Cheat Day [Makoto]

[Makoto Tachibana]

How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?

I'm lonely like a castaway

Makoto nodded to his statement.  "You're strong for staying."  He reached up and scratched the back of his head nervously.  "I honestly probably would have come home.  I'm not really that great at being away for too long it seems."  He tilted his head to the side with a little chuckle.  "But you got the experience of a life time.  I just wish more people would have made it a little bit easier on you."  He wondered if he was almost coming off a little too insensitive, even if it wasn't like he wasn't filled with empathy for his friend.  "No one would have blamed you if you've come home, honestly."  It was true.  He doubted anyone would have considered Rin a wimp with his personality.  He couldn't have even been sure any of the rest of the group would've even bothered to go if they were given the chance.

He couldn't help but let out a chuckle.  "Yeah, yeah."  Rin was completely right.  He had nothing on an actual therapist no matter what he thought and believed about Rin.  "I suppose you're right then."  Of course he was right, Makoto was just still kind of poking fun at the whole thing to try and keep the situation light and hopefully keep that smile on Rin's face.  "I guess I wouldn't really understand completely, but I'm sure you're definitely on the right path."  If anyone was going to make it to the Olympics, it was Rin.  His dedication was like none other even if there had been a minor set back along the way.

Makoto hadn't really thought about joining a club here, but it didn't sound like that bad of an idea.  Haru and Rin balanced so many things, that he was sure he could get his own act together enough to join a club.  "Maybe I will.  I guess it couldn't hurt."  He shrugged.  Really the only thing Makoto could really think of that he knew well was swimming, but he'd decided a while ago that competing wasn't really for him.  He just couldn't get on the same level as everyone else.  However, it was appealing to think about getting the chance to swim like that with Haru again without only cheering him on from the side lines like he was planning to do.  Rin too.  He mentally shook the thought away.  Nah, I couldn't.  A small sigh escaped him at the ridiculous thought of dragging himself back into that world.

He chuckled.  He figured as much even if he had secretly wondered about it from time to time.  He probably just meant he wasn't his type because he was into women.  Or maybe it was because he was into Ha-  He stopped his thoughts, letting out an accidental out loud chuckle.  That couldn't have been it.  Could it?  Now his eye was twitching in confusion, which probably looked a bit odd to Rin but he made no out loud comments about any of his thoughts before he did his best to zone back into reality.  

He came back to reality just in time to hear Rin mention that he ans Sousuke were like brothers.  Then Rin said something that made Makoto even blush a little bit just to think about.  His nervous tick activated and he was scratching the back of his head once more, averting his eyes away from the red head.  "Yeah, um, me neither."  He felt the need to admit it just so the other wouldn't feel so strange about letting him in on such a detail.

Makoto nodded.  "Just don't take too long."  If he did, he was sure Rin would probably loose himself in the challenges and demands of the world of professional swimming.  In high school it got a little rough, so he could only imagine what it was like in college.  He'd probably know a bit more if he had managed to swing by and talk to Haru.  That was something that was still pushing at the back of his mind.

Makoto leaned back slightly in his chair, starring over at the clock for a moment before he asked his next question.  "So."  He couldn't believe he was going back to this subject.  "If you're not, uhm, you know-"  He coughed to clear his throat.  "Getting it on with Sousuke-"  He shook his head.  That sounded really awkward, and it was definitely the wrong way to put it.  On top of it, he'd just used his first name when talking to Rin.  Sure, he'd used his first name to his face, but it wasn't like Rin knew that.  He'd done so rather quickly that it was kind of embarrassing to admit.  "Do you know if he's, um, getting it on with anyone else?"  Okay.  Now that was really the weirdest way he could have ever possibly gone about asking Rin a question like that about his best friend.  He tried to look back at Rin, but found his eyes darting back up to the clock he still hadn't even bothered to read.  He shrugged his shoulders, trying to look indifferent about the entire subject.  Why are you even asking?  He questioned himself.  This is just....  He wasn't even sure how to finish he own thought.

	Rin Matsuoka	875 words
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[Rin Matsuoka]

[googlefont="Courgette"]

love is a dangerous game

Rin didn't really know what to say to that. He couldn't say that he stayed for 100% noble intentions. He wanted to come home almost right away. His mother wanted him to stick it out for at least a year. However, when he came back for the holidays and had a race with Haru, he'd been so angry. Determined to get better even though he knew something just wasn't working while he was there. He'd improved over there, of course but he was having a hard time catching up to his peers' level. It was frustration, depression, and spite that kept him in Australia. There were other factors too, he really liked Russel and Lori, and the beautiful scenery, surfing, and quite a few other things while he was there. It wasn't always doom and gloom, but it was sometimes hard to conjure up the good memories without them being bogged down by the bad ones. "There were a lot of reasons I didn't come back. I had a lot to prove. That I was as good as my teammates and the competition in Australia, that I could beat Haru one day. That I wasn't going to give up even if stuff became difficult. That I was in this for the long run, even if I had to work harder than my peers." He explained with a small sigh.

"We'd love to have you on the swim team, I'm sure. Show some of those scrubs a good backstroke." Rin offered with a shrug, a smile playing on his features. He saw some of the turmoil behind Makoto's eyes when he brought up joining clubs. Maybe giving him some suggestions would help. It struck him that he knew next to nothing about what Makoto liked to do outside of swimming these days. Haru was easy, Art, Mackerel and a pool and he was happy. He knew Nagisa loves sweets, and strawberry flavored things, which wasn't much but at least he knew that much. Hell, he even knew Rei was a pretty good at baking. For some reason, he only knew Makoto at a base level. He was kind-hearted and loved swimming. 

It occurred to then, that he had never really come out when he's come back to Japan. Not that he was going to make some sort of big announcement about it. He couldn't really afford to with everything his life held in store for the future, but he could at least have that with his friends. He twirled a fry around on his plate, and still wondered if he could get some vinegar for this, even as he was contemplating what to say next. Maybe he should ask.  "I'm Bi. Probably. It doesn't really matter because I've sort of..." He trailed off. He only had eyes for one person since he was a child, a few awkward dates in Australia and one disastrous kiss were about as far as he had ever been able to, to try and forget Haru's eyes, but every time he seen an ocean he was brought right back. "I don't really date, I guess. I mean, what's the point if I know it will end one way? I can't give my heart away if someone else already has possession of it." he said, treading carefully with his words as he picked up his fry and took a bite. It was the first time he had gotten anywhere close to admitting he was in love with Haru out loud, hell it was probably as close as he'd ever gotten in his own conscious mind. 

Rin almost choked at the question from Makoto. That wasn't really what he was expecting. Hell, he hadn't expected any sort of question like that from the kind-hearted, seemingly innocent Makoto. Though when he recovered a sly grin spread over his features and he raised an eyebrow at the other questioningly. "Not that I can think of. He's never mentioned anyone, never brought anyone back to the dorm here or at Samezuka." he said thinking on it for a few moments. Oh, but this line of questioning had potential. He wanted to see Makoto happier, and he definitely wanted to see his best friend happy. Now that he thought on it they would actually suit each other quite well. He wondered why he never really seen it before. "Why were you interested in being that person?" He teased, though not in a cruel way. He had a new sense of excitement about the next time that he got to talk to his dorm-mate. It was a kind of giddy feeling actually. He didn't often get the chance to try and set up his friends, mostly because he didn't really know their preferences or whether or not they were seeing anyone. But this? This was a gift served up on a silver platter.

#810

Makoto Tachibana

ψ

[Makoto Tachibana]

How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?

I'm lonely like a castaway

Makoto smiled.  "Well, clearly it all paid off.  You just so fast in the water."  He really believed that to be the case.  Even though Makoto felt Rin and Haru were equally matched, he was sure Rin was one of the best among those that he swam with in their league.  Every time he watched Rin swim, it only appeared that he got better.  Rin was going to make it places, there was no doubt about it.  He was going to take Haru along with him, that was another clear thought.  Those two would be in the Olympics before they knew it.  "It's because you do work so much harder that you're going to end up on top."  He wasn't sure how the University of Tokyo swim team was, but he doubted Rin was having much trouble keeping up.  For all Makoto knew, Rin could have already been on top.

Makoto chuckled nervously when Rin mentioned that he should join the swim team.  "I just don't think I'm cut out to keep up with the rest of you anymore."  He hid the sadness behind those words, but there was definitely plenty there.  "I do miss it though," he still admitted, despite trying to hide the majority of his emotions about it. He wanted to swim on a team with the both of them again, but he knew he wasn't on their level.  He wasn't sure he was on anyone's level in this school, so he continued to have his doubts.  It wasn't that he was against the idea, he just pushed it out of his mind often in attempt to keep his fears in check.

Makoto blinked a few times when Rin announced his sexuality.  He smiled softly as he continued on.  The way he was talking made it clear to Makoto why he was talking that way.  He... must have been in love.  Makoto didn't have much experience with relationships considering he'd never had one, but he could imagine what that must have felt like.  Was he talking about... Haru?  The thought dawned on him, and Makoto pressed his lips together before speaking.  "Not all relationships are doomed to end."  He shrugged.  "It's possible that once you find the right person, you'll get the chance to be tied down forever."  He chuckled lightly.  "And who knows?  Maybe the right person is the one who already owns your heart."  Haru.  Rin was looking for Haru.  Despite Makoto's deep down jealousy of Rin taking his best friend away, he couldn't deny how obvious it was that those two shared something by the way he'd seen them look at each other.  They pushed each other to their limits, forcing each one to be their best.  It was amazing, really.  "But, I mean, what do I know?  I'm just a raging homosexual."  He kept a straight face for all of a second before it cracked and he began to laugh.  It felt kind of funny to even admit that out loud, having never even really told anyone about his interest in men to begin with.

Makoto couldn't help but feel a sense of relief when Rin mentioned that Sousuke had never brought anyone back to the dorm, though he was quite embarrassed.  That just meant that even though Sousuke didn't date, he wasn't spreading the love to everyone on campus.  It wasn't like he thought he'd be doing that really, it was just that there was no way a cool guy like Sousuke didn't have people falling all over him.  He may have looked slightly unapproachable at times when he'd seen him, but he definitely had a lot of charm.  At least Makoto thought so.

Then Rin asked his question, and a nervous laugh busted out of Makoto's mouth.  He waved his hand at him.  "Oh please, don't be silly.  I barely know the guy."  He laughed nervously again, this time a little quieter.  Then his face shifted into a bit of a more serious expression though his cheeks were still awfully red.  "But... I mean... It's not like I would really be opposed if I had the option."  He shrugged, unable to believe he'd just said that out loud.  He really should have stopped after the first thing.  He took a bite of his food, chewing it quickly before speaking again.  "Man, this is really good.  You should really try it some time."  He switched the subject quickly, but not very subtly or very cleverly.

	Rin Matsuoka	743 words
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[Rin Matsuoka]

[googlefont="Courgette"]

love is a dangerous game

Rin nodded, tipping his head a little as he thought about everything that brought him to this point. He still wasn't good enough. He needed to be better, get faster. There was a lot he had to improve on if he was going to make it to Olympic league. It felt daunting when he put it in perspective because he should have been at that level already. There were plenty of people his age at that level. He swallowed down those fears, however, and pulled a smile onto his features. "I'm getting better at least. I still have a lot to work on. Decisions to make and whatnot." He said, taking another bite of his food.

Rin shrugged his shoulders, "Your potential didn't end in high school, Makoto. You're good, I know you don't think you could be on this level, but you can. You've got the stuff to do it in you." he said, his expression becoming serious as he looked Makoto over. He didn't like that Makoto didn't think he could be as good as them. He wasn't even sure where he got some idea like that, because it simply wasn't true. He'd need to work at it sure, but they all did. It wasn't something that fell into any of their laps naturally. Except maybe Haru, but he still wasn't convinced that boy wasn't part fish with how much time he could spend in the water. Not that he would ever open his mouth up and voice that opinion, mostly because his time spent in a pool was starting to touch dangerously close to Haru's times. 

The redhead laughed at that and shook his head. Though the sound was a little hollowed out, not quite the laugh it should have been. He thought the comment was hilarious, but it just didn't hit considering the topic is was surrounding. Everything had to be so much harder than it seemed on the surface. "I don't even know if they're gay let alone if they have any interest in me or people in general for that matter! And we've.....I don't want to ruin what's already there by bringing more of my explosive emotions into this." he said, running his hands through his hair, tugging at the ends in annoyance. Who would want to be buckled down to a train wreck like him anyways? Not to mention his goal was the Olympics, and if he didn't want to join him on those dreams it would just be him leaving the other behind over and over again and he couldn't do that to someone. Not again. Especially not Haru. He wouldn't. 

He was glad for the change of topic though, when he could focus on someone else's romantic life other than his own. His just depressed him, and made his chest hurt like he couldn't get enough air. He raised his eyebrows at the other with a mischievous grin on his features. "I mean, I'm pretty sure you two would hit it off. Anyways, you're..." he made a vague gesture not really sure how to describe their individual personalities, but he was pretty sure they would mesh fairly well. "I say go for it. The two of you could use some happy." he said with a wide grin, already planning on bringing it up to his best friend. He knew both of them could use something to ease the loneliness. Not that his best friend would really say as much out loud. "Besides you don't need to know a person to be attracted to them. Everyone's a stranger til you get to know them, you know? You just gotta, I dunno, go for it. It's probably easier that you don't really have a history. Less risk factor as far as if something shouldn't work out, which I mean, I doubt. Because I think you two would be....cute together. I guess. For lack of a better word." He said with a soft smile.

#662

Makoto Tachibana

ψ

[Makoto Tachibana]

How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?

I'm lonely like a castaway

Makoto nodded his head slowly in agreement.  "Yeah, makes plenty of sense.  There's always something."  Even with there always being room for improvement, he wished Rin would take a moment to realize how far he'd actually come.  He was well on his way, but Makoto supposed he wouldn't really know unless he checked out his swimming again.  He might have been putting a lot of blind faith in it all, but he believed in Rin.  It was obvious to see how hard he was already working.  He'd always worked hard.  Makoto had never been capable of really pushing himself like Rin did, always so focused on the others and their well beings.  He forgot about himself often.  It was probably part of why he just wasn't cut out for anything other than the life of a future coach even if he had been Iwatobi's captain.  It wasn't like they'd had many people to choose from before, so he wasn't sure how much of an accomplishment he could really consider it.

With Rin's words and serious expression, Makoto really wanted to believe what he was saying.  Something just kept holding him back unfortunately.  A short sigh escaped his lips as he let his emotions actually show through.  "I haven't even touched the water in some time now."  It was a sad thought, but completely true.  He didn't really feel invited anymore even if he was going to be spending a lot of time coaching in it.  It might have been more of Haru's thoughts on the matter, but Makoto did believe you had to work with the water for it to accept you.  Something in him just didn't know how to do it anymore.  He was so far off the path.  Maybe if he just managed to let himself jump in again, he'd get back whatever he'd lost.  "If I ever even wanted to try and be on par with anyone in this school, I'd have to work harder than I ever had.  I'm not even sure I'd be able to catch up anymore to be honest."  He sighed, feeling as though his time was over now.  He was being written out of the story.

Makoto smirked.  He knew who Rin was talking about.  He had no doubts at this point.  Every time Haru looked at Rin, he could see it in his eyes too.  Even if Haru didn't like a lot of people, he was sure he liked Rin.  It was blatantly obvious to him even if it wasn't too Rin.  It couldn't have just been his previous jealousy talking either, the jealously completely based around swimming, even if that sounded strange.  "Well,"  Makoto shrugged his shoulders with a sigh.  "Only way you'd find out is if you asked.  I mean, it's a simple question even with all the answers it'd produce.  It's not even odd of a question, and I'm sure you're close enough to said guy to be able to ask without seeming suspicious."  Makoto really doubted he had an attraction to women.  He'd not seen anything suggesting it in Haru over the years.  "Even if said guy appears to be a water-sexual, it's still worth something to at least ask."  He winked at him.

Rin's mischievous grin made Makoto feel embarrassed, and he swallowed hard as he tried not to let too much of it show.  He liked that Rin thought they'd hit it off, because Makoto had kind of felt like they had.  He just wasn't really sure how Sousuke had felt at the end of it all despite such nice words.  He felt relieved to be basically getting the go ahead from Rin, not that he was brave enough to actually do any going ahead with anything.  He also liked thinking that in some universe he might actually be able to make someone as cool as Sousuke happy.  His face was only getting redder with each thought, and he tried to shake it away nervously.  Makoto wasn't exactly the best at hiding things considering he'd never really had a crush before and didn't know how to deal with this sort of thing.  He'd always been around his friends so much that he'd never really processed it.  Though, if he was being honest with himself he'd always sort of felt a little nervous around Sousuke.  He'd remembered how jittery he'd felt during the water fight they'd had their last year of school and he'd actually had a short-lived conversation with him.

He laughed nervously knowing that he wasn't going to be able to get out of what his curiosity had started.  "I don't know if we'd be all that cute.  I'm a little awkward around him for that.  I figured that out on our...  Well, we kind of sort of went of for coffee."  There he went scratching the back of his head again.  "But, it wasn't a date or anything like that."  He probably hadn't needed to add that part in but he couldn't seem to not make sure he knew that.  His hand fell and he stared down at his food for a moment, poking at it with his chopsticks.  "I can see why you keep him around.  If I'm being honest, he's really something."  Makoto shrugged.  Even though Sousuke wasn't much of a talker, there was just something about him.  And the things he did say really seemed to mean something.  He didn't really seem to need a lot of words.

	Rin Matsuoka	908 words
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