For the first time there was no smell of mackerel spreading through Haruka's home. He remained still in the over-flowing tub of water while thinking about the conversation Makoto and Rin had only a while ago. They had decided to end their fight for Haruka with a swimming race. The race that would determine who Haruka would belong to in the end. In a way, Haruka felt upset about it since it made him feel like a prize rather then a person with feelings. What if Rin won? Would Haruka have no other choice then to break up with Makoto and start an actual relationship with the red haired male? The thought made him shiver. What was Makoto thinking when he accepted the challenge? As much as Haruka loved Makoto, there was a small chance that he could win against Rin.

Wishing he could turn back time and change everything, Haruka looked down at his precious water, inwardly telling it to help Makoto win the race. A knock was heard at the door before it opened and Makoto walked inside. Haruka looked up at him, not trying to hide the concern in his eyes. Makoto felt guilty for making Haruka put on that face. He walked over to the tub and sat down on the edge.

"You don't think I can beat Rin in a race, do you Haru?"

"If you couldn't win against me, then you won't be able to win against him. Why did you agree to the race?" Haruka replied.

"The only way Rin will understand and back off is if we race. I had no choice. If it makes you feel any better, I've been practicing my backstroke on campus whenever the swimming pool was free."

"Is it enough to beat Rin?"

Makoto looked down, wondering if the training he had done was enough to compete against the shark. Thinking about it, Makoto was beginning to regret his decision. If he didn't win, then Haruka would have to leave him and force himself to be with Rin. It wasn't fair to Haruka. Deep in his thoughts, it took Makoto a few seconds to realize that Haruka had placed his hand over his.

"I believe in you Makoto. The look you had on your face when you were talking to Rin, I saw how much it meant to you to end this so we could be happy. That's why I know you can beat Rin, just like you faced your fear with the ocean and water. The water is going to help you, I know it will."

Makoto felt his heart racing uncontrollably in his chest. Just hearing that his boyfriend had hope in him made him feel invincible. The power of love was in fact very strong and Makoto believed it would help him win the race. As long as he kept Haruka's words in mind while he swam, he knew he'd be able to become one with the water like Haruka always did and beat Rin once and for all.

"Thank you Haru."

Makoto leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss against Haruka's lips. It reminded him of the time when the two of them had confessed their love to each other. The nostalgic feeling created butterflies in his stomach. Haruka moved his arms and wrapped them around Makoto's neck, wanting to deepen their kiss as much as he could. No matter how long they would spend time together or how many days they were apart, Haruka never got enough of his lover.

He concluded that's the way love worked. Having that special person in your life and never feeling alone even when that person wasn't physically around. There was no one other then Makoto that made Haruka feel that way. He wanted to one day become part of the Tachibana family and take on Makoto's name. Haruka Tachibana – he loved the sound of it.

Noticing that they were getting a little too carried away with their kiss, Makoto leaned away, trying his best to compose his breathing while looking into Haruka's blue eyes that demanded more.

"Haru…You're acting like a dolphin during mating season."

Haruka felt a blush spread across his face. He glared at Makoto for the comparison, but couldn't find a good comeback since he knew it was true.

"Come in the water with me."

"But Rei and Nagisa are probably on their way."

"It'll be quick."

Makoto looked at Haruka's pleading eyes. He hated how weak he became when it came to Haruka. Sighing like he had done earlier, Makoto decided to give in, wanting to make Haruka happy. He got up and took off his shirt and his pants, leaving him only in his boxers. Unlike Haruka, Makoto didn't wear his swimming attire underneath his clothes.

Makoto carefully stepped into the tub and sat down across from Haruka. The tub wasn't small, but since Makoto was large and muscular, he had to cramp himself in and adjust his legs so they wouldn't be in Haruka's way. Haruka smiled at his boyfriend's large build. He felt lucky, knowing that he was the only one who was allowed to touch Makoto's body.

Slowly, Haruka started to move towards Makoto and practically straddled him. Makoto looked up at Haruka's face, noticing the tint of red that had now formed on Haruka's pale skin. He felt his own cheeks heating up from their position. It didn't matter how many times they had been together, they still acted like they had just become lovers and were still a bit embarrassed with doing anything to each other.

Haruka moved his face down and kissed Makoto's forehead. He then moved down to kiss Makoto's nose, his cheeks until finally he kissed Makoto's mouth. Everything about it felt right. Makoto placed his hand on the back of Haruka's head, wanting to bring them closer to one another.

"So this is what you two do when you're alone!"

Haruka and Makoto nearly jumped from the scare. They broke their kiss and looked to the side, surprised and a bit horrified as they saw Nagisa and a blushing Rei standing at the doorway.

"N-Nagisa! I told you we should have knocked first!" Rei yelled, embarrassed that he witnessed his two friends making out.

"But then we wouldn't have been able to see Mako-chan and Haru-chan in action! Tell me Haru-chan, is Mako-chan gentle or a beast? What about Haru-chan? Is Haru-chan sweet or a ferocious animal?"

"Nagisa!" Rei and Makoto shouted at the same time, unable to shake away their embarrassment. Haruka could only sigh at the situation, annoyed that his private moment with Makoto was once again ruined. Haruka placed his head in between Makoto's neck and shoulder, wanting to ignore Nagisa altogether.

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Hey everyone! Another update and this time it didn't take too long :D I also felt like writing since I've been feeling pretty down in the dumps. This story will probably have 2-3 more chapters so it's getting closer to the end o.o Anyway; I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for the favorites, follows and support!

Reviews are always welcomed!

Until next time!