He may not seem like the type sometimes, but Makoto can be a very observant person.

Especially when it comes to Haru. Everything about him. Like how he's most ticklish on his stomach, how sweet his smile is when he thinks no one is looking, how he likes to wear Makoto's clothes more than his own, and how his sapphire eyes light up when he sees water.

And how Haru actually acts a lot like a cat.

For one he was extremely possessive. Haru was shameless in claiming his territory. He didn't care how many people were around; He would not hesitate to sit in Makoto's lap if he didn't like the way someone was looking at his Makoto or if he just needed attention.

It was a while back when all their friends were at their apartment, Nagisa, Rei, Rin, and Sousuke. Makoto was talking to everyone and just being so friendly, Haru craved more. He just plopped down onto Makoto's lap and hugged his neck unashamedly.

"Eh!" Makoto exclaimed in surprise, blushing furiously. He then laughed softly and hugged Haru back.

Haru loved being petted; But on his own conditions. Makoto knew when it was okay to stroke his hair and hug him, and when it wasn't.

When Haru was acting affectionate and clinging to Makoto's waist, Makoto knew it was an invitation to hold him and stroke his hair. After stressful days, Haru would fall into Makoto's warm arms and let him pet him until he fell asleep.

On days when the pool was closed, Haru was usually in a more foul mood.

Makoto would run Haru a warm bath and give him his space until he appeared to be a little more optimistic.

Haru was a naturally antisocial, stubborn person.

Makoto loved that about him though.

One day Haru hid under a blanket, refusing to meet up with Rin, Sousuke, Nagisa, and Rei, even though they had all agreed to it about a week ago. Haru had been under a lot of stress lately, between school, and swimming, etc.

"I don't feel like it." Haru said, his voice muffled by the blanket. "Just tell them I'm sick."

Makoto knelt down to the heap of blankets and uncovered Haru's head.

"Please, Haru. I know you don't really like this kind of thing, but it'll be good for you. We haven't seen them in a while. You should take a break." He said softly.

Haru covered his head again. "I don't feel like seeing people. If you want to go, then go."

"But, Haru... It'll be pointless if you're not there." Makoto smiled softly. Haru slowly uncovered his head. Damn Makoto. He just always had a way of being persuasive like that. Haru sighed loudly to show his discontent. "You owe me."

"I promise I'll do anything Haru wants."

"We're having mackerel all week. And we cuddle when we get back. And we're taking a bath. And I'm wearing your clothes."

Makoto laughed. "Thank you, Haru-Chan!"

"And drop the -Chan!"

Makoto could always tell when Haru was feeling insecure or in need of attention.

He would act so fidgety and rub up against Makoto, hoping Makoto would touch him back or just give him some kind of reassurance that he hadn't forgotten about him and that he still loved him.

It would usually happen when Makoto had been busy or stressed out for a long time.

Makoto was studying extremely hard for a test he had in Literature the next day.

His grade in that class was okay, it just wasn't as high as he wanted it to be and this was his chance to raise it up.

Makoto had been studying hard all week and Haru was feeling neglected. Makoto sighed loudly and Haru looked over to him. The poor boy looked so tired. He was wearing his glasses and his brows were furrowed, his mouth twisted in a frown. Haru wished he could take away his pain somehow. He wished his test would just be over already; He missed Makoto cuddling with him when he got home, rambling on about frivolous things, and his adorable optimism.

Haru sat behind him and rested his head on Makoto's shoulder. Makoto gave him a kiss on the cheek and returned to his work with a softer expression. Haru huffed; He needed more than that. He began to massage Makoto's shoulders hoping for another reward. Makoto sighed contentedly and leaned into Haru's gentle touch. "Mm, thank you Haru."

Yet again, Haru craved more. He moved one hand into Makoto's hair and stroked it lovingly. It suddenly occurred to Makoto what Haru was doing: He wanted attention. His poor Haru had been feeling so neglected and lonely. He hadn't been giving Haru the love and closeness he deserved. Makoto closed his book and pushed it aside.

"C'mere." He murmured. Haru eagerly fell into Makoto's open arms with a relieved sigh. "I'm sorry, Haru. I didn't forget about you, I'm just so stressed out... I'm so sorry." Makoto rested his head on Haru's, which was nestled into his chest.

"It's not your fault. I just want Makoto to be happy."

Makoto smiled at that. "I love you, Haru."

Haru smiled a little. "I love you."

Makoto laughed to himself. Haru really was like a cat.

Haru looked over to him. "What?"

Makoto just smirked and shook his head.

Haru was not satisfied with that answer and walked over to him with crossed arms.

"Tell me."

Makoto smiled and wrapped his arms around Haru's waist.

"I was just thinking... Haru is a lot like a cat."

Haru huffed and turned away. "Makoto, you baka! I am not!"

"I think so. It's not like it's an insult. I like cats."

"Well in that case, Makoto is a dog."

Makoto paused for a second to consider. "Yeah, I guess so." He laughed softly.

"You're not supposed to be happy about it!" Haru poked Makoto on the nose. "Anyways, I would be a dolphin."