"Safe!"
Slamming her hand on the smooth tile ending her race Kiba through her head into the air her hands ripping off the cap as she took in greedy breaths. Cheering echoed through the pool room the sound captured by her ears sounding sweet as sugar.
With her trip passed and a week back at Samezuka there was not a moment where she found herself pestering Rin for a race only for him to say he will in due time. The answers he gave always putting a damper on her mood that the captain would have to make up for in some other way.
Now in the warm pool with the waters slapping at her sides Kiba found a big grin spread across her face as she stared at Rin, amazement and even a spark of pride in his ruby eyes. Holding a hand over his head she grabbed it both happy for a good race. "Looks like you finally gotten better." ruffling her hair only to shake him off she found herself laughing, finally after all her hard work she was able to tie with the swim addict! Her heart still pounding in her chest she watched Rin leave the water holding a hand out she gladly took it the others running to her side congratulating her.
Becoming obsessed with wanting to keep up with the shark boy became a known topic in mere days, now with the guys patting her on the back and Natori on her arm she only found herself getting a goal of one day beating him. the idea somehow having the same blood chilling excitement that she had for one of her own races.
Feeling another hand on her head she was about to push him off only to see Rin away a smirk on his face as he leaned against the wall. "Looks like Rin isn't the only one I have to worry about anymore." Sasuke leaning over a smile on his face grabbed her around the shoulders trying to lead her away from the chaos to the shark. Ever since he found out that her and Rin were together he became even more brotherly to her, taking on the protectiveness of one in the same day and ending Mom's attractions with a single warning.
Handing her a towel she sat on the cool tile the soft fabric rubbing at her hair in a mess muffling out the repeating sounds. The chaos already dying away in a puff of smoke the guys went back to work in rounds. Plopping down beside her Natori leaned forward his eyes sparkling at the show that took place only moments ago. "Wow, both you and Rin-senpai are amazing Kiba-chan!" poking her face through the towel she shook her head. "Thanks but you know you could be even better with some practice." Out of all her friends she had a really soft spot for the shota always around to help anyone any way he could he became a little shadow to many of the swim team, his presence alone enough to brighten her day.
"You know we should celebrate, after all the sea side festival is just around the corner." Looking up at Rin's voice to the two boys with knowing eyes she only tilted her head in confusion, was it really that late already? With the festival coming their way that means that the snow wouldn't be far behind, the idea of living a new life like this for so long never even occurred to the girl. She never even went to the festival in her old life, always to scared to run into another competitor.
"I'd like that, I never gotten a chance to go before" Natori tackling her to the ground caused her head to spin, the teary eyed boy looking her right back causing guilt to take place "how have you not gone before Kiba-chan?" She only shrugged her shoulders secretly wishing she was standing "I have my reasons."
With the day dying out and the activity with it Kiba found herself already dried her hair a frizzled mess as she leaned against the windowed wall waiting for one of the guys to leave the locker room. The sounds of low conversations and the rippling waters causing her to want to fall asleep, a bit envious that everyone else gets a shower. Already declined when offered to fix up the girl's room she was forced to get ready in the open, always wearing her suit under her clothes as a result.
"Still out?" Looking over to see Rin already dressed she simply rolled her eyes knowing fully of the routine the two found themselves in. Giving a chuckle he wrapped his arm around her both waving bye to the lingering team that decided to stay in the water longing in her eyes as they passed them.
With the sun already set they were greeted with the cold air, students hurrying to the light filled rooms with homework overdue in their bags. A gust of wind nipped at her bare skin, her coat lying on her bed at home she began feeling the tiny forms of goose bumps on her arms. She never really was good at memory, always forgetting the smallest things Kiba often paid for her actions dearly in the past. From her coat to even her bags the only thing that has never been forgotten was the tooth that hung on her neck the leather strap might have been her own skin.
Leaning closer into Rin as they walked down the road she began to feel his stare on her, the smell of mint now mixed with chlorine filling her nose she felt her hand grab his coat small traces of heat forcing the greedy cold at bay for a moment longer.
"You cold?" Peaking her eyes through her bangs she nodded heat finding way on her cheeks despite the air. A knowing smile on his face gave her his own not acknowledging the change in the slightest. "Here" feeling the fabric against her skin like a comforting blanket she leaned closer to the taller teen earning a laugh as he ruffled her hair in even more friz "I'm not cold you know." She only leaned closer not in the mood for using words, in truth she never felt in the mood for words unless she was in her element.
Somehow Rin almost always figured out what Kiba wanted, ever since the trip he became far more attuned to her af if the blank pages were now full of her stories. The way she was one of the shyer girls during the school day made him only find her adorable when he would help her when she was dealing with another, instead of being the tomboy she would act like any other girl. The pool was another story, whenever she was with the guys or near the water she instantly gotten her confidence, as if she was an actress on stage her eyes would take on that daring light that challenged all, taking charge of her own he found the team respect her as if she were another captain.
When it was only him was even more of a sight then that. Sometimes no longer needing words she would tell him what he needed to know as if the sounds were beneath her. "Do you need any help with your work?
Nodding her head they made their way to the dorms, lights illuminating the darkening evening.
"You have no idea how much I hate math." Stealing the bottom bunk with her text book in hand she would see Rin in the corner of her eye an amused glint in his own. "It wouldn't be math if someone loved it." She only rolled her eyes throwing her now braided hair over her shoulder as she turned on her belly, pencil in hand as she tried to make sense of the impossible questions, her one true enemy.
hearing him slid for his chair she felt the bed shift ignoring the scanning eyes as best as she could as he leaned over her probably seeing how stupid she really was. Hands gently taking her own he worked the pencil from her grip, laughing at the growls that escaped her throat. "You have the right idea your placement is just off is all."
Noticing how simple her mistakes really were she felt a blush form its way on her cheeks, how could she have missed something so obvious? "Thanks" she mumbled, feeling his lips on her head she felt her shame fall a bit, as if Rin gave her his own mind set through the contact. "Thats what I'm here for, by the way I need you to check my english for me." Kiba snorted, turning to face him fully she saw right through his lie, poking him in the face she sighed. "I know your lying, you speak english just as well as I do." Ever since she found out that he lived in Australia for a while the two ended up having secret conversations in plain view always finding entertainment at the idea and looks on the others faces when they would switch languages.
"Unlike me english is your first language and I have a test soon."
Finally giving into the false pleading look of the shark boy Kiba found herself only correcting a few mistakes, still not convinced that he really needed her help to begin with. The lights flooding the room her eyes traveled to the clock the time 8:45 flashing in green, a sigh escaped her lips they might have finished their work for the weekend but now it was too late to sneak past the desk, if she had her guys get up it would have been child's play to get through.
Her mind clicking at the time she found herself looking at the top bunk realizing that the massive form was gone. "Where's Sasuke?" It was strange for her to be in the guys dorm without seeing the now brotherly figure. "He said he was going to hang out with someone, guess hes staying there."
Closing her now finished work and throwing them in her bag she flopped back on the bed with "The Warded Man" in her hands the thick book taking her through the world of humans trying to protect themselves from demons in the night. Her eyes scanning line after line with the descriptions as the main character was fighting a rock demon with his bare hands. Her mind replaying every scene like a movie the real world slowly blurring behind her.
"Thats pretty gruesome isn't it?" Looking up to see Rin reading the page she was on she only found a smirk on her lips "my roommate says its horrible when I read it to her, something about there being a reason it was never translated outside of english." Ruffling her hair she simply went back to the world her eyes traveling through the words as another character was being killed. "If you want I can lend you the first one, its hard to find books that have a story as rich as this one."
Pulling her up she felt her back rest against him, wrapping his arms around her waist he laid his head on her shoulder a smile on her lips when she felt him cringe at the words. "I might have to agree with your roommate on this one, how are you not bothered by that?"
She just shrugged her shoulders, Kiba never felt bothered by the story cause that was it, it was just a story. "I never had to deal with a lot that could bother me." She could feel a stare, taunting eyes that held a idea "well what would bother you?" Again she shrugged her shoulders, "I honestly don't know, remember I swim with animals that want to eat me, after that there really is a short list."
Leaning closer she felt his breath against her neck, simple words causing shivers down her spin. "Bet I can figure it out"
"Bet you can't"
"If I do, then you have to come to the festival with me."
"Did'nt I already say yes to that?"
Not realizing the attack before it was to late Kiba's eyes widened in fear and realization trying desperately to make her escape only to find Rin's arms no longer a comfort but a trap of betrayal. Tingles burst through her system like thousands of tiny shocks that nipped at her body, no longer able to hold it in her laughter bounced off the walls as she tried to fight for breath.
Falling over she landed back on the bed no longer welcoming but another trap as Rin continued his assault as she twisted and turned still unable to cesce her never ending giggles "no more! Stop!" Rolling halfway out from underneath him she slithered out like a snake onto the cool floor, her body still ranked with tingles as she gave dry laughter trying to regain her breath as if she just finished a race.
She was always way too ticklish.
A weakness that Rin knew well he was known to use it to win a play fight, the sound of her never ending laughter was one of the few things to remind him that she was still a girl that was a year younger then him. A teen who may be a suicidal swimmer but still a teen nonetheless.
Face in hand he watched amused as Kiba tried to regain her breath, her body twitching from the occasional giggle, he never met anyone so ticklish the girl's weakness put even Haru to shame. "Looks like I win" his eyes finally catching the sight of the clock he almost found himself falling as well. In bright green letters read 11pm darkness taking over the outside world he sighed flopping back on his bed.
"Something wrong?" Her daring side back Kiba climbed to the bed like a spider she was able to make her way to the much more roomy side on his right. "Just thats its too late for me to take you back to your dorm."
Without much surprise Kiba shrugged her shoulders, grabbing his pillow she already made herself at home snuggling into the soft cushion. Giving a light laugh as he turned out the lights he couldn't help but smile at her. Curled up like a kitten she hugged the pillow like a teddy, her eyes already closing as she fought the urge for sleep. Taking his spot he smirked as he tried to steal the pillow back grabbing it out of her reach as she gave a groan her eyes still closed her hands meeting empty air. Sighing at the lost battle she landed on his chest her slender hands grabbing at the fabric as she allowed the wave of sleep to wash over her.
His lips meeting the top of her head he gave her a wish for goodnight his own world being taken over by the shadows of sleep.
Days passing by like a breeze Kiba found herself spending it either alone or with Rin in some way. The teen focusing on keeping her times up was always found in the pool the calling depths always giving her comfort with the thought of the races on her mind.
Already it was getting close to winter, the festival signaling the end of fall Kiba thought of it like a new way of celebrating a harvest from the ocean.
She closed her eyes, the warm waters grabbing her form as she floated through her eyes on the darkened sky with the ever present thoughts on her mind. There had yet to be a day when Mori would not push through her head, the fear he gave her from actually wanting her dead has left her up more than one night. With the festival in only a few days she could not help the way her heart would clench at the mention of it remembering all to clearly that Tsume and him would go every year, him and almost all the other racers.
Yet she still said she would go, all cause Natori and Rin asked her to. Not since her racing days has she tried to create new friends, the idea that there were now people she could rarely say no to scared he almost as much as facing Mori again.
Mori, floating in the now empty pool her gaze rested on the moon lit sky his words ringing in her ears. "Give him back, Give my brother back." The memories stung, how long has it been since she tried to think about Nero, far too long she was sure. The memory of his passing still burning in her mind forever engraved in her brain caused her to feel her chest tighten never would she have thought Mori blamed her for his death yet now it was painfully clear.
And yet she was going to be seeing him again, the idea frightened her far more than a race ever could.
Energy thats the word Kiba had to give this place. Light filling the streets that were lined with stands all trying to gather the attention of passing bodies, children running through the legs of their elders each trying to get to a new game first. The smell of food hanging in the air causing the teen's mouth to water at the idea of the choices she had.
"See what you've been missing Kiba-chan?" Rolling her eyes she saw Natori dressed in a kimono by her side a smile on her face with Sasuke and Rin in toe she knew she was going to have a good night the idea of seeing Mori slowly leaving her thoughts.
Dressed in a violet kimono decorated with crescent moons and friends by her side she was really feeling like a normal highschool teen. "So what do you want to do first?" She asked only to find the shota grabbing her arm dragging her to a ball toss game the laughter of the two older teens behind them.
"This looks like fun!" With 3 cans stacked in front of her and small prizes dangling above her head she shrugged her shoulder, a older man dressed in a bright uniform came to her aid a smile on his face. "Only 207.70 yen for a try! How bout it little missy?" Looking to her shota friend she noticed his eyes sparkling at a plushie, a good sized Narwal that even she found kinda cute. Pulling out her wallet she gave the man the money needed nodding his head he said she had good taste before putting 3 balls in front of her.
Taking the soft ball in hand she tested the weight, she used to play catch with Amea all the time what could be the difference? Taking a stance sideways she took a pictures pose a smile on her face when Natori looked to her wide eyed giving her even more determination to win the prize. Having her goal in mind she threw her shoulder into it turning only slightly with her ami flying true.
With a crash she knocked down the cups, falling one by one in a tumbled the man ran a bell yelling out that he had a winner before him, the display causing her cheeks to heat up ever slow lightly. "So what will it be champ?" Pointing to the Narwal the man used a hook to unhinge the little guy free handing her the medium sized toy.
"Wow Kiba-chan that was amazing!" Turning to face the shorter boy she handed him the plush his eyes widening before he broke out in a grin "I was trying to get it for you silly" she said with a smile, thanking her loudly he made his way to show off the prize to the other two.
So many sights were shared between the group, tasting new food and seeing new sights Kiba found herself without a single bore moment. Winning a few more prizes for Natori and Rin buying her sea salt ice cream they found themselves walking through the still crowded streets with an arm around her shoulder.
Looking through the crowds her eyes rested on one stand that caught her eye, in blue lettering read "Ocean Racing" a woman with brown hair tied up high held a microphone in her hand grabbing the attention of many as she was trying to get them to bet on their favorite swimmer. Finding herself making her way to the crowed she was met with confused looks after all she was usually trying to stay away from the other competitors. "I can see which races I'm going to be participating in over there." Seeing realization overcome them she made her way through the crowed with the team in toe, some men recognizing her instantly made way yelling out the survivor was here.
Reaching the desk the woman met her with a smile "Tachibana-san its great to see you!" Kiba only nodded waiting her turn as the woman began introducing the small girl. "Kiba Tachibana everyone, a true survivor and a dancer with death she is the only female to be competing for more than a year and has the skills to prove it, If you want to play it safe bet on this one!" Sitting back down the woman gave her full attention to the teen "so what can I do for you?" Leaning over the counter she raised a brow "I'm here to see my racing schedule" Without missing a beat the woman reached down pulling out a file and flipping through with practiced hands before producing a single sheet taking the paper she began scanning only to find her air lost to her. Placed in the least amount of races Kiba found herself eyeing the one race that she never wanted to face again.
The Great white.
Keeping her poker face on she nodded her head turning away only to try to get away from the now suffocating streets ignoring the worried calls from the guys. She had to face them again, she had to swim with them again!
Sitting on an empty bench she was soon met with the others Rin and Sasuke sitting on either side they waited for her to answer worry and confusion on their faces while Natori stood before her.
"Looks like karma finally caught up to you."
With a voice all to familiar Kiba found herself already holding Rin back, peeking through her bangs to see Mori standing a few feet away she felt herself feel sick so much for having a good night.
"You have no idea how crazy I felt when I saw that! The great Kiba Tachibana the survivor of the great white only to be thrown back with them! Man this is just too good!"
She could feel the changes in the guys, their eyes wide Rin took a look at her schedule only to ball his hands in a fist still Kiba said nothing as Mori continued to laugh. The words that stung her were more than enough for Sasuke, the giant stood from his post towering over Mori the boy began to slowly quiet himself down. "I don't like you, I usually end those I don't like" a smirk on her face she listened to Sasuke as he began to take on his brotherly streak, she knew that he wa lying yet he was always just plain intimidating.
Leaving with his tail between his legs it took everything for Kiba not to start laughing, sure she felt sorry for the kid but she also had it with him Rin taking his place he high fived his friend who turned and placed a hand on her head. "Don't let him get to you I'm sure you'll be just fine." A smile now on her face she sprang from the bench pulling Rin along with her Sasuke was right she should be fine as long as she was careful picking up on her good mood her and Natori raced to the heart of the festival again with the two guys following behind.
Taking in the games again Kiba was soon about to lay off of them only for a dash of white to capture her eye. Looking up at the top of a stand that stood in the center of the street hung a orca with a scar in the shape of a arrow on its tail. Her eyes widened and her inner child screaming she ran for the stand Natori close behind. "Whats the matter Kiba-chan?" Pointing to the prize she felt herself almost giddy "that orca is made after Maryjane!" Tilting his head in confusion she began to explain her relationship with the matriarch since childhood even including the visit her and Rin had not to long ago.
"I must have it!"
Already more than willing to help the man in charge began telling her the rules saying it was a game of ring toss and she just needed to rings on the same bottle. Seeing the pool full of bottles her heart sank a bit, she was great at the gun games, racing games, throwing games and even sports games all because of the fair back home yet there was one game that have always laughed in her face and that was the infamous ring toss. Shaking away her fears she only replaced it with determination she was going to win the Maryjane plush!
Taking the small rings in hand she took a deep breath Natori telling her she could do it as she began scanning the rows and rows of empty glass bottles, the dark colors blending into one. Finding her target near the center she grabbed her tooth for luck before taking her stance slowly taking aim she let her hand fly with the ring taking to the air only to have the plastic clink against glass before bouncing away. Cursing she paced herself and tried again only to miss.
Again
Again
And again.
"Better luck next time!" Hanging her head in shame she turned to Natori who had a sadness and surprise about him, throughout that entire night she won left and right even giving prizes to kids who were not able to win anything now faced with a prize she wanted for herself he realized that it was out of her range of games. "I'm sorry Kiba-chan, maybe theres another one for a different game?" Shaking her head she only looked back to the plush, feeling like a kid denied a puppy for christmas she was about to leave before a hand stopped her. "What were you looking at?" Seeing Rin with curiosity she only looked back to the orca that looked like Maryjane realization hitting him he asked for a round a smirk on his face when he turned back. "This is probably the only game I'm alright at" he said with a slight laugh her spirits lifting she ran to his side seeing him already focused on the game "winning one for the little lady are you?" Asked the man in charge only to receive a nod before he allowed the rings to fly landing.
One
Two
Three rings on a single bottle.
Her eyes wide she let out a squeal of joy before quickly covering it up as Rin asked for the Maryjane orca. Handing her the stuffed marine predator she grabbed hold hugging it close grinning from ear to ear before tackling him in a hug as well "thank you!" She said as they laughed at the childish streak ruffling her hair he returned the hug "anytime."
"Rin-chan!' A young shrill voice echoed above all the noise causing the tomboy to see a boy no larger than Natori with blond hair and eyes that could pass for pink. A grin on his face as he ran over he tackled the shark boy in another hug just after Kiba backed off raising a brow at the strange kid she was faced with confusion when he began saying that they hardly get to see each other.
Fallowing behind were three more teens one with sandy hair and green eyes full of amusement while another's saphir blue held nothing but boredom looking behind the two she saw Rei looking almost out of place as alway. Waving a hand over her head she yelled out his name causing the boy to flinch turning her way with his mouth hanging open "Tachibana- senpai!" Nodding her head she made her way to the taller teen playfully punching him in the arm as she ignored the others "good to see you two man, how the training coming along?" Pushing his glasses to his face he was about to answer only to be cut off by the shota "Rin-chan who's this?"
Turning back to the new group she felt herself being thrown on the spotlight, wanting to shrink away she felt Sasuke grab her all means of escape lost. "This is Kiba Tachibana, Sasuke do you have a good hold on her?" Confusion seeping into the girls mind she only snorted when Sasuke shifted his hold "Kiba this is Nagisa, Makoto and Haru." A smirk on his face Kiba's eyes went wide realized why she was being held as she tried to squirm her way out of the giant's grip only to have him snicker behind her. "Sasuke if you don't let me go I'm going to throw you into the ocean to meet Shark boys family!" Annoyance on Rin's face Sasuke tried to keep himself from laughing loosening the hold ever so slightly that she broke free without a moments notice making a beeline to the uninterested teen.
Eyes scanning the taller teen she couldn't help but feel off, this was the legendary swimmer Haru? He seemed so out of everything. Turning to look at her the two teens began a stare off each trying to figure the other out while the rest watched in awe "its rare to see Haru so focused" said Makoto "Kiba isn't much better off" added Natori.
Even with his cold shoulder Kiba was able to sense something about the guy, he seemed to not want to be on land entirely, as if he was out of place. Alway looking at the slightest things ready to take off at a moments notice, in some ways she was eerily reminded of herself when looking at this boy was she over thinking or did she really see someone who was born on the wrong side.
"So are you Rin's girlfriend?"
The question threw her off a bit, widening her eyes she watched as the others fumble for words while her own gang responded far easier, rolling her eyes she looked back at the teen who held a perfectly straight face "so what if I am?"
soon regretting the answer she was tackled by the blond who began asking her questions already being reminded of her roommate while she noticed Makoto staring at the red head opened mouthed.
"The questions ranged from how they met to how she got through to the hard head to even random things like her favorite color, the tomboy forcing the Shota down she gave a long hard sigh. "Look I understand that I'm something new I guess but please give me room to breath, I'm just a normal girl who happens to have the same interests as Rin." Snorting at her response Natori grabbed her sleeve looking up at her like a little sibling "says the girl who races sharks."
The words caused a repeat to everything.
Now sitting at a table the by the water Kiba found herself starting to enjoy the company of the guys from Iwatobi Nagisa was one to try to press her buttons only to fail each time while Makoto would be the polite voice and ask her about herself while she would do the same. Rei still thought of her as a superior and she couldn't help but poke fun at the awkward teen.
Haru was a different story.
The teen only listened to each story his face not showing any emotion in the slightest as he kept his thoughts to himself. In all honestly he intimidated Kiba, she never heard much about the legendary swimmer only that he was an amazing sight in the water and that he helped Rin find his way back to his old self. She was expecting a down to earth kind of person yet she found herself staring at someone who looked to want to be anywhere but earth. Only when her tie with Rin was announced that his interest was peaked and that was only very slight.
"You must be a great athlete to tie with Rin Kiba-chan means you could beat us easily." Makoto's easy going attitude made her shrug off the praise saying thanks anyway. "Actually I wanted to race Haru the moment I heard that he's been know to beat Rin" a smile on her face she locked eyes with the silent teen only being pulled back by laughter as Nagisa lost it. "No wonder why Rin-chan likes you! You're just like him!" Rubbing the back of her neck she locked her gaze back to her challenged "so what do you say Haru?" Shaking his head he only looked away his straight face back in place "I only swim free." A smirk appeared on her face narrowing her eyes in another challenge as she waited for him to turn back "well that makes two of us I only use my own stroke."
"Its an amazing sight" said Rei pushing up his glasses, "when Rin helped me out he brought Kiba to give me some inspiration her style is nothing like I ever seen." A small smile came to her, she heard Rei was all about beauty giving her praise was truly something that she did not think he would do.
Nodding his head he extended his hand that she gladly took both a challenge in their eyes, finally she gotten what she wanted and that was a race with this intimidating emotionless so called swimming machine already she was getting pumped at the idea even though it would be a little ways away.
With the fireworks now lighting the sky Kiba sat in Rin's arms as they all gathered on the grassy hill top the guys saying it was the best place to see the display. bright colors flashing through the black canvas creating works of art for only a moment. Her heart soared at the sights as the others cheered, she couldn't help but feel at home as she watched them with people that she cared for. Ignoring his friends Rin to her face in his hands Amethyst meeting Ruby he gave her a kiss holding her tightly under the painted sky.
did you guys miss me? Course ya didn't its summer right now XD
Sorry I know its been over a month its just this chapter was deleted twice, TWICE! It made me really discouraged to start it up again knowing that I would have to write the same thing that I already written and as you can see these chapters are a bit on the long side.
Anyway I hope you enjoy and please please review Thanks so much to those who did cause I do enjoy knowing that I'm doing okay, if there is something you guys don't like please tell me so I can fix it :D
to Joliegold09 yes I do think that the names are a funny little coincidence after all this sight is huge and has a lot of stories what are the odds of finding another one with the two man lovers having the same name!
hope to see ya again soon all of you lovely humans and nonhumans
sighed: Close Enough
