Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-24.23.3.218-20130811062647/@comment-33723767-20171121165313

I can understand why RinHaru shippers want this ship to be real and can even cite examples of where the show's artists popped in "hints." But let's get real about the series, ok? There's a great current vid on YT called "10 Facts you Didn't Know About Free!" and it's an eye-opener. To summarize:  In Japan (where it all counts, folks) Makoto is the favorite character and MakoHaru is the favorite ship -- from the beginning of the show's existence right up until the present. Know what that means? It means that KyoAni will never break apart this pair for any reason, nor break Makoto's heart for more than an episode or two, bc it would seriously damage their largest fanbase. In addition, Sousuke Yamazaki's character was specifically introduced to be Rin's "partner" just as Makoto is Haru's. Then you have the novel (High Speed) with all the references to the MakoHaru dynamic; the film (Starting Days) with a critical Makoto "confession" scene that makes the usually unemotional Haru blush and admit "Of course, I'll swim with you;" Timeless Medley (which glorifies the MakoHaru relationship); and Take Your Marks (which has Haru actually turning down apartments until he finds one that Makoto likes so Makoto will feel comfortable coming over (which they agree will be often).

And where is Rin in all of this -- busy taking care of, worrying about, thinking about? That would be...Rin. That's been the case throughout the entire series and that will never change. The only thing that Rin really cares about is winning the Olympics and he will do whatever it takes, including stringing Haru along as a rival to motivate himself. He genuinely admires Haru and admits it openly, though it embarrasses him to do so. He may even harbor a "crush" on Haru but does consider him a friend. And if you look at the critical "Australia" ep when they "share a bed," you'll note that at no time do you see Haru acknowledge Rin with eye contact or touch at all. In fact, until he sees the Aquatic Centre, Haru is pretty much "shut down" after learning that his touchstone (Makoto) is, in his mind, "abandoning" him. Rin dismisses it as a simple fight, but Haru is devastated and doesn't perk up until he sees the Aquatic Centre when it's the pool and the idea of swimming there that ignites his passion to swim competitively.

If anyone wants to dispute the statements here with something other than squeals of "they are so emotional with each other," lay it out. I'm a multi-shipper in several fandoms and I'm open to change but I just don't see it here.