I'd had a few other Free! fic ideas percolating in the back brain. But due to RL issues I won't have time or energy to work on anything fic-related for a while. Sorry. =(

A huge thank-you to everyone who's been following this story! The final chapter of Superposition at last - and it's all smut. Nope, sorry, not sorry. XD

Three-person relationship, Rin decided, was just hell in terms of logistics.

Makoto solved the problem of tiny bed by spreading sleeping bag, comforter and spare sheets on the floor. But it was surprisingly awkward to just go for it. It wasn't easy trying to figure who was going to kiss whom and what the third partner would be doing in the meantime. Constantly feeling like he was in someone's way, never sure he wasn't leaving out the other one. And sometimes Haru unwittingly made it worse, his perpetual cool a jarring contrast to Rin's own self-consciousness.

But Haru's total lack of reservation came in handy at times like this. Haru started chucking his clothing the moment the bedding came out, and alternated between Makoto and Rin with a natural ease Rin envied. After Haru did his best to crawl inside Rin tongue-first, however, he fixed his eyes somewhere between Makoto and Rin, and pursed his lips.

"I want to try what Rin did last time."

Rin and Makoto exchanged a glance. And Rin had a moment of déjà vu when he said, "With?"

Haru didn't answer.

When Rin raised an eyebrow at Makoto in a wordless appeal for Haru-to-standard translation, Makoto fidgeted, not meeting his eyes. "I'm not sure if I... Rin, maybe you could...?"

"Didn't I tell you to look it up?" Rin drawled.

"I tried!" Makoto squeaked, turning beet red. "It's just. Um. I was home and the twins kept coming into my room and I. Um."

Rin imagined trying to look up the same information in Gou's presence and shuddered in sympathetic horror. Besides, Makoto had seen it done before, more or less. "Fine. We can figure it out as we go."

Haru still hadn't answered, though. "Maybe Rin should take the lead this time?" Makoto suggested.

Haru just looked at Makoto, and maybe the telepathy thing was catching, because Rin could practically hear the question: was Makoto suggesting that because he was afraid of hurting Haru, or because he thought Haru would prefer it? Makoto had liked Haru forever and Haru had never been with anyone that way before. And Makoto had always struck Rin as the type who would attach significance to first times.

Makoto met Haru's eyes steadily, and after a moment Haru shrugged. Makoto then turned to give Rin a smile and an encouraging nod. Maybe, Rin thought, Haru's silence was his way of leaving the choice to Makoto. Because Haru knew Makoto would abide by his choice and didn't want that, not for this. And maybe Makoto understood Haru, and was now giving them his choice, not his acquiescence. Like the time Makoto chose to bind all three of them together. An invitation, if they wanted.

What do you want, Rin? Makoto had asked. A precarious balancing act, trying to figure out what all three of them wanted, to see if they could forge this fragile layer of new bond over their still-healing friendship.

"If both of you want," Rin said, decision made. His words were quiet but felt final, like a vow more than agreement. "Then I want, too."

"Alright, then!" Makoto's reply was a tiny bit too cheerful. Haru met his eyes, and Rin had the distinct feeling Haru knew what Rin meant by his words, and wasn't going to pretend he didn't hear, even if Haru didn't offer a comment. "So, where should we start?"

"After. Makoto first," Haru corrected him, and stepped closer to kiss him, effectively silencing him. But Haru's hand, when it reached down to graze the front of Makoto's pants, was oddly hesitant. Rin watched them, gears in his head turning. Last time, Haru had been bolder, both in the pool and at his house. In the shower, too. Why the sudden uncertainty now?

Of course, last time Rin had been the focus. This time, they had to find a similar balance with Haru in the middle. With Makoto on the side. And Haru had always been protective Makoto even when they were children.

But there was careful and there was Rin's brand of careful, and Rin's unfortunately came with a side of irreverence. Rin gave Haru a suitably filthy grin and asked, casual as he pleased, "Need tips on how to blow him?"

Haru gave him a pointed look, but there was a hint of gratitude mixed into it. Makoto went scarlet and stammered it wasn't necessary, which was an added bonus. What the hell, they might as well go for it. Rin chucked his shirt and undid his pants, raising an eyebrow at Makoto. "Oy, Makoto, take your clothes off. You're making us feel underdressed."

This time, the tiny grin Haru flashed him wasn't all that subtle. Makoto let them help him out of his shirt, but looked decidedly nervous when Haru went for his buckle. So Rin distracted him with a kiss and heard the tell-tale clink on the floor that told him Haru possessed no less dexterity at stripping other people. Still, this was going to get a bit awkward as is, so Rin guided Makoto to sit on the bed.

"Well?" Rin challenged, nudging Makoto to open his knees, to which Makoto complied with a fierce blush. Haru returned the look, but when he shifted his gaze to Makoto the mood behind it had changed. Whatever lingering hesitation Haru might still harbor, he was graceful as ever when he came to kneel between Makoto's legs. Rin settled behind Makoto, nibbling at the juncture between Makoto's neck and shoulder, but kept his eyes on Haru. The raised eyebrow Rin gave Haru was not quite comforting, because that was Makoto's job, anyway. But when Rin reached around Makoto to touch Haru's cheek, part his lips with a thumb, his touch was lingering and gentle. "You've seen Makoto do it before," Rin commented and even managed to sound bored.

Haru glared up at him. Then lowered his head.

Makoto let out a sound of distress and threw back his head.

Rin smirked from where he was kissing Makoto's shoulder. "Haru, don't try to take him too deep or you'll choke," Rin said helpfully.

Makoto choked. "Rin—"

Haru made a faint noise that conveyed he was unimpressed by the peanut gallery, and Makoto let out a groan. Feeling particularly helpful, Rin fondled Makoto's nipples and nipped at his neck. Besides, Makoto was holding back, he could tell. Makoto didn't thrust or grab Haru even as his hips made small jerky movements. Rin reached down to squeeze the firmly muscled thighs, and this time Makoto's moan was louder, back arching. Which incidentally pushed Makoto's hips forward. But Haru being Haru, he just held himself there, fuck, taking it, and Rin swore, words muffled on Makoto's shoulder. Haru pulled back, sitting on his heels, a crease between his brows as he cleared his throat. His mouth was red and obscenely wet.

Rin wasn't sure who let out the groan, Makoto or himself. Whatever Haru saw on their faces, though, it seemed to goad him on, because Haru smirked before returning his mouth to Makoto's dick. He moved more purposefully, lips stretched around the thick shaft and cheeks hollowed. Makoto leaned his head on Rin's shoulder and whimpered. Haru was moving faster now, turning his head as he sucked harder, and Rin shook his head in wry affection: someone had been looking up blowjob tips online.

Makoto reached out blindly, but still – still! – didn't grab Haru by the hair. Oh no. Makoto reached instead for Haru's shoulder, and groped behind with his free hand until Rin caught on and took his hand, anchoring him. With his other hand Rin stroked down Makoto's perfectly toned stomach, feeling the muscles tremble, until his fingers met Haru's wrapped around the base of Makoto's cock. After some poking, Haru took the hint and moved his fingers down to caress Makoto's balls very gently, and Rin made a mental note to teach Haru about using his fingers more. Something told him Makoto would be willing to sit through a few practice sessions.

Rin's hand moved up to push hair back from Haru's eyes, and their eyes met. Keeping his eyes locked on Rin's, Haru took Makoto deeper and held himself, and swallowed around the cock a few times. Makoto made a helpless frantic sound, and came.

Haru sat back and coughed, rubbing at his throat, and Rin shook his head in equal parts exasperation and affection. Makoto leaned back while he recovered, resting his weight on Rin, one hand still holding Rin's. His other hand, lax, was resting lightly on the side of Haru's neck. With surprising affection Haru nuzzled Makoto's hand, like a kitten head-butting to be petted. Even looking wrung out and dazed, Makoto caressed Haru's hair, like it was instinct. Haru closed his eyes and let him.

"Rin," Makoto croaked, and obligingly, Rin kissed him. Haru chose that moment to unfold his legs, and kissed Makoto as soon as Rin finished. Makoto's soft moan changed pitch abruptly, and Rin found out why a moment later when Haru kissed him next, open-mouthed. Haru's mouth tasted different. Like he'd been rolling a mouthful of come in it. Fuck.

You kinky little bastard, Rin thought with a surge of affection, curling his own tongue around Haru's. Haru made a sound in the back of his throat, and Rin smirked into the kiss, his fingers curling in Haru's soft hair. Makoto still looked pretty wrecked, which was a good look on him in Rin's opinion, but pulled Haru closer for another kiss, this one more tender and affectionate. Like Makoto was saying thank you with his whole body.

Maybe Rin could include practical demonstration when he got around to giving Haru tips on blowjob techniques. Okay, he usually received blowjobs more often than he gave them, but still. Experience was experience, right?

"So. Move to the floor?" Rin suggested, because someone had to, and Makoto didn't look like he wanted to move period. Haru nodded, however, and tugged until Makoto finally moved from the bed and joined them on the nest on the floor. Rin tossed the pillows on top of the pile, and that seemed to be it for preparation.

And there was that awkwardness again. Rin went to grab the condoms and the lube because it was either that or watch awkwardly while Haru searched a comfortable spot to lie down. Haru was about to pull off his jammers when Makoto intervened, drawing them down and peeling them off Haru's legs. Haru rose to his knees and kissed him, lingering and sweet, and the awkwardness had a more defined shape: Rin distinctly felt like an intruder, his bond too tentative with both of them, incomparable to the solidity the two shared with each other.

"Rin," Makoto called gently. Haru looked over his shoulder at him, blue eyes dark with arousal, then pointedly arched his back, both an offer and a demand. Rin followed, kneeling behind Haru, and Makoto immediately pulled him closer for a kiss. Haru needed little coaxing to crane his head back for a kiss, but stirred impatiently under Rin's hand.

"Do it," Haru instructed, and the push of his ass into Rin's groin was as unsubtle as it could get.

Hot as it was, Rin kept his touch slow, running a hand over Haru's back before caressing his ass. For one, Haru's words often had the exact opposite effect on Rin, and two, Rin refused to take this at anyone's pace but his own, thank you. Haru calmed down noticeably, however, when Makoto put an arm around him. Makoto murmured soothingly into Haru's ear and then – here Rin had to pause to watch – licked at Haru's earlobe, which made Haru squirm in a far more appealing way. Rin kissed the back of Haru's neck and uncapped the tube of lubricant.

Haru arched his back but otherwise didn't move when Rin traced a finger from his tailbone to the entrance. Makoto gave him an encouraging smile, and Rin squeezed a generous amount of lube on his fingers before returning his fingers to feel the faintly gathered skin there. Haru sucked in a quick breath and didn't move, but Haru – well, Haru had been a devilish tease before. Not that Rin was feeling vindictive or anything.

Rin let his fingers circle but did not push, letting his fingertip press just enough to dip into the opening but not enter. Haru made an impatient noise and pushed back, but Rin merely grinned. "Slow down," he advised Haru, still pushing no further. Okay, maybe he believed in karma, just a little bit. Besides which, Haru was rolling his hips and pushing back imperiously, shooting him a hooded-eyed glare, and that? Was totally sexy.

"Rin," Makoto called, his tone that of tested patience, but there was wry amusement in his eyes also. "I do want another turn, you know," Makoto reminded him the next moment, and Rin figured getting back at Haru could be left to another occasion.

Still, Rin took the time to smear more lube on his fingers before returning his attention to Haru's ass. See? He could be conscientious, too. When he finally pushed, however, Rin found Haru's body opening to his touch a little too easily.

"Haru, you..."

Haru looked back at him, and there was a ghost of a smirk twisting over his mouth. "More," he demanded, pushing back insistently to illustrate his point.

"What the hell. Did you practice?" Rin blurted out, torn between feeling incredulous and turned on.

Makoto just looked amused. "No wonder you've been taking longer baths," Makoto commented, not sounding the slightest bit perturbed.

"In the bath?" Rin repeated.

Haru shrugged, and Makoto blinked at him, unconcerned. "As long as Haru was alone, I don't see the problem."

Rin gave him a dark stare. "Are you kidding me? That means he was cheating on us with water."

"Well," Makoto answered, amusement plain in his eyes. "Haru did say we'd have to share."

Rin held back a withering comment, because he did know to pick his battles, especially when he was about to get laid. If Haru spent extra hours in the bath discovering himself, he probably found out about the prostate already, but that wasn't the only appeal in anal sex. There was the unbelievable intimacy of having another person inside one's body. The pulse of another heartbeat with his own, the stretch and the fullness, and the heat of movement. All best enjoyed with enough preparation. So Rin took his time opening Haru's body, even when Haru let out a faintest whimper and clung to Makoto, shoulders hunched and back tense, pushing back with increasing urgency.

"Rin," Haru murmured, and even through the words muffled against Makoto's neck, there was a note of entreaty that made Rin stiffen, feeling lust hammer at his control. Rin had never heard Haru sound like that before. As close to surrender as Haru ever came, the surrender Haru never gave even when Rin had beaten him in their race.

"I want to see your face," Rin said in a rush. Haru looked back at him, then at Makoto, and the two of them exchanged another look and possibly an entire telepathic conversation. Then, Haru disengaged from Makoto, lying down on the nest of bedding. Only, he immediately turned to his side.

Makoto sat down as well, and briefly looked like he wanted to draw Haru's head into his lap or something equally sweet, but shook his head and leaned over Haru's body to kiss Rin. "Take your time. I can wait for my turn," Makoto told both of them. Then his gentle smile turned halfway between sweet and lascivious, a feat only Tachibana Makoto could ever achieve, and he added, "Besides, I like watching you two."

Rin had to grit his teeth and suck in a sharp breath before he could answer. "You're going to have to take me next, because I'm not doing all the work today."

"Deal," Makoto answered, undercurrent of laughter in his voice.

When Rin turned his attention back to Haru, Haru's visible eye flickered to Rin, but a second later returned to staring at his own hands. Something about the whole thing made Rin feel awkward, though, and he didn't think it was just the novelty of the angle. Before, when Haru was on top, Haru's eyes were on him the whole time, devouring him. It was strange to have Haru avoid his eyes like this.

But something about Haru's expression was oddly familiar. And it took Rin a moment to place it: from the picture he'd placed on his desk, next to the one from four years ago. Haru had worn an identical expression in both of them, one taken after the regional meet this year, the other after they won the medley relay back in elementary school. Rin stared, thoughts momentarily derailed, because what the hell? Haru, the same Haru who'd been taking everything in strides, was—

And Makoto was giving him a look. Oh wow, Haru was. Rin looked back at Makoto, wondering if they should stop, but Makoto gave him a tiny, rueful quirk of his mouth, and shook his head. Okay, so slow down maybe, but not stop. Rin stretched over Haru's body and pressed a kiss on the corner of his mouth. Haru turned and returned the next one, and Rin didn't break the kiss while he ran a hand down Haru's back slowly.

"Raise your knee?" Rin requested, leaning on one hand to keep his weight off Haru while his other hand kneaded Haru's pert bottom. Seriously, Haru's ass had definitely haunted his dreams more than a few times. Haru complied, and Rin kissed him again while settling against him, and pressed inside gently.

Haru tensed for a moment, but Rin was patient, waiting until he felt the muscles give. Haru's hands were still loosely curled near his face, although they twitched when Rin pushed deeper into his body. When Makoto reached for his hand Haru let him, but didn't look at either of them.

The thing was, though, Rin thought he understood. In his experience, being on the bottom was different, and not just in the physical sense. When he was on top, his focus was on his partner and the act of sex itself. But when he was on the bottom and had the luxury of leaving his pleasure in someone else's hands, he couldn't help but be conscious of his partner's focus on him, of his own body and its sensations. Reacting rather than acting. Letting his partner see him, to be open to his partner's scrutiny. It wasn't just his body he had to open to his partner. Ever since childhood, letting in other people was one thing Haru was bad at. Other than Makoto and maybe Nagisa – and Rin – how many people did Haru let in close enough to really see him? As blasé as Haru had been about sex before, perhaps he wasn't as ready to deal with the emotional parts connected to the act.

"Haru," Rin breathed, surging into him, gentle and inexorable. "Haru, look at me."

Faint color rose high on his cheek, but Haru turned to look at him, and Rin couldn't help an affectionate smile. This was the same Haru, after all, who called him a pain but still let Rin restrict his precious freedom. Because Haru might grumble and act like what he did had nothing to do with Rin, but in the end Haru had never once refused Rin. He stopped moving long enough to kiss Haru properly, and this time, Haru didn't look away even after he settled back on the sheets. Rin slid his fingers through the soft hair at Haru's temple, keeping his thrusts slow and deep. Rin had always known in his own way Makoto was as protective of Haru as Haru was of him, even if he hadn't understood. But he could see, finally, why Makoto was so protective of someone who never seemed to need it.

I've always wanted you. It was a slow, dawning realization tinged with awe. Rin's eyes slid upward, at Makoto, who was smiling at him like the sunlight, who leaned closer to kiss him, with understanding like breath of air between them. A jolt of knowledge went through Rin's mind, that whatever else lay between them, Makoto had always tried to treat Rin as Rin, not as an extension of his relationship with Haru. That Haru was never the only part they shared.

It was a certainty, as much as anything so intangible as feelings could have certainty. Rin kissed Makoto again, with as much promise as he could muster. Haru stirred under him, becoming restless now that he was apparently over his initial embarrassment. Rin rubbed his back, soothing more than sensuous, only to have Haru fix him with a half-exasperated, half-fond look.

And tighten around his cock sharply.

"Fuck," Rin swore breathlessly, hunched over Haru's body, and Haru – and Rin was convinced Haru was definitely an aquatic equivalent of an incubus – kept their eyes locked and did that again. Rin thrust into him hard, because he wasn't an idiot and could take a hint, but stilled when he felt a hand creep into his own. Haru laced their fingers together, lips curved in a slightly lopsided smile. Rin looked at their joined hands, and at Haru's other hand linked with Makoto, at Makoto's knowing smile, and back at Haru again.

Rin's fingers tightened around Haru's out of their own volition. Rin kept his eyes on Haru, pulled back a little, and pushed back in, unhurried. "Rin," Haru called, voice taking on the edge of a complaint when Rin refused to take him any faster, keeping their pace slow. Makoto, when Rin caught his eyes, was grinning mischievously, and Rin's eyes were pulled to his groin, where Makoto was stroking himself slowly, matching Rin's pace.

Rin made an incoherent noise, and drove into Haru faster, into the heat and tightness that milked him mercilessly. He was pinning Haru by their joined hand, but Haru didn't seem inclined to let go. So Rin sat up a little more, flexed, and felt Haru's muscles contract around him. Haru was shaking, sounds pulled from his throat one after another, spine curving to take Rin deeper, and fuck, that was hot. Rin swore, hips snapping harder and faster. He could see Makoto's hand speeding up, following. Makoto's groan entwined with Haru's whimper, and Rin couldn't stop, could never stop. Haru cried out, almost like in surprise, and – fuck – tightened even more, and Rin came, buried as deep as he could go, shuddering with each rhythmic squeeze of Haru's body around his cock.

When Haru's body finally relaxed, Rin was still panting, trying to catch his breath. With a kiss on their joined hands, Rin let go, easing out of Haru carefully. Haru made a soft sound but didn't move, his breathing still quick and light. When Haru finally turned to lie on his back, his lips were kiss-swollen and red, eyes still dark and languid. The overall effect was gloriously debauched, complete with the sticky mess on his stomach, and Rin's cock did its best to twitch in fresh interest. Above Haru, though, Makoto's eyes were still alight with lust, watching them.

"Go ahead. I'll catch up," Rin told him, moving down to elbows and knees to kiss Haru.

"Are you sure?" Makoto sounded a bit dubious even as he reached for a condom and lube.

"Makoto," Haru called, and the smug look was back on his face. "My turn to watch."

Makoto laughed, despite the quick catch in his breath. He kissed them both, then moved to kneel behind Rin. Rin looked over his shoulder at him and smirked. "I hope you were paying attention this time around."

The sound of a tube uncapping had no right to be that sexy. "Oh, I was."

Makoto's fingers were slow but sure as they spread the lube over the sensitive skin around Rin's entrance. The first dip of Makoto's fingertip made him suck in a quick breath, and Rin lowered his head until Haru's glimmering eyes slid out of focus. "You can go faster than that," Rin urged, and Makoto's hand stilled for a brief moment before two fingers pushed inside. Haru caught Rin's face in both hands and pulled him into a kiss, swallowing his gasp. Unfortunately for Rin, Makoto must have paid attention not only to the preparation part but also the teasing part, because he spent inordinate amount of time driving Rin crazy with every curl of his fingers before pulling out. All the while Rin couldn't even protest with Haru's tongue in his mouth, drinking every sound from his throat.

"Ready?"

Rin was already half-hard, and turned his face to level a withering look at Makoto. "You don't have to keep asking, you know."

In reply, Makoto grasped him by the waist and pressed closer, draping himself over Rin. "Got it," he husked, and nipped on the shell of Rin's ear.

Rin let out a startled sound which lengthened to a moan because Makoto chose that moment to push inside. Preparation or no preparation, Makoto's sheer size made the entry a tight burn, and Rin closed his eyes, breathless. Haru's hand (it had to be Haru's, Makoto's hands were running over his sides) was on his cock, stroking him back to fullness. Except Rin didn't really need the help anymore. "You like this," Haru murmured in his ear, fingers squeezing lightly, wringing another moan from him. "Next time, I want inside you," Haru continued, his fingers forming tight sheath of heat around Rin's cock, and Rin gritted his teeth, hips twitching. Only, Haru wasn't done yet. "And Makoto inside me," Haru finished, and a helpless groan spilled from Rin's throat. He'd created a monster.

"At the same time?" Makoto asked, sounding breathless and wrecked, but somehow still coherent. Rin swore under his breath and revised the tally to two.

Rin didn't have to look at Haru's face to know he was smirking. "Sure, why not."

Makoto's hips snapped into his the next moment, and Rin nearly bit down on his tongue, all thoughts of a response instantly banished from his mind. Then Haru's lips were on his throat and Haru's hand was on his cock and Makoto's hands were on his back, rolling his hips in a tight circle and making him see stars. What had he done, he'd created not one but two monsters who were far too good at figuring out what he liked, and that was all the time Rin had for thoughts. Makoto was fucking him harder now, pitching him forward with each hard snap of his hips. Haru's hands skimmed down his sides, fingers pressing into the vulnerable flesh. It made Rin arch his back and moan loudly, because all higher functions of Rin's brain had checked out and unavailable to comment on the wanton way his knees spread wider.

Makoto obligingly sped up his thrusts, just in time for Haru's fingers tighten and run from base of Rin's cock to the head and back down, just hard enough to make Rin's toes curl. Then Haru rotated his wrist, his grip slick and hot, and Rin gasped, tensed, and spilled over Haru's hand. Makoto's rhythm faltered, and Rin bowed his head, pushing back. "Keep—keep going, Makoto," he managed, and Makoto made a divinely inhuman sound, thrusting hard and fast through the spasms of Rin's muscles until he came.

When Makoto stopped trembling and pulled out of him, Rin was honestly tired enough to pass out. Only, he could feel Haru was hard again, pressing into his lower belly. It was only with great effort Rin sat up, wincing a little. "Need a hand?" he asked to Haru, who was stroking himself leisurely, like he was trying to decide what he wanted to do next.

Haru shrugged and spread his legs, which Rin took as permission. Rin slicked his hand before he reached for Haru's cock, keeping his stroke purposeful, and flashed him a grin. There were a few things he hadn't gotten around to showing them yet.

Haru squirmed in the most delightful way when Rin slipped two fingers back into his ass. Probably still sensitive from earlier. Few strategic strokes from inside as well as out, and Haru was undone, coming with a strangled sound of pleasure.

Makoto, who was lying on his stomach next to Haru, chuckled, leaning over to kiss Haru. Rin stretched out on Haru's other side, who turned to him for a kiss before closing his eyes.

"I think we wore him out," Makoto said quietly. Haru let out a noncommittal sound, but didn't bother opening his eyes.

"A nap is definitely in order," Rin agreed. "You wanna stay over or head back after?"

"I'm afraid of the morning if we stayed over," Makoto chuckled quietly. "Haru likes to have his bath in the morning."

"Depends on what else he's going to be doing there. You do remember I live in a dorm?"

"Next time, we stay over," Haru said flatly, eyes still closed.

"We can stop by Haru's place next Saturday. After the amusement park." Makoto turned to his side, propped up on one elbow, watching them fondly. "Staying over that night shouldn't be an issue. Rin?"

"Yeah, fine. Next week, then." Rin made a mental note to call his mother about that. He hadn't been spending much time at home lately, especially with all the weekend dates with Makoto and Haru. "Just make sure you have something other than mackerel at your house." Haru didn't so much as make a sound, and Rin frowned at him, peering at his face. "Haru?"

Makoto watched Haru for a moment, then gave Rin a rueful smile. "I think he fell asleep."

"Typical," Rin groused. Actually it made sense Haru wouldn't be much for pillow talk. If this could be called that.

"So – you're not worried about all this not working out anymore?" Makoto's question brought him up short, and Rin's brows knitted. "It's just that...well, I like it, so far. I know it's only been three weeks and you're right to worry, any number of things could go wrong, but..."

"Are you okay with it, Makoto?" Rin had more or less come to terms with the fact he wanted Haru, too, even if not exactly in the same way he wanted Makoto. But Makoto had always struck him as a one-man (or woman) kind of person. And if it was Rin or Haru, Rin knew it would always be Haru for Makoto. Somehow, thinking Makoto might be with him only for Haru's sake was far worse than not being with him at all.

Makoto hummed, looking thoughtful. "I can't deny in a lot of ways, you were the one who changed Haru's life," Makoto started, sounding reflective. "But Haru wasn't the only one. I've always cared for you. Maybe it's not the same thing. Maybe it won't ever be enough, but..." Makoto's expression made Rin swallow. The expression was a mixture of gentleness, affection, and heat, and so utterly Makoto, there was no other way to define it. "I'm not that selfless, Rin. I don't want to give up Haru or you. Haru because it's always been Haru since forever, and you..." A smile pulled up the corners of his mouth. "I was honestly worried when we met this year. Four years ago, you were the one who brought us together. You used to sparkle so brightly with something I was afraid might be gone forever. If Rei hadn't realized that you—" Makoto swallowed, and reached over Haru's sleeping form to cup the side of Rin's face. "That's when I realized how much I'd missed you."

Makoto's thumb brushed over a cheekbone, and Rin was torn between the impulse to turn away, to hide from those green eyes that seemed to stare into his heart, and the impulse to stay there forever, reflected in the green depths. "Even if it's not exactly fair to you," Makoto breathed, "I want you, Rin."

It was a long moment before Rin found his voice. "You're right. You're not fair." His throat ached, but he forced the words past the tightness. "How do you expect me to refuse when you say something like that?"

Makoto's caress on his face was as gentle as a baby's breath, and so tender Rin couldn't help but melt. "Sorry," Makoto soothed. "But I'm glad. Very glad."

"And Haru?"

Makoto let out a quiet chuckle. "You'd have a harder time turning down Haru. He's as stubborn as you."

"No kidding." His chest still felt tight, but the alarming warmth was washing away the last of his reservation. Rin covered Makoto's hand with his own, and closed his eyes with a sigh. Makoto was right, any number of things could still go wrong. Maybe the whole thing would still come crashing down on their heads. Happiness and heartbreak, Rin knew with cutting clarity, nearly always walked hand in hand. But in the meantime, damned if any of them stopped trying to make it work anyway.

"Makoto?"

"Hmm?"

Rin cracked his eyes open to give him a superior look. "When this whole thing crashes and burns, just remember: I was the voice of reason in this madness."

Makoto laughed, soft but clear, happiness and warmth sparkling in his eyes, and pulled Rin's hand to rest over Haru's heartbeat, where Haru's hand immediately joined theirs. Haru didn't bother opening his eyes or even pretending to be asleep, and for once Rin didn't bother raising an eyebrow at it.

"That," Makoto answered, challenge and love inextricably entwined in his voice, "remains to be seen."

THE END