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[ she folds up next to him in the water, resting her head against her knees. ]

There's not terribly much to worry about unless you're going out farther than you can stand, and we can leave that for much later. Let's see if we can get you dogpaddling at least a little.

As long as I can learn to not drown, we can call it a success.

[rises up on his knees for a moment, and now is a good time to remind everyone that raven's white tunic is now wet and therefore sheer, and he is not wearing a bra, and the water is a bit cold so his nipples are at full attention

you're welcome]

[ THANKS

she really can't help but notice that, but. she can have... self control... for at least a few minutes. ]

Er, so—while you're not far out, if you can balance forward on your hands and just let your legs float a little... just get used to kicking your feet in place.

[he will make an attempt at floating and kicking his feet--splashing them both in the process, of course]

Like this?

Pff—that's perfect, you're doing great.

[ she scrubs at her face to get the water off, though of course she's already mostly soaking wet, anyway. ]

It's going to look a little silly, but what you'll want to do alongside that is sort of, scoop your hands backwards, like this—

[ she pushes out into slightly deeper water, to demonstrate. ]

[watches her and tries to imitate it, but immediately gets his head dunked first and scrambles to lift it back up, spitting out water

bleh :P]

... can I see that again?

[ brushes her hands lightly through his waterlogged hair— ]

Of course. Just try to keep your chin up, and resist the urge to look down at your hands. You might need to kick a little harder, if it's hard to stay up.

[ she demonstrates again, paddling on by. ]

[he tries again, and this time manages to keep himself afloat without taking a big gulp of water. and then he can't help but glance over at shrike like praise??????]

I think I've got it...

That was a lot better! You’re really getting it.

[ she’s beaming, honestly. ]

Most of the time people just like to splash around anyway, but it’s good to know at least a little like this.

[ of course if she’s going to be swimming, she’d rather not in waterlogged clothes, so she starts stripping out of her shirt to toss over onto the boardwalk. ]

[keeps swimming around in circles for a bit, but when she starts stripping he stops to catch his breath and to watch]

[ she looks over at him and waves as she tugs her pants off, too— ]

It was getting a little heavy, so I figured it’d just be easier all told...

You're probably right.

[rises to his feet and peels off his shirt so he's bare-chested, followed by his pants.

surprise: he's not wearing underwear, either]

[ h-hey holy shit??? ]

Ah—you—that’s—

[tossing his clothes on the boardwalk railing]

Much better, don't you think?

[ this is bullying!!! ]

It’s, I mean, it’s—

Gods, you’re attractive.

[wading towards her :)]

So are you.

[ she’s damp, but it’s clear she’s wearing something a little lacy, actually.

her hands gravitate to his chest on instinct as he draws near, because, look, girl soft, ]

Y-you seem like you’ve found some confidence in the water—

[his breath catches at her touch and he leans into it eagerly, his hands coming to rest on her hips]

Like I'm a shark scenting blood?

[he chuckles, and pulls her close, his gaze cast downward]

Did you wear that... for me?

It was... at least part of the motivation—

[ ///////// ]

It’s, er, a little bit of an experiment, but I thought it’d also just be... nice just in case...

Just in case we... can't keep our hands off each other. Good thinking.

[stroking his hand along her lower back]

You're beautiful. I love the way you look. The way you hold yourself.

[ she nuzzles her face into his neck. ]

...thanks. I get a little self-conscious sometimes, just because—most other women here are small and cute and—know how to lean into that, but...

...I’m very fortunate in love.

[tilts his head to the side to give her room, a few strands of wet hair clinging to his neck]

... can I tell you something?

...mhm. Of course.

[ her hands slide down to settle a little more relaxed at his waist. ]

[swallows]

My body always feels so... weak, and fragile, like I'm on the verge of shattering into a thousand pieces. No matter what form I take, as it turns out. And... I hate feeling vulnerable. Powerless. Like a strong gust of wind could knock me down. So... whenever I'm with you, and you use your strength to protect me, or comfort me, or catch me when I fall... I feel a little less weak. I feel like I'm... safe. Protected. Cared for.

[closes his eyes]

And you do that for me. Effortlessly. You even... surrender to me. I... love that. About you.

[ oh,,, ]

It makes me—really happy, to be able to—

I want to be that for as long as I can.

[ and she leans forward to kiss him. ]

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