thenearshore | OVERFLOW for | 012

[Maybe if he tries and makes borderlines a lot then he won't have to think so much on it. It's just really inconvenient to shoot a blast into the ground rather then making a borderline. Something about those blasts just makes them come so much more natural. Yukine helped him around that and gave him a way to make borderlines without that hiccup but it's still not a fun way to do things. He will have to practice it more. Focus more on who and what he wants to protect rather then who he wants to keep away.

On a brighter note, at least that jerk god isn't bothering Sousuke! So then it must of worked! still, Goten can imagine that would keep Schuldig away forever. Still, when the question is redirected his way Goten blinks, sitting up a bit straighter. He laughs a little nervously, hand finding it's way behind his head. About that....]

N-not really! I just wanted to make sure you're okay.

[ Schuldig hasn't come at Goten like he had before. That much is true. But Sousuke really doesn't need to know about the deal he made with Schuldig in a attempt to keep Sousuke and his god safe. No, not when they're suppose to be having fun. Goten didn't want to bring any of that up but he really had to know. Make sure Sousuke and Rin are really okay and that Schuldig really is staying away from them both. Why should he worry the older shinki with that?

Goten hops down from the stool, landing firmly in the sand before he tilts his head back to smile up at Sousuke and offer him back the plate.]

Finished! I want more but I wanna swim with you more then that right now!

[That’s the general idea. Once you get used to something, it’s not hard for that “thing” to become instinctive or merely second nature. Sousuke’s done well with his work on the borderlines and while he initially had trouble with it, continual practice with Rin soon honed it into something he could focus on and improve with. The encounter with Schuldig, however, was the driving point for Sousuke to really throw himself into it and make the improvements by leaps and bounds. So if he can help Goten make some of the same progress, he’s going to. It’d be good to spar with him.

But if Goten thinks that kind of answer is going to turn Sousuke’s concern off, it doesn’t. The swimmer’s eyes narrow and a more serious (if not darker) expression comes to his face as he watches the smaller shinki. The straight back, the nervous laugh, hand behind his head. There’s more to that answer.]

Goten. [His tone’s quiet and he’s not letting this go.] Tell me.

[Because if Goten’s going to be focusing on making sure Sousuke’s okay, then dammit, Sousuke’s going to do the same thing in reverse. He’s not someone who likes other people protecting him even if he knows it happens. Rin has to deal with the swimmer’s huge self-reliant streak a lot and unfortunately Goten’s not an exception. He doesn’t know what it is Goten’s hiding, but if Schuldig’s been bothering him, he’s going to put a stop to it. No matter who he has to go to. Even Schuldig himself.

He doesn’t move as Goten hops off the stool, only follows him with his head and reaches out to take the plate that’s offered to him. Sorry kid, but the smile’s not returned and there’s quiet concern in Sousuke’s focused eyes.]

Aa. We’ll swim in a few minutes.

[Uncovering topic aside, he doesn’t want to barrel into the water on a full stomach.]

[That...isn't really a look that Goten is use to seeing from Sousuke. Least of all being directed at him. It makes the boy blink slowly and go still as the smile slips from his face. Sousuke is already way taller then him but that look makes him feel that much smaller. It wasn't a good idea to bring up Schuldig. He knew that but he really, really, needed to be sure that Sousuke was okay and that jerk god was keeping his word. Maybe he should have waited till after they swam and closer to the end of the day but Goten didn't want to leave it for then either. No matter what, it wasn't going to be any easier.

He lowers his eyes down to the sand, wiggling his toes in it to distract himself. He doesn't want to meet Sousuke's gaze when his expression is so heavy. Still, it doesn't change the fact that Goten can feel it. Sousuke isn't going to let it go is he? Goten takes a deep breath before slowly letting it out. It's only then does he lift his head little, shoulders falling slack. What he did was good. It protected Sousuke and Rin. So...why does he feel guilty about admitting to helping that jerk? He can't figure that out.]

It's just...he showed up looking for me to help with him prayer. I said I'd only help him if he left you and Rin alone. I just wanted to make sure he kept his promise.

[That isn't so bad is it? He lifts his gaze back up to Sousuke. See nothing to worry about]

[Sousuke knows it’s uncomfortable for the other shinki, but this isn’t something he’s willing to let go. Goten’d hinted at it and it’s not something he’d wanted to realize the smaller shinki’s been dealing with. He’s sorry the smile disappears, sorry his eyes lower as Goten looks away from him, but he doesn’t relinquish the expression. Yes, it probably would’ve been better to wait till after they swam, but as much fun as swimming will be, he’d rather help Goten if he needs it than swim. The boy’s safety’s more important and if that damn bastard is bothering him again, Sousuke’s going to deal with it. One way or another.]

Hn. I see.

[The stern expression fades rather quickly, replaced by a quiet sigh and a glance to the sea. There’s not much he can fault Goten on when he brings that story to him. He’s still not comfortable with someone sacrificing themselves for his safety; clashes with his huge self-reliance streak.]

That’s close to the reason I had to help him too. He threatened to keep hurting you if I didn’t submit.

[So they both fell in the same trap, both wanted to protect the other, and both of them got used for it. It only makes him hate Schuldig even more because that’s just sick. And it makes his skin crawl to think the guy’d staked both him and Goten out or somehow learned about their connection to each other.]

But see I'm fine. He hasn't bothered you though and I haven't seen him since then. So maybe it worked!

[Goten lifts arms and waves them up and down. His head lifts up as he stares up at Sousuke, trying to make him feel better. Schuldig is always going to be someone that scares Goten but that doesn't mean he has to think about him all the time. Sousuke either. What is imporant is that the jerk god is staying away. And who knows, maybe he disappeared even. Goten wouldn't wish that on anybody but....Schuldig is a super scary awful guy.

As long as Sousuke and Rin are fine, and Schuldig is staying away then they shouldn't be upset about anything. He's not about to let him ruin their day. Nope! Sousuke needs to have more fun. Goten got the answer to his question and it was good. He's eager to lift Sousuke's spirits back up.]

Don't think any of this gets you out of racing me either.

[Well yes, Goten’s fine now, but back then he hadn’t been. Or at least that’s what Schuldig had Sousuke believe. He’s still pissed about it, obviously, but there’s not much he can do about that now. Move forward and never forget. That’s what he’ll do. When Goten says he hasn’t seen Schuldig in ages, the larger shinki relaxes a little. He wants to believe him, and admittedly it’s rather easy to, but there’s a lingering doubt… Sometimes being protective is a bitch.]

Hn. I wouldn’t try to get out of that.

[The shadow over their little reunion passes and a small, smug expression appears on the swimmer’s face. No, he’s still got a race to win and a flying shinki to show up. There’s no way Schuldig is going to ruin that. Sousuke turns back to the grill, makes sure everything is settled, and then drains his water bottle before tossing it into the recycle bin.]

All right. Let’s go.

[Not to the waves just yet. He’s going to walk along the beach for a few minutes to let his stomach settle. Besides, they need to find something to mark their race after all… like a buoy or something.]

Good! 'cause I wouldn't let you. Nope. No way! Not when I'm gonna win.

[Sousuke's smile, while smug, is just what Goten is trying to draw out of the swimmer. Forget Schuldig. He's not here, they're both safe. It's just to two of them and the long stretch of ocean and beach. His excitement is back full force as Sousuke starts to walk. Goten;s face instantly lights up with a huge smile before he bounces up and jogs after Sousuke---passing him up. It's as though Schuldig was never mentioned. Nope. There's too much fun ahead. Goten has been waiting way to long for this.]

I've been practicing a lot so you better be ready! I donno if I can wait anymore, it feels like its been forevvvvver!

[He spreads his arms wide to emphasize his whine. Maybe not forever but to a kid, it feels like it. But it's always worth it. He'd rather Sousuke be free and feeling up to swimming then anything. At his absolute best! Boundless energy, excitement and tasty food is what is fueling Goten now. Though when Sousuke doesn't immediately head for the waves, Goten blinks at him. He stops just short water as he looks back at the teen and points in front of himself.]

Sousuke, the water is over here! What are you doing?

[He gives a bare huff of amusement at that prospect. Goten thinks he’s going to win, but Sousuke’s confident in his own skills. So long as he doesn’t think about it and freeze himself up. Leaving the grill behind, he steps out onto the beach again, taking in the scent of the saline air and the warmth of the sand beneath his feet. It’s strange to realize how similar he and Goten’s experiences had been with that bastard god, but it’s also comforting to know the other boy’s not getting himself in any further trouble.

He glances up when the smaller shinki breezes past him, still carrying on that conversation as if nothing’d bothered to interrupt it before. Sousuke quirks a brow.]

You’ve been practicing swimming?

[Borderlines, martial arts, and flying, he can figure, but he hadn’t pegged Goten for practicing swimming. Even if they had a race. Then again, he’s thinking of “swimming” like he and Rin practice, which is probably not the kind of swimming Goten’s practicing. And yes, unfortunately, it has been forever. Sousuke clicks his tongue when the other boy spreads his arms. Yeah yeah yeah, don’t rub it in, kid.

But when Goten veers off to the water and Sousuke finds himself a few feet from him, he knows what’s coming before Goten even asks. In answer, he gestures to the water.]

What are we using for a marker? I don’t see a buoy or something out there.

[And racing “to that tree” isn’t going to work way out there in the water.]

Ahuh! I had to practice 'cause I can't let you beat me. I didn't get to do it every day but I did swim a lot. I'm really fast now!

[Goten's days haven't had a dull moment. Between all his friends and training, the kid has kept himself pretty occupied. While he was trying to get better at borderlines and figure out more how Chi, has Hakkai called it, worked. Goten did make sure to put some time into that. Sousuke was confident in his skills and he'd be practicing too so of course Goten had to put time in the water as well. Self taught swimmer right here]

Uh....we can use the shore maybe?

[He points out towards the water eagerly]

Just before you get to shore there's a few rocks you can see the tops of too. Maybe if we go out far enough, we can swim back this way?

[Though, whatever Sousuke was asking for, he doesn't understand. He was asking for a marker so it's not hard to piece those two together; but still:]

What's a buoy?

Hn, is that so. I hope you can keep up.

[Sousuke gives the smaller boy a little smile, but there’s a challenge in his eyes that’s unmistakable.]

Because I’m in no mood to lose.

[Maybe he shouldn’t be trash-talking before he even gets in the water, but he feels a mixture of confident and comfort right now. Despite the struggles he’s had with learning (or more refamiliarizing himself) with swimming, there’s no doubt in Sousuke’s mind that he loves to swim. The feelings he gets when in the water and racing against his god have nothing to do with his missing memories; they’re ingrained deep in his body and heart and unmistakable. It’s as if he knows this is what he does and what he does well. His entire being is geared for it. It’s only that mental block that prevents everything from spilling out… The only thing that prevents Sousuke from… being free.]

The shore…

[Sousuke looks from the shore to the waves and back again. While he isn’t sure that’s going to work unless they swim in some pretty shallow water, he holds his tongue as Goten finishes. But the mention of the rocks suites him perfectly and Sousuke nods in agreement. He only has to scan for a few moments before locating the rocks Goten’s speaking of.]

Those will work.

[So long as they have a grounded place or thing to swim towards, they can start wherever they want. He heads for the water.]

A buoy is a float that’s usually tied to something underwater. The float stays on the surface of the water and lets people know where the underwater thing is.

I'm going for the win too, so I wouldn't bet on it if I were you!

[Trash-talk all you want Sousuke, Goten will shoot it right back. He may not be as good at it but he wants to prove himself too. The water is great and with the practice he has put in, how can he loose? The only advantage Sousuke really has on him is height, right? He's pretty sure he's got this. It's going to be great!

It's when Sousuke agrees to use the rocks as their marker that Goten starts heading into the waves.]

I donno if I've ever seen one of those before. You should bring one next time!

[Of course there's a next time, regardless of who wins. He grins back at Sousuke, now waist deep in the water as splashes water in the older shinki's direction.]

C'mon Sousuke! Let's go! Let's go!

You want to make a wager?

[He’s confident enough to toss that up. While he’ll admit to Goten’s physical strength and flight being not human, if the kid’s going at a normal swimming stroke, Sousuke’s not at all worried about losing. He knows he’s fast in the water; his routine practices and races with Rin have proven that plenty.

Pulling one arm across his chest, he hooks his other arm around the elbow and draws it close, stretching his shoulder. It’s become obvious to him as he’s worked out and trained that his shoulders are exceptionally flexible and that’s a huge benefit when it comes to swimming.

He heads into the water after Goten, switching arms as the water breaks against his ankles and shins. It feels good, the coolness of the salt sea running over his feet and the lycra clinging to his skin. Sousuke huffs in amusement at the comment.]

I don’t have one; you should ask Poseidon—his name’s Makoto—for one; his temple’s a lighthouse with its own beach and ocean.

[By the time the water’s at Goten’s middle, it’s only up to Sousuke’s legs and the taller shinki pauses in the waves to pull one leg up behind him, stretching his thighs and calves.]

How deep do you want to go? Over your head or standing?

Sure! I donno what to wager though. I'm still gonna win.

[Goten's never really tried wagering anything and he doesn't know what to really offer Sousuke. But he'll still play along with it. Especially if the older shinki is so confident. It's really getting Goten excited. This race they had promise awhile back is actually going to happen right now!

Goten makes his way deeper and deeper, until he has to stand on his tippy-toes to keep his head above the water. He's already using his arms to help keep his mouth above the waves but luckily the water is pretty calm. He doesn't know this Poseidon, Makoto guy but if his temple is a lighthouse on the beach he's sure to run into him soon. Maybe if he can get one of those markers then him and Sousuke can race more!

He glances back to Sousuke.]

I'm fine with being over my head. You're super tall so you're gonna need more room to swim, right?

[Or at least that's what he figures. Sousuke is like, the tallest person ever---at least that Goten knows. Plus it'd be unfair if he used the ground or something.]

Edited 2017-04-03 23:46 (UTC)

[Well there was a lot they could wager, but right now, he’s only tossed that out on instinct and doesn’t chase once Goten waives it.

So long as it gets the other boy fired up and ready to go. He drops his arms and legs once they’re worked out and good to go. After all, he’s been cooking non-stop for the past hour or two, standing up, so Sousuke’s doing his part to prevent any hitches or kinks potentially ruining their long-waited for race.

He heads further into the water, rising on the balls of his feet to meet the waves as they roll in. Swimming in the ocean for the first time had been something else. Far different than the pool he practiced in. He keeps an eye on Goten as the boy heads into deeper waters, knowing their heights are definitely going to be changing who’s starting where. When he sees the kid practically mouthing up to the surface, Sousuke smirks softly and quickly slides around to Goten’s other side.]

That’s deep enough for you. I’ll move out a bit more. Move back to where you can stand flat.

[Goten’ll waste energy trying to keep his mouth above the water like that if he stands there while Sousuke gets into position. Since there are no diving blocks, they’ll just have to use the ground as a kick start to make it equal.]

Let me know when you’re ready.

Huh? Oh, okay! Whatever you say.

[Goten moves a bit closer inland towards the shore until he can stand comfortably without getting a mouth full of water. Goten is so ready for this. He was ready since the moment he spotted Sousuke on the beach, food break aside because....well, food. But he is so ready! He can't stop smiling and its starting to make his cheeks a bit sore. A race with Sousuke, this is going to be great. As much as Goten does want to win, it doesn't really matter who is fastest because this is going to be fun no matter what. Especially since Sousuke seems pretty confident in his own ability to swim. It makes Goten curious to just how good he is because while Sousuke does have longer arms and legs, that alone isn't going to be enough to beat Goten and he knows it.

Getting ready, with arms out, he looks straight for their goal.]

I've been ready for this! How about on three? One....Two....and three!

[He doesn't wait for Sousuke to confirm anything, he just pushes off the ground and starts flying through the water---a fast doggy paddle style. Truth be told, Goten has never been properly taught how to swim. He doesn't know any strokes or how to use his body efficiently. All he has that is giving him what speed he does have is his own raw power. Get ready for the fastest doggy paddle ever, take that Sousuke!]

Edited 2017-04-08 19:46 (UTC)

[Sousuke rises with the waves, letting them buoy his body up and down as his toes skim the sand beneath him each descent. He keeps an eye on Goten to make sure he’s getting to a place that’s comfortable for him. Sousuke’s standing where the water’s right up to the top of his collarbones, clearing his head easily of the surface and making handling the swells easier. He feels the swell of excitement and determination burning inside already. A swimming race. Regardless of what he mind things, his body obviously is built for this, imbibed with it to the point that the sea and the pool, water itself, excites him with the urge to swim. To show what he can do. All that he’s worked on with Rin in the past several weeks, it’s all built into this.

Sousuke lets himself drop again and digs his feet into the sand, giving himself a firm brace to push off from. It’s no diving block, but it’ll suffice. He looks ahead of him, teal eyes focused on the buoy so far away. It’d be easier with goggles, but since those aren’t here at the moment, well…]

On three…

[The words under his breath and he brings his arms in front of him, body moving into a practiced ready position. Some part of him suggests he look at Goten first and see how he’s handling it, but the rest of him reminds him that Goten’d be irked if Sousuke gave him anything less than his best (any well-intentioned, unconscious handicap included).

So on ‘three,’ the athlete shoves off the sea floor in a hard motion, arms slinging over head as he arches out of the water and dives into it like a shallow-thrown spear. He pierces the surface effortlessly and his body undulates in practiced kicks much akin to a dolphin’s. Until his body curves up and his hands break the water, followed by his arms. They split and go wide on either side of his body, bringing his upper torso higher out of the water to give him extra speed. Butterfly, after all, is his best stroke and he blazes forward with a power that can only come from natural talent trained into utmost perfection.

Better power on, Goten, because Sousuke’s in his element right now.]

OVERFLOW for | 012 | The Beach Episode

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