World Outside (On Hiatus)

Not a therapy

My heart skipped a beat when Off's palm rested on my wet, redden cheek. We were staring at each other like we were the only ones in the world. 

"Are you ready, Gun?" The low voice interrupted our little moment. The warmness of Off's hand suddenly disappeared, and I find myself longing for it instantly. He stood up quickly as if he didn't want the other man to see him kneeling in front of me. 

"Sorry, Arm, I am too slow." I smiled at the person that just arrived. 

"No worries, take your time." he ruffled my hair. "We will wait outside." He glared at Off before he made his way out of the dressing room. Off followed closely behind him. I deep sigh escaped my lips while I was changing. It didn't take me much time. I wasn't entirely happy to come out and face the man outside. I know Off said I wasn't disgusting, but try to explain it to my head. I reluctantly wheeled myself out of the changing room. Arm and Off were waiting for me in the corridor. My eyes met Off's as he looked at me curiously. Even with a long-sleeved neoprene top covering my upper body and longer swimming trunks, I felt quite exposed. I was scared of his reaction. People tend to say whatever they want to make you feel better, but in a real situation, they show their true colours. He was studying my thin unsightly legs yet didn't say anything. He just grinned at me. I was gradually confused. How can he smile so sincerely, even after seeing this?

"Let's go." Arm pulled me out of my thoughts. I nodded and let him take me to the pool. Off was right by my side, frowning at him. 

The pool used for aquatic therapy was placed a little further from the regular one to provide privacy for the client. It wasn't that deep either. We stopped before the steps. Arm went into the water first and waited, sending silent signals to the confused man standing next to me. 

"What?!" Off barked at him.

"What do you think?" Arm snapped back. "Gun can't jump inside by himself," he added with a scowl. "You need to hand him to me." 

This whole situation was getting uncomfortable. As if it's not enough that I feel insecure and embarrassed. Now I have to deal with these two bickering children. 

"As if." Off murmured to himself as he gently lifted me from the wheelchair. His warm hands on my bare skin send shivers down my spine. The closeness of our bodies was so unfamiliar yet so comforting. He was way too different from New, Tay or Arm. I never felt like this with them. I just wanted to bury myself closer to him and never let go. I wanted to run my fingers across his body. Explore his well-defined abs. I felt my cheeks getting hotter with that thought. 

Off suddenly stopped, and I realized we were standing on the first step of the pool. He was looking at Arm, who was gesturing to hand me over. He hesitated but carefully handed me over nonetheless. The warm water hit my skin as Arm took me deeper into the pool. Right after the clear liquid surrounded me, my body felt lighter and relaxed. He cautiously lay me on the surface, waiting for my body to float up. With one hand supporting my head, he gestured to Off to come and help him. The small waves hit me as Off made his way to us. 

"What should I do?" Off asked. 

"Stand behind Gun's head. " Arm moved slowly to show him, how to handle me. 

"Hold him like this so he won't get water on the face. It will steady him in one place too." 

I felt a pair of hands exchanging on my upper body. Off's warm palms were griping me tightly, steadying me in one position, and the top of my head rested on his abdomen. 

"Like this?" he asked worriedly. I watched Arm nodding in approval and move back to my legs.

"Can we start Gun?" Arm spoked to me.