Makoto finished the sweeping for the day, and slid the broom into its home.

"Thank you for your help," he announced to his underlings, two students in high school who worked part-time jobs for him. They nodded and thanked him. The pair who worked for him bowed, and they went on their way. A bell chimed as they closed the big white front door behind them. He didn't bother locking it yet. In this small oceanside town, no one would bother the shop, and he had a lot of work to do still.

He hung his apron on a hook near the door. The apron had Manager stitched in big red letters on it. It had been almost 5 years since he bought this place, Mackerel Cafe. Most people in the town, along with the visitors to it, assumed that the blue color and the name of the cafe came from the fact that the shop was facing the ocean. The name itself was something of a ghost to him, when he named the shop, it seemed to be the only possible name for it. Now though, even he associated the name with the water more than with the person that inspired the name, but that was a different story.

He stepped into the back of the store, and gathered the paperwork. Makoto hated working in the back office, it was small and cramped for one thing, but the main reason was that it was a bit creepy to be back there all by himself. He closed the door behind him, and went back into the front with his arms full of paper. The paper slammed against one of the cafe tables, which were painted to make them look like shells. He sat down in one of the chairs, they were wooden and rustic, and looked like beach chairs. Holding a pen he started to go over this month's budget, and review the orders. Outside, the waves crashed, and if he had listened for it, Makoto could have heard the sound. His cafe was practically on the beach after all. But, he was in his own world. He heard nothing, his thoughts were focused on the numbers. He didn't even notice the loud drunken person walking outside, not until that person swung open the door causing the bell to clang.

Makoto's head flung to see who had interrupted his silence. It was a blonde man, with wavy hair, and flushed cheeks. He was wearing most of a suit, but missing the jacket.

"Uwah! I would die for something to eat! I didn't think anywhere would be open at this hour, I'm savedddddd," the blonde shouted, unaware of the pitch of his voice.

Makoto frowned, "Sorry, but we're actually closed, I just didn't lock the door."

The blonde's movements were exaggerated as he swung his arms around, knocking against the aprons, "Oh man, that SUCKS. I'm starrrrving. Say, you wouldn't happen to know anywhere to eat around here wouldya?"

"Mmm," Makoto shrugged his shoulders, the town was relatively sleepy, especially as the summer season started to end, "I don't know of anywhere, sorry."

The blonde slumped, "This is horrible. I would seriously give you like a hundred dollars for a cheeseburger. Holy fuck, I'm so hungry."

Makoto stifled a laugh, he'd been in this guy's position before, and knew how a drunk craving could feel, "For a hundred bucks, I'd just about do anything."

And it was true, the shop always struggled off season and he knew that was coming.

"Seriously, I would," the blonde insisted pulling out his wallet and revealing a surprising amount of money, "maybe a fifty for some water too, I'm suddenly super thirsty."

"I couldn't take your money like that, but let me get you some water. We may have some pastries left over which I could give you," Makoto offered, he usually just threw them away by this time, but he hadn't gotten to that job yet. He checked his watch, it was almost 11. Well, he'd help this guy get soberred up and then save the rest of the work for tomorrow, he thought.

The guy was ecstatic, "Everyone here is so damn nice. You're closed and I'm making a huge ass of myself here, but really, everyone here is so fucking nice."

Makoto started to fix the water and smiled to himself, it was true though, everyone here was pretty nice. That's how it was in small towns though, "Are you visiting?"

"Yeah, I'm on vacation from Tokyo," the blonde said taking the glass of water from Makoto, "I used to live like an hour from here and my family insisted we come here. But, christ, my siblings drink a lot, and I can barely keep up. I stepped out to cool off, and well, here I am."

The blonde took a giant gulp of the water and stared at Makoto who was working to get some muffins out from the case. His vision had been blurred before, and was still a bit fuzzy, but he was sure he recognized Makoto, "Holy shit."

"What?" Makoto asked, pulling out two chocolate chip muffins and handing them to the blonde, he had taken out a third one for himself.

"Stand still," the blonde said crushing the muffin into his mouth, "holy fuck. First off, these are the best muffins I've ever had. Like seriously, ever. What do you put in them?"

Makoto just smiled, "Thanks."

"Oh crap, I forgot what I was saying, yeah," he struggled between bites, "you look like this guy I know."

Makoto shook his head, "It's true, I grew up about an hour from here too, but I don't know anyone in Tokyo."

"Yeah, I guess it'd be pretty crazy to meet Makoto here in a cafe," the blonde shrugged and gulped down the water.

"Wait, what did you call me?" Makoto asked.

"Makoto, he's this guy I went through Kindergarden to Senior year with. We lost touch after that though, I went to college. You look just like him though," he was sobering up a bit thanks to the water.

Makoto nodded, "That is me. Who are you?"

"You don't recognize me? Man that's cold. It's me, Nagisa," Nagisa replied.

"Holy shit," and suddenly it was clear, the suit had thrown him off, and the man was much older in front of him, but it was definitely Nagisa.

"I know, right? Crazy meeting here. What are you doing running a cafe?" Nagisa asked.

Makoto took another bite of his muffin, "After high school, I travelled for a bit and then, I just wanted to start somewhere new, but couldn't go very far, so I ended up here. I started here around when you must have finished college, and when the owner died, he gave it to me."

"That's right, I remember you and Haru got into a fight and then, when we'd come home, you stopped hanging out with us," Nagisa's bluntness was fueled partially by the alcohol.

Makoto looked away, "Yeah."

"So, you've ended up here and we've met. Musta been fate," Nagisa said.

Makoto didn't say anything after that. After awhile, Nagisa finished his muffins and said, "Thanks for the snack man. Let me pay for them."

Makoto shook his head, "You're an old friend. They were just going to get thrown away anyway."

Nagisa bowed, "Thanks man."

Nagisa, feeling a lot more sober at this point, headed for the door to go home, "We should catch up while I'm here."

"Yeah," Makoto replied, he was reeling from the surprise of his friend's rather sudden appearance into his life after several years. Soon after Nagisa left, Makoto decided that it was time for him to head home too. As the key turned in the lock, his eyes closed, suddenly he was feeling much more exhausted than he had been.

XXX

A few weeks went by and Nagisa didn't show up for what Makoto assumed must have been the rest of his vacation. As the time passed, Makoto began to wonder if he had imagined the appearance of his friend that night. Instead he decided that it was likely that Nagisa was simply too drunk to remember running into him. Or perhaps he was embarrassed for being that drunk in front of an old acquaintance. Even though there were ways for Makoto to contact Nagisa, he didn't make the effort. There was really nothing that Makoto wanted to say to Nagisa or to any of his old friends for that matter. Eventually, the whole event disappeared from Makoto's mind. That was until the day that another old friend appeared at his door. Again late at night, again after closing, but this time, the friend was stone cold sober, and this one had been more than a friend, much more than a friend.

The bell chimed slightly indicating the opening of the door. It startled Makoto and so he turned to greet his guest. It was colder than it had been when Nagisa visited. Nagisa visited at the end of the season, the beginning of off-season. Now, it was the coldest time of the year, the heart of off-season. As such, the gentleman in front of Makoto was wearing a thick scarf and a blue coat which matched his hair. His expression was mild, and unlike Nagisa who Makoto barely recognized, there was no way Makoto would not recognize Haruka.

Still though, that did not keep him from being shocked. There were so many questions he wanted to ask, and yet, Makoto sat silently.

Haru smiled softly and looked away, "I know you're closed, but I was wondering if I could get something to drink."

The truth was that this was not Haru's first visit to the shop. For the past week, he had been walking around outside and stopping every time he passed by in the evening. Tonight, however, was the first night that he finally worked up the courage to walk in the door.

Makoto nodded, for once, he was the quiet one in their relationship. Internally, he laughed in response to that, but externally, his expression was cold. He wanted to pinch himself, he never imagined that he'd see Haru again. Not after what happened between the two of them.

"It's been awhile, hasn't it?" Makoto finally managed, as he walked behind the counter and turned on the water heater for tea.

Haru nodded.

"To be perfectly honest, Haru, I'm shocked to see you here," Makoto said softly. He hadn't meant to call Haruka by his nickname, but it rolled off his tongue just as it had so many years ago. The water started to bubble a bit, but was far from a boil.

Haru nodded again. He didn't think he'd ever be able to face Makoto again. Not after what happened. Not after what he did.

"How's Rin?" Makoto blurted out. He hadn't meant to ask that. It sort of slipped out, like one of those questions you know you shouldn't ask, but can't not ask either. He hoped that he didn't sound overly curious or jealous or anything.

Haru's eyes closed, this wasn't going to be easy. Not that he had expected it to be, that was why he avoided coming inside for so long after all, "Don't know."

Makoto wanted to ask more, but he didn't. He knew better, he had already been overly curious, he'd have to wait for more information on Rin. Still, as he was turned away from Haru, pouring the tea, he had to ask, "So, why are you here?"

"I heard from Nagisa that this was where you were hiding out," that information had come at a price, "and I knew I had to see you. I've been wanting to see you for a long time."

Makoto handed Haru a cup of tea, and took one for himself. They sat together back at one of the tables in the cafe, "Well, it was quite a surprise to see Nagisa after all those years, but nothing compared to the surprise of seeing you. You look well."

"Thanks," and a small smile appeared on Haru's lips.

"But -" and this was hard for Makoto to say, which is why it was nice that Haru interrupted him.

"But, you want me to leave," Haruka finished.

Makoto looked away, and then, shut his eyes, and nodded slowly. It wasn't exactly true. He didn't want Haru to leave. He wanted Haru to stay and to be even closer to him, but he needed Haru to leave. Otherwise, his work over the last few years would have been for nothing.

Haru nodded, "I know. I just had to see you. It's been such a long time, and you were an important part of my life. It was selfish, I know. I moved close to here last week, and I just thought it would be best if I came to see you instead of just running into you."

Makoto nodded, again, he was put into the quieter position. It was unusual, but too many thoughts were running through his head, the primary one being that Haruka, the world's most famous swimmer had moved to this sleepy town? He didn't ask, "I see."

Haru set the cup back on the table, he hadn't hoped it would be this awkward. He had hoped things would go back to how they used to be, but nothing happens that quickly, "Well, I guess I'll see you around."

"Mn," Makoto replied, picking up Haru's cup.

And soon after, just as quickly as he had appeared, Haruka went back out into the cold. Once again, Makoto was left alone in his shop to reflect. Soon after, he gathered his things and headed back to his home.

XXX

"You went to go see him?! Finally!" Nagisa cheered, and then, his voice changed, "don't you think it's a bit crazy that he leaves the door to his store unlocked when he's there at night?"

Even over the phone, Haru could imagine his expression. Nagisa kept talking for awhile, not giving Haru a chance to respond, but eventually, he asked.

"So? How'd it go?" Nagisa asked into the phone, "Are you two in love again?"

Haru frowned, "Poorly."

"Poorly?" Nagisa asked, "What do you mean?"

"He wasn't happy to see me," Haru replied, fiddling with the charm on his cellphone. Even though Haru had expected that, it was difficult.

Nagisa replied carefully, "These things take time."

But, Haru couldn't help thinking that it would be impossible.

Nagisa was silent for awhile, thinking of a way to cheer up his friend, "Well, did he ask about Rin?"

Haru replied, "Yes."

"And?! Did you tell him about him?" Nagisa implored.

"Just that I didn't know," Haru answered.

Nagisa smiled, "At least he asked. That means he's still interested. That shop name too. You know that was for you."

"Yeah," Haru replied, but he couldn't share Nagisa's enthusiasm. In life, we make decisions, and sometimes, the effects of those decisions can't be undone. Haru couldn't help, but feel this was one of those times.

XXX

"I don't think we should see each other anymore."

"What?! Why not?"

"It's just not the same, you know, as it was with him."

"What?"

"I'm sorry, I'm just not good enough I guess. I'll always love you, and if the day comes when you feel the same, I'll be here. I just can't do this anymore. Until then, I don't think I can be around you. It just hurts too much, I'm sorry."

"N-No this isn't what I wanted."

XXX

Haruka continued to go by the shop almost nightly to watch Makoto working. He kept thinking about what Nagisa said, and he couldn't help be concerned. No matter where you lived, it couldn't be safe to sit so late at night alone with the door unlocked. At least, that was the excuse Haruka used to stand outside watching Makoto. It's not like I'm stalking him, I'm protecting him.

Haruka enjoyed watching the shop. It was obviously designed to reflect the water, the beach, and it somehow managed to overwhelm him with the feeling that he got when he swam. Even though it had not been the best of interactions with Makoto, he loved the feeling that he had while inside the shop. Haruka was able to get a glimpse of this feeling just from watching the shop. It made his skin crawl, it made his body tingle.

As Haruka was watching, something different happened, from the back someone entered the shop and joined Makoto. His surprise couldn't be contained, and out loud to himself he said, "It can't be...Rei?"

He yearned to listen to their conversation, but it was too soft for him to hear. He considered going inside and talking with them both. It had been so long since he had seen Rei. But, what would he say? It would be too much of a coincidence, he decided.

He thought about calling Nagisa, but there was something there he didn't want to touch. Haruka decided that he'd have to find a way to bump into Rei alone. Figuring that there was no reason to stay, he turned his heels and headed back to his new house.

XXX

"Hey," Rei smiled and went to the pastry area and grabbed some old muffins for Makoto to eat with him.

Makoto smiled at Rei, "I love when you come visit me."

"I know. I can't get here often enough. Damn! it's cold though," Rei turned on the water heater and then sat down over by Makoto.

"How's the Inn?" Makoto asked.

"Well, you know it is, busy all the time," Rei replied.

Makoto nodded, "Must be nice. Having a hotspring gets the tourists to visit you even in this weather."

Rei agreed, "But, you know, i's difficult to keep up that beautiful image."

Makoto laughed, that was how Rei had always been, concerned with beauty.

"You do a good job with it here, it feels like the ocean," Rei complemented.

Makoto smiled.

"So, what's new with you?" Rei asked.

Makoto debated about telling Rei that Haru had visited. He knew that it wouldn't make Rei happy, and yet, it seemed impossible not to tell him. After all, they had become best friends after everything that happened. Finally, he started "Remember how I told you -" He stopped knowing he should avoid Nagisa. Luckily, he was interrupted by the sound of a whistle.

"Ah, let me get that," Rei said, and he prepared the tea. He soon returned with two cups, one for him and one for Makoto, "Remember what?"

"I had a visit from an old friend of ours," Makoto said softly.

Rei looked at him as though he were wondering why Makoto brought that up again, "And?"

"I had another visit," Makoto answered.

"Nagisa?" Rei asked. The way that he said Nagisa's name was unusual, there was a combination of endearment and attachment and yet, there was an echo of pain.

"No," Makoto replied.

"Then who -" Rei started to ask, but he figured out the answer before Makoto needed to tell him, and he simply sighed, "Haruka, eh? Well, how do you feel?"

"I don't know. He said that he moved here, and it was pretty obvious that he wanted something from me," Makoto answered.

Rei frowned, "Did you -?"

"No. I told him that we shouldn't see each other and that I couldn't handle it," Makoto replied.

"I'm proud of you," Rei said. It would be a shame for him to tear down all the work, I've done, "Why didn't you tell me when this happened?"

"It was the other day, I just, didn't want to bother you with it, I know how busy you are, I guess," Makoto apologized.

Rei nodded. After that, they discussed other things, but in the back of his mind, Rei knew, he was going to have to find Haruka and have a chat with him.

XXX

"Makoto? What are you doing here? You should be inside-"

"Oh, Rei? What a surprise. I guess you came for the big match. You should go inside."

"But, why aren't you in there?"

"It didn't work out."

"What?"

"...yeah."

"Come back with me then."

"But, what about the match?"

"It doesn't matter. Let's just go."

When I saw you that day, I realized I had never noticed you. I didn't really support or not support your relationship with Haru, but that day changed my feelings about you. Seeing you sitting outside, I saw the most immense heartbreak. And, I just wanted us all to be happy. No, I didn't care about them, just you, I just wanted you to be happy.

XXX

Thanks to his friend who worked at the district and a six-pack, Rei was able to figure out Haruka's address. He wasn't too surprised by the area, it was where the rich supposedly bought second homes and what not, and Rei figured that was probably what Haruka had done. He arrived at the mansion which was up on a hill and had a clear view of the ocean. The place was beautiful, it was traditional Japanese style with a big gate and everything. Rei assumed knowing Haruka that the gate was unlocked and the door was open, but even so, Rei rang the bell.

Haru went outside to open the gate and see who had come to see him. There was evident surprise on his face when it had been Rei. He had spent a large part of the morning trying to decide how he could have a chance run in with Rei and yet there he was, at his doorstep.

"Would you like to come i-" Haruka started, but was interrupted.

"What the fuck is your problem?" Rei asked. He was mad. He had been mad about this whole thing, and it only got worse now that he was here.

Haruka's eyes widened.

"No seriously, I don't care if we go inside or if we do this out here. What the fuck were you thinking going to see him?"

Haruka had never seen Rei this mad, but he knew him to have a slight temper. He had gotten angry at Rin once when they were still in school, "I was just -"

"-You were just what? Trying to ruin his life again? I've worked so hard to put him back together and then, when he's finally getting to the point that he might consider fully moving on from you, you come here and just take that all away? Makoto can't be friends with you. And you can't be with him. You're just going to hurt each other," the words spilled out of his mouth. Finally, he took a breath and waited.

"I..I know that. I just, I wanted to try to fix things with Makoto," Haru stated.

Rei's brow furrowed, "When we were kids, your relationship with Rin was dangerous. He wasn't emotionally there for you like he should have been, and Makoto tried to be the right kind of person for you. And he was, but there was something so magnetic between you and Rin and you fucked up. So, now you've lost your chance."

Haru paused for awhile, but suddenly something clicked, "Huh, you know, I never took you to be particularly close with Makoto, but I guess his sweetness must have gotten you."

Rei glared at him, "What?"
"It must eat you up that Makoto is completely infatuated with me. Ironic since he's basically been in your position with me, you'd think he'd be more likely to settle," Haru smirked.

Rei frowned, "Rin's really rubbed off on you hasn't he?"

Haru laughed in response to that, "Quite the contrary, though I guess that was a bit mean of me. Look, I have no intention of stopping my pursuit of Makoto. I was hoping you'd help me out, but obviously not. It was nice seeing you again."

Rei slammed a fist against the gate. This conversation did not go how he had hoped.

XXX

"I can't do this with you. I don't feel anything for you anymore."

"Yeah right. This thing that you're doing with Makoto, to tell you the truth, I was jealous when I found out, but it's written all over your face. You don't love him and you never can love him. He's not me."

"Look, let's just do this practice and go on our own separate ways."

Rin leaned in and whispered, "If you're so sure, why are you trembling so much around me? Just admit it, you want me. You want me to push you against that wall over there and -"

But, he was cut off by lips being pressed against his.

XXX

"You'll never guess what happened when I was in the country. Like never," the pair was sitting on a couch in a bar in Hiroo, Tokyo, their favorite place. Hiroo was near Roppongi, so it was a bit classier than some other parts of Tokyo, but it was slightly quieter than Roppongi. This particular bar was located up on the second and third floors of a building, and it was made up of several private rooms. Each of the rooms had couches, and little side tables. The feel was relaxing and so, the resulting ambiance was why Nagisa and Haruka utilized this bar as their go to hangout. They used to only get to go to the bar when Haruka visited. He had been rather busy up until the past year as a world class olympic swimmer, but he was finally at the point where he was too old for training. As a result, he had mostly retired. Haruka still had some sponsorships, and did advertisements, but in terms of living situation, Haruka was able to spend much more time in Tokyo now and he didn't have to worry about his diet so much, so they went rather frequently together to this bar.

Haruka sipped on his drink. He was drinking a melon drink as apparently that was the fruit in season. In this particular bar, you didn't order specific drinks like cuba libres or anything. You could do that, but most patrons didn't. The bartender, a new one actually and cute!, would enter the private room with a basket of different fruits, and would introduce them and their flavors – sweet or sour. A big focus was on fruits that were the freshest and most in season for the sake of having the best taste. Bartenders would also make recommendations about particular garnishes for those fruits and would select the alcohol for the cocktail. The patrons would decide what to have, and then, the bartenders would make that drink and return with it to the private room. After that, patrons were left alone, but there was a button that they could push if they wanted to order more.

Nagisa hadn't been expecting a response from Haruka, so he jumped into storytelling mode, "It was absolutely crazy, man. You know how my sisters are when we all get together. You've been there. They're nuts."

To this, Haruka nodded, but he privately thought that Nagisa could be quite the partier even without his sisters.

Nagisa laughed, "Yeah, well, we were at the hotel bar, and we're drinking and having a good time and all that, and man, I got drunk. Like, for awhile there I was doing pretty good, but suddenly, it all hit me, you know?"

Haruka sort of knew. He had few experiences with alcohol compared to Nagisa, and when they occurred they were mostly followed by blackouts. As a professional athlete though, he wasn't able to participate in drinking very often. On the other hand, Nagisa, a businessman, was expected to go drinking with his coworkers on the regular. Even so, Haruka was only half-listening. This was how Nagisa told stories after all, lots of details, lots of unnecessary information, little point. He nodded, mostly to get Nagisa to continue.

"Okay, so, it hits me, and I go outside to cool off, because like man. When you're drunk in a bar at a certain point, you're just hot. I don't know why they don't have more air conditioning in bars. If I ran a bar-" at this point, Nagisa took note of Haruka's expression, "well, anyway. I go outside, and then, well, since I was drunk I was suddenly really hungry. I get that way when I'm drunk. Food is fucking delicious. Anyway, for some reason I was craving an American hamburger."

Haruka gave him a somewhat surprised look. Nagisa only shrugged, "Anyway, I'm walking along trying to find somewhere, but this isn't Tokyo. I couldn't just like hop on the subway and go to one of the Hard Rock's. So I'm wandering around, and I end up over by the ocean. There's this cafe there, with the light on."

Haruka started to wonder if the climax in this story was going to be that Nagisa got a hamburger. He had been expecting for his friend to tell him some great conquest when the story began, but at this rate, he couldn't be sure.

"And you know, I guess there must have been some sign that probably said 'Closed', but I was drunk, man. Good, happy, and hungry," he shrugged and slyly added, "And you know, drunk."

Haruka smiled in agreement.

"Anyway, I go in, cause the door was unlocked, and this guy tells me they are closed. But, he lets me in anyway cause I'm cute," Nagisa embellished.

Ah, Haruka thought, here comes the hookup story. Something kinky with hamburgers. Or maybe spatulas?

"And you'll never believe who it was," Nagisa finished.

That was unexpected, Nagisa usually just got straight to the conquest at this point, "I don't know. Who?"

"You think about it for a minute, I'm gonna go to the toilet," Nagisa raised his hand up to steady himself and stood up, then walked out of the room leaving Haruka alone.

I have no idea who it could be, Haruka thought. He hit the button to order another drink, and the new bartender came back into the room.

"Would you like one more of the same or something different, sir?"

Haruka eyed him, he was young, younger than the type Haruka usually went for, but he was a bit cute and he occasionally enjoyed being dominant. It was obvious to Haruka that this was someone who'd enjoy being dominated and someone who would be easy for him to have. He wasn't in the mood for a challenge. Best of all though, he looked like a young Rin, but with brown hair. Haruka purred, "Something different."

"Ah, sir, would you like me to get the basket or did you have something in mind?" the bartender asked.

"You pick," this would be interesting, Haruka thought.

The bartender blushed a bit, "I'll do my best, sir. Oh, and I'll get your friend a refill."

"Do that."

The bartender left the room in a rush, almost bumping into Nagisa who was returning. The bartender apologized several times and was horrified, but Nagisa was relatively calm about the situation. Nagisa shrugged his shoulders, waved a hand, and told him not to worry about it.

"You get us refills?" Nagisa asked taking his seat back next to Haruka again.

Haruka nodded, there was something odd about the expression on his face though.

Nagisa rolled his eyes, "Oh god. No. I know that look. You can't do it here. Any bar other than here. There's like thousands in Tokyo with new, cute, young bartenders. Please. Please not here."

Haruka just laughed.

"No, I refuse. Seriously, I like this bar. You cannot take the guy home."

"Home?"

"No, you cannot do it in here either. If you do that, we won't be able to come back here," Nagisa complained shaking his fists.

Haruka raised a brow.

"No, it is not because I am jealous that when I go out with you, you can always pick people up. I am perfectly fine with your absurd fame, but just no. I like this bar, no," Nagisa glared at Haruka and talked to him like he was a misbehaving pet.

Haruka didn't ask about the person that Nagisa had been talking about earlier. That story was out of his mind now, his focus had shifted onto the new bartender who looked like a smaller Rin.

The bartender returned with their drinks. Earlier, he had been much more steady when he placed the glasses down on Nagisa and Haruka's side tables. He carefully placed Nagisa's drink on the table next to Nagisa, who thanked him. Then, he went to place Haruka's drink, but first he explained, "Si-since you liked the melon drink earlier, sir, I thought you might like something even sweeter. The strawberries this season are absolutely delicious, so I thought you'd like that," he was nervous, and so he quickly added, "If it's not to your tastes, I can make another."

"I like strawberries," and Haruka eyed his hips.

The bartender looked flustered and as he placed Haru's strawberry drink down his hand shook a bit, threatening to spill the drink. Haruka helped him steady it by holding onto the bartender's hand on the glass.

Before Haruka could thank him, Nagisa asked, "Oh, did you ever figure out who I saw in the cafe?"

Back to that, are we? Haruka thought it was an unusual topic to start back while the bartender was still here, and so, he turned his head towards Nagisa and looked at him puzzled. Haru slowly shook his head no.

"Yeah, I didn't think so. It was Makoto. You remember, Makoto, right, Haruka?"

Haruka, who's hand had been lingering on the bartender's, jerked his hand back into his lap. He frowned. His attention shifted back to the bartender briefly, but all Haruka said was, "You can go, now."

"U-O-Oh. Okay," the bartender looked a bit confused, but he left.

"Nicely played," Haruka looked at Makoto. Haruka had collected himself and started sipping on his drink. It was to his taste, but that didn't matter now.

Nagisa smirked, "Yeah, I thought so, too. Anyway, I'd be willing to give you all the information about where he is, what cafe, where specifically my family stayed, but it's coming at a price."

Haruka glared at him. Nagisa knew that this was information Haruka wanted, and he fully intended to make the teasing last. Haruka had wanted to know what happened to Makoto for years now, and he had practically given up hope. Even with Haruka's connections, Makoto had hidden himself away. He didn't want to be found by Haruka, but as the time went on, the more Haruka needed to see him. The more he needed to fix everything.

"So first of all-" Nagisa started.

"No on the bartender," Haruka's interrupted through gritted teeth.

Nagisa smiled, "That's right."

"And? Send him home with you?"
"No, I'm not interested in him," Nagisa said, and suddenly, his expression was a lot more serious. He contemplated how to phrase his next request, but finally, he decided on being rather blunt. He and Haruka had been friends forever, the two of them had somehow managed to actually stay friends through everything. Nagisa started, "I want you to think about this. Like really, think about this. Are you sure you want to know? And even, once you know are you sure you want to go to him?"

"Yes," Haruka was desperate.

Nagisa shook his head, "Sorry, not good enough. He's happy now. He seemed that way at least, you know, before he realized it was me. No, you're going to have to take time on this one. The bartender, that's what you can control now. For the information, though you're going to have to wait. Eight weeks."

"That's such a long time," Haruka groaned. He was not known for showing this much emotion, and so, even Nagisa was somewhat surprised. The emotional outburst in Haruka made Nagisa want to turn the information right over. However, when he thought of the night that he had seen Makoto after all these years, even though he had been drunk, the change in Makoto's persona after recognizing Nagisa was unmistakable.

Nagisa shrugged, "It's really not that long."

"But, it's already been so long," Haruka complained.

"Exactly. It's been so long, what's another couple of months?" Nagisa asked. Plus, he wasn't going to deny it. It was going to be a fun to torture Haruka for two months.

Perhaps it was the alcohol, but the next thing Haruka said, he regretted, "If it were Rei, I'd tell you."

"Oh yeah?" Nagisa asked, not skipping a beat. He looked at Haruka with the most serious eyes, there was no emotional sadness in his voice, he spoke as if they were were the most true and factual words he knew, "If it were Rei, I wouldn't let you tell me. I don't want to know where Rei is."

Haruka shook his head, "It's easy to say that when you have no way of knowing."

Nagisa shrugged, "Maybe. Who knows. If you ever find out where Rei is, you can test that theory out."
Haruka sighed. He had been in touch with Rei at one point, but the last time he had heard from him was back during his first time competing in the olympics. He had gotten tickets for Rei. Rei was going to come see his match, but Rei never showed up. After that, Haruka didn't hear from him at all. His number changed, and Haruka was no longer able to contact him. Nagisa had been out of contact with him since longer than that. Haruka had hoped that they would reconcile during the match, but it didn't happen since Rei never showed. Haruka finally said, "Alright. Two months."

Nagisa nodded, "Two months. Now, during these two months, I'm going to test you."

"Test?" Haruka asked.

"Yes. Like ask you questions, because I really want you to think about whether or not you should go see him," Nagisa said.

"O-okay," Haruka was skeptical.

Nagisa readjusted on the couch, "Good. So, here's your first test. Sleep with me."

Haruka put his drink down and looked at Nagisa. He wouldn't have minded doing it exactly. Nagisa wasn't unattractive to him or anything like that, but that had never been their relationship. They had always been interested in different people, but if that was what he had to do, he shrugged, "Okay. Here?"

"No. Augh, no! And definitely, not okay," Nagisa glared at Haruka, "Wrong answer. Think about this. You want Makoto back in your life. You may even want something romantic with him. Rather, I assume you want something romantic with him. You can't just go sleeping with whomever. Makoto isn't going to like that," Nagisa explained.

"But you-" Haruka started, and then, he sighed, and ultimately, he agreed. He had to admit, all things considered, Nagisa was a good friend. Albeit slightly annoying, Nagisa was truly a good friend, "I'll think more deeply about this."

"Good," Nagisa declared and then he smiled deviously, "this is going to be fun."
"That's what I was afraid of."

XXX

Haruka was now relaxing in the private onsen built into his house. There was also a pool, and all kinds of other things. Even though the architecture was traditionally Japanese, the amenities were all modern making it a fancy home.

Haruka was reflecting when Nagisa had originally told him about seeing Makoto. His thoughts moved over to what had happened this morning. Rei had been to visit him and that hadn't gone as planned. Shouldn't he have been the one to get mad at Rei? He had a huge match, he had specially gotten Rei tickets and Rei hadn't shown up. And yet, after all of these years, Rei was mad at him?

Nagisa, he thought, I think I understand more now why you'd avoid Rei and thought I should have avoided contacting Makoto. Maybe I shouldn't have come here. That said though, I like it here. I'm happy I bought this house. Even though there's not as much action as Tokyo, it reminds me of where we grew up.

XXX

"What a surprise to get a call from you," Rei answered the phone. He was happy to hear from Makoto, seeing Haruka had not made for the best of mornings. On the one hand, Rei was happy with what he did, but on the other, seeing Haruka reminded him of when he used to be Harukasempai. He felt some guilt for losing touch with him over the years. And yet, Rei couldn't figure out how he was supposed to stay friends with Haruka after what had happened. Had he been too harsh? Makoto rarely made the move to contact Rei, even though he considered Rei to be his best friend. This didn't bother Rei particularly, but it was nice to be needed, "and so, soon after we last saw each other."

Makoto was sitting in his office in the back. He hated being there, and usually at this time, he'd be out in the front of the shop, working with and talking with the students that worked for him, and talking with the regulars. Makoto sighed, "I'm having a moment of weakness. I really didn't mean to bother you, I just..." his voice faded.

"I know and I understand. Why don't you come over here for dinner?" Rei asked.

Makoto smiled, "That sounds nice."

"Yeah, I want to talk to you about something anyway, so that should work."

Makoto wondered what things, but didn't pry. There would be more time to discuss that tonight.

XXX

The problem with when you sleep with someone, even if you get over it, and you do get over it as time passes, once in awhile it hits you again that you slept with this person. It hits you that at one point, you two were vulnerable together. At one point, you made this person achieve immense physical pleasure, and they did the same for you.

Most nights, you don't even remember this. Now you're friends, you're mature adults, what happened then means nothing. You've neither gone backwards in your relationship, nor forwards, it's a new category. And that category is: you knew you weren't meant for a relationship, but you do care about each other. So, friends. You need each other after all. The physical would have ruined everything and had to stop. You both agreed. It was fine. It is fine.

Most nights, really, you don't even remember it happened. You don't think about all the barriers, it's like they don't even exist. Most nights, you're just best friends and that's it. Most nights, it doesn't bother you. Bothering has nothing to do with it. It's just like being best friends, really, like it never happened. Most days, when it does cross your mind that it happened, you can hardly believe it. It feels so far away. And so, you go through life together facing the problems you're currently having. Work sucks. Life sucks. That kind of stuff. Best friends. Really. You're happy when he hooks up with someone who is not you. He's happy when you hook up with other people. Seriously. It's not awkward. It's genuine friendship. You got to that point.

But other nights, other nights, and he couldn't remember the last time he had felt this way, it must have been years ago. On these other nights, you can barely have a conversation with that person without imagining them touching you or you touching them and you need to have it again like you need to breathe. But you know, that's in the past. You can't have that. And you know, it would be a mistake. Look how great your friendship is now, you have to remind yourself.

Seeing the look on Makoto's face across the table brought Rei back into the past. It was that same sad look that he had on the day of Haruka's olympic tournament. The look that made him not even go in to see Haruka's match. The look that made him buy Makoto a train ticket and bring him back to this very same hotel, his family's (now - his) Inn, to this very same restaurant where they drank their fill, and fucked on the very same table that they were now sitting at eating dinner. And he wanted to throw both of their trays and their dishes and their drinks on the floor, and fuck Makoto again, and more than that, he wanted Makoto to fuck him. He wanted to tell Makoto how he had gone to Haruka, and instead of Makoto wanting to know about it, he wanted Makoto to say, "Thanks for doing that, now bend over."

Instead, Rei used his chopsticks to cut apart the salmon. Makoto took a bite and said, "Oh my god, I love when you let me eat at your Ryokan."

"You know you're welcome anytime," Rei smiled.

Makoto shook his head, "Too expensive."

You could pay in other ways, Rei thought. Not that Rei ever made him pay anyway, it was more that all Rei got from their friendship were coffees and teas and old baked goods. It wasn't the same level as fancy Japanese Style Inn meals. So, Makoto only ever went to Rei's for his birthday and big holidays. This was a special occasion too, but he didn't want to think about why. Rei shrugged, he didn't mind treating, but he knew that Makoto felt badly about it and that was why he didn't push the subject. Besides, his mind was on other things. Like the fact that he had to keep reminding himself that there were other guests in the restaurant. Ugh, he thought, please let me stop having these thoughts. It's not going to happen, and it's just in the past.

"So," Makoto asked, "What happened?"

Rei closed his eyes, he had been hoping to avoid this subject, but he knew that he had to address it, "I thought about not telling you, but we're the best of friends, and I really hope you don't get mad."

Makoto eyed him suspiciously, but took a bite of one of the vegetables.

Rei sighed, "I went to go see Haruka."

"What?" Makoto asked, dropping some rice back into the bowl, "But, how?"

Rei nodded, "Please don't be mad. I just, I had to. But, I'm telling you, because I've been thinking about it, and while I hope you know I did it as your friend, I now think it may have been wrong."

At first Makoto had been shocked, then he got a bit angry, but he did know that Rei had meant well. He knew Rei wasn't good at handling conflict, and he knew Rei was probably unhappy with seeing him so upset lately, "It's fine. It was probably for the best. I just wish you had talked to me instead."

"I know, I just, you're so much happier than you were back then, and seeing you like this now, it reminds me of back then, it makes me feel..." he tried to think of the right word. Responsible for you? Horny? It was some strange combination of the two, just as it had been back then, and he didn't like it.

"I don't like it either," Makoto smiled, but his heart wasn't in it. And then his expression changed a bit, "Well, what'd you say?"

Rei flushed, "It wasn't beautiful I can say that for sure."

Makoto laughed, and Rei smiled, that's right, he thought, you should be laughing from your heart.

"I told him to stay away from you," and he accused me of being in love with you, Rei thought, but he didn't say the second half.

Makoto nodded, "I don't get why he moved here."

"For you obviously," Rei said in between bites.

"Well, I mean, I know that, but I just don't get it. He could have just visited. Why did he buy a house here?" Makoto asked, but seeing the look on Rei's face, he wondered if he shouldn't have speculated.

So you're still this curious about him, huh? Rei wondered, well, it can't be helped I guess. He swallowed the fish, "Well, he is one of the richest people in Japan. Why bother staying in a hotel, when you can just buy a house with an onsen?"

Makoto laughed. It was hard to imagine a rich Haruka. Not that he had been poor growing up or anything like that. All of them had been relatively middle class growing up. Nagisa had the most well off traditional style family, and Rei's family did have this Ryokan, but none of them were rich on the level that Haruka had to be now. Makoto and Haruka broke it off before Haruka really gained fame, he and so, Makoto never really knew a rich Haruka, "Can you imagine it though? A rich Haruka?"

Rei mimicked people in stores trying to sell him something, "'Sir, you'd like to buy this $10,000 suit?' 'Yeah.' He'd be so nonchalant about it. They'd probably think he was a snob."

"He probably has a manager that does all of that, 'Haruka-san, please put this on for today.' Oh my gosh, that would be weird. I think I prefer my life right now, even with all the difficulties," Makoto said grabbing a piece of raw fish.

Rei agreed and was about to move on from the subject of Haruka, when Makoto said something, "You know, a part of me wonders if I should listen to what he has to say."

The restaurant was quiet now. The other families had finished their dinners or were having them in their rooms privately. The workers knew that Makoto and Rei were old friends and that they could be left alone to take care of the kitchen. Rei thought hard, quickly, but hard about how to reply. On the one hand, he knew he should say no to protect Makoto, but as a friend, he also knew he should say yes, finally, he shrugged, "You should do what will make you happiest. It'll hurt to see him, but it'll hurt to not see him."

Makoto nodded.

Rei finished, "Just, make sure it's on your terms, you gotta take care of you."

"Yeah," Makoto agreed.

As Rei took the last bite of his fish, he felt a bit proud of himself. Even though it had been a tough night for him, he'd been mature. But, a part of him felt strangely lonely. It was going to be difficult to sleep alone tonight.

XXX

Nagisa was bored. It was a Friday night and even though his workmates usually went out drinking on Friday's, this weekend, they were all at a conference in Osaka. He had drawn the short straw and was stuck managing the interns and new workers. Which, truthfully, he didn't mind, he enjoyed hanging out with the kids. Even though they were younger than him, they could be fun, but on Friday's most of them went to go hang back out with their college friends. That left him alone in the office finishing up work.

He wanted to call Haruka, but he was probably busy with winning Makoto's heart. He sighed and flipped through his contacts on his list.

"Oh, what the hell," he asked himself, his interns were all with their college friends, why shouldn't he spend time with his old buddy too? And he typed out a message.

XXX

Beep.

~You have a new text~

Beep.

Probably my sister, he thought. His eyes glanced down at his phone.

U wanna party?

He smirked and typed a quick message back, I'm always game, Nagisa, you know that. I'll pick the place. And no, we are not going to that boring ass bar with the couches in Hiroo that you always suggest. We're going somewhere in Shinjuku where I can go to some sleazy basement bathroom and get my dick sucked by a girl while doing a line of coke off a hot guy's toned stomach and then, after I finish on his fugly face, I wanna go upstairs to the bar and punch the fucking bartender for no goddamn reason and still not get thrown out. I'll pick you up in a car in 20, so get your bitch ass fucking ready.

He took his phone back with him to his room. He went to put on some cologne and found a different shirt and pants - ones more clubbing appropriate. His phone buzzed again and he eyed it.

Y do u alwayz snd essays? Its only a txt.

He laughed, and put on the shirt he grabbed, after writing, Because I actually got an education unlike you who always copied my homework. Now quit being a brat. Start getting fucking ready. We are gonna wreck shit '2nite', babe. Kisses, Rin.

XXX

Nagisa was slumped over walking back from class with his textbooks. He looked utterly miserable and he felt that way. Rin caught up to him and talked to him, that always made him a little happier, but a part of him felt jealous of Rin. Rin fit in so perfectly here.

"As usual you look glum," Rin rolled his eyes.

Nagisa said nothing.

Rin sighed, "This is about him, that bastard, Rei,isn't it? You're still wondering if you should have come here."

Nagisa slowly nodded.

"Just fucking forget about it, okay? There are like tons of hot people here, just have some hookups and get that bastard out of your mind."

Nagisa disagreed, "Tokyo sucks. There's no one interesting here."

"Are you fucking kidding me? There are millions of people here. Literally. Millions. Are you seriously so messed up that you would honestly believe that in millions of people you can't find one more interesting than Rei?

"We're in one of the best universities in the world. We're fucking awesome, and you're just fucking bumming me out," Rin sighed. But, then a solution came to him, "You know what you have to do."

"What?" Nagisa asked.

"You have to cut loose. Come out with me tonight. We're gonna have a night on the town. It'll be fucking crazy," Rin smiled.

Nagisa leaned side to side, "I don't know."

Rin shook his head, "No, you have to. This is something we have to do. I'm taking you like it or not. It'll be fun."

XXX

"Do it."

"I can't," Haruka shook his head, the room was moving a little, and even though he was tipsy, this was too much.

Rin nodded at him motioning for him to do it, "Trust me, you'll feel amazing. It's like when we swim together, but different. It feels so good. So, free."

Haruka laughed. Only Rin could mock him like that, and get away with it. He let Rin get away with so many things, but it was all worth it, he told himself. It was all worth it for moments like these when Rin focused on him and only him. But still, drugs? Sometimes he wondered how he would keep up with Rin, "I can't."

"Oh my fucking god, just take it," It had been 5 minutes. Rin was getting impatient.

Haruka looked apologetic.

"Don't make that face," Rin felt a bit guilty, "Oh fuck. Fine, we'll do it this way."

He popped the pill in his mouth and kissed Haruka inserting it into Haruka's mouth with his tongue. Haruka was in shock, but he swallowed. He hadn't been expecting the kiss, even though this had been going on for awhile now, Rin still managed to make him feel embarrassed and shy. His face which was already flushed from the alcohol turned darker. Rin kept kissing him and Haru felt himself melting away.

And then, boom. High. If feeling tipsy had been good, this felt great. It was different than when he swam, Rin was wrong, it was nothing like swimming. Swimming with Rin was way, way better. And yet, this felt incredible and the feeling just kept growing. He twitched a bit, getting used to it.

"Fuhme," Haruka breathed out taking a break from the kiss.

"What?" Rin asked laughing.

"Don't make fun of me," Haruka pouted.

Rin laughed more, and poked Haruka's cheek, "It's just, you look so damn cute. What did you say?"

"Fuck. Me."

Rin got a second high watching Haruka, and this time, he didn't tease. Instead, he unzipped Haruka's pants. He felt Haruka's hardness through his swimsuit. Even though it wasn't the time to laugh, Rin couldn't help but smile, of course, Haruka was wearing a swimsuit. Rin slid that down too, and freed Haruka's erection. He had to admit, Haruka had an incredible looking dick. Rin ran his tongue up the shaft, tasting some of Haruka's pre-cum.

Haruka moaned, it all felt too good. Between the chemical high and the thought that Rin was touching him, he could barely contain himself. Still he held back, wanting to savor every moment. As for Rin, Rin wanted to savor every taste. He wrapped his lips around the tip, and teased with his tongue. With his hand, he slid behind Haruka's balls, and began to massage them. This sudden contact earned another moan from Haruka. He moved his mouth off of Haruka's penis, and Rin went down and sucked on each of Haruka's balls. He was careful to not hurt them, and as he slid each into his mouth, Haruka screamed with pleasure. Meanwhile, he worked on Haruka's shaft with his hand.

"O-oh fuck, Rin," Haruka's eyes were glazed over. He couldn't even see anything in the rest of the room around them, he was completely immersed in pleasure, "feels so good."

Rin's lips curved a bit as he released Haruka's left ball. Then, still rubbing Haruka's shaft with his hand, Rin stood up, "I'm gonna fuck you now, so turn around."

Haruka's eyes widened and he nodded. Haruka turned around and Rin bent him over his bed. Rin grabbed the lube from his nightstand.

Haruka turned to face him, seeing that Rin hadn't grabbed a condom, he moaned out, "Shouldn't you get -"

But, Rin cut him off by raising a finger to Haruka's lips and tapping them gently. Rin shook his head, "Not tonight. Tonight, you're too high to feel much, and I want you to remember this tomorrow during our Meet. When we swim against each other, your time is gonna be all kinds of fucked up, because all you're going to think about is me cumming bare in your ass."

Haru's eyes widened. Rin was so dirty sometimes, and it was so fucking hot. He bit his lip and wiggled a little to entice Rin to come over.

But, his ass in the air was all the invitation Rin needed. Rin placed the lube on the bed, and unzipped his own pants, and freed his own erection from his boxers. For a minute, Rin contemplated just lubing up himself and slipping straight in. But, he saw Haru's eyes and sighed. I'm easy on him. The fucking things I do for him, he thought, and the thought terrified him.

But, it went out of his mind for now. He grabbed Haru's dick with one hand and began to rub him again, not that he needed it, he was still very hard. And with his other hand, singlehandedly, squeezed lube into that hand. He dropped the lube back onto his bed, not caring that the cap was not back on it. He gently slid a finger into Haru's ass. Haru barely even felt it though. His body in so much intense pleasure that he had almost run out of dopamine. Rin stretched him, and when he was content, he slid the second one in, and then, a third.

"Good enough. Now – please," Haru begged.

Rin smiled, "So impatient."

Haru nodded.

But, Rin was impatient too, and so, he slid in and pounded Haru. Haru groaned with pleasure, "Oh-oh yes. Please. Ah, Rin. Oh-oh god!"

It was Rin's turn to feel the release, he kept one hand on Haru's dick, wanting Haru to feel as amazing as he did. With his free hand, he swapped between gripping Haru's hips and rubbing Haru's back. Haru's skin was so soft, and he was so tight. Rin's mouth opened and his breathing got heavier, "Haru. Holy shit. You feel so fucking incredible."

And soon, his rhythm changed, and Rin felt himself get close. For a quiet guy, once Rin was inside him, Haru was crazy loud, and it was amazing. Rin loved doing Haru.

"Haru," Rin moaned and pushed deep in him.

"Ah, please, please Rin, please cum in me, fill me up, please, please," Haru begged between moans.

Rin nodded, and pumped Haru harder while pushing deeper, "Haru, I'm – I'm – I'm gonna – ah! Ah! I'm cumming, Ha-haru-"

"Mmm, me too, oh Rin, yes, oh yes, yes ahhhhh!" Haru moaned as Rin filled him up. Haru came too, on Rin's bed, before collapsing on it. His brain was still spinning from the combination of the alcohol and the drugs and having Rin.

"Rin?"

"One sec," Rin went to go get some towel from his bathroom. He put some water and soap on them, and brought them back into his room. He cleaned himself off with one, and wiped off Haru with the other, "What is it?"

"I wanna tell you something, come here," Haru flipped over, and was laying half naked on Rin's bed.

Rin obliged. He sat down next to Haru, "What is it?"

Haru looked at him, "You have to face me."

Rin laughed and nodded, "Okay," and obeyed.

So this is what a high Haru looks like, he thought.

When Rin faced him, Haru looked into his eyes, "I love you, Rin. I really love you. I love you so much."

But, Rin shut his eyes and looked away. Suddenly, Rin who had been feeling the after effects of his own partying with Haru, was sobered.

If Haru had been sober, he wouldn't have said those words. He would have known not to say them. He would have known that he was being too serious. "If you want to do this, you need to know something. I don't believe in love and I don't believe there's any one person for any other person. I'll fuck you as long as you want me too, but I'll also fuck other people. You can too. I don't care. I just wanna have fun, nothing serious. If you want serious, you shouldn't be with me."

Had Haru said this when he was sober, Rin would probably have stopped seeing him. Had he been sober, he would have known silence would have been Rin's response without even trying to say anything. But, for some reason, the words fell out of his mouth. He felt too fantastic to be full of regret, but even so, a part of Haru felt broken.

Rin didn't know what to say. He wasn't going to talk about this while high, especially not after what had just happened, and unless Haru approached the subject, he wasn't going to talk about it tomorrow either. A voice in the back of his head told him to just break Haru's heart, and at least end it now, but he didn't want to do that either. So, Rin just nodded, "You lay there. I'm gonna go take a shower. I'll be back in a bit."

And he left Haru to sit on his bed lost in his own drug addled mind.

XXX

The car door swung open and Rin hopped out onto the street to give Nagisa a hug, "What's it been man, a month?"

Nagisa was a bit overcome with emotion, Rin always made him feel this way. There was something about Rin, something incredible. Nagisa wasn't like Haru, he wasn't completely mesmerized, but there was something about Rin's personality that was overwhelmingly attractive. Even though Nagisa and Haru had a good time together, a good time with Rin was something that required a week's recovery. He had an aura about him that just made everything crazy and better, "Too long."

Rin nodded, "You're looking good as usual."

Nagisa rolled his eyes.

Rin shrugged, "What? Didn't you hear? I'm a single man, and I've been one for awhile now."

"You've always been a single man," Nagisa retorted.

Rin nodded, "See, this is why I always thought you and I should have fucked. You just get me."

"Okay, that's enough now," even though their flirting wasn't remotely sincere, there was a point where Nagisa preferred to just go back to normal chatting. Besides, Nagisa knew he could win, and that if he pushed Rin, eventually Rin would back off. He had always been someone with whom Rin did not risk his friendship. And as for Nagisa, he couldn't be less interested in Rin. There were a couple of reasons for this, the main one being that if Nagisa and Rin were going to have a go, Rin would have to be completely committed to him. And that was impossible, Rin committed to Rin and Rin alone. And of course, the bigger reason he never crossed the line with Rin was that in his mind, it didn't matter that Rin and Haruka had been over for awhile now, Rin would always be Haru's.

But, Rin didn't stop, "It's not like you're taken. When was the last time you even fucked someone? Your stats are pretty bad for someone bi."

Nagisa glared at him.

Rin shrugged, "What? I'm just saying, I don't see what the problem is for a little harmless flirting. Unless you're scared."

This was what Rin did. Rin pushed people's buttons, he teased them, and if he pushed hard enough eventually, he could break them. He acted like he never got hurt either, and most of the time, he didn't. There were a couple of people who could genuinely hurt Rin. Haruka was a special situation for Rin. And, so was Nagisa, but Nagisa was a different kind of special. Nagisa was special, because like Rin said, Nagisa didn't care. Not anymore. He could go weeks without touching anyone at all, and when he did, it was purely for one night stands. Nagisa was better in some ways at being Rin than Rin himself. And so, for Nagisa, what happened with Rin was all a game. That was what he enjoyed about the time he spent with Rin, it wasn't serious for either of them. And so, Nagisa leaned in like he was going to kiss Rin, and Rin stepped back. Nagisa smirked with a brow raised. Victory, as expected.

And then, Rin did too, "I lose. I guess this means the first round is on me."

Nagisa nodded. Rin patted him on the back, "It's really nice to see you. I'm glad you texted me. Now, let's go break some hearts."

Nagisa hopped in the car.

XXX

They were sitting in the Tokyo University cafe. Gou had come to Tokyo to visit schools, and was staying with her brother. While Rin was in class though, she decided to grab a coffee with Nagisa. Their conversation had been mostly relaxed. Everyone thought of Gou as their little sister after all, but she got serious toward the end of it.

"Nagisa, can I ask you something? It may be presumptuous of me, and I'm sorry for that, but you're the only person I can ask," Gou pleaded.

Nagisa nodded, surprised by the serious quality to her voice, she was practically family though, and so, he said, "Anything you need."

"I want to talk to you about Rin," Gou looked away, it was obviously difficult for her to talk about this, "He's...different. He doesn't mean to hurt Haru, I know that. I don't think he can help it. He doesn't know how to love. And so, he can't take Haru seriously. Not that I'm excusing what he does, I just..."

Nagisa shrugged, "If that's what you're worried about, don't. Haru's on his own in that situation, it's never been a secret that Rin doesn't take anything romantic seriously. Makoto tried to keep Haru from him, and look how that turned out. Haru's just dumb when it comes to Rin."

Haruka may have been one of Nagisa's oldest friends, but this was how Nagisa felt about the situation. He would have put it less bluntly to Haruka himself, but even Haru knew that his decision to stay near Rin was unhealthy. But, that's what love does. It draws people together who shouldn't be together. And Haru's love for Rin was unhealthy, raw, perfect magnetism.

She nodded, and then, she furrowed her brow, "Actually, that's only part of it what I want to say. Rin doesn't take that seriously. But, that's not all he doesn't take seriously. Rin doesn't take anything seriously. He doesn't realize that partying in a city is different than partying in Iwatobi."

Nagisa slowly nodded, his thoughts drifting back to some of the crazy nights the two of them had had together.

"I don't want to put pressure on you, and I know it wouldn't be your fault if he didn't come home one night, and I don't want you to think it would be, but, would you try to make sure he does? Would you please take care of him, Nagisa? He's not as strong as he pretends to be," Gou requested and then, she sipped on her latte.

Nagisa smiled weakly, "You really worry about him, don't you? I'll do the best I can, he's important to me too."

Around that time, Rin walked up to their table, "Ah, free at last. I never thought that lecture was going to end. What's with you two? You look so serious."

"Nothing, you've just got a great sister," Nagisa said.

Rin rolled his eyes, "She told you to take care of me, didn't she? My brother doesn't eat enough. My brother doesn't study hard enough. Blah, blah, blah."

Gou glared at him. He patted her on the head, "You're gonna get wrinkles kiddo. And how will you ever get a boyfriend if you have wrinkles?"

She rolled her eyes, but internally, she smiled.

XXX

They were at the club in Shinjuku now and it was packed full of people. There's a distinct odor attached to places like this, but once you're in it, you can't even smell it. Nagisa and Rin were sitting at the bar. They were on their second round, and would soon be heading to the dance floor.

"So, why aren't you with your other half? Since you're not with work people, I'd assume you'd be at your little bar in Hiroo?"

Nagisa laughed, "Don't knock that bar, man. And, he's out of town."

"Out of town? What the fuck does that mean? It's not like he has championships anymore. Where on earth could he go? Iwatobi?"

Nagisa shook his head. He was tipsy, but he was trying to control himself. Even though Rin played it cool, Nagisa was sure Rin would be less than pleased to learn that Haruka was off chasing Makoto.

Rin's eyes narrowed, "There's something you're not telling me here, Nagisa. Haru may be a pal of yours, but he's got nothing on the shit we pulled in undergrad. I know your I'm-hiding something face. Go ahead. Tell me. I'm a big boy. I can handle it."

Nagisa exhaled, "Alright fine. Remember how I went to the countryside a few months ago with my sisters?"

"Uh huh," Rin rolled his eyes, boring. Rin was not made for the country. He was made for city lights, anonymous meetings, and never sleeping.

"I went into a cafe there, and it was run by Makoto," with Rin there was no point to telling the full story. So, Nagisa laid the information out straight.

"I see, so now he's off chasing after Makoto." Rin said processing it, and for a moment his expression was unreadable. But, then he smirked, "You should call Haru. Call him and tell him I'm fucking you."

"I'm not gonna do that," Nagisa rolled his eyes taking a drink.

"Hey Nagisa, I wanna make a call, can I borrow your phone?"

"Hell no."

"O-O-Oh, Na-Nagisa, yeah that's it, uh, uh, let me plug that ass up," Rin fake moaned with his hands up and his hips thrusting.

"Please, if we ever did it, I'd be the one doing the ass plugging," Nagisa raised his glass to his lips.

Rin's brows raised, two times now tonight he had lost, and he wondered if there was something bothering Nagisa. Even though Nagisa was the sort of person who's entire personality could change depending on who he was with, he wasn't usually this flirty back. Rin's expression changed, "What do you think he'd do anyway? You know, if we did do it. Think he'd be on the next train back to Tokyo? Or would he stay there with dear, sweet, fucking perfect Makoto?"

"Dude, can we not do this?" Nagisa asked. Rin was trying too hard to seem like he didn't care, and Nagisa knew it all too well. He was having flashbacks to dragging Rin's drunk ass back to his dorm room and that was not how he wanted the night to shape up.

Rin rolled his eyes, "Oh fuck off, I'm just having fun, and you know you are too. No matter what you say, a part of you totally wants to fuck with him."

Nagisa smirked, it was true. Rin always brought out sides of people that they didn't know they had. For some people that could be the worst, for people like Nagisa though, it meant that he got to feel like he was in college again, with his fraternity brother, having a good time. No need to think about the future. No need to think about consequences.

"Now then, what do you think of the guy at 3 o'clock?" Rin asked changing the subject.

The guy was small and had dark hair like Haru's, with a body similar to Makoto's, "Dude, he's obviously taken. His fucking boyfriend is standing right next to him. They've got fucking matching necklaces."

The boyfriend was someone who Nagisa happened to recognize, it was the new bartender over at the bar in Hiroo. The guy who looked like a young Rin.

Rin smirked, "So what if he's taken? Never stopped us before."

"He is literally next to his boyfriend."

"Okay, so here are the scenarios. Either you come with me and distract his boyfriend, or he'll drop his boyfriend the second he looks at me, because face it, I'm the hotter version of that guy, or I'll have 'em both," Rin finished his drink and slammed it on the table. Then, he looked expectantly at Nagisa, "Well? Are you gonna fuck a slightly less attractive me or am I gonna have all the fun tonight?"

Nagisa thought about how just a few months ago he had discouraged Haru from fucking this guy. What the fuck, he thought, Haru's busy far away from here, and it's not like I've got anything better to do.

Nagisa chugged the rest of his own drink, "Break some hearts, huh?"

"It's the only way to get over heartache. Didn't I teach you that years ago?" Rin asked.

And had Nagisa not been tipsy, he might have thought about the guy Rin was referring to, instead, he focused on the young Rin. It had been a long time since Nagisa had gotten some.

XXX

"Ma-makoto!" Haruka screamed.

He was being held back by a lifeguard, "Calm down. Your friend is going to be fine, but you have to calm down."

"But, but he's all tangled and he's going to drown and he's scared of the ocean. You don't understand!" Haruka wasn't normally talkative, but right in front of his face, he was about to watch his friend drown and die and there was nothing that he could do about it. The tide was too strong, he couldn't go out into the water or he would get hurt too. Not that that had stopped him from trying. That was why this lifeguard was holding him back, he was squirming and fighting with all of his power.

See, there were a lot of reasons that Makoto was afraid of the ocean. There was a sweet old man that Makoto was friends with once who drowned in it. But, this was the bigger reason. Haruka had convinced him that he had to try again, he had to overcome his fears, "Suppose I was drowning," he had said.

"I'd get over my fears then," Makoto's voice was serious, "I'd save you. Not that you'd ever be in that situation. You're too good of a swimmer."

"Look, just try it," and Haruka pointed out at the lanes that they had set up, it was probably only 30 feet out in the water, "swim there and back."

Haruka hadn't meant to cause this. He was trying to help Makoto overcome his fear. They lived by the ocean after all, it was part of their lives. Haruka hadn't realized how much power over Makoto he had.

But, because it was Haruka asking, of course, Makoto went. He went straight out into the water, he swam all the way out to the lane marker that Haruka had pointed to. Something went wrong though. See, even though it was a whole 30 feet out, the water wasn't very deep. And so, holding onto the lane marker, Makoto stood up in the water. But, a fisherman had set a lobster trap there, thinking no one would stand there, and Makoto's foot got stuck. When a big wave came, he got tangled up in the lane line that he had been holding onto to steady himself. Makoto was tangled in the lanes, and it was all Haruka's fault.

Haruka woke up with a start. It had been a couple of weeks since he had that dream. It was a recurring one for Haruka, he had hoped that when he had seen Makoto it would stop. See, this dream had never actually happened. Makoto had never been tangled in any kind of pool lane marker. Haruka didn't even think such a thing was possible. Traps weren't set there and they all knew where the traps were anyway, and knew to avoid them. But, it always felt so real.

Probably, because, it was real, Makoto drowned in a mess Haruka made. And there was nothing he could do.

XXX

It had been two years since they finished high school and won the championships. The four of them were together then. Even, Rin had joined back up with them. He decided to go to public school when he started high school. It had something to do with whatever was going on with Haruka and him. That was something Rei didn't fully know the details of, but no one seemed to think it was a good thing, himself included. There was something about the way that Rin and Haruka affected each other that seemed wrong somehow. Rin aside, Rei felt like he had finally found a place where he belonged. He respected Harukasempai back then. He respected all of his seniors. But, when the four of them graduated, things changed. Rei was still in school, and everyone who mattered was gone.

Haruka started to work to become a professional athlete straight out of high school, while Rin went to swim for Tokyo University, which everyone seemed to think was a good thing. Haruka was somewhat distanced from Rin. Rei didn't know the details, but Makoto had something to do with that all. And, Makoto around that time, moved in with Haruka and went with him around the world. They seemed to be happy, but again, Rei didn't know the details. He had been wrapped up in his own issues. Nagisa had gone to Tokyo University along with Rin, but not for swimming. Nagisa went for business school, to follow the tradition of his parents. And in doing so, his relationship with Rei had changed forever. So you see, Nagisa was why Rei had been all wrapped up in his own thing.

Nagisa always got what he wanted. Rei finally succumbed to Nagisa's advances, and then Nagisa abandoned him, and if that wasn't bad enough, Nagisa was happy being away from Rei. All of his Facebook posts were of him partying with Rin in different bars across Tokyo. As if the fact that he was having fun thousands of miles away now was not bad enough, it was fun with Rin. Rei hated Rin. Rin fucked everyone over. Rin fucked up Haruka somehow and now Rin was going to fuck up Nagisa. It made Rei absolutely crazy, and that was why he had made a pact with himself to stop looking at Nagisa's posts. He completely blocked Nagisa from his life. He couldn't handle not talking to Nagisa, but it was better than constantly seeing how much better off Nagisa was without him. And so, he cut Nagisa out of his life. That was almost a year ago now.

Rei had still sort of kept in touch with Haruka strangely. They didn't talk often, but they did talk enough. This always happens when people go to college. The people that you know you will still be close to, you aren't. And the people you expect to disappear, manage to keep up with you. That was why Rei had managed to get the ticket to Haruka's olympic match. Rei hoped that it was also partially because Nagisa wanted him to be there and that he had asked Haruka to give him one. Nagisa and Haruka were close friends after all. It wasat least a little possible. Not that this made it easy for Rei to go to Haruka's match. The whole train ride to Tokyo, Rei was nervous. He was not looking for any excuses to not go, but he was not particularly eager either. Facing the past is never an easy thing to do. Especially because compared to Nagisa, he felt insecure. It hadn't always been this way, they used to be on more even footing, but somehow, the way that life shaped up, Nagisa had ended up better than Rei. And that made this trip difficult.

When Rei arrived in Tokyo, he was overwhelmed by the sheer movement. He got in during the evening rush hour and the way that the people moved was difficult for him to follow. So, this is what it's like in the city?

Rei had the evening to himself, and then, tomorrow he had to go to the tournament pool. The hotel was near the olympic stadium. Rei took a taxi over to the hotel from Tokyo station. He wasn't very familiar with the city, this was only his second trip, after all. His last trip was when he was a child on a vacation with his family. He couldn't afford to visit Nagisa when Nagisa went to school here. Not that he would have anyway, not after their fight.

The driver took him straight to the hotel. It was a pretty nice place. He stayed in the Peninsula hotel in Ginza. It was a pretty pricey hotel, but Rei's ryokan had been making quite a bit of money and this was his first vacation in a long time. Also, he had heard that the Peninsula was ranked one of the best hotels in the world, and he wanted to see if there were some ways to upgrade his ryokan.

He had to admit, the hotel was amazing. His room was a combination of modern and traditional Japanese. There was a full shower room. It was very luxurious. He could understand what the hype was all about. He unloaded his bags in the hotel and decided to go explore more of the city. After all, he would be busy tomorrow, and if everything went well, Nagisa and him would end up back in this hotel for the night, and then, he'd leave in the morning, and it would be Nagisa that would be hurt this time. Nagisa would come find them, and they'd end up together. It was perfect, it was beautiful.

Rin decided to go check out Shinjuku. He had heard quite a bit about it, or rather, he inferred it from the Facebook posts that Nagisa used to post. Rin wasn't planning to go crazy or anything like that, but he wanted to cut loose. He wanted to relax, because tomorrow was a big day.

He went to Shinjuku Times Square, a giant shopping mall and found a Tempura restaurant on one of the highest floors. The food was pretty good, it had been a long time since he had good shrimp Tempura and the fish in Tokyo was incredible. He made a mental note to try some Sushi before he left. Maybe I'll eat them off of Nagisa, he thought with a smile. He drank some sake, and went to the six floor Kinokuniya. That was the nice thing about the city, tons of shopping and everything was on a much grander scale. He bought a journal at the Tokyu Hands.

And around ten, everything started to close, so he went back to Shinjuku station. He was standing on the platform, of which there were several of in Shinjuku. He was looking at the platform across from his, and he saw a distinct flash of blonde get off of the train arriving at the other platform. The person with the blonde hair was Nagisa, he was sure of it. He looked at him across the platform, and Nagisa stared back at Rei. There was a look of surprise on his face, but then Rei's train arrived. Rei stepped onto the train, and the train left. And Nagisa was gone into the night. Not that it was a problem though, Rei would see him tomorrow.

But, he did notice that his breathing had changed, and now, he felt like he was going to faint.

XXX

"Hey, Nagisa, thanks for always taking me home. You're so sweet," Rin poked Nagisa's cheek, but because he was drunk and somewhat out of control, his finger poked Nagisa's soft, pink lips. His finger lingered there a little too long before he pulled it back. Nagisa chalked it up to drunkenness.

Nagisa walked slowly, steadying Rin, "No prob, we've been friends forever, and after what you did for me in college, I'll always take care of you."

Rin was drunker than he had been in a long time, he felt his stomach turn and knew eventually he was going to have to puke, but not yet. His mind went a million miles an hour, and he thought about all the crazy events that had happened that night, but his brain focused in on one minute. The minute when Nagisa had said, "I went into a cafe there, and it was run by Makoto."

It played again and again in Rin's mind, he felt his body start to shake, and Nagisa knew what this meant. We were entering the depressed-drunk stage of the night.

"He's with Makoto, huh?" Rin asked, there were evidence of tears, Rin wasn't crying exactly, like not crying out, but his eyes were watering.

Nagisa nodded.

"You shouldn't have told him you saw him, I blame you for this," Rin slurred. Had Nagisa not known who Rin was talking about, that last sentence would have been tough to decipher, but Nagisa knew all too well.

"Now, now. That wouldn't have been fair. Besides, I made him work for it and he earned the information," Nagisa replied. He did feel badly for Rin. It was tough to be between the two of them sometimes, but it had been a long time now since Rin and Haruka broke up, and from Nagisa's perspective, Haruka needed to fix damage done to Makoto. He hadn't been keen on the idea early on, but Haruka really worked to get the information and to get to try to make things up to Makoto.

This didn't please the redhead, "Wanna give me that information? I'll work for it," Rin burst out laughing, at this stage of drunkenness, Rin's emotions were flexible.

"Not a chance," Nagisa steadied Rin. He was bigger than Nagisa and hard for the smaller boy to support, but there were no cabs on the street, car services were closed, and the subways stopped running at midnight. Tokyo was no New York City, but even New York had its quiet times. Tokyo had them for longer periods though.

Rin shrugged, "I knew you'd say no. You're supposed to be my brother though."

"I am," Rin was referring to the fact that they had been in the same fraternity in college, "and that's precisely why I'm not letting you do this."

"That's probably a good idea. Y'know, I never understood why you didn't just go back and visit that asshole, Rei," Rin felt it now, luckily, they were by a trashcan. He leaned over it and Nagisa held his beautiful hair back. Nagisa even helped place Rin's hands down, so that Rin didn't stick them where gum was sitting on the can. Nagisa had been hoping that the conversation would not land on him. Rin finished vomiting into the trashcan, and he wiped his mouth on his shirt. Not that it mattered, he had hundreds more, "I get it now though. The magnetism, the love, it doesn't matter. Some people are just destined to hurt each other."

Nagisa's eyes widened when Rin said, "love," he was sure he had never heard the redhead say the word, especially not about Haru.

Rin switched topics suddenly, as drunk people are wont to do, "I'm sorry you didn't get to go home with that guy."

Nagisa shrugged, "It wouldn't have mattered anyway."

"I have to admit, I was a bit surprised you went after him," Rin slumped against Nagisa.

"What makes you say that?" Nagisa asked, "You were the one who insisted on that going for that pair."

Rin slurred, "Well, I don't think I've ever seen you hit on anyone who looks remotely like me. Made me wonder if you actually would fuck me."

Nagisa sighed, it's always the drunk people, who say the most difficult things, "Maybe."

"When we get to my place, I can fuck you if you want. Or you, me," Rin steadied himself on Nagisa. His stomach was turning again.

Nagisa didn't say anything in response.

"I really wouldn't mind, I know it's been awhile for you, we could do it, and then, you could just forget about it."

"You're going to pass out when we get home, I know it," Nagisa said, this was not his first experience with a black out drunk Rin after all.

But, Rin didn't stop, "Okay, then you can do me passed out and take pics and we can send them to Haru."

Nagisa leaned Rin against a building, so that he could face him, "I get that this thing with Makoto is bothering you. But, quit acting like I'm some tool you can use to fuck with Haru."

Rin's eyes widened, "Oh, quit being a bitch, it has nothing to do with Haru. You're the one who's always a fucking flirt. And you were ready to basically fuck a mini-me anyway. I just figured I was offering you some easy tail."

"You are really testing my patience, Rin," but Nagisa trudged along.

"I don't see why it matters, it's not like you'd fucking leave me on the street. You're too much of a worrier to do something like that, Rei must have rubbed that off on you."

Nagisa closed his eyes, he didn't regret going out with Rin that night, but he was definitely not pleased about the current situation either, "You're right. You can just say whatever you fucking want, and I'll still take you home."

"Oh, now you're getting butthurt? You sound like Haru. Are you gonna yell at me too?" Rin didn't normally play with Nagisa like this, but he was angry. He hadn't realized it, but he was angry and he was taking it out on Nagisa. He shouldn't have been, he had no right to be, but he was mad about the fact that Haru was with Makoto. For some reason, he felt like Haru could be with anyone else, but not Makoto. No, that wasn't true, Makoto was the only one who Rin felt truly threatened by.

"Seriously Rin, keep pushing. Maybe when we get back I will fuck you, and then, you can fucking lose the only true friend you ever had besides your sister. Because that's what happens with you, right?" Nagisa wasn't sure why he was letting himself be dragged in, but he couldn't help it, he wasn't exactly the king of sobriety right then either, "You can't keep your dick under control, and so, you lose everyone and everything that matters to you.

"And yes, by the way, I know the real story of why you and Haru broke up after everything. The straw that broke the camel's back, and I know that's why you're particularly upset about this Makoto thing. And also, I know you'll never get back together with Haru again. So get over it. You pushed him one too many times, and you lost him," Nagisa was practically dragging Rin now. He wondered if he had gone too far. Haru's breakup with Rin had not been pretty. Breakups rarely were.

Rin was about to give up, and let Nagisa's words sink in, but he had one more question, "Say, Nagisa, if we're that over in your opinion, and I mean, you really seem to think we're over, then, why are you so convinced that I'm still his?"

Nagisa shut his eyes, this was a complicated question, but for so much of his life it was always Rin and Haru, Haru and Rin. Rin and Nagisa were just different, on some level, he was probably at least a little jealous of the space Haru occupied in Rin's heart, but Rin wasn't going to change. Wasn't he the one who had always tried to say that to Haru? "Because you are still his. He's just not yours anymore."

And that was when even Rin conceded, "Yeah, when did that happen anyway? I never planned on actually caring about him."

"You can't control something like that," Nagisa answered.

Rin made a sort of groaning noise, and Nagisa knew what that meant and escorted him to yet another trashcan.

"We're almost home," Nagisa said, and he gave Rin a slight massage on his back.

Rin finished throwing up, and again wiped his shirt, and smiled, "Much better. Always gotta throw up when I drink this much, better to do it when drunk than when sobering up. Less painful."

Nagisa nodded, that he felt the same about, he knew it would fall on deaf ears, but he said it anyway, "You shouldn't drink this much anymore. We're not in college anymore. What if I wasn't around? You could get hurt."

Rin shrugged, "You were, so who cares? Ah, at last," he motioned at the gateway to his apartment complex, "home sweet home."

"I can't believe we walked all the way to Shinagawa from fucking Shinjuku. You are a lucky man," Nagisa helped Rin enter the passcode. It wasn't the furthest they had had to come back drunk, but it was a pretty large distance.

The gate opened and they headed to the elevator to the penthouse, "You had a good time and you know it. Even now, you're having a good time."

"It's true," Nagisa replied.

They got to Rin's penthouse and Rin slumped onto the couch. Nagisa went into the kitchen. Rin didn't notice it at first, the room was still spinning for him, but Nagisa began to prepare food.

"What are you doing? C'mere," Rin asked.

"What do you think I'm doing?" Nagisa replied.

"Dunno."

"Duh, making your favorite anti-hangover food," Nagisa answered, "you're way too drunk to cook it, and I'm not going to let you go without. What kind of brother would I be?"

Rin smiled, "You always take such good care of me."

Nagisa reappeared in the living room with what was to him the grossest combination of foods in an okonomiyaki pancake for Rin. He placed them down on the table and procured a yellow gatorade, which is what Rin insisted on drinking with it, in spite of how rare they could be in Japan, and then, he sat down next to Rin.

"You really are the best," Rin said. He was suddenly feeling sleepy, but he started to eat some of the food, "you know Nagisa, I really mean it. I know you think I'm being an ass or that there's an anti-Haru agenda, but if you wanted to, I would enjoy fucking you, and I could keep it a secret."

Nagisa said nothing. When Rin behaved like this, it would be hard for most people to figure him out, in fact, if it had been Haru that Rin were talking to, Haru would have probably succumbed. But, Nagisa knew better, and it was one thing to flirt and to joke early on in the night, but black out Rin was a whole different game, "Alright finish your snack and I'll help you get to bed. I'm going to go into your room and get pajamas for you and help you change into them okay."

Rin continued to talk to Nagisa while Nagisa gathered a pair of Rin's boxers and a set of silk pajamas for him. Rin continued to talk because otherwise Nagisa worried. The topics tended to be all over the place, but the main point that they kept coming back to was the fact that Rin was sorry about what had happened tonight. Nagisa told him several times, "It's really okay."

Nagisa returned with the pajamas, and asked Rin if he could dress himself, "Don't wanna."

"If you can, you should."

"No, no, I wanna take a bath."

Nagisa sighed.

"I'm all gross. Give me a bath?" Rin begged.

Nagisa shook his head.

"I'll behave," Rin winked.

XXX

It was the morning of Haruka's big olympic debut. Rei had gotten up early. He wanted to look nice. He showered, he fiddled with his hair, he put on a suit, the whole nine yards. He looked like he was applying for a job, but he wanted Nagisa to see how mature he was now. He wanted Nagisa to see what had happened during the two years that they hadn't been together. He wanted Nagisa to want him. And he wanted to play it cool, until the right time. Not until Nagisa begged. And Nagisa would beg. Then, Rei would give it to him. Hard.

Rei was polished and sexy, and he felt sexy, which made him even more confident. He took the subway to the olympic center. He was right on schedule, he didn't want to be too early and have to make too much small talk with Nagisa, but he didn't want to be late either and miss Haruka swimming. He imagined Haruka's swimming was even more beautiful than it had been so long ago. He started to walk towards the center when he saw an odd site. Was that Makoto? What's he doing out here?

He went towards him, "Makoto? What are you doing here? You should be inside -"

"Oh Rei? What a surprise," but his voice held no positive emotion, it was completely hollow, "I guess you came for the big match. You should go inside."

Everything about Makoto was flat. And Rei didn't like it. See, he had never really paid much attention to Makoto, he thought Makoto was attractive, it wasn't that, but Nagisa filled his thoughts. But, seeing Makoto sitting there reminded Rei of himself. That sheer sadness, that pain, he understood all too well, and he couldn't look at it, it was too painful to see it. He didn't want Makoto to make such a sad face, he didn't want anyone to make a sad face like that, "But, why aren't you in there?"

Makoto smiled softly, he knew Rei knew about his thing with Haruka, not all the details, but a bit about it, so all he said was, "It didn't work out."

"What?!" Rei was surprised. He wondered if that meant that Haruka was back with Rin then, but he didn't ask. All he could focus on was Makoto, and the reflection of himself in Makoto. I want to change that expression. I'll do anything to not see you look like that.

"...yeah," and that was all Makoto said. Flat, everything about him was flat and dejected.

The words that came out of Rei's mouth surprised even him, "Come back with me, then."

"But, what about the match?" Makoto asked.

"It doesn't matter, let's just go. Let's get out of here," Rei said. He grabbed Makoto's hand. He meant it and he had no real regrets about missing the match. He had wanted to see Nagisa and show off, but this was better. This was healthier. Together, Makoto and Rei could figure out how to move on from their pasts. That was why when the sake they drank together spilled on his phone he didn't care. He didn't ever get to apologize to Haruka for missing his match and they never reconnected. He never saw Nagisa. It was just him and Makoto from then on.

And it had been good. So, so, good. And even though they were no longer romantically involved, Rei had thought that at some point he and Makoto would end up together. They'd live in the ryokan, and they'd be happy. They weren't each other's first choices, but that was okay. That was life. And they did love each other.

But, you took it all away, Nagisa. Just when things were cooling down, you magically found him and changed everything. And once again, I'm all alone thanks to you, Rei was standing in the shower. He finished washing his hair and turned the water off.

It was going to be a long day.

XXX

Makoto had spent days working in the store, but his mind was elsewhere. His mind was on Haruka. Why was he here? What did he want from Makoto? Had it been fate that led Nagisa to Makoto's shop?

It was wearing on him so much that his underlings had started to notice. Maybe it was the fact that Makoto was spending more time in his office. He hated the office, but he didn't want to put on a scary expression to the regulars. And, he didn't want to have to answer any questions about his mood. Besides, it wasn't like the kids couldn't handle the front of the shop. They were good kids. And yet, they couldn't understand what had made their boss hide out in his office.

It was a Friday night, and it was about closing time, along with payday, and that was when one of them decided to ask. He picked up his check from Makoto in the back and asked, "Is everything okay with the shop? You've seem distant lately."

Makoto felt a bit guilty, the kids shouldn't be worrying about him, "I'm sorry. It's not about the shop. I'm going to try to figure it out this weekend. I think everything will be fine. Don't you worry," he said.

The boy smiled and thanked Makoto for his paycheck. Then, he left. And Makoto was alone again with his thoughts. He stared at his pile of paperwork. It was smaller than usual, much smaller than usual, as Makoto had been spending most days doing paperwork. He frowned at it, this simply wouldn't do. He thought about what Rei had said, that Makoto needed to decide whether or not to listen to Haruka. That was nice of Rei, and he felt badly about that too. Makoto knew Rei wanted to simply tell him to just stay the hell away from Haruka. And yet, he hadn't. Because he knew that Makoto needed to figure that out on his own.

So, here he was figuring it out. He left his office, and locked his door. He opened the text where Rei had included Haru's address. Makoto thought about calling this off and instead dialing Rei's number. But, a voice in the back of his head told him, you're just putting off the inevitable.

He went back to his house that night like a good boy. He had some food, but he wasn't hungry. Makoto took a shower, and he laid in his bed. He laid there for hours. Until it was very late, or early depending on how you looked at it. And finally, he decided he couldn't do this anymore. He would hear what Haruka had to say, and then, if necessary, he'd take some time off work and recollect himself, but at least there would be closure.

And now that Makoto had made a decision, he had to hear it. And so, he got up at about four A.M., and began to walk over to Haruka's.

I'm sorry, Rei, he thought in passing.