pullmeoutalive | Hold me like the river Jordan;

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Hold me like the river Jordan;

[ it's strange to be back here again. Not that Makoto found being near the ocean to be a particularly odd thing, but it's been a year, and so much has changed since then. They hadn't been as well known back then. They could run down the beach or leap into the ocean or get hit on without fear of being overly crowded (though the latter was mostly Miki). For the time being, staying in the ocean had kept recognition to a minimum, and the other idols had split up to stay low and relax in their own different ways.

In Makoto's case, the ocean was still the place to be, and she's happily trotting towards it after some additional time spent on dry land (mainly keeping the twins from burying the Producer completely). Is she expecting company?

No, but at least she's open to it. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ a swimmer who had trouble swimming...

Well, trauma could do that. She knows all too well. ]

... You're amazing, Makoto-kun. [ she's dripping just as much, but that doesn't stop her from resting her cheek on her knees and looking his way. ] I might not know what happened, but facing your fears like that is incredible. All the same, you don't have to force it, either.

[...ah.

It's really funny, because despite everything, despite the friends that were there for him (in their own ways) at the time, nobody has ever said that to him before.

Haru hadn't understood at all, in fact, and Rin had been supportive, but baffled. So this is...absolutely startling, and he can't quite help his look of astonishment.]

That's...

[And he sighs, shoulders slumping, but looks a bit more relaxed than he did before.]

Thanks, but I'll be alright. Though...maybe I'll hold off swimming in the ocean for a bit.

That's fine! [ she might feel guiltier than she has in months, but Makoto's never had a problem with smiling. ]

I think I've done enough swimming for one day myself. If you don't mind company, anyway.

Are you sure?

[He looks a little wry at that.]

I don't want to keep you from your swimming.

I got a lot in, so don't worry about that! And besides, getting to spend time with a friend has always been more important to me.

[...oh Makoto-chan, how are you so sweet...

What he does say, laughing sheepishly, is--]

You're very cute, Makoto-chan. In that case, I'd appreciate the company.

[ the comment catches her off-guard, and heat pools in her cheeks before she lifts her head-- and bashfully studies her sandy feet instead. ]

Y-you think so...?

[ sometimes she hears it from Yukiho or Azusa. Boys, not so much. ]

I mean, obviously you're really brave and strong-- [really, you helped him out in a panic situation like whoa] --but yes, I do think so.

[she's adorable okay.]

[ this is a little too much for her, and maybe she's turning even redder, but she'll try to dispel that with a breathless sort of laugh. ]

... Thanks. S-so, did you want to just walk?

[What a cutie. But Makoto just stands, stretching for a moment (still shirtless, oh yes those abs) and then offers Makoto a hand.]

I wouldn't mind seeing more of the beach. I've never been to this one before.

[ she'll reach out to take that hand, pulling herself to her feet-- and after some consideration, subtly shifting to take some of the weight off her other foot. Maybe she'll grab a band-aid later to keep this from becoming irritating. ]

It's a nice one! It doesn't get too crowded, either-- especially when the sun goes down.

[It's subtle enough that he doesn't notice it--yet. Yet.

Instead, he nods.]

Well, I'm sure Haru will be busy swimming for awhile, so it can't hurt to take a walk.

[he's suppressing his mother hen nature, but it's for a walk, so it's okay. It's helping him get his bearings, after all of that.]

Just let me know if I'm keeping you! You did come here with your friends, so I don't mind.

[ but for now, she's keeping up a lively pace. Not jogging or anything, but she does like her movement.

Her occasionally ginger movement once they get a little further on said walk, but shh. ]

It's funny... about a year ago, no one had any idea who we were.

[He's watching her because she's talking, because it's just polite--which is why he's starting to suspect something is wrong.

...though her words distract him for a moment.]

That must have been tough as idols. But now you're pretty popular now, right? You must have been doing something right.

[being cute idols fits the bill really.]

[ it's okay, she's distracted too. ]

We all worked really hard, and in the end, it paid off!

... I kind of miss not having to try and stay in disguise sometimes, but I've had a lot of opportunities that I wouldn't give up either.

[He'll get you next time you show any sign of pain he'll get you.

ahem.]

I can imagine that must be tiresome. Still, it shows just how amazingly popular you all are now!

Ehehehe... well, I can't complain! But I'll still show you how far we've come and you can decide that for yourself.

[ ... Makoto, don't bounce like that. Makoto, your foot. ]

[...M-Makoto...]

I'll look forward to that but--

[...that bouncing looks painful.]

Are you alright?

... Eh?

[ and look at her, actually being innocent because she has no idea what he's talking about. ]

Yeah, I'm fine... did I look upset?

No, not at all.

[He laughs, shaking his head.]

But it looked like you were wincing when you were jumping.

[HE'S TEAM MOM, HE NOTICES THESE THINGS.]

[ she pauses, glancing down at her feet-- and then she lifts the injured one to give it a glance-over. Okay, so sand really is a kind of annoying irritant, and the scrape was a little bloodier than she'd thought, but it doesn't look that bad. ]

Oh... I cut my foot out in the water, I guess. But it should be fine!

[...yeah he notices the blood.

B(!!!]

That doesn't look good at all. And the sand can't be doing it any good either...

[He gives that some thought, quite solemnly, and then--

ding!]

Here, I'll carry you to the nearest medical supplies.

[ and in the manner of a young girl receiving the offer of being carried by a muscular cute guy--

Makoto abruptly slows, stops, and waves her hands in front of her in a clear NOPE gesture. ]

That's okay! If it gets any worse, I can hop, so you don't have to worry!

[....and he blinks. And shakes his head, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.]

I can't let you hop everywhere. I'm your friend, so let me help you out.

[And so he crouches down, offering her his back.]

Besides, it'll be faster this way.

[ she has to stare at his back for a few seconds - and not just because it is a very nice back - before she moves. Slowly. It's another strange feeling, that Makoto, the one who can piggyback people and carry the ones who are larger than she is, is going to be the one being carried instead, but she also knows better than to raise a fuss about it. He may have a gentle personality, but there's something about him that suggests that he can be just as stubborn when he needs to be. ]

Just--

[ and then she's touching warm, bare skin as she settles herself on his back, cupping her palms over his shoulders. ]

It's okay to let me know if I'm too heavy!

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