Hunting for a way home - Shalnark x Reader

Chapter 41 - We are, Finally friends.

Cough cough- This Chapter takes a spicy turn.

The splash competition had gone on for a while, the winner undecided. What you had both set out to do now was swim out further into the ocean.

Catching sight of a sandbar you pulled Shalnark along in the best way you could towards it. Finally reaching an area your feet could touch the sand beneath you sighed gratefully before turning over to your companion.

"I'm surprised you're such a good swimmer. I didn't think you'd be able to teach yourself in a desert." Shalnark tilted his head.

"You do know there's oases in the desert right?" His tone was almost mocking and you rolled your eyes slightly annoyed.

"A pond doesn't match the strength of an ocean." He folded his arms at your tone.

"You do know I haven't spent all my time in or around meteor city right? I've had more than enough chance to practice swimming all over the world." Turning your head you examined the rocky formations that sheltered this little alcove. He had a point, you didn't have to take be an ass.

"Where'd you learn how to swim?" When you looked you realized he was closer and taking in a deep breath you did everything but focus on his wet and very well muscled body. Your cheeks were just about to flush when his question finally registered.

Memories of the first time you'd ever been in water had you subconsciously hunching your shoulders in and turning away more fully. "In a lake."

Your answer was short and to the point. A hand griping your shoulder and squeezing had your eyes slitting to the side. Trying to shrug out the grip was useless. "Mhm. Something tells me there's a little more to it than that."

"What does it matter." It was a statement more than a question and you practically bit out the words words irritated he wouldn't leave it alone.

"It matters because I want to know." The hand never left your shoulder and a silence hung between you both albeit not unpleasant.

It was hard for you to express yourself. Could you share this vulnerability with him? You'd been staring out further into the ocean the water gently lapping against your waist.

Turning to look up and meet his green gaze you finally decided. Taking a deep breath you began.

"I'm not sure how old I was exactly but I had always been a little afraid of water. My parents never had the time to teach me despite always taking my brother and I to this lake not far from where we lived. One summer I was reading a book down on the far end of the pier while my parents did some business down on the other end..." The sigh you let out was exhausted. "I was never really liked. And honestly.. It hurt but most of the time I didn't really care all that much. But my parents' contacts had children.. and I was not their biggest fan to say the least."

This next part had you looking away back towards the rocky formations. It felt embarrassing.. even though you knew it shouldn't have. What happened to you wasn't your fault.

"Well they came to check on me as usual but this time was a little different. They mocked me for my inability to do something as simple as swim. And.. I just got so angry. I stood up and was about to attack them, push them.. punch them anything to get them to leave me alone. But when I got to my feet they shoved me over the pier." Inhale.. exhale. "When I hit the water I knew I was in trouble because one I obviously couldn't swim and two I could just barely touch. I kept trying to get out and for the first few minutes I could hear them mocking me at first but it was short lived.. soon they ran away. At first I thought that even though they hated me that they might get me help ya know?" You couldn't stop the short laugh that bubbled up.