Chapter Text
It was around four in the afternoon when Haru attempted to unlock the door to his shared apartment. It took Haru no time to unlock it and step inside, being cautious of the threshold. Once he was inside he could tell something was amiss, seeing Makoto’s homework pushed aside on the floor almost messily. This piqued some interest in Haruka, tilting his head and craning his neck around the hallway, looking for any sign of Makoto. Without calling out he checked every room before coming to the conclusion Makoto wasn’t there. After Haru used the restroom he found himself staring at the slow cooking crock pot in their kitchen, taking note that Makoto started dinner. Since there wasn’t any type of insinuation that Makoto would be home soon,(After waiting at least 20 minutes) Haruka came to the conclusion that Makoto was out and busy. Pulling out his rather cheap flip phone Haru dialed in the brunettes number, his eyes falling on each bold number with slight worry. Placing the phone to his ear Haruka waited for the other’s voice, each long ring making the wait more and more awkward.
As Haruka waited for the other to answer the phone he went back to the slow cooking crock pot to check what exactly was for dinner that night. Right when Makoto picked up with an almost out of breath, “ Hello? Haru? ” Haruka noticed how much food was in the pot. He wondered what made Makoto put so much food in until he heard the red head’s annoyed grunt in the background. It was easy to depict the other’s voice even if it had been a year since they spoke.
It’s Rin… but still why so much foo…
Again came another voice from the background of Makoto’s quick explanation of why he wasn't at the apartment which Haru wasn’t really listening to. “ When will you be back? “ Haru asked calmly, opening the lid of the beef stew, taking in a deep breath. It smelled pretty damn good, yet it didn’t have any mackerel in it, what a disappointment. “ Give me ten or so minutes Haru .” Makoto sounded exasperated and tired.
Rin must have dropped by without telling Makoto, I certainly didn’t know he was coming. Who did he bring?
“Oh, and Haru? Can you please set the table for four and make sure there is enough room for everyone to eat comfortably? We are on our way, sorry. “ With that Haru closed the rather dull colored flip phone.
Almost obediently Haruka began to make room for the two extra guests, stoically pushing back his hair to get it out of his face, considering tying it up. Haruka continued setting their small table up for everyone. Haru glanced at the time and noticed Makoto would be there any minute so he checked the crock pot to see if everything had cooked through and he picked it up with his teddy bear mittens. They had been a moving away gift from Nagisa, one yellow the other pink which suited the blond more than either Makoto or Haruka. Haru set the large crock pot in the middle of the table on top of a wooden cutting board so he wouldn’t ruin the table. As Haru was removing the rather ridiculously looking cooking mittens from his hands Rin swung the door open. Haru lifted his head to see Rin staring back at him with almost a leer, glancing down at the mittens before covering his mouth. “ Pfft!! What are those! “ Makoto rushed in behind Rin, looking rather intimidating compared to Rin’s smaller and shorter figure, looking around borderline frantically for whatever Rin was rudely referring to.
Haru made a disatisfied look before standing up and putting the mittens in the kitchen, his shoulders hung low. Rin walked into the kitchen behind Haruka, placing a hand on his shoulder, giving the other a toothy grin before exclaiming “ Hey Hey don’t pout I was just teasing. “ Haru responded with his same stoic expression, glancing at Souske who was eyeing Haru in a way Haru wasn’t used to. Makoto interrupted Haru’s thoughts as he tugged Rin gently away from Haru and to their small dinner table pointing down to the food. “ If you two are hungry I made dinner. “ Makoto pressured. Haru quietly sat down in his regular seat, Rin taking the one beside him with a huff, messy red locks covering his right eye adding to the ‘ huffy ‘ effect.
Once Makoto took his seat across from Haru and opened the lid, he glanced at the group of old friends, noticing their sitting pattern. Here they were, childhood friends all sitting together, one side in love with the other, the other side completely oblivious, what a strange outcome. Rin was the first to reach out for food and dump some into his bowl, followed by Souske who helped Rin, worried Rin would burn himself. Rin though, pushing away any form of help from the motherly Souske. Makoto watched and waited until it was Haruka’s turn to take some food, keeping his hands hidden so he wouldn’t be tempted to repeat what Souske did. Once Haru was done taking his portion Makoto took his, noticing everyone was waiting for him before eating. Makoto rushed and smiled at everyone as he placed his bowl in front of him, dipping his spoon into the stew, the rest following suit.
Rin did most of the talking in the group, pointing his spoon at the person he spoke too, even if the entire group was listening. Haru didn’t feel comfortable with the surprise guests yet he was happy at the fact that Rin was loud. For once it wasn’t a silent dinner between him and the brunette. Haru was grateful that the the loud redhead was there, keeping the meal lively and different than the boring usual. Haru glanced at Makoto, seeing his smile, he could tell Makoto was enjoying the change as well. Suddenly Souske surprised everyone with a question. “ Since it’s late maybe Rin and I can stay over? “ The group fell silent, even the redhead found a moment to close his mouth. Makoto was the first to speak up, “ Well, we don’t have much room. You can see for yourself. “ Rin was next to speak, setting his bowl down. “ I can sleep on the couch, I don’t need much, Souske can sleep here if we move the table. “ Makoto’s lips tightened, Rin wasn’t wrong.
Silence stayed between all four until Haruka stood up with his empty bowl, leaving to the kitchen. Everyone watched as he disappeared and reappeared, all eyes on him. “ I don’t see any harm, we don’t have school on Fridays. “ This shocked everyone, even Makoto. Haruka would usually say no and avoid any type of circumstance where he would be uncomfortable. Makoto blinked and considered fighting back with Haru, to try and convince him otherwise but kept silent. Rin took the silence as a blessing and pipped up “ Guess that settles it! “ Makoto gave a deep sigh, glancing at Souske who didn’t seem to have an opinion on the topic.
The rest of the afternoon seemed to pass by slowly, everyone cleaning up for their surprise guests, moving furniture and taking out extra blankets and pillows. Once everything was taken care of the group of men sat on the couch; Rin taking control of the remote. Makoto mumbled over to Souske that this was the time to take a shower if he needed since Haru would probably take the opportunity which would take hours. Souske nodded in agreement, glancing at Rin who looked too occupied with the show he was watching to be interested in showering first so he left without a word to the group to the spacious bathroom.
Souske returned, wearing the pants he wore earlier, keeping his shirt off for comfort. Makoto was next to go, mentioning it to Souske to remind Rin that he could go after him or else he’d miss out. Souske nodded and took Makoto’s seat next to Rin to tell him. Makoto’s eyes lingered on Haru who seemed a bit bored with watching Rin’s ‘extreme’ shows. This made Makoto smile, Haru was trying to be nice, spending his time doing something he wouldn’t usually do. Makoto turned away and left to the bathroom, leaving the three to watch the television.
By the time Makoto returned from his bath he found Rin dead asleep on the couch, Souske beside him. Rin was slightly leaning on Souske, whereas Souske’s head was tilted back his height giving him practically nothing to lean his head on so the top of couch had to do. Haruka though was still awake, almost running over to Makoto, his eyes screaming ‘ They are sleeping so I can bathe right? ‘. Makoto let a chuckle escape from his lips, nodding towards the excited other. Haruka took no time before escaping the room to the bathroom, filling the tub. Makoto sighed, staring at the blaring TV which seemed to have gotten louder since he left.
Makoto turned off the TV and glanced at the two sleeping.
If Souske was awake he’d be over the moon, but the idiot probably fell asleep first and missed out.
Makoto felt a chuckle rise in his throat but swallowed it down and glanced back to where the restroom was, thinking about the water bill he would have to pay. It was already such a large water bill because of Haru’s excess water use every day. Allowance wasn’t going to keep covering their bills for much longer. Makoto glanced down at the mess of blankets on the ground, wondering if he should wake up the pair so they could sleep properly. Makoto reached out to Rin and gently shook his shoulder, making the redhead stir in his sleep. “ Rin, please wake up. “ Makoto mumbled. Rin took a long minute to respond before lifting his head from Souske’s shoulder and stretching. Rin blinked at the black screen on the TV and then looked back up to Makoto for an explanation.
Makoto gave the other an understanding expression, pointing at the bathroom with his thumb. “ After I took a shower I found you and Souske asleep so Haru went ahead… It might be awhile before you can take one if you still wanted to. “ Rin replied with a disappointed look, more likely for Haru. “ Well, guess we should just go to bed then..” Rin mumbled, seeming to think about something. Makoto noticed how much Rin seemed to ponder his choice and it concerned him, it was as if Rin had something planned. Makoto wasn’t given enough time to think about it since Rin’s next move surprised him.
Rather roughly Rin shoved Souske forward and off the couch, watching the taller fall into the bundle of blankets and pillows. Souske blinked awake, staring up with a rather surprised expression, noticing Rin smirking down at him. Makoto took a step back, surprised at Rin’s actions; if Rin was a girl the scene would look like flirting to him. Souske grumbled but seemed accustomed to such actions since all he did was then curl up into the provided blankets and close his eyes. “ Perfect. “ Rin spoke smugly and waved for Makoto to leave. Makoto blinked confused but then understood, the two would be going to sleep.
Makoto quickly left the dining room, knocking on the bathroom door on the way to the bedroom. He leaned again the door, talking against it. “ Hey Haru? Everyone is going to bed so just come to bed when you are done. “ Makoto listened for a response and smiled lightly when he received a small groan, telling him that Haruka heard him. Makoto left without lingering, finding his futon and climbing into it, keeping the lights off in the room. Makoto quietly stared at the door to their room before falling asleep.
The next morning Haruka woke up first, having woken up in his swimsuit.
I must have forgotten to take it off after my shower..
The stirring from Haru waking up also woke up Makoto who immediately started to stretch. Haru glanced around, he could feel something was off, not about Makoto but the apartment itself. Haru looked back to Makoto to see if he noticed it as well but Makoto was oblivious. Then both of them heard it, the young very feminine voice of Nagisa in their dining/living room. Both swimmers jumped to their feet, Makoto slipping on his futon with such force that he fell forward on his knees, groaning. This caused a loud sound and then the sound of eager footsteps ran at them from the hallway. Haru turned towards the door and then looked back at Makoto with an almost pained expression.
Not three seconds later Nagisa’s arms were wrapped tightly around Haruka’s waist. Haru was watching at Makoto was trying to stand, who caught a glimpse of the blond locks that were pressed against Haru. “ N-Nagisa? What are you doing here? “ Then came a wide toothy grin from the threshold of the door, waving innocently at all three. This made Makoto’s features fall into slight irritation. Nagisa spoke up with a happy chime. “ Rin and Souske said you all had a surprise for my birthday! “
Oh god, I forgot Nagisa’s birthday
Thought Makoto who seemed more surprised than Haruka, finding his feet finally. Makoto glanced at Rin again with a small glare, what surprise had Rin been planning. Haru gently pushed off Nagisa who seem unfazed from the rejection and ran over to Makoto who instead welcomed the clingy younger. Rei wasn’t far behind, stepping through the threshold, shoving his glasses further up his nose with a slight smirk. “ Hahah! Of course! And this surprise is truly marvelous! “ There it was, the words of Rei. Makoto grimaced and turned to face Rin, gripping his arm and tugging him into the bathroom after sliding out of Nagisa’s grip.
“ What is the surprise Rin.. “ Makoto spoke with an irritated tone Rin gave the other a wary smile. “ yo yo yo Makoto chill out, we were going to take Nagisa to the ice skating rink here! I wasn’t sure if you guys forgot but we thought Nagisa would like it. “ Makoto nodded at the plan, agreeing to how fitting it was for Nagisa. “ You could have at least warned us.. “ Rin rubbed the back of his neck and then glanced at the bathroom door which was opened by Souske. Makoto stepped out from the bathroom and to Haruka’s side. “ Yeah, we should get dressed for it.” Makoto gently pushed the younger out of their bedroom. “ Get out first. “
The extra four escaped to the dining/living room leaving the two alone in their bedroom. Haruka blinked at Makoto, who flipped on the light to their room and walked over to his dresser. “ Put on something warm. “ Haru slightly glared at Makoto. “ Where are we going? “ Makoto huffed at Haru’s lack of interest in celebrating Nagisa’s birthday. “ Somewhere with lots of water Haru.. but you have to dress warm okay? “ Haru’s eyes seemed to light up with the news of water. Quickly Haru got ready, pulling on some jeans a black V-neck and a pull over hoodie that made him look buffer than he really was. Makoto was nearly done as fast as Haruka was, wearing jeans and a plain gray t-shirt with a much warmer coat that looked as though it could be from New York city.
Haruka stared at Makoto slightly confused, wondering if such a heavy coat was really necessary. Makoto pulled open the door to their bedroom and walked out to the group of boys groaning about how small the apartment looked with all of them crowded on the floor and the couch. “ Let me grab my wallet and then we can leave.. “ Makoto groaned, disliking so many people in their apartment all at once, it was an accident waiting to happen. Haruka found himself sliding between the bodies to the front door, opening it for everyone to leave. First was Rei and then the rest. Once Makoto grabbed his wallet he escaped the now lonely apartment, locking it behind him.
The group followed Makoto like a pack of lost puppies since Makoto knew the area the best, standing at a bus stop with his head buried in a small travel book. Makoto led the group into a bus and each pair sat together on the way to the ice skating rink which both Haru and Nagisa were unaware, possibly even Souske. Upon arriving at their second stop Nagisa was permanently attached to Rei’s arm and Souske looked more bored than usual. Makoto waved to his group of pups, leading them down a couple of streets until they caught their next bus. Haru’s excitement was slowly starting to disappear, Makoto could tell, starting to feel rather discouraged.
Once the group arrived at their destination both Haruka and Nagisa stared at the sign above the large building as though they were reading another language. Not a moment sooner and Nagisa darted into the building with Rei running after him, Makoto and the rest jogging behind. When the rest walked in they found Rei paying for their tickets, Nagisa already putting on his rental skates in earnest. Nagisa was practically singing in joy from the idea of ice skating, staring at the group with his beautiful pink eyes.
Through Nagisa’s excitement, the group began to cheer up and start to get excited for the rather new experience. After everyone had their skates on and Rin surprisingly holding Nagisa back to wait for everyone they all waddled to the rink. Rei had the most trouble walking on ice skates, Nagisa rushing him. It was then that each member of the group was in a line to hop onto the ice and the first person in line was Nagisa, itching to grind his skates against the ice.