Authors Note:

IMPORTANT: Ok ok so you all are probably gonna wanna hurt me now but here it goes…there's POSSIBLE character death! I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry. /Hides in corner
Gosh I know how it feels when there's such a cute story and then suddenly a character dies. I know. It's like "urrhghghgh so danm bootyful" to "AHHH WHYYYYYYYYY!?" Especially when there's no warning in the beginning. I was just afraid no one would want to read it if it was said in the beginning so I decided I'd put it up after I finished the story. Please continue to read of course, you'll love it I promise!

Oh! And thanks so much for all the wonderful reviews! Seriously they helped so much!

Chapter 3

For the majority of the time Haru couldn't really remember how he and Rin had gotten out of that government facility. He recalled Rei and Negisa making sure to have all security cameras shut off and have most of the working guards be distracted by a fire alarm of some sort. With that the three men lead the two mermen out through the back into a car. The rest was a blur and most had failed Haru's memory once he had fallen on his face while suffering a sudden shut down of the brain- called passing out.

When the blue fish woke, he arose with a jolt. He sat up yet again in a strange room and in a strange place. This time the room wasn't as white or boring as the one in the facilities. It looked like a normal room, with a fan above his head, carpet, a closet, a drawer and him in a bed. Haru let out a sigh and combed his hair back with his fingers while looked at the curtains at the window, observing how it let a transparent glow of dark blue into the room. He easily lost interest in thinking and lowered his tired eyes. Rin was sleeping next to him. His arm was lazily over Haru's waist while his nose stayed snug to the pillow. It wasn't surprising to Haru and he was glad his mate could rest. He defiantly remembered Rin forcing himself to stay awake the whole time during their escape. Silly Rin, he could never relax. The ex-fish pushed back some of Rin's velvet hair with his palm and leaned down to kiss his eyebrow.

Once Haru was sure Rin wouldn't wake up he carefully scooted his body out of the lazy grasp of his partner's arm. He cautiously put his feet to the white carpet and stood up. The sudden weight on his toes caused him to get immensely dizzy and he sat back down again, "shit…" Hair murmured under his breath and didn't understand why he couldn't walk. Just the other day when he escaped he could. He tried it again and was a little successful but this time his stomach seemed to drop into a gross feeling of sickness. He tried to ignore it and shuffled his way across the room; using the objects around him to grab onto and keep balance. Just as he was about to reach for the shiny door knob a shadow emerged from underneath the door. Haru's fingers froze when the door nab turned and a familiar face came in. Haru relaxed, it was only Makoto.

When the brunette came in he didn't expect to suddenly be at the door and he nearly jumped out of his shoes. "Oh Haru! You're awake!" He gasped and grasped his chest in small relief. Gave him such a fright.

Haru wasn't affected and he just stared at the other male almost uncomfortably. There was a smll silence as Makoto took the time to recover and straightened his poster. "I was just checking if you had wakened. We brought you back to Rei's place for now because we kind of ran out of options to where to hide you two…heh, " the taller male awkwardly scratched his head, " I'm glad you're awake though, you've been sleeping for three days actually. But, you're up now. We're making dinner and thought you'd like to join us." Makoto explained calmly now and observed Haru face.

He always thought he was quite beautiful even when he wasn't swimming around in a tank anymore. It saddened Makoto almost, he was hoping to gain something between the two. Nothing serious but just the excitement of having a person who was thought to be just a myth looks and seems completely normal. Plus, seeing the connection Haru and Rin had gave him that pang a jealousy where he wished it didn't haunt him.

Makoto struggled to tell if Haru was listening to him or even caring for several seconds. The fish said nothing in that short time and poor Makoto thought he said something wrong. Finally Haru nodded his head as if he had just finished thinking of what to say. Honestly, Haru was just struggling to stand in general and put all his concentration on his feet. It was a minor challenge but the growing cramp in his gut made him feel ill for some reason. Makoto was glad either way and he smiled at him before realized Haru's problem.

"Are you alright?" Makoto asked with concern and reached his hand over to check the temperature on the other's forehead.

His attempt wasn't successful when suddenly Rin decided to come into the picture. Out of nowhere he pushed his body forward and grabbed Makoto's wrist tightly. Again Makoto yelped in surprised and went pale with shock.

"Don't touch him!" Rin growled seriously and Makoto pulled his wrist free. The shark used his other hand to grab the other's face. He missed when Makoto dodged with fear just in time and ducked out of the room and closing the door behind him.

When Makoto was gone Rin calmed his fierce glare and gathered his breath. His head was spinning from getting up to fast from bed and he wobbled a little. He caught himself slightly against the door. Queasiness seemed to stir up trouble inside and he coughed bitterly from the lingering water stuck in his lungs.

"Why'd you scared him away? You didn't have to get up so fast," Haru muttered with disappointment and held onto Rin's arm so he wouldn't fall over on his face, along with giving him a comforting rub his back as the other recovered. He knew his mate was known to scare off anything that interacted with Haru that seemed like a threat. Haru was always getting himself if trouble so it was just natural for Rin to be aggressive. Needless to say, Haru was more concerned for Rin moving around too much when he still needed to rest.

"He surprised me that's all. I don't like how he looks at you. And besides, he was going to touch you." Rin replied, suddenly becoming remarkably calm towards Haru as he regained his breath and whipping his mouth. He straightened his hunched position to look at his partner.

Haru held onto the bottom of Rin's shirt slightly as they faced each other, his expression almost bothersome, "That doesn't matter. You're pushing yourself to hard." Haru scolded and ignored his own efforts to push himself when he wasn't feeling too well either.

"So what. I can handle it." Rin defended himself, a repeated comment he would always say when his partner saw he was struggling.

Haru really wanted to punch him now.

"You're an idiot." Haru muttered and looked away.

"Haru your lips are blue." Rin almost gasped as if brushing Haru's comment off.

Haru looked back to Rin and felt his partner's fingers brush his lips. They were cold. He never realized that he was freezing or not, actually, he felt relatively normal. No wonder the sickness was coming over him. His companion's touched gave comfort to him anyway and Haru exhaled softly. He wanted to say it didn't matter but he found he couldn't. Rin cuffed his cheeks gently and brought his lover closer to give his lips in hopes to warm Haru up with a ginger kiss. Again Haru was in a trance and sudden sadness. He missed how Rin would came and help forget his worries in the cutest ways like talking to him softly and kissing him gently. He responded back instantly as he always done before. Rin departed slightly to stroke his thumb against Haru's soft cheek.

Haru lifted his gaze to look at him slightly before leaning in closer to press his lips to his again. He wanted another and another, anyway to delude this feeling he missed for so long. He moved his arms around Rin's thin form and gripped onto his shirt. In response, Rin embraced Haru's shoulders and lingered their kiss as long as possible before the shark moved to kiss the corner of Haru's mouth, to his cheek, his temple, then to his ear. All along the way Haru leaned into the affection as he moved more into Rin's embrace. Once he tucked his chin to the curve of Rin's shoulder and neck did his partner rest his little pecks to his ear; trailing warmth the whole way with small brushes of his razor like teeth. Haru rested his eyes in bliss and almost forgot the gross feeling in his gut. He wouldn't forget how Rin's lips where almost the same shade of blue as his was.

Why must he be so selfless?

….

The two mermen held each other for a while actually, absorbing as much heat as they could. It was relevantly successful because body warmth was the best kind. When they finally could have the courage to let go of each other, Rin had the idea to investigate. His head was the first to pop out into the quiet hallway of the house once he opened the door a crack. He looked left to right while Haru slowly peeked from under him. He wanted to go out first but Rin pushed his head back in so he could instead. Even with unsteady feet Rin will be deadly if he had to. Haru fallowed him anyway— walking slow because he wasn't really feeling the greatest— as they walked down the welcoming hallway. No one came to greet them even if they could hear company in the other rooms. They recognized the high voice of Negisa and the laughter of Rei. Makoto must be there as well.

Rin paused at the end of the hallway that lead to a living room. Everything was so strange to him compared to the wild experiences of the ocean. Haru came to Rin's back and tucked his fingers to the back of Rin's belt loops- which he found interesting because he never saw or heard of 'pants' before-while his rested his chin on Rin's shoulder tiredly. His mute expression showed no interest whatsoever. Soon his unsentimental gaze widened when he noticed a glass sliding door just at the far left of the living room. He saw the dark sky and was instantly drawn to it. He left the protection of Rin to investigate and moved around the couches and coffee table to where the door was. To his surprise, just outside the glass was the ocean. Small white waves crashed against the sand and rain pelted the surface. Haru wanted to fall over from the overwhelming wash of memories. Just a couple yards away and there it was, his home, and yet again a glass wall blocked it from him. Rin already made it to his side and was just as astonished. He was first to start pulling on the door handle while Haru pressed himself to the glass. He really wanted to go out.

Then there was a loud boom from the sky as thunder disturbed the illuminating skies.

It was then when Rei finally noticed the two poor fish trying to get out, "Ah. I know you both must want to leave, but it's not entirely safe to go out right now." He explained with sympathy and Negisa jumped on him from behind to keep his arms around him.

"You should eat with us first! We cooked all kinds of food for you." He cheered with happiness and Makoto came from behind with his hands occupied with oven gloves.

Haru was muttering "No" to Rin but they both knew there was no way they would be able to be let out. Honestly they didn't care if it was raining out there. In fact if it was snowing they would have jumped into the waved instantly anyways. But clearly that could never happen when they both knew they were still in poor shape, cold, and the ocean was basically a kill zone while stuck in a storm. They both let out a sigh at the same time and turned towards the group.

Negisa just squeezed Rei's waist extra tight when the two fish approved which caused his lover to squirm with discomfort.

Haru was now moody for having to wait another day to reach his home and walked past Rin towards the couch instead. **He didn't notice Rin's shaded gaze as he faced the glass nor the small tug of his sleeve before he left Rins side. Eventually the shark removed himself from the door and fallowed with silence as his partner sat on the couch. Soon he followed suit once Rei and Negisa exited to the kitchen with delight. He noticed Haru was shivering now and he put an arm around him.

"I'm fine." Haru mumbled as if Rin's action was asking if he was ok. Even if Haru looked resistant he leaned a little on Rin anyway because now he did start to feel cold. He didn't like it and refused to let his body shut down on him. He wasn't going to pass out when he was so close to going home.

Negisa returned to see the two holding each other and was worried. He urged the rest to hurry up and feed them because he figured they must be starving. In a matter of ten minutes Haru and Rin where provided a cup of warm tea and a plate of yellow tail fish. They had never seen such a weird placement of food and where bewildered when they discovered it was cooked.

Rin, even with his shark apatite, didn't find much interest in it. Maybe he didn't trust it or just wasn't hungry. He looked to Haru who was prodding the cut up fish with a finger. The said partner didn't really put that much attention to Rin but instead on the never ending not in his stomach that was becoming more troublesome by the minute. He didn't feel good at all and just holding the plate was a challenge. Soon the queasiness rushed to his throat and he cuffed his mouth with a cough. The group saw this and where startled. Makoto was the first to rush and grab the trash can and move it over to Haru. The fish gagged out little that was in his stomach before taking a big gulp of water. Rin rubbed his shoulder with worry and grew angry towards the three who were trying to help.

"I knew you weren't fine." Rin hissed with concern but Haru ignored him. He just felt so weak and laid down to rest for a while.

Makoto, Rei and Negisa watched on with great sympathy.

"Just let him rest," Rin replied after a moment to control his frustrated worries while placing a blanket, which he found draped on the couch, on Haru and down casted his gaze. For a long time he had been holding his weakness in and now his exhaustion showed. He paused after watching Haru settle into sleep, then he added, "Thanks for your kindness, we appreciate it." He finally said to them and fixed the cloth more around Haru's hip and leaving his hand there to let his partner know he's still there.

All the friends smiled

….

It wasn't long until Haru had to be waken so he could be moved back to the room. He was kind of glad to be wakened because he was afraid if he fell into a deep sleep he might not wake up. That was how tired he felt and he looked to Rin who had wakened him. He searched to see if Rin was just as tired but he couldn't tell from the solid expression on his partners face. He wouldn't realize but Rin did feel weak and tired to the bone.

Haru was helped up and they both where wished good night from the three others boys. In fact the whole 'human way of life' was very obscure to them. Oh well. They took refuge in the same room they woke up in. Haru was the first to lay in bed and curl up in the blankets, letting his tremoring body rest. Rin came next and tucked his body up against Haru's back while fixing his arms around his chest. He pressed his cheek to Haru's hair and settled his cringed brow from a headache was hurting him. Haru allowed his presence to come over him almost eagerly and he fixed the blankets more around them both. There they found warmth once again in each other's embrace.

Soon silence invaded the room and the only sound heard was the soft exhales and inhales and the distant roar of the ocean. Rin's eyes opened and he looked towards the window and watched as the curtains swayed, allowing the sweat smell of sea salt to come in. It was such a tender feeling to finally be near the ocean again and recognize its smells, its voice. He let out a sigh and nuzzled more into Haru's neck. His lips smiled against Haru's skin, the first smile in a long time.

Haru could feel him smiling and brought joy to him once again. He shifted his hips more comfortingly and enjoyed the cool breeze from the window.

"We'll finally be free again tomorrow." Rin muttered and Haru opened his eyes slightly. He seemed to smile too, finally this nightmare seemed to end. He found Rin's hand and entwined his fingers with his.

"Yes…Go to sleep now." Haru urged and pressed his damp lips to Rin's knuckles. His sickness in his gut seemed to be forgotten at this point but it still lingered.

Rin moved his gaze to the entwined fingers of his partners and his. He loved the sight and massaged Haru's hand slightly with his thumb. He didn't feel like answer this time and wanted to wait for Haru to fall asleep first. His eyes seemed to feel heavy with effort to stay up and he kept his gaze to their hands. Slumber seemed to have him wrapped tightly in its grasp. He couldn't wait to jump back in the home he longed for so long. He dreams would be heavily occupied with these thoughts, his wishes, and his memories. He finally let his mind settle where there was no fear, no danger. Haru was safe and soon they would be home. With that, Rin surrendered to his dreams.

….

The next morning Haru woke slowly this time and the sun hadn't yet risen from its chambers. He woke to the same sound of the ocean and the breeze. It was almost a welcoming feeling, but not quite. He looked to his hand where he was still holding Rins. He gave Rin's hand a gentle squeeze in the happy thought that they will finally be able to swim the ocean again. Then he waited. He waited and waited as his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting of the room. He wasn't sure what he was waiting for as he started at their entwined fingers, feeling almost no energy. Maybe he just wasn't comfortable.

He decided to turn and buried his face more into the sheets. He shifted around to face his companion, feeling his hands against the chest of his lover. He waited again. He pressed his palms to Rin's chest a little more carefully.

Nothing.

Haru stirred up in a jolt of surprised from what he just observed. He shifted up to his knees and looked to Rin's face. He looked like he was sleeping, but why wasn't he responding? Haru nudged him a little more and leaned down to put his ear to chest.

He waited.

He leaned back up and his chest seemed to feel tight. He sucked in his breath and leaned back down to listen again. He listened again and again.

But found nothing.

"No…no…" Haru could hardly mutter as he gently nudged Rin, begging him to wake. Why wont he wake? He refused to understand or admit to himself what he couldn't hear.

He wanted Rin to stir, to roll over with an irritated grumble to let him sleep another minute. He wanted him to start smiling in his slumbering stage and say he was just joking. Haru didn't want to believe this would happen and leaned on him again, this time burring his face in Rin's shirt. His breath hitched.

He held his breath for several minutes, listening to see if he could hear the others. All he could hear was the sound of the ocean crashing into the sand. How angry he felt now. How angry he felt towards that sound. He wanted Rin, he didn't want the ocean.

"No! Rin wake up! Wake up!" Haru demanded with a choked voice, clenching Rin's shirt. He didn't get a response and he buried his face into him again.

Makoni and the others woke from the distressed cries in the other room. They were startled and got out of bed instantly and ran over to the grieving merman. They found Haru still on the bed, crouched over Rin as he hugged him tight. They all gasped and froze at the spot and neither wanted to move. They watched as Haru grieved and where unsure what to do or what was going on. When Makoto tried to step forward, Haru moved up to look at them with sorrow in his blood-shot eyes.

"Get out! Stay away from him." Haru said to them with a cracked voice. His emotions overwhelmed him, for so long he kept this fear inside and for so long he never believed this could happen. This was real, Rin was actually gone and he couldn't handle it.

The newly found friends where lost for words and Negisa was the first to break into tears when he realized what actually happened. Rei held him tight and looked away with guilt in his eyes. There was nothing they could do and Haru continued to grieve. He brought Rin to his chest as he held onto his shoulders tight, swaying almost too slowly, as he let out all his anger, sorrow, and defeat into Rin's lifeless chest.

End?

...

Author's Note:

IMPORTANT: RIN IS NOT ACTUALLY DEAD! He just looks like it yeah. He actually just slipped into a coma because he body shut down from so much trauma. Haru just didn't realize he was still breathing very faintly and that his heartbeat was shallow because of his panic. Hopefully that makes you all feel better ^^
I have a side idea to this story(I'll post it as a prologue maybe and as another sroey) and it's where Rin shall live. The sharky just lost his ability to turn fish anymore and lost his memory. But then Haru can find him and they can fall in love again or something like that. It would be a big comical relief compared to this story lol

Rin's like by fare my most favorite character and I hardly ever put my full original idea in my fanfictions. (This time I did) Nor do I normally do such tragic topics but I wanted to make a good story so yeah ^^

I only did because I felt like it would make the story better. I didn't want to just put a cliché happy ending and stuff because I'm pretty sure in real life happy ending don't happen often. Plus, I chose Rin to die, even when it might have looked like Haru would of gone instead, because he may look like the stronger one in the couple but Haru normally is I guess. RinRin was so close tho! /sob