Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club

Somehow, I was able to make it through my first week of college. I managed to make a friend or two, surprisingly and so, far I've only signed up for one club which is the anime club. I'm so excited for that. My high school didn't have one, but I'm glad I still get to experience one there. I'll probably end up updating once a week because of hw, though. Please forgive for that.

Anyways, I would like to thank everyone that took the time to read and review this story of mine! It really means a lot to me! So, please excuse my grammatical errors and my swimming knowledge. I hope this chappie meets your expectations! Also, I'm not really sure how Seijuuro's name is spelled, so please enlighten me!

Taking Chances

Chapter 2 - Declaration

The entire place was quiet. There wasn't a sound to be heard. She was alone, sitting in a small bench in front of the locker room. She was waiting for Seijuuro who had gone to change out of his swimsuit. She come to Samezuka Academy to look for her brother, but instead, she ended up running into the captain. Now, she was sitting outside the locker room, waiting for him to come out because he told her that there was something he wanted to talk about with her.

Letting out a sigh, Gou looked down at the floor. Everyone knew her as the happy and confident Gou. She didn't want that image to get ruined because of rejection. Gou grimaced to herself as Makoto's words ran through her head again. How was she suppose to cope with something like that, though? She didn't know how to deal with those new emotions. She had never been rejected before. She had never confessed to anyone in her entire life. If she would have known she was going to get rejected, maybe she wouldn't have bothered at all.

Gou pulled out her cellphone from her pocket, but she was disappointed to see that she had zero missed calls. She had sent her brother a million texts and a couple of voicemails already, so she didn't understand why he wasn't answering her. What exactly was he doing if he wasn't in the pool? Gou couldn't help but wonder if he had gone to bed already or if he was just simply ignoring. He was pretty cold sometimes, but she doubted he would ignore her that way.

Still, it was getting pretty late and Gou didn't feel like waiting for Seijuuro any longer. She stood up from the bench and started walking toward the exit. She needed to leave before he came back. After all, she wasn't sure if she would be able to wear a fake smile for him. Before she even had a chance to make it to the door, Gou heard the captain calling out her name. She let out a small silent sigh before she turned around to look. He was running in her direction, fully clothed and with a small backpack strapped around his back. Gou didn't understand where he would get all his happiness from.

"Gou-kun!" He called out to her as he stood right in front of her. He panted a little, but it wasn't long before he gave her a big warm smile. "Sorry for making you wait. I had to make sure I locked up before leaving."

"It's Kou." She reminded him with a pout before she started walking toward the door again. Surprisingly enough, he started following her. It was only until then that she started wondering what he could possibly want to talk about with her. As far as she knew, they didn't have any sort of connections beside the fact she was managing the swim team he was suppose to beat. "It's fine. Just forget about it."

"You came to look for your brother, right?" He asked her, placing his hand over his chin. Aside from having an amazing body, he was handsome and nice. But, that wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Makoto also had the same qualities and those were the reasons why she had fallen for him. With that thought in mind, Gou's forced smiled slowly turned upside down.

"He's probably in his dorm now or something. Maybe he's out for a run? I really have no idea." Seijuuro told her with a sigh before he quickly jotted in front of her. He reached the door before her and he pulled it open for her to walk out first. "Do you want me to help you look for him?"

Gou shook her head before as she stepped out into the cold chilly night. She looked up at the sky, surprised that the sun had already set and that the stars were starting to make their appearance. She had no idea it had gotten so late. She turned to look at Seijuuro, but he was already standing beside her, looking up at the sky with her. "Is something wrong, Gou-kun?" He suddenly asked her, catching her completely off guard. "Why do you want to find your brother so bad?"

"Is it that strange for a sister to want to talk to her brother?" She asked him, lifting an eyebrow. He stared at her curiously and Gou wondered if he could read right through her. If she didn't do something, she would end up pouring her feelings on a stranger. "There was something I wanted to talk to my brother about. It's about the tournament that's coming up. He hasn't been answering my calls, so I decided to come up here personally."

He stared at her as he crossed his hands with a suspicious look on his face. Gou tried not to make eye contact since she was afraid he would see her swollen eyes under the light post. She regretted so much coming to the academy. She couldn't believe she had let her feelings get the best of her. Biting her lip. Gou looked down at the ground, hoping Seijuro would just leave. She didn't have the strength to deal with him or his over energized personality.

"Something's wrong with you." He said again after a long pause, causing her to jerk back a little in surprise. Was she really that obvious that a guy she hardly knew her could tell? "You don't seem like yourself. What's wrong? Did something happen to you?"

"No, no!" She quickly stated, waving her hands back and forth. She gave out a small laugh as she pushed back some of her hair. "Everything's fine. I just dropped by to see my brother really, but since he's not around, then I might as well go home. I mean, there's no point in hanging around here if I'm not going to see him. It's already getting pretty late and I don't want my mother to worry. So, thanks again for everything, Captain Mikoshiba. I'll see you in the tournament. I hope you have a pleasant evening."

Gou gave him a quick bow, but he quickly grabbed her wrist, stopping her from going anywhere. She tried not to grunt, but a part of her couldn't help it. If she wasn't going to see her brother, then she might as well go home. She didn't want to be around a person that reminded her so much of Makoto. "You can't go home by yourself." He told her in a very sweet voice as he gave her another smile. "You said so yourself, right? It's getting late and I'll be more than happy to walk you home. What do you say, Gou-kun?"

"It's Kou." She gritted through her teeth while crossing her hands. He was so persistent and a part of her knew that he wouldn't take no for an answer. Still, Gou didn't want to be around him. She didn't know if she would be able to keep up with him and his happiness. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about it."

She was about to leave for the second time, but he stopped her again. He had released her wrist only to hold her hand. Gou surprisingly turned back to look at him and she wasn't sure if she was actually seeing him blush a little. His face looked so perplexed and embarrassed that it was making her a bit unease. She tried to pull from his reach, but he held her hand tighter and tighter each time. She wondered what was going on.

"There's something I want to talk to you about and I think this is the right time." He told her, closing his eyes briefly. He took a step closer, but the only thing she could do was stare at his odd behavior. "I mean, I don't think I'll ever get a chance like this again. So, please just listen to me, okay?"

Gou nodded, but she wasn't so sure what was going on. He was standing so close to her that she could almost see his chest because of slightly unzipped sweatshirt. He really did have the perfect form and perfect body and it surprised her that she was barely noticing. She had always been so blind by Makoto and the others to notice Seijuuro. Gou looked up at him and she became a bit flustered when she accidentally made eye contact. The long an awkward pause between them was making everything worse. She wished he could just come out and say whatever it was that he wanted to say.

"You're very pretty." He suddenly told her as he lifted his other hand toward her face. His eyes were so focused on her that it was making her feel a bit uncomfortable. However, she managed to give him a smile as way to thank him for his nice comment. It wasn't the first time he had told her something like that after all. "I've been thinking for the past few days or so, that maybe we could hang out sometimes. I mean, I want to get to know you better. So, what do you say, Gou-kun? Do you want to go out with me?"

She hadn't really expected that last question, so she quickly back away with awe. It was too much for her to handle in one day and she had no idea how she was suppose react to something like that. She had just been rejected a couple of hours ago and now, she was being asked out? Sometimes Gou just couldn't believe the oddity in life. Letting out a sigh, Gou looked away from Seijuuro's face since he was impatiently waiting for her to answer his question. If she would have stayed home, she would have avoided everything she was going through.

"I'm sorry, but I can't agree to that." She suddenly told him and she didn't bother to look at his reaction. She didn't want to see him react the same she had when Makoto had rejected her. He had turned down her confession because of Haruka and she was turning the captain's invitation because of Makoto. Once again and for some strange reason, Gou could feel her eyes swelling with tears. "I can't go out with you because there's someone else I like."

Why? She didn't get it. Why did thinking about Makoto bring her so much sadness? Why did it make her so weak? Did she really like him that much? Were her feelings for him more than a mere crush? Was she in love with him? That realization brought so much fear within her because she knew that if she in love, it would be an unrequited love. Makoto would never in a million years be able to feel the same thing she felt for him. His heart belonged to Haruka and even though he didn't admit, Gou knew that was true. He didn't need to confirm it for her to know.

It frustrated her to think that she had fallen for a taken man. She should have just kept her feelings silent. She shouldn't have acted on impulse thinking something would happened. Even after she had been rejected, she tried to hide away her sadness and pain by being her usual self. She had tried to act natural during their swimming practice. She tried to laugh and joke around Nagisa like the way she always did. She tried to hold a normal conversation with Ama-chan. She tried to encourage Rei as he swam aroun ind the pool. She tried to look at Haruka without feeling any resentment and she tried to ignore her pounding heart when she stood next to Makoto.

Now, that she was alone with a complete stranger, she just couldn't hold back her feelings anymore. She didn't have to hold them in. There was no point in doing so. She wouldn't accomplish anything if she kept her sadness buried beneath her. She needed someone to talk to. She needed some that wasn't a part of the Iwatobi Swim Club. She just needed a shoulder to cry on. Not being able to hold her tears in, Gou suddenly felt one crawl down her cheek. She slowly wiped it away before she looked up Seijuuro again. "Well, I should get going. I'll see you in the tournament."

"Kou." He suddenly whispered into the cold chilly night. He slowly placed his hand over her cheek before he caressed it gently. He took another step closer, his eyes never leaving her. She could feel his body warmth and it was then that she started battling with her emotions again. She didn't want to break in front of him. That was something that she was only permitted to do alone. What would he think of her? She didn't want him to think that she was weak and helpless because of a guy. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

His voice was so low and soothing. His fingers slowly trickled up her to her eyes and he slowly wiped away another tear that had managed to make an escape. It was inevitable, though. He had gotten right through her and Gou didn't know how much longer she would be able to hold on to her fort. "I'm fine really. There was just something in my eye."

"Right." He said, but of course, he didn't believe her lie. "I understand that you don't trust me enough to tell me what's going on. I get it. That's why you came looking for your brother." He took a pause before he gave her hand a tight squeeze. His fingers slowly intertwined with hers while his other hand reached out to grab her hair. She didn't understand why she was letting him touch her that way. A pert of her wanted to push him away, but her mind and body weren't working too well together. "Still, if something's troubling you, I'll be more than happy to hear you out. I'm here for you as a friend, admirer, whatever you want."

H"Thank you." She told him as a faint smile formed on her face. His words were enough to put some her uneasiness away and even though her mind was in a bit of a blur, Gou was still conscious enough when she leaned her forehead on top his chest. He quickly held her shoulders, but she stopped him from lifting her face. She didn't want him to see her cry. She didn't want him to see her crying a river a tears because of Makoto. So, he held her there, without saying a single word.

"I really did like him, you know." She suddenly said. Her words were coming out on her own as well as her tears. He was holding on her shoulders while she held onto his sleeves. That was exactly what she wanted and it didn't matter if it was her brother or not. She just needed someone to talk to. She needed someone to reassure her that she was special. "And a part of me had hoped he would like me back. That wasn't the case however. He's in love with someone else. There's no room for me."

"Well, he's an idiot then." He exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace. Gou's eyes widen as she felt Seijuuro's strong arms wrap around her body. "You shouldn't dwell on a person that doesn't appreciate you. He's probably blind because I think you're beautiful. I mean, who would be dumb enough to turn down a cute girl like you?"

He sounded so angry and yet, he sounded so hurt and offended. Gou couldn't blame him, though. He had just asked her out and yet, she had pierced him with such a declaration. Pushing herself away, Gou decided that she had said more than enough. She had already shown the captain more of her personal life than she had ever shown her best friend. She had seeked out her brother for that purpose, but instead, she ended up in Seijuuro's arms.

She tried to leave for the third time, but Seijuuro stopped her once again. His hurt face was completely gone and Gou's was surprised to see his eyes almost glowing. "I have an idea, Gou-kun." He told her, grabbing her hands excitedly again. He held them close to his lips before he gave them a small kiss. Gou's eyes widen as she stared at him with surprised. She tried to pull them away, but he wasn't letting go. "I'll help you forget about him."

"What?" Pulling her hands from his reach, Gou stared at the guy before her strangely. She wondered if she had heard right. She falsely laughed it off before she turned to look in another direction. "What's going through your head, Mikoshiba-san?! I mean, seriously. You shouldn't really play around like that. Anyways, I really should-"

She wasn't even able to finished her sentence because Seijuro had already forcefully turned her back around. With flustered face, he suddenly bent down and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips. Being caught off guard, Gou didn't know what to do. She panicked as she felt Seijuuro's soft lips graze hers. Her first kiss had just been taken from her by the least unexpected person. Still, she was surprised when her hands didn't bother to push him back. They remained still while her heart started racing from anticipation. Is that what it felt like to be desired and wanted?

He quickly parted from her after that, but his face remained close to hers. He was breathing heavily and she could feel his hot breath hitting her skin. She gulped as her eyes wandered back to his chest. He probably noticed because it wasn't long before he placed her hands over his nicely built chest. Gou gasped as he pressed her hands tightly against his body. Her face was getting hot by that point and she couldn't help but silently dwell and admire his perfect form.

"I don't think the guy you like can compare to me." He told her silently as he leaned closer to hek. Gou snapped her eyes shut when she felt him bury his head on her neck. "Just give a chance, Kou. I promise I won't let you down."

"Why?" She said with her breathing getting a bit out of control. She wasn't used to it. She wasn't used to having a guy touch her that way. It was the first time anyone had ever taken an interest in her on that level. She didn't know how to react, but if it would have been any other person, she probably would have pushed him off already. There was just something about the captain that she couldn't go against. "Why me?"

"Give me a chance." He told her again, placing his hand around her waist. She needed to give him a proper answer, but she didn't know what to say. Everything she was doing and thinking was wrong. She couldn't just accept because she had been dumped by her crush. She would only end up making things worse. Still, would she be able to move on from her first rejection alone? Should she just give him a chance and get everything over with? She knew it would be impossible for her to fall for him, but should she still try. "Kou?"

"I don't know." She told him, pushing him off. "I don't think I can give you an answer right now. I'm so sorry. I just really need to think about all of this. I'm sorry."

"Wait!" He suddenly exclaimed before he started looking for something inside his pocket. Gou, feeling her face burning up, watched as the captain pulled out his cellphone. He gave it to her and pointed to number keys. "Please give your number."

Gou gave him a small smile and she did was she was told. After everything that had happened, it would seem dumb for her not to give him her contact information. He walked next to her and he silently watched her punch in the numbers. Then, he placed his hand around her shoulders and gave her a cheerful smile. When she was finally getting down to push the last number, Gou heard a very scary and frightening voice behind her.

"Mind explaining yourself, Captain?!" It was her brother. He was standing right behind them along with his roommate Nitori. She was happy to see him at first, but that feeling was quickly washed away when she saw him gritting his teeth at them. Gou walked away from Seijuuro as she wondered what was up with her brother. It seemed to her that he had been out on jog with Nitori, but that didn't explain his foul mood.

"Matsuoka-kun!" Seijuuro greeted him calmly, waving his hand back and forth. "Look! Your sister came all this way to see you!" Her brother didn't bother respond back. He ignored Seijuuro's greeting and it almost seemed like he was ready to charge toward him.

"What the hell were you doing with my sister?!"

…