Guest: Well, er, this isn't exactly soon but enjoy the chapter anyway.

Shin-kai Syndrome: I'd suggest turning on the fan on high next chapter. That is all.

NyxLied: I just feel like Haruka could be a very wanton type uke because, frankly, he doesn't seem to be the type to even think about sexual exploration (hence the water magazines Rin found under his bed in the drama CD). Once he experiences it however, he may, um, become rather needy.

Lulubell12345678: OMG YOU DON'T EVEN REALIZE I WING IT SO BAD. Usually I have a generic idea of where the story wants to go (read 'generic idea' as 'I don't have a fucking clue but let's go in this direction') and then everything else is completely made up on the spot. Any OCs, flags, and maybe some quick sexy-time out of everybody's sight (hohoho) is completely winged. MAKOTO'S SECRET HAS ALREADY CHANGED EIGHT. FUCKING. TIMES. YOU HAVE NO IDEA.On the other hand, to cover any possible plot holes that may arise, I make sure to read my previous chapters and take notes of what I can still use to link everything together. BUT BASICALLY I WING EVERYTHING OMIGOD.

HikaryOtame: Awwww, you were waiting? So happy~ More of Makoto's secret is revealed in this chapter... or is it? Ohohohohoho...

lilypond8: SERIOUSLY?! You make me blush. / I will do my best to not disappoint you~

TheCrimsonThatStainsMyHeart: I'VE UPDATED I'VE UPDATED OMIGOD COME HERE AND LET ME HUG YOU.

Guest: Hoho, yes, kinky Makoto in all of his glory. I still think he would be the teasing type with the person he likes. Plus in the official character description it said that he would devote himself so wholeheartedly to the relationship that it would be slightly terrifying.

Haruko: HAHAHA THE SEXY-SCENE-GODMOTHER STRIKES AGAIN.

Demons of Alice: I'm glad I'm glad. Personally, I think that I still have a long way to go compared to the many senpai on this site. Thank you so much!

Breezies: That is a beautiful plot and perhaps I will use it. But unfortunately, you aren't quite right. It's not really a supernatural thing, LOL. If you want a hint, look up the term and reread Nagisa and Makoto's conversation. Perhaps you will discover what I am plotting, hohoho.

Alejandra Rosicky: You're going to ponder for quite a bit, LOL, but maybe this chapter will clear up (or further confuse) things for you. For further information/hints, please read my above replies to Breezies and Lulubell12345678.

thegirlformerlyknownasB: My thanks to you for reading! Enjoy this chapter!

I do not own Free! Iwatobi Swim Club or any of the characters in it.

I'm kind of hyper today, if you couldn't already tell from the above replies to reviews.

So anyway it's currently spring vacation and I am SINCERELY HOPING to get another chapter out by Saturday. But no promises.

Haruka could not get a single moment of peace.

He supposed that was natural, considering that he was the son of the party hosts, but if he had one more distant relative try to approach him and flatter him for money, he was going to rip his hair out.

The Nanase ballroom – why did they even need a ballroom? Why? – had a tall ceiling graced with intricate paintings and crystal chandeliers. As far as he could see, there were people dressed in their finest wear, strutting about their peers like peacocks. A chamber music band played in the background as the guests danced the night away. As repulsive as it was to him, Haruka did wish for his sketchbook at that moment. It was a scene worth recording, though perhaps not to remember.

Of course he already knew that women would try to approach him too. He was, after all, almost old enough to be married and he was supposed to be looking for a prospective wife. The women vying for his attention were all beautiful, but also shallow-minded and empty. He swore that if he stared long enough into their make-up caked faces, he would see that they had no soul.

Makoto was also surrounded by all sides by women, all of whom flirted with him shamelessly. Much to Haruka's displeasure, Makoto flirted right back as if it were the most natural thing in the world. His servant was attractive, Haruka would freely admit, but the hungry female eyes on him made the young master feel thoroughly uncomfortable.

Someone tapped on his shoulder. He turned to see a head of long red hair flowing over slim shoulders. The familiar face that looked up at him had a soul, as well as a spark of intelligent mischief in her red eyes. "Hello, Haruka-senpai," she greeted, a sweet smile on her face. "Your muscles are as beautiful as ever."

"Kou," Haruka said, clearly relieved to find a sane woman within the crowd. She had been his previous junior when he still went to school. "Is Rin here?"

"Nii-san is worse off than you," Matsuoka Gou, a.k.a. Kou pointed off to the side. At the west side of the ballroom, Haruka recognized Rin's identical shade of red hair being surrounded by multitudes of eager women ranging from ages fourteen to twenty-six. Haruka noted with amusement that Rin's face was as red as his hair.

"I guess being the youngest ever head of a company doesn't have all perks," he commented, his expressive blue eyes shimmering in the light. He watched as Gou laughed. She was very pretty, dressed in yellow silk and white lace. Her face was clear, save a light dusting of blush on her cheeks and the faint gloss of her lips. Or maybe the pink cheeks were natural.

"Yeah. Poor Nii-san. If he doesn't hurry up and choose a bride he'll one day get drugged and carried away," she said it offhandedly.

"You're terrible," he said and didn't mean.

Gou giggled. "Would you like to dance?" she offered a slim hand clothed in white silk. He took it and they swept out to the dance floor.

.

.

.

"Kou. Watch your feet," Haruka said, wincing as she stepped on his feet for the fifth time. "You're wearing heels. It hurts."

"Sorry!" Gou cried out, trying to shift her feet properly. "I'm a little distracted."

"By what?"

"By your new manservant," Gou gestured with her chin towards Makoto who was watching them dance. "He's very handsome. And he has gorgeous triceps!"

"Typical Kou," Haruka snorted, twirling her. Looks like she still hadn't gotten over her muscle obsession. "But you can't have him."

"I'm not going to take him!" the girl squeaked, looking shocked. "Nii-san says that you had a fistfight over him too."

"That blabbermouth – "

"It's not his fault, Haruka-senpai. I was the one who dressed his wounds. You left a really nice bruise on his right pectoral."

"Hm," they stopped talking until the song stopped. Bowing to each other, they stepped away from the dance floor and to the refreshment table.

Out of nowhere, seemingly, his mother seemed to materialize out of the crowd. "Miss Gou," she greeted. "How are you?"

"Oh! Lady Nanase!" Gou hastily bowed, nearly spilling her small plate of fruit. Haruka steadied it for her and she shot him a grateful smile. "I have not seen you for so long!"

"Indeed," Mistress Nanase's eyes flickered in between her son and Gou, before giving an approving smile. "Are you enjoying Haruka's company?"

"Oh, yes! I was disappointed when he left school to study at home. It's nice to see him at events like this," Haruka wanted to hit himself. Why was Gou so oblivious to his mother's obvious stare?

"Why not stay with him for the rest of the party? Haruka also seems to enjoy your company."

She walked away while giving her son an approving pat on the shoulder. "Good job," she murmured as she past, "she would make a good candidate for you."

Scowling, Haruka gripped Gou by the shoulder and swiftly led her away. "Haruka-senpai?" she asked, wincing. "You're hurting me."

"My bad," Haruka swiftly removed his hand. "... I'm sorry, Kou. I think my mom thinks we're..."

"Eh? Oh. Oh," thank God Gou was such a reasonable character. She kept her cool easily. "Don't worry, Haruka-senpai. If she tries to approach me again I'll try to brush her off."

"... You can't really just 'brush her off', Kou. My mother is very insistent."

"I'm a woman too. I have my ways," Gou went up on her tiptoes and gave Haruka an affectionate kiss on the cheek. "I'll just tell her that you're like another big brother. I'll see you later, Haruka-senpai. I think my brother would appreciate a rescue right now."

"It's not going to work."

"I'll make it work. Bye."

She hurried off to the direction of a horde of women of which Rin was probably the center of. Haruka watched her go. Come to think of it, he mused, I wouldn't mind marrying Gou so much if it's only for political reasons. But Rin would kill me.

He scanned the dance floor, unconsciously searching for Makoto. He found his servant dancing with a noble lady, one who seemed much older than he was. Haruka couldn't help but scowl. Even the older women were targeting Makoto without restraint. Curse the brunette for being attractive and so very chivalrous. Couldn't he refuse a dance? Without the earring he appeared to be of no lower standing than the people surrounding him. If anything, with his surprising grace and good manners, he seemed to be of the highest standing.

Come to think of it, it also seems that he is educated... who taught him? Was it Rin? A tendril of jealousy curled up and he forced it down.

The song ended and Haruka watched as the lady beckoned for Makoto to bend down a little for her to whisper coyly in his ear. He watched as his servant's face changed from surprised to vaguely amused. Then he too whispered into her ear, placing what Haruka thought to be an unnecessary hand on her shoulder. The lady hid her face behind her fan, laughing prettily. The young master took one look at her face and his stomach lurched.

"Makoto!" he found himself calling, stepping forward to grab his servant by the shoulder. The brunette looked mildly surprised as his sudden appearance. "We need to talk."

"Of course, Master Haruka," Makoto said, releasing the woman. He bowed to her as etiquette dictated. "Thank you for the dance, Milady."

The lady did a proper little curtsey, still fluttering her eyelashes at him. "My pleasure, little gentleman."

Haruka tugged on Makoto's arm hard and led him away from the woman as fast as he could without running. "Master Haruka?" Makoto asked worriedly. "Is something the matter? Your face is pale."

Haruka didn't speak. He simply kept dragging Makoto along, ignoring curious stares and shoving some people aside, until they were at the very back of the room, next to a glass door which led to a wide balcony. Without hesitation, the young master pushed open the doors and dragged his servant out with him.

The night air was nippy but not unbearable. He finally released Makoto's arm, who immediately put his hands on his hips in a disapproving gesture. "Really, Master Haruka," he said in a light, scolding tone. "What on earth was that about? As a slave I have no right to say this, but shoving the guests aside was terribly rude. It will reflect on your social character."

"I don't care about that," Haruka scowled at him. "Do you even have any idea who you were dancing with?"

"Lady Kuromori Himiko from the Kuromori Clan," Makoto supplied helpfully. "Master and Mistress told me to familiarize myself with some of the more important guests."

"If you know, then you should stay away from her," Haruka replied harshly. "That woman is no good."

"She appears to be a kind, respectable lady. Perhaps not so much as Lady Amakata, but..."

"You don't understand," Haruka shook his head, hands gripped into tight fists. "This is why I hate coming to these parties. It's all deceit, lies, and pretty words."

Worried that his master looked ready to rip his own hair out, Makoto placed a tender hand on his arm. "Master Haruka...?"

Haruka, realizing that he was acting strangely, sighed and gestured to the glass door. "Makoto, my parents are company owners. This means that they of course have correspondents or sponsors to help them with their business. And most of those correspondents and sponsors are not as clean as the Matsuoka Family."

"What do you mean?" Makoto tiled his head to the side and frowned, his green eyes confused.

Haruka pointed towards Lady Kuromori, who was chatting up a young gentleman in his twenties. "Lady Kuromori, for example, is supposed to run a bank business where they generously hand out loans to people who need it. However, she's ruthless when it comes to paying it back. She insists that a tax be placed on every loan and it accumulates interest over time. Families have been driven into debt by her. She's the farthest thing from a good person."

Makoto's eyes widened, his hand going over his mouth. "That's terrible!" he exclaimed. "Has she done that to your family, Master Haruka?"

"My family isn't humble enough to ask for a loan, nor do we need it," Haruka scanned the crowd. "That man over there too, is dangerous."

Makoto peered over Haruka's shoulder. "The tall man with the mustache?"

"Yeah. His name is Sakaguchi Ryousuke. He specializes in slave trading," he gripped Makoto's hand, which had at some point settled on his shoulder. "Be glad you weren't under him. The way he treats his slaves are terrible. I had to stop him from drowning one of his slaves a few years back."

"He drowned one of his slaves?"

"Tried to. One of them was being too cheeky so he weighted him down with a rock and threw him in to a lake. I jumped in to save him."

"... Do you remember what he was like?"

Haruka shot Makoto a quizzical stare at the abrupt question. "... Not really. I only remember that he was around my age at the time. It was around three or four years ago so I would have been thirteen or fourteen."

"Is that all?"

"... Yes."

"I see," Makoto scanned the crowd himself, seeming to ignore Haruka's questioning stare. "Is there anyone else that I should look out for?"

"Nishino Takashi and Fujiyama Hiroshi are infamous for their underground drug ring. They're the two over there by the refreshment table. It seems that they import the drugs from connections with the Chinese mafia. They sell them mostly to young nobles who don't know any better and are just looking for a thrill," Haruka scowled at a memory of the last party the Nanase's had thrown. He had found three teenagers in one of the guest rooms sniffing at white powder. "I'm probably going to find more of those tonight..."

"Master Haruka?"

"Sorry. For now, those are the only ones that I can see. If there are any more, then I'll tell you later," he was still holding on to Makoto's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Don't talk to anyone while off guard. If they find out your status as a slave, then..."

"Ahh, I see. That is one of the reasons why the Master and Mistress told me to take off the earring," he fingered the empty spot on his ear where the silver earring typically rested. "In a way, I suppose it is fortunate."

Haruka, reluctant to compliment his parents at all, scowled.

"Oh, it looks like Lady Kuromori is making a move on another young gentleman. I feel sorry for him."

"Don't bother. That's her son."

"So even she has a son."

"He's worse than she is. Him and his lies about magic powers."

"EH?!"

"He claims that he can read peoples' minds."

"EHHHH?!"

"It's probably a lie to get attention though."

"I-Is that so..."

So engrossed were the two staring through the glass door that Haruka failed to register the cold breeze blowing through his clothes until he suddenly sneezed. Makoto immediately shifted his position to stand directly behind his master and to block the wind. "Master Haruka, are you alright?"

"It's just the cold. Let's go back inside," Haruka pulled open the door, but before he was able to step inside Makoto tugged him back.

"Mako – "

His lips were crushed by a kiss as his body was pulled out of sight from the glass door, along the brick wall next to it instead. Gasping as he was pressed against the stones – and yet Makoto was, as usual, mindful to keep a hand behind his head to avoid his master braining himself – he felt Makoto nip at his lips and his free hand wandering downwards to rest on his waist. He shuddered and pulled Makoto closer to him, feeling the slow burn. "Makoto..."

Something took advantage of Haruka's open mouth and slid in softly, rubbing against the inside of his mouth with utmost care. It took a full two seconds to realize that it was Makoto's tongue. "Have you ever kissed this deeply, Master Haruka?" Makoto pulled away long enough to say, his voice slightly slurred as if speaking through a haze. In response, Haruka grabbed Makoto's head and dragged him back to crush their lips back together, this time taking the initiative to slip his tongue into Makoto's mouth.

Though he was the one to initiate it, Haruka was the one who pulled away first, breathless and red in the face. Makoto licked his lips lazily and smiled. "You need to breathe through your nose, Master Haruka," he admonished gently, kissing said nose lightly. "Otherwise you may suffocate by me. Shall we practice?" without waiting for an answer, he leaned forward again to allow their lips to meet.

Haruka did try to breathe through his nose but frankly, it was easier to let himself drown in Makoto like he was drowning in water. It was almost like the time where Haruka had in fact almost drowned as a child before Rin managed to save him. It had the same lightheaded, strangely happy feeling of being able to perish from something he loved.

Love...?

He ripped away and leaned his head back with his face turned to the side, panting and feeling beads of sweat make their way down his skin. He tried to ignore the fact that Makoto was pressed against him, tried to ignore that he could feel every solid muscle through the fabric, tried to ignore the dizzying thoughts that whirled around in his mind.

He was also trying very hard to ignore that his bulge was pressing almost directly on Makoto's groin.

"Another invitation, Master Haruka?"

"Of course not!" Haruka gave him a shove and his servant stepped back compliantly. "What was that... that... thing even for?"

"I just wanted to warm you up, Master Haruka," Makoto allowed a glove-covered hand to stroke the side of his master's face. "But perhaps I overdid it a little..."

Flushing, Haruka slapped Makoto's hand away and escaped by quickly scuttling his way back into the ballroom. Nobles laughed and gossiped away, not at all noticing the son of the hosts'. It was more fortunate than unfortunate.

"What are you running from, Nanase?"

Startled, Haruka whirled around to see the son of Lady Kuromori, Kuromori Masaru, staring creepily at him with his large dark eyes. Unitdy black hair draped over and hid a surprisingly attractive face. His skin was pale almost to the point of being sickly, and yet it glowed like the shine from the moon. His slender body, so different from his mother's stout one, looked even smaller in a suit a little too big for him.

"I'm not running from anything," Haruka replied shortly, forcing himself to stand up straight, glad that his erection was already waning fast. Masaru gave him the shivers in a way he couldn't understand.

"Liar. I can see your every thought," Masaru replied lightly, tilting his head. "I just wanted to warn you, Nanase, you might want to watch out for Sakaguchi Ryousuke-san. It seems that he's taken a liking to you..." dark eyes flickered behind Haruka for a split second. "Look, he's even eyeing you from here."

Haruka turned immediately to see Sakaguchi quickly turning away. "I don't think you should get near him. And make sure that your slave doesn't either."

Haruka froze, his mind abruptly full of questions. "What do you know about Makoto?"

"I can tell you many things about him, if you wish. All I need is a glance into his eyes," Masaru smirked, his thin and pale lips turning upwards. "Though I cannot promise that I won't keep some interesting information for myself."

Feeling torn, Haruka tried stalling for time as he casually scanned his surroundings. Rin was about forty feet away, dancing with Gou on the dance floor. A tall man stopped them, with a face that Haruka vaguely remembered seeing but forgot, and tapped the younger sibling on the shoulder to ask for a dance. Rin had a hissy-fit and swiftly guided Gou away.

"'How typical of Rin. Kou would never get married if he had his way.'"

This time Haruka's cool façade gave way to a flash of panic. He stared at Masaru with clear bewilderment.

How did he –

"'How did he know what I was thinking?' You know, Nanase, I'm awfully tired of having to repeat myself. I have told you many times that I know exactly what you are thinking," Masaru tapped his temple. "Just by a single glance into your eyes I can see into your mind. I can learn histories with a single look. Not that you really believe me," he added, again tilting his head thoughtfully. "Right now you're thinking that I'm insane or lucky."

"Master Haruka?"

Heart jumping into his throat, Haruka stiffened as he felt a familiar warmth from behind. Makoto had also come back into the ballroom and was now lightly pressing his hands on his shoulders. "Makoto...?"

"The Master and Mistress are calling for you, Master Haruka. They say that they need you to formally introduce yourself to the guests," he paused and smiled politely at Masaru. "Aren't you Lady Kuromori's son?"

"I am. My name is Kuromori Masaru," dark eyes bore into green and a funny little half-smile graced that attractive face.

"My apologies, Master Masaru, but Master Haruka needs to tend to the other guests – "

"Tell my parents that I'll do it in a bit," Haruka said quickly, pushing his servant to get his point across. "I just need to finish speaking to Masaru."

"Very well. As you wish, Master Haruka."

Makoto bowed away and Haruka waited until he was out of earshot. "... What did you see?" he tried to make his voice as toneless as possible. But that half-smile had him curious and it showed in his voice. Masaru laughed outright, the voice much richer than usual.

"... I see that you are in for, ah, an interesting night," Masaru chuckled, trying to hide his mirth behind his hand. "I also see that you are very eager for this party to be over."

Haruka had to blush at that. He couldn't deny it.

"Masaru!" a woman's voice called.

"Ah, my mother is calling," Masaru glanced off in the direction of the voice. "One more piece of advice, Nanase," he added, his voice suddenly growing serious. He clapped a hand on Haruka's shoulder as he passed, his voice lower and more urgent. "For the sake of your safety, absolutely do not let Sakaguchi Ryousuke-san and your servant be alone together."

Before Haruka could demand an explanation Masaru had already disappeared into the sea of silks and people and perfume. A heavy bitterness called doubt settled itself in his mouth and more than ever he wished for the night to be over.

.

.

.

"You had a splendid introduction, Master Haruka," Makoto calmly commented later in the safety of Haruka's bedroom. He casually tugged his gloves off with his teeth and slipped them into his pocket. "Despite your reluctance to speak you were very eloquent with your words. Well done."

Haruka was staring out the window at the clear night sky, speckled over with stars. One hand was clenching the curtain tightly in his fist. Masaru's words would not stop repeating in his head.

"For the sake of your safety, absolutely do not let Sakaguchi Ryousuke-san and your servant be alone together."

Haruka was debating whether or not to directly confront Makoto on the matter when he felt gentle hands on his shoulders slowly turning him around. Before he knew it, Makoto had already slid his arms underneath Haruka's tailcoat and winded them around his waist.

"Makoto, wait – "

"I promised you, didn't I?" Makoto leaned forward to kiss him on the forehead. "That after the party, we would take time getting your out of that suit..." Haruka gasped as he felt a bare hand slid down over the back of his pants, "and massage out your stress..."

Haruka keened.

Both of Makoto's large and calloused hands had now gripped Haruka by the rear, one hand on each cheek, and were rubbing slow circles through the fabric of his trousers. Haruka buried his face into Makoto's shoulder, hands shakily coming up to grasp his servant's shirt. He felt Makoto's hands pause and then suddenly spread his ass open, unseen entrance stretching, and he gasped.

"Makoto!" he tried to step back. Makoto followed him and the young master ended up trapped, half sitting on the window seat. His servant laughed into his ear.

"Master Haruka, you are crushing my hands."

Haruka shakily managed to shift his weight for three seconds, enough for Makoto to remove his hands and look down with a smile. "You are quite healthy, Master Haruka," he commented. "Isn't this the third time today?" he bent down and placed a hand right on Haruka's chest, feeling the thudding heartbeat beneath his palm.

Quickly Haruka crossed his legs and scowled. Makoto laughed softly at him in the fondest way. "There's nothing wrong with it, Master Haruka. It is a natural reaction."

"As if anyone else could get me like this," Haruka muttered before he could stop himself. Makoto raised an eyebrow and laughed softly again, but his voice had dipped down an octave, making it deeper and seem to rumble from within his chest. His warm breath splashed over Haruka's face like a wave.

"I'm very flattered, Master Haruka."

Overcome with a sudden desire to be kissed, Haruka tilted his head up slightly but his lips only met empty air as Makoto removed his hand and stepped back. "Makoto...?"

"Well then, Master Haruka," Makoto smiled sweetly at him. "Please take off your clothes. I'll go warm the oils."

Oils?

"Yes, Master Haruka, oils" Makoto said, correctly interpreting the look on his Master's face. Sometimes Haruka wondered if his servant was the one who had the psychic powers, not Masaru. "It is going to be a massage after all. A full body one."

Haruka found himself salivating and swallowed thickly. Kuromori Masaru was right – this was going to be a long night.

So remember what I said at the footnote in the last chapter about Haruka becoming undone underneath Makoto's fingertips? Remember that? Think about it.

Also, Makoto's not really a natural flirt per say, but he's capable of sweet words and being very charming when he wants to be. Plus if he genuinely feels it, then he'll say it. Like how he calls Gou and Chigusa cute in their yukatas with absolutely no trouble.