MakoHaru

MakoHaru is the slash ship between Makoto Tachibana and Haruka Nanase from the Free! fandom.

Canon
Makoto and Haru are childhood friends and best friends. Makoto often knocks on Haru's door in the morning to get him out of the bathtub so that they can go to school. They always walk to school together and have been on the same swim team since they were children. They are often depicted reading each others "minds," showing their close bond. Makoto often acts as a communicator for Haru, since the latter does not speak often or publicize his emotions.

Makoto also acts as Haruka's "caretaker" and fusses over him quite a bit since the latter doesn't care about much besides water and swimming. He attempts to restrain Haruka from jumping into every body of water he sees, but usually fails.

In turn, Haruka acts as a "protector" to Makoto. Makoto is usually seen jumping behind Haruka whenever he's scared, and Makoto mentions that Haruka, whenever they're walking by the shore, always walks closer to the ocean since Makoto has a fear of it.

High☆Speed!--Free! Starting Days
Makoto is seen having an internal battle with himself, swimming, and his relationship with Haruka. When questioned if he swims just so he can be with Haruka or if he actually enjoys swimming, Makoto realizes that he does not know the answer, which frustrates him. This causes him to distance himself from Haruka, who is upset by this and does not understand why Makoto is suddenly "avoiding" him. This causes them to get into a confrontation with one another.

Makoto ends up explaining why he was so distant and that he did not intend to cause any harm to their relationship. He ends up discovering that he swims because he actually enjoys it and because he wants to be with Haruka--telling Haruka he loves both him and swimming. After this their relationship is mended and continues on as usual.

University and Australia
In Free! Eternal Summer Makoto tells Haru about his decision to go to the University of Tokyo to study so he can become a swimming teacher. This revelation has a great impact on Haruka who had not found a dream yet, and was distraught over the fact that seemingly everyone knew what to do besides him.

Makoto contacts Rin about Haruka's uncertainty, knowing Rin can help Haruka find his path. When he finds out Rin took Haruka to Australia he was surprised, but hoped that the trip would be profound to Haruka.

Once arriving in Australia, Haruka acts distant and unlike himself--as seen when Rin takes him to the beach and he doesn't want to swim. Rin can sense something is wrong with him and asks him about it. Haruka reveals he and Makoto had their first fight (this information comes in conflict with High Speed!--Free! Starting Days since Makoto and Haruka are seen fighting there too), which unsettles Haruka. Rin then asks Haruka why he even agreed to coming with him, and he says he needed to be away from Iwatobi.

When they return Haru and Makoto meet and reconcile in a consoling way. During the trip Haru found what he wanted to do with his future, which causes him to also go to Tokyo so he can train in competitive swimming.

The two are shown remaining close with each other even while in Tokyo, often hanging out with each other and helping each other study.

Dive to the Future
SPROUTING DIVE START!

Haru takes a break from his swimming, when Makoto shows up. Makoto offers him a hand, which Haru takes and pulls him into the water. Makoto says that isn’t nice, but Haru says he was here to swim. Makoto still thinks it’s not nice, and the two begin to swim. Afterwards in the locker room, Makoto remarks on Haru’s seeming inability to live without swimming. The two go to the train station before saying goodbye and going off to their universities.

After practice Asahi asks Haru what Makoto’s been up to. Haru tells him that Makoto is in Tokyo, studying at University. As Makoto walks out of class he receives a call from Haru. When he answers and it’s not Haru, he becomes worried. When he finds out that it’s his friends from middle school they meet up at a a cafe. While there Makoto tells the other’s about how he and Haru had to start up their own swim club in high school. Asahi then pulls out a photo album. One of the pictures shows a young Makoto and Haru in the gym playing basketball. Makoto remarks on how young and innocent Haru looks. Haru says that he is still young and innocent.

At the newcomers tournament, Makoto is excited that it’s Haru’s first time showing off his swimming as a college student. He cheers for him during his race.

Fanon
It is considered one of the most popular ships currently in the Free! fandom. In fanfictions Makoto and Haru are often depicted as practically married and act very lovingly and cute. To strengthen this image, Nagisa and Rei usually make comments such as "I thought they were already dating."

The major appeal of their relationship is the best friends to lovers trope. That and the fact that they are both very close with each other and know each other practically "inside out." They are both very dependent on each other and care for one another greatly.

On AO3 it is the most popular ship for both Haruka and Makoto. It is the largest ship in the Free! tag as well.

Quotes
Haru to Makoto: "Makoto. I appreciate you being here for me. Thanks."

- Haru.

Makoto to Haru: "It doesn’t matter whether we’re jogging or just walking, you always stand on the side closer to the sea. It’s like you’re protecting me from the sea, Haru, and it helps me relax."

- Makoto.

"If you're not going to be part of it, then what's the point? I want to swim with you, Haru."

- Makoto.

Other characters: "Seriously guys. If this were a horror movie, you'd be the newlywed couple that gets killed in the first five minutes."

- Nagisa.

"Well, our Haru-chan and Mako-chan, actually they..."

- Nagisa.

Fandom
AO3

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Trivia

 * Makoto has a habit of hiding behind Haru when's he's frightened.
 * Haru's animal is a dolphin, while Makoto's is a Killer Whale/Orca.
 * Haru is obsessed with water.
 * In the fanmade abridged series, 50% Off, Makoto is shown to be in love with Haru.
 * Haruka likes to be called Haru in the anime.
 * Haru only swims free.
 * Makoto swim's backstroke.