#mochi asks

Which is why he was currently in the atrocious pool in Octavinelle with you. Thankfully it was a saltwater pool, and not—ugh—a chlorine one. The first time he went into one of those, he half choked on his gills from the taste.

But maybe there was a reason for such pools. Maybe they were lighter on human bones? There must be a reason to explain your swimming.

"Stop hovering! Just cause I don't have a big ol' tail doesn't mean I'm gonna drown!"

Or lack thereof.

"Oh? I am simply offering my assistance to a poor little human. After all, you're not made for the water, are you?"

Jade couldn't help but chuckle at your growl, still swimming next to you as he watched the way your arms and legs flail in the water.

Flail might be a bit harsh. Smack? Wade? Yes, wade was a nicer word for it.

"Watching the way you flail your limbs, it's quite concerning. I've seen other humans swimming, it seems much more graceful. Are you sure you know how to swim?"

No, flail was better. Though your limbs weren't as long and gangly as his (very few could compete with him anyway), the way your muscle slammed into the water, small splashes following each stroke, was both amusing and concerning. He's positive he's seen humans swimming much more smoothly as a child, even from below he could tell.

"Yes! I took swimming lessons as a kid!" You groaned, clutching the wall as you glared at Jade. "Have you never seen a human swim before or something?"

"Of course. Many times, I learned myself during land camp." Jade rested next to you, resting his head in his hands. "But never have I seen such a fascinating method."

Jade laughed again as a strangled sound left your throat as you pushed away and started swimming to the other side.

"This is so—mmph—not—gurgle—a cute—AAAH!" You yelped as Jade decided to 'help' you by diving underneath you and lifting you up on his back. It was so cute the way you wrapped your limbs around him to steady yourself.

"There, isn't this more rela—" Jade winced as you smacked the back of his head. Still cute. "—Ow."

"Ugh! This is so not a cute date! Why are you poking fun at my swimming, aren't you supposed to be nice to the person you're dating?"

Amusing for you to think that. Jade smiled to himself, calming wading through the water with you, enjoying the warmth of your body against his own coldblooded skin.

"I'm being very nice. You've only been swimming back and forth this entire time, hardly ideal for a conversation."

"Well that's how swimming works!" Jade felt you huff against his back, though you finally slumped against him in defeat. "You have to move or else you sink."

"That's what treading in water is for."

"…What's that?"

Ah, that certainly explained things.

"Oh?" Looking back at you from the corner of his eyes, Jade gave you a teasing smile. "I thought you knew how to swim? Don't you know what treading is?"

He felt you grumble against his back, sheepishly, "Remind me…"

Jade hummed, a clawed hand reaching up to rub your arms wrapped around him.

"Mm…no." He snickered as you let out a strangled sound, continuing, "I think I will hold you like this for now. After all, how can I trust those weak human limbs of yours? Especially when you can't even swing correctly? Hehe~"

You let out a growl, tickling Jade as you nipped at his ear and cheek. Affectionately, of course, but also in annoyance.

"Meanie. Lucky I love you so much."

"Yes, lucky indeed."