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Description
A/N: I was looking at this picture on Deviantart drawn by IreneRoga, and it inspired me to write a little story about it. I won't say anymore at this point but ask that you enjoy it. Yes, the first chapter is a scene from episode ten.
Disclaimer: I, LilDeviantMuse (Nefertiti), do not own Free! Iwatobi Swim Club/Free! Iwatobi

Believing

Chapter One: Together, With Spirit!

“Sousuke... you whisper quietly to yourself as you lift both of your hands to your mouth – surprised to see him standing with the team with an obviously injured shoulder. “What happened to your shoulder,” you question quietly.

Although you weren't the only one to notice. The rest of the Samezuka swim team's loud enthusiastic cheer quickly dwindled to mounting concern and finally murmuring among their peers. Although you did not participate in their murmuring, the team's lack of confidence started to seep into your heart. It started to feel as if the energy was being sucked right out of your body which made you wonder just how Sousuke, Ai, Momo, even Rin must feel right with the rest of their team no longer cheering. When you thought about it, it must have taken so much courage for the four of them, especially Sousuke to continue their relay with such obvious odds against them right now.

Scared that this new development would ruin Samezuka's spirit, you whip your head downward and quickly stand up while gripping your hands tightly into fists. “Don't...” You whisper as the familiar sensation of tears prickling your eyes started to overwhelm you. “Don---”

“What do you think you're doing?!”

Everyone on the swim team stiffened in alarm from the booming voice behind them.

That voice...Turning your body to the side, you glance up and your eyes immediately widen when you recognize the familiar short red hair that had been messily combed back, and the tan complexion of the previous Samezuka captain. “Mikoshiba...” His name flows off your tongue like water as you stare at him; surprised to see the old exuberant captain literally watching over the team from above. Although dramatic it may seem, it was like seeing Samezuka's guardian angel finally appear, and imbue the team with their forgotten spirit.

For a moment, Seijuro's golden eyes meets yours and you felt your chest swell with hope. There was no verbal exchange, just silence as if he was telepathically assuring you that everything would be ok. When you felt your heart at ease from the simple glance, you place your hand over your chest—in between your bosoms as Seijuro shifts his sights onto his old team with his hands on his hips. Clenching the fabric of your shirt, you turn away from Seijuro and quietly sit back down now having more confidence in Samezuka – in your friend's swimming in the relay.

Seijuro grips the metal railing tightly to the point his knuckles becomes white. He takes a deep breath and yells even louder than before with obvious conviction. “What is it you guys need to be doing right now? You need to cheer on your teammates as loudly as possible!”

“Right!” Each and every single member of the Samezuka swim team arms shoot into the air with renewed determination.

“Swim,” Seijuro roars with so much energy that the rest of the Samezuka team shouts the same words encouragingly. The teams energy can be felt in the air and it resonated deeply inside you like crackling electricty.

Nice going Mikoshiba...You smile proudly at the old captain then turn your sights on Sousuke whose body soars right over the crystal blue water the moment Niitori shouts his name from below. Shooting up from your seat, you cup the corners of our mouth and shout as loudly as possible when Sousuke gracefully enters the water. “Goooooooooo, Sousuke!”

Despite the large bruise you noticed on Sousuke's shoulder, the fact that he's still swimming and trying his best felt as if the worries for his welfare slowly subsided into hope. Thus, as you watch him with your hands clenched at your side, shallow breaths, eyes wide from sensing your heart race from anxiety, you mentally cheered when he kept up a steady space. From the Samezuka team, you can sense the tension likes waves of heat as everyone carefully watches Sousuke easily catch up to Rei before the returning lap. After first, Rei, the newest member of the Iwatobi swim team was ahead, but you could hardly control yourself for shouting for Sousuke instead. You respected Rei's will power, but Sousuke is giving it his all while injured.

“Come on Sousuke,” you cheer loudly once more when he pushes off the wall for the returning lap.

However....

Everyone in the bleachers starts murmuring in concern. When Sousuke broke through the water, he flails a little, and you softly gasp in concern. His shoulder must have felt the tension from the overexertion, but as his friend, you still wanted to cheer him on because he was doing his absolute best. Cupping your hands around your mouth once more, you shout as loud as possible. “You can do this, Sou-kun!”

Even Niitori, the one with short silver hair, and Momo, the one with bright orange hair like his brother Seijuro move closer to the edge of the pool while shouting Sousuke's surname.

But Rin...Rin, who had been waiting while standing on the plank shouted so loud that his voice echoed throughout the stadium. “SOUSUKE!” He beckoned his teammate with one arm which sent a chill through your spine to hear Rin shout.

“Rin,” you murmur his name as you watch his every move, knowing he was likely taking his old friend's condition the hardest out of anyone. But unlike everyone else, he was the most encouraging—the most desperate to see Sousuke finish the race. You knew this far too well, knowing how much the two bumped heads when it came to swimming which was so incredibly important like their rivalry and strong bond as friends. Thus, you continue to shout hoping to encourage Sousuke to give his final lap everything he can. “SOUSUKE! GO!”

In a matter of seconds and before everyone's eyes, Sousuke roars as he revives within the water and swims even harder with astounding vigor as if everyone participating in the relay slapped him hard across the back with a vengeance. As his body rose from the depths, he cuts through the crystal blue water like a jack knife and starts closing the distance once more between him and the other swimmers. Both of his arms slice through the water as he seems to fly across the lane like a penguin underneath water.

“Go,” Niitori shouts enthusiastically to the point of almost crying.

“Last Leg,” Momotarou shouts with as much energy as his older teammates and peers.

Even Rin, whom you've caught a glimpse of, grins excitedly the moment he sees Sousuke swim faster to catch up to Rei.

Seeing each member on the team try so hard made every nerve in your body buzz with excitement; every muscle tingle with anticipation from the results as the final members of each team ready themselves for the final stretch of the relay. When Sousuke's hand shot out of the water, time itself seems to have slowed down considerably, and all you can hear is your heart thumping wildly in your chest like a large butterfly trapped inside. You were so into the race that you barely notice yourself holding your breath.

Sousuke slaps the wall a couple of seconds after Rei does and you release your breath and immediately watch Rin spring into action. “RIN,” Sousuke calls out to Rin desperately a moment after he bobbed out of the water.

Rin soars over Sousuke without hesitation then dives gracefully into the water with a small splash. His dive, along with Haruka's is nothing short of beautiful, and elegant. Every single time you see their dives, you had always imagined something graceful such as a dolphin or a swan in their perfect forms and it always left in you in silent awe. Even though you had been a fan of watching Haruka swim since you've known him in middle school, Rin's improvements have been under close watch too.This was what you've wanted to see after waiting so long when Rin requested that you come see him and his team swim this year.

“Rin.,” you whisper then smile softly as you stay standing. Entranced by Rin's swimming, you cup the corners of your mouth and start cheering. “Go! Go! Go! RIN!” You continue chanting loudly while the participating swimmers from each team shouts for their lead swimmer's names. Their energy flows through your body, and you shout even louder no longer caring if you lose your voice after the competition.

Both Rin from Samezuka, and Haruka from Iwatobi who are neck and neck shout as the two of them slap their hands against the wall, for what seems to be exactly at the same time. At this, everyone goes quiet not knowing who actually won at this point. With your arms wrapped around your body, you tightly grip the sleeves of your shirt not for even a mere second removing your eyes from the two swimmers. While holding your breath, you wait for the announcement and grip your flesh tightly hoping that Rin was able to win it for the team.

But...

Glancing at the score board on the opposite side, the results of the ending race proved that the Iwatobi team managed to win by a few mere seconds. The Japanese symbols for both teams illuminated brightly in red – Iwatobi in first place, Samezuka in second...Everyone except for you, the Samezuka team and the other competing teams went into an uproar as the Iwatobi team shout triumphantly.

They...Lost...

Sighing dejectedly, you close your eyes and plop down onto your seat. You re-opened your eyes and glance around at the large group of boys from Samezuka. Some looked just as disappointed as you, while others smile proudly about the efforts made – namely Seijuro who had been standing between Uozumi, and Minami shortly after he rekindled the cheering spirit in his old team. When you noticed the smiles, you switch your attention to where Rin, Aiichirou, Momotarou, and Sousuke stand in front of the pool, all participating members laughing happily. Hearing them all laugh genuinely brought a smile to your face. To you, it did not sound as if they lost at all, but rather gained something far more precious to them.

“They sound really happy,” you whisper to yourself while observing Rin in particular, and noting how much he had been smiling the entire time. His smile and his laugh...The fact that your friend Rin is expressing so much joy made you even happier. Thus the initial disappointment of your favorite team losing is soon replaced with just being proud of all four relay swimmers giving it their all until the very end. Without saying anything, you rise from your seat and start walking down the stairs past the Samezuka team.

“Wait a moment,” Seijuro calls out to you as he grabs your wrist firmly.

Turning your head, you stare at Seijuro's large hand holding your wrist then at him. “What? I was just going to go down to greet Rin,” you tell him, still in position to head down the stairs so you could wait near the boy's dressing room. You didn't think Rin saw you in the crowd, so you wanted to see him personally and congratulate him for a job well done. But with Seijuro holding you in place, it prevented you from taking another step closer to the exit. That, and the look in his eyes seem to indicate he had something serious to tell you. “Mikoshi--”

Releasing your arm, Seijuro folds his arms over his chest and briefly closes his eyes. You stare at him, waiting to hear what he needed to say to you. His eyes open – the determined amber brighten slightly as he smiles cheerily at you. “Thanks for coming out to support our team.”

A little surprised for the gratitude, you furrow your brows at him a little then tilt your head to the side—the confusion written clearly on your face. But a moment later, you straighten your body and chuckle airily with a short dismissive wave of your hand. “Naturally. I am Samezuka's number one fan, and...” You felt your cheeks heat up at the mere thought but you smile proudly nonetheless. “Rin's number one fan as well,” you whisper under your breath, hoping Seijuro wouldn't comment on what you just said.

Seijuro glances at the rest of the Samezuka swim team, both of you noticing a couple of the members glancing at you curiously.

You glance away from them while waving a dismissive hand, sensing the heat rise to your cheeks in embarrassment thinking that maybe they might have caught on to what you said about Rin. It was bad enough that Seijuro knows and had a tendency to be a bit vocal in his thoughts. But the last thing you wanted is for everyone on the Samezuka team to find out that you had a crush on your friend Rin. You didn't need anyone attempting to play cupid; you had Rin's sister claiming that role anyway. Nor did you need anymore guidance counselors in love. Seijuro self-appointed himself that role the moment he overhead you, and Gou talking last year about Rin. Having two nosy people budding into your love life provided nothing but a headache for you, especially when you really didn't want to complicate things with Rin.

“Seriously,” Seijuro glances back at you then leans close and cups your ear. “He deserves to know. To have a cute girl like yourself confess would make any guy be on cloud nine.” Removing his hand, Seijuro stands up straight and smiles brightly at you.

Touching your cheeks, you felt the warmth radiate off your skin at a surprising temperature as you glare a little at Seijuro “I,” you croak while rubbing your burning cheeks. Dropping your hands at your side, you huff with a faint glare in Seijuro's direction. “Nice seeing you again Mikoshiba,” you reply abruptly without having anything else to say to him then spin on your heels and rush down the steps before he could tease you more.

~See You Next Swim Time~

A/N: What's funny about this is that I intended this to be only a one shot, but this idea just expanded on it's own. So I wanted to take my time and write all the chapters before posting the story up.

Description
A/N: I was looking at this picture on Deviantart drawn by IreneRoga, and it inspired me to write a little story about it. I won't say anymore at this point but ask that you enjoy it. Yes, the first chapter is a scene from episode ten.
Disclaimer: I, LilDeviantMuse (Nefertiti), do not own Free! Iwatobi Swim Club/Free! Iwatobi

Believing

Chapter One: Together, With Spirit!

“Sousuke... you whisper quietly to yourself as you lift both of your hands to your mouth – surprised to see him standing with the team with an obviously injured shoulder. “What happened to your shoulder,” you question quietly.

Although you weren't the only one to notice. The rest of the Samezuka swim team's loud enthusiastic cheer quickly dwindled to mounting concern and finally murmuring among their peers. Although you did not participate in their murmuring, the team's lack of confidence started to seep into your heart. It started to feel as if the energy was being sucked right out of your body which made you wonder just how Sousuke, Ai, Momo, even Rin must feel right with the rest of their team no longer cheering. When you thought about it, it must have taken so much courage for the four of them, especially Sousuke to continue their relay with such obvious odds against them right now.

Scared that this new development would ruin Samezuka's spirit, you whip your head downward and quickly stand up while gripping your hands tightly into fists. “Don't...” You whisper as the familiar sensation of tears prickling your eyes started to overwhelm you. “Don---”

“What do you think you're doing?!”

Everyone on the swim team stiffened in alarm from the booming voice behind them.

That voice...Turning your body to the side, you glance up and your eyes immediately widen when you recognize the familiar short red hair that had been messily combed back, and the tan complexion of the previous Samezuka captain. “Mikoshiba...” His name flows off your tongue like water as you stare at him; surprised to see the old exuberant captain literally watching over the team from above. Although dramatic it may seem, it was like seeing Samezuka's guardian angel finally appear, and imbue the team with their forgotten spirit.

For a moment, Seijuro's golden eyes meets yours and you felt your chest swell with hope. There was no verbal exchange, just silence as if he was telepathically assuring you that everything would be ok. When you felt your heart at ease from the simple glance, you place your hand over your chest—in between your bosoms as Seijuro shifts his sights onto his old team with his hands on his hips. Clenching the fabric of your shirt, you turn away from Seijuro and quietly sit back down now having more confidence in Samezuka – in your friend's swimming in the relay.

Seijuro grips the metal railing tightly to the point his knuckles becomes white. He takes a deep breath and yells even louder than before with obvious conviction. “What is it you guys need to be doing right now? You need to cheer on your teammates as loudly as possible!”

“Right!” Each and every single member of the Samezuka swim team arms shoot into the air with renewed determination.

“Swim,” Seijuro roars with so much energy that the rest of the Samezuka team shouts the same words encouragingly. The teams energy can be felt in the air and it resonated deeply inside you like crackling electricty.

Nice going Mikoshiba...You smile proudly at the old captain then turn your sights on Sousuke whose body soars right over the crystal blue water the moment Niitori shouts his name from below. Shooting up from your seat, you cup the corners of our mouth and shout as loudly as possible when Sousuke gracefully enters the water. “Goooooooooo, Sousuke!”

Despite the large bruise you noticed on Sousuke's shoulder, the fact that he's still swimming and trying his best felt as if the worries for his welfare slowly subsided into hope. Thus, as you watch him with your hands clenched at your side, shallow breaths, eyes wide from sensing your heart race from anxiety, you mentally cheered when he kept up a steady space. From the Samezuka team, you can sense the tension likes waves of heat as everyone carefully watches Sousuke easily catch up to Rei before the returning lap. After first, Rei, the newest member of the Iwatobi swim team was ahead, but you could hardly control yourself for shouting for Sousuke instead. You respected Rei's will power, but Sousuke is giving it his all while injured.

“Come on Sousuke,” you cheer loudly once more when he pushes off the wall for the returning lap.

However....

Everyone in the bleachers starts murmuring in concern. When Sousuke broke through the water, he flails a little, and you softly gasp in concern. His shoulder must have felt the tension from the overexertion, but as his friend, you still wanted to cheer him on because he was doing his absolute best. Cupping your hands around your mouth once more, you shout as loud as possible. “You can do this, Sou-kun!”

Even Niitori, the one with short silver hair, and Momo, the one with bright orange hair like his brother Seijuro move closer to the edge of the pool while shouting Sousuke's surname.

But Rin...Rin, who had been waiting while standing on the plank shouted so loud that his voice echoed throughout the stadium. “SOUSUKE!” He beckoned his teammate with one arm which sent a chill through your spine to hear Rin shout.

“Rin,” you murmur his name as you watch his every move, knowing he was likely taking his old friend's condition the hardest out of anyone. But unlike everyone else, he was the most encouraging—the most desperate to see Sousuke finish the race. You knew this far too well, knowing how much the two bumped heads when it came to swimming which was so incredibly important like their rivalry and strong bond as friends. Thus, you continue to shout hoping to encourage Sousuke to give his final lap everything he can. “SOUSUKE! GO!”

In a matter of seconds and before everyone's eyes, Sousuke roars as he revives within the water and swims even harder with astounding vigor as if everyone participating in the relay slapped him hard across the back with a vengeance. As his body rose from the depths, he cuts through the crystal blue water like a jack knife and starts closing the distance once more between him and the other swimmers. Both of his arms slice through the water as he seems to fly across the lane like a penguin underneath water.

“Go,” Niitori shouts enthusiastically to the point of almost crying.

“Last Leg,” Momotarou shouts with as much energy as his older teammates and peers.

Even Rin, whom you've caught a glimpse of, grins excitedly the moment he sees Sousuke swim faster to catch up to Rei.

Seeing each member on the team try so hard made every nerve in your body buzz with excitement; every muscle tingle with anticipation from the results as the final members of each team ready themselves for the final stretch of the relay. When Sousuke's hand shot out of the water, time itself seems to have slowed down considerably, and all you can hear is your heart thumping wildly in your chest like a large butterfly trapped inside. You were so into the race that you barely notice yourself holding your breath.

Sousuke slaps the wall a couple of seconds after Rei does and you release your breath and immediately watch Rin spring into action. “RIN,” Sousuke calls out to Rin desperately a moment after he bobbed out of the water.

Rin soars over Sousuke without hesitation then dives gracefully into the water with a small splash. His dive, along with Haruka's is nothing short of beautiful, and elegant. Every single time you see their dives, you had always imagined something graceful such as a dolphin or a swan in their perfect forms and it always left in you in silent awe. Even though you had been a fan of watching Haruka swim since you've known him in middle school, Rin's improvements have been under close watch too.This was what you've wanted to see after waiting so long when Rin requested that you come see him and his team swim this year.

“Rin.,” you whisper then smile softly as you stay standing. Entranced by Rin's swimming, you cup the corners of your mouth and start cheering. “Go! Go! Go! RIN!” You continue chanting loudly while the participating swimmers from each team shouts for their lead swimmer's names. Their energy flows through your body, and you shout even louder no longer caring if you lose your voice after the competition.

Both Rin from Samezuka, and Haruka from Iwatobi who are neck and neck shout as the two of them slap their hands against the wall, for what seems to be exactly at the same time. At this, everyone goes quiet not knowing who actually won at this point. With your arms wrapped around your body, you tightly grip the sleeves of your shirt not for even a mere second removing your eyes from the two swimmers. While holding your breath, you wait for the announcement and grip your flesh tightly hoping that Rin was able to win it for the team.

But...

Glancing at the score board on the opposite side, the results of the ending race proved that the Iwatobi team managed to win by a few mere seconds. The Japanese symbols for both teams illuminated brightly in red – Iwatobi in first place, Samezuka in second...Everyone except for you, the Samezuka team and the other competing teams went into an uproar as the Iwatobi team shout triumphantly.

They...Lost...

Sighing dejectedly, you close your eyes and plop down onto your seat. You re-opened your eyes and glance around at the large group of boys from Samezuka. Some looked just as disappointed as you, while others smile proudly about the efforts made – namely Seijuro who had been standing between Uozumi, and Minami shortly after he rekindled the cheering spirit in his old team. When you noticed the smiles, you switch your attention to where Rin, Aiichirou, Momotarou, and Sousuke stand in front of the pool, all participating members laughing happily. Hearing them all laugh genuinely brought a smile to your face. To you, it did not sound as if they lost at all, but rather gained something far more precious to them.

“They sound really happy,” you whisper to yourself while observing Rin in particular, and noting how much he had been smiling the entire time. His smile and his laugh...The fact that your friend Rin is expressing so much joy made you even happier. Thus the initial disappointment of your favorite team losing is soon replaced with just being proud of all four relay swimmers giving it their all until the very end. Without saying anything, you rise from your seat and start walking down the stairs past the Samezuka team.

“Wait a moment,” Seijuro calls out to you as he grabs your wrist firmly.

Turning your head, you stare at Seijuro's large hand holding your wrist then at him. “What? I was just going to go down to greet Rin,” you tell him, still in position to head down the stairs so you could wait near the boy's dressing room. You didn't think Rin saw you in the crowd, so you wanted to see him personally and congratulate him for a job well done. But with Seijuro holding you in place, it prevented you from taking another step closer to the exit. That, and the look in his eyes seem to indicate he had something serious to tell you. “Mikoshi--”

Releasing your arm, Seijuro folds his arms over his chest and briefly closes his eyes. You stare at him, waiting to hear what he needed to say to you. His eyes open – the determined amber brighten slightly as he smiles cheerily at you. “Thanks for coming out to support our team.”

A little surprised for the gratitude, you furrow your brows at him a little then tilt your head to the side—the confusion written clearly on your face. But a moment later, you straighten your body and chuckle airily with a short dismissive wave of your hand. “Naturally. I am Samezuka's number one fan, and...” You felt your cheeks heat up at the mere thought but you smile proudly nonetheless. “Rin's number one fan as well,” you whisper under your breath, hoping Seijuro wouldn't comment on what you just said.

Seijuro glances at the rest of the Samezuka swim team, both of you noticing a couple of the members glancing at you curiously.

You glance away from them while waving a dismissive hand, sensing the heat rise to your cheeks in embarrassment thinking that maybe they might have caught on to what you said about Rin. It was bad enough that Seijuro knows and had a tendency to be a bit vocal in his thoughts. But the last thing you wanted is for everyone on the Samezuka team to find out that you had a crush on your friend Rin. You didn't need anyone attempting to play cupid; you had Rin's sister claiming that role anyway. Nor did you need anymore guidance counselors in love. Seijuro self-appointed himself that role the moment he overhead you, and Gou talking last year about Rin. Having two nosy people budding into your love life provided nothing but a headache for you, especially when you really didn't want to complicate things with Rin.

“Seriously,” Seijuro glances back at you then leans close and cups your ear. “He deserves to know. To have a cute girl like yourself confess would make any guy be on cloud nine.” Removing his hand, Seijuro stands up straight and smiles brightly at you.

Touching your cheeks, you felt the warmth radiate off your skin at a surprising temperature as you glare a little at Seijuro “I,” you croak while rubbing your burning cheeks. Dropping your hands at your side, you huff with a faint glare in Seijuro's direction. “Nice seeing you again Mikoshiba,” you reply abruptly without having anything else to say to him then spin on your heels and rush down the steps before he could tease you more.

~See You Next Swim Time~

A/N: What's funny about this is that I intended this to be only a one shot, but this idea just expanded on it's own. So I wanted to take my time and write all the chapters before posting the story up.