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The first time he saw her, he was three. And while most people can't remember being three years of age, he can remember this day clear in his mind. They had been playing in the park, a skipping rope in her hands as she jumped around, giggling and happy.
Haru was quite slow young boy, so he mostly just watched, Isuzu seemed to enjoy his company then, and he hoped he wasn't as annoyed as others perceived around her.
"I like your hair," she said suddenly, catching him out of his thoughts, Haru blinked "Uh what?"
"Your hair, it's so pretty, like the clouds in the sky," Isuzu stated, smiling, Haru's cheeks felt warm, he didn't recognise this feeling, he's never felt it before. That was the first time he knew Isuzu was something beautiful. She could see him in a way no one else did.
Becoming her best friend was possibly the best thing Haru had ever done, the two would always spend time together. Ever since Rin was cruelly abandoned by her parents, Haru always made an excuse to see her.
She wasn't the same happy kid anymore, her parents had hurt her, in ways Haru didn't like to think about or he'd turn dark. So instead, he would walk to Kagura's and knock on her bedroom window.
Even in through the foggy window, Haru could see he caught Rin's attention, she looked up from her bed, and opened the window "Haru? You're here, again?"
"Wanna go on a walk?"
Rin hesitated "It's a bit cold for a walk, don't you think?"
"Do you have a jacket?"
Rin nodded, and two minutes later, the pair were walking around the estate. Haru hoped he was at least keeping her mind off things; they weren't easy recently. "How have you been doing? Sleeping any better?"
"No, Kagura has been insufferable."
"Anything I can do?"
Rin looked to him, Haru had a determined look on his face "I like it when you come over, it's nice,"
Haru smiled, he may still be a kid, but he was doing something, and since it was for her, he would do it again every day, just to make her smile.
Haru deemed himself to be her protector. He wanted her to know there was somebody who cared about her, even if that person was a thirteen-year-old infatuated boy with messy white hair.
Rin had changed since the trauma she endured, but Haru still loved being around her, she was kind, sweet, sometimes a bit harsh with her words, but Haru could see the true in her. She was considerate and didn't always love the fuss Haru made to hang out with her.
"What are you doing here?" Rin asked upon exiting her new high school, Haru was panting and out of breath "I wanted to walk you home."
"Haru, that's ridiculous, your middle school is closer to the estate then my school is, I would have been fine." she assured him, Haru shrugged "I wanted to see you,"
Rin chuckled slightly "Alright, we should get going then,"
Haru smiled, he walked by her side, Rin began to smile a little, his heart beamed, she was happy to see him. Haru checked himself compared to her, almost there, one day he was going to reveal his real reason for his infatuating crush. He knew what had happened. He had fallen in love and there was nothing he could do, at least until he was sure he was taller than her, his stubbornness and height was the only thing holding him back.
It was raining outside, Haru could hear it through the window, in the winter it always rained, but Haru paid no mind to it. For he was quite occupied, in his bed he laid rest with little to nothing on, and on his chest laid a resting Rin.
He was fifteen, and officially no longer a virgin, it didn't matter anyway, virginity was a social construct. It a both of their first times, and Haru felt the cuddling after was better than the act itself, but he's done some reading, it's supposed to hurt in the first time. But he's not worried. He was confident this wasn't going to be their last time.
Rin began to stir in his arms, she looked up at him and smiled, Haru smiled in return "Hi,"
"Hey,"
"You fell asleep."
Rin scowled "Shut up,"
"Did I wear you out?"
"No, you're just easy to sleep next to."
Haru kissed her head "Good, you deserve a rest once and awhile,"
"I happen to sleep just fine."
"Without nightmares?"
Rin glared "Don't make me regret agreeing to stay over,"
Haru frowned "You know, since I am your boyfriend and someone you trust, maybe we should talk about how to deal with the nightmares?"
"I can deal with them perfectly fine." Rin responded, sounding angry. "Rin I didn't mean that you can't-"
"Can you just drop it and shut up." Rin ordered, before snuggling closer and going quiet. Haru was sure she wasn't going to continue this argument further, at least without threatening to leave or actually leaving.
Haru's arms around her tightened and he leaned his head against hers, they would fall asleep again soon, Haru hoped she would be in a better mood in the morning.
He loved her to bits, but he wished she would let him in when things were hard, they were a lot more closer than before, now that she was finally staying overnight rather than him walking her home in the dark on late nights. He hoped for their relationship could grow, because he was not finished loving her, not by a long shot.
After the accident, Haru knew Rin wasn't herself, she always had a sharp tongue, but she was never this harsh with him. And she'd said anything like not wanting him before.
It was a harsh new wound, and it stung. Haru barely held himself together on the way home, he had just left the hospital, his eyes blurring his vision. He didn't understand what had just happened. Rin said she wanted to see him today, and then after two minutes of seeing her, she said she was... tired of him?
That he was unneeded, unwanted, and that he made her sick. None of this made sense, Rin never said anything like it before, not even in their more harsh fights. So why was she saying it now? Haru thought she loved him.
'I guess I was wrong,' Haru thought to himself, as he felt his eyes water. He didn't conceal his tears, he let them fall. No one knew of them being together so no one was around to comfort him. Haru couldn't think of anything worse.
After holding himself back from hurting Akito. Haru had reluctantly went home, straight to his bedroom in an attempt to hold in his rage. Everything was a lie, Rin did love him, so much so that she got herself to save him.
Bullshit! Haru hated that thought, Rin should have never gotten hurt in the first place. Who was there to blame? Him of course, he had done this to her, pursuing a relationship and he knew better.
Pretending he didn't was a mistake, Rin deserved better than that, and now she was at even more risk because of it. Haru wished he could save her, but the damage was done, and he had to live with it.
The first time the entire zodiac was gathered together, was a lot less chaotic than Haru had expected, most likely since the curse was broken, but Haru thought it wasn't so bad. Seeing Akito in her true colours was a surprise, but Haru had made his peace with everything. Well almost.
Rin wasn't happy, she resented Akito for everything and Haru couldn't blame her. After everything though, Haru was glad that she was here and by his side. As the zodiac was free to go, Rin didn't hesitate to rush out, Haru swiftly followed her out and caught her hand "Wow, easy-"
"I'm not a horse anymore, Haru! Stop ordering me around!" Rin demanded, whipping her hand away. Haru put his hands up in surrender, she just continued to glare, he then softly wrapped both hands around one of hers "I'm not ordering you around, I just wanted to hold your hand so we could walk home together."
Rin blushed slightly, then scowled "Fine, but hurry up, I'm not speaking to anyone on the way so don't think of inviting anyone over." Rin declared, Haru nodded, he let one of his hands go and Rin's hold on his remaining hand tightened.
He wasn't planning on inviting anyone over, he knew the visit wasn't going to be easy on Rin, so he had to be prepared for anything Rin would feel after. If she wished to be alone, he would respect that, if she wanted him around, he would gladly stay. He just wanted her to feel safe and to be in a calming environment.
When they had arrived back at Kazuma's, Rin guided Haru to her bedroom where she sat done on the bed, defeated. Haru observed, she looked like she didn't know what to think. Haru wasn't sure what he could say to help.
He didn't have any say in what Rin would do with Akito's apology, that was her decision and hers alone. But Haru figured there was thing he could do for her, it was only scratching the surface of what he was willing and happy to do for her. But it was enough. He sat beside her and gently laid his arm around her back, letting her lean against him for support. Rin laid her head on his shoulder, silently, no words needed to be said.
It was a mundane Tuesday night, Haru was holding Rin close to his chest as they watched a movie on the couch. Rin's head was rested against his chest, she was tired from her day of work. It was a regular evening for the two after moving in together a year or two out of high school. Dinner over and nothing but the night and each other to spend the time.
Her head was against his chest, feeling his heartbeat and his breathing. She looked she was falling asleep. Haru felt content with her in his arms. Something clicked in his brain, and his heart skipped a beat. Haru was happy, he was in love, with the same person he had been in love with for years. He didn't want that to go away any time soon.
"Hey Rin,"
"Hmm? What?" Rin answered tiredly.
“Let's get married.” Haru proposed, Rin moved her head off and looked at him surprised "What?"
"You heard me,"
"Haru are you aware you just proposed to me?"
"Problem? Is that a, no?" Haru asked. "No? I didn’t say that." Rin answered quickly, she looked slightly nervous, it was adorable.
"So, it’s a yes?" Haru asked hopefully.
"I-" Rin cut herself with a groan and a deep blush. Haru caressed her face with his free hand "Do you need time to think it over?" he asked gently, he knew Rin didn't decide these things quickly, she always hesitated, but Haru didn't, he knew what he wanted.
"Don’t you?" Rin asked.
"No."
"No?"
Haru nodded "No time like the present to marry the person you love."
"How long have you thought about this?"
"Just now."
"Just-” Rin giggled a little, Haru smiled, he kissed her cheek "You know I love you, so why not?"
"You have a weird sense of logic," Rin stated smiling, Haru grinned and leaned his head on her shoulder. He would wait patiently for her answer, as long as it would take. He had the rest of his life and all he wanted was to live it by her side.
"Yes." She said after a while, Haru opened his eyes and looked to her. "Uhm what?"
Rin curled her hands into his soft hair and smiled "Let’s get married."
In an instant Haru had swiftly moved to capture her lips in his, he caught her face in his hands and he felt her cheeks go red, she was blushing, but he knew he was too.
She agreed, that was that. He was going to marry her, he hadn’t had a doubt that she would reject him, but hearing her confirmation had uplifted him, he loved her, she was his world, so being tied in the bond of a marriage was something he wanted, forever. When they pulled apart, Haru couldn't stop smiling, Rin sighed and eventually just let herself smile from the joy.
The day Haru had announced their engagement, was probably one of the best days in his life. Everyone was up at Kyo and Tohru's for New Year's, Tohru had prepared a meal and ecstatic to host, as per usual.
Yuki, his boyfriend Kakeru, Momiji, Kagura, her friends Uotani and Hanajima were all there when Haru decided to say it. Just a few minutes before midnight, Rin was enjoying a drink with Momiji when Yuki had asked "How are things with Rin?"
Haru smiled as he looked at her, she looked gorgeous, Yuki clicked his fingers in front of Haru's face.
"Haru?"
"Oh?" Haru turned back to face Yuki, "Oh right," the question, Haru then smiled "Rin is fine, we're engaged," Haru answered simply.
"YOU'RE ENAGAGED?!" Yuki exclaimed, suddenly the whole room went quiet. Haru noticed, but didn't care, he finished his beer, exhaled, then said "Yeah."
Rin stood up and glared at him, Momiji was beaming, he threw his arms over her "CONGRATULATIONS!"
"Ger off me!"
"Isuzu! Hatsuharu! That's wonderful!" Tohru beamed on the verge of tears. Kyo rolled his eyes "Is that seriously how you announced it?"
Haru smiled "Yes,"
While Kyo just shrugged and mouthed "Congrats," the rest of the guests began hounding an annoyed Rin and a calm Haru about the events of their engagement, Haru could feel Rin's heated gaze on him the entire time as she heard Kagura and Tohru sob with joy.
Haru could only smile, this was the love of his life. Staring him down for announcing the happiest moment of his life.
"YO! WE MISSED THE COUNTDOWN!" Kyo yelled.
"SHIT! YUN YUN KISS ME IT'S MIDNIGHT!" Kakeru exclaimed before clumsily making his way to Yuki. Yuki watched as Kakeru jumped into him, knocking them both over.
"Get off me!"
"That's not what you said last night."
"Oh, shut up," Yuki mumbled before the couple shared a kiss. Haru smiled and swung his arm over Rin's shoulder, she was still annoyed "Where was my say in that announcement?"
"It just slipped out,"
"I hate you,"
"Happy new year," Haru wished before he caught her lips in a kiss, when she pulled away a minute later, she made a noise of disgust "Everyone was way so happy about it, it's disgusting."
Haru could only chuckle. Only Rin could see her own engagement being celebrated as something annoying. Yeah, she was the one.
The day of the wedding was one unforgettable day, Haru couldn't remember a time he was happier. His spoke his truth in his vows, promising his life to spent with her and only her.
Rin's eyes were glistened with tears, course his vision was blurry too as he too was crying. When he had finally spoken his vows and said everything, he needed to say upon how much he loved her. He finally got his chance to bring his lips to hers and kiss her with everything he had. As her husband.
Later as the dance floor was in full swing, Haru was dancing slowly with Rin gazing at him as he had his arm wrapped around her waist. Rin was leaning into him, which wasn't something she did a lot around people.
But who cared, it was their wedding day, affection was to be expected, probably required for a happy couple. Haru moved his head until his forehead was leaning against hers.
He could see in her eyes, she was melting, just as in love as he was. "Guess what." Haru whispered so just the two of them could hear.
"What?" Rin asked amused, adjusting so her arms were around his neck. Haru smirked "You're in love with me," he said playfully, Rin chuckled softly, then smirked "What a surprise," she stated.
Haru kissed her forehead as Rin nestled closer in his embrace. Haru then laid his head against hers, he was still in awe of what this day was. He got to marry the love of his life. His best friend, his partner, the only person who truly knew him inside and out.
Years later, he still felt the same way, it was an easy Saturday, Haru was resting on the couch of his house, watching an old rerun of a martial arts movie, he smiled at the light-hearted comedy when he heard a door close from behind. Rin had come out of her art study and came and sat with him. Her eyes were drifting, she was tired.
Haru instinctively put his arm over her shoulder so she could cuddle against him, he moved his head against hers and whispered "Tired?"
"I'm exhausted. I hate working on weekends."
"Then why are you?"
"Because if I don't get this done before Monday, I'll lose the deal for the gallery,"
Haru nodded "So you came out here for a break?"
Rin nodded and smiled "Can't I get a few cuddles from my husband every once and while?" she teased. Haru chuckled "I knew I put in cuddles in my wedding vows for a reason,"
Rin laughed softly and moved her arms around his torso, nestling closer to him. Haru dropped a kiss on her forehead, Rin then moved her head up to look at his eyes, he gazed in hers, and it wasn't long before the couple were kissing like teenagers. Haru loved kissing her, he had been doing for so long it was basically his lifetime hobby.
He could things getting heated and escalating, Rin's hands were fanning up his shirt and his hands were gripped to her waist, they had almost forgotten they had actual teenagers in their home.
"Maman, I need help with my-OH MY GOD WHATS WRONG WITH YOU!"
Haru and Rin reluctantly snapped away from each other to see a very unimpressed Sora glaring at them in shock, "Hey honey," Rin greeted dryly, Sora fumed "This is a common area!"
"We were just having some alone time; your mother's been working very hard lately," Haru gently his daughter, Sora rolled her eyes "Then can you be her stress reliver in your locked bedroom?" she retorted.
"What's going on?" Riku asked upon entering, looking at his parents from Sora's side, Sora huffed and folded her arms "Maman and Papan forgot this was a common area and got frisky,"
"Ew,"
"I know, I wanted help with an art project and now I suddenly wanna vomit," Sora whined. Haru smirked "Aren't you passionate?"
Rin smiled, she stood up off the couch and smiled at her baby girl "I can still help if you want,"
Sora nodded silently and then dragged her mother to the kitchen. Riku then joined Haru on the couch "You guys didn't bang on the couch, right?"
"No, not since you were two,"
"Dad!"
Haru laughed "Don't blame me, you're sixteen now, this is what adults do, wait one day when you're married and know endless love."
The End.