"Okay, which flavor do you guys want?"April asked looking at Makoto, Haru, Rin, Nagisa, Gou and you.
It was summer a pretty good one. Rather hot, but too hot. Still, though just hot enough to enjoy a lovely cool treat, that April kindly treated the little ones to. It was just out of the blue really. After practice today, a Saturday, she came over and told them she had a treat for them. Which of course Makoto, Rin and Haru took it the wrong way. April's treats weren't really treats. She's used that line before, before she drilled upon another for setting her off. Or made her sister cry. She also used as a promise. Threatening some that she would give them a treat. With a scary gleam in her eyes. A few times she used against them, when she felt they where being disrespectful or they might have crossed the line with May.
So when she actually meant it and they took it the wrong way. April took offenses to their acquisition, that had to threaten to accept her treat, which they all did. No more questions asked, Nagisa was the only spared from her rage. He gladly accepted the surprise treat. And to Makoto, Rin and Haru's shock she actually meant what she said. Taking them all to get Gari Gari Kun at the convenience store. Her generosity surprised everyone, their little eyes couldn't believe it. Staring at the many different flavors before them, unsure which to get. Wanting each one, but knew they couldn't.
"Strawberry for me!"Nagisa chimes, reaching into the freezer taking out the one he wanted. Skipping over to April."Thank you so much!"he gives her his biggest smile.
"You're welcome."She tells him, patting his head affectionately."Have you guys picked out yours yet?"
Gou was the next one to pick her flavor, she choose mango flavor. Only four four left, you, Makoto, Haru and Rin. Standing on your tippy toes, being a bit shorter than them, you look for your flavor, when you spot a chocolate one. Reaching for it, you manage to grab it.
"Makoto!"you call to him. Struggling to not fall in and hand him the flavor."Here, your favorite right?"
Seeing your position, he hurries over to you while hoisting you out."May!?"He takes it from you."Are you okay?"
Setting you down, you nod your head."Yeah. I'm okay." A relief to him.
"Thanks May."he said, thankful."Though next time I'll get it. Okay?"
Shrugging your shoulders smiling, and go back to looking any other flavor, there was sadly no mackerel nor a spicy flavor for Rin or Haru. So you looked harder, pushing yourself up more that you slipped in. Almost slipped again, this time someone did catch you.
"Whoa!"Rin managed to get you, before you fell in. His arms around your waist keeping you steady."Be careful."
The others come over."May? What are you doing?"April demands."Are you crazy?"
"I was just looking for..."you look back into the freezer."I don't see it."you became disappointed.
"What are you looking for?"Nagisa ask,peering back into the freezer. With Gou.
Getting a bit heavy, Rin puts you down."That's it. Isn't it?"Haru said, pointing at something in the freezer. Everyone looks over to, Rin goes over to him with Makoto and Nagisa. Gou comes over to you. Wondering what the boys where doing.
"That's the reason?"Rin snickers, turning around to you with grin."Why didn't you say so? Haru you're closest, can you get it?"
"Fine."He reaches in, hearing him shuffle around of the treats he stops and brings his arm back. Holding in his hand your favorite flavor. One of the two.
Taro flavor. You become delighted seeing it. Jumping with joy, he comes over to you handing it to you. You nearly snatch it away from him, hugging the treat."Thank you Haru! You too Rin! All of you! Thank you!"
They smile, except for Haru."Seriously?"he said. And goes back to picking out his flavor. Rin looks over to him. Joining him to find his flavor.
Nagisa comes over to you."You really love Taro flavor don't you?"
"Yeah. Just as much as you love strawberry."You say."Well actually I love peach too. But, there wasn't any peach fla-"
"Oh. Look a peach flavor."Rin pulls out, right when did you whine.
Turning to April, begging her."Sister. Can I have the peach flavor? Please? Please?"Tears forming.
You whining was annoying Haru."You already have your flavor. April said only one. Anyway."
"But, I thought they didn't have peach. Can I have it please April? Please sister? Please?"You started to cry, nearly about to make a scene. April wouldn't have mind, though she only had enough to get everyone one.
Seeing you becoming up and desperately wanting, put her in a tight spot."You're going to have to give up, your Tar-"
"No!"you shriek,holding it close."I love this flavor too!"April sighs messaging her temples. She didn't know what to do, her sister wanted another flavor, but wouldn't give up the one she had.
Her sister really had an attachment issue or a screw loose."You take mine."Rin tells you, coming over with the Popsicle. Holding it out for you."I couldn't find my flavor anyway. So here."
This was unexpected. Looking at the popscile before you, you take it. Rin kept his smile on like it was nothing. Seeing everyone had their treat, April goes to pay. Nagisa comes over to you.
"So cool. You have two."he said playfully jealous.
"Well come."April comes back out."Let's go."
You and April make it home, after spending time with the others. She took everyone to the park to have some fun. Of course after they ate their treat. Everyone had a good time, playing around. Makoto had to prevent Haru from going into the water fountain. Nearly getting in trouble with the law. Which everyone took as laughs. It was really a great day. April made it great for everyone. You even managed to some wonderful pictures. Of everyone. The sun had begun to set by the time you both made it back.
Tired, April yawns and stretches."That was rather fun. Wouldn't you agree?"she throws her bag down and lounges on the couch. Grabbing the remote turning on the T.V."Did you get some good pictures?"
You didn't respond, sitting up on the couch finding you standing there with a long face. Ready to cry, she didn't need to a scientist to figure out was wrong. Placing the remote down, she gets up and goes over to you.
"Hey? What's with the long face?"she ask with a smile."Didn't you have a fun day today?"You nod your head, but that didn't take your mood away. So she tired something else. Tickling you. Which worked like a charm. You started to laugh. Telling her to stop, but she didn't."Tickle tickle."
You kept laughing, trying to push her away, but she wouldn't let up. Trying to get free, you both end up falling together on the floor. Laughing. And she eventually stopped."April. That's not fair!"you tell her laughing a bit.
Looking at her sticking out your tongue. She just kept laughing. Looking up."It worked didn't it?"You look at her lost. Making her laugh, which turned into hacking cough.
"April? Are you okay?"you get up and go over to her, worried. She hadn't stopped. You started to panic.
When she pops up scaring you, nearly making you jump out of your skin. She couldn't help but laugh again. Pointing at you, rolling back and forth."Too easy."
Huffing you growl under your breath, looking away upset."That wasn't funny. April."you grumble. Folding your arms.
She sits up next to you, wiping her eyes."S-Sorry."she tells you, catching her breath."..."Looking at you. You could feel her eyes on you, but you refused to look over to her, giving her the cold shoulder. So she moved closer and moved further. She moved closer again. Still staring at you, poking the side of your face. A few times, then started poking your side.
Which made you fidget, she kept doing it again. Over and over. And each time, you tired to contain your laughter and anger towards. But, you couldn't and started to laugh."Stop."you playfully push her.
She pulls you close to her."Never."She tells you."I will never stop making you smile."Giving you a raspberry on your forehead.
It was another day, time sure did go by fast after the training. With Samezuka, it wasn't fully bad. Minus the storm that came, other than that it was okay. Plus you had your favorite treats and flavor. You managed to get a great deal of pictures taken of the team. Helping them. You made files on each member. Documented their progress. Gave them tips. Worked with them. Went over some things with Seijuro. Accompanied Aiichiro when he went out. Seijuro wouldn't allow you to be left alone. If he wasn't around, it was Aiichiro's job. Everyday practice went till late afternoon. Some times right when the sun begin to set. And it seem when if you weren't in your room. You could come to find either Pocky or Daikuku on your bed or desk. Seijuro was the only one with entrance to your room. But, it didn't make sense. So you didn't think much of it. A few times you allowed Aiichiro into your room and the two of you would spend time together. He was pretty talkative one. Most of the time, he would ask to see his file so he could study what he needed to do. A few times the two of you would play cards. Or just talk. You would share your treats with him. It was actually rather nice to be in his presence.
He seem to admire your skills in the art of photography. And your knowledge on how others could improve themselves. He assumed you actually were once a swimmer, which you assured him that you weren't. Much to his surprise. He question why, but you didn't really have an answer. It never was one that came to mind. At least once, he ended up accidentally sleeping over in your room. Which didn't sit well with Seijuro, luckily you managed to defuse it. It was clear Aiichiro had many questions about you, curious. Asking about your life in America and if you actually where from there. All while you worked on the photos. The questions he asked made it seem like he was going to write an autobiography on you. It shocked him when you told how you actually are and that you where a second year. Telling him you skipped a grade due to your test scores. He admitted you didn't look like someone who had skipped a grade. You tired not to take offense to that. When asked to see a picture of your sister wanting to know what she looks like. Knowing Seijuro was her boyfriend. You showed him and it shocked him that she looked nothing like you. There was vast difference, he had to look very hard to see anything.
A few times when you had to go with him, Rin was there. And the two of you didn't talk, which of course Aiichiro inquired about. It was clear to him there was something between you both. But he couldn't really pinpoint it. He believed you might be an old Ex's of Rin. Which you told him no. He then assumed some really obscure things, that most of it didn't make sense. One was that Rin was an old lover and the two of you had a child out of wedlock. This was said when Rin came along. Rin knocked him in the head for his over imagination. Telling him that was stupid and threaten him not ever say something like that. Aiichiro eventually dropped his assumptions on you and Rin. After you said it was complicated. Though the two of you did know each other, in the past. Which was rather strange, because Rin said the same thing.
Gou ended up coming over once to do 'research' as she put it. Taking pictures of a the team, she was clearly having a field day. You took a break with her, and she told you that the others knew you where here on the island and admitting she knew too. Having spied on the team when they first arrived. But that was all. She told you Makoto wondered if you would come over to see them. But it was clear you wouldn't be. She extended the invite again to come and spend some time with them. But you declined. Which she played off, saying: "Next time."
Besides that you both had decent talks, catching up in a sense. She brought up old stories from back then. Shen did a little bit inquire about how things have been going between you and Rin. By the way you looked and responded, told her.
When training ended, you couldn't wait to get home. And be free of Seijuro. That's what you where expecting to be completely wrong, to your lucky he told you that from now you would be coming to the practices. Hearing such good feedback with you there. The team really appreciated you for helping them. He seriously appointed you the team's photographer. Forcing you take pictures. Meaning you had to go up to the school pretty much everyday, and he was expecting you too. Sending you a reminding text. April didn't seem to mind, saying it was a good thing. A couple of times she came, but her trips soon became less and less. Saying she had things to do. Aiichiro or Seijuro was there waiting for you at the station. And every time you came,you had to wear the attire Seijuro had for you. The shirts made for you. It was either a shirt or tank top. Colors, white or black. He even went out of his way to get you bathing suit, so you could get in the water and take underwater pictures. Luckily you had the equipment for it. If practice went over too late, and it was too late to take the train back. He would have you stay, in his dorm of course. While you had his bed, he took to the floor. Then in the morning you would be taken to the station.
This went all way until Prefectural Tournament.
You set the plates down for breakfast, for you and April. Dressed in your Samezuka attire. Choosing a black tank top bedazzled with an imagine of flashing camera in red rhinestones, with deep maroon jean skirt and black flip flops. You even painted your nails and toes red and black. Well April did. You put your hair back in a ponytail. Your gear was already packed and by the door. Looking at the clock, reading it. You had a good amount of time before you had to leave to be there.
"So? Are you excited?"April ask, you look at her. She had a rather over happy smile on her face. It was nearly uncomfortable, but you appreciated.
"...I guess. I mean I'm just taking pictures."you tell her, thinking about it."Honestly, though I don't see what my purpose is, there will be other photographers there. It seems a bit ridiculous."You complain.
April chuckles at you. Smiling to herself. It was working, she tells herself.
You stop eating and look at her worried and serious."I wish you could come..."you tell her."Are you sure you're going to be okay without me? I don't have to go to the meet. I-I could just stay here..."
Touched by your gesture, but also seeing through it."I'll be fine. Besides, you know what Seijuro would do if you don't go."You stiff up, she was right. The thought sent a shiver down your spine. April laughs some more, to cough instead.
"April!"you get up and go over to her."Let me stay back home! With you! Please!?"
Getting control of herself, her coughs stop. Taking a deep breath with just a few smaller coughs to follow."No. It's alright. Besides Yana and Hana are coming over. So I'll be fine, besides,"she gets up staggering just a bit but manages to stand."You wouldn't want to let down your team. Being unable to capture those memories. You'd be sad. Plus the others will be there Makoto and there. This will be your chance to capture memories of them too. Now then, let's go."she tells cleaning up her area."I'll take you."Turning back flashing you a smile.
The words April said, echoed in your mind all the way to the event. You both went by public transportation, the whole way there she remained in high spirits getting you pumped up, making jokes and poking fun at you. She kept talking non-stop all the way there. You both reminiscing about living back in America, with the others. Sharing a few laughs. It was rather nice. She even brought up times living here. Those memories made you laugh a bit too. The last thing she said before the two of you got off, was about the up coming Summer festival. Saying the two of you should go, remembering how much you enjoyed those. Which you agreed to with a second thought. Seeing that smile on you, warmed April. That spark back in your eyes. It put her at ease for that brief moment.
Arriving at the Meet, she phones for Seijuro letting him know the two of you made it. You could hear him yelling on the end happy. Telling April to wait there, he would be over in just a quick second.
Hanging up, April looks around."Wow, brings back some memories? Doesn't it?"she looks at you.
You simple shrug your shoulders, looking around too. Teams seem to still be arriving and checking in. Hard to believe so long ago, you were at this same event. You had come with Gou and April to support the guys. This was when you took that picture that use to hang up in the lounge of the old Swimming Club. Your most prized photo, you captured the best that day. That day you where so excited and happy. Smiling from ear to ear, it warmed your heart that day. Even if it was the last time the group would be together, Rin was leaving for Australia. To go train abroad. It was both a happy and sad day. But also very memorable and meaningful. No could really be upset at Rin, he was doing what he loved. The only thing was that, no more memories would be made with him. Which was alright, to some extent. You still had Haru, Makoto, Nagisa and Gou. You where able to make memories with them, just not with Rin. A part of you didn't like that empty feeling. People leaving, you never took it well. Life changing suddenly like that, just when things seem to be going well in life. When he left, it took awhile for you to adjust, but luckily you had the others. At least for that short amount of time.
"April! May!"you hear and see Seijuro running over. He quickly goes and picks up April.
You turn away giving them in a sense some privacy with their affections. Fiddling with your camera, that is until you felt his heavy hand on your head. Which you didn't like, but came to tolerate it. Against your will.
"Hey, glad you came."he welcomes you. Then pulls you into a arm lock hug. Laughing. You try to get out but his hold was rather strong. April just stood laughing lightly at the sight. While you pitied yourself. Whining.
He does eventually let you go. Allowing you to breath. Rubbing your throat, looking at him rather irritated. Which he of course ignored, grinning at you. Ruffling your hair."May,"April calls to you. Turning to her, she hugs you."..."
Seijuro smiles at the two of you, a bit caught off guard by this, but you return her hug. Soothingly she strokes your hair, giving you one last squeeze. And plants a kiss on your forehead.
"She's going to have a great time."Seijuro tells her, putting his hand on your head. Patting it. Smiling warmly at April, assuring her. April looks at him nodding her head, hopefully. Giving Seijuro a kiss good-bye, you and him watch her get back on the public transportation and leave. She turns looking out the window and waves back to you."Come on. Let's get going."He tells you, taking you inside.
The place was as you remembered, it hadn't changed at all. From what you could remember. So many teams where present. So many. It was just awing, you where down by the pool. With Seijuro of course, being with him kind of gave you access. Your eyes looked everywhere, tempting to take pictures. But you didn't.
Up in the stands, Gou and the others where looking over the other schools and clubs. Gou doing her best to not give into her desire of all the muscles she saw.
"Hey?"Makoto gets the others attention. They follow where he was looking."It's May."He smiles.
They all look and see you following Seijuro."Awww..."Gou whines."She's so lucky."
"It's good to see her,"Makoto kept smiling."look at her, she seems in her element."
Rei eyes followed you closely, quickly looking away to his teammates, then back to you. Nagisa noticed the way Rei was looking at you and took it the wrong way. Though he didn't say anything. Instead he yells for you."May!HEY MAY-MAY!"
Hearing his yell, you turn around finding the others. Nagisa waving at you with both hands, Gou waving at you. Yelling for you take some pictures for you. Makoto shaking his head keeping his smile, waving to you. Rei froze and looks away. Ms. Miho gives you a wave. You stopped and just looked at them all. Seeing the smiles on their faces and them waving to you.
Was just like before, though the roles reversed, you and Gou where the ones in the stands yelling and waving to Makoto and others. Cheering them on, before they started their relay. Nagisa waving back the same way he was right, as was Makoto. Rin waved back, but there was no Rin nor Haru. Wait? No Haru!? Looking around quickly in the stands, he wasn't present at all.
Strange.
Noticing the way you looked, Makoto could see the confusion and concern look. He wasn't sure if it was for yourself or for Haru. But, he was pretty sure it was Haru and just a bit for yourself. He knew that look well.
Haru, he thought.
Nagisa still waving like crazy. Waiting for you wave back, calling to you. Nearly screaming off the top of his lungs, desperate actually. Rei watched you carefully, to see if you would respond to his friends desperate attempt to get something from you. But, it was clear your own feelings where stronger. Shame and regret much stronger. Turning, you didn't bother to wave to Nagisa, breaking his heart. Doing his best to hold back his tears, Nagisa just simple and grudgingly accepted it.
Apologizing to Nagisa, you follow Seijuro over to where Samezuka was. A seat was left open for you, right by Aiichiro. Who was rather happy to see you. He greets you first, for the rest of the team to follow. It brought an old feeling back.
"Hi May!"Makoto, Nagisa, Rin and Haru welcome you.
You gasp at the similarity, you never felt so miserable. But, put on a smile and take your seat by Aiichiro."So glad you came."he said."I was starting to get worried. Hey? Are you okay?"He noticed the long look on your face.
Realizing this, you snap out of it."Oh? Yeah, just umm...thinking. Hey, where's Rin?"You notice his absence. His event wasn't up just yet.
Remembering Haru wasn't present either, you get up for Aiichiro to stop you."Hey? Where are you going?"He ask looking at you wondering why.
You didn't know why either, well you did. Something inside you didn't seem to sit right, but...slowly you sit back down."It's nothing."You tell him, holding up your camera and end the talk by pretending to focus and take pictures.
Aiichiro looks at not sure, but let's it be. The events where starting.
You took pictures, pretty good ones. All the while wondering about Rin and Haru. One event after the other came, the team cheered loudly and with much spirit. You kind of wished you had headphones. To block out their sound or wishing to be sitting elsewhere. When it came time for Freestyle, you see the group walk out, Rin and Haru's lanes right by each other. Meaning they had matching or close times. This was intense, you could feel the tension from here. It was rather strange, because as kids there was more a playful sort of tension. Not this...this was something different. Looking at them both through your lens, you could see it. And it scared you, that it made you shiver. Aiichiro noticed. Barely able to keep the camera stable. Looking closer he noticed tears slowly forming, he wasn't sure why. But he knew whatever it was that inflicted you, it was tearing you up inside. To cause tears to form.
The sound of the gun going off, brought you back. The race started, zooming into the race. Trying to figure out when to take the pictures. But, like before during training you couldn't take it. They come to the turn, both Haru and Rin. It as close, feeling your heart race. Your finger presses the button, right when they came back. Looking at the board, it was Rin who won. He came in first. Haru came in second. Watching it all through your lens, you see the lavishing joy on Rin. Everything fell quiet after what Rin said to Haru, standing over him looking down at him like he nothing. A satisfied gleam in Rin's eye, while Haru was in utter shock by the cruel words that escaped Rin's mouth.
Looking at the screen of your camera you took the picture of such a veil victory that, had nothing precious about it. It horrified you. Realizing you had taken a few after, scared you press to see them. Gasping at what you had done. Seeing a broken Haru, after what Rin said. How could you be so cruel? Looking over to Haru, still in the water. Rin walks away not even bothering to look back. Smirking.
Standing up, looking at Haru. It hurt seeing him like this. This wasn't right?! Not at all, this wasn't what...gripping the railing. Stun, just completely stun. Your knuckles started to turn white. Aiichiro was afraid to say something. Why weren't you happy that Rin won? And more concerned about Haru? It didn't make any sort of sense. He saw the way you acted towards the others from Iwatobi, why all of sudden a change? He didn't get it.
Haru finally gets out of the pool and heads towards the locker room. You quickly excuse yourself and rush off. You weren't the only one either, Rei rushed off as well, with Makoto and Nagisa. You reach the hall leading to the locker room. Coming in hearing Rin talk with glorious delight while belittling Haru. It made you sick and angry. Noticing you behind the others, Rin was at first stun but that changed. He gives you a cocky grin.
"Well, look who cares?"he said, getting the others attention. They turn around to you, rather surprised to see you standing there too."So? Did you get good picture me blowing away Haru? It'll make for a precious memory right?"he mocks and teases you rather harsh. Venom came from those words. You glare at him, he glares back. Causing you to cave and look away in shame. Your lip quivering a bit."What's the matter?"
"Rin! Stop!"Nagisa comes to your defense."Leave her alone."
Rin paid him no mind and attacked you."Where you expecting something grand? You finally took a picture of something worthless. Capturing sadness instead of joy. How does it feel? Knowing you now have that now? Making good memories of something broken, but really be captivating. After Haru looses, you finally show care and concern. I wonder why?"
You didn't say anything, his words cut rather deep and true. Shooting him a glare that he brushed off. He walks pass the others stopping by you. Raising a hand and sets on your shoulder. Mockingly patting you for a job well done."Might have been better if you stayed away."
"..."you remain silent, Rin looks down at you and scuffs walking away. The others hurry over to you.
"May? Are you okay?"Nagisa he tries to get you to look at him. But you wouldn't, what Rin said hurt and wounded you badly. They could see it in your eyes. Nagisa and the others kept trying to ask if you where well. Nagisa pleading for you to answer him.
The second he put his hands on your shoulder, you smack it away telling him not to touch you. Looking at them dreadfully sorry, they saw you doing your best to hold whatever it was inside back. Backing up, you turn and run.