Chapter two.

Makoto shifted uneasily in his swimsuit. This would be his first practice with Samezuka and already, just in the locker room he was having doubts. Maybe swimming was one of the things he should have given up as well. He folded his cloths, taking extra care, and time to put them back in his bag.

Closing the locker, Makoto saw that his name was already written on a strip of tape, stretched under the locker number. He sighed. Rin and he had never been the best of friends, but he was doing his best to make Makoto feel welcome. He hadn't even required Makoto to try out, saying he knew Makoto's skill level and it was all that mattered.

Finally seceding to the fact if he wasted any more time in the locker room he would probably miss the entire practice, Makoto spun the lock on his locker and trudged out into the indoor pool.

It was still a few minutes too soon it seemed as immediately Makoto realized they were in the midst of introductions. Sousuke smirked, as the advisor announced he was in the top ten for butterfly in the country. He bowed to the other swim members assembled and Makoto tried to blend in.

"Makoto!" Rin unfortunately spotted him and waved Makoto over to where he was standing before the rest of the swim team.

Not sure of a polite way to refuse, Makoto trudged up to the front.

Not letting a second of doubt seep in, Rin clamped Makoto on the shoulder and introduced him. "This is Tachibana Makoto, also joining the swim team for his last year."

The advisor smiled at him, as Makoto quickly reddened, and shifting his gaze Makoto reddened even more as Sousuke glowered at him. "Nice to meet you all," Makoto said in a quiet voice and bowed.

The sentiment was returned and Makoto breathed a sigh of relief as the team dispersed. Of course though Sousuke stayed, his glare pointed at Makoto. Unsure of how to avoid another confrontation Makoto looked to Rin.

It was an unsuccessful aversion as in the next moment, Sousuke ran his shoulder into Makoto on his way past, making Makoto stumble.

"Yo, watch where you're walking, man!" Rin hollered at him. It was said good natured enough, not much teeth to the scold.

Sousuke turned and smiled a bright, cheerful smile as he chuckled, "my bad Tachibana! I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

Stifling the sigh on Makoto's lips, he managed to pull on a smile as well. "It's alright, I should have moved."

Rin rolled his eyes at the exchange as he stepped past Makoto to start getting his job done.

Right, well that was a wonderful start to things.

Makoto pulled his goggles and swim cap on. Maybe if he pushed himself hard enough, he could forget about everything for a while. At least not being a captain anymore would afford him that much.

And in the end, hadn't that been what all of this was for? So that just maybe for once Makoto could focus on what he wanted, what his future or present could be?

Setting himself up on the starting platform, he held for just a second watching the large timer clock on the wall. The red hand hit twelve and Makoto pushed off, arching up before diving under the surface. He closed his eyes, trying his best to think about nothing but pushing through the water.

Put line here

"A what?" Sousuke asked as he piled his food on to his tray, following Rin through the cafeteria.

"They're calling it, Splashu Fes." Rin said. "It's to get some excitement back to Iwatobi SC. They need more members."

"Splashu Fes?" Right... Was that even a thing?

Rin chuckled and shrugged, "our old coach wasn't always the brightest crayon in the crayon box." He led the way through the rows of tables before setting his tray down.

Sousuke wasn't too pleased about the company already occupying the table, but beggars couldn't be choosers. Or at least he couldn't force Rin to be a bit more choosy, nonetheless.

"You've really improved over the winter, Mako!" Rin touted.

The boy looked scared again, like always as his gaze shifted from Rin to Sousuke. Sousuke raised his brow at the scaredy cat before setting his tray down directly across from him.

Those green eyes focused on Sousuke for another second before he looked back to Rin and answered him. "Thanks. I've tried to work really hard since last year."

There was a look exchanged between the two of them, that Saosuke didn't understand (and no it didn't bother him, not at all, not even a little!).

"Well it's paid off, I was clocking you during practice and you're a lot faster than last year." Rin went on.

Right, well as fun as boosting up scaredy cats esteem was... "So are ya gonna do it, ya think?" Sousuke asked Rin. "The relay for that Swim Fest or what ever?"

Picking up his food and starting to eat, Rin looked a bit frustrated. "Yeah, probably. Haru asked me so, I don't really have an option. The thing is who else do I ask? It's not an official thing so I can't ask the team."

Eyeing how Makoto started to play with his food more than eat it, Sousuke was distracted by the way the other guy could manage to diminish his presence despite his larger size.

Sousuke looked to Rin and quirked a smile. "I'll do it."

The look of relief and joy that broke out on Rins face was enough to make Sousuke want to reach across the table and slam their lips together. He smiled at the idea. Wouldn't that be a wonderful turn of events?

"On one condition," Sousuke made sure though to tack on.

Looking up, Rin hummed in inquiry.

"Let me swim for the freestyle leg." He wasn't letting the chance to pound that little dolphin boy into oblivion pass by.

"Alright, fine with me," he looked a bit taken back. "But don't you like butterfly more?"

Sousuke smiled as he answered. "I just feel like a change." Glancing over an idea hit Sousuke too good to pass up, "and Makoto can swim backstroke."

Both red and green startled eyes shot up to look at Sousuke. There was definitely something there between them... And it still absolutely didn't bother Sousuke!

But seeing Makoto swim in a relay, even an unofficial one would help Sousuke gage how much he'd need to keep him away from Rin in the future. Yeah, he seemed to be an alright swimmer in the pool that morning, but a real race would be the true tell.

"I don't think..." Rin started, glancing at Makoto for a moment. Trying to gage a reaction maybe? Was the scaredy cat not very good at relays maybe?

It took a moment of Makaoto looking a bit taken back, then mulling it over, before he answered. He pulled on a smile as he looked at Rin. "I could do it." He chuckled. "I've always really enjoyed relays and you need someone." If possible the smile on his face got a bit more polite, and brighter than ever. "I'd love to help out with the relay for Iwatobi."

Rin eyed him for a moment, raising his eyebrow, looking for a confirmation as he did. "Makoto you don't have to..." He said.

"It's alright." It was said a bit too quick and forced out for Sousuke's taste. But almost immediately a bright smile was slipping back on. "I want to. It's for a friend after all."

Rin didn't look convinced, and even-sympathetic? Was that sympathy leaking in as his eyes softened? Rin nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Makoto."

It was less than a minute later, Makoto was sliding his tray off the table, having eaten not all that much in Sousukes opinion. "Just let me know and I'll be sure to be there tomorrow." Makoto said brightly as he trudged off to dispense his tray.

Sousuke noticed he had his swim bag with him again. Practice was over so he wasn't sure why... Man, that guy as a bit weird.

"Oi! Oi!" Sousuke touted.

The scaredy cat was moving awfully slow. Sousuke turned, looking at the gaudy exterior of the Iwatobi SC. The other two were already at the doors, Rin leading the way inside.

Sousuke had no intention of letting his own Iwatobi brat get the slip on him. This whole thing with their little swim club shouldn't be weighing Rin down as much as it was, Sousuke had just got him focused again on a future.

Makoto looked like he was taking a slow breath as he tied his shoe, quite conspicuously too. He straightened as he commented to Sousuke, "you didn't need to wait for me, Yamazaki-kun."

"Someone has to make sure your dumb ass doesn't get lost in the last ten steps inside." Sousuke complained as he led their way inside.

The doors slid open and Sousuke strode in to find everyone in the lobby.

He smiled as Gou bounded towards him, he always had a soft spot for Rin's adorable younger sister.

"Sousuke-kun," she exclaimed.

Sousuke smiled, but he was paying less attention to her and more attention to-

Straight ahead of him Rin stood a bit too close to Nanase, who was looking straight back to-now that was interesting. Makoto shifted, half hiding behind Sousuke. It wasn't enough cover though as it was clear Nanase had spotted Makoto, his nervous mannerism and all.

"Mako," the boy said, sounding distant and a bit wistful.

Discovered, Makoto offered another one of his annoying, big smiles as he gave a weak wave. "Hey,"

The one with glasses perked up, and the-was that kid really in high school?-smaller one broke out in a huge smile.

"Mako-chan! You didn't tell us you were coming!"

"Uh," Makoto said, finally stepping out from behind Sousuke. "It was a bit unexpected."

Okay, now Sousuke would admit it was annoying him! The entire room went so God-damn deathly still it was a kin to a walk through a morgue!

Haru was the first to break the silence, "how are you doing?" He asked like he was eager, and yet like he didn't really know if he should.

That bright smile was already back in place on Makoto's face though as he answered. "I'm doing well. Samezuka has treated me very well."

"That's really great." The one with the glasses commented. It was a bit late on the uptake though.

Sousuke scanned the faces of everyone, all looking to Makoto and all of them were that same look, sympathy and creased, concerned brows. Sousuke would have to get to the bottom of this somehow.

"We're gonna go get dressed," Rin interrupted the stone cold silence this time. He smiled at Nanase as he spoke. "We will catch up with you guys later." And with that started to lead the way back to the locker rooms.

It was halted for Makoto though as the second he passed Nanase, the dolphin boy reached out, snagging Makoto's arm.

"I want to talk later." Nanase tried to say in a low voice, but Sousuke had slowed his pace, just enough to remain in ear shot.

"Haru," Makoto said not looking up to make eye contact. "I don't think that would be a good idea."

Haruka looked past Makoto, seeing Sousuke watching the exchange and his eyes narrowed before turning back to Makoto. "Just for a few minutes, after ward."

Maktos looked like his resolve might be weakening, but he didn't look like he all that much wanted to talk to Nanase.

"Tachibana," Sousuke growled.

The scaredy cat looked relieved as he sent Sousuke a look and gave a hushed retreat. "I have to go."

Sousuke waited until Makoto was ahead of him, looking back at Nanase for one last second before following.

It wasn't until they were almost to the locker rooms that Makoto spoke to Sousuke. "Thank you."

Sousuke looked at him, before giving an impatient sound with his mouth. "The last thing Rin needs is what ever the hell scandal you Iwatobi guppy fish got going on here." He sent Makoto a glare. "How about you try keeping the drama to a minimum, huh diva diamond?"

Makoto nodded as he averted his eyes and hurried into the locker room.

Rin stopped Makoto before they could leave the locker room. Makoto sighed. He wasn't sure if he could tell his friends or not, but all their concern was making it worse.

Just-just treat him like none of it had ever happened. Makoto was trying not to remember anyway.

"You don't have to do this." Rin said, his eyes checking the room one last time to make sure no one was in there with them.

Plastering another smile on Makoto tried to brush it off. "I'm fine, Rin. Really!" He looked to the pool just through the doorway. "I love relays, I'll be just fine."

With that he shifted out from Rin's grip on his shoulder and quickly went through the doorway into the pool room. Funny how Sousuke was the one person who hated Makoto quite clearly the most, and yet it was the one person Makoto honestly felt an ounce of comfortable around anymore.

At least his hatred was well founded. Makoto may not always know what to expect, but he didn't have to deal with sad looks and constant questions on if he was alright.

He'd be much better off if everyone would just stop reminding him all the time.

Makoto felt his skin cool the moment he stepped into the water. Maybe this relay was a good idea after all. He breathed slowly as he pulled himself up on the starting bar. His eyes closed, he listened for the buzzer to start and-

There was always that first beautiful moment he leapt away from the wall, flying through the air before he shot under the water, his legs propelling him through the waves. As he surfaced, he gulped for breath and started his stroke.

It seems Iwatobi was doing better without their former captain than expected, next to him, his opponent in the backstroke was a new comer to the club, someone Makoto had never met before. And he was not all that bad of a swimmer. But unfortunately he didn't seem to have the same investment in skill as Makoto, and was quickly lagging behind.

Maktos rebounded off the opposite wall and speared through the water. He'd forgotten the rush of a real race. It was all encompassing, filling his senses and kicking everything else out of his mind.

As his hand slammed the wall at the a start point, it was over all too soon. Nitori jumped into the air above him and Makoto stood, not quite realizing his leg was over. He blinked before reaching for the side of the pool and climbing out. Rin was mounting the platform next to him in preparation and offered Makoto a high five on the way there.

"Nice," he said, flashing his preditorial smile.

Makoto removed his cap, standing next to Sousuke as he smiled at Nitori on his way back. The advance Makoto had won them was unfortunately not paying off as Nitori hit the start platform a few seconds after Nagisa and Rin bounded off into the water. It didn't surprise Makoto, Nagisa had always been competitive with Nitori.

Noticing the look from Sousuke next to him, Makoto looked up. Sousuke made a dismissing sound before stepping up on the platform himself, hunching down to be ready for Rin's exchange.

Rin hit the side of the pool just half a second after Rei, having almost entirely caught up and Sousuke flung from the platform.

Makoto realized as he watched that though he'd seen Sousuke in practice he'd never really watched him. His long body arched in the air, his broad massive shoulders reaching for the water. It was like watching-well almost like watching Haru. It was absolutely flawless in the way Sousuke dipped into the water, accepting it, instead of crashing into it. Makoto smiled. It was good to know there was another fish on their team.

Sousuke could clearly keep pace with Haru speed but that half a second meant a lot and in the end-Haruka hit the end of the pool first, marking Iwatobi's win.

Makoto stepped forward ready to offer Haru a hand when-Rin was already there, pulling Haru into a hug the second the boy was on land. They smiled so happily at each other, and Rin pressed a small kiss to Haru's neck.

Right. Makoto chided himself. That wasn't his place anymore.

He looked over surprised though as next to him, Sousuke was watching as well, his swimming cap fisted in his hand, his jaw muscles clenched as he looked at the small display. His gaze shifted and he caught Makoto looking. He didn't smile only turned away, striding towards Rin.

How Sousuke managed to flip his expressions so quickly Makoto wanted to know. Because in an instant Sousuke was smiling and offered Rin a fist bump.

"Great swim!" Rin cheered, his arm still around Haru's neck.

It was all crushing him again, Makoto realized. He looked up at the empty overlook of the pool and back down to Rin and Haru embraced and so-happy. Makoto felt his chest tighten. He'd held it all together, for so fucking long it seemed.

Turning away he quickly made his way to the locker room. He'd had enough for the day. A part of him so badly wanted back into the water. To sink under the current and let it take him away, would have been the best feeling in the entire world to Makoto then.

He wasn't sure why he had ever agreed to this. What in the world made him think that Iwatobi was full of anything but ghosts?

It was dark by the time Makoto had pulled himself out of the pool and dried off. He sat in the locker room. He'd forgotten. A winter spent ninety percent in the water had numbed and lulled the pain of it all away. Now clutching at his chest, it had taken just an hour or so and it was all back, making him feel hollow and bleeding. He ducked his head, gasping for breath.

If he swam anymore that night he'd hurt something, but if he didn't find something to distract him soon he'd break into a million pieces again.

"Oi!"

Makoto looked up, his eyes clouded with tears. He knew that voice. He batted the towel over his face, rubbing any evidence away.

Sousuke took a step into the locker room and Makoto watched him carefully. His stance was ridged, his eyes narrow and bleak. At his sides his hands were fisted.

"Where did you run off to so fast?" Sousuke growled at him. It was like watching a panther stalking closer, growing low and quiet, but still making it very clear this wasn't just playing around.

Makoto could still remember a few days ago, the way Sousuke had attacked him the moment he found out Makoto was from Iwatobi.

"I just-" Maktos wasn't sure he could continue. What was he supposed to say? He couldn't stand there any more without making things so terribly awkward and embarrassing?

"You piss me off!" Sousuke thankfully interrupted as he slammed his fist against the lockers. "Grow a fucking backbone for once!"

Makoto wanted to laugh. He had, at the worst of times he had, and it led him here, where everything was so much worse.

The look on his face though mustn't have been what Sousuke wanted because in the next second he had a hold of Makoto's jersey jacket, yanking him up to stand.

"What the hell is going on with all of you down there, huh?" Sousuke snarled.

Makoto's surprised himself, but he wanted Sousuke to hit him. He wanted it so bad. To feel the jarring of his fist dig into him. Maybe the pain would make the hollowness give way, maybe he'd have a reason to look as broken as he felt. He wasn't sure how he managed it but-

With a whirl of senses, Sousuke had him against the lockers. And- Makoto's eyes went wide. He hadn't expected this. Sousuke jammed his lips over Makoto's, growling low as Makoto's hands went up to brace himself on Sousuke's shoulders.

Tumblr: .com I post my art and things.

Stay radical, don't eat glue, see you next swim time.