*Author's Note: I do not own Free: Iwatobi Swim Club or their characters. But I do own the characters that are unfamiliar to the series. Please enjoy!

(Chapter Three: When it Hits You)

I had a dream I was flying, but not in the sky, in the sea. My arms were stretched out in front of my body and my legs kicked through the salt water to move me forward. I heard clicking noises from dolphins and hums from the whales, filling the empty area with soft pretty tunes. The water didn't seem to affect my breathing, like I unnaturally grew gills. This made me feel like some mermaid without the fish tail.

With force, I stopped my legs from moving around and floated through the blue waters. I was enjoying this aquatic heaven for what seemed like an eternity. It was opened and vast, with no marine creature in sight. I liked this dream, it made me feel happy. I was underwater and away from the surface, hiding from people who would want to put me down. No one would be able to reach me. I would just float around and not have to worry about anything. That was my splendid dream.

Until my alarm clock went off.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

I executed my interrupter by repeatedly banging it against my wooden desk until it finally went silent. Yawning, I get out of bed and walk to my bathroom to freshen up. In the mirror, I stared at the girl who glared back at me with grey rings under the eyes, messier choppy hair, revolting morning breath, and a booger in her nose. If I was the walking dead, somebody better shoot me in the head right now.

After ten minutes, I'm finally ready and go to the main room to have my breakfast. I see Kaoru in the kitchen as he prepares toast for the both of us. He must've gotten out of bed because his pajamas were still on and his hair was all over the place, except when he woke up he wasn't as nauseating looking like me.

"Good morning Hanaru!" he greets me with that goofy smile.

"Morning Big Brother," I reply and pick a grape from our fruit bowl. Popping it in my mouth, I chew and ask, "Why did you stay up late last night?"

"I was looking through our old boxes in the closet and found some really cool things." he pointed a finger in the direction that lead to a small book shelf. "Like those pictures over there."

I walk forward and discover an old photo frame with a picture of a happy family. It was us. My dad had his arm swung around my mother's shoulder while she grin and held two children on her lap. The goofy orange head boy giving a wild smile was my brother and the calm, quiet one with a small smile on his left was me. It was a picture families would treasure for a long time, and for some reason, we put it in a crummy old box that was probably forgotten. I was so overjoyed that my brother had found it.

On the left was a perfect face shot of my mother while on the left was my dad. Just looking at those two pictures, I felt like their eyes were watching me, like they were possibly here.

"I like it…" I tell Kaoru.

"I thought you would…" he trailed.

"What else did you find?"

"Oh! Look in the box by our table. I think you'll love this one also." he shouted positively and I turn to meet the medium size cardboard box lying next to my breakfast. How on earth did I miss that? Am I really that oblivious?

Apprehensively, I go over and kneel down. Using both my hands to swing the box open, I stare down at what was inside.

"It's your old swimsuits Hanaru!" Kaoru stated the obvious.

-:-

Nagisa always takes the train to school, which he didn't really like that much because he felt lonely. Haruka and Makoto walk to school together every day. Nagisa tried to talk to his other peers that took the train but they always brushed him off coldly.

But right now, going to school singly was the least of his problem. His real concern was that he needed to recruit another member for the club so the swim team can do relay races together.

'We need another member,' he thought to himself. 'But it'll be hard to find one now. I was turned down by everyone I asked last time. And Hanaru still won't take part in the swim club.'

Sighing, he looked up to see a tall first-year with midnight blue hair and striking purple eyes with red glasses over them. He stood up while holding a rail with one hand as the other held a small yellow book that read Physical Training on the front.

"Ryugazaki-kun." Nagisa tried to get his attention. The serious young man rotated his head a few centimeters towards the blonde with indifference written over his eyes. This didn't bother Nagisa at all. "You go to school by train?"

"Yes." the bluenette mumbled and returned his attention back to the book. Nagisa was still smiling up at him gleefully, like his cold rejection had no effect on him. Nagisa decided to try his offer on him.

"Oh, by the way… I wanted to ask you a favor, as a classmate…"

"I won't join the Swim Club." the first-year cut him off without looking up. Nagisa was so amazed, like he just read his mind. Maybe he has telepathic powers?

"Huh? How did you know before I said anything?"

The boy began stating out his reasons. "It was easy enough to guess, considering the recruiting posters in your bag, and those swimsuit Iwatobi-chan straps you probably plan to give to new recruits."

Nagisa stared down at his bag with everything he just said and gaped like a fool. Ryugazaki was intelligent, not a wizard. This got the blonde interested in his classmate more. When the train stopped at the next platform, the bluenette put down his book and pushed up his glasses, glaring down at Nagisa sharply.

"As I mention before, I already joined the track team. Goodbye."

He departed off the train, much to Nagisa's confusion.

"Huh! Why? The school is the next station." he tried crying out to him, but the tall young man ignored his presence and walked away.

Ten minutes later, Nagisa had the side of his face up against the glass and he gazed at the sight he saw enviously. Ryugazaki ran beside the train in a field of flowers that blossomed so lively. His green backpack was strapped around his back tightly so nothing would bounce as he jogged.

"Wow." Nagisa mumbled, very impressed. He was oblivious to the irritated looks two girls gave him. "He runs the last stretch every day!"

-:-

For our history project today, our teacher put each student into pairs in order for us to work together. The task was quite simple actually, we would both have to read a current event article and explain what the topic was to the class. I was partnered up with Ryugazaki, a boy with short blue hair and inhumanly purple eyes that had this strong humorless look when he turned to you. We both didn't seem to mind, considering the fact that we were basically the top students in our class and maybe the sanest ones as well.

We began reading the articles out loud, taking turns on each paragraph. While Ryugazaki began to read his part, I felt a tingle on the back of my neck and turned to see Nagisa waving to the both of us.

"Hi Hana-chan! Hi Ryugazaki-kun!" he tried to whisper to us, even though I could hear him from across the class.

I gave him a look and noticed how my partner sighed with agitation, shaking his head slowly. I raise a brow at his action. "Do you know Nagisa?"

"No, but he's been pestering me to join that newly opened swim club all morning."

I make an o with my lips while my eyes lit up. Nagisa still needs members? I thought Gou joined, do they still need more? For a while, that same guilt I've been feeling for a couple days danced around in my stomach again to the point where I thought I was going to be sick. It finally pasted, but I began to feel distressed. So I talk to Ryugazaki about it.

"Same here, but I think he's done worse with me than you." I said, remembering how the blonde literally cried when I said I wouldn't join.

The blue haired boy looked up at me curiously, "Than join so he'll leave me alone."

"What?" I choke out. "Didn't you hear what I said, I won't join either."

"Do you have a reason? Mine is because I already committed myself to the track team. What about you Suzuki?" he glared those purple eyes into my own, but I stood strong and fought his intimidated look.

"My reasons are more personal than yours." I say.

He shrugs and turns back to the article like our discussion didn't even exist. I never understood what made that boy so icy.

After class, the lunch hour came and I basically did what I've been doing for the last couple of days. Sit at my desk alone as I feast on my food with no blonde boy coming over to disturb me.

"Hana-chan!" I stand corrected. "We haven't talked in a long time. Are you done being alone?"

What I didn't understand about Nagisa was that he can say that with such a clear face he never forced on. Almost as if he never cared about the way people acted so hard on him. Being nice was his only weapon of defense.

"I guess." I say, sucking down my juice box. He comes closer to me, but I don't hesitate.

"Let's talk about swimming Hana-chan, or the ocean. You like the ocean right?"

"Of course I do."

"Do you like it better than a pool?"

"It depends."

"Huh? How so?"

"I like salt more than chlorine." I explain patiently. "I assume you like the pool?"

"I like the pool and ocean, I have no favorites!" he cried while tossing his arms up. I think he was grateful that we're actually talking again. "Then again, I've never actually seen you swim in a pool before."

"Or in the ocean." I state out, the memory of swimming in the open water two days ago flowed through my mind like wave currents. I smell something salty, but shake it off.

"Actually, I have seen you swim in the ocean. I think it was two days ago when I was coming back from your– Haruka's house." he giggled uncomfortably.

Something must've sucker punched me in the gut because for a few seconds I couldn't breathe. I felt my eyes bug out of my sockets and my teeth grinding against each other. Nagisa saw me swimming? That was supposed to be private!

I turn and glower at him. Nagisa slowly moved back an inch, daunted by my look. "You were spying on me?"

"No Hana-chan, I didn't mean to!" he tried to give his explanation. "I mean, I wasn't planning on it, honest!" he crossed his heart. "I just saw you swimming, that's all, and I thought you were really good. Especially when you held your breath underwater for a long time, you're like a sea turtle or something."

His face beamed again and a twinkle sparked in both his rosy eyes. He was impressed by me.

"Great simile," I sigh, "Thanks, but it's really nothing. I just haven't swum in a while, so it was nice to get back into it for a day." Nagisa slammed his pale hands on my desk and came closer to my face. To my surprise, I was startled greatly by his unforeseen action.

"But it shouldn't have been a day. It should've been a couple days ago, or yesterday, and today, and even tomorrow. It should be like that everyday Hana-chan. Don't you understand? You want to get back into swimming! I can see it in your eyes!"

"And my small veins and pupil because your face is really close to mine right now." I tell him dully, feeling his warm breath exhale on my mouth and nose.

"Oh sorry," he backs away. "I'm serious though, you have to join–"

"I have to join the swim club, yes I know Nagisa, because than we'll all be together." I get up, grabbing my bag and unfinished lunch. "But my answer will still be no."

And I leave.

-:-

"Should the poster be flashier?" Nagisa questioned to himself, judging the look of the swim club poster he put up on the bulletin board. Catching a glimpse of blue, he turned to see Ryugazaki walking by, his nose in that same book from earlier.

Excited, Nagisa called out to him, but the young man turned away into the boy's locker area. The blonde followed from behind, taking no notice that his classmate was ignoring him.

"Wait, Ryugazaki-kun. Let's go home together," he made paddle movements with his arms. "We can talk about swimming."

"I have practice now." the bluenette opened his locker to take out his running sneakers. "And there's nothing you can say, that will convince me to join the swim club."

He gave a hard chilly look to Nagisa and casually walked away from him. His look felt like an arrow though the cheerful boy's jolly heart. His face began to turn despondent as he whimpered. "Ryugazaki-kun, you're so cold."

'Just like Hanaru…' he thought miserably.

Looking back at his locker curiously, he spotted Ryugazaki's first name. Nagisa felt like a shock of hope electrocuted his entire body.

Racing around the school to gather up the swim club members, he dragged Haruka to the school track while Makoto and Kou followed closely behind.

"This way! I found the perfect person." he pointed towards the pole-vaulters.

Makoto looked around curiously, a little puzzled by Nagisa's sudden change in sport. "The track team? He can't join us, then."

"Look, over there." Everyone's gaze went towards a rather tall first-year with dark blue hair. He wore his track uniform with a pair of orange sport glasses on his face. Just like everyone else, he was stretching his arms, making his muscles pop out. "It's his fate!" Nagisa announced excitedly.

"Was he on the swim team in middle school?" Haruka asked.

"Does he hold a record?" Kou wondered.

"It's his name."

"Huh?" everyone cried in unison, dumbfounded by Nagisa's logic. The blonde, however, thought his reasoning made a lot of sense.

"Yep, it's Ryugazaki Rei-chan. He's the same as us, a boy with a girly name."

"That's your reason?" Kou gasped out, hoping that her peer was joking. Sadly, he gave her a serious nod and she sighed. Looking back at their blue headed victim, she studied his structure and began to admire his built body. "But I have to agree. Look at those deltoids..."

Pink blushes appeared on both her cheeks.

"That's your reason?" Makoto exclaimed. "You really think those reasons are enough?"

"My reason is very good!" Gou defended.

"That's right Mako-chan!" Nagisa fought back too. "Go with your gut on these things."

"Hey, it looks like he's about to jump." Haruka spoke out, maybe for the second time since they got here.

The crew found Ryugazaki at the starting point, swinging around his pole and mumbling words no one could understand quietly, as if he was whispering to himself. Then, he began to run towards the gigantic mat. Eighteen strides were all it took before he planted the pole tip into the box and swung is body up.

Struck with awe, the swim club watched him as he curved over the bar perfectly without his body even touching it. He fell softly onto the mat, cueing the watchers to comment on his performance.

"His form was beautiful." Nagisa envied.

"He's probably a great diver." Makoto predicted.

"Absolutely! And his biceps are also beautiful!" Kou drooled.

"Is that all you care about?" the olive green haired young man questioned shockingly. Haruka just kept quiet.

Nagisa watched Rei closely, mumbling a few more things that got the blonde feeling inquisitive. He seemed perfect to recruit, but the only problem was, how was he going to persuade him? He turned towards the right direction and spotted Hanaru sitting cross-legged by the fence reading a book. She seemed engrossed in what she was reading and oblivious to the world around her. Her appearance really did make her look manly from there, expect when she turned her face up and looked at you. Those big turquoise eyes were enough to give away her actual gender, but lucky for her, she didn't have many friends so no one would notice. Nagisa then remembers something important.

"Guys! Guys!" All heads turned back to the jumpy blonde. "We need Rei-chan and Hana-chan. I forgot to mention her before."

"I thought she didn't want to join clubs." Makoto remembered.

"And she can't compete because she's a girl," Kou informed him, looking slightly white for some apparent reason. "It's a boy's only team."

"You're a girl on a boy's only team." Nagisa reminded her.

"I'm you manager!"

"But that's the point. She has to join because she's dressed like a boy. Just like Rei-chan, it must be fate that made her chop of her hair, get a boy's uniform, and meet us all." Looks of confusion and mixed feelings were shown. "Don't you see, if Rei-chan and Hana-chan join, we'll have more members and even higher chances of winning tournaments. Everyone thinks she's a boy anyway so it might be easier to get her in. She's a distance swimmer, so she can take part in longer meter freestyle races. That's the only stroke she knows."

"She can't swim free." Haruka said.

"Don't say that Haru-chan, but do understand where I'm coming from?" Nagisa widened his arms out, openly ready to get some answers from his friends. Haruka seemed to be thinking, expect it didn't show much on his face. Makoto looked slightly uncomfortable with the idea, but had no reason to argue with his friend, even if the new girl might put down the offer. The only one who spoke first was Kou.

"I suppose, it makes a lot of sense. But how are we going to convince her to join? For all we know, she may just reject us again. And if she does join, how are we going to be responsible with keeping her true gender a secret?"

"You're thinking overhead Gou-chan." Nagisa smiled sweetly, ignoring the girl's complaint about her new and correct name. "Right now, we have to recruit two people into our club and soon. At this moment, the only thing we can do is to just keep asking until they finally agree."

-:-

Ever since I moved to Iwatobi, I've walked to and from school on the same path solo. No one accompanied me and I was okay with that. But meeting up with Haruka and Makoto, I immediately felt a shudder of discomfort racing around my body.

Makoto called out to me when he spotted my presence up ahead and invited me to walk back home with them. There was no option for that because if I refused, it would've been incredibly awkward. Forcing a smile, I went out of my comfort zone and strolled next to the tall young man. The two of us filled the silence with a conversation while Haruka kept to himself.

"Are you enjoying school so far?" Makoto asked me. I think he asked me that question before.

"Yeah, but I feel like the lessons we're being taught are a little too easy for my taste."

"You must be really smart than." he grinned down at me.

"I'm okay," I shrug. "I'm mostly interested in literature, with all the books and writing we have to do."

"Is that your favorite subject?"

"Yeah," I nod.

"Mine too, I guess we have more things in common than we actually thought." his voice was sweeter than honey, it made me feel a little strange about him.

I nod my head again but kept silent this time. The walk home felt like an eternity, making me grow very impatient. Makoto kept trying to create small talk between Haruka and I, not getting the idea that we just wanted to be left alone. When he finally did, he gave a sigh of defeat and zipped his own lips.

I kept looking back at the ocean that was on our right, wondering how Nagisa could have seen me swimming. The beach was very broad, stretching down on both sides until they reached the edges of town. Maybe it was luck or his senses are keener than I though. But swimming? How horrifying. That was a onetime event I will never do again, but the ocean kept taunting me. I felt like a dog that wanted to go out and run, but my owner just caged me in. So I whimper.

Makoto must've caught me eyeing the ocean because he interrupted my thoughts, "Do you miss swimming?"

"Huh?" I gasp, my eyes getting slightly wild. "Of course not, why would you think that?"

"You just keep staring at it, so I thought…" he trailed, sounding a little unsure of himself. He was trying to say something but didn't seem to find the right words. I watched his green eyes move from me to Haruka to that garbage can straight ahead, like he was trying to find answers. I was puzzled.

"You thought what?"

"I…" he gulped and looked towards Haruka again, but the young man didn't even look at us. "I thought that maybe you'd feel rather comfortable– I mean, I just think it's a good idea… well, if you don't think–"

"He wants you to join the swim club." Haruka broke in.

I felt like a bowling ball just fell on my chest. I froze in place, as if my feet were just super glued to the ground. Makoto turned to look at me with a nervous stare while Haruka watched my every move. Then, my anger rose making my face turn beat red. Now I understand why Makoto invited me to walk with them.

"Did Nagisa put you two up to this?" I growl.

"Y-yeah… well I mean he suggested it and we… umm…" Makoto stammered. My annoyance finally reached to its point. I promised myself that I was going to strangle that little blonde monkey the next time I saw him. I was completely fed up. "Hanaru, you don't have to join–"

"I know I don't have to join," I hissed. "But for some apparent reason, Nagisa doesn't seem to get that." both my hands tighten into fist and I glared down at floor, imagining Nagisa's pale face painted right there.

"I know you gave up swimming a long time ago, Hanaru, but maybe you should give it a second chance. It'll be fun," Makoto put out a hand, like he was offering it to me. "Just swimming together, I'm sure you would enjoy it. We all had fun when you were with us."

I glared at him, making him shake under my stare.

"I'm just getting so sick and tired of repeating myself to him and you two. I gave up swimming for a reason and I plan on keeping that promise." My voice started to grow louder and more furious. I didn't know why I was angry. Maybe for Nagisa always poking at me to join the swim club, or how I feel silently empty when I'm not around these guys, or how these two are now persuading me because Nagisa told them too, or the fact that I couldn't swim again, or moving here, or the new school, or my past. I was mixed up with so much emotion. I felt so wrathful that I thought I was going to blow up.

"Why can't you all just understand that no means no? Not maybe, not yes, no! Yes, I swam before and yes I did give it up, but I'm completely fine. I can go on living with dipping my whole body into chlorine or salt water. I can move forward without looking back! I can make my own decisions now! I don't need anyone to help me with my problems. I feel great doing that all on my own! I feel powerful! I feel… I feel… I feel free now!"

I gasped for air when I was done with my screaming. It was odd, my chest felt much lighter than how it usually is. I just let out everything I had inside me for some many years; I don't even know who I was angry at anymore. My face grew so hot that sweat stream down the back of my neck. I never felt so strong before, so in control. I loved the feeling because it made me feel bigger than everyone else.

"You're not free." Haruka said.

I perk my head, looking at both boys for the first time after my outburst. Makoto looked slightly hurt but at the same time compassionate towards me. His green eyes were even droopier and his lips formed a sad curve. Haruka's face was like stone, I couldn't grasp what his feelings were. He just aimed his blue eyes towards me with no hint of anger or sympathy shown. I could only stare back with a questioning look.

"What?"

"You said you were free, but you're not," he said in his low voice. "I know what free is because that's what I swim. I know how it feels to be free, what it's like to be free. You are far from that."

"Haru…" Makoto warned him.

"I do know what free is." I bit back defensively. "You don't know anything Haruka-sempai, so how would you be able to tell if I was free or not?"

"Because you're slowly dying." he answered.

My throat went dry, like sandpaper. "I'm what?"

"You act like you never accepted the water before, but you have haven't you? Now, you're turning away from it for a reason I could care less about, and you know it wasn't your smart decision. You're thirsty Hanaru, you long for the water again, especially the ocean. But you're not free, and you never will be unless you put aside your stupidity. I hope that's clear."

He took a breath and wheeled his heels around to walk away from me. Makoto looked back, like he was about to say something, but no words came. We both just stared at each other for a while, shocked from Haruka's speech.

So I stood there, astounded by this water obsessive boy's counsel. A breeze pasts right through me and I looked back at the ocean. The salty air tickled my nose and cooled my heated up cheeks. I sigh.

Maybe I really wasn't free.

-:-

I was never fond of homework, especially when I had stack piles of books and papers on both sides of my desk. I wanted to stay after school to finish it all, because there was no way I was going to carry my work home without tumbling forward from the tons of weight in my bag. The teachers didn't seem to mind, so I sat there in my homeroom, alone with a lot of things to finish.

I was half way done when I rubbed my eyes from exhaustion and looked out the side window. The track team was still at practice and I straightaway spot my blue haired classmate, Ryugazaki. I watched him yesterday when I was reading my book, only giving a few glances to see what he did. He was a really good athlete, but I thought he may like the swim club a little more.

When he was doing another jump over the bar, the wind seemed to whisk by and throw him off balance. He fell imperfectly on the mat while his coach began to talk to him about his performance. After his lecture, Ryugazaki looked even more irritated than how he normally did. I saw some hurt in his eyes too, like his coach just said something negative he took offense too. Without care, I turn back to my homework.

Finally finished, I was exceedingly cheerful at the thought of going home and relaxing for a while. I grabbed my belongings from my locker and jogged to the front. When I flew opened the doors, I spotted another stranger walking down the school steps. Pausing at the sound of the doors, the person turns around and we both recognized each other right away.

"Ryugazaki-kun?"

"Suzuki-kun?" we both question each other at the same time.

"Why are you still here? Are you finally in that swim club?" he asked hopefully. My heart stings for a second.

"No, but I see Nagisa hasn't broken you yet."

"Broken me?"

"Into joining the club as well, hasn't he still been pestering you?"

He pushed up his red glasses and looked away, "Of course, but I keep refusing. It's quite tiring when I have to repeat myself over and over again."

"Yeah…" I feel that same sting in my heart again.

"Tell me Suzuki," Ryugazaki said to me. I look up at him with curiosity. "What's the real reason why you won't join the swim club?"

I catch my breath and bite my tongue at the same time. I've been thinking about that question all last night after Haruka's speech, how I'm not free and I never will be free. I don't even know why I'm fighting it anymore. Why I'm in this war with myself when I know that either way, I won't win. I sigh with defeat.

"I honestly don't even know why I keep putting the offer down. I love the water, but I can't accept that fact. It's hard for me, and I don't understand why it has to be difficult." I explain. Ryugazaki just stares at me, listening to everything I just said as he nods.

"You can't just reject something you love. It's not beautiful…"

"Beautiful?" I was confused on why he used that word. Where did that even come from?

"Never mind, the point is… you seem more content in the water than on land. I don't understand why it's hard for you to say yes to something you love."

"You just want me to join so Nagisa will stop asking you."

"Maybe… or maybe because I think you should be happy."

I stare blankly at him, like he just said something I've never heard before. It was weird, I have heard that before from my brother and Nagisa, but when Ryugazaki said it, I didn't know how to progress his words.

"Why would you care about what I'm feeling?" I ask.

He shrugs, "I have my reasons."

He turns to walk away from me, but I stop him in his tracks before he could reach the gate. Recalling what I saw an hour ago I call out, "Are you happy to be on track?"

His body stood still, not even turning to look towards me. It took a whole minute for him to answer. "I don't know."

-:-

This was Nagisa's last chance, the final idea to get Rei in the swim club. If convincing him wasn't going to work anymore, he might just have to plead.

Getting off the train last minute, he caught up with Rei before he could start his run. Nagisa was prepared for this morning. He ate a piece of toast with peanut butter smeared on it and drank a full bottle of water. His family was wondering why he dressed up in his gym clothes instead of his school uniform.

"Rei-chan, wait!" he called out to him.

His classmate jumped a little at the sound of his voice and puffed out with aggravation. Nagisa was sure Rei was getting tired of him, but he still kept on fighting.

"What do you want now?" he asked coldly.

"Can I," Nagisa started, "run with you?"

Rei just gazed back at him with interest. He then sighed, "If you can keep up." He started to jog away, making Nagisa feel victorious. Giving a small, yes, the blonde followed behind.

The two jogged down the road together, Rei of course a couple feet ahead, while Nagisa tried to catch him. Nagisa liked running, but he wasn't in the greatest shape to keep up with a track athlete. Feeling a couple cramps on his left side, he began a conversation with Rei to distract himself.

"This brings back memories." he stared at the blossoming flowers in the fields. Pink and green filled the country, making it really feel like spring. "I used to run with Haru-chan to the swimming club like this in grade school. Haru-chan always played it cool and said," he tried to mimic Haruka's voice. "If you can keep up."

"Who's this Haru-chan?" Rei asked when he turned to run in another direction. Nagisa turned too, coming back to reality.

"Oh, you go this way?"

"What do you want?" Rei finally asked. Nagisa took this opportunity to tell him about the joint practice at Samezuka Academy. Thanks to Gou, they were able to practice in an indoor pool.

"What do I want? I want you to join the swim club. We really need another member before our joint practice." he explained.

"Why does it have to be me?" Rei wondered. Nagisa thought about this for a second, thinking about what he was going to say.

"Because you're a boy with a girly name."

Rei stopped and turned to him. Nagisa too stopped when he saw his angry face. "That's your reason?!" he exclaimed.

"Yeah," Nagisa said plainly. Rei groaned and pinched his temples. Nagisa thought this through again before disappointing his friend. "But the main reason is because you looked beautiful." The last word got Rei's attention.

"When you were pole vaulting, your jump looked really beautiful, Rei-chan!" he complemented.

Rei turned pale, and then looked away with embarrassment. Nagisa saw the edge of his lips twitching. "Well…" he started, "I was just, following theory and calculation."

"That's not something everyone can do. I suck at that stuff." Nagisa noted, making Rei even more interested. The blonde then spread his arms out wide, "So I want you to use theory and calculation to look good swimming."

Nagisa thought he had him there for a second, until that darkness in Rei's purple eyes returned. "That's impossible. A swimmer must flap his arms and legs underwater, while struggling to break the surface for a grasp of air. You can't look good while doing that!" he stated the negatives.

Nagisa thought about this for a moment, and then said, "Really? But… Haru-chan is a beautiful swimmer. And so is Hana-chan."

"Huh?" Rei turned to him, "You saw Suzuki-kun swimming?"

"Yeah," this seemed to get his attention. "He doesn't want to admit it, but he really is a beautiful swimmer. Not only beautiful, but also every powerful. When I watched him, I couldn't move my eyes away. Are you and Hana-chan friends?"

Rei stared at the ground, Nagisa assumed he was thinking. What about? He would never know. He just waited until Rei asked, "So, this joint practice?"

-:-

"What?" I stared at Ryugazaki after he walked up to me. He was in his red and white warm-up outfit, slightly sweaty, like he just ran. Maybe he did, that's eccentric. He talked.

"The swim club is having a joint practice at Samezuka Academy. You and I are going to go."

"Huh, wait, what joint practice?" I question him, utterly confused. "And why am I going?"

"Just come with me." he swiftly grasped my wrist and hauled me out of my seat. I was pulled out of the classroom, having no motivation to fight back.

When we reach the front gate of the school, I notice Haruka and Makoto crowding around Nagisa, who was hunched forward and breathing very heavily. Judging by his red gym clothes, I assume he ran to school as well. I wonder why.

He quickly found us walking towards the group, looking surprised about seeing the both of us together.

"Oh, Rei-chan! Hana-chan!"

Why is Nagisa using his first name? Are they both friends now?

Ryugazaki turn to Haruka, my wrist still trapped in his tight fingers. Makoto looked a little concerned for me while Nagisa listened carefully.

"You're Haru-chan, -san?" Rei asked him.

Haruka looked over his shoulders, "Don't put -chan or -san on my name." he warned.

Rei blurts, "We are both willing to participate in your joint practice as trial members."

His words felt like a knife jabbing into my stomach. When did he decide what I should and shouldn't do? That wasn't fair, especially for me. I would've objected except Rei squeezed my wrist aggressively to keep me quiet.

"What really?" Nagisa chirped. He turned to me with wide eyes, begging me to agree with Ryugazaki. Guilt concurred over my body at the thought of saying no. I couldn't take it anymore! So I slowly nod.

"Sure..."

Rei cuts in, "But only on one condition," he pushed up his glasses and glared towards them, "I won't do any swimming."

Nagisa cheered loudly, even did a jump in the air. My upper body felt like it was being crushed under his bone breaking hug. He whispered to me, "I knew you would've joined soon."

"I'm only doing this just for today, so I didn't officially join your club Nagisa." I breathe out.

"We'll see," he promised and quickly turned to Rei before I could say anything about that.

Makoto came up to me, "Are you sure? You don't have to do this. Since Rei's coming, no one's forcing you to join too. We have enough people now."

"No," I said. "I'll be fine. Everyone seems to want me anyway, so I might as well come." I also want to swim, an indoor pool didn't sound that bad.

He put his signature smile back on, giving me a face full of serenity. "You've changed your mind, so you do want to swim with us."

I felt my cheeks grow hot and I look away, sticking out my tongue. He laughs at me.

-:-

"In door pools are so nice." Nagisa observed the gym, eyes twinkling with admiration.

I nod in agreement. The swim club plus Ryugazaki and I took a train to Samezuka Academy. When we got there, everyone changed into their swimsuits and began to stretch. Ryugazaki and I just looked around, drawn to this new environment. I remember sneaking in here with the guys last time when it was night, but during the day, the area was filled with hot energy.

I look at the pool and wondered how warm it was. I walk over and jab my finger through the surface to feel the liquid. Too warm for my taste. I've been in outdoor pools before, and I love how you had to get used to the cold before you finally warmed up. Or when it rained and the water was filled with freshness and dead leaves, it felt like paradise to swim in. But like I said before, I would choose the ocean over the pool any day.

I look over my shoulder to see Kou in her blushing state again with her eyes wider than her face. She scanned the area twice and gawked at everything. Is she okay?

"Hey, thanks for coming." a young man with bright red hair and golden eyes greeted us. Makoto told me before that he was the captain of the Samezuka boys swim team. His name was Seijuro Mikoshiba.

Everyone turned their attention to him and we all bowed, "Thank you very much."

"Sure." he looked to Haruka. "You're Nanase, right? You won a bunch of regional tournaments in grade school."

"Yeah..." he said.

I tune out their conversation when I spotted a sight of scarlet hair. Peeking over Seijuro's shoulder, I saw it was none other than Rin talking to another boy. When he rotated his head towards our direction, he scowled when he noticed Haruka and gave me a dirtier glance after catching my stare. I wasn't frightened by his look.

"Oh," Kou became aware of her brother's appearance too and ran towards him. "Big Brother." Rin mumbled something to her in a low voice. Judging by his expression, he seemed annoyed. Nagisa came over to greet him as well.

"Rin-chan! We get to swim together again! Let's have fun today." he cheered loudly. Rin glared down at him, hoping that his look would somehow hurt the young boy.

"Together?" he scoffed. "Ha, you guys are a waste of my time."

Without looking back, he walked out of the area. An icy aura surrounded him, I wasn't sure if anyone else noticed that. I wondered what was bothering him. Well, I've been trying to figure out his problem ever since I met these guys. Judging by the sound in his voice, he seemed miserable, except, I don't know why.

"What's his problem?" asked Ryugazaki.

"Yeah, there's some history there." Makoto answered.

"I thought we could practice off with our first years today." The captain gathered everyone together. He clapped his hands. "Okay! Let's start with individual time trials... You two!"

He pointed to Ryugazaki and I. "Get in your swimsuits."

How in the world did I somehow forget the most important thing in swimming sports? I looked around the guys for help, unsure how to respond to the captains orders. Ryugazaki started.

"Uh... I'm not-"

"Sorry! They forgot to bring their bathing suits!" Nagisa butt in and rubbed the back of his head, laughing slightly.

Maybe if someone told me I was going to this joint practice against my will, I would've certainly brought my own. The captain seemed pretty irritated by that.

"What? Why are they here then?" he murmured to himself. "You can use one of our spare swimsuits. Nitori! Show them to the locker room."

Out of nowhere, a boy around my age with silver hair trotted up to Ryugazaki and I. He had dark blue eyes that showed he was timid, but hid it with a confident expression. "Please come with me."

"Uh wait... I'm not," Ryugazaki protested, but Nitori grabbed his arm and pulled him away. Ryugazaki also grabbed my shirt in order for me to come too, I began to get scared.

Looking back, the swim club looked at us with worry, especially for me. What if they don't have something that will cover my entire body? Then they'll know I'm a girl and I could get in serious trouble.

The locker room smelled like a mix of chlorine and sweat, a scent that made me very sick. Nitori showed us the locker that contained the spare swimsuits, Ryugazaki and I both looked at each other for a while, his purple eyes hardened with annoyance and fear.

Wait… fear? Oh never mind, I have other problems right now.

I picked up a pile of swimsuits and looked through each of them carefully. Behind me, I heard Ryugazaki mumble to himself.

"No. Not at all. This is not beautiful. Ugh, I hate this pattern... Perfect!"

He scurried away to a changing stale, leaving me alone to find my suit. Most of them were all trunks and speedos, something I will never wear. I was beginning to lose hope until I picked up one midnight blue swimsuit.

Looking at it closely, it seemed to be my fit and it didn't look too tight. I sigh with relief, "Just what I need."

"It's a good thing they had a body skin," Nagisa whispered to me. "It would be awkward if you went out with no shirt."

"Yeah," I agree.

"The deal was I wouldn't have to swim." Ryugazaki stood beside us with his arms crossed over his chest. He chose a dark blue speedo that looked a little too tight around his groin. He was pretty buff compared to Nagisa, those arm muscles must've came from track.

"Don't worry!" Nagisa reassured, "These time trials are only for practice. It doesn't matter if you're slow."

"That's not the issue!" he fought.

"Oh, it's Mako-chan's turn." the blonde noted.

"Are you listening to me?"

Makoto got up on his platform and bent down into a diving position. When the whistle flew, he flew into the water and swam to the other side. I watched his performance for a while, but then I turned my head up to the second floor to spot an individual looking down on us. It was Rin and of course, his eyes were glued to Haruka, who was oblivious by his stare.

"I'm up next." Nagisa strolled to the platform, strapping his goggles on and also getting into a diving position. When Makoto finished, he dove right in. I looked at Ryugazaki who had his arms crossed nervously.

"Are you okay?"

"Uh, yeah, um… just a little irritated." he stuttered. I lean my head to the side.

"It's just swimming you know. There's no reason to be afraid."

"Easy for you to say…" he muttered.

"What?"

"Next swimmer get ready!" the captain called out to Ryugazaki.

Makoto came up to us, his body was dripping wet. Pushing his hair out of his eyes, he spoke to the track athlete. "You're up next Ryugazaki-kun."

"I told you," he started, "I'm not–"

"Hey, next swimmer!" Seijuro called out. "Move to the starting block!"

Ryugazaki looked down with horror and sickness mixed in his face. I felt bad for him in a way, something was wrong.

"Well, you might as well." Makoto encouraged.

Ryugazaki exhaled, "Fine!"

Moving to the platform with a pair of goggles and a dark swimming cap, Haruka stopped him in his tracks to say something I couldn't hear. Ryugazaki took it as an offense.

"I'm not!" he fought.

Makoto and I looked at each other, a little worried about his attitude. He got up on the platform and bent down as well, his position was oddly perfect, like he's been practicing that stance his whole life. Watching carefully, he looked at the water like he was studying it. Maybe it was his way of preparing.

After Nagisa finished and the whistle blew, he jumped off his platform… AND BELLYFLOPPED IN THE WATER!?

"What?!" Everyone in the whole gym cried out with abrupt shock at what we witness. Ryugazaki just failed at his diving. A few moments passed and he didn't even resurface. Sweat began to stream down the back of my neck.

"Um, hasn't come back up…" Makoto anxiously trailed.

"This looks bad."

Kou's words somehow signaled Haruka to run to the edge and dive into the pool. Nagisa, who was watching the scene from the side, went under to also rescue Ryugazaki. Seijuro ran over, worried about the young man.

"Is he okay?"

After a second, the trio rose up and I heard Ryugazaki gasping for air. Everyone was relieved to know he was okay. Well, health and physically wise. His self-esteem dropped down to zero. When they came out of the pool, Ryugazaki draped a small towel over his head and hugged his knees to his chest. He wouldn't meet anyone's gaze.

"Rei-chan… you can't swim." Nagisa said.

"Yeah," he got defensive again, "Are saying it's my fault? I told you I wasn't going to swim."

"Kind of," I stated coldly, "It would've been smart to actually tell us that. I know we're not exactly close, but communication is always important."

He glared his purple eyes back at me, but looked away in pain, like his pride was being tortured. "I wasn't going to admit the fact that I couldn't swim. That would go against my sense of beauty…"

His arms tightened and he brought his legs closer. His excuse didn't make me pity him; it made me realize that he wasn't as smart as I thought. Who cares about beauty? Doesn't your life matter more? I heard Haruka walk away from us. He was getting ready for his time trial, and then it will be my turn.

"I'll clear things up with the captain. Sorry for forcing you in this situation." Makoto apologized. "Oh, it's Haru's turn to swim."

We all brought our attention to Haruka, who was getting ready for his dive. Seijuro yelled out, "Ready! Set! Go!"

Haruka's form was magnificent. When he dove into the water, he swam to the other side so radiantly that I became surprisingly impressed. Maybe it's because I'm always amazed by his performances, even if they weren't intentional. He swims with a free spirit, gliding through the waters as he showed off his tranquility.

Ryugazaki also seemed interested, because he stood up and watched Haruka with admiration, envy, and astonishment. I understood those feelings.

When Haruka flipped from the other side, I pick up a pair of goggles and put on a swimming cap speedo over my head. I walk to the platform, slip down my goggles over my eyes, and copy the same position the other boys did. The pool was fifty meters long, I could handle that.

After Haruka finished, Seijuro signaled me to start and I drove my body into the warm liquid. This water was not like the ocean at all, but it felt okay on my skin. I felt goose bumps pop all around my arms and legs from this new sensation. My body seemed my lighter in this pool, like I could fly through it within seconds. My strokes were easier to make and I could actually go up for a breath of air without a wave crashing over my face, filling my mouth with salt water. I loved this feeling. It made me stronger, faster, and more comfortable with swimming. This was unusual. I swam in pools before, so why was I acting different now?

Before I could answer myself, a loud bang filled my ears and my head throbbed with pain. Breaking the surface, I bellowed with agony and pressed a palm against my skull. My head shook a little and my neck had a tingle of pain run down it. I grip on to the edge and begin to realize something. I forgot to flip, except, I didn't know how to flip. Uh-oh…

"Hanaru!"

"Hana-chan!

"Suzuki-kun!"

I heard my names called out and looked to see my friends running towards me. Only this time, there were doubles for a few seconds, until they faded back into one. Makoto and Haruka grabbed my arms and heaved me out of the pool. Makoto brought me to the wall, where I laid my back against it and sat down. My friends gathered around me with wild eyes, making a huge fuss over my stupidity. That pain in my head still ached, but I was too embarrassed to even focus on that.

"Are you okay?"

"Why didn't you flip?"

"We're you distracted?"

"Does your head hurt?"

"How many fingers am I holding up?"

"Whoa, guys I'm fine." I reassured. "And Nagisa, you're holding up three fingers."

"Oh thank goodness… I don't want you to lose that genius brain of yours."

After my accident and annoyance with life, I couldn't help but crack a smile. Nagisa somehow knew how to do that. His words reminded me of my second day of school, when I met him and his friends.

"Is he okay?" Seijuro asked as he walked up to our group. "You guys are just injury magnets aren't you?" Everyone was uneasy by his comment.

When the pain began to swell down, I stood up and walked back to the platform. Makoto grabbed my arm while everyone told me how it wasn't a good idea. How I should be resting now because of my injured head. I smiled and gently pulled Makoto's hand off my arm.

I'm sure it must've of been from that hit, but I suddenly felt different. I want to try again. Redo my time trial and make sure I flip this time. Only, I really didn't know how to do it. Like I said before, I never did competitive swimming in pools. It was always in the ocean. That motivated me to get back in the water. To try again and not hurt myself this time. I was going to get this flip right after today. I may have felt funny, but I was going back in no matter what.

"I'm fine." I tell them all, "I came here to swim right? So I'm going to swim."

-:-

The next day, Hanaru was absent from school again due to a concussion she expectedly got (due to hitting her head a few more times) and Rei Ryugazaki joined the swim club. Everyone was quite happy because now they had four members in their club, which also meant Hanaru didn't need to be persuaded in joining the club anymore.

The thought depressed everyone. They've all grown to respect her as a person and actually enjoy her company, even if she was at some points difficult. Her swimming style was incredible to watch. She was fast and strong in the water, flying through the surface at dolphin speed. Even if she did hit her head multiple times on the opposite wall. After all, she was more of a distance swimmer, but she's never competed in the pool before.

Makoto even suggested that they go visit her and bring flowers, chocolates, and get well cards. Both Haruka and Kou rejected the idea, saying that she may want to be alone. Nagisa complained that she's been alone too long, no one disagreed.

After school, the team scurried of to the changing rooms to get ready for Rei's first day of practice. After changing into their swimsuits, they went out to find a figure violating their pool. Someone was swimming!

At first they turned to Kou to see that she was still beside them, and then thought it might've been their supervisor, Miho Amakata. When they spotted her chair empty, they assumed she was running late.

Paranoid, Haruka began to stride over to the pool to see the invader for himself while everyone hurried from behind. Before they got to the edge of the pool, the person broke the surface and gripped onto the edge. Hoisting himself out of the water, he stood and shook the water out if his choppy hair. Dark locks whipped away to reveal turquoise eyes.

"Hanaru?!" Everyone screamed with shock. She wore one of her body skin suits from home.

"Hey guys! I see you joined the swim club Rei." She finally called him by his first name.

The group was too amazed to actually even say something, but it was Nagisa who broke the silence first. "Hana-chan, why are you here? Shouldn't you be home resting your head?"

"No," she replied. "No I'm done resting. I'm done sitting down and doing nothing."

"But you have a concussion!" Makoto objected.

"So? That was two days ago. I'm feeling fine right now."

"You could damage your brain Suzuki-kun!" Rei exclaimed.

She laughed, "I'm fine really. Actually, I'm more than fine, I feel beyond awesome! And please Rei, call me Hanaru or Hana."

"Are you sure you shouldn't be home right now? I think you have brain damage." Kou stated with a little anxiousness shown in her red eyes. This was not how normal Hanaru would be acting.

She shook her head and placed her hands on her hips, "I'm great, thank you for asking. I just came by to tell you all that I've been thinking for a while… about this club I mean. How I seem to be happier when I'm around you guys. And I'm also more alive when I'm in the water." She turned to Haruka for a couple seconds, seeing how he got what she was saying. "So I went for a swim in your pool."

"You mean?" Kou mumbled.

"Are you saying...?" Makoto trailed.

"I think she is." Haruka said.

"She!?" Rei exclaimed.

"You'll join our swim club too?" Nagisa finished.

For many years, Hanaru felt trapped in a cage full of unwanted memories and a nightmarish past. She never fought, just sat there like a bird being held captive against her will. Now, she was breaking out of that rusty cage and to get a better taste of true freedom. Haruka was right, she wasn't free, but she wanted to feel that way.

So after asking about joining the swim club over and over and over again, she finally managed to say.

"Yes."

*Author's Note: Oh goodness that was long! I think my fingers are cramping from so much typing. And my brain just melted from staring at a computer for a week. Well, at least it's done! I hope you enjoyed the third chapter!

Oh, by the way! I drew a picture of what Hanaru would look like, which I will possibly be posting next chapter. Yep, I'm one of those people. Want to know why? Because I have no life and love to please you all!

On a side note, I would like to thank everyone who reviewed and favorite and followed, you guys are so wonderful and I love your support! But I have some bad news. And no, before you go into a state of shock, I'm not having writers block. I'm having midterms in two weeks and need to study. So, the next chapter may not be out for a while (A week and a half) which means you all might have to wait. Something viewers HATE doing I know. But please, be patient with me, I'm going to do the best I can on both Fanfiction and school! (But mostly Fanfiction)

Chapter 4 Preview: The swim club teaches Rei how to swim and Hanaru is still recovering from her concussion. Then swimsuit shopping! Nagisa wants her to wear some pretty girly stuff!

Okay guys, please leave me some comments on this chapter and some feedback. And if I get a lot of reviews, I'll make the next chapter obnoxiously long like this one. Maybe…

Until next time, I'll see you all next week (or two)!

-Phoenix