Day twenty two: nerves
"Do we have our phone alarms set? Hotel clocks set? Wake up call ready to go?" Rin nervously paced back and forth in their hotel room, biting his thumbnail. "I already told my teammates to wake me up too so if you hear a pounding on the door-"
"Everything is good to go, stop worrying." Haruka sighed, opening his suitcase. "You're going to get up on time after a good night's sleep, and everything will be fine."
The day had finally come, one of the most important moments in the redhead's life. After numerous tournaments and practices, after this next race tomorrow morning, it would make or break his future career as a member of Japan's Olympic swimming team. And saying that he was nervous was an extreme understatement.
"I'm surprised you haven't thrown up yet since we just had dinner, you know." Makoto had called from the open bathroom, washing his face off. "You need to calm down or else your nerves will get the best of you, which you're definitely good at."
"I know that, but..." Rin sat down on the edge of the bed, legs shaking, and touching his ring. "I've spent years trying to get here and now that I'm just one race away from being there, I can't help but BE nervous." He took a deep breath. "I want this for me and my dad and my mom and Gou, but I also want to do it for you two as well. You two are part of the reason why I'm even here right now."
"We know." Haruka sat down next to Rin, taking his hands. "And you're going to go out there in that pool tomorrow, Makoto and I will be right there to cheer you on with your teammates, and you're going to do amazing, Rin. I know you will."
"You're one of the best swimmers out there, Rin! Do you remember how fast you were recruited onto this team after college? It took a week!" Makoto smiled at him, leaning in the doorway. "They'd be crazy not to want you on their team, even if you do well or not."
"Thank you." the redhead smiled, kissing Haruka. "And, um, could you two help me shave? Figured that tonight was the best time to do it, and all..."
"Of course." Haruka smiled. "Just tell us when you're ready, and we'll help."
"Good thing my scar healed from the last time somebody helped," Rin teased, looking at Makoto's pouting face.
"I tried my best, you just moved when I was! Not my fault!" Makoto crossed his arms.
"Keep tellin' yourself that."
"Hey!"
Haruka just laughed, resting his head on Rin's shoulder as he continued to joke around with Makoto,
"Cute." he said, watching Rin give the brunette an apology kiss. "See, if you didn't apologize you sure as hell wouldn't get your surprise tomorrow."
"Woah, surprise?" Makoto's face flushed upon seeing Rin's wide grin. "I get a surprise?"
"Haru!"
Thankfully, Rin did wake up in time.
The athlete slammed his hand against the wall, inhaling deeply as his ears were bombarded with the sounds of thousands of people cheering once he surfaced. He saw Haruka and Makoto coming towards him, a wide grin on Haruka's face and tears in Makoto's eyes, and he knew that he didn't have to look up at the board to see that his name was there, in first.
First. Rin Matsuoka.
He pulled himself out of the water, legs wobbling as he immediately got an armful of Haruka, the smallest squeezing tightly and not caring a single bit that his clothes were getting damp. Makoto smiled, taking a picture of his two lovers, wiping tears from his cheeks.
"I'm so proud of you, Rin." Haruka's voice was muffled by Rin's shoulder. "Even if you're an idiot that fell out of bed this morning before the alarm you set went off."
"At least I woke up!" Rin said, stepping back and cupping Haruka's face, heart still pounding. "I woke up, and I got here, and then-"
"You did it, that's all that matters!" Makoto beamed, wrapping an arm around Haruka's waist. "It's only a matter of time before you hear from the team, just wait!"
Rin couldn't help but smile even wider, ignoring that his face was starting to hurt, and he was surrounded by his teammates who were still cheering for him and pushing him towards the podiums, Makoto and Haruka following behind.
The two watched with the biggest smiles as they saw Rin get his medal, gold, and stand proudly amongst the other athletes.
It took two days for Rin to recieve a call, telling him that they were more than happy to have him join and start right away. And Makoto and Haruka were right there when it happened, and the now-turned professional athlete couldn't be happier.
"Our boyfriend is a pro now, Haru," Makoto smiled, watching Rin get ready for his first day of practice, now sporting a white Olympic sports jacket with their country's flag on it, a big change from his previously worn black one. "Better keep an eye on him, it's for sure that he'll get women left and right trying to ask him out."
"I know, but that's when we'll easily intervene somehow." Haruka finished up the redhead's lunch, slipping in the usual note and handing it to Rin, kissing his cheek. "Have a good first day."
"You sound like my mom." Red eyes rolled as Makoto laughed, kissing him next.
"Still up for going out tonight?" Makoto tucked a loose strand of hair behind Rin's ear. "Reservation for three at your favorite restauraunt, eight o'clock."
"You know it." Rin smiled, resting his gym bag on his shoulder. "Well, I better get going. See you two later, okay?"
"See you later!" Makoto and Haruka waved from the front door. "Have a good time!"
"Oi, boys!" Rin turned around, a smile still on his face. "I love you."