"I'm coming. I'm coming!"Quickly you hustle down the stairs, skipping the last two nearly lost your balance but you quickly regain yourself and hurry to the door.
The doorbell kept being rung over and over again. It was starting to become rather irritating, so you tired to not let it bother you. The best you could, which was why you needed to hurry to the door for it to stop. Having a good idea of who it was kept ring the doorbell. A habit that hadn't changed since elementary. They always found it a delight to do this. It was there way of letting the whole house know who it was and that they where here. And course just seconds before you swung the door open, they just happened to figure out it was unlock and open it. Leaving you to come flying out looking like a flying squirrel and crash. Which was what happened, this time you ended up making it all the way to the other side of the yard, crashing into the lawn ornaments and slightly tangled in the bushes. To make it 'better' you ended up side down. A shadow comes over you.
"May? Why are you up side down?"Nagisa innocently ask with greeting smile. Kneeling next to you.
Your eyes shoot over at him irritated clueless act. Nagisa, he hadn't changed after all this time. He still enjoyed doing this to you. You huff to yourself and greet him back."Hello Nagisa."
"Good morning,May."he responds. Still smiling which started to turn into a rising laughter, which you joined in. The two of you just laughed and laughed.
While Mako and the others consisting of Haru, Gou, Rei, Rin and Aiichiro. Rei looks at the two laughing like silly kids in disbelief, shaking his head at the idiocy of the two. Mako just smiled at the two.
"Those two, they never changed."Mako said chuckling softly to himself.
"I'm surprised she went this far,"Haru throws in."I give this landing at least 6.5."
"What?! Why are you rating this!?"Rei flips out at him."That was clearly dangerous! Not to mention highly annoying, allowing Nagisa to keep ringing the doorbell. It was rather rude of him."He pushes up his glasses, turning back to the giggling buddies. You had fixed yourself up right, luckily you didn't have on any of your good clothes. Just simple yoga pants and a purple tank top, your hair put up rather quick pony tail. No socks or shoes, going barefoot.
"You're right,"Gou agrees with Haru."I would give it a 6.5 too."
"What!? You're agreeing with this too!?"Rei looks at her.
"Relax Rei."Mako tells him. Rei shoots him a glare.
"I find that rather hard to relax. Nagisa nearly gave her a concussion. The way she landed and none of you seem too worried about it."
Mako places a hand upon his teammates shoulder."What's there to be worried about? May's is returning back to her old self. I would say this is a good thing."
Adhering to what he said, Rei looks back to Nagisa and her. Realizing he was right and relaxes. Looking back to Mako."Yes. I suppose your right."
"See?"Mako assures him."Nothing to worry about. Nagisa and May use to do this all the time back when were kids. Now let's get started."
"Yes. You're right."Rei agrees.
"Hey, let's do it again!?"Nagisa suggest to you, your eyes light up at the idea."Yeah!"you agree. Both of you jump up and run back.
"What!? No are you two crazy!?"Rei yells at you both. Relaxing wasn't going to happen.
"I wonder how her landing is going to be this time?"was all Haru could think about.
Upsetting Rei."Are you serious?! We've got to stop them!"
"It won't be dangerous."Mako tries to assure him, for it to backfire when he heard Nagisa suggest this time wetting the floor and you both come slipping out. "Nagisa! May don't!"He hollers rushing inside with the others following to stop the mayhem.
Nearly a close call but they managed to reach you and Nagisa in time. Rei gave the two of you a rather strict talking to on the stupidity both of you displayed. Rather surprise that you being a year older would go along with this. After his twenty minute lecture, things could get down to business. Everyone of them came dressed in something casual and simple. School was out now which was perfect, because this wouldn't have happen if school was still going on. They all came over to help you clean and pack things away. It wasn't a job meant for one person considering the size of the place and the rooms you had to do. And the packing along with it. So you asked for the help of the others, if they wanted to. They knew your reason why for this cleaning and gladly lend their assistance. Doing this was going be a great deal of work, not just physically but mainly emotionally. As well mentally, you where going to need all the help you could. Another reason for cleaning out the place was that, you couldn't live here any more. Being a minor, you couldn't stay by yourself. Luckily though you managed to find residence. Which was a true blessing because if not you would have to go back into Foster Care. Something you didn't want to happen. The others assured you that it wouldn't happen again.
Once you cleaned out this place and everything was in order you would move into your new residence. Before the new school year started up. With everyone here, Mako, Haru, Rei, Nagisa, Gou, Rin and Aiichiro who actually had practice. But Aiichiro told first they didn't mind and second since Seijuro couldn't come he had them go in place. Though promised to come over afterwards so you needed to have your phone on. Everyone was ready to help you, Rei tried to express his rather complicated idea or theory for cleaning properly. No one jumped on that. You let everyone know in the house there was a total of four rooms and two and half baths. Plus the living room, family room, dinning room, kitchen and outside. You collected a pretty good amount of boxes, had a endless supply of boxing tape, bags, box of cleaning supplies, gloves just in case.
Cleaning would start on the first floor and everyone would make their way upstairs. Understanding what to do, everyone gets started with cleaning. It went well the first two hours, well sort of. Nagisa managed to course you into slacking off which Rei caught you both. He nearly blew a top. Berating you and Nagisa for being lazy and incompetent. You and Nagisa had to remain sepreated, but he ended up finding ways back to you and coursing you into doing things. And again Rei caught you both, the most out of everyone. The others didn't seem to mind really, which didn't help Rei. He protest that everyone was cleaning more than the two of you. He was just shocked at the fact you went along with Nagisa, it just baffled him. Makoto and Gou told him that was just how it went. Haru telling him to just let it be, it was better. Cleaning the first floor took a lot longer than anyone had thought. During the time you took a good amount of pictures, also to your surprise Sasabe came over with lunch, pizza of course and Ms. Miho came too. Even Keiko and Yana.
Everyone enjoyed lunch in the backyard, you provided drinks and other refreshments, Makoto helped you. Smiles, stories and laughter exchanged among everyone. And crazy ideas that you and Nagisa came up with, to be shut down quickly by Rei. Nagisa enticed a small game of tag, which was fine, until someone came up behind you trying to scare you. And out of reaction you freak out grabbing them and flipping them over right onto their back. The poor person happened to be Sasabe, who was had forgotten that you could do that and it was never a good idea to sneak up on you. You quickly apologize to him. He assured he was alright, the game ended. You felt so bad for injuring him. Aiichiro was shocked at what you could, not to mention scared, even Rei who was more terrified. Nagisa and Rin tell them you had taken lessons as a child, sneaking up behind you wasn't a good thing. And not to scare or even worse upset you by doing something they preferred not to mention.
Once lunch was over, cleaning started back up. By that time Seijuro came ready to lend a hand. Everyone was ready to tackle the second floor. You though where hesitant at first, the others could see. And with their support, you managed to get started. Putting things in boxes, loading them up on the truck, everything really. While everyone was busy with cleaning, you took your time. Gou helped you in your room, along with Nagisa. Since there was still one more room left, and you pretty much told them what needed to be packed you went to tackle the last room.
April's.
Your hand hoovered over the knob, refusing to allow you to even touch it. Hand trembling that you didn't realize it, nor the tears that had begun to fall down. Everything around you went silent. There was nothing around you, nothing at all. How could you clean this room? Get rid of everything in here, it would take her away from you. It wasn't right. Not all, you couldn't just throw away your sister like that. Not just for yourself, but for the others. She was important to them, she was part of their memories too. Disgusted and angry with yourself, you turn around ready to run. Finding your way blocked by the others, led by Seijuro who looks down at you smiling tenderly at you. Looking up at him with tears of shame leaking out. Turning to the others with the same look. There was no animosity in their eyes or sentimental smiles. Feeling Seijuro's hands upon your shoulders he pulls you into a hug, allowing you to cry in his chest. Until you where ready, it took a few minutes, but once it was all out. You turn back to the door, hand over the knob still hesitant to open it, until extra weight pushed it down. And allowed you to open the door. A hand from Mako, Haru, Rin, Haru, Gou and Rei. They help you push the door open and walked in with you.
Her room still smelled the same as if she was still here, nothing was touched. Everything was the same, it's been months since you last came in here. Back when she was still here, you imagined her lounging on her bed or at her desk on her laptop. Over at the closet looking for something to wear. The two of as children playing together or dancing. Her reading you a story for the night. Everything still remained the same. The second you stepped inside, everything was calm and still. Peaceful. The sensation in your heart wasn't pain, it was something else...acceptance.
Someone nudges you, looking up at Seijuro."Ready?"he said.
Looking back at the room, already here, with everyone ready. With a small smile and nod, shedding that bit of grief. Eyes return back to normal and legs being to walk forward over to the drapes and push them apart letting in the light and open the window letting in fresh air. It felt so good. The others wait and watch for your reaction to follow. You turn around to them smiling.
"I'm ready."you tell them."Let's get started."
By night everything was cleaned and packed. Leaving but bare walls and the lights on. Hard to believe this place use to full of so many memories and good times. It looked the same as when you and your family moved in here. Now, you where moving out. Before years ago you didn't want to step foot into this place, how could you call it home back then? Now, you didn't want to leave it, but you had to. How could you call another place home, when every memory and moment was here.
Guess that was what starting a new meant in life. Everyone has some to move on in life and start over again. No matter what road they chose. The good thing about this was having others by you. Loading the last box, you watch the truck drive off. You stood in the streets watching until its back lights could no longer be seen. Never to been seen again. You wanted to cry, but chose not to. Instead you smiled.
The start of the new school year had begun, officially a Third year. At Iwatobi. Everything was going to be new and fresh. You could feel it. Dressed and ready, you head out before the sun finished rising. Over to Samezuka. Today was a important day, very important. It was the last day for the previous Third years on the swim team and you wanted to make sure to capture as many pictures that you could. The memories. Not to mention Seijuro texted you to join in on it. You reach the station just in time and get on the train. The ride seem a bit longer than normal, you realized. There was this strange feeling in your gut. Like a knot.
Reaching the school and the pool, you could hear the commotion already happening. Yells and cheering, you rush in though do a quick change of clothes into your Samezuka attire and race to the pool. Camera ready you burst through the doors and get down to business, taking pictures of everyone. Running along the side of the pool snapping each lane. While at the same time shouting out reminders to them on how to do better. Seijuro heard you as he swam, smiling to himself knowing you had came. And hearing the enjoyment in your voice. All hyped up.
You manged to get some really good shots, admiring the pictures. While giving credit to the others on a job well done. Offering to get them some water and helping them out. Tending to them. This was the Samezuka tradition, everyone on the team had to swim against the captain, and by the looks of everyone they hadn't won nor was Seijuro depleted of energy. What a high spirit tradition, the next members took their position. That was your cue, after handing some water to the last person, you get your camera ready that you didn't watch where you where going and bump into someone. Nearly slipping from the water, they managed to catch you before anything could happen and pull you upright.
"You okay?"Rin ask.
"Yeah, I'm okay."you tell him."Thank you though."Looking behind him realizing you missed their turn, then shout to the one in lane three to extend his arm more. Huffing a bit, because you where certain you had told him that before. Going over pictures with him to ensure he understood what to do. Calming down, you glance at the clock realizing the time."The others aren't here yet?"
"No. Not yet. But Gou just came, she's over there."he thumbs over his shoulder in her direction. Peering behind him, you see her on the other side of the pool. Watching the swimmers.
She catches you looking at her, and waves to you. You wave back yelling to her across the pool. Right in Rin's ear."Oh! Sorry, Rin."you apologize.
He rubs his ear."I nearly forgot how loud you can actually get at times. Especially when you get excited. I don't need to go deaf befo-"
"Hey you guys!"you yell again in his ear across the pool. Haru, Mako, Rei and Nagisa just arrived. They hear you and wave back, hearing Rin grunt. You realized what you did and quickly apologize."I'm so sorry Rin."
He shoots you a glare but lets it go."...Let's just go."he sighs.
You watch him walk off over to the others, there seem to be something off with him. Normally he would have either smirked or flash a smirk at you. But he did neither. It worried you.
You would have gone over to greet the others, but you took to tending to the team and getting ready for more pictures. Setting yourself up in a pretty good spot. Adjusting the focus and getting pretty good lighting. Looking through the lens and just randomly started taking shots of everyone. Just being natural. Smiling, laughing, acting crazy. Just enjoying themselves. Still looking through the lens, you stop on Seijuro who noticed and turns to you with a huge smile on. Again that knot in your stomach came back, you still took the picture but it was bittersweet.
Now it dawned on you, Seijuro was leaving. His last day was today, he was no longer going to be the captain of the team nor go to the school. But realization he wasn't going to be with you anymore. A selfish thought, yes. A true one. He was the only left from April, that you had. Sure you had the pictures and videos, but this was different. He had her, like you did. And now he was leaving. Meaning you would, well feel alone. Again. Okay, you had the others, but this feeling was different. Besides coming up to the school because you enjoyed being around the others here on the swim team, you came mainly because of your love for Seijuro. The older brother you would have had, if April was alive. He extended the invite rather forcefully to come and be apart of his team. Always looking out for you, even when April left. Even taking you out just spend time with each other. Every time you came and you saw him, it made you smile. Though he was a bit over the top, just being in his presence was enough for you. And it made you feel safe and at home. Things where going to be alright whenever he smiled.
Now, that smile wouldn't be here anymore and you wouldn't be allowed back. Because it was his call to make you part of the team. Now, with him gone, there was no need for you anymore. No more memories to make. None at all. Sure Mako and the others would welcome you to their club with open arms, which was alright. It wasn't that you wouldn't go back, it was just that...well...
Looking at the picture you just took of Seijuro. His smile, only made your knot tighter. This was hard, so very hard, you had to leave. Lying saying you needed to go to the restroom.
Standing alone in the hall, going through the pictures you had just taken lamenting with each one. Clicking to the next one to the next one a sharp pain stung inside. Like someone was throwing a dart right at your heart. Guess this was the last time to be here, apart of something. That was life, good things never last. You've come to learn that and still it hurt. Stopping on Seijuro's picture, you zoom in on his face. Memories with him flooded your mind, from the first time you meet him all the way till now. Such a character. The second you arrived on this team, he forced you to into situations you denied yourself to be in. Giving you rather large push into it and you had to land on your feet. Each time you did, he was right there with a proud and encouraging smile on. How far away was going to be? Did he have to leave? Didn't he know...know that you wanted him to stay? Realizing the distance that now started to form in your mind, you here and him way over there.
No longer would he introduce you to others in rather embarrassing and affectionate manner. Nor could look into his eyes to assure you everything was going to be fine. Angry tears begin to form, you could feel their heat. This was so unfair, so unfair. Why...why...
"Where is she-Ah!"Aiichiro comes around the corner spotting you and hurries over to you."May I found you. Come on!"he grabs you by the wrist and forces you to follow him."Captain wanted me to get you, you're missing the Third years bowing out. Let's go so-"
You stop a few feet before the door back into the pool. And yank your wrist back, Aiichiro looks at you."May? What are you doing? I have to bring you back, we're miss-"
He stops seeing a couple of tears drop. Even as you try to wipe them away to appear like it was nothing. But it didn't stop, he had a feeling what was wrong but wasn't sure what or how comfort you. So he tries to make light of it.
"Hey. Hey don't cry. I know why don't..."he tries but it wasn't helping. Opening his mouth to shut it again.
Looking at the picture of Seijuro on the camera. With a sad smile."I guess...I guess...Seijuro. Seijuro."
Now understanding what was bothering you, Aiichiro does his best to comfort you."Hey, May it's not over. You still have us. Hey! You want to know something cool, you wouldn't believe who is now the team captai-"
The doors burst wide open with Seijuro standing there. Aiichiro nearly jumped out of his skin."Hey!"Seijuro's voice booms in the hall, eyes look down at Aiichiro then to you and back to the frighten young man.
Who realized what Seijuro must be thinking, seeing you crying and him."Ah! I swear! I didn't do anything sir! I-I was just..."
Raising his hand Seijuro brings it down right on your head and ruffles your hair rather hard."May! Where did you go? You missed the Third years bow out? You where suppose to be there to take the picture and most importantly with your team!"he scolds you. His grip on your head tightens, making you stop crying.
"Oww! Seijuro that hurts!"you whine, trying to pry his hand off your head. Though to no avail."Cut it out! Wait team?"you realized what he said. Looking up at him surprised.
He pays no mind to your whining, but loosens his hold on you."Yes team. Honestly May, what did you think that because I'm leaving you're not apart of the team anymore?" You didn't what to say, which only irritated him more."Come here!"he quickly grabs you by the collar and drags you back.
Everyone watches, Nagisa couldn't help but laugh. Rei making a side comment it was unnecessary mannerism. Aiichiro comes running after. Kicking and demanding Seijuro to let you go, which he barks back telling you stop sulking and drags you all the way to where he last was. Standing before the team and everyone, with Third year behind him. He some how manages to hold you by the collar. Letting you dangle there before everyone. How embarrassing this was, there was no point to fuss about it, so you took it. Despite your pouting. Looking around at everyone you notice Rin standing before the rest of the team alone.
In loud and commanding voice Seijuro gets everyone's attention and your own."Alright then listen up! You to May! Cause I'm only going to say this once to you!"he looks directly at you."This is your team now, it has and will always be! I expect you to with them all the way through. They rely on you for your keen eye to help them improve their swimming. You've helped a great deal of people on this team, so you better keep it up! For you abandon your team is unforgivable! Just because I'm leaving doesn't give you the right to quiet, because you better hope I don't find out that you have! Or else. Understand?"
You cross your arms and look away."Okay yeah whatever."you huff with attitude looking away.
"Good then,"Seijuro smirks and throws you towards Rin without any warning. Luckily he caught you.
You look back at Seijuro like he was crazy."What the heck is wrong with you!? Stop throwing me! I'm not some rag!"
Seijuro laughs crossing his arms."From now you're Rin's problem."He said jokingly but of course you didn't take it like that. Your eyes drop knowing he was discarding you. It all made sense now. Rin sets you down next to him, your head remained down. Tears again about to fall, until Seijuro's hand on you. Looking up at him he smiles at you."You're such a water work, how can a manger's eyes see if their always filled with tears. How can I entrust you with the team if you're going to act like this? Hm?"he gives you a smirk.
Quickly you wipe your eyes commenting you weren't crying, looking away flustered. He just chuckles jovially. Patting your head lightly."..."He kept looking at you until finally turned to him and when you did the tears came.
"You know I can't stay, May."he said softly."You'll be okay. You've got everyone here with you."His words rang truth, even if you didn't want to hear them. You had everyone, just not him. Which he knew. "You're still my little sister, no matter what. Okay?"Slowly you nod your head. He takes his hand off, a part of you wanted to grab it, but stopped yourself. This was no time to be sad, you had to shed that.
Lifting your head and eyes up finding everyone, it warmed you. Turning to Seijuro, who waited until you gave him a smile."Good. Much better."he tells you, then turns to Rin."She's your responsibility now."
"Yes, sir."Rin said rather unconfident.
"Good. Alright then."Seijuro turns back to the everyone.
Just like last year, you where in the same class as Makoto and Haru. Which was great, you had seat right them unlike before when you stayed a few seats away. It was nice to be with them in class. When lunch came around, you joined them and meet up with the others on top of the school roof to eat. Which of course Nagisa was happy to have you join them as was Gou. A new school year, new memories to make, new outlook, new position, just new everything. Though not part of their swim club, didn't prevent you from helping them. Since it was a new year, and it was the time to recruit new members and impress the First years to join a club. Which didn't go very well for them, you had suggested to Gou to do something different, maybe make a slide show which you could have easily put together for them. But she went for a different approach, that didn't work at all and was painful to watch.
You kept your comments to yourself about what she did. Even with the others suggestions on how to get new members. The Iwatobi team still consisted of just the four, a few times Nagisa had begged you to join. But you would always decline since you where already with Samezuka. Which led to Nagisa to call you a traitor. Speaking of Samezuka now being their manger thanks to Seijuro, no one on the team objected to it, in fact many where rather happy. Since the first week just involved the team to get new recruits, there wasn't really any need for you to be there from what Rin told you. So you spent your time helping out Haru and the others. Cleaning out the pool. Though when that week was over, you had to go back with Samezuka.
Rin introduced you to the new members on the team, telling them who you where. You welcomed them all and took profile shots of each of them. Telling them what you would be doing so to just ignore you. Practice was after school like always which was perfect for you. Always coming ready with your camera. Since the City tournament was coming up, the team had to get ready.
When it came, you meet everyone up there. And of course Iwatobi came too, Nagisa interrupted Rin's some what encouraging pep talk. Which you took delight to, though he didn't. He was taking this captain position extremely serious while at the same time his confidence didn't seem fully there. It seem lacking. Even though the others gave him their full attention. You noticed his change, it worried you. You couldn't dwell on it, as you did your best to be in high spirits for the rest of the team. Before their event(s) started you went over what needed to do, to help them preform better.
Taking to the bleachers to watch, with your camera ready. Focusing on the blocks, finding Haru and Rin by each other again. This was shock, but that was all. Taking a few shots of them, when the buzzer off and they dive in. Their speed was amazing, you wondered if you actually caught them on camera. Never had your finger over worked so much before. It was really close and tight with them, you didn't know who actually cheer for, so you did inside. Unsure who won when they finished, to find it was a tie. Both Haru and Rin finished together. Amazing.
You couldn't be prouder.
The tournament lasted until close to sunset. Packing up your things you head out with the team, though congratulate Rin on a job well done. Spotting Haru and the others, you excuse yourself and head over to them, to congratulate Haru too. Thanking him for giving you some wonderful pictures and head back to the others, when Haru calls out Rin. Insinuating a challenge, back at Iwatobi's pool. Which Rin took, just when you thought it was going well. This happened.
You wanted to stop it but, the look Haru gave you told you otherwise. Looking to Mako and the rest, there was something behind what Haru said. That lessen your worry. Understanding, you couldn't help but smile. A smile Rin noticed.
"What's with the smile?"he questions. Looking at you rather suspicious.
You shake your head."It's nothing. Just, have a good time. Alright?"you tell him, which puzzled him. He didn't understand what you meant. Like he ever did. Your smile wasn't helping either. But it made him smirk.
"Well, if I have to go. Then you're coming with me."he tells you."Manger."
"I would love to but,"you hold up a hand."I have things to do."Waving your camera. Flashing a quick smirk."Someone's has to take care of the team, while your off settling a score. So, I'm going home. See you later, just enjoy yourself, okay Rin?"
With that a smile you leave, saying bye to the others, and head home.