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Iwatobi Alum
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Post by Makoto Tachibana on Mar 21, 2016 5:24:20 GMT
How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?
I'm lonely like a castaway Today was feeling unusually stressful for Makoto. Sure, college life really wasn't proving to be a breeze in any way just yet, but now he was feeling as though he was actually about to crack under the pressure. Being so homesick really wasn't helping his case. Usually Makoto could handle just about anything thrown his way when it came to schooling, but the combination of being in such a new place in a much bigger city and everyone around him feeling so unsocial-able was proving to be a little much. Makoto just wasn't feeling like himself anymore. A portion of him just felt completely lost, and it was a rather uncomfortable feeling. Maybe he just needed to track down Haru and have a day out to calm some of his uneasiness. Of course, knowing Haru they'd probably just end up at another pool. It was a good thing Makoto was so fond of the water or he wouldn't have a clue how to handle having a best friend like Haru. Sometimes Makoto was certain Haru would probably marry water if such a thing were legal.
A smile actually crept up on Makoto's face as he had such a funny thought about Haru. Knowing it was rather ridiculous, he shook it off. Surely Haru wasn't that obsessed. Makoto walked through the hallways of the campus looking like a complete mess as his mind wondered off into space. His messenger bag over his shoulder wasn't proving to be enough to hold all of his books, so he had a little less than a half dozen of them hugged against him with his long arms. In that mess of books was notebooks, stray papers, and a few folders. His arms were more then a little full. If he could see himself from the outside, he'd probably really be questioning how much he'd chosen to take on during his first year at the university. Since he wasn't getting to swim as much as he would have liked to, he was trying way too hard to occupy his time.
Sighing after he finally snapped himself out of space, Makoto realized he should at least try and compact his things a little better. He wasn't a slob by any means, so looking like one made him feel a little uncomfortable. He wiggled one hand free, clutching all of his things against his chest with his other arm for dear life as he pulled his messenger bag open. Using his now free hand, he tried to pull a book out of the pile he holding onto. Unfortunately for him, his plan was flawed. As soon as he tugged on one book, all the others went flying out of his arms and crashed onto the floor. His face flashed a surprised expression before just slipping into one of disappointment as he crouched down to begin picking up the mess he'd just created. What is wrong with you today, Makoto? He sighed as he wondered. Today of all days he could of really used some kind of pick me up. When he started to shove one of his books back into his bag as neatly as he possibly could, determined to make them all fit this time, he looked up and noticed a figure not very far in the distance. Upon focusing, he realized it was a person he'd most certainly recognized, but hadn't really expected to see. A bit of embarrassment seeped it's way into him as he wondered if he recent mistake had just been witnessed. With that thought, he started working faster to pick up his things.
After he quickly gathered and managed to tuck away all of his things in a much better manor, he cleared his throat and started walking in the direction of the person he'd recognized. He was still unsure whether or not he'd been spotted.  | | 644 words | Hope this works for any idea you had. If not, let me know and I can probably change a thing or two. (: |
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Samezuka Alum
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Post by Sousuke Yamazaki on Mar 22, 2016 6:02:31 GMT
[attr="class","BOXU"] I KNOW PLACES WE WON'T BE FOUND The strangled breeze, followed by each poisonous intake, Sousuke felt watched by something rather invincible. Paranoia seeping into his calm system, he still didn't bother to take a look around him to confirm his thoughts whether they were wrong or, in fact, right. He had to spawn all his attention within the area of the session. As the hour dragged by, some students took the far corner to gossip with one another about something or rather someone. His own thoughts weren't at ease. If anything, they were heavily troubled by the fact that Rin was nowhere to be seen. Maybe it was just his paranoia again and the other just simply got lost doing something, like swimming, for one. His things, organized within his messenger bag, time stretched into perfection within his wrist watch, Sousuke knew exactly when the session would end. Beforehand, he'd calmly put his things back where they belong and as the session end, he's the last one to leave, despite being the first to put his things away. As the session ended, Sousuke remained seated. Lost in his own train of thoughts, not allowing himself to linger on one place. The city was big, not that he was surprised, but to be able to survive in a place like this was hard, at least, he had Rin, someone who was used to being stuffed in big cities and almost carried no worries of what the next day would bring. He calmed himself down by using Rin's calmness in this situation. After all, the other visited Australia, a place that Sousuke really wanted to visit and he was not surprised when he took Haru with him. The sound of books crashing down on the floor, Sousuke snapped out of his thoughts. His calm teal eyes searched for the source of sound. Pausing when he caught someone picking his mess up from the ground, Sousuke was tempted to stand and offer a hand, but the boy caught them with no trouble, causing Sousuke's shoulders to drop slightly. When their eyes met, he managed to hold the end of his gaze. Easily putting a name to the face, he found himself narrowing his eyes. Without control, he found himself searching for the blue-eyed boy who'd most likely be around Tachibana. He was at ease when he couldn't point him out from the crowd. The green-eyed boy was approaching him and Sousuke found himself opening his cola drink to take a few sips. "Tachibana." He greeted when the boy was close enough to hear him. Just what else could he say?
Makoto Tachibana | sorry this is p horrible. ;w; gotta get used to playing him! [newclass=.BOXU]height:200px;width:350px; -webkit-filter: grayscale(1); filter: grayscale(1); transition: all 1.0s ease; -webkit-transition: all 1.0s ease; -moz-transition: all 1.0s ease; -o-transition: all 1.0s ease; -ms-transition: all 1.0s ease;[/newclass][newclass=.BOXU:hover]transition: all 1.0s ease; -webkit-transition: all 1.0s ease; -moz-transition: all 1.0s ease; -o-transition: all 1.0s ease; -ms-transition: all 1.0s ease; -webkit-filter: grayscale(0); filter: grayscale(0);[/newclass][googlefont=Montserrat] |
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Iwatobi Alum
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Post by Makoto Tachibana on Mar 22, 2016 6:35:07 GMT
How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?
I'm lonely like a castaway As he got closer, his eyes met with the other boy's. They were such a unique color, practically mesmerizing because of it. He'd seen plenty of blue eyes in his life time, but none of them were quite the shade of this guy's eyes. He could describe Haru's eyes as being as blue as the ocean, but when it came to describing the eyes of the man in front of him, he was completely lost at finding a comparison. Realizing his gazing might have been a bit strange as he walked over tossing possible comparisons around in his head, he shifted his eyes down for a moment, focusing on something else like the can of cola he had. When he felt it was alright enough to look back up at the sound of his name, Makoto tilted his head to the side slightly with a polite smile.
"Yamazaki. I'm surprised to have run into you like this," he spoke. This was Rin's best friend in front of him. He'd been around him multiple times, but he still felt he was just some sort of tall mystery. When he stopped in front of him, he noted in his mind again just how tall he was in fact. It was nice being around someone that he didn't tower over and have to look down to. Makoto was very used to his own height, but he still enjoyed the perspective he got when standing near Sousoke. It was different. There was a certain intimidation factor about him, but it wasn't anything Makoto was actually afraid of in any way. Rin was around him which sort of proved that he wasn't a bad guy. Even if he was, Makoto probably wouldn't have felt threatened or anything like that. He practically always saw the best in everyone.
He looked around him, trying to see if he could spot the red haired firecracker, but his vision came up short and his green eyes shifted back toward Sousuke. "Rin's not with you?" He probably sounded a little surprised. He scratched his own cheek with his pointer finger, realizing that might have been an odd thing to say even though it was strange to run into Sousoke without Rin for once. He wasn't really sure he ever had before. Quickly he thought of something to move past the question. "I've got some free time before my next class. Would you mind if I kept you company?" A cola didn't sound too bad right now. He could've actually really gone for one, and a familiar face was comforting even if he didn't know him all that well. | | 438 words | No worries, it's good! I liked it! ^^ |
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Samezuka Alum
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Post by Sousuke Yamazaki on Mar 25, 2016 22:28:11 GMT
 The other boy approached and Sousuke allowed his half-lidded eyes to be fixated on the approaching form. Taking in the features of the other, he allowed his eyes to eventually meet the wildness of the calm boy's eyes. His eyes carried a rare color, prisoning Sousuke with invisible confinements, keeping him grounded on the floor. Eventually, the gap between them started to lessen, not that it was something worth growing anxious about. Upon first glance, Tachibana seemed harmless. Caring and overly sweet. Maybe the opposite of the first glance when it comes to Sousuke who might not turn out to be the same as Makoto. An overall good company to keep - for once, Sousuke didn't have to come up with a curt excuse to walk off from a conversation. "Likewise,"
When the other boy started to look around him, trying to spot someone and judging from his expression, he couldn't find him anywhere near them. Relaxing back, Sousuke leaned forward to prop his elbows on his knees, one hand occupied by the cola drink, the other remained empty. His bad shoulder earning less weight than the good one, letting him rest briefly without a rush of pain awakening him rudely after moments of peace. "I thought he would be with your friends." He stated, voice as calm and composed as possible.
Hearing the other politely offer to sit along with Sousuke, he was surprised to hear the other wanted to join him out of all people. Remembering that he also had another cola with him for his best friend, he turned his attention to Makoto and gave a quick nod. "I don't mind." Sousuke dug his hand inside his bag to grab the cold drink inside, offering it to the other. He said nothing while he did so, face still passive and lips pressed together. "You still swim?" Sousuke asked, curious about him. |
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Iwatobi Alum
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Post by Makoto Tachibana on Mar 26, 2016 0:53:11 GMT
How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?
I'm lonely like a castaway Makoto really hoped he wasn't inconveniencing him with his presence. He didn't seem to be studying or anything like that, so he was pretty sure it was alright to hang around him for a little while. Sousuke was someone Makoto was always curious about but never had much of a reason to be able to get to know. Half of him felt he probably felt the same way he seemed to feel about Haru, even if that lessened. Makoto wasn't entirely sure what had gone on there, but it wasn't like Makoto had as much of an effect on Rin as Haru seemed to. For a brief moment of time, Makoto found himself wondering just how close Sousuke and Rin really were before pushing that out of his head. They were best friends, and Makoto's mind was just running wild.
A part of him almost felt a little jealous to imply anything more might have been going on between them. It was probably because Sousuke was such a cool guy. He seemed very protective of Rin, more protective of Rin then Haru was of him. He shook all of his thoughts aside. He barely even knew Sousuke. He shouldn't have been making assumptions or been jealous of any relationship he had. It was probably just because he was a little jealous of Rin himself. Rin had both Haru and Sousoke caring about him so much. As much as Makoto tried to push it down, Haru seemed to even care more about Rin then him. Makoto just wondered if he'd ever have anyone look at him quite the same way, if he best friend never would. He felt like a rusted wheel about fall off the car while Rin was the brand new one. It made total sense why Sousuke would think he'd be with his friends, not that they wouldn't have included Sousuke in a heartbeat if he wanted to be included. "I'm not sure about that," he said with a calm smile, tilting his head to the side. "I'm not even with my friends."
Makoto was pleased that he accepted his offer, and took a seat next to him. He took the cola when it was offered to him. Makoto wasn't much of a soda drinker, but it wasn't like he disliked soda. He drank more tea then anything. He was actually oddly excited to be given the soda. "Thanks." He opened the can and took a drink while he asked his next question. The liquid was refreshing, and he hadn't realized how much he'd needed a drink. Makoto leaned back and looked over at him, getting ready to answer his question. "Yes and no. I definitely don't swim as much as I did back at Iwatobi, but I'm studying to become a swimming instructor, so it isn't like I've given up on the water completely." Coaching was a passion Makoto was glad he developed he had. "How about you? Do you still swim... with you injury and all?" He voice softened, getting a little sad as he asked the question. He wasn't sure he was even allowed to. Sousuke was practically a stranger, but Makoto had a big heart and it ached for him in his situation. He only hoped that Sousuke would be able to move on and find a new dream one day.
Makoto turned and took another drink of the soda, this time much smaller then the first practically desperate drink he'd taken. "You know... My friends would like you if you gave them the chance." He decided to add in as a way of letting him know that any friend of Rin's could surely fit in with the rest of them. | | 617 words | Uhhh, I'm sorry. I'm really tired today, so I think I got even more ramble-y then usual. ): |
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Post by Sousuke Yamazaki on Mar 26, 2016 20:56:24 GMT
For a strange beat between the two individuals, Sousuke was mildly lost staring into the shining eyes of the other. The constant ticking of his wristwatch, unhearable by his ears from where he was sitting. He was concerned with the fact he was talking with a member of the team he was supposed to be rivals with. Then again, the rival-like aura seemed to only rise when Nanase was involved. He had the strong sense to beat the guy in a match, to take off that self-made crown from his head and put it over his own. Sousuke had his own pride to protect and not his crown. Winning a match would be a proof that even with such an injury being a final stop for him. Rin once said it himself, so what if your shoulder is wrecked. So what indeed.A distant thought crossed his mind upon hearing the other's statement of not being sure Rin was with his friends. "It figures.." He hummed through the deep tone of his.
Stopping the rising question up his throat - wanting to ask as to why Tachibana was no longer with his friends. Did the latter have a fight or mainly parted on good terms to focus on his studies? though the thought barely sounded like the guy Tachibana looked like. He looked like someone who'd never part away from his friends' side, no matter what. There was a line that people like him are the ones who are hurting the most. The perfect mask of a smile stretching over their lips. Honestly, he could relate to that. Sousuke always masked his own troubles with a light smile while talking with Rin. It was that smile that barely showed when he talked to anyone else. Outside the circle where his best friend stood, Sousuke was alone.
Without the red-haired boy, he was alone. Nodding when he heard the other thank him, a small hum escaping his lips. Opening his can with his index, taking a sip out of the drink. Lowering his hand back down, the teal-eyed boy allowed his eyes to swim through the peers then meet Tachibana's eyes. Taking a job as a swimming instructor, figures. Nodding curtly, Sousuke was rather impressed to hear the other took such an important job. It was not hard to imagine that he would be able to pull it without any trouble.
A slight push to his pride, one that he dismissed easily and mainly shrugged his shoulders. He gave up on his dream of swimming a while back, the gravity of his situation slapped away his dream, tying him down, forcing him to sit back and watch the others swim their ways to the nationals while he was forced to sit back -- why? because of a damn injury. "No, I gave up on that a while back." He murmured, voice running soft around the edges.
"But I do. I do want to swim. I wanna see that sight again." A sight he'd never seen before. It almost drove him insane. He wanted to move on, he wanted another dream, a way to build his future around something that was not solely fixed on swimming.
The next statement coming from the other next to him surprised him. His passive face changed into something of shock before falling back to a blank one. "You think?" Sousuke hummed, taking another sip to satisfy his thirst. A small sigh escaped his lips again, Sousuke stared down at his drink. "I'm already giving one of them a chance, you know?" Sousuke said, voice slightly teasing.
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Iwatobi Alum
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Post by Makoto Tachibana on Mar 27, 2016 5:06:54 GMT
How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?
I'm lonely like a castaway "That sight, huh?" Makoto said as he reminisced on hearing about it in the past. "Haru mentioned Rin had showed him one that wasn't forgettable." He'd never been shown by Rin before, but Makoto could only imagine what they were talking about. Maybe it was that moment when you were in the water and the pool just disappeared. Suddenly it was like you were swimming in the clear ocean, surrounded by sea life. Then again, maybe it was just that moment when you eyes undoubtedly showed you that you were part of a team. A part of something greater then yourself. It could have been something entirely different. Makoto couldn't say he didn't feel a little left out by not knowing exactly what they meant, but he didn't dwell on it. It might effect his emotion, and when that happened it lead to the chance of bringing others down around him. "I've always kind of wondered what he'd meant." Makoto let out a short chuckle.
He was very sorry to hear that Sousuke had given up, but there wasn't much he could do to offer his support without making him feel bad about the past. The guy was amazing in the water. Every time Makoto had seen him swim, he felt like he was seeing pure power cutting through the water. It was an incredible sight. "What are you doing now? If it's not swimming?" Makoto asked in a concerned tone, knowing that whatever it was would have probably never been Sousuke's first choice. He hoped he wasn't prying too much. He was just curious about what he was up to now.
He took another drink of his cola, pondering if he should even say the next thing on his mind. Eventually, the thought won out and he spoke once more. "You can still swim, you know. Even if it's not competitively. Even if you're not splitting the water in half, you can swim with your friends. Taking it easy and not going as fast, you wouldn't be pushing yourself as hard." Makoto shook his head, regretting saying what he just had. He wanted to encourage him to still be able to do something he assumed he loved, even if it wasn't by being a part of a swim team or club or anything like that. "I'm sorry. I'm sure if that was even a possibility, you would have been on top of it." Sad eyes stared at the soda can in his hands for a moment. It wasn't fair that Sousuke wasn't getting to be everything Makoto thought he could be after seeing him swim in the past. Maybe the world expected something else of him. Maybe he was meant to do something different. There had to be a reason his injury had happened to him. Makoto couldn't accept that life could be so unfair.
When Sousuke stated the almost obvious, Makoto's mouth dropped slightly open for a second before he pressed his lips lightly together once again. His head tilted slightly to the side and he smiled at him. His cheeks felt like they were heating up a little, but he couldn't quite place why. He just assumed it was due to embarrassment that he hadn't thought about that. This was kind of what he meant, after all. "Yeah, I guess you're right considering you're talking to me." Makoto reached up and rubbed the back of his neck with a slight chuckle before dropping his hand back down at his side. "How's that going for you so far?" He said that, half kidding since he'd literally just taken a seat next to him. Then again, he could have been regretting if after Makoto had asked him about swimming despite knowing about his injury. That was something he probably shouldn't have done, but he couldn't help but ask when he honestly felt a bit worried about him. That worry set in the moment Kisumi had told Haru and him about it back at Iwatobi Swim Club Returns. | | 668 words | I keep being super tired when I'm responding lately, so yeah... I apologize again. When I'm tired, I don't go back and re-read so I'm more paranoid then ever. And... I'm talking forever... >.< |
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Post by Sousuke Yamazaki on Apr 2, 2016 19:19:44 GMT
I've always kind of wondered what he'd meant.
Sousuke's eyebrow arched despite his cool expression. It was kind of hard to imagine that someone like Makoto didn't see the sight with Rin before. But the relationship with all of them involved with Rin was a bit shaky, standing on a difficult ground, surrounded by many cracks. Rin was a bit hard to get along with to some people, causing the boy to slowly lose his friends. No matter how hard the phases that he's faced with, Sousuke would never abandon his friend. The quiet breath and harsh tightening of his throat eased down, his fingers grasping the can of cola by the rim, letting the drink inside swing back and forth with his movements. "You'll see it." It was kind of a distant promise, one that could not be around to see it come to life. He wouldn't be around for a lot of things unless he was among the cheering crowd or the ones sitting there with a stony expression, staring with envious eyes at the swimming peers.
What are you doing now? If it's not swimming?
If he had known better, he'd say the tone mixed along with the friendly question was .. concern. Why would he be concerned about a rival? One that held a sharp end with his close friend? What was he doing? Simply and poorly living. Taking a life that was not his. A simple student with no path ahead of him, swinging by sheer luck. "Studying, most likely." He decided to play honest after all, Makoto seemed to be someone who wouldn't laugh at his decisions. If he did laugh, then he'd not blame him for it. With his injury, Sousuke could only study and write.
You can still swim, you know. Even if it's not competitively. Even if you're not splitting the water in half, you can swim with your friends. Taking it easy and not going as fast, you wouldn't be pushing yourself as hard.
Putting aside the coke after finishing half of it, listening to the other speak. Makoto had such a friendly way of speaking that it made Sousuke feel at ease. It was a new feeling, one that he liked. Staring down at his palms, distantly recalling the feeling of his hands splitting the water in half. The way it submitted to his hands and the quick intake of breath upon raising his head above the water then to be welcomed yet again with the water. It seemed possible, hell, it seemed too simple. The way Makoto placed it in a simple phrase, making Sousuke believe that he could actually get back into the water and feel it linger on his skin. Wouldn't that choice bring Rin some happiness, at least?
I'm sorry. I'm sure if that was even a possibility, you would have been on top of it.
The green-eyed boy looked sad and it brought a frown to Sousuke's forehead, unable to pinpoint why the other was feeling sad for a pain that was not his. "No, I wouldn't be." He gave a glance at the other before taking his eyes away to look down at his hands again. "I'm used to swimming competitively. I like splitting the water in half. I want to swim with my friends to bring them victory. Even though I always thought that swimming with others was idiotic." Sousuke gave a breathy laugh, a poor excuse of a laugh, really. It was merely a scoff. "Even so, Makoto, I've been told to stay off the swimming ground or accept that decision and not regret my shoulder being completely wrecked later. It's better this way. It has to be."
Yeah, I guess you're right considering you're talking to me. How's that going for you so far?
Sousuke gave a small smirk upon seeing the other boy's reaction. "If it was bad, I wouldn't be here now." He answered in a way that didn't give away a straight answer. Grasping the can once again, his palm drank away the coldness of the drink before he tipped his head back upon resting the rim against his lips to drink away a few sips, satisfying the forming thirst. "How's it going for you so far, hmm?" He asked, leaning on his elbows yet again, cola dangling as his fingers grasped the rim. |
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Iwatobi Alum
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Post by Makoto Tachibana on Apr 2, 2016 20:18:29 GMT
How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?
I'm lonely like a castaway Makoto clutched his soda can tight in his hand, almost denting the side, but it wasn't with anger or anything like that. It was just mostly a subtle way that some of his built up emotion about the subject seemed to get out. He didn't even really notice he was doing it. "I don't know about that," he chuckled, starring down at the tab on the can in his hand just so he had something to focus on. He was feeling slightly nervous, but wasn't even entirely sure why. Maybe the subject about not really being able to see the sight was more touchy then he'd once thought. "Unless you're going to be the one to show it to me," he joked with a little bit of a laugh after it.
"Studying," he repeated before looking over at him with a smile on his face. "That's a good place to start." He meant if he was going to find a new dream, then maybe that was a good way to do it. That way he could find something that he was interested in. Even if Sousuke couldn't swim competitively anymore, it wasn't over for him. Makoto just couldn't believe that. He was meant for something, he just needed to find it. Of course, half of the encouraging things he wanted to say, he bit his tongue on. He didn't want to make Sousuke uncomfortable or feel weird, but Makoto had a lot of faith in him. Having faith in others was kind of his thing.
He used his first name. Something that stunned Makoto for a few seconds, but gave him a strange feeling inside. Makoto used his first name in his head over and over, and it made him wonder if Sousuke had been doing the same. He seemed to be letting his guard down a little, and that was making Makoto kind of happy even though everything he was saying stung. It hurt to know that he couldn't be doing the one thing he wanted to do. Makoto wished that he could take his pain away, take his injury from him and let him free into the water with Rin again. After all, Makoto was just bound to be a coach now. He didn't need to try and be the fastest. His days of competing were done. If he could switch places, he would in a second.
"Maybe it'll get better," Makoto said, stuffing as much positivity into those words as he could manage. He looked at Sousuke, leaning a little bit closer, not even realizing he was doing it as he let some of the hope take over. "Maybe it just needs time. I know it's none of my business, but maybe one day it'll heal if you give it as much rest as it needs. It might be a long time into the future, but with your skills, you'd be able to catch up in no time. Then you can swim with Rin again. And Haru too." For some reason Makoto was thinking that they could almost be like the three swimming musketeers. When he noticed how enthusiastic he was being, he realized that he probably needed to back up some. "And even if that's not in the cards for you, you can find something else. You're not done, Sousuke. You're just not." He dared to use the name back, almost testing the waters with it.
If it was bad, I wouldn't be here now. Makoto tried to process those words in his mind. That could mean different things. It could have been bad, just not enough to walk away. It also could have been alright, and he was bored anyways so he was sticking around. Despite his questions, Makoto just smiled about. He wasn't sure what he should really think. He laughed at his question, before giving him an answer, feeling that little bit of embarrassment creeping up on him once again. "It's alright," he shrugged. "Actually, I kind of like it." He smiled down at his soda for a moment before taking another drink of it. | | 682 words | :3 |
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Post by Sousuke Yamazaki on Apr 2, 2016 21:07:33 GMT
Unless you're going to be the one to show it to me,
Sousuke gave a breathless laugh at that. "I'll hold that as a promise, then." He said casually, shrugging his shoulders. Honestly, it did sound like a bit of a promise. One that he'd hold until later when his shoulder would stop giving that hard ache, when it would stop spreading pain throughout his body when he dares to overwork himself. Though pain was a reminder that he was alive, an awful reminder at that, but still. It was better than living as a dead person, feeling no remorse or no pain. Pain held him to his ground, some day he'd be able to appreciate that. His tongue ran over his dry lips, pursing his lips again.
That's a good place to start.
It was. It felt like the beginning of something, too different from his old dream. Back then, Sousuke only flipped open a book when he had an exam in the morning. He'd stay up all night trying to memorize the important parts. Without swimming, he felt as if he held all the time in his hands. It mainly left him with a faint feeling within his chest. One that warmly missed the coldness of the water, covering his whole body, leaving only his head out until he'd dip it into the water as well. Slumping down his shoulders, a sign of defeat as his thoughts continued to swim recklessly into the depth of an abyss. Snapping out around the last edge to pull himself together and give a light nod. "Not if you hate studying," he jokingly said, followed with that rare smile of his.
Maybe it'll get better, Maybe it just needs time. I know it's none of my business, but maybe one day it'll heal if you give it as much rest as it needs. It might be a long time into the future, but with your skills, you'd be able to catch up in no time. Then you can swim with Rin again. And Haru too.
Honestly, how many supportive words can Makoto throw in one day? He wasn't used to it, surely his friends were. For someone who'd barely heard anything like that, it meant something for him. Rin had his own way of speaking and now earning words from Makoto, he was beginning to realize that he was not alone. He never was. Distance between them closing with thoughtless movements, Sousuke found himself enjoying the closeness between the two of them and dared not to move back or give away space for the other. His heart agreed with his words, but his mind was distantly protesting against them, wanting to rebel, wanting to throw away the can angrily so Makoto would just stop caring so much about a complete stranger.
And even if that's not in the cards for you, you can find something else. You're not done, Sousuke. You're just not.
You're not done. His fight was never over, it'll never be. A small sigh left his lips as his head turned up to stare at the ceiling with new interest of picking the objects hanging from there. "No, I'm not." he said with a voice that was a bit dreamy. He really did sound like Rin around that part. How lucky he was to have them there, even though Makoto might not talk to him again, that encounter might just be a one-time thing, but he deemed to make it worth their time. "I understand why Rin chose you guys."
It's alright, Actually, I kind of like it.
Lowering his head to take a small sip out of his drink, he blinked to shift his teal eyes to look at Makoto, in time to catch him staring down at his can. It gave Sousuke time to slightly pinpoint the details of the boy. Blinking again to shift his gaze away, he let out a light huff. "Good." Sousuke breathed out. "Have you ever decided to go back? To -- home?" He questioned, giving the other time to reply before he parted his lips to ask yet another question, seemingly unable to keep his mouth shut. "Are you friends here, too? It already feels odd to see you without them." |
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Post by Makoto Tachibana on Apr 2, 2016 22:24:15 GMT
How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?
I'm lonely like a castaway Makoto couldn't help but smile at that. He had no idea if he meant it or not, but it was a nice thought. "Just don't forget," he said with a small laugh, joking about it. Was he joking? It felt like there was a weird line here, and he wasn't sure if his thoughts were crossing it or not. It wasn't like Sousuke had any reason to hold a promise to him like that. Makoto hadn't ever done anything for him. He owed him nothing, but it didn't mean Makoto didn't kind of enjoy thinking about getting to see the mysterious sight that everyone was always speaking of.
He chuckled lightly at his comment about studying. "Well, it might pay off in the end." He remembered Nagisa and how much he hated studying. He had good reason to, and Makoto was extremely impressed by how much he stuck to it. He still felt bad that he had to do it, and now he felt bad that Sousuke was stuck doing something he didn't want to do as well. "At least, I hope it will." He just kept smiling, not really knowing what else to do. Anything he thought off saying in his mind felt too discouraging to say out loud. Besides, Sousuke was smiling now. It was something he wasn't sure he'd ever seen before. It was captivating. He always viewed Sousuke as such a strong individual. To see him smile was almost breath taking, and Makoto couldn't seem to control his staring for a moment. When he was finally able to tare himself away from that smile, he prayed that Sousuke hadn't really noticed how in awe he was about it. If he had been, Makoto was afraid that his chances of getting to see that smile again would wither away.
He was happy, excited almost for Sousuke to agree that he wasn't done. He wasn't giving up, and that's all Makoto really felt the need to make sure of. He hardly knew him, but he wouldn't have been able to take it if he'd said he was going to. He was sure it would have been on his mind all the time. That's just who Makoto was.
"Why Rin... chose us?" Makoto repeated questionably. To him it only felt as if Rin had really chosen Haru. He hated thinking that way, but it was just the way his mind seemed to go in this direction. To him, it felt like Rin had allowed him into the group for the sake of Haru. Maybe he was being unreasonable, but his emotions were a little gray there. "Must be the same reason he choose you." Makoto smiled, not willing to discuss the other odd feelings on his mind. Rin had a way of grabbing people and holding onto him. He had a hold on Haru, he could see it every day in him. At least, he felt he could. He had that same hold on Sousuke, he was already sure of that. It was a hold that Makoto could never hope to hold on anybody. Rin was an amazing person who drew the best of people to him.
Makoto nodded. "I can't seem to stay away from home. After college, I'm hoping that I can stay in Iwatobi. I want to get a job there." He laughed lightly. "That town just seems to hold my heart. And no one's ever given me a reason to need to leave." If his friends decided to relocate, Makoto felt like he would go. If Haru made it big like Makoto has always believed he would, he was sure he would have followed him if he would have asked. He would just tag along to give him as much support as he needed, but still Makoto knew he never would. In fact, Makoto felt in his heart that he was destined to be left behind. Haru was going to leave this place and go better places with Rin by his side. Makoto couldn't swim like them. A life of doing what he could to help as a coach was about all he was going to manage. He needed to be okay with that even if it was going to take time.
"Haru goes here, but he's just been.... a little busy." Despite going to the same school, Makoto hadn't really seen him. It was a bit depressing to think about. "Nagisa and Rei are still finishing off their final year of high school. So, who knows where they'll end up afterwords. They've both got bright futures ahead of them though." He smiled, knowing he had the opportunity to answer the question on his mind. "So.... where's Rin? I've never gotten to run into you all on your own before." He laughed, trying to joke around a bit to make sure it didn't seem like he was prying at anything he shouldn't have been. | | 819 words | :3 |
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Post by Sousuke Yamazaki on Apr 9, 2016 21:17:56 GMT
Why Rin... chose us?
It almost sounded like a question, given to him. One that he shouldn't be answering. Not when he had that remaining pieces of envy whenever he heard stories about them out of Rin. How he labeled them under his 'friends', he wanted to be more than a rival, he wanted to be his friend, too. As a child, he would stare and wonder if he would ever feel the same feeling, be able to talk about a group of swimmers as if they became a part of his family. He was starting to realize that when he swam with the group. Sousuke was not the best when it came to pouring out his emotions or talking about what bothered him, but what mattered was that he felt it. He felt the rush of the water in his lungs and the constant movement of his arms until his shoulder finally gave up on hoisting him above the water. Don't get me wrong, I'm still as envious as ever. He'd wanted to say that aloud, voice his own opinion without restriction pinning him to the solid ground. He turned his teal eyes to meet up with the green ones of Makoto, giving his own head a light tilt upon grasping that lost expression printed all over his face, almost as if he didn't believe Sousuke's remark or maybe something else was bothering him.
Must be the same reason he choose you.
Why, you say. Sousuke gave his head a light shake. "Don't get it wrong, but Rin and I.. we've been some kind of rivals when we were young. At least, that's how I felt. I always wanted to beat him in a race, he was fast and very good." Sousuke admitted for the first time, being completely honest about how felt. It almost felt abnormal to him, but he felt at ease around Makoto, enough to make him pour out how he felt regarding the situation with Rin when they were younger and a little reckless and foolish.
I can't seem to stay away from home. After college, I'm hoping that I can stay in Iwatobi. I want to get a job there. That town just seems to hold my heart. And no one's ever given me a reason to need to leave.
He was attached to the town, he thought. Sousuke gave a small nod, listening carefully to the other, trying to grasp the hints of emotion clouding his words and he started to feel it. Almost every word carried a strong drag of emotions and it made Sousuke wonder how he'd truly felt about the town to be so attached to it, but then again, everyone was attached to something. He could only nod, not trusting his own words, they might end up as insensitive and rude.
Haru goes here, but he's just been.... a little busy. Nagisa and Rei are still finishing off their final year of high school. So, who knows where they'll end up afterwords. They've both got bright futures ahead of them though.
He'd seen them before and slowly started to put a name to a face, giving a curt nod around the end of the other's speech. "I see," he hummed thoughtfully at that, taking yet another sip out of his drink, savoring the taste as it soon replaced the dryness of his throat. "You don't look happy, though, Makoto." Sousuke admitted, turning his head to look at him. "Your friends, I might not understand on the same level as you, but I know enough about distance. Call them and meet them whenever you can. Distance can do a lot to friendships." He distantly said, remembering how it was when Rin suddenly stopped sending his letters.
"So.... where's Rin? I've never gotten to run into you all on your own before.
Sousuke gave a light shrug of his shoulders, "as if I'd know," he shook his head. "He goes everywhere at once, it's hard to keep track on him. But, I'll bet ten dollars that he's practicing somewhere." Again with a disapproving headshake, Sousuke straightened his back for a bit before bending it forward again, still holding the can in his hand. "Say," he started, turning his head to look at the other. "When's your next class? I'll walk you," he offered, politely and casual, accompanying his casual offer by a gentle shrug of his shoulders and a little tug on the corner of his lips. |
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Post by Makoto Tachibana on Apr 9, 2016 22:32:02 GMT
How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?
I'm lonely like a castaway Everytime Sousuke looked at him, Makoto felt himself become lost once again in the strange blue that was his eyes. It was just so different then Haru's, and dare he say more... appealing? He pushed the awkward thought back, not wanting to seem like too much a loser to such a cool guy if it dared escape his mind. There was just such an intensity about Sousuke that Makoto had never really seen in anymore. It was more then both Rin's and Haru's. It made him wonder if Sousuke was holding the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Don't get it wrong, but Rin and I.. we've been some kind of rivals when we were young. At least, that's how I felt. I always wanted to beat him in a race, he was fast and very good.
"Rivals or not..." Makoto hestiated, unsure of whether he was going to be crossing a line by saying what popped into his head next. "I've seen the way Rin cherish's your friendship. You're just as important to him, if not more." He smiled, pushing down the nerves about whether he was right or wrong to say such a thing. He felt like Sousuke needed to hear it judging by the way he spoke about the situation.
You don't look happy, though, Makoto.
The smile vaporized off Makoto's face. He felt as if Sousuke had just broken past his mask to see right through to the truth. Makkoto couldn't believe that he'd realized such a thing, but that was partly because he didn't even want to fully admit just how unhappy he was to himself now that he was in college.
Your friends, I might not understand on the same level as you, but I know enough about distance. Call them and meet them whenever you can. Distance can do a lot to friendships.
Something about the other's words stuck to him, and Makoto nodded. He was right. He had to see his friends, or at least Haru. He was going to go visit him before this got any worse. Makoto was just so afraid of what might happen when he actually got there.
Makoto chuckled when he'd answered his question about Rin. For as much as Sousuke acted like it was no big deal, Makoto felt like it might have bothered him more than he let on. He could tell just how close the two of them were by how Rin talked about him as well. He wondered if Sousuke had been talking about Rin earlier when he mentioned the distance. Maybe he meant about his time in Australia. That was probably harder on Sousuke then it was on Haru, him, and the others.
When's your next class? I'll walk you.
Makoto's smiled returned, brighter then before and his cheeks were threatening to turn pink. Even though he'd only been sitting with Sousuke for a little while, he was really enjoying the talk they were having. It was nice to get to know him. "Well, I have a language class in-" He looked up at the clock. "Uhh, very, very soon." He scratched the back of his head nervously, not realizing how much time had passed. "But if it doesn't mess with your schedule then having your company along the way sounds really nice." | | 552 words | :3 |
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Post by Sousuke Yamazaki on Apr 10, 2016 5:59:47 GMT
I've seen the way Rin cherish's your friendship. You're just as important to him, if not more.
That was comforting, for the most part. He'd definitely wanted to hear something like that for a long time. He wanted to be told that someone actually cherished his friendship and never thought of it as deadweight or what not. Sousuke already knew that Rin moved past the constant competition between the two of them, but Sousuke couldn't. He wanted to race him again, he wanted to tear the water open with his hands as he rises up the surface. If he did that, it might be as well the last time he'd use his shoulder. Eventually, he had to stop, way before crushing the slightest chance of being able to use his shoulder and with the right treatment, the one he was too prideful to maintain, a while back, Sousuke might get over the injury and be able to use his shoulder again. Maybe not for the purpose of swimming, but wouldn't it be enough? "You are the same with Nanase, correct? I think If I did know more about that, I would say the same."
Then he noticed how Makoto's face fell and it suddenly pained him, knowing that he was the cause behind it. His eyebrows furrowed, lips parting to let out anything, but his words betrayed him and in the end, he felt like his tongue had been made into a knot. How could someone look so sad and yet, be so happy about everything? The other really did know how to mask his feelings behind a stretched grin and a loving smile. "I'm sorry, Makoto. I shouldn't have said that, I got carried away." Please don't look so sad. "You're a good person, Makoto. Just, don't worry about it, yeah? Some things are just destined to happen, but I won't stand and watch that friendship of yours breaking down. Let me know if I can help you with anything." Let me know how to keep that soft smile on your face..
Well, I have a language class in- Uhh, very, very soon.
Sousuke's gaze flicked to the clock hanging on the wall to check the time for his next class. He still had time, but apparently, Makoto didn't. His face fell, for a moment. If anything, he didn't want their time together to pass so quickly, but he couldn't ask Makoto to skip just so they could talk. He knew that sooner or later, he'd run out of questions. He also knew that it won't be the last time he meets with Makoto, it certainly won't be. He broke into a breathy chuckle when he noticed how Makoto sheepishly scratched the back of his neck, completely unaware of the time until Sousuke eventually brought it up. "Okay then."
But if it doesn't mess with your schedule then having your company along the way sounds really nice.
He waved his hand off dismissively, accompanied with a light shake of his head. "No, no, It won't mess anything." He offered truthfully and got up from his seat. "That's good to hear," a light smile tugged on the corner of his lips. It almost felt tiring, smiling on more than one occasion, but that seemed to be the case whenever Makoto said something nice. He'd usually smile and laugh with Rin, but to do it with something other than Rin? It surely felt strange to him.
He didn't bother to think about it a lot because he knew that the moment he'd sink in the depth of his mind, that light and rare smile of his would disappear and be replaced with the usual stoic expression of his. Somewhere in his mind, it told him that Makoto didn't deserve that side of him, he was soft and caring, it would definitely pain him to be the cause behind a frown or a sad face. Once he got up, Sousuke caught the sight of the trash can, thinking about how easy it was for him to toss the can from afar and it would still go in.
But with that dead weight on his shoulder, Sousuke could barely throw anything. The edges of his lips were tugged down in a frown, his back turned to Makoto. He sucked in a sharp breath and approached the trash can to throw it inside before turning to the other with a little smile on his lips. "Let's go," he said, shoving his hands casually in his pocket. |
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Post by Makoto Tachibana on Apr 10, 2016 7:12:23 GMT
How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?
I'm lonely like a castaway You are the same with Nanase, correct? I think If I did know more about that, I would say the same.
Makoto shook his head, looking down at the soda can he was now clinging on to before taking a drink of it to buy himself a little bit of time to answer this one. When the can left his lips and he lowered it once more, he shrugged with almost a sad smile on his face. "I don't think that's quite so true." He didn't really like admitting it, but he felt oddly comfortable enough to not have to lie to him. "Haru loves being in the water more than anything, and when it comes to that... I just can't compete. I can't keep up with him as well as someone like Rin can." He smile stayed put, and he put on the front that he felt would come off as the most believable. "I think I've done everything I can for Haru now. It's going to be Rin that pushes him to be his best now and to keep him on track." Even in their last year of high school he'd already felt like Rin had taken the job away from him. He had nothing against Rin in the slightest, but it was depressing to feel like he wasn't needed as much anymore.
I'm sorry, Makoto. I shouldn't have said that, I got carried away. You're a good person, Makoto. Just, don't worry about it, yeah? Some things are just destined to happen, but I won't stand and watch that friendship of yours breaking down. Let me know if I can help you with anything.
Makoto looked over and turned his head slightly upward to meet his eyes with a smile, even if it wasn't the happy one that would reassure him that he was actually alright. It was odd to actually be a the one to be looking upward, even if it wasn't by much. In a way though, he kind of liked it. It made him feel like he could be a little less... strong for once though that was a little crazy. And he refused to let himself do so, still unwilling to drag anybody down with him if he could help it. You don't have to apologize. He wanted him to know that even if the words hadn't quite made it out of his mouth.
He appreciated the words that Sousuke was saying, and it warmed him up to know that he seemed to care even if nothing was obligating him to do so. "Thank you," he finally responded. "I'm not sure anything is going to really help the situation, but I really do appreciate it, and if I think of anything at all, you'll be the first I come to for help." He chuckled nervously, wondering if it was odd to basically say that he'd depend on him for something like that. He was already feeling a sense of comfort around Sousuke, but then again Makoto was always one that was quick to trust. He wanted to ask him why he would be willing to offer his help in the first place, but he kept his lips closed in fear of sounding as if he was accusing him of not being genuine, which wasn't what he thought in the slightest.
No, no, It won't mess anything.
A bright smile stretched across his face. He was happy to know that he wasn't going to be a bother by accepting. It was the first time he'd felt he'd truly smiled without any hard feelings behind it in almost a week now. It felt like an improvement over before even if he was sure it would be short lived as soon as he was out of Sousuke's presence. He was good at taking his mind off of his issues or even when he spoke about them, putting it more at ease even if that wasn't his intention.
Makoto got up and watched Sousuke move over to the trashcan. Right as he reached an arm up to toss his own can over and into it like a basketball into a hoop, he stopped. Could Sousuke... not make that? Was it because of his injury? Unsure about whether he was reading too far into a simple thing, Makoto decided it was better to be considerate then sorry. So, he walked over right next to the trashcan and dropped his own in. He felt a little bit awkward, and he'd probably just been reading too far into it and being paranoid, but he shrugged it off.
Let's go.
Nodding, Makoto took a step or two so he was at Sousuke's side, pushing his bag back into place since it'd moved up when he'd sat down. "You should smile more often, Sousuke. It's a good look on you." He teased lightly with a small laugh, unable to help himself from adding that in. | | 823 words | :3 |
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