thenearshore | [closed] It’s amazing how fast

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[closed] It’s amazing how fast

Who: Son Goten

sonofson and Sousuke Yamazaki

takenwithhim
What: A promise is fulfilled and there’s flight and catching up to be had
Where: The sakura park
When: May 2nd, just before sunset
Warnings: N/A

Had it really been a week since they’d first met? Sometimes it was a struggle to actually divide the past several days into their respective days. The first and second days, with the picnic and meeting his god, stood out the most in his mind. People giving him advice with all sorts of new information that he didn’t completely understand. A god who couldn’t tell him everything yet somehow made him feel more comfortable than he felt out on his own despite their rocky start. And then the next five days were a blur. A mixture of walking and exploring the castle, figuring out how these “god” and “shinki” powers were supposed to work (he definitely hadn’t made much progress there), and the occasional triggers that Sousuke really didn’t want to explore into. Yesterday had been… definitely a stand out day and one he was still trying to shake from his head. To no avail.

Well, it wasn’t the worst thing that could happen; no denying that. Hands comfortably sheathed in his pockets, legs carrying him down the sidewalk paths, Sousuke returned to the sakura park where he’d had his first encounters in this strange world. The memories of the trees catching aflame was still there, but despite it, this park continued to serve as a grounding point for him. From it, he could at least point himself in the directions of two specific places in case he ever got lost. (Which he never did. Nope not ever.) The sun was low in the sky, casting its golden rouge over the hills and trees. Thinking back on it, Sousuke admitted he should’ve set the time earlier; there was a lot of things they could catch up on.

Oh well. Through all his experiences, that promise with Goten remained steadfast in his mind. Such a happy, innocent kid. He remembered flying, sure, but it was more Goten’s attitude that branded itself in his memories. Unforgettable. He’d found himself a little antsy this morning, wondering if Goten would get overexcited about it and end up arriving at the park early. Sousuke was betting on that. As he headed into the main area, he glanced up. If Goten was here early, the swimmer didn’t expect him to be waiting for him on the ground.

He was somewhere in the air; that was Sousuke’s bet.

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He remembered the day. Of course he remember the day! It was something that had been on his mind since they parted ways. Something that he was really looking forward to. Sure prayers and stuff were fun but he really wanted to hang out with Sousuke again. Despite the difference in their ages and everything else, Goten really thought they hit it off! The kid had met a lot of friendly people and even made some friends, but he also still really wanted to be friends with Sousuke!

All throughout the week, Goten did his best to keep himself preoccupied. It was hard to wait so long but between the flying practice, training and overall exploring, the time did seem to fly by. Just not fast enough!

But in his excitement, he must of not heard what time they were going to meet up. A week, he got that. But what time? How could he forget that! Whoops. So Goten has spent most of the day around the park. It's been entertaining. Talking to various people that walked by or trying to catch frogs or squirrels. He could make up his own games to keep himself entertained. Now that it's getting close to sunset, he was starting to get a little bit worried. No way Sousuke would forget right?

Its then as Goten is doing another fly by through the park that he spots the swimmer down below. Even from uphigh, he almost instantly picks him out and it makes him perk up. There he is!

"Sousuke! Hahaha! You're here!"

He picks up a bit of speed as he swoops down towards him, smile big and bright.

Sousuke highly doubted the other boy would forget; he seemed far too excited. Though he might have other things to do. Who knew what connection Goten had with his god and what the two of them were doing together. They could be off fulfilling a prayer request right now. Could gods turn those down once they heard them? Possibly. He only had one as an example to go off of himself. It’d been a minute or so since he arrived at the park and started searching the skies, so there wasn’t any point at getting worried or concerned, right?

He blinks at the faint voice. It’s definitely his name. But where’s it—Oh. Sousuke lifts his hand to shield his eyes from the sun’s rays and makes out the shape flying towards him. That’s what he figured. Flying instead of wandering around on his legs. And laughing, of course. He lowers his arm as Goten gets closer, leaving it hanging by his side once the other boy finally gets close enough for him to see that big, bright smile of his. It brings a small one to Sousuke’s face.

Wait. Goten is flying right towards him. Fast. For a moment, he wonders if he’s going to get plowed into…. flying tackle taking him right onto his back… and braces one foot backwards against the ground, just in case he has to catch the kid.

“Goten.”

The bracing is a good idea on Sousuke's part because while Goten is slowing down from his original speed, he is still coming decently fast. He is much too excited to see the older shinki to really considering that maybe it's not the best idea in the world but he means well. He spreads his arms and flies right into him, laughing all the while with a huge grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. Even if Sousuke doesn't catch him, he's holding onto him.

"Sousuke! Sousuke! Did you see? I got a lot faster, huh? Flying is super easy now!"

Goten speaks quickly, almost breathlessly. A mile a minute.

"I was wondering when you would get here! How have you been?"

“Mnf!” Sousuke grunts softly when he ends up on the expected-but-still-not-that-soft tackle of delight. Arms spread and everything too. He stumbles backwards, thinking he’s braced, but only to feel himself tilt as his heel land on a knob of dirt. Not braced—!! With a most ungraceful of crashes, the swimmer ends up flat on his ass and then on his back. (A bruised tailbone is better than breaking his arm attempting to break his fall.) Of course Goten’s laughing. “Oy,” he grumbles, though anyone could see he’s not truly upset.

“Aa. It’s hard to miss.” About the faster part most explicitly. He reaches up and gives Goten a pat and rub on the head. (He’s still amazed this kid’s hair grows natural like this.) “I’m pretty sure I said sunset.” And he even got here early, but of course Goten’d jump the gun in his excitement. “I’ve been… adjusting.” That’s probably the easiest and best way to put it.

The crash doesn't even startle Goten. While he does feel bad for making Sousuke fall backwards, he can't help but laugh. He really didn't mean to tackle him that hard but really, he couldn't help it. His smile is huge, even his cheeks are starting to ache a little bit but he seems pretty thrilled. Small beads of sweat drip down his face but he's quick to wipe away with the sleeve of his shirt.

"I told you I would get faster! I can go even faster then that too!" The head pat is reassuring, his spiky hair stubbornly pokes through the spaces between Sousuke's fingers. He tries to peek around his hand to look at him after a second though.

"I forgot about that....I didn't know the time but that's okay, right? I mean, you're here now." Everything is good. Sure Goten had been super early but it was just to be sure that he didn't miss the other shinki. If anything, it just gave him more time to practice before their meet up. How his energy isn't gone is a mystery. But he is starting to settle down from that initial canon ball of excitement.

"That's good. I adjusted too. There are a bunch of people here and a lot of places to explore---Sousuke! I got to meet my god. We live on the bench in a cave with sharks swimming through it! Isn't that really awesome?" Clearly he thinks so. Sousuke really needs to visit and see it sometime too.

And now Goten’s laughing at him falling over. Sousuke lightly “punches” the kid on the head for it. He would’ve been able to stay up if he hadn’t stepped on the knoll right there. Even if he does admit that catching Goten had been harder than he thought. Bracing for it and still that kid came up against him with enough force to rock him backwards. Whatever. He’ll either brace harder next time or simply let him fly by until he comes in slower.

And why’s he sweating already? “Don’t go faster if you’re coming to land on me.” Cause he’ll definitely dodge him if he sees that incoming speed. Sousuke’s not surprised Goten’s speed increased. “You’ve probably been training that all week, hm.” Waiting to show it off to him at this exact moment.

Yeah, he’s here now. Obviously. At least he does get to see Goten a little exerted so that says something that even he’s got limits to his energy. Sousuke leans back against the grass as Goten starts to settle down. Good, so they can simply talk for now. He slips both hands behind his head, gazing up at the sky above as Goten talks, leaving the younger boy to stay lying on his chest.

“Your god?” Teal eyes lower and he looks at Goten as best he can from this position. “You have sharks swimming around you?” Granted, Goten didn’t say “in” but considering he just said beach and a cave… “What’s the cave look like?” Jeeze, Goten, don’t tell him you’re living like some wild beast or something!

The 'punch' just earns a bigger grin as he looks down at Sousuke. He's settled on top of his chest and doesn't seem too incline to move just yet. He really didn't mean to knock Sousuke over, but he doesn't feel too bad about it either. It was funny and maybe even showed off a little of his power and speed too.

"I did slow down! Just...not a lot! I knew you'd be able to catch me anyway." That much is said with the up most confidence. He's fine for talking for now. It's been a week and he hadn't seen Sousuke around at all. Playing catch up was good. Besides, Goten had been zipping all around the park for awhile. A small break and then they both could take to the skies. He doesn't bother answering the training comment. It's answered with the speed he already displayed and the full hearted grin. Of course he trained all week. How could he not! His feet kick in the air behind him, clearly pleased.

"Ahuh! His name is Archie! I donno that much about him but he's been really nice so far. Maybe you've seen him? I think the sharks are his friends somehow cause they're pretty friendly. I got to swim around and they jump bump me or follow me around. Its like a game of tag." Goten explains eagerly, shifting a bit so he can sit up now. He crosses his legs, still perched on top of the swimmers's chest as he beams down at him. Now that he isn't laying down, he can use his arms to explain better. Luckily, he's pretty light.

"Oh and the cave is really big and the further you go in, the more like a house it sorta becomes. It's got beds and a kitchen and everything. You gotta come see it some time Sousuke!"

Yes, more hang outs please. It's only now that he's paused to wait for an answer that Goten noticed he hasn't mention much about his week. He blinks at that, head tilting to the side curiously. "What about you? What's your place like?"

Figures that wouldn’t faze the kid in the slightest. He wonders just how strong Goten really is. After all, he’d been flying around with him and Sousuke doesn’t weigh like a feather, all that lean height and muscle and all. The grin’s threatening to be addicting and he lets out a low breath, watching Goten sink in his vision and then rise again when he inhales.

“Hard to miss you when you aimed at my stomach,” Sousuke murmurs back with a small tease. But he appreciates the confidence in his abilities and rubs Goten’s head again once more before retreating his hand back behind his own for props. It really has been a week, hasn’t it… Funny, the days had flown by a lot faster than he thought; it doesn’t feel like an entire week had passed at all. But here’s proof of it right on his chest. Settling into something comfortable, he lets his mind wander over the past few days, taking note of things he wants to tell the other boy (and some things he’ll keep to himself, thanks).

“Archie.” He tries the name out on his tongue. Then blinks at the question. “I don’t think so.” He’s not heard or seen anything with that name. Something perks a little inside at the mention of sharks being friends and curiosity flickers in his eyes. “The guy’s friends with sharks… and you swim with them.” That sounds completely off the wall to him, even if he is lying in a place where gods and dead people walk around with strange powers. He tightens his stomach as Goten sits up, abs hardening under his clothes. The boy doesn’t weight a lot so it’s fine. But when he scoots to his chest, he relaxes again. If anyone else saw this, they’d probably think it’s pretty cute…

Well, at least the cave’s hospitable. He tries to think about it, some huge cavern in the rocks with beds and a kitchen (that part’s actually a mixture of interesting and funny). “Aa. I need to see that for myself.” Only to satisfy his curiosity. Right. Definitely not to protectively make sure Goten’s going to be safe living in a cave, even if it is outfitted like a house. Of course. “And you said the sharks swim around in it too?”

But the topic swings to himself and he sighs quietly before looking up to the golden sky again. “We live in a big castle. Big enough you can get lost in it. It’s surrounded by sakura trees and gates…” Just like a fairy tale or romance novel. “We haven’t even been through the entire thing yet.”

The hair ruffles and head pats are reassuring, if anything they just making Goten that much more pleased. He should probably return the favor sometime to the taller shinki but that's easier said then done with their current positions. They haven't even taken to the sky yet and Goten is fine with just sitting and talking like this. Catching up with Sousuke is good. He was a bit worried about the swimmer settling into things. Sousuke was all by himself and keeping to himself when Goten first met him but he seems to be doing okay.

"A huh. They're nice. They don't bite or anything. I think its cause of the type of god he is. Maybe? Mmm... Something about weather....i think?" Yeah, he didn't really ask for the details on it or what kind of god he was or anything. Archie just showed up and said he was a god and Goten went along with it. Of course he could feel there was something about Archie so it wasn't just on pure trust alone that he followed the pirate to his temple. They had been together since though Goten often wondered off to explore. Caves, cliffs and beaches were great but it would only keep the seven year old's attention for so long. The chance of having Sousuke over just makes it that much better. "You do! It's be awesome if you came by. We could swim too! You know how to swim right?"

He hopes so. Swimming isn't hard, anyone can do it. It came naturally to Goten. So did an urge to catch fish without using a fishing rod. Though there weren't really any big ones so. Maybe Sousuke could fly through the ocean like how Goten can fly through the sky. Not really the same but sort of!

Goten looks down at Sousuke, leaning a bit at the mention of the castle. That sounds amazing, his eyes grow bigger as he stares in awe. "That's amazing! Wow! And you have sakura trees? You get all the petals you could ever want then, huh?"

That's how he first met him after all! Sousuke and his sakura petals! Goten is happy for him. He deserves all the sakura petals he could ever want.

"You gotta let me see it sometime too, okay? You will, right Sousuke?" He's much to eager to see such a cool place to call home. Each 'temple' seems to be so different from the next.

It’s been a weird time, trying to get used to such a place as this. Some people seem to take to it faster than others; Sousuke suspects Goten’s among the former group. Even if he doesn’t have all his memories, or any of them to be exact, the swimmer doesn’t like taking orders from another person. Much less relying on others. Based almost entirely upon feeling, the aversion he gets when he’d heard from others he’s expected to serve a god. Even if it is more partnership than master/servant. However, for all those thoughts, his relationship with his god, with Rin, currently has shown him he’s got time to rethink those feelings…

Later. When he’s not busy wondering about swimming with sharks that don’t bite. “A weather god? You think he can influence sharks by the weather?” Well, Makoto had said he’s Poseidon, the god of the sea… Maybe there are others with similar attributes. Something tells him Goten isn’t the kind of person to go bothering around about the details, though he also doubts the kid’s someone easily led into danger. He’s innocent, not stupid. The opportunity to go to the other god’s temple, cave, whatever he wants to call it, is a lure Sousuke can’t refuse. Sharks, caves, ocean, stuff a little boy would definitely be fascinated by. He’s not a little boy anymore, but he had been.

Swim. For a moment, Sousuke stills, goes silent, almost freezes up. Something about the word itself hits him in the chest hard. The same sensation of dread and aversion hints at the base of his stomach, the same as it has around other things. Like the pool in Rin’s castle. “I…” Did he know how to swim? He couldn’t remember how to cook, and yet he’d been making omelets his third morning here without much more than curiosity and muscle memory. Would swimming be like that? “I don’t know… Probably.” He’s going to assume that what he can’t remember mentally, his body will remember physically. After all, he can’t have forgotten everything or he’d be sitting here trying to relearn how to walk and talk, right? “Guess I’ll find out,” he offers with a softer look.

Sousuke pushes the thoughts to the side when Goten leans over him, watching those eyes get bigger in wonder. Well, of course he would! It’s a castle. But he blinks in surprise when Goten mentions the sakura. all you could ever want. Stunned for a moment, but then melts away into a soft sigh and a little glance to the side in maybe embarrassment. “Oy… It’s not like I’m obsessed with them,” he mumbles, a tiny pink appearing on his face. That image is going to stick with Goten forever, isn’t it? The big guy who likes as many sakura as possible. “I know a guy who is though.”

Throwing Rin under the bus, yep. Well, Sousuke remembers Goten as the happy energetic kid who can fly so… maybe it’s moot point.

“Aa. You’re welcome to come over. It’s Rin’s castle, so if he lets, I’ll show you around.” Because he can’t speak for his god’s decisions. Even if he’s almost 100% sure Rin’ll want to show the place off to any visitors. That romantic world of his.

Goten never really questioned why the sharks didn't attack. They just don't and it was fun to swim with them. He saw them be friendly with Archie the first day so naturally, Goten wanted to try too. He'd yet to be bitten so that was good, right? Maybe it was just because Archie was the god of the temple and beneath that, Goten was his shinki so the sharks knew better. He wasn't sure if weather really effected the sharks. Though he glances away thoughtfully, crossing his arms. "Maybe? I donno, they've been nice since I met them so maybe it is Archie...or they're just never hungry."

Who knows. Goten doesn't. It's just fun to live in a cave on the bench and able to go swimming whenever he wanted. Inviting Sousuke comes naturally as he enjoys hanging around the taller shinki, like right now. More promises to hang out in the future of course Goten is on board for that! Sharks are cool but getting Sousuke to swim is something new! He flashes another exciting grin as he uncrosses his arms to point to himself.

"If you donno how to swim, I can teach you! OH-! Archie was worried about me at first to so I know there are these floatie things you can put on your arms if you need! They'll keep you up." Goten nods as he looks down at him, clearly not going to let Sousuke out of this. Flying with Sousuke and now swimming would be a thing too even if he looked a little silly with floaties around his large arms. It wouldn't be like anyone had to watch them swim.

"I like swimming, its fun. Its just like flying but in the water!"

The half-saiyan doesn't mind carrying Sousuke to fly, not at all, but it would be nice to be able to 'fly' next to him. If not in the sky then maybe in the water...if he learns how to swim that is.

But its the castle that really makes Goten's eyes shine. He's never seen a castle before and now Sousuke lives in one and he'll be able to see it. He bounces a little on Sousuke's chest, he can't help it. "Really?! That would be so amazing! I've never ever ever seen inside of castle before! I bet its super big!" Yes! He's so ready for that! With Sousuke it's just one exciting thing after another.

"I donno Rin.... I haven't met him I guess. Do I have to ask him first?" But it's Sousuke's home too so does he have too? Really nothing would stop Goten from just flying in and dropping into the castle right? Luckily he has more manners then that but it's an idea. If its' Rin's castle then that must be Sousuke's god. Goten would have to keep an eye out for that Rin guy now.

A never hungry shark? That doesn’t sound very plausible. Sousuke pushes the thought from his mind. He’ll chalk it up to Goten’s god, Archie. After all, Rin’s sakura trees never seem to lose their blossoms despite a gentle rain of sakura petals happening all the time. It’s not hard to imagine each of the gods having certain affects to their personal temples. So he offers a light shrug of his shoulders, suggesting they can drop the subject and Goten doesn’t have to keep racking his brain about questions he doesn’t have the answers to. “It’s probably Archie.” Still… He wonders what it’d be like to swim with sharks.

But the topic of swimming comes up again and he hesitates, not even sure what kind of expression comes to his face. Mostly it’s wonder and confusion. Because the thought of swimming churns that dangerous nostalgia in his head and yet at the same time, it feels alluring. Sousuke purses his lips in a small pout. “I’m not sure—“ Wait, those floatie things?! The other shinki blinks, stares at Goten for a full few seconds, and then drops his head on the ground with an incredulous scoff. “I’m not wearing those.” Plain and simple. He’d rather flop around in the shallows if it comes to that. Doesn’t matter if he’s alone or not.

“I… kind of.”

Flying in the water, hm? That’s an interesting way of looking at it. He remembers his and Goten’s first flight and the image of that, but in the water, and mentally cringes. No, if swimming happens, he’s going to do that on his own as best he can. Goten can definitely continue to help him fly in the air though. When it comes to the water, his pride wells up… and something that feels a little tenderer.

Sousuke huffs a bit as Goten bounds on his chest, muscles hardening again to make up for the motions. “It’s big enough to get lost in.” Not going to tell Goten that he’s gotten lost in that place more than a few times now… and it’s only been a week. It’s a good thing Rin’s able to sense where he is, even though the larger shinki’s embarrassed to no end about it. “I’m sure you’ll like it.”

“I can ask Rin. I’m sure he’ll be fine with it.” Sousuke still doesn’t think of the castle as “his” in any real sense right now. He’s a shinki who lives there with his god. The castle is Rin’s from top to bottom and a shinki has no claim to the place. As for stopping Goten, who knows? He doesn’t know how god areas work when it comes to boundaries. “When do you want to come over?”

Maybe it is Archie. Sousuke seems to really think so. Goten would probably end up asking his god a bunch of little questions about the sharks now. Before he was too fascinated by the creatures but now that he's perched on top of Sousuke pondering about it, it's really making him wonder. If anyone would know it had to be Archie right? Yep! He would have to remember to ask him the next time he saw his god about the temple since that was the only place he really ever saw or spoke with Archie. Goten was much more of an adventurer and it was just a bonus that Archie didn't seem to mind and let the boy go out as he pleased. It would be hard to keep Goten in one place or consistently babysit anyway. MAybe his god realized that.

It's Sousuke's scoff that draws his attention out of his thoughts again. He blinks down at the other shinki with big curious dark eyes. Goten finds his reaction odd. What's wrong with floaties? If they kept him up in the water until they both knew he could swim then that was good wasn't it? Sousuke's stare is met with his own as he tries to figure out what the problem is. Luckily the staring contest doesn't seem to last long and something about the way Sousuke just drops his head back down gets a giggle out of Goten. As if he's won but not really.

"They're not so bad but okay! I'll stay right by your side until you figure it out so you don't have to worry about a thing. I can fly you out of the water to. Easy! But it'll be a lot of fun to swim together! When you get good at it we can race!"

He says it, lifting both his arms up in the air for emphasis. Goten could fly like a bird or swim like a fish but he wanted to do so with Sousuke. He was fine swimming solo, there were always fish and sharks around to play with but it's different actually having someone to talk with. Someone he likes!

The bouncing stops when he finally settles down. He's still clearly pumped about the idea of seeing and being in a big castle, honestly what kid wouldn't be? Even more so when Sousuke says its big enough to get lost in and that he'd like it. He trusts Sousuke on that. But even if he did get lost, it would still be really cool because he's in a castle! At the notion of asking Rin he beams, nodding his head much too quickly and for longer then necessary. Yes! Ask Rin so he can come over! That energy doesn't fade but at least he isn't bouncing on Sousuke anymore.

"We could fly there!"

It's said instantly without thought. As in tonight. They could fly around and have fun and then go! Tonight is good right? But really Goten is open to anything, he's just excited at the thought of being in a castle. When doesn't matter. He'd make time for it no matter what! It's a castle and its more time with Sousuke! The only questionable part of this whole plan is Rin. He doesn't know Rin. But hopefully he's half as nice as Sousuke is!

Edited 2016-11-09 04:43 (UTC)

Gods seem to have some influence on their places of residence; that’s his assumption at least. Maybe he’ll have to offer Archie a bit of an apology for sending Goten back to him full of questions (or not). The idea of swimming with sharks still sits in Sousuke’s mind, wondering if he can even swim in the first place. A longing feeling wanders through his chest, enough to make him fall silent for a while to try and deal with it. If his reaction to the pool beneath Rin’s castle is any indication, something about the water, about swimming, lingers in his mind. He hasn’t acted on it yet, because neither he nor Rin have returned to the pool ever since Sousuke’s reaction to it, but… he wonders how long he can avoid water. It’s kind of common, right?

He’s still not going to agree to those floaties. The idea of it doesn’t sit well with his pride at all and he’s not regretting tossing the idea or the noises he made towards it. At least Goten’s concerned stare at him ends up in a laugh; good, he’s not going to get in trouble for dismissing that offer. He knows Goten wants to help him and those floaties are a way to do so, but… no thanks. “You can stay by my side, but I’m still not wearing them,” he murmurs. The offer to spot him is actually rather nice; he appreciates that. “Be careful; I could be good at it and not know it.”

Honestly, the thought of being faster than Goten in the water spikes some excitement in him. He knows already—via a week with Rin—that he’s competitive, and while Goten obviously has the advantage on him in flight and strength, Sousuke’d be thrilled to know he outswam the kid in the water. Guess that’s just something they’ll have to find out. Of course, those sharks are also there…

As those bounces settle down and he can breathe normally again (aka: not in rhythm with a kid bounding on his chest), he relaxes against the grass once more, eyes gazing up to the sky. “Oy, hold on,” Sousuke states, already following Goten’s thoughts. Flying to the castle and crashing it without telling Rin isn’t going to happen. As much as Sousuke and Rin can clash sometimes, he does respect his god enough not to want to show up with unannounced, and very excitable, company. Also because it is sundown, and having someone wanting a castle-wide tour two hours before bed isn’t going over well (even for Sousuke).

“Let me talk to him first. He’ll be fine with it, but give him some warning first.” Rin’s an excitable person after all. Sousuke has no idea what his plans are for the night anyways. He gives Goten a small smirk. “I’d rather have a day than try to squeeze your visit in an hour or two.”

Goten still doesn't understand Sousuke's refusal on the floaties but he decides to let it go. If Sousuke doesn't want to wear them that badly, Goten isn't going to push it further then that. It would probably be easier for Sousuke to figure out how to swim without them anyway. Those floaties, while they kept a person afloat, looked too bulky. Goten enjoys having the freedom to twist, turn and move as he pleases without resistant. If gravity can’t keep him on the ground, he isn’t going to let anything else either. Maybe that’s why Sousuke was against it.
Besides, they can’t just write the taller shinki off just yet. It also could be that Sousuke already knew how to swim and just didn't know it. That would make things a lot easier. Most of the things Goten could do, he had to figure out that he could do them. Swimming and flying were perfect examples of that. Of course, he was practically fearless with trying them. It hadn't even been a full first day when he already had tried diving into the clear waters near the temple. It didn't cross Goten's mind that knowing that he knew how to swim would have been important then and could have made things take a bad turn if he didn't. But like everything else in his life thus far, it all worked out!

He looks down at Sousuke curiously, head tilting to the side thoughtfully. Goten would stay by his side until they were both sure Sousuke wouldn't sink. Goten was confident in him though. Regardless of if Sousuke could or could not, Goten was sure he would get good at it if that's what he wanted. It would be fun to watch him learn and flop around if it was indeed a new experience for the teen. But if he already knew how...

"If you're good then we can race! I won't go easy on you Sousuke!" Goten says it brimming with confidence and excitement. He hands curl into loose fists as he raises both arms up to his chest eagerly. There’s a gleam to his eyes. While he isn’t that overly competitive the spirit of a challenge is still alive. He does want to do his best and give Sousuke a good ‘fight’. Having someone to challenge and drive for more is so much more thrilling than trying to do better than his own previous best. It’s something he unknowingly craves deep down, mostly when he sees the adults talking about their own strengths, fights and what not. In Goten’s eyes, Sousuke is different from most of the other teenagers and adults he’s met thus far. Even if this is only their second time meeting and he hasn’t gotten to know him all that well, Goten doesn’t feel put off by him. The half-saiyan understands he’s a young kid, he’s reminded of it almost constantly. By strangers and friends alike. If he isn’t flying, he is always looking up at everyone he meets. It’s not surprising. He is only seven but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. But here, right now, even though he’s sitting on Sousuke’s chest, he’s just Goten! He can’t say for sure, but Sousuke doesn’t seem to care that much about his age and it’s refreshing. That’s why regardless of the outcome of their future swim, Goten already knows it will be fun, he’s sure of it!

It’s also the reason he doesn’t pout for long over not getting to see the castle tonight. His hands lower and rest flat on Sousuke’s chest as he leans more towards him. As if looking at him long enough will somehow change the teen’s mind. Before he even has the chance to really sulk or protest not being able to fly Sousuke to the castle right then, his words make good reason of it. Goten blinks and glances towards the darkening sky as if being completely obvious to the time of day. It is getting later and being able to see a castle over the course of a whole day versus just a couple hours.... Goten can’t argue that. He doesn’t really understand why Sousuke has to warn Rin either.

Looking back and seeing the smirk a small sigh escapes the half-saiyan as he deflates and sits back. Sousuke does have a very good point and Goten is going to listen to him. Why is being patient is hard? “Okay...That’s fair. I wanna see it but it would be better to see it for longer.”

How much of what he knew, while admittedly erased from his mind, was still ingrained within his body? He’d already experienced a few things that came to him naturally despite not having any memories of them. A bland example being operating the stove top and cooking, something that had surprised Rin first, then Sousuke when he actually realized he was doing it. He knew how to make omelets, knew how to do certain stretches before working out (stretches that went beyond simply pulling his arm across his chest), things that would require some sort of familiarity, and yet came without him thinking about it. Maybe swimming was something like that, though his initial aversion to the pool before lingered in his mind like ghost.

Hopefully it was something that would pass over time. Swimming was something he’d rather know how to do, if not for his memories, for the pure sake of not finding himself drowning if someone knocked him into a pool. One of those basic life skills, like walking or cooking. Maybe he should have simply dove in, regardless of what he was feeling… though considering the dread and nausea that came with it… Tsk, thinking about it only frustrated him more and he pushed the entire topic away with a silent motion in his mind. If anything, Goten would be there to pull him out if things became a mess.

A light flickered in his eyes at the mention of racing and Sousuke focused on Goten, challenge lingering in that light. “Don’t expect me to hold back on you either,” he murmured, sounding rather confident for someone who didn’t even know if he could swim or not. Sousuke reached his arms above him, stretching them against the grass before folding down and tucking his hands behind his head. Sometimes told him they were going to have a lot of competitions between them. Which was fine with him; it was only a week since he’d arrived and Sousuke found himself almost regularly competing against Rin over something (half the time it was something stupid, but whatever). He found himself having fun doing it. It gave a thrill, a challenge he responded to almost instantly. Despite Rin being his god and Sousuke only a shinki, he had no thought in his mind to allow that to “lessen” himself in his eyes. Growing stronger, getting better at everything he could do until he became the best. That was his intention and his goal.

Uh-oh. Goten was pouting. Sousuke blinked, instantly reminded of Rin’s pouts over the past week. That… oh, it was gone. He relaxed, grateful he didn’t have to harden up and try to resist it. Could’ve been dangerous… As hands settled on his chest, he flexed on reaction, then settled again when Goten leaned forward. Getting into a staring contest apparently. Teal eyes met the black without shaking, resolved not to give in. There was someone else to consider here and he couldn’t back down and end up showing up to the castle with an unrealized guest in tow. Besides, Goten deserved a full day of exploring, not a small few hours. Sousuke was glad his words ended up curbing the pout; would’ve been a problem to try and explain it to Rin.

He looked up to the sky as well, noting the darkening arch above them. Not enough time to explore the castle, but they could definitely continue to hang out and visit. “Aa. I promise you’ll get to see it soon.” He rolled his shoulders a little to get comfortable again and crosses one ankle over the other. “We can spend the day exploring it with Rin.” Yes, he knew waiting would be hard for Goten; the kid’d been so eager that even waiting a week for this meeting had been a pain. Sousuke could tell that already. Speaking of…

“What have you been up to regarding training and ayakashi? I’ve only heard about that part of being a shinki.”

Swimming or castle, Goten doesn't know which one to be more excited for. They both sound thrilling but the idea of racing Sousuke is quickly rising to the top. Both of them give it their all, racing side by side. No matter who won, so long as it was there best, that's what mattered. One race wouldn't decide it all. There would have to be many the longer they both stayed here. If Sousuke enjoyed swimming, Goten would more than happily join him in the water. He enjoyed it too. Maybe not as much as flying but it was still great. There was something about nature that Goten just felt at home about. The water was no exception despite the natural urge to go chasing down the biggest fish he could and bring it to Archie to cook up. He really hopes that Sousuke can enjoy the water too. "You better not hold back, Sousuke! Not even a little! I'm gonna give you my best so you gotta give me yours or it’s not fair. I don't like being taken easy on. You hear me?" He bounces once again on the older shinki's chest. But this time it's only one bounce, a slightly harder one as if to strengthen his point. Goten doesn't mind losing but he doesn't like the idea of someone else holding back on his account. It’s like being tricked and he doesn’t want that. Even if it was just for fun. He trusts Sousuke to give it his all if he says he's going to. With the bounce, he slides off the right side Sousuke's chest and flops onto the ground next to him. Before rolling onto his back, he glances briefly at Sousuke before mimicking his position.

Settling on the ground, he tucks his hands behind his head and crosses one ankle over the other,---only that doesn't last for long as Goten ends up spreading his legs a bit to wiggle his feet. He can't lay or sit still, he's energized with excitement and promises of more exciting fun things soon to come in the near future. His eyes stare up at the darkening sky above, smile natural on his lips. Sousuke doesn't need to promise him anything, but it's still nice to hear. He can't wait to swim. He can't wait to see his castle! Despite having no memories, Goten hasn't worried about that at all. This world has been one big adventure after the next. Sousuke is strengthening that too. Though his question does make Goten pause. He goes quiet for a moment, thinking.

"Mmmmmm not too much." He sounds disappointed with that. "I've been trying to figure things on my own. I got to spar a bit with a guy with long green named Jae-ha once! But...I don't think that'll help me with ayakashi. I know i'm fast and pretty strong but I donno anything about shinki stuff. It's hard to find someone to learn from. Archie told me not to worry about it but I want to learn it."

If he doesn't, what good is he as a shinki? He wants to be useful too. This world is fun but he also wants to fight. He wants to help protect it. Protect his friends. He lays still, staring hard up at the sky, as if one of the passing clouds will give him all the answers he wants. It doesn’t. Though, it isn't more than a minute or so that he's tilting his head back to look towards Sousuke.

"Hey Sousuke, what's Rin like?"

The prospect of swimming remained quietly haunting his mind with every passing moment. Sousuke could only remember that one event. Standing beneath the castle and gazing out over the vast expanse of the pool, feeling his body reaching for the waters at the same time as his mind recoiled from it. A clashing sensation of longing and avoidance that he couldn’t get his mind around. He’d left that place with the imprint stained on his brain, a mystery that refused to unravel itself no matter how many times he returned to those thoughts. Sitting here talking to Goten, speaking of the water and sharks, the idea of swimming and competing, all of it mingled into that strange event once more. And in his mind, a single thought crystalized above everything else.

I want to swim.

Sousuke blinked out of his thoughts and glanced up to the other boy again. Not what? Oh. A soft puff of a scoff slipped past his lips and he tilted his head back in confidence. “I don’t give anything but my best.” He was glad to hear Goten wouldn’t take it easy on him. Provided he didn’t end up floundering in the water, of course. What would he do once he got in there? Sink or swim? Sousuke might have sunk back into thought if he didn’t suddenly have a kid lift and drop right on his chest. “Oof!” Goten was small, but he wasn’t a feather! “Oy.” Any further protest shut up as the other boy slid to the side and onto the ground. Sousuke turned his head to follow his descent, pouting just slightly at him until Goten was settled on the ground… and mimicking his position. Heh, this kid…

Then turned his gaze back to the sky. Of course Goten couldn’t sit still and it wasn’t long before Sousuke heard him shifting on the grass and moving. Archie must be a very patient man to have Goten as his shinki. The sky was already darkening, but he hadn’t set a closing time on their meeting. Only an opening. (Finding his way back in the dark, however, might be… a problem.)

The disappointment echoed in his mind and he nodded. “It’s hard to find things out on your own. As a shinki.” Since apparently the gods at least got told things and were expected to send it down the pipe to their shinkis, so to speak. “Jae-ha…” Of course he hadn’t met the guy, but might as well try the name out on his tongue. “We haven’t done much ourselves. Practiced a little. I’m still getting used to it. So is Rin. I’ve heard the ayakashi can be really dangerous so… It’s not something we should ignore.”

He didn’t take well to the idea of Archie telling Goten not to worry about it and a frown appeared on his face. “That’s stupid. You should worry about it, regardless of what he says. He’s not the one that’s going to risk himself fighting.” That was, admittedly, from Sousuke’s jaded understanding, but that’s what he’d heard.

As for that other question… Sousuke’s expression didn’t change. What was Rin like? “That’s… a long answer.”

"You better give all your best then cause I'm gonna do the same. It'll be great!" Goten grins as he kicks his feet up high to show his enthusiasm. He can't help it. If it wasn't already so late then he'd grab Sousuke and fly him to Archie's temple so they could get started. He's always eager, always ready to go. The fact he's still laying on the ground with his hands tucked behind his head is a feat of its own. Mainly because he just wants to mimic the older teen. His dark eyes are on the sky, staring up in wonder as he imagines all the fun they're going to have.

It didn't bother Goten that it was getting later but he didn't know if Sousuke needed to be home at a certain time. "Yep. I don't like it. I wanna get stronger. Stronger as a shinki." Goten signs a little. It's been frustrating to him. Despite his size or age, he wants to useful. He wants to help out anyway he can especially to those he holds dear. The fact that Archie and him haven't done anything with that really is eating him. Goten can distract himself well enough but ayakashi aren't going to slay themselves. The young half-saiyan didn't even know borderlines or anything yet. The only bits of training he got were all basic and physical and wouldn't help him too much here.

"I wanna fight. I wanna protect everyone." The words come without thought, something inside him. He isn't scared to fight and somehow his body obviously knows how to move so why is his age such an issue. If things got too bad, they could always run away but not trying at all doesn't feel right. Goten exhales as he pushes himself to sit up, grass and petals sticking to the back of his gi and all through his hair. He looks over his shoulder to smile at Sousuke. "It's good you got to practice some. And its okay if you don't wanna tell me what Rin's like, cause I'll get to meet him, right?"

“I won’t give you anything less,” Sousuke promises, catching the kicked-up legs beside him in the corner of his eye. That enthusiasm, like always, perks his own spirits up and he curls his fingers against the back of his head without thinking of it. Maybe it’d been an instinctively good idea to wait till later to meet up with Goten; who knows where they’d be headed off to if they’d met up earlier. This kid really does have a bottomless energy in him, doesn’t he? Sousuke wonders if Goten ever takes naps, or if he’s ready to go from dawn till dusk and then some.

A small hum sounds in his chest at the idea of grown stronger. “Aa. I want to as well.” But the lingering question is… for whom does he want to grow stronger? Does he want to do so for Rin, to become a better—the best—shinki for him? Or does he want to do it for himself? He’s already started to, begrudgingly, accept that he has to rely on Rin in this world. Being a shinki without a god is dangerous. But the idea of becoming better for someone doesn’t resonate well with him. It wants to improve for himself. Be responsible for himself as much as possible. That’s what makes a person stronger, right? In the end, it’s not always a given you’ll have another person around to rely on. Sousuke glances to Goten again at the notion of protecting everyone. “Do you really think you can?” It’s not meant to be spiteful, but… Reality’s a pain sometimes.

He sighs and looks back to the sky as Goten sits up beside him; not fast enough to miss seeing him come up with those petals stuck on him. He gives a small shake of his head. “Aa, you’ll meet him. Rin’s… Rin’s strange.” If that doesn’t earn him a quirked brow and hissy fit when he returns back home… It gets better. “He’s kind of emotional right now, trying to deal with the whole god thing. He’s a crybaby and a romantic dreamer, but he tries to keep a positive attitude even though I can tell when something’s bothering him.” The most troublesome part is that Rin seems to know more about Sousuke than Sousuke does (obviously), but both of them have some kind of unspoken agreement not to delve into that… which stresses Rin far more than he lets on and Sousuke is more than aware of that. “He’s loud and obnoxious sometimes, stubborn and headstrong. But he’s kind and cares a lot for people. Especially his friends. We clash a lot, sometimes over stupid things… but something about him…”

Sousuke stares into the skies, as if the starry dome overhead might give him some kind of answer. His voice softens, as if this is a private admission. “…makes me want to stay next to him as long as possible.”

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[closed] It’s amazing how fast

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don't you dare with that adorable icon

how could I not though?

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yoho, sorry for the delay. he'll answer in more detail later, hahah. bakasuke...

im double sorry for the lateness on my behalf, sousuke is amazing shh

now it's my turn to apologize for the tardy, and shhh he's a loser