pull me out the water, cold and blue [open]

[sharkweak]

WHO: Rin Matsuoka (sharkweak) and whoever!
WHERE: A large community center in De Chima that has—you guessed it—a pool almost up to Rin's standards
WHEN: Sep 15th, all evening
WHAT: Rin's giving swimming lessons and/or trying to find people for a potential relay team and/or just trying to keep in Olympic-level shape
WARNINGS: Should be none? Possibly foul language at some point. Overall, PG, perhaps PG-13 for no shirts idk the rating system anymore

[It took him over two weeks to decide on the pool due to a variety of factors. There was the problem of membership fees or open time or too many kids or a conflict schedule between his part-time job and when he could 'rent' the entire pool. One thing or another got in the way, never mind all the time he was putting into practicing these new abilities he was given. Yeah, but here it is, the closest thing to perfection he could afford find. It has lanes, it has length, it has depth, and while he only has it this particular evening guaranteed, he thinks he could make a good case for once a week dominion.

Soon as he has the deal set up, he's shooting off texts to everyone he promised he would and then, overeager, sets his communicator on a towel. He'll be in the water to begin with pretty much whenever anyone stops by. Make a little noise, call out, he'll find the nearest ladder or pull himself up on the side. Those arms and shoulders aren't just for show. Get ready to swim, buckaroos.]

Comments

[sensuality]

( this wasn't necessarily something mathilda truly planned on fulfilling. part of her felt too lazy to venture out on her own, and the other part of her felt she was getting too familiar with this place. her ultimate goal was to just get by each day until she went back home.

still she showed up, in part because rin sent her message, and also because she had a one piece swimsuit in her room.

she stood before the edge of the pool with a glass of milk in hand, wearing a blue one piece. she had her hair pulled back by swimming cap, and she had a pair of eye goggles clinging from her neck. )

What's up?

[sharkweak]

[What's up is Rin was beginning to think no one was going to show or that he'd screwed up the mass-text option on the phone they gave him here. It's not so different from his one back home so he thought he knew all the functions-- minus the mindsync, that's new-- but cool. Looks like it worked out. He pulls himself up onto the ledge of the pool and stands, using one hand to push back his goggles and stray strands of that too-red hair. Mm, this is the best he's felt since his arrival.

Now to work on making himself a decent rival.]

I was just testing out the pool.

[smile!!!! Good times are a go.]

So, what do you know? [If his memory serves, this was one of the few people who didn't act as if water was a foreign substance.]

[sensuality]

( mathilda glanced down at the red-head, her eyes flickering and watching his movements. the water behind him sparkled, the sun's rays reflecting upon it in an ethereal way.

she placed the glass of milk aside and then bend down, facing him. )

Nothing. I'm more of a gun person.

[sharkweak]

[A gun person? In what world are those two things comparable? Rin's not a cop or anything cheap shot joke, but either country he's lived in has been pretty strict on gun control.

Is she American? He's heard they're more lax on the topic.]

All... right-- can you float?

[sensuality]

Of course I can-

I mean I know how to swim....I'm just not big on it ya know?

[bulwank]

[Near the mid to late evening is when Gamagori finally shows up. Due to a lot of factors involving his job and his decision to do city wide patrols- his time can be taken up easily. Fortunately he still has enough time left during the week for other things. Swimming being one apparently. Though it's easy to justify extracurriculars like that- he may not be good at swimming but it is quite the exercise.]

[Hard to miss, Gamagori's silhouette has always been something to behold, a near eight feet most of the time, and even taller lately with his size changing abilities always active. 'As big as he needs to be' is the running theme.]

Hm. [Places his hands on his hips as he enters the large pool room, looking out over the pool. A nice choice, clean, large, very well maintained. De Chima tends to be a bit higher end after all. Gamagori looks at regal as ever, wearing his full black and gold regalia, spikes galore, all pomp and circumstance as he stands impressed of Rin's form and speed.]

I see you've already been at it! You should quite the interest in your chosen sport.

[sharkweak]

[On video, he could tell that the man was large. There was no hiding his proportions-- the thickness of his neck, his arms, the barrel of his chest. What Rin hadn't anticipated was the height and the way it towers over everything in its path. This man wasn't built for swimming, and Rin's pushing the envelop by offering to tutor him. There won't be any cutting through the water with that much muscle, none of it lean enough to slice through. No, if he's going to get any speed, it'll be all power. Shoulders. Triceps. He's never taught someone with that (dis)advantage, but he pushed for Gamagori to come. Not going to turn him away.]

Thanks.

[Swims to the edge of the pool, gazing up and up and-- jesus-- up. Eight feet. He's really not in Japan anymore. On second thought, this would be a big deal in the outback, too.]

What are you wearing?

[He's lifting himself out of the pool, pushing his goggles up to hold back his bangs. The smile on his lips is one of easy exhilaration. This is a great day, even if he doesn't find a rival to work with.]

[bulwank]

[Yes, quite a lot of meat there to work with, more an anchor than a boat, unfortunately for Rin. It may be very difficult to teach Gamagori to swim. But if he's strong enough to propel himself? it might not be an issue. Strong enough to work against forces trying to stop him is what matters.]

Hm? [Brows up, glances down at himself. Oh- right. People here don't- he's still not used to people not being familiar with life fibers and Goku Uniforms. His shoulders stretch back, chest pushing out, posing further to show off his stars.]

This is a Goku Uniform! Shackle Regalia Unleashed! It is part of an elite line of uniforms crafted for combat. It is what I arrived in from my home world. [Stands proud, so proud of his uniform, black and gold and spectacular, as Iori's work always is- even when he is given tips and ideas by those lacking on the creative side. Cough Inumuta Cough. Well- not so much, a lack of creativity, and more well...

Any- anyways.]

I will change from it in order to accept your lessons, I did not come unprepared.

[sharkweak]

[The way the other boasts, Rin is tempted to laugh as it's only clothes. When the word combat slips in, his amusement fades. So there's where the pride comes in. This is some kind of military outfit. He's never heard of a Goku Uniform before, that much is true, but he knows about men and women in uniform. It'd be too rude for him to make fun of it.

So have a small nod of appreciation of something Rin doesn't fully understand but knows he should respect. One of those silent communications. Shackle Regalia Unleashed. Got it. Impressive. Regardless, it's not appropriate swimwear, so it's appreciated when Gamagori himself is the one to point it out.]

Sounds good. Do you need help finding the changing rooms?

[bulwank]

[All that just sounded like, yes yes Gamagori's impressive. And yes yes, he is very impressive, thank you.]

Hm, changing rooms, I suppose you mean to get started right away then? [A smile, nodding.] I commend your hasty efficiency!

[theoryandcalculation]

[Rei is here, because why wouldn't he be?

He's only going to swim butterfly, or that's what he's determined to do. Rin knows how much he sucks at the other strokes and he doesn't really feel embarrassed about it around him (since he saw when he sucked even harder than he does now), but that doesn't mean he wants anyone else to see it.

So he's here, swimming butterfly, or taking a break from drills to sit on the side of the pool and drink water, if anyone wants to talk to him.]

[huntergames]

Ahhhh!

[ Sasha manages to haul herself out of the water, gripping the handles secured to the side of the pool. She gasps for air, her flattened, drenched hair covering her line of vision for a moment. ]

Cold!

[theoryandcalculation]

[He watches her, amused but not laughing.]

It's not that bad.

[Or maybe Rei's just used to it.]

[huntergames]

[ She drags herself over the edge of the pool, pulling her legs which feel heavy no thanks to exhaustion. She manages to sit upright, but she stays put where she is along the side, catching her breath all the while shivering to warm herself up. She even rubs at her arms furiously, making a face. ]

Does it have to be cold?

[sharkweak]

[It takes him a while, Rin appears tireless today, the way he keeps doing laps, keeps accepting new 'students' into the fold-- but eventually he'll pull himself onto the same edge and take a seat next to Rei. This is the only one who knows enough about him to understand what this means to him. Being in the water again, competing in jest or otherwise, it's what will always feel like home. This is his life's dedication right here.

A long exhale. A tighter inhale.]

Some of them aren't bad.

[theoryandcalculation]

No, and if you train them, they'll only get better. I think you'll make a good team in time.

[He means that, honestly. Rin took his hopeless case and made him better, after all. If Rei can learn to swim from Rin, anyone can.]

You've been swimming pretty hard. Do you need water or anything?

[sharkweak]

[Rei's not a bad guy. Their relationship has transformed a lot since when they first met; it was a case of misplaced jealousy on either end, though Rei was the one with the rawer end of the deal. Now it's rivalry, in some simpler form. Friendship, definitely.

Rin doesn't push guys or get pushed unless he's subconsciously planning on a deep bromance later.]

I guess so.

[Snatches Rei's water bottle, reaching for a nearby towel he set there earlier to wipe at the mouth of it. Doesn't want butterfly spit, sorry.]

[huntergames]

[ She wasn't quite sure what to bring, so all Sasha packs for the trip are the swimwear that she purchases before heading over to the Porter, the loose T-shirt and shorts she's already wearing, and of course her communicator just in case. It takes her some time to find the address, but after asking around, she's lead to the community center and weaves in and out of the hall until she's found the pool area.

She stops short of the entrance, gaping quietly at the size of the pool and all the water inside of it. She really hopes she hasn't made the mistake of signing up for lessons. ]

Hello?

[sharkweak]

Yo.

[She arrives at a good time, when Rin's already taking a break to give his lungs and muscles a break. He's seated on one of the benches to the side of the pool, a towel laid over his shoulders, presumably just used to dry his hair which sticks up in certain spots. All that chlorine has to be doing some longterm damage, but for now he looks all right. Perky, in fact, because it took him this long to find the pool, and finally-- satisfaction obtained.]

You found it.

[Said preemptively, because she looks lost.]

[huntergames]

Oh, hello! I did!

[ She realizes she is only parroting what he's just said, so she tries to forget she ever said anything and approaches him, waving sheepishly. Her eyes occasionally drift to the pool nervously, eyeing the stretch of water and its depth. She doesn't even want to think about how deep the ocean is. ]

It's very nice to meet you in person finally.

[ She says, staring at the pool the entirety of the time. ]

[sharkweak]

[Uh oh, she looks scared, and it's pressing all the big brother buttons inside of him, one by one. The way she's looking at the water, it's as if Sasha fears it'll rear up into a wave and crash down around her. Pools aren't like that. They're safe, as long as you don't mind continuous split ends.]

We can start in the family pool if you want. It has a bigger shallow end.

[Not talking down to her, in this instance. If the fear is honest, she's only going to flail around and cause more upset.]

[soldiarity]

[ It's late but not too late when Reiner shows up; he looks around the area, impressed by the look and size of the pool, before he kneels by it and pulls off his shirt. He doesn't have swim trunks, but he's wearing cut-off shorts -- close enough, he figures, since underwear probably isn't appropriate.

He doesn't get in right away though, sitting on the edge of the pool and simply draping his legs over it so that they're dangling, submerged up to his calves until he's ready to jump in completely. Might as well wait for Rin, the evident instructor, to prompt him further; he'll wave, once he's noticed. ]

[sharkweak]

[What

what

what are you wearing? What is that? What are those on your legs? Rin has to pause when he sees what the other boy's chosen to bring to the pool. Shorts. Not even swim trunks. Shorts. He has to keep his jaw clenched tight to keep from making an outright face. He doesn't want to chase him off with a vocal reaction, but really?

So, this guy was telling the truth when he said he didn't know anything about swimming. No lies.

He swims up to the edge the other's stopped at, pulling himself up a bit with a hand to have a proper conversation.]

Hey. [smile? kind of.] Maybe we should start in the family pool.

[soldiarity]

[ While Reiner knows he's not really outfitted properly, he doesn't think much of it, figuring it doesn't make much of a difference. How little he knows of it indeed.

Reiner gives Rin a look that's mildly apologetic, as if he senses he's somehow made a faux paus even if he doesn't know exactly what it is. He shrugs his shoulders mildly and nods when Rin speaks, glancing around for wherever the indicated pool is; what makes one pool different from another? Well, this guy would know. ]

Sure. What kind of difference does it make? Uh... sorry if that's a stupid question.

[sharkweak]

It's not a stupid question when you don't know anything.

[The new question is if that was an off-handedly inconsiderate thing to say. He'll climb out of the water, dripping onto the coarse, tiled pool edge as he swings a leg under himself and stands. The family pool had more visitors than this one. It's a room over, circular, and there's a big bin of usable floatation devices (many in the shape of noodles) so, yeah, different.]

There's more of a shallow end. It's better for real beginners.