well. Because of what she did Sousuke had become more aware of her presence.

He caught sight of her watching him train from the side-lines and would nod and smile at her. He even thanked her for the energy drinks and asked for them more often. Compared to all the other girls who would talk to him he called her by her name instead of her surname like the other girls.

Haru hummed thoughtfully but was still worried. But he didn't argue as he knew it would only make Makoto worry about him even more. She was such a kind and motherly person; there was no doubt that she would make an amazing mother one day. Her future husband and kids would be truly spoiled.

He wondered how she would act when she met Rin in person. Since his childhood, Makoto was the only girl he knew and never really spent time with anyone else. So she was out of the loop on any of his past female admirers or relationships.

He had always spent a lot of time training and studying; never having much time for anything else. Because of this he never really socialized much and only had a few friends. But he never was one for large groups of people anyway as they just wore him out.

"Haru?!" an impatient yet slightly hurt voice called out. After worrying her head off; she had found him with some unfamiliar woman. Since when had he been so popular with the opposite sex? Were there any other girls she should know about?

She was very pretty and had the same chest size as her (36); just double D instead of single. Despite only being a human she was built very well but oozed sex appeal which frustrated her. It made her a little mad at how cute she was in fact.

Rin had never seen this girl back when she was a child and Haru had never so much as mentioned her. She had lived here her whole life and yet had never once seen this girl around the shrine once. Even her scent was unfamiliar to her which worried her even more.

Makoto looked up in surprise to see a girl around their age wearing a dark blue shirt with "Milk" on the chest in white letters. She was also wearing a pair of black sports shorts. Which was far more revealing that what she would wear outside; but to each their own.

She had a paler yet smoother skin complexion to the two of them; and radiated with sex appeal. She had short magenta hair cropped into a pixie cut with long cut bangs in front of her face. Despite her tomboyish appearance and attire; Makoto had to admit this girl was a looker. But she wondered how she had never seen her around before and how she knew Haru.

"Rin" Haru said in surprise with a hint of relief in his tone. He was glad she was back but wondered why she looked so worried. While he was still awkward about kissing her he was more than used to it by now.

Makoto looked at Haru in confusion then at this newcomer he had called Rin. She knew something was going on between them but had no idea of what to say. I mean she hadn't been here in a while. Since she always gave Haru medicine that would last him a good month before he needed more. She never really came to the shrine much; she mainly saw him at school.

She could sense something was going on between these two and she was out of the loop. In all honesty, she was starting to feel like a 3rd wheel. But as Haru's friend she needed to make sure he was ok. While she would never interfere with his relationships; she had to make sure the girl was worthy of him.

"Um…. Haru? Who is this girl?" Makoto asked curiously. Haru had never acted as the type who was interested in relationships so she was rather surprised. But she was happy he had a woman in his life and didn't spend all his time on his own.

Rin growled at her familiarity and mentally yelled "That's my question girly" in an angry tone. Why was she so familiar with Haru anyway? Just how the hell did they know each other?

Haru blinked and then recalled these two had never met before. I mean he hadn't known Rin before this but since they were living together Makoto would be seeing her a lot. So he might as well get it over with to prevent any misunderstandings.

"This is Makoto Tachibana. She attends the same school as me; her grandparents run a medicine shop where Makoto is training to become a medicinal healer" he explained. It was a basic detail that would do for now; whatever else Rin wanted to know she could ask Makoto herself. It was the polite thing to do after all.

Makoto smiled politely at the Magenta haired teen "Nice to meet you Rin. You don't have to worry; me and Haru are platonically friends. We've known each other since we were kids" she explained.

Rin felt a sense of relief knowing that the two were only friends. But she was a little jealous of Haru being friends with such a pretty girl she never knew about. She shifted awkwardly looking away "S...Same here" she said quietly feeling bad for suspecting her.

Makoto then got up and dusted herself off to prevent any marks "Well I can see you two have things to do. The medicine is in the kitchen in the usual cupboard. See you around" she said politely.

She then made her way towards the steps and nodded politely at Rin. She seemed like a nice girl but she would be lying if she wasn't a little afraid of her. The whole time she had been sitting next to Haru, the girl had been glaring daggers at her. Like an animal warding off a rival from stealing their mate; rather scary.

After Makoto had left the stairs and her scent had weakened; Rin frowned at Haru crossly. Why had he never mentioned her before? Why did he need medicine? Just what was he keeping from her that she didn't know about?

Haru saw her expression and frowned defensively. Why was she so mad at him? He had been using the medicine long before she came into his life. She had no right to be angry at him for using what was available to him.

"Why do you need medicine? Are you sick?" Rin asked sharply her tone worried. She could sense when something changed about his aura; yet he seemed healthy apart from his lacking in energy. Unless he was trying to hold himself together to not worry her but was going to collapse any second.

Haru blinked in surprise at her response and shook his head "Not that I recall" he replied dryly. He was perfectly healthy; just drained from the demons attached to him. I mean he was touched by her concern for him; but he really was ok.

Rin growled and stamped her foot "Don't lie to me Haru! Why do you need medicine if you're not sick!" she snapped angrily. What secrets was he hiding from her? Why did he need that girl to bring him medicine if he was getting energy from her?

Haru sighed heavily; she was obviously jumping the gun way too much. It was just better if he told her instead of giving her hints. It wasn't really helping and she was just getting more upset the longer he left it.

"Like I said Makoto is training to be a medicinal healer. Before you showed up she would give me herbal remedies to boost my energy" he explained. Though Makoto still had a ways to go before she was a professional; she was improving in leaps and bounds as days passed.

It worked better when he was younger as the demons hadn't been as intense back then. But as he got older they came in stronger swarms and he was unable to ward them off as easily. It took a lot more energy and the medicine only worked for so long. Because of this he was relieved to have Rin in his life to help him out.

Rin gave a look of relief but was still somewhat worried "How long have you needed it?" she asked curiously. I mean Haru had lived here his whole life and been training since he was 7. That would take a hell of a lot of strain on his body leaving him feeling like he had been carrying a weight on his back constantly until he adjusted.

Haru finished the last of his tea in one gulp and swirled the tea leaves at the bottom in playful manner "Since I was a kid. Back then the demonic effect was weaker though" he explained. As time had gone by he had become better as resisting their effect but he was still human so he needed to rest every now and again too.

Rin was stunned her eyes wide with shock. She had never known Haru had suffered with this power for so long. All the time she had watched over him she had no idea he was suffering so much. She was glad that girl had been helping Haru. Without her help or knowledge of medicine, Haru may have been bedridden or killed by the amount of energy the demonic spirits had been taking from him.

She bowed her head awkwardly; she had just made a scene and been rude to that girl without meaning to. The next time they met she would have to apologize for her behaviour towards her. "I'm sorry…. I…I had no idea. I just…I mean…. you never said anything" Rin said apologetically. She had gotten her feathers ruffled for nothing. God she felt like an idiot for acting like such a child in front of his friend.

Haru saw her expression and smiled to himself in amusement. It seemed that she had felt jealous over Makoto being around him though there was really no need to be. But he had to admit that it was pretty cute to see her so flustered.

"No, you had every right to be upset. I never told you to begin with so you were just worried" he confessed. Communication was the key to any relationship and he had been lacking for this part so he was to blame.

Rin blinked and was surprised to see Haru agreeing with her. But she was glad he was ok and had recovered thanks to the medicine. "How long does it last?" she asked curiously. If he had used it for this long it had to do some good, right? Otherwise why would he take it?

Haru hummed swirling his cup around as he wracked his brain "At least 30-40 minutes" he said thoughtfully. Yes, not long but it got him by and he took the pill form wherever he went just in case.

Rin looked stunned to hear this but it was to be expected. Medicinal herbs were usually used for ailments and not for energy uses. But at least he was getting help for when she wasn't around to restore his energy.

Haru got up slowly and stretched then took one of the bags from her quietly "But that's why you're here right?" he said kindly. He would be relying on her more often from now on.

Rin felt her cheeks heat up but remained composed despite screaming on the inside. How was it Haru was capable of saying normal stuff and making it sound mushy? It should be a crime to be capable of being so charming. "Come on I'm hungry" she muttered crossly storming towards the house. How come she was embarrassed this time and he was being the cool one? She would have to get him back for this eventually.