cloversworld (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cloversworld) wrote2014-12-30 06:32 am
cloversworld) wrote2014-12-30 06:32 am
Entry tags:
AU Fic: Down The Dark Path 2/2
DOWN THE DARK PATH 2/2
Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
journeystory 2014 and Trope Bingo 2014 for square prompt 'au: fusion'
Free!, Matsuoka Rin/ Nanase Haruka, rated R
Warning: minor character death, gore – but not too graphic
See MASTER POST for more details.
Part 1
"He's not answering." Rin pulled his phone away from his ear then thumbed on his phone, probably to dial Makoto's number again.
Haruka chucked the towel he'd been using to dry his hair at the basket. "He's probably busy with his studies. He has almost three weeks worth of schoolwork to catch up on, hasn't he?" he said in nonchalantly way even though he was likewise worried sick over his best friend.
"I know that but…" Rin's arm dropped at his side, phone in hand. His shoulders sagged and he looked utterly defeated, like he just lost a race. "Aren't you worried about him? This isn't like Makoto. It's obvious he'd been avoiding us."
It was understandable that Rin would be concerned because it was so unlike Makoto to keep his distance, regardless if it was deliberate or something he couldn't help. But. Haruka heaved a sigh. "Shouldn't you be worrying about yourself? You barely have a month left to decide about Australia. Or have you made your decision yet?"
Rin refused to meet his gaze. Haruka could only presume that Rin hadn't really thought it over. There wasn't any response offered and Haruka thought it best not to push it.
Days flew by and they still hadn't heard anything from Makoto. Rin claimed he hadn't had any time to pay him a visit, but Haruka knew that was a lie. Normally, he wouldn't let anything like this bother him. Whatever was going on with Makoto, he clearly needed space and Haruka knew he had no choice but to oblige. But then again, it wasn't like Makoto to not try to contact him in any way for one straight week, so.
Makoto wasn't at his apartment. Or at least that was what Haruka concluded since Makoto wasn't answering the door, even as he kept ringing the damn doorbell for three minutes. Waiting around seemed infinitely pointless so he left. Besides, patience wasn't his strongest suit.
Haruka decided to try finding Makoto at the university. Last he heard, he was taking a part time job at the bookstore just outside the campus. But Makoto wasn't there either. Instead, Haruka ran into the person he least wanted to see: Yamazaki Sousuke.
"Nanase." Sousuke enunciated his name as if it was something vile or bitter against Sousuke's tongue.
"Yamazaki." Haruka couldn't hold back the acerbity in his tone either. He regretted his decision of coming over to these parts. He'd forgotten that Sousuke went to the same university as Makoto.
"I heard Rin hadn't decided whether to accept the offer to train in Australia yet," Sousuke said, eyes boring into Haruka's.
"I don't think that's any of your business." Haruka had enough of Sousuke's meddling. Sure, he was Rin's best friend. But even Haruka leave all decision to Rin when it came to his future. What right did Sousuke have to intervene?
"I warned you once, Nanase. And I'm warning you again." Sousuke's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Don't you dare hold Rin back," he said then walked past Haruka, leaving an ominous trail in his wake.
Haruka meant to throw another snide remark, but he spotted Makoto standing behind a lamp post ahead. Dealing with Sousuke wasn't in his priorities anyway, so Haruka hurried over to his best friend before Makoto could flee.
But Makoto stayed where he was, eyes – or more like eye – trained on Sousuke who was already a good distance away. "Is he still bothering you about Rin?" he said as soon as Haruka was close enough.
Haruka shrugged. "He doesn't bother me." An awkward silence settled between them, Haruka staring at the eye patch covering Makoto's left eye. "What's with the patch?"
Makoto visibly jerked at that. He lifted his hand, touched the piece of fabric over his eye and said, "Side effects of the surgery, according to the doctor. My left eye is sensitive to dirt and nearly everything so I have to keep it covered."
Though reading people was more of Makoto's skill than Haruka's, it was somehow easy for Haruka to tell that Makoto was lying. But pointing it out might push Makoto further away. So Haruka chose to take it, to accept whatever Makoto said. "I see."
" I uh…" Makoto shifted his weight from one leg to the other. "I'm sorry I haven't called you or… or haven't had time to see you lately. I've been… I've been really busy."
"I understand." Haruka's instincts told him there was more to it than being busy, but again, he didn't pry.
Makoto's lips curved but the smile that took shape wasn't the one Haruka was used to seeing. "How's Rin?"
"He's fine." Haruka wasn't fond of small talk. He preferred straightforward conversation rather than hanging around and listening to someone beat around the bush. But this was different. For some reason, he felt like he had a fragile situation in his hand and he felt rather uneasy seeing this Makoto in front of him.
"Is he still taking that offer from Australia?" At least Makoto wasn't fleeing.
"I honestly don't know. We haven't really talked about it lately." This wasn't exactly what Haruka wanted to talk about. Rin had been clearly avoiding the topic, so Haruka had no clue what his boyfriend's plans were.
Makoto must have read his mind like usual because he didn't press further, instead, asked, "Do you want to go for some tea?"
"Sure." Haruka debated whether to send Rin a text message to let him know where he was. But knowing Rin, he might rush over and possibly agitate Makoto so Haruka decided against it.
*
That Nanase. He really had a way of getting under Sousuke's skin. Just the mere thought of how Rin was willing to throw away an amazing opportunity that could potentially make his long-time dream come true because of that guy irked Sousuke to no end.
It was the most stupid decision Rin had ever made, in Sousuke's opinion. What kind of a best friend would he be if he allowed this to happen? Without a solid plan mind, he sent Rin a text message: Can you meet me at my place in an hour? There's something I need to discuss in person.
Before Sousuke could slip his phone back into his pocket, he heard the tone indicating he had a message. It was from Rin and it read: Sure. I was thinking of dropping by, anyway. Haven't seen you in ages. See you an hour.
Sousuke was relieved that Rin didn't ask for any reason.
After a quick stop at a convenience store to grab something he could prepare for dinner (a perfect excuse so Rin would have a reason to stay longer), Sousuke made his way to his apartment in haste. What he didn't expect was to find Tachibana Makoto standing by his door, clearly waiting for him.
"Tachibana," he said, not even masking the acrimony in his tone. He had no time to deal with Makoto right now. "What do you want?"
"I was hoping we could talk. About Rin. And Haru." The stubborn resolve that defined Makoto's expression told Sousuke there was no way he could get out of this. Might as well get over this, he thought with a frown.
Without a word, he unlocked the door of his apartment and gestured for Makoto to get inside. "Five minutes. I have a lot of things to do since it's a school night.
Makoto smiled. "That would be enough."
"Then talk." Sousuke made sure his impatience was apparent as he crossed the living room, tossed the keys on the table none-too-gently, placed his groceries beside it then slid his jacket off.
"I want you to leave them both alone, Haru especially." There was an undeniable threat in Makoto's tone, which Sousuke found rather uncharacteristic. He didn't know Makoto that well, just that he was – or seemed – friendly, optimistic and nothing like the Makoto before him, one that showed a somewhat meek antagonistic attitude.
Perhaps there was a dour side to Makoto that he hadn't witnessed yet. Sousuke never really paid him any attention back in high school since they went to different schools and he was too focused on his goal back then, too focused on Rin.
"Would you be a little more specific?" Sousuke met Makoto's narrowed eyes.
"I know you've been hounding Haru about Rin since were still in Iwatobi." Makoto was quick to add, "And no, he didn't tell me. I just know," when Sousuke parted his lips to deflect the accusation. "I saw you earlier with Haru and I heard what you told him. Haru isn't the one forcing Rin to make decisions. And whatever Rin chooses is up to him. Just leave them alone."
Sousuke couldn't help but snort. "Rin had a dream, still has as far as I'm aware of. And Nanase's getting in his way. As Rin's friend, I'll do everything I can to make Rin see the light Even if that means I'm going to have to pry Nanase away from him." He turned around, grabbed the groceries and started to make his way to the kitchen. "I think we're done here."
"No. We're not," Makoto said, voice laced with chilling menace that prompted Sousuke to face him once more.
Something heavy settled in his chest and it felt almost like his blood had been drained when he saw Makoto's face. A mask of unmistakable hostility had taken over the usual genial veneer that Makoto wore. Fear seized Sousuke, his legs unable to move so he watched helplessly as Makoto's left eye changed, sclera turning black and the irises blood red. Veins popped out from the corner of that eye and stretched all the way to his temple.
"W-what are you?" Sousuke backed off slowly on impulse but before he can take another step, Makoto leaped off his feet and lunged at him, causing him to lose his balance and to fall on the ground.
The last thought that grazed Sousuke's mind was, Rin would be here soon, before he felt solid teeth sink right where his throat should be.
*
Makoto jerked awake, completely disoriented. It took a few seconds before he noticed that he was lying flat on something hard and cold. He shifted on his side, realizing that he was on the floor but what he was doing there or where he was exactly he couldn't recall. His head throbbed as he pushed himself upright.
Something that smelled like iron struck his nose, arousing him to full awareness. When his eyes strayed over to the person lying motionless a few feet from him, Makoto felt as if his heart stopped beating.
No. No, no, no. He crawled over to the body, his befuddled mind gradually inferring who the man was. It was Yamazaki Sousuke. A sense of recollection hit Makoto in waves, forcing him to go through a cognitive process. Images flashed in his head. He remembered coming over to see Sousuke, to talk to him. The last thing he could recall was they were inside Sousuke's apartment and everything else was a blur.
Makoto caught sight of his reflection on the dark surface of the television across the room. It wasn't clear but he could make up the traces of blood around his mouth.
"What have I done?" he asked out loud, his voice vibrating across the silence. He lifted his hand, brushed his fingers just below his lower lip and was swept with vertigo the moment he saw the scarlet stain on his fingertips.
The sudden knock on the door startled him out of stupor.
"Sousuke. Open up!" The voice sounded familiar and when Makoto recognized it was Rin's, his head spun with a cyclone of thoughts that rendered him paralyzed.
*
It was strange for Sousuke to not be home, not after he had called Rin over. Rin presumed he must be in the bathroom, or probably had his headphones on so he tried the knob and wasn't surprised that it turned. He made a mental note to remind Sousuke that this was Tokyo and keeping the door unlocked would be unwise.
The moment he pushed the door open, his eyes immediately landed on the two figures on the ground. He blinked to make sure it was Makoto he was seeing crouched beside—
"The fuck!" His gaze had settled on the body sprawled on the floor, throat seemed to have been torn apart, shirt soaked with blood. The shock wore off when Rin was able to identify Sousuke whose eyes were open but unseeing and with lips parted as if in a silent scream.
Then he looked at Makoto. He wondered if it was indeed Makoto because he looked different, his left eye held the color of a bloody moon in a night sky; face smeared with blood and no longer held the gentle façade that Makoto was known for. Only when he spoke, said, "R-Rin," that Rin confirmed it was indeed his friend.
"Makoto. What happened here? S-Sousuke." Rin couldn't even string coherent words together, his legs felt weak.
"Uh—I'm sorry. I'm sorry!" Makoto made a dash past him and out the door, leaving Rin staring at Sousuke's mangled body.
His hand trembled as he pulled his phone out. He had to call someone.
Someone.
*
The music from his phone blasted from the dining table and Haruka chose to ignore it, wanting to get dinner done before Rin got home. Rin didn't say anything about having dinner at Sousuke's place, even said he probably wouldn't stay there long. The ringing eventually stopped but it had barely been a minute and it was off again.
Haruka placed the ladder on the plate and ambled over to retrieve his phone, saw the name on the screen and frowned, confused.
"Nagisa?" he said once he had it pressed against his ear.
"Haru-chan! Are you okay? Is Rin-chan, okay?" Nagisa sounded frantic or anxious, which wasn't unnatural but there was something in his voice that triggered the alarm in the back of Haruka's head.
"I'm fine, Nagisa. Rin and I are both fine. Why do you ask?" Haruka had a feeling this had something to do with ghouls. Before they left Iwatobi, Nagisa was the most worried one when he learned all three of them – Makoto, Rin and himself – were transferring to Tokyo. There were reports about ghouls that had reached their hometown and Haruka didn't really think it was that big of a problem back then.
"It's all over the news. Some group of ghouls in the eleventh ward had attacked the CCG headquarters there and killed everyone. Now they're terrorizing every ward and it was just reported that they've already reached the twentieth ward where you are," Nagisa said in one breath and Haruka wondered how he managed to do that.
Haruka hadn't actually turned on the television so he was behind the news. "I haven't heard anything about that."
"Rei-chan, Gou-chan and I are worried about you guys. Ai-chan and Momo-chan, too. I've been trying to get a hold of Mako-chan but I can't contact him." Nagisa seemed like he was almost in tears.
"I just saw Makoto earlier. I'm sure he's fine." Still, Haruka couldn't help but worry. There was a niggling in his gut and he couldn't damn shake it.
"That's good to hear." It was Rei on the other end now. He must've snatched the phone from Nagisa. "But Haruka-senpai, we all think you guys should get out of there before the situation gets out of control. Maybe you can head back here in Iwatobi until things settle down?"
The sound of sirens resonating from a distance reached Haruka's ears. An unsettling feeling took up residence in his chest. "Look, Rei. I'll have to call Rin and Makoto. Rin's not home yet and it's past the time when he usually arrives."
"Now I'm really worried. Please call us once you're certain that Rin-san and Makoto-senpai are okay. And please consider coming home."
"I will, Rei. Thanks." Once the call ended, Haruka dialed Makoto's number but he was greeted with the automated response informing him that the number he was trying to reach may be out of the coverage area.
"Damn it, Makoto. Where are you?" He tried Makoto's number again. And again. On his fourth try with no luck, Haruka had the overwhelming urge to hurl his phone across the room.
And he would have but his phone started ringing. When he saw Rin's number, he wasted no time answering the call. "Where are you?" he blurted. To hell with etiquette. He was already on edge, Damn it!
"Haru." The dejected way Rin spoke pushed Haruka into the deep ends of anxiety. Something was wrong. His instinct screamed warnings that something horrible had happened. "It's Sousuke." A sharp and hollow intake of breath that might have been a sob followed. "He's dead, Haru. Sousuke's gone."
Haruka wanted to ask how or why or what the heck happened but RIn started bawling and spouting unintelligible words that might have no longer been Japanese. Somewhere in Rin's rambling, Haruka thought he heard Makoto's name so he asked, "What about Makoto?" without waiting for Rin to fall silent.
A string of disjointed phrases were spouted until Rin finally paused, perhaps to take a breather, then said, "He's one of them, Haru. Makoto's one of them. He's not the Makoto we know, not anymore. He's—"
As if the odds were against him, the line was cut without giving Haruka a chance to clarify what Rin meant. He listened to the irritating hiss until the last vestiges of his patience abandoned him.
Dinner would most likely be disregarded in favor of current priorities so he turned off the stove, grabbed his wallet and left their apartment.
The sirens were louder once he made it out into the streets, slicing through the still air. Few people loitered even along the commercial area which was unusual since the convenience store was usually swamped with residents or passers by at this hour.
For a while, he debated where to go exactly. He was worried about Rin, wanted to be there for Rin now that his mind had completely digested the news about Sousuke's unfortunate fate. He could imagine the dilemma that his boyfriend was possibly going through. In spite of the fact that Haruka never got along well with Sousuke, he was still Rin's best friend and Haruka felt condolences for his untimely passing in that respect. Another reason why he had the urge to go to Rin was to find out the cause. But.
Haruka had no clue where Rin was. Presumably, he was still in Sousuke's apartment but having no interest on Sousuke at all, Haruka didn't know where he lived. He tried calling Rin but instead of the usual automated response, he kept getting a shrill noise as if there was an interference that slew the connection.
While hurrying along the street that led straight to the train station, cars that bore the CCG insignia zoomed past, prompting Haruka to revisit his conversation with Nagisa earlier. Could it be true, he wondered, that ghouls from the 11th ward had come here to invoke chaos?
There was a reason why he and Rin agreed to stay in this area, why Makoto had likewise chosen a school within the vicinity. The 20th ward, though still populated with ghouls, was known to be the most peaceful. Rumor had it that most ghouls here operate under a faction and they followed some sort of etiquette code or whatever bullshit. Haruka had no clue what etiquette was there in devouring humans.
But still.
If this code they adhere had anything to do with keeping ghoul-related incidents in this ward minimal, then who was he to complain. But ghouls from the 11th ward might be an entirely different story. They were, as news reporters claimed, more aggressive. And if what Nagisa had told him was true then….
Haruka decided that while he was figuring out how and where to find Rin, he would head over to check on Makoto. The train ride to the station near Makoto's place seemed to have gone longer than usual. Or maybe it was only his imagination since he was restless as fuck. He willed his feet to hurry as he trailed along the pavement, Rin's words playing in his head.
Makoto's one of them. What did that mean? One of whom or what exactly? And why did Rin blurted it after informing him about Sousuke's death? Was there some sort of anomalous connection? A thousand questions swam in Haruka's head, too distracted that he hadn't notice he had arrived at Makoto's apartment building and was already standing outside Makoto's. His legs were probably guided by his subconscious mind.
He brought his fist up and knocked, gently at first but when there wasn't any response, he practically pounded on the door, yelling, "Makoto! It's me," with complete disregard to neighbors. No one seemed to give a shit though, not one telling him off so Haruka figured it was okay and continued to tap against the wooden surface with more force than necessary. He could sense movements inside, could tell Makoto was home.
"I know you're in there," Haruka said in a way Rin did as team captain of the Samezuka swim team back in high school – authoritative and firm.
"You better leave, Haru," came floating through the door and Haruka could almost hear Makoto breathing. "It's not safe for you here."
"Let me in," was Haruka's stubborn return. If Makoto was so concerned for his safety, then Makoto had best allow him to take shelter in his apartment where he would be out of harm's way.
But Makoto was being stubborn, said, "I can't, Haru. Just… just go," like it pained him to utter those words and this gave Haruka the more reason to stand his ground.
"I am not leaving until you tell me what's going on? What's happening to you, Makoto?" Haruka heard nothing but silence for a while with only the cawing of crows and the discordant horns from the streets to disturb the unsettling tension. There was a quiet thump and the door quivering, which suggested that Makoto may be leaning against the other side. "I've known you for years, Makoto, so I know that you've been acting so unlike yourself lately. Something's happening to you, I can tell."
More wordless seconds passed then Makoto finally spoke. "Have you talked to Rin?"
Haruka pondered whether to tell Makoto about Sousuke but it didn't take him long to decide against it. One step at a time, considering that Haruka was till in the dark about Rin's words. If Haruka were to connect the dots, he had to take the most prudent approach. "No," he lied. "I've been trying to call him but couldn't get through for some reason."
Another awkward silence followed. Then. "I'm sorry, Haru. I'm so sorry. Tell Rin, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do it, I swear. I didn't," came tumbling out of Makoto's mouth in a loop, leaving Haruka even more confused. What was Makoto apologizing for? And why would he need to apologize to Rin? Did he have anything to do with Sousuke's death? Why and how and what the fuck?
Haruka's head reeled and a bout of migraine was threatening to settle in. He's not the Makoto we know, not anymore. "What happened to you, Makoto?" His hand was splayed against the cold surface of the door. He felt helpless, such a useless friend he was, hating the fact there was this damn thing between him and Makoto that Haruka couldn't do a thing.
And Makoto kept pushing him away. "Just… go, Haru. Find Rin. Find Rin and get out of Tokyo while you can."
"What about you?"
An audible release of breath echoed from. " I'm not the same Makoto you know, Haru. I can't travel down the same road you guys take anymore. And I need to go to where you and Rin wouldn't be able to follow," were the cryptic words Makoto spewed out.
Haruka would've asked Makoto to be a little more specific and not feed him with metaphors that could be interpreted a thousand ways, would've insisted that Makoto let him in, but then his phone demanded attention and it was a call Haruka couldn't ignore.
"Haru," Rin said without giving Haruka a chance to utter a word. "Where are you?"
"At Makoto's," was Haruka's cursory response. "And you? I've been trying to call you."
"I'm back at the apartment. There was an electronic interference in the area where Sousuke lives, CCG everywhere," Rin explained, sounding like he was close to having an anxiety attack. "Listen, Haru, you have to get out of there, now. Is Makoto with you?"
"He wouldn't open the door." Haruka glared at Makoto's door as if that gesture alone could will it to open.
"Don't talk to him, then. Just get out of there."
"But—"
"No buts, Haru. I'll stay on the line with you until you're on a train back home." Rin wasn't leaving any room for argument and Haruka had a gut feeling that he shouldn't protest, that there wasn't any place for his stubborn resolve in this situation.
"All right." Haruka leaned close to the door, afraid that if he did leave, this would be the last time he'd ever hear from Makoto. "Makoto, I have to get to Rin."
"Go, Haru." Makoto's voice had gone weak and there was something dismissive in the way he spoke. "Tell Rin I'm sorry."
Haruka's feet felt like they were made of lead, every step he took away from his best friend agonizing.
*
"You did the right thing." The girl Makoto met in the alley a lifetime ago it seemed, the one who was responsible for his first taste of human flesh, walked out of the shadows. She had showed up half an hour before Haruka came pounding at his door.
"I feel like the world's worst friend, Satomi." Makoto kept his head bowed between his knees, back still against the door. The floor seemed like the most comfortable place to sit on right now so he made no move to stand.
"You'd be the worst friend if you didn't push him away. It was a necessary move for his own protection," Satomi said matter-of-factly. "We have to leave now, before any member of the 11th ward ghouls get to us. Arrangements have already been made. Come." She reached out, offering Makoto a hand.
Makoto lifted his gaze and saw she was probably his only chance right now to make something better out of this new life he had to lead. "What about my friends?"
"I told you. The boss knows someone who works for CCG. How do you think we kept them off our backs all this time?" Satomi didn't remove her hand, still waiting for Makoto to take it. "And that investigator is already working on sending your friends back to Iwatobi. I suggest you worry about yourself. You're still in trouble for what you did to that Yamazaki guy."
Guilt came crashing on him in waves and Makoto felt like drowning. "I lost control. I… I actually can't remember what happened."
"I understand." There was something reassuring in the way Satomi said those words, her eyes gleaming with empathy that made Makoto feel less alone than he did for the past weeks. "You'll learn control eventually. Right now you have to make a choice to move on with this newfound life, or would you rather stay and let it all end?"
The sound of sirens pierced through the air like some forewarning. Makoto knew there wasn't any time to wallow on the past and the present if he still hoped for a future, regardless of where it would take him. He took Satomi's hand, knew then this was the end of the Tachibana Makoto who hailed from Iwatobi, that this was the birth of the new him.
"I'll go. Wherever this journey takes me, I'll fight to survive," he said, getting up on his feet. He packed in a hurry, enough to fill a large backpack, scanned his apartment one last time before following Satomi out the door.
*
It had barely been ten minutes since Rin ended the call with his boyfriend after Haruka assured him he was on a train back to their place. Waiting was painful so Rin kept himself busy packing for the trip back home to Iwatobi. He was in the process of zipping his luggage close when Haruka came storming into the apartment, hollering, "Rin!"
"I'm in our room!" Rin called back. He was almost done with his things, glad he didn't have too many since they just moved to Tokyo at the beginning of spring, and he intend to help Haruka pack his.
"What are you doing?" Haruka eyed the couple of bags on the floor, brows furrowed in confusion.
"We're going home. To Iwatobi. I have to bring Sousuke's remains back to his family." The thought of Sousuke dead stabbed painfully at his chest so trying not to shed a tear was a feat in itself but Rin did his best to stay calm. That wasn't the only reason they had to make this journey but he knew it was something Haruka would question the least.
"I'm sorry." There was remorse in Haruka's expression, something rarely seen other than his usual nonchalance. He crossed the room and before Rin knew it, Haruka gathered him in his arms.
The comfort Haruka offered broke him and Rin couldn't keep it bottled up anymore. The pain that had been kept twisted in his chest unfurled, allowing him to release everything he was feeling at the moment.
Sousuke was gone, his best friend stolen from him. Rin felt no shame in crying against Haruka's chest, his fingers curled around Haruka's arm and Haruka's shirt, desperately clinging onto him, afraid that he would drown if he didn't.
Only when he finally felt calm settling in did Rin realize that the hour had stretched. "I'll help you pack," he said, his voice had gone hoarse.
Haruka only nodded. Halfway through, he asked, "Why does it seem like you're emptying the apartment?"
It was difficult to meet Haruka's eyes, uncertain how he would react, so Rin kept his gaze focused on the box he was filling up with kitchen utensils. "We're not coming back here, Haru."
An audible sigh escaped Haruka. "Good. I never wanted to come here in the first place. I only did because of you and Makoto."
The mere mention of Makoto sent a chill down Rin's spine. He'd been agonizing whether to tell Haruka what he witnessed, but Haruka had the right to know. "About Makoto," Rin started, braving to meet Haruka's eyes. "I saw him at Sousuke's apartment."
A frown marred Haruka's face once more. "What was he doing there?"
Rin hesitated, not wanting to sound like he was spouting senseless accusations. "At first I wasn't sure if it was him because he looked entirely different." He gestured at his face with his hand. "One of his eyes – his left eye – had a different color, the sclera's all black and the iris red, like a ghoul's eye. And he had blood on his face. I didn't know what to make of it, until he ran out of there saying he was sorry."
Haruka offered no reaction, just stared at Rin as if Rin was speaking in a different language.
"Sousuke died from a ghoul attack, Haru. And Makoto was the one I saw with him," were the phrases that Rin managed to string together carefully so Haruka would come up with his own conclusion.
"He said he was no longer the Makoto I know," Haruka muttered in almost a whisper. "He said he needs to go somewhere where you and I wouldn't be able to follow." A single tear slid out of the corner of Haruka's eye and down his cheek. "The accident. Rin, do you think…?"
This was a puzzle that was surely difficult to piece together. "I don't know, Haru. The CCG investigator who's arranging the trip back home for us mentioned a rumor about a doctor who had been conducting peculiar experiments that involved fusing a ghoul's part into a human," Rin said, recalling every detail he learned while he was at Sousuke's place dealing with the CCG people. "Makoto may have been a victim."
Haruka sank into a chair looking like the last remnants of his energy had been sucked out of him. "Makoto."
*
It was strange to be back in Iwatobi, back home. It felt like he'd been away for ages while in reality, it had only been a few months. It was sadly a short journey through college.
The funeral wasn't drawn out like he feared he would. Sousuke's family didn't want to dwell on this sudden loss.
Rin had been coordinating with the trainer in Australia for the past two weeks since they arrived. "I sent him videos of you in competitions and I think he's interested in getting you into the same training program that I'll be taking," he said with forced enthusiasm. Haruka could tell Rin was still hurting, but he was doing his best to move on. So was he.
"Okay." One thing Haruka had learned since he started dating Rin – or even long before that – was that once Rin had set his mind on something, it would be difficult to sway him. The impromptu trip to Australia when they were in high school was proof of that. "Just don't spring a surprise on me. Let me know at least a few weeks ahead. It's hard to pack without proper planning, you know."
A smirk curved onto Rin's lips. "Of course." He climbed into the bed to join Haruka, coiling an arm around Haruka's waste, his other hand cupping Haruka's cheek. "You can resume training there with me and we can start a new life, see our dreams through together and all."
"I just wish…" Haruka pushed the thought out of his mind. He knew hoping that Makoto could be with them was pointless.
Few days after they had gone back to Iwatobi, Haruka received an email from Makoto bidding him farewell, thank Haruka for the friendship and told Haruka not to look for him because he was embarking on a new journey. Difficult as it might be, but Haruka knew it was time for him to let go.
"I'm sure he's fine." Rin sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than reassure Haruka. "Makoto is a survivor, after all."
Haruka stroke Rin's cheek with the back of his fingers. "I hope so," he said and met Rin's lips in a kiss that spoke a lot of promise. They both lost their best friends. But at least, they still had each other.
~ Owari ~
Written for
journeystory 2014 and Trope Bingo 2014 for square prompt 'au: fusion'Free!, Matsuoka Rin/ Nanase Haruka, rated R
Warning: minor character death, gore – but not too graphic
See MASTER POST for more details.
Part 1
"He's not answering." Rin pulled his phone away from his ear then thumbed on his phone, probably to dial Makoto's number again.
Haruka chucked the towel he'd been using to dry his hair at the basket. "He's probably busy with his studies. He has almost three weeks worth of schoolwork to catch up on, hasn't he?" he said in nonchalantly way even though he was likewise worried sick over his best friend.
"I know that but…" Rin's arm dropped at his side, phone in hand. His shoulders sagged and he looked utterly defeated, like he just lost a race. "Aren't you worried about him? This isn't like Makoto. It's obvious he'd been avoiding us."
It was understandable that Rin would be concerned because it was so unlike Makoto to keep his distance, regardless if it was deliberate or something he couldn't help. But. Haruka heaved a sigh. "Shouldn't you be worrying about yourself? You barely have a month left to decide about Australia. Or have you made your decision yet?"
Rin refused to meet his gaze. Haruka could only presume that Rin hadn't really thought it over. There wasn't any response offered and Haruka thought it best not to push it.
Days flew by and they still hadn't heard anything from Makoto. Rin claimed he hadn't had any time to pay him a visit, but Haruka knew that was a lie. Normally, he wouldn't let anything like this bother him. Whatever was going on with Makoto, he clearly needed space and Haruka knew he had no choice but to oblige. But then again, it wasn't like Makoto to not try to contact him in any way for one straight week, so.
Makoto wasn't at his apartment. Or at least that was what Haruka concluded since Makoto wasn't answering the door, even as he kept ringing the damn doorbell for three minutes. Waiting around seemed infinitely pointless so he left. Besides, patience wasn't his strongest suit.
Haruka decided to try finding Makoto at the university. Last he heard, he was taking a part time job at the bookstore just outside the campus. But Makoto wasn't there either. Instead, Haruka ran into the person he least wanted to see: Yamazaki Sousuke.
"Nanase." Sousuke enunciated his name as if it was something vile or bitter against Sousuke's tongue.
"Yamazaki." Haruka couldn't hold back the acerbity in his tone either. He regretted his decision of coming over to these parts. He'd forgotten that Sousuke went to the same university as Makoto.
"I heard Rin hadn't decided whether to accept the offer to train in Australia yet," Sousuke said, eyes boring into Haruka's.
"I don't think that's any of your business." Haruka had enough of Sousuke's meddling. Sure, he was Rin's best friend. But even Haruka leave all decision to Rin when it came to his future. What right did Sousuke have to intervene?
"I warned you once, Nanase. And I'm warning you again." Sousuke's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Don't you dare hold Rin back," he said then walked past Haruka, leaving an ominous trail in his wake.
Haruka meant to throw another snide remark, but he spotted Makoto standing behind a lamp post ahead. Dealing with Sousuke wasn't in his priorities anyway, so Haruka hurried over to his best friend before Makoto could flee.
But Makoto stayed where he was, eyes – or more like eye – trained on Sousuke who was already a good distance away. "Is he still bothering you about Rin?" he said as soon as Haruka was close enough.
Haruka shrugged. "He doesn't bother me." An awkward silence settled between them, Haruka staring at the eye patch covering Makoto's left eye. "What's with the patch?"
Makoto visibly jerked at that. He lifted his hand, touched the piece of fabric over his eye and said, "Side effects of the surgery, according to the doctor. My left eye is sensitive to dirt and nearly everything so I have to keep it covered."
Though reading people was more of Makoto's skill than Haruka's, it was somehow easy for Haruka to tell that Makoto was lying. But pointing it out might push Makoto further away. So Haruka chose to take it, to accept whatever Makoto said. "I see."
" I uh…" Makoto shifted his weight from one leg to the other. "I'm sorry I haven't called you or… or haven't had time to see you lately. I've been… I've been really busy."
"I understand." Haruka's instincts told him there was more to it than being busy, but again, he didn't pry.
Makoto's lips curved but the smile that took shape wasn't the one Haruka was used to seeing. "How's Rin?"
"He's fine." Haruka wasn't fond of small talk. He preferred straightforward conversation rather than hanging around and listening to someone beat around the bush. But this was different. For some reason, he felt like he had a fragile situation in his hand and he felt rather uneasy seeing this Makoto in front of him.
"Is he still taking that offer from Australia?" At least Makoto wasn't fleeing.
"I honestly don't know. We haven't really talked about it lately." This wasn't exactly what Haruka wanted to talk about. Rin had been clearly avoiding the topic, so Haruka had no clue what his boyfriend's plans were.
Makoto must have read his mind like usual because he didn't press further, instead, asked, "Do you want to go for some tea?"
"Sure." Haruka debated whether to send Rin a text message to let him know where he was. But knowing Rin, he might rush over and possibly agitate Makoto so Haruka decided against it.
*
That Nanase. He really had a way of getting under Sousuke's skin. Just the mere thought of how Rin was willing to throw away an amazing opportunity that could potentially make his long-time dream come true because of that guy irked Sousuke to no end.
It was the most stupid decision Rin had ever made, in Sousuke's opinion. What kind of a best friend would he be if he allowed this to happen? Without a solid plan mind, he sent Rin a text message: Can you meet me at my place in an hour? There's something I need to discuss in person.
Before Sousuke could slip his phone back into his pocket, he heard the tone indicating he had a message. It was from Rin and it read: Sure. I was thinking of dropping by, anyway. Haven't seen you in ages. See you an hour.
Sousuke was relieved that Rin didn't ask for any reason.
After a quick stop at a convenience store to grab something he could prepare for dinner (a perfect excuse so Rin would have a reason to stay longer), Sousuke made his way to his apartment in haste. What he didn't expect was to find Tachibana Makoto standing by his door, clearly waiting for him.
"Tachibana," he said, not even masking the acrimony in his tone. He had no time to deal with Makoto right now. "What do you want?"
"I was hoping we could talk. About Rin. And Haru." The stubborn resolve that defined Makoto's expression told Sousuke there was no way he could get out of this. Might as well get over this, he thought with a frown.
Without a word, he unlocked the door of his apartment and gestured for Makoto to get inside. "Five minutes. I have a lot of things to do since it's a school night.
Makoto smiled. "That would be enough."
"Then talk." Sousuke made sure his impatience was apparent as he crossed the living room, tossed the keys on the table none-too-gently, placed his groceries beside it then slid his jacket off.
"I want you to leave them both alone, Haru especially." There was an undeniable threat in Makoto's tone, which Sousuke found rather uncharacteristic. He didn't know Makoto that well, just that he was – or seemed – friendly, optimistic and nothing like the Makoto before him, one that showed a somewhat meek antagonistic attitude.
Perhaps there was a dour side to Makoto that he hadn't witnessed yet. Sousuke never really paid him any attention back in high school since they went to different schools and he was too focused on his goal back then, too focused on Rin.
"Would you be a little more specific?" Sousuke met Makoto's narrowed eyes.
"I know you've been hounding Haru about Rin since were still in Iwatobi." Makoto was quick to add, "And no, he didn't tell me. I just know," when Sousuke parted his lips to deflect the accusation. "I saw you earlier with Haru and I heard what you told him. Haru isn't the one forcing Rin to make decisions. And whatever Rin chooses is up to him. Just leave them alone."
Sousuke couldn't help but snort. "Rin had a dream, still has as far as I'm aware of. And Nanase's getting in his way. As Rin's friend, I'll do everything I can to make Rin see the light Even if that means I'm going to have to pry Nanase away from him." He turned around, grabbed the groceries and started to make his way to the kitchen. "I think we're done here."
"No. We're not," Makoto said, voice laced with chilling menace that prompted Sousuke to face him once more.
Something heavy settled in his chest and it felt almost like his blood had been drained when he saw Makoto's face. A mask of unmistakable hostility had taken over the usual genial veneer that Makoto wore. Fear seized Sousuke, his legs unable to move so he watched helplessly as Makoto's left eye changed, sclera turning black and the irises blood red. Veins popped out from the corner of that eye and stretched all the way to his temple.
"W-what are you?" Sousuke backed off slowly on impulse but before he can take another step, Makoto leaped off his feet and lunged at him, causing him to lose his balance and to fall on the ground.
The last thought that grazed Sousuke's mind was, Rin would be here soon, before he felt solid teeth sink right where his throat should be.
*
Makoto jerked awake, completely disoriented. It took a few seconds before he noticed that he was lying flat on something hard and cold. He shifted on his side, realizing that he was on the floor but what he was doing there or where he was exactly he couldn't recall. His head throbbed as he pushed himself upright.
Something that smelled like iron struck his nose, arousing him to full awareness. When his eyes strayed over to the person lying motionless a few feet from him, Makoto felt as if his heart stopped beating.
No. No, no, no. He crawled over to the body, his befuddled mind gradually inferring who the man was. It was Yamazaki Sousuke. A sense of recollection hit Makoto in waves, forcing him to go through a cognitive process. Images flashed in his head. He remembered coming over to see Sousuke, to talk to him. The last thing he could recall was they were inside Sousuke's apartment and everything else was a blur.
Makoto caught sight of his reflection on the dark surface of the television across the room. It wasn't clear but he could make up the traces of blood around his mouth.
"What have I done?" he asked out loud, his voice vibrating across the silence. He lifted his hand, brushed his fingers just below his lower lip and was swept with vertigo the moment he saw the scarlet stain on his fingertips.
The sudden knock on the door startled him out of stupor.
"Sousuke. Open up!" The voice sounded familiar and when Makoto recognized it was Rin's, his head spun with a cyclone of thoughts that rendered him paralyzed.
*
It was strange for Sousuke to not be home, not after he had called Rin over. Rin presumed he must be in the bathroom, or probably had his headphones on so he tried the knob and wasn't surprised that it turned. He made a mental note to remind Sousuke that this was Tokyo and keeping the door unlocked would be unwise.
The moment he pushed the door open, his eyes immediately landed on the two figures on the ground. He blinked to make sure it was Makoto he was seeing crouched beside—
"The fuck!" His gaze had settled on the body sprawled on the floor, throat seemed to have been torn apart, shirt soaked with blood. The shock wore off when Rin was able to identify Sousuke whose eyes were open but unseeing and with lips parted as if in a silent scream.
Then he looked at Makoto. He wondered if it was indeed Makoto because he looked different, his left eye held the color of a bloody moon in a night sky; face smeared with blood and no longer held the gentle façade that Makoto was known for. Only when he spoke, said, "R-Rin," that Rin confirmed it was indeed his friend.
"Makoto. What happened here? S-Sousuke." Rin couldn't even string coherent words together, his legs felt weak.
"Uh—I'm sorry. I'm sorry!" Makoto made a dash past him and out the door, leaving Rin staring at Sousuke's mangled body.
His hand trembled as he pulled his phone out. He had to call someone.
Someone.
*
The music from his phone blasted from the dining table and Haruka chose to ignore it, wanting to get dinner done before Rin got home. Rin didn't say anything about having dinner at Sousuke's place, even said he probably wouldn't stay there long. The ringing eventually stopped but it had barely been a minute and it was off again.
Haruka placed the ladder on the plate and ambled over to retrieve his phone, saw the name on the screen and frowned, confused.
"Nagisa?" he said once he had it pressed against his ear.
"Haru-chan! Are you okay? Is Rin-chan, okay?" Nagisa sounded frantic or anxious, which wasn't unnatural but there was something in his voice that triggered the alarm in the back of Haruka's head.
"I'm fine, Nagisa. Rin and I are both fine. Why do you ask?" Haruka had a feeling this had something to do with ghouls. Before they left Iwatobi, Nagisa was the most worried one when he learned all three of them – Makoto, Rin and himself – were transferring to Tokyo. There were reports about ghouls that had reached their hometown and Haruka didn't really think it was that big of a problem back then.
"It's all over the news. Some group of ghouls in the eleventh ward had attacked the CCG headquarters there and killed everyone. Now they're terrorizing every ward and it was just reported that they've already reached the twentieth ward where you are," Nagisa said in one breath and Haruka wondered how he managed to do that.
Haruka hadn't actually turned on the television so he was behind the news. "I haven't heard anything about that."
"Rei-chan, Gou-chan and I are worried about you guys. Ai-chan and Momo-chan, too. I've been trying to get a hold of Mako-chan but I can't contact him." Nagisa seemed like he was almost in tears.
"I just saw Makoto earlier. I'm sure he's fine." Still, Haruka couldn't help but worry. There was a niggling in his gut and he couldn't damn shake it.
"That's good to hear." It was Rei on the other end now. He must've snatched the phone from Nagisa. "But Haruka-senpai, we all think you guys should get out of there before the situation gets out of control. Maybe you can head back here in Iwatobi until things settle down?"
The sound of sirens resonating from a distance reached Haruka's ears. An unsettling feeling took up residence in his chest. "Look, Rei. I'll have to call Rin and Makoto. Rin's not home yet and it's past the time when he usually arrives."
"Now I'm really worried. Please call us once you're certain that Rin-san and Makoto-senpai are okay. And please consider coming home."
"I will, Rei. Thanks." Once the call ended, Haruka dialed Makoto's number but he was greeted with the automated response informing him that the number he was trying to reach may be out of the coverage area.
"Damn it, Makoto. Where are you?" He tried Makoto's number again. And again. On his fourth try with no luck, Haruka had the overwhelming urge to hurl his phone across the room.
And he would have but his phone started ringing. When he saw Rin's number, he wasted no time answering the call. "Where are you?" he blurted. To hell with etiquette. He was already on edge, Damn it!
"Haru." The dejected way Rin spoke pushed Haruka into the deep ends of anxiety. Something was wrong. His instinct screamed warnings that something horrible had happened. "It's Sousuke." A sharp and hollow intake of breath that might have been a sob followed. "He's dead, Haru. Sousuke's gone."
Haruka wanted to ask how or why or what the heck happened but RIn started bawling and spouting unintelligible words that might have no longer been Japanese. Somewhere in Rin's rambling, Haruka thought he heard Makoto's name so he asked, "What about Makoto?" without waiting for Rin to fall silent.
A string of disjointed phrases were spouted until Rin finally paused, perhaps to take a breather, then said, "He's one of them, Haru. Makoto's one of them. He's not the Makoto we know, not anymore. He's—"
As if the odds were against him, the line was cut without giving Haruka a chance to clarify what Rin meant. He listened to the irritating hiss until the last vestiges of his patience abandoned him.
Dinner would most likely be disregarded in favor of current priorities so he turned off the stove, grabbed his wallet and left their apartment.
The sirens were louder once he made it out into the streets, slicing through the still air. Few people loitered even along the commercial area which was unusual since the convenience store was usually swamped with residents or passers by at this hour.
For a while, he debated where to go exactly. He was worried about Rin, wanted to be there for Rin now that his mind had completely digested the news about Sousuke's unfortunate fate. He could imagine the dilemma that his boyfriend was possibly going through. In spite of the fact that Haruka never got along well with Sousuke, he was still Rin's best friend and Haruka felt condolences for his untimely passing in that respect. Another reason why he had the urge to go to Rin was to find out the cause. But.
Haruka had no clue where Rin was. Presumably, he was still in Sousuke's apartment but having no interest on Sousuke at all, Haruka didn't know where he lived. He tried calling Rin but instead of the usual automated response, he kept getting a shrill noise as if there was an interference that slew the connection.
While hurrying along the street that led straight to the train station, cars that bore the CCG insignia zoomed past, prompting Haruka to revisit his conversation with Nagisa earlier. Could it be true, he wondered, that ghouls from the 11th ward had come here to invoke chaos?
There was a reason why he and Rin agreed to stay in this area, why Makoto had likewise chosen a school within the vicinity. The 20th ward, though still populated with ghouls, was known to be the most peaceful. Rumor had it that most ghouls here operate under a faction and they followed some sort of etiquette code or whatever bullshit. Haruka had no clue what etiquette was there in devouring humans.
But still.
If this code they adhere had anything to do with keeping ghoul-related incidents in this ward minimal, then who was he to complain. But ghouls from the 11th ward might be an entirely different story. They were, as news reporters claimed, more aggressive. And if what Nagisa had told him was true then….
Haruka decided that while he was figuring out how and where to find Rin, he would head over to check on Makoto. The train ride to the station near Makoto's place seemed to have gone longer than usual. Or maybe it was only his imagination since he was restless as fuck. He willed his feet to hurry as he trailed along the pavement, Rin's words playing in his head.
Makoto's one of them. What did that mean? One of whom or what exactly? And why did Rin blurted it after informing him about Sousuke's death? Was there some sort of anomalous connection? A thousand questions swam in Haruka's head, too distracted that he hadn't notice he had arrived at Makoto's apartment building and was already standing outside Makoto's. His legs were probably guided by his subconscious mind.
He brought his fist up and knocked, gently at first but when there wasn't any response, he practically pounded on the door, yelling, "Makoto! It's me," with complete disregard to neighbors. No one seemed to give a shit though, not one telling him off so Haruka figured it was okay and continued to tap against the wooden surface with more force than necessary. He could sense movements inside, could tell Makoto was home.
"I know you're in there," Haruka said in a way Rin did as team captain of the Samezuka swim team back in high school – authoritative and firm.
"You better leave, Haru," came floating through the door and Haruka could almost hear Makoto breathing. "It's not safe for you here."
"Let me in," was Haruka's stubborn return. If Makoto was so concerned for his safety, then Makoto had best allow him to take shelter in his apartment where he would be out of harm's way.
But Makoto was being stubborn, said, "I can't, Haru. Just… just go," like it pained him to utter those words and this gave Haruka the more reason to stand his ground.
"I am not leaving until you tell me what's going on? What's happening to you, Makoto?" Haruka heard nothing but silence for a while with only the cawing of crows and the discordant horns from the streets to disturb the unsettling tension. There was a quiet thump and the door quivering, which suggested that Makoto may be leaning against the other side. "I've known you for years, Makoto, so I know that you've been acting so unlike yourself lately. Something's happening to you, I can tell."
More wordless seconds passed then Makoto finally spoke. "Have you talked to Rin?"
Haruka pondered whether to tell Makoto about Sousuke but it didn't take him long to decide against it. One step at a time, considering that Haruka was till in the dark about Rin's words. If Haruka were to connect the dots, he had to take the most prudent approach. "No," he lied. "I've been trying to call him but couldn't get through for some reason."
Another awkward silence followed. Then. "I'm sorry, Haru. I'm so sorry. Tell Rin, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do it, I swear. I didn't," came tumbling out of Makoto's mouth in a loop, leaving Haruka even more confused. What was Makoto apologizing for? And why would he need to apologize to Rin? Did he have anything to do with Sousuke's death? Why and how and what the fuck?
Haruka's head reeled and a bout of migraine was threatening to settle in. He's not the Makoto we know, not anymore. "What happened to you, Makoto?" His hand was splayed against the cold surface of the door. He felt helpless, such a useless friend he was, hating the fact there was this damn thing between him and Makoto that Haruka couldn't do a thing.
And Makoto kept pushing him away. "Just… go, Haru. Find Rin. Find Rin and get out of Tokyo while you can."
"What about you?"
An audible release of breath echoed from. " I'm not the same Makoto you know, Haru. I can't travel down the same road you guys take anymore. And I need to go to where you and Rin wouldn't be able to follow," were the cryptic words Makoto spewed out.
Haruka would've asked Makoto to be a little more specific and not feed him with metaphors that could be interpreted a thousand ways, would've insisted that Makoto let him in, but then his phone demanded attention and it was a call Haruka couldn't ignore.
"Haru," Rin said without giving Haruka a chance to utter a word. "Where are you?"
"At Makoto's," was Haruka's cursory response. "And you? I've been trying to call you."
"I'm back at the apartment. There was an electronic interference in the area where Sousuke lives, CCG everywhere," Rin explained, sounding like he was close to having an anxiety attack. "Listen, Haru, you have to get out of there, now. Is Makoto with you?"
"He wouldn't open the door." Haruka glared at Makoto's door as if that gesture alone could will it to open.
"Don't talk to him, then. Just get out of there."
"But—"
"No buts, Haru. I'll stay on the line with you until you're on a train back home." Rin wasn't leaving any room for argument and Haruka had a gut feeling that he shouldn't protest, that there wasn't any place for his stubborn resolve in this situation.
"All right." Haruka leaned close to the door, afraid that if he did leave, this would be the last time he'd ever hear from Makoto. "Makoto, I have to get to Rin."
"Go, Haru." Makoto's voice had gone weak and there was something dismissive in the way he spoke. "Tell Rin I'm sorry."
Haruka's feet felt like they were made of lead, every step he took away from his best friend agonizing.
*
"You did the right thing." The girl Makoto met in the alley a lifetime ago it seemed, the one who was responsible for his first taste of human flesh, walked out of the shadows. She had showed up half an hour before Haruka came pounding at his door.
"I feel like the world's worst friend, Satomi." Makoto kept his head bowed between his knees, back still against the door. The floor seemed like the most comfortable place to sit on right now so he made no move to stand.
"You'd be the worst friend if you didn't push him away. It was a necessary move for his own protection," Satomi said matter-of-factly. "We have to leave now, before any member of the 11th ward ghouls get to us. Arrangements have already been made. Come." She reached out, offering Makoto a hand.
Makoto lifted his gaze and saw she was probably his only chance right now to make something better out of this new life he had to lead. "What about my friends?"
"I told you. The boss knows someone who works for CCG. How do you think we kept them off our backs all this time?" Satomi didn't remove her hand, still waiting for Makoto to take it. "And that investigator is already working on sending your friends back to Iwatobi. I suggest you worry about yourself. You're still in trouble for what you did to that Yamazaki guy."
Guilt came crashing on him in waves and Makoto felt like drowning. "I lost control. I… I actually can't remember what happened."
"I understand." There was something reassuring in the way Satomi said those words, her eyes gleaming with empathy that made Makoto feel less alone than he did for the past weeks. "You'll learn control eventually. Right now you have to make a choice to move on with this newfound life, or would you rather stay and let it all end?"
The sound of sirens pierced through the air like some forewarning. Makoto knew there wasn't any time to wallow on the past and the present if he still hoped for a future, regardless of where it would take him. He took Satomi's hand, knew then this was the end of the Tachibana Makoto who hailed from Iwatobi, that this was the birth of the new him.
"I'll go. Wherever this journey takes me, I'll fight to survive," he said, getting up on his feet. He packed in a hurry, enough to fill a large backpack, scanned his apartment one last time before following Satomi out the door.
*
It had barely been ten minutes since Rin ended the call with his boyfriend after Haruka assured him he was on a train back to their place. Waiting was painful so Rin kept himself busy packing for the trip back home to Iwatobi. He was in the process of zipping his luggage close when Haruka came storming into the apartment, hollering, "Rin!"
"I'm in our room!" Rin called back. He was almost done with his things, glad he didn't have too many since they just moved to Tokyo at the beginning of spring, and he intend to help Haruka pack his.
"What are you doing?" Haruka eyed the couple of bags on the floor, brows furrowed in confusion.
"We're going home. To Iwatobi. I have to bring Sousuke's remains back to his family." The thought of Sousuke dead stabbed painfully at his chest so trying not to shed a tear was a feat in itself but Rin did his best to stay calm. That wasn't the only reason they had to make this journey but he knew it was something Haruka would question the least.
"I'm sorry." There was remorse in Haruka's expression, something rarely seen other than his usual nonchalance. He crossed the room and before Rin knew it, Haruka gathered him in his arms.
The comfort Haruka offered broke him and Rin couldn't keep it bottled up anymore. The pain that had been kept twisted in his chest unfurled, allowing him to release everything he was feeling at the moment.
Sousuke was gone, his best friend stolen from him. Rin felt no shame in crying against Haruka's chest, his fingers curled around Haruka's arm and Haruka's shirt, desperately clinging onto him, afraid that he would drown if he didn't.
Only when he finally felt calm settling in did Rin realize that the hour had stretched. "I'll help you pack," he said, his voice had gone hoarse.
Haruka only nodded. Halfway through, he asked, "Why does it seem like you're emptying the apartment?"
It was difficult to meet Haruka's eyes, uncertain how he would react, so Rin kept his gaze focused on the box he was filling up with kitchen utensils. "We're not coming back here, Haru."
An audible sigh escaped Haruka. "Good. I never wanted to come here in the first place. I only did because of you and Makoto."
The mere mention of Makoto sent a chill down Rin's spine. He'd been agonizing whether to tell Haruka what he witnessed, but Haruka had the right to know. "About Makoto," Rin started, braving to meet Haruka's eyes. "I saw him at Sousuke's apartment."
A frown marred Haruka's face once more. "What was he doing there?"
Rin hesitated, not wanting to sound like he was spouting senseless accusations. "At first I wasn't sure if it was him because he looked entirely different." He gestured at his face with his hand. "One of his eyes – his left eye – had a different color, the sclera's all black and the iris red, like a ghoul's eye. And he had blood on his face. I didn't know what to make of it, until he ran out of there saying he was sorry."
Haruka offered no reaction, just stared at Rin as if Rin was speaking in a different language.
"Sousuke died from a ghoul attack, Haru. And Makoto was the one I saw with him," were the phrases that Rin managed to string together carefully so Haruka would come up with his own conclusion.
"He said he was no longer the Makoto I know," Haruka muttered in almost a whisper. "He said he needs to go somewhere where you and I wouldn't be able to follow." A single tear slid out of the corner of Haruka's eye and down his cheek. "The accident. Rin, do you think…?"
This was a puzzle that was surely difficult to piece together. "I don't know, Haru. The CCG investigator who's arranging the trip back home for us mentioned a rumor about a doctor who had been conducting peculiar experiments that involved fusing a ghoul's part into a human," Rin said, recalling every detail he learned while he was at Sousuke's place dealing with the CCG people. "Makoto may have been a victim."
Haruka sank into a chair looking like the last remnants of his energy had been sucked out of him. "Makoto."
*
It was strange to be back in Iwatobi, back home. It felt like he'd been away for ages while in reality, it had only been a few months. It was sadly a short journey through college.
The funeral wasn't drawn out like he feared he would. Sousuke's family didn't want to dwell on this sudden loss.
Rin had been coordinating with the trainer in Australia for the past two weeks since they arrived. "I sent him videos of you in competitions and I think he's interested in getting you into the same training program that I'll be taking," he said with forced enthusiasm. Haruka could tell Rin was still hurting, but he was doing his best to move on. So was he.
"Okay." One thing Haruka had learned since he started dating Rin – or even long before that – was that once Rin had set his mind on something, it would be difficult to sway him. The impromptu trip to Australia when they were in high school was proof of that. "Just don't spring a surprise on me. Let me know at least a few weeks ahead. It's hard to pack without proper planning, you know."
A smirk curved onto Rin's lips. "Of course." He climbed into the bed to join Haruka, coiling an arm around Haruka's waste, his other hand cupping Haruka's cheek. "You can resume training there with me and we can start a new life, see our dreams through together and all."
"I just wish…" Haruka pushed the thought out of his mind. He knew hoping that Makoto could be with them was pointless.
Few days after they had gone back to Iwatobi, Haruka received an email from Makoto bidding him farewell, thank Haruka for the friendship and told Haruka not to look for him because he was embarking on a new journey. Difficult as it might be, but Haruka knew it was time for him to let go.
"I'm sure he's fine." Rin sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than reassure Haruka. "Makoto is a survivor, after all."
Haruka stroke Rin's cheek with the back of his fingers. "I hope so," he said and met Rin's lips in a kiss that spoke a lot of promise. They both lost their best friends. But at least, they still had each other.
~ Owari ~