Good god. This is the new uncooperative chapter. I think I wrote some scenes three or four times. But its finally done! *throws confetti*

The alarm woke her. Blaring loud, like the sound a prison might make if some inmates had escaped Gou imagined. She turned the annoying thing off and rolled onto her back with a groan. 7:30 came way too early.

This summer sucks. I want to sleep in.

With a huge amount of effort and self-discipline she managed to keep her eyes from sliding back shut and even, after a few minutes, managed to lug her body off the bed and set her feet on the floor. They had to be at the bus stop by 8:30. She desperately wanted to crawl back into bed and sleep some more but if she wanted to shower and eat before their departure she had no choice but to get up.

Groaning like an old door, Gou stood. She teetered down the hallway, nearly bumping into several things along the way. It was a mistake, staying up so late.

Passing close to the living room she heard Mikoshiba's phone going off. His own alarm. Faintly she saw his hand reach up and slap the insufferable thing, somehow managing to hit the snooze, and then immediately he turned over and went right back to sleep.

Gou smiled a little in amusement. The great Samezuka Captain as tired as she was and unable to get up. Clearly I'm the tougher one here.

Then again he was stuck on the couch. He likely didn't sleep as well as she did on that big comfy bed. Especially considering, from the looks of it, he couldn't even fully stretch out on the couch without his feet hanging over the edge.

Gou grimaced. Maybe she could offer sleeping on the couch and they could switch days or something. That way Mikoshiba wouldn't always be stuck on it all the time. It wasn't really fair that she had kicked him out of his own bed.

The shower woke her up enough that she didn't feel like she was going to fall asleep if she dare let her eyes close for longer than a minute. She was still tired but that was no surprise. She had stayed up way too late. She and Mikoshiba both had. They had stayed up late talking about swimming. Strange really, Gou would never have pegged herself as someone who would find swimming interesting enough that she would stay up late to discuss it. But she was the swim team manager, and as the manager she needed to understand what she was dealing with. After last night her notebook was now full of vital notes regarding each swimming style as well as training exercises and stretching techniques. Goro probably had most of that covered but it wouldn't hurt to show him the stuff.

Especially if Gou told him it was from Mikoshiba. The swimming coach seemed to have apotheosis Mikoshiba. Well, it was better than him hating the Samezuka Captain. Gou would have had to hear so much grief if he did dislike him. He'd probably remind her on a daily basis that she had been an idiot to get married and had married an idiot on top of which.

When she emerged from the shower Mikoshiba was awake. He sat on the edge of the couch, talking on the phone, rubbing his forehead with his free hand. He didn't look her way but she could see he looked and even sounded tired. And he was…shirtless. Bare shoulders and a bare back greeted her sight and in some dim corner of her mind she was glad he was distracted on the phone. He must have gotten hot during the night and taken his shirt off. Guys could do that sort of thing.

Such a finely muscled back…Quickly she tore her eyes away. All she had on was a towel. Now was not the time to be ogling anyone. Especially Mikoshiba. Even if they were on better terms, ogling him while she was almost naked was a big no-no. She fled to the bedroom.

For the two of them being on better terms there was no doubt in Gou's mind. Last night had been the kicker. Talking about swimming had been enjoyable and the atmosphere had been relaxed and enjoyable. Gou hadn't felt uncomfortable in the least, not even when they had migrated from the kitchen table to the living room for more space and he had sat down next to her. There had been only a few inches between them, but Gou hadn't felt uneasy about the close proximity. It had been necessary anyway as they had to lean in close to look over books together. Besides Mikoshiba had been engrossed in their discussion and hadn't make a single move that would have caused her to become nervous or off put.

By the time Gou had finished getting dressed and reemerged Mikoshiba was in the shower. She hoped she hadn't used up all the hot water. She was no Haru by any means – she didn't stay in the shower for two hours - but she had been in there for a while. Poor Mikoshiba was going to end up taking a cold shower.

She was too tired to cook so she just had some cereal instead and as she sat at the little kitchen table, eating and staring mindlessly at the schedules tacked to the board, she suddenly realized she hadn't purchased any food for herself since arriving here. She had just been eating Mikoshiba's food without even thinking about it. First she had taken his bed now she was eating all his food. I took his bed, used up all the hot water, and now I'm eating all his food. I am the worst roommate ever.

She would have to take a trip to the store soon. Even if she ate most of her meals at the Iwatobi place she should have a little something here.

"I'm too tired for this," Mikoshiba stated when he came over to her, done with his shower and fully dressed. His shirt was absent the sleeves again. Gou narrowed an eye. Is he doing that on purpose?

He moved into the kitchen and began pawing through the cabinets. "Do you want some coffee?"

"I don't like coffee."

"Have some tea then."

"Okay." She knew she needed the caffeine. Otherwise there was a high probability she would lie down on the floor and pass out wherever she saw fit throughout the day.

Mikoshiba set a pot of water to boil on the stove. "What are we doing today?"

"The shipwreck of the Tyr Madhava."

"What the heck is that?"

"It's a ship," said Gou, "that…wrecked…Hence shipwreck." He must be tired.

He shook his head. "I'm a wreck," he professed. "I don't feel like doing anything today. Remind me again why we stayed up so late."

Gou giggled into her cereal. "Because we're young and stupid?"

"That's…You're probably right."

It was close to 8:15 by the time they were ready to go. Mikoshiba had to get his own swim team together (Gou was suddenly very glad that Samezuka had arranged to meet at another location besides Mikoshiba's – then again Mikoshiba had doubtlessly done that so there weren't a bunch of boys marching around his house every morning causing a mess) and Gou had to go meet up with the Iwatobi boys. Makoto had already texted her inquiring where she was.

They walked down the front path together, Gou punching away on her ugly grey phone to let Makoto know she was on her way. She was not too concerned about Rin catching them leaving the house together. If he was on time he would be at the Samezuka meeting place by now and it was improbable that Rin would ever come to Mikoshiba's place. The two weren't that close. Her fear had lessened considerably because of that. Or is it because of last night? Even she wasn't sure if it was because there were legit reasons not to be afraid of him seeing them or because she just felt more comfortable with the situation overall.

"I'll see you at the bus stop," said Mikoshiba as they came to the edge of the path where they went their separate ways.

"Alright." Gou gave a short wave and took off in her own direction.

It was a twenty minute ride by bus to the ship wreck and since it was Iwatobi and Samezuka again they were given the same seat assignments as the ones they had received during the clam hunting. Gou could only assume the assignments were likely to remain permanent. It was easier for the hosts that way then doing new assignments every new event and letting the teens run wild was out of the question. There were simply too many of them for the hosts to justify letting them run amuck finding their own seats.

So once again Gou found herself sharing the front most seat with Mikoshiba, with Rei and Nagisa behind them and Haru and Makoto across the alley. And Rin in the second bus. At least the assigned seats were working out to Gou's advantage.

She frowned down at the pamphlet in her lap. "Why did she give this to me?" Before boarding the bus the host had handed out one pamphlet and for some weird reason she had chosen Gou to hand it to.

"You did raise your hand when they asked who was in charge of the two groups when we went clam hunting," Mikoshiba pointed out. "And you're the only girl. She probably felt most comfortable handing it to you."

That was true. If Gou had been in the host's position, surrounded by a slew of rowdy foreign teenagers, she would likely have done the same thing.

She jumped a little as Nagisa practically slammed himself down on the top of the back of her seat. "What's the pamphlet say, Gou-chan?"

"It's Kou," she replied automatically. "And it's about the boat." She flipped it open. "The Tyr Madhava was built in 1913 as a luxury cruise liner," she read. "Whilst on its maiden voyage nearly a hundred years ago the Tyr Madhava crashed into some rocks unseen beneath the water's surface and sank. Six hundred people were plunged into the sea. Most were rescued but some drowned before rescue came."

"That sounds vaguely familiar," Mikoshiba mumbled.

"It's the Titanic," said Rei instantly. "In 1912 it sank on its maiden voyage as well."

"Isn't there a movie about that?" asked Haru.

"Poor Jack," whimpered Nagisa.

Makoto shuddered. "All those boats sinking into the ocean…" He shuddered again.

"Twenty five years ago the wreckage of the Tyr Madhava was recovered and restored and eventually turned into a museum," Gou continued. "To this day it stands as a memento and reminder of the dangers of the sea and the respect it deserves." She paused. "The wreckage, which is now the museum, is believed to be haunted."

Makoto squeaked. "Ha-haunted?"

"That's what it says." Gou turned the pamphlet over.

"Bu-but why would it be haunted?" Makoto's chuckle was strained and stiff, like someone had told him a joke that was not meant to be funny. "That doesn't make any sense."

"Some people did drown," said Nagisa.

"Some bodies were never recovered either," Gou added.

Makoto visibly paled while Nagisa leaned so far over trying to read the pamphlet he almost toppled into Gou and Mikoshiba's seat. "The spirits aren't at rest!" he exclaimed, his words echoing down the length of the bus. "They seek vengeance!"

"You're causing a scene!" Rei tried to pull him back into his seat. "And don't be silly, there's no such thing as ghosts."

"We'll need salt."

"That stuff doesn't even work! It's an old wives tale!"

"Last time you brought sugar by mistake anyway," said Haru.

Gou waited, nearly plastered against the window of the bus, for Nagisa to be pulled back into his seat before continuing her reading. Her eyes widened. "That isn't the last of it. The museum enjoyed the myth of the boat being haunted so much they incorporated it into their tour. Ghosts and ghouls will be hidden throughout the museum. When an unsuspecting victim gets to close, they will jump out and try to drag the hapless person down into a watery grave."

There was a moment of silence. "A-a watery grave?" Makoto gulped. "That isn't possible, is it? We're not going to be anywhere close to water…"

"What does the pamphlet mean by that?" asked Mikoshiba.

Gou eyes roved over the pamphlet before answering. "The museum has employees dress up as ghosts and ghouls and try to scare you apparently."

Makoto made a 'uwah' sound while Nagisa sucked in his breath, eyes sparkling. "That sounds fun!"

"They jump out and scare you on purpose?" Makoto was beside himself. "What kind of sick country is this?!"

"It's become a big attraction and delight to children and the locals according to the pamphlet."

"Are you trying to tell me they enjoy being scared?!"

"It's actually not that unusual for people to enjoy being scared," said Rei. "For quite a few people it's a natural reaction." His dark gaze slid almost accusingly over to Nagisa bouncing excitedly in the seat beside him.

"Don't worry, Mako-chan!" Nagisa exclaimed. "We'll protect you!"

Makoto muttered something that sounded like he was going to be sick.

Gou flipped the pamphlet over again but there was nothing else there. It would be nice of the host country cancelled the whole ghoul and ghost thing for them but she had a sinking feeling they wouldn't. If anything they would probably increase the amount of employees performing the scaring. Partly to try and make it more entertaining for their guests and also because they would get a kick out of frightening a bunch of foreign teenagers. Gou could just imagine them sitting there guffawing and giggling to each other at the thought of making the young teens scream and freak out.

"I can't decide if this is going to be really fun or really terrible," she muttered.

"I bet it'll be fun." Mikoshiba looked almost as excited as Nagisa was. He rubbed his chin, eyes bright. "It'll be just like a haunted house. You're not afraid of those, are you?"

She was, a little, but she wasn't going to admit that. I'm a girl, I'm supposed to get scared, I have an excuse. So long as she wasn't as bad as poor Makoto, who was starting to turn that weird shade of blue again, she was good anyway. "I'm not, but there's a big difference between a haunted house and a museum," she commented. "When you go to a haunted house you expect to be scared. You don't expect to go to a museum and have people jumping out at you yelling 'boo' and stuff. It's a totally different atmosphere."

"If you get scared," said Mikoshiba, "you can hold my hand." He held up an appendage and wiggled his fingers invitingly, a smirk positively splitting his face.

The heat invaded Gou's face like a hot current and she drew back. "I-I don't need something like that!"

When they arrived at the museum the host tried to get Gou, the one with the pamphlet, to speak to the swim teams and tell them about the situation they were about to experience. Gou froze like a deer in headlights and stood there uhhhing and ummming until Mikoshiba stepped up and plucked the pamphlet from her hands. She was used to speaking to the Iwatobi boys but there were only four of them, nothing close to the amount of people that were there currently and expectantly waiting to hear what was going on. Mikoshiba on the other hand was used to speaking to a multitude of people. He was a much better candidate than she to announce everything.

Once she had moved away to let Mikoshiba take over, she caught Rin looking oddly at her. If it was because Mikoshiba had come to her rescue and taken the pamphlet from her she didn't know but didn't think so. It had been such a miniscule act and it was apparent she had been struggling. It wasn't that suspicious for Mikoshiba to do what he had. Gou did her best to pretend she didn't notice his stare.

"Remember there will be people jumping out trying to scare you," Mikoshiba was finishing. "There will be designated safe zones throughout the tour where that won't be occurring but otherwise be prepared and don't lose your heads. Act rationally and stay out of trouble. "

The response was a chorus. "Yes, sir!"

"They're like a military unit," Nagisa marveled.

That's…actually a pretty accurate analogy. From what Gou had seen of the Samezuka swim team they were highly organized, systematic, and its members obedient. Mikoshiba's instructions and decisions were met without complaint and without protest. He was the indisputable leader.

A sharp contrast to the Iwatobi team, whose leadership was vaguer and more of a democracy with everyone throwing in their opinion regardless of what the topic was. When it really came down to it Makoto was the bottom line on decisions but overall the leadership of Iwatobi was much more communal. Our low membership gives us that luxury.

Due to their high amount of members if Samezuka didn't have a clear cut leadership it would only turn to chaos with everyone throwing in their opinions and doing whatever they thought best. Samezuka needed that stability and organization that Iwatobi could get away without. They needed someone to point them in the right direction. And so far Mikoshiba seemed to be doing a fair job of it.

The museum had been built to look like an actual shipwreck and from its roof there was even a hull sticking up at a slant. Gou could only assume it was fake. A piece of the actual shipwreck would be way too heavy but it still looked real enough to make her squint at it for a long time. It was impressive regardless if it were fake or not.

Inside the museum the light was dim and blue colored to mimic being underwater. Strange sounds echoed from hidden speakers, like the passing of waves and the eerie stillness of being deep in the ocean. It reminded Gou a little bit of the shell she had sitting next to the bed back at Mikoshiba's place, the shell that sounded like a tiny ocean when she put it to her ear. Except that sound was pleasant and soothing. These sounds made her hair stand on end.

"Welcome to the wreck of the Tyr Madhava!" The host gestured with an outstretched arm as if presenting some great prize rather than the horrible shipwreck. "Please enjoy your stay! We will be providing various information about the boat and its unfortunate wreck throughout the tour so please listen carefully!" She turned. "Let's get started!"

As they moved forward, Makoto had already started hiding behind Haru or at least trying to considering his bigger height and girth. When they passed by some artifacts, he made a noise that was somewhere between a squawk and a squeak, even though no one made an appearance. He let out a mini shriek when Nagisa moved too quickly next to him.

Several Samezuka members made a scolding shhhing noise at him. "We're trying to listen!" said one of them, but Gou had an inkling they were trying to listen to the footsteps of would-be scarers rather than the host. They looked just as on edge as Makoto.

"Please calm down, Makoto-sempai," said Rei. In the dark his glasses made him look almost like an alien. "No one has even jumped out to try and scare you yet."

"It's the suspense that's killing me!"

"Here we have a piece of the outer hull!" the host said cheerfully, standing next to a large hunk of metal. "The ship was struck on its port side by underwater rock that created several breaches in the ship's hull amounting to a total of twelve feet of breach altogether. The tears caused five of the lower compartments of the Tyr Madhava to become flooded, submerging the bulkheads and letting the ship to continue to be flooded."

Very few were listening to her. Most were looking about, searching diligently for any shadows lurking in the dim light. Even those who were excited and not scared, like Nagisa, were too busy peering about then actually listening to the host's information.

As they moved further into the museum the light only got darker and even Gou found herself a little on edge. Old photos of survivors – or not survivors, Gou wasn't sure which and she really didn't want to find out - were on display. Their gray and white faces peered out in morbid stillness and it made Gou feel like they were staring at her, watching her every move almost accusingly, like they were angry at her for being alive while they were dead. Gou shuddered. She was letting her imagination run away from her but she couldn't help it. The whole place was meant to be creepy and it was succeeding.

They moved further and further in, the host prattling on about different artifacts that had been recovered, and still there was no sign of any ghouls or ghosts. The swim teams began to relax and enjoy themselves, actually listening to what the host had to say and reading the various displays around them.

Perhaps the host country had decided to cancel the scaring? Gou could only assume they had. Otherwise there surely would have been a victim or two by now.

"They're simply building a false sense of security," said Rei when she voiced her opinion. "They want us to believe we are safe and secure. They want us feel more relaxed. Then, when we are, they will spring their trap."

"Don't say it so morbidly." Gou glanced over at where Makoto had finally started to unwind only to stiffen up once again upon hearing Rei's break down of things.

It wasn't long before they came to a darkened hallway linking together two different sections of the museum. There was hardly any light at all, which was saying something considering there wasn't much light to begin with. The hallway was a little ominous looking and Gou began to wonder if Rei had in fact been right. He usually was. Gou had a sinking feeling. If any scaring was going to take place it would be here.

Mikoshiba went in first without hesitation. In fact he almost looked excited about it. Gou went in not far behind him, and the Iwatobi boys behind her. Makoto didn't want to go into the hallway, not that Gou could blame him, and the three other Iwatobi boys almost had to forcibly drag him. The light was so dim Gou was only able to make out vague shapes. Luckily in front of her Mikoshiba was easy to recognize with his height and hair style. She kept her sight glued on him.

Behind her there were several ow's and boys complaining about their feet getting stepped on by others. Some of them jostled each other and there was teasing laughter. Everyone was certainly more relaxed than frightened.

Which was the perfect time for something to happen.

A dim figured moved suddenly from one of the walls, too sudden and too purposeful to be one of the swim team members. There was some surprised yelling and more jostling as the boys flinched away from the figure, causing them to bump into others in their close proximity, and a high pitched feminine sounding shriek.

"Gou?!" Mikoshiba turned around. She could see his shoulders moving, probably reaching out to try and find her in the dim light.

"I'm fine, that wasn't me. And don't say my name so loudly!" She reached back anyway and when his hand encountered her's, he snagged it. At his gentle tug she moved closer and he released her hand when she was a few inches from his person. "Was that Makoto who shrieked?" she asked.

"I don't scream like that!" Makoto's voice from somewhere in the darkness, affronted.

"Oh, sorry."

"I thought it was Makoto too," Mikoshiba whispered.

Gou laughed a little then stopped, a thought suddenly occurring to her. Why the heck did he say my name then if he thought it was Makoto?!

"It wasn't Makoto-sempai. It's that boy who's always with Rin," said Rei. "He's the one who shrieked."

"Nitori?" asked Mikoshiba.

Indeed it was Nitori. Further down the hall Gou could vaguely see the small boy clinging to her brother's arm like a bur that would just not come off. "Sempai, I'm scared!"

"What are you so scared of?!" Rin didn't look too happy at all having the smaller boy cling to him so but surprisingly he wasn't trying to dislodge the youngster. "They're just guys dressed up in costume!"

But even he flinched away when another jumped out at him and Nitori let out another high pitched shriek that could have been used in a class B horror movie.

They made their way out of the hallway relatively unscathed. One or two looked ready to pee their pants, Makoto included, but for the most part everyone was laughing and teasing each other about being so scared. The scarings followed them as they continued their tour, although they lessened when they were in areas with actual displays and where the host needed to speak to give information. That was probably the reason for it. The museum wanted to let them listen to the host without freaking out about ghouls jumping out at them.

After nearly an hour they finally reached the first designated safe zone. Makoto nearly fell to his knees at seeing it. "Oh, thank god." His hand covered his chest and he staggered to a seat like he were about to faint.

"You're doing so well, Mako-chan!" Nagisa encouraged him. Nagisa had been whooping and jumping around like a flea in a land full of dogs anytime a ghoul had made an appearance but it had been in excitement rather than terror. "You've barely screamed at all!"

"Yes, Makoto-sempai, you must stay strong!" Rei put in.

Makoto gave them a weak smile. It was true he was doing better than Gou had first anticipated. Or maybe he had just come to realize it was all meant in fun nothing overly sinister. Or maybe he was in such a perpetual stage of fright he couldn't act anymore scared. Least he isn't screaming like Nitori is. Gou wouldn't be surprised if the poor boy lost his voice after this. Or brother his hearing.

The designated safe area contained enough benches to accommodate the majority of the swim teams as well as several food and drink venues. Of course. It made sense that the safe area be a place where you could buy stuff. Stuff that was incredibly expensive. Gou stared up at the prices like she was trying to read a foreign language. She had expected the prices to be a little higher considering where they were but this was ridiculous. It would have been cheaper if they asked for my first born instead.

She pocketed her money, deciding she could endure until they got back. It would be a lot easier on her wallet and healthier than this stuff anyway. It was probably full of trans fat and hydrogenated oils, even though she still had no idea what those were.

There was a water fountain at least. Amazingly that was still free. As she drank, she saw a person approach her. She didn't bother looking up right away, automatically assuming it was Mikoshiba. Once she raised her head, she was more than surprised to find it was in fact Rin standing there rather than Mikoshiba.

"Br-brother." She tried to quell the nervous stirring in her heart and stomach. He had sought her out on purpose. That meant it had to be something bad. He wouldn't approach her for anything else. Had he found out? He didn't look very happy at the moment. Then again when did he look happy nowadays?

"Something wrong?" She tried to make herself sound pleasant rather than nervous.

He took a moment to answer, his eyes looking over her face carefully. She could only blink back, uncertain what he was searching for.

"You look tired."

Ah, so that was why he had been looking at her oddly all day. He must have noticed the bags under her eyes. She didn't feel all that tired but it surely still showed on her.

"O-oh, yes." She rubbed the back of her neck, laughing a little uncomfortably. "I didn't get much sleep last night."

For some reason that response only made him scowl harder. "Those idiots aren't working you too hard, are they?"

By those idiots he meant the Iwatobi boys. His mind would go directly to that. "No, no, not at all. It wasn't their fault."

It was your captain's fault…Gou tried to make her brain shut up. She'd rather die on the spot than say something like that to Rin. He would take it in the worst way possible and it was the farthest thing from the truth. I don't even remember if we kissed or not! That still peeved her that she couldn't remember something as important as her first kiss.

The host called out it was time to resume their tour. The swim teams rose and headed to the next portion of the museum.

Gou saw Mikoshiba pause ahead of her, looking about. He must have been looking for her, for once he saw her with Rin he turned back around and headed to the front of the pack. Gou silently thanked whatever deity was watching over her that Mikoshiba was wise enough to stay away when she was speaking with her brother. It was unlikely anything would happen that would arise Rin's suspicions but she'd rather not even allow the opportunity to come up if she could help it. One minor slip and that'd be it. Then they would be the real ghouls on this tour.

"You need to get more sleep," said Rin as they walked. "You're not taking care of yourself."

"Of course I am," she protested. "It was only last night. I've been getting lots of sleep otherwise!"

Well, except for that night when she had drank herself into a stupor but she wasn't about to mention that.

Rin didn't look convinced. "Have you been eating well?"

"Yes, actually." Gou was unable to keep the pride completely out of her voice. Even if it was Mikoshiba's diet she had stolen she had still been the one to implement it and force the Iwatobi boys to follow it. That had been quite the accomplishment and she was fairly proud of it.

"You're not still jet lagged are you?"

"I don't think so. It's hard to tell. I feel like I'm used to the time shift though."

They passed by a sign declaring they were exiting the safe zone. Gou only glanced at it and did not pay it much mind.

Rin was looking away from her, his gaze on the wall, avoiding looking her way on purpose. "You've been looking a bit stressed out lately," he said quietly. "That's all."

Gou couldn't believe it. He had noticed? Funny, she didn't think he would have. He hardly seemed to notice her presence at all anymore. Still it made her happy to hear, even if he had not approached her about it until now. It was actually a good thing that he hadn't approached her beforehand. She would have freaked out so much she might have cracked and given away her deep dark secret.

She giggled and he looked back at her.

"What's that smile for?"

"Nothing, nothing." She waved her hand "It's just-"

From the left something jumped out of the shadows at her, hands outstretched like claws trying to snatch her up.

Both siblings reacted instinctively. Gou recoiled, screaming like a banshee, and Rin grabbed her shoulder. He pulled her forcibly back out of harm's way, and at the same time stepped forward to place himself between them. His fist came up.

And he slugged the guy in the face.

"I…" Nagisa swallowed. "I can't believe Rin-chan punched that guy."

Outside the museum Gou sat with the Iwatobi boys. Around them the Samezuka team was spread out, clumped up in small groups, sitting and chatting quietly. And across the way…across the way, outside of earshot, Mikoshiba stood speaking with the host and the poor gentleman still dressed in his ghoul makeup. Only now he was sporting a very unhappy expression and a pretty large shiner.

Rin was nowhere to be seen and Nitori was notably absent as well. Gou could only assume the two of them had gone onto the bus already, not wanting to be seen or talked to. If Gou knew her brother well enough, he might be embarrassed about what had happened. Or ashamed. It was hard to tell with her brother these days.

"Well, Rin was protecting Gou-sempai," said Rei. "And he was likely scared himself, not expecting something like that." He frowned and scratched his cheek. "Although it would have been more tactful for his first move to not be to assault someone."

She grimaced. As usual Rei was right and she felt terrible about it. She was a large part to blame for the current situation. If she hadn't freaked out like she had when the guy had jumped out Rin may not have reacted the way he had. He hadn't done anything like that when Nitori had been scared.

"Rin always acts without thinking first," said Haru. "He's always been like that."

Was that…bitterness in his tone? Gou was a little stunned. Haru normally never let his emotions show when it came to her brother and whatever had happened between them was still a mystery to her. Perhaps in some way he was exasperated with Rin's behavior today and couldn't help but let that show. Maybe Rin's behavior had reminded him of something form the past that had happened between them.

"Still, if he thought he was protecting Gou-chan then that makes sense, right?" protested Nagisa. "He was trying to defend Gou-chan from being harmed by a vengeful spirit."

"I-it wasn't actually a vengeful spirit," Rei said weakly. "It was just some poor guy in makeup."

Haru shrugged and did not respond. He had said what he wanted to say and was done with the conversation.

"Whatever the reason it's going to be tough for Samezuka." The corner of Makoto's mouth twitched. "I doubt they'll get sent home due to the cost of sending them back early but they'll likely lose pool time."

Gou grimaced again. For Samezuka to lose pool time… that was almost as bad as being sent home for them. They hardly got any pool time as it was and for them to lose an entire week would be disastrous. They could very easily be put behind because of that.

The sound of the buses' engine starting pulled Gou out of her thoughts. "Time to go." Makoto pushed himself to his feet.

"We're leaving?" Further down one of the Samezuka members, presumably Mikoshiba's backup – Gou did not know his name - was shouting and gesturing for Samezuka to get on the buses.

"They're sending the rest of us back," said Makoto. "No reason for us to sit around here getting in the way as they figure things out."

"What about-" Gou looked back to where Mikoshiba was still standing with the host.

"He'll be taking a taxi back I think." Makoto glanced over to the Samezuka captain, a small frown twisting the corner of his mouth. "There's nothing to be done about it."

Gou bit her nail. Leaving Mikoshiba behind. As if she didn't already feel bad enough, now she was abandoning him here to deal with the situation her and her brother had created. Rin and she had caused it and now he had to bear the brunt of it. As Samezuka's captain it was his responsibility, especially since they had brought no adults with them.

Nagisa giggled into his hand. "Gou-chan is worried about her husband-chan."

Gou stiffened. "I told you not to call him that!"

"It'll be fine, Gou-chan!" He patted her shoulder. "I'm sure Seijuro-chan will be able to calm the situation. Seijuro-chan is good at that kind of thing."

Seijuro-chan? Gou's mouth dropped. Already he was using Mikoshiba's first name and adding chan to the end? You are incorrigible, Nagisa.

They boarded the bus. Gou watched from her window as she long as she could but before long Mikoshiba was no longer in sight. She sat back with a sigh. Being by herself on the seat felt weird and empty. Mikoshiba always gave her room but he was big enough he took up a decent amount of space regardless. That open space where he usually sat felt alien and uncomfortable.

The drive back was listless and devoid of conversation.

It was growing late when Mikoshiba finally returned. The sound of the door opening made Gou perk up and a spike of delight lance through her when she saw him walk through the door. "You're back."

He paused at hearing her voice and seeing her. Had he not expected her to be there? Maybe he had assumed she would stay at the Iwatobi place while he was absent.

"Yeah, I'm back." He looked tired and worn thin. He moved to the side of the couch Gou was not curled up on and sat down, running a hand over his face.

Gou set aside the book she had reading, or trying to read at least. It was one of Rei's swimming books that read like a lawyer's documents. Honestly she had mostly just been looking at the pictures of the swimmers muscles rather than reading it. "Do you want some coffee?" she offered. "I made some a bit ago."

He looked over at her in surprise. "I thought you didn't like coffee."

"I don't."

He absorbed that a moment then his expression changed to something between a smile and a grin. "There wouldn't happen to any decaf is there? I don't want to be up all night."

"I made that too." She got up to head towards the kitchen but not before seeing his eyebrows shoot into his hairline.

"You're amazing."

She was glad her back was to him so he wouldn't see her blush or the small smile she could not prevent from crossing her face. "There's some food too in case you haven't eaten," she told him when she returned with two cups, one full of coffee for him and another full of tea for her. "And it's from Iwatobi so it's the same diet as yours; you won't have to worry about spoiling yourself. I mean you're the one we literally got the diet from."

He blinked. "Were they really okay with you taking it?"

"Oh yeah." Truthfully they had made Gou take more than she had originally wanted to. So much in fact Makoto had to walk with her since she couldn't carry it all. Goro had wanted to give her all of the food for poor Mikoshiba's sake but Amakata had luckily talked him out of it. All of Iwatobi felt bad about what had happened and wanted to help. They like him so much already.

"Thanks," said Mikoshiba. "I'll eat in a little bit." He sipped on his coffee, eyes distant and lost in thought. Gou waited but after a few minutes she couldn't take it anymore.

"Did…did everything turn out alright?"

He nodded. "Everything's been straightened out. Considering they are purposely trying to scare people I'm surprised something like this hasn't happened before. Or maybe it has, who knows."

She worried her hands. "Are you guys going to be punished?"

She was relieved when he shook his head. "They want us here and they want us in the competition. They're trying to improve their relationship with other nations and booting out those other nations isn't going to help them. If it weren't for that I'm not sure even I would have been able to talk our way out of it. There was a lot of scolding and a lot of threats of what they could do and of course they weren't happy about what happened, but either way its fine." He exhaled deeply. "We're still here and we're still in the competition."

Gou let out her breath. "Good."

There were a few more moments of silence, Mikoshiba drinking his coffee and staring straight ahead at the wall in front of him, and Gou leaning against his pillow she had nabbed earlier when she had been reading. Smelling his scent on it had made her feel less alone being in the house all by herself while he had been gone. Like being on the bus seat by herself being at the house without him there had felt odd and almost morose. Especially considering where he had been at the time.

"Hey," he said suddenly and Gou looked up from the picture of the swimmer she had been studying or actually ogling.

"Hmm?"'

"Matsuoka and you," he said slowly. "Were you close when you younger?"

That was an unexpected question. A personal one too. Faintly she wondered what made him ask such a thing. "We were," she said. "Back then we were at least. Definitely closer than we are now. When I was younger he used to hold my hand a lot." She flexed her hand in her lap, as if by doing so she could recall the memory of it. Her shoulders sagged. "He doesn't do that anymore though."

Mikoshiba looked like he wanted to ask something more but seemed to think better of it. He frowned at the wall. Could it be something he would think was too personal to ask? Or was it something else?

"Something wrong?"

His mouth twitched. "When he was in Australia," he said, "your brother I mean did anything bad happen to him?"

She blinked. "N-not that I'm aware of, but he…he seemed…different when he came back. I don't know why or what happened to him; he doesn't really talk to me about it. He hardly talks to me at all anymore." She looked over at Mikoshiba curiously. "Are you worried about him?"

Mikoshiba was silent for another moment before responding and when he did he shook his shoulders as if throwing off a weight. "It's fine. I'm sure he has his reasons." He leaned against the back of the couch. "Anyway it's all about performance. The fastest swimmer wins. It's that simple."

"Is that's what it's all about? Winning?"

He considered that. "I don't know. Maybe. Regardless, there's something to be said when you work hard towards something and succeed at it. When you give it your all and manage to pull it off. It's the greatest feeling in the world."

"The greatest feeling in the world," Gou muttered. Was that why her brother liked swimming so much? Was it because winning was all that mattered to him after all? Or was there more to it? He had been so happy at the relay, back when he had won with Haru and Makoto and Nagisa. Surely there had to be more to it than simply winning. Surely.

There was a knock on the door.

Gou froze. Next to her Mikoshiba stiffened. Ice prickled its way up her arms and her heart seemed to be attempting a new beat record. From the look on Mikoshiba's face he wasn't expecting any visitors either. "Who is it?" he called out hesitantly.

A beat. "It's Matsuoka."

Gou's eyes widened so much the skin around them hurt. Rin! Her brother! What was her brother doing here at this hour?!

"I'd like to have a word with you," Rin continued from the other side of the door, "if you wouldn't mind."

Gou was panicking. What could Rin possibly want to talk to Mikoshiba about this late at night?! The marriage? Could it be? Had he found out? But how? And would he come to Mikoshiba first before coming to her? Maybe he went over to Iwatobi first and they told him I was here. That didn't seem right though. Any of the people at Iwatobi would be smart enough to deter Rin and alert her to the situation before telling Rin anything. And Gou's ugly phone hadn't made an ugly peep the entire night.

"Uh, sure," said Mikoshiba. "Just a moment." He gave her a meaningful look that said hide and stood.

Gou scrambled off the couch. In her haste she was going too fast and not paying attention, and her foot caught on the arm. She plummeted to the floor with an oof.

"Gou-kun," Mikoshiba said in concern, "are you alright?"

She struggled to her hands and knees. "Don't say my name!" She got to her feet and fled towards the bedroom. "And don't use Gou and kun together either!" she added over her shoulder.

She dove into the bedroom. She swung the door nearly shut but left it open just a crack so she could hear through it. There came the sound of Mikoshiba opening the front door and her brother's voice.

Her hands tightened on her pants. If it was about the marriage…if Rin had found out about the marriage then…

Then Mikoshiba and I will be going home in body bags.

She quieted her breath, scarcely daring to breath. She leaned her ear near the crack and prepared to listen.

I got the idea of the ghoul and ghosts scaring people from a restaurant in New York which is literally called Ninja New York. They have employees dressed as ninjas who will JUMP OUT AND SCARE YOU WHILE YOU ARE EATING THERE. Seriously look it up. It sounds absolutely fantastic. Why didn't I know about this before I visited New York?