Work Text:
There's a storm brewing off the coast, far enough away to kiss the horizon, close enough to create long rolling waves that break and stretch a few dozen yards up the sandy shores.
Harding is gleefully tumbling along the beach. Swirling waves pushing, pulling, dragging her across the sand.
Taash is standing knee deep in the water, another crashing wave barely reaching their hips. It easily sweeps up Harding for another ride.
Rook is furthest back, the water climbing no higher than their ankles before it retreats into the sea. They're content with their placement.
Together, Taash and Harding slowly wade further into the ocean until they're both bobbing with the swells, feet on the sandy bed between each trough, perfectly timed jumps to float above the crest as it rolls past them.
A mistimed jump sends Harding hurtling back to the beach, riding the momentum until it breaks above her, slamming her into the sand. She's laughing through the whole trip as a cluster of waves crash onto her back-to-back, delivering her to Rook's feet like she was a toy being dropped off by an excited mabari.
Rook is staring down at Harding, a smile of relief but eyes full of concern.
"Come on, Rook, it's fun!" Harding hops up to her feet, hair disheveled, bright red lines spider across her skin, sand clinging in every crevice, the ties on her smallclothes almost undone.
Rook is squinting while watching Taash disappear within the churning foam.
"It doesn't exactly look like fun.”
Taash washes up on their back as the next delivery from the sea, seaweed tangled on their horns, the receding waters yank their shirt to free a pec. "What does it look like?”
Rook frowns, "It looks like drowning.”
"No it's swimming!" Harding is giggling.
"Swimming is not drowning!" Rook asserts, "You're just getting tossed around the sand and dragged underwater.”
"What? Yeah that's the best part." Taash replies plainly, readjusting their shirt.
Rook is bewildered.
"You can hold onto me." Taash offers their hands, "We'll only go out a little bit.”
Rook reluctantly shuffles forward, shakily taking Taash's hands.
Taash steps backwards, gently leading Rook into the water. Harding cheerfully walks beside them, "You're doing great, Rook!”
Heavy waves continue crashing far behind them, the surging water reaching Rook's knees freezes them in place, gripping Taash's hands so tightly their nails are digging in. Taash stops, holds steady, giving Rook a reassuring nod they won't continue until they're ready.
Silently, Rook shakes their head, the trio reverts course to place them back at their original perch.
"That was pretty good." Harding grins, "Knee-deep is a great start!"
Rook gives her another relieved smile, eyes tired but appreciative. They look to Taash, who gives a thumbs up, and Rook nods back.
Harding and Taash again return to the water, mingling in the calmer portion of the rushing surf where even Harding remains standing.
Determined to join them, Rook takes a deep breath and steps forward. The pair watch as Rook ambles towards them, gaining more confidence with each step.
Until something slimy wriggles under their foot.
Rook yelps a noise that Taash will later describe as “the funniest fucking sound they've ever heard” as they turn to run back up the beach, water spraying behind them leaving a trail of mist that sparkles in the lowering sun's rays.