#chatterblock

They arrive at the beach.

Caine still isn't completely used to the feeling of using his legs, so walking on sand made everything more difficult. He was very wobbly. On top of that, he was barefoot. The feeling of sand going in between his toes made him cringe. He wasn't a huge fan of that sensation. But, he could manage.

Zooble caught on that he was struggling to keep his balance, and so, they offered an arm. He took the landing hand, interlocking his arm with theirs for balance.

Eventually, the water comes into view, and Caine stops in a halt.

The scenery is breathtaking. It's the evening, and the sky is painted in a beautiful rose hue, the water calm. He could see the sky reflecting off of the ocean as if it were a mirror. Barely a visible horizon in sight.

Sure, he was capable of rendering similar sceneries back in the circus. But, to see it in real life... It was all so different.

So new.

Zooble turns to him, noticing the pure look of awe plastered on his face.

They smile softly, the stars in his eyes spreading warmth in their chest.

But, just as sweet and beautiful this moment was, Caine moved on from the view, immediately trembling with excitement, itching to go, and SWIM NOW.

He lets go of Zooble's arm and runs to the water in a hurry while grinning, shouting, "Race you to the water!". His running is... messy. But he's still moving fast!

Zooble realizes what he said, "HEY—! Wait, that's not fair—!" They cried out, sprinting to run alongside Caine, immediately passing him easily. They had long legs compared to him. Caine gasped in shock that he's already losing, and before he knew it, Zooble made it to the water first, winning.

They nonchalantly looked down at Caine, dusting non-existent dirt off of their black painted nails with a smug smile.

Caine freezes for a moment, blushing and pouting at the smug look they had on.

"Come on, Caine! Get in the water." They said with a genuine smile.

"R-Right!" He took a hesitant first step in the water, submerging his feet.

A violent shiver runs down his spine.

"EEK!" He crosses his legs together, covering his arms over his chest. "C-Cold—!" He squeaked out.

Zooble blinked in surprise. It was sort of cold, but it was definitely not freezing.

It was something they've noticed eversince he'd become organic. He definitely seemed more sensitive to everything compared to when he was in the circus.

"It should pass in a bit. If not, we can try going in the water on a much warmer day. " While they said that, Zooble let themselves gently fall on their back, floating in the water.

Caine looked at how graceful they moved in the water, almost hypnotized by their movements.

The gentle ripple of the water as Zooble moved. The noises the water made captivated him, his eyelids drooping.

What a relaxing sound.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensations. He put his fingertips in the water, moving them around to produce more of those lovely sounds.

"How is it now?"

" How is what?" Caine blinked in a daze, confused.

"I mean the water. Is it still cold?"

And they were right. The water didn't feel so cold anymore, it being less of a shock now.

Right! He wants to go swimming!

He looked past Zooble, just now registering how endless and deep the ocean seemed. He swallowed nervously.

"Oh. We're not going far away. We're staying at the shore. It won't get deep unless you go waaay far over there." They pointed behind themselves before continuing," and, I'm going to stay by your side the whole time." They looked at Caine to reassure him. "I won't let you go far, I know you can't swim."

They put their arms out, extending their hands to him, showing the palm of their hands.

"Do you want me to teach you how to swim? We'll start with the basics."

He looked down at their hands before holding them firmly.