RR Presents Oneshots

Swimming Lessons (ZABROOKS)(Storm Runner)

A swimming lesson on Isla Holbox goes awry... or does it?

𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹𖦹

"No, Zane. I'm not gonna do it," Brooks said stubbornly, glaring at the tall boy in front of the sparkling Caribbean ocean.

"Come on, Brooks. You know you're going to hav to learn how to swim," Zane said. "Unless you want me to make another deal with the god of death and destruction to save your life after you almost drown."

"Don't remind me," she grumbled. "I still hate you for doing that."

"I saved the day anyway," Zane said with a smirk. "So, win-win."

"Right. Other than you almost dying and going to Ixtab."

"I really wish you would get over that. It was a minor hiccup."

Brooks rolled her eyes and socked him in the arm. "It was not and you know it well, Zane Obispo."

"You sound like my mom," Zane said under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

"You know I have the ears of a hawk."

"Then why'd you ask?"

"To see if you would fess up."

"Whatever. You still have to learn to swim."

"No! Not today!" Brooks panicked.

"Why not? The weather's great and there's barely anybody here. Plus, I'm getting tired of dragging you through the water on quests."

"You- you didn't tell me to bring a bathing suit," she said, grasping at straws now.

"You don't even own a bathing suit. What you're wearing now is fine," Zane said.

"Next week," she said desperately. "You can teach me then."

He rolled his eyes and grabbed her hand, dragging her towards the gently crashing waves. She struggled but couldn't escape. "Zane! Let me go!"

"You never know when we'll be sent off on another quest to save the world. Better you learn now, while we have time."

"Better than what?" Brooks demanded.

"Better than you getting thrown into the ocean and drowning because you wouldn't listen to me."

"I'll learn then!"

"What's the difference between learning then and now that makes that better?" Zane asked.

"'Cause I'll have proper motivation then!"

"You learn now, you don't have to panic when you're floundering in the middle of the ocean. Isn't that motivation enough?"

"No!"

"Plus, it's fun," Zane said.

"No, it's not," Brooks said, but allowed Zane to pull her into the sea after she kicked off her sandals and put them on the fishing docks. The water wasn't too cold, but enough to make her shiver. The sea spray from the waves lapping up against them showered her face in droplets.