Chapter Text
Pomni rolled over in bed; she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that clung to her and made her shiver. She’d been suffering from insomnia since she arrived; they don’t exactly need to sleep. Yet, if she doesn’t, she still feels exhausted the next day. She guessed this meant rest was important either way, regardless of whether you slept or not. But it really does suck not to sleep. Staring at the eye bleeding wallpaper and bedsheets of your room for hours wasn't exactly her definition of resting.
With a sigh, she ripped herself off her mattress and kicked off her covers, fixing herself into some comfortable slippers by her bedside.
She was grateful that Caine agreed to give them all different outfits for various occasions, such as pajamas for sleeping, swimsuits for the lake, and some nicer clothes for when they decided to have a nice dinner together on the circus grounds. It was just nice to be able to wear different things. She was starting to get sick of the same puffy jester getup every day. She didn’t exactly hate it… But she missed being nice and cozy in bed.
Speaking of cozy, she grabbed a smaller blanket to wrap around her shoulders and took a small pillow under her arm.
She padded to the kitchen, hoping to find some comfort in the quiet hum of the refrigerator. The hallway was eerily silent, not even a peep from her fellow circus members that she could hear through the doors. The rooms were horribly soundproofed, and you could practically make out entire conversations from across the hall. Not that it was too bothersome, but it did feel like an invasion of privacy. Pomni would try to tune it out either way to respect them.
As she made her way down the hall, she spotted the kitchen.
Finally,
Would it kill Caine to make everything within a decent walking distance? It felt like she had to run a marathon just to get from her room to the kitchen, or at the very least, their common space for relaxation.
They’d usually watch movies too, grab snacks, and bring warm blankets… It was nice. Rare moments of peace that she actually really enjoyed in the circus. It made her feel human again, in a sense.
She found the kitchen empty, the only company a forgotten plate of cookies on the counter. Pomni took a cookie, nibbling it absentmindedly as she stared into the abyss of the fridge. The crumbs fell to the floor, unnoticed in the dark.
She was too tired to care what had happened to the cookies. All she knew was that Ragatha had baked them earlier, and they were covered on the counter, so… how bad could it be?
The silence was uncomfortable as she closed the fridge, the door making a small click. That's when she heard it: the soft pad of footsteps, barely audible.
She scooped up another cookie before quickly whipping her head around to identify the noise.
Jax emerged from the shadows, a mug in hand, reading “#1 j@%k a$$”.
Fitting.
"Can't sleep either?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate in the quiet. Pomni nodded, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. He was honestly the last person he expected to be out here. Despite how much of an a$$ he was, he had a strong head on his shoulders. At least that’s what Pomni thought. And yet, here he was, unable to find peace in the night.
She leaned against the counter, the cookie forgotten in Pomni's hand. "Kind of fitting for you to be an insomniac," Jax said, his gaze drifting to the ceiling, "wonder how hilarious it must be to see you tossing and turning in frustration."
Pomni nodded again, before fully processing his words. "HEY! You’re here, too, by the way. Couldn’t sleep either, cottontail?" She stuck her tongue out before shoving the rest of the cookie down her throat.
Jax took a step closer, his hand brushing against Pomni's arm. "I guess that does make two of us, doesn't it?" he murmured, his eyes searching hers. His hand remained there; it felt warm. Pomni felt a sudden jolt of something unfamiliar. She hated touch, or at the very least, she wasn’t very fond of it. But it was so casual the way Jax always seemed to find a small way to touch her. Whether it be using her as an armrest (which she hated), lightly tapping her cheek to grab her attention, shaking her by the shoulders, pressing his arm against her own while they sat on the couch watching a movie, or even poking her constantly until she snapped and yelled at him.
Yet, she didn’t mind most of it looking back. If it had been anyone else, she would’ve shifted away awkwardly, but for some reason, she liked the fact that it was Jax. He was doing this on purpose to usually annoy her for the most part, but she liked the fact that he did do this to bother her. That was the sole purpose. He was trying to get a reaction out of her, which worked most of the time.
Was it weird to think that? She’s glad nobody could read her thoughts because they would probably think she’s a massive freak.
They continued to share a silent moment, sharing glances every so often before searching for more small snacks or awkwardly shifting around the kitchen. Pomni found herself hoisting herself up upon the counter, a jar of peanut butter in her hand, while she dug a spoon into it and slowly licked it off, closing the jar and placing it next to her.
“Wanft somnme?” She smacked her lips before swallowing, offering the jar to the rabbit.
“Alright, alright. You didn’t lick that spoon and put it back in there, did you?”
“Nooooo! That’s gross!” Pomni lightly punched his arm.
Jax gave a malicious smirk, leaning against the counter next to her and grabbing the jar before shoving his whole face into it. Pomni gasped and punched his arm harder than before.
“HEY! That’s everyone's peanut butter!”
“Not anymore.” He licked his lips before shoving his face back into the jar. Gross. Of course, he wasn’t considerate of others, as usual. He had just placed a few centipedes in Ragatha’s room earlier, tied up Gangle into a ribbon around a gift box he handed to Zooble in which they proceeded to open with caution before being met with a comically large fist attached to a loaded spring.
Classic Jax, of course.
"You’re a real a$$, you know that?" Pomni finished licking up her spoon, her voice barely a whisper.
"If you think about it, this peanut butter was about to expire, so technically I’m saving everyone from a stomachache." Jax nodded like he was some sort of genius, his eyes never leaving hers.
“Does digital peanut butter even expire? This technically isn’t even real food; it just simulates the closest thing to food a computer can create.”
“UGHHH. You sound like a real nerd right now, Pomni.” He pressed his finger roughly between her temples, causing her to furrow her brows and shove him away.
She crossed her arms and huffed, kicking her legs up before hopping down.
“I’m going to head outside, ‘night Jax.” Pomni waved in his direction, taking a few steps before he stopped her in her tracks.
“Are you wearing pants?”
“HUH?”
“Yeah, are you wearing pants. That’s what I asked. It kind of looks like you’re naked right now.” Jax smirked.
Pomni stomped her foot on the ground. “Of course I’m wearing pants, you d%#k!” She lifted her comically large sleep shirt to reveal small shorts with small hamsters printed onto them.
“Huh. Thanks.”
“For…?
“For showing me your-”
He was punched. Hard.
“Pervert.” She stormed off as he lay on the ground, clutching his stomach in pain.
Serves him right.
She found herself taking a pleasant walk outside the circus grounds. She was glad she had her comfy hamster slippers with her; she thought her pajama theming was pretty cute, a little infantile, which she hated, but they were still cute nonetheless.
There was a nice breeze, even if it was simulated; it felt real enough for her to forget she was trapped there. The digital lake was near the tent, a small pier close by, a little wooden boat rocking back and forth tied to the dock. There was a crate inside with fishing equipment, a bucket of bait, and a rod sticking out the side. Huh. Wonder if she could actually fish out here?
She kept a mental note of that for the next time she couldn’t sleep, she wasn’t interested in getting covered in lake water in a questionably shifty-looking boat.
She continued stepping out into the cool embrace of the moonlit night; the stars above were a stark reminder of the vastness of the world beyond the circus, and her mind slowly began to wander to the void.
To prevent another spiraling of existential dread, she shook her head and sat in the grass by the lake, taking out the hair tie and letting her hair lose from the small ponytail it had been tucked into previously. The grass was dewy, the blades tickling her ankles as she shifted around.
She gazed above, bringing her hands to her knees and wrapping her arms around them, letting herself get lost in her thoughts again. This time, they ended up being a lot more pleasant than usual.
Her mind drifted back to Jax and their interaction back in the kitchen. Why would he ask her to lift her shirt? He knew she had shorts underneath, and he also had nothing to gain by looking at her legs and the upper half of her stomach. Was it just because he was a weird pervert with strange fetishes? No, that doesn’t really add up. Jax may be a total a$$, but he wouldn’t go as far as to sexually take advantage of her.
It was just a guy being a guy. He probably was pent up in some way, maybe looking at her legs and a bit of her tummy did something for him? Was that a thing? If she weren’t so awkward, she’d probably ask him herself.
“Watcha thinkin' about?”
Speak of the devil- rabbit.
She slowly turned to face him, patting the grass beside her. With no question, he plopped down beside her.
“Just thinking about how weird of a pervert you are.” Oh, well, it slipped out anyway.
“How dare!” he faked his offense to her accusation. “I am no pervert! I was just thinking you were. Your shirt covered you up completely, so I thought you were walking around naked like a freak.” Jax smirked at her, his eyebrows raised.
Pomni rolled her eyes. Sure. That’s totally what he thought. It sounded to her like he was just getting defensive.
Their conversation continued on, the moments that had led them to the kitchen, and general small talk. The sound of the distant wind grew fainter, replaced by the serenade of crickets and the rustle of leaves in the gentle night breeze. They both silently agreed to get up and walk around the lake, Pomni following Jax around. He had been there longer after all, so he knew every spot already. Pomni hadn’t done much exploring yet.
Suddenly, Jax stopped in his tracks, the vast expanse of the field stretching out before them, the stars above their only witnesses to what was before them. Jax looked at Pomni before his expression twisted into a devious smirk.
“Did you know we have a pool here?” He crossed his arms high as he puffed out his chest.
“Really? We have a pool? I had no idea… I never heard the others talk about it.”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s kind of my secret spot. I haven’t told anyone about it cuz they would totally ruin everything, and I’d never be able to look at it the same.” Jax shivered, rubbing his arms as if he was suddenly shivering cold.
Why would he show her then? Did he trust her enough to be here at his spot? Why didn’t anyone else know about it either? It’s near the lake. Well, to be fair, it was pretty hidden. It was behind a tent and inside a room that was behind another room. You had to be really curious to be able to find this place.
Pomni went ahead of him and wiggled the doorknob. It wasn’t budging.
“Is this thing locked?”
“Remember, I have a key to every door.” Jax pulled out a key from the pocket in his pajama shorts, easily slipping it into the keyhole of the door and cracking it open. It made a horrid noise. It was very obvious no one had been here in a while.
She guessed that meant Jax, too.
Jax stepped in first, his paws squeaking against the floor. He didn’t seem fazed at all. If anything, his smug grin only deepened, like he was proud to have brought her into this strange, secretive corner.
Pomni followed cautiously, hugging her arms around herself. It was super chilly for a place that apparently had a pool inside. “This is where the pool is?”
“Patience, Pomni.” Jax gave a teasing sing-song lilt to her name. “You’re always in such a rush. You gotta let the mystery unfold.”
“What mystery???”
Jax scoffed with a stupid smirk on his face.
God, she wanted to punch him so bad.
He pushed past a tattered curtain at the far end of the narrow room, and suddenly the stale air gave way to something warmer, with the faint tang of chlorine. Pomni blinked as her eyes adjusted.
The pool stretched out in front of her. It wasn’t pristine, but in the dim glow of lights under, half-working and flickering, the pool shimmered beautifully. It was actually rather nice.
“Oh…” Pomni whispered, her voice softer now, touched with awe. “This is… beautiful.”
“Ha! I knew it.” Jax’s smirk curled into something subtler, less sharp. “Told you it was worth keeping secret.”
She glanced at him, her brows knitting. “But… Why show me?”
For a moment, he didn’t answer. Jax toyed with the hem of his shirt, eyes flicking down to the water, then back to her. His stupid grin was gone for a moment before he shook his head slightly, and it returned.
“Guess I thought you wouldn’t ruin it,” he said at last, shrugging like it didn’t matter. “The others? They’d trash it. Probably ruin the place.” He paused for a beat before it looked like a switch was flipped. “Plus, it would be hilarious to see you struggle to swim, shorty! HA!”
Pomni’s chest tightened unexpectedly, then she shook her head silently with a snicker.
She walked closer to the pool, kneeling by the edge to trail her fingers over the surface. The water was warm, yet oddly grounding. She felt Jax’s gaze linger, though he didn’t say anything.
“Are there heaters in here? The water is really nice and warm…” Pomni’s voice trailed off as she continued to glance around the area. There were some pool toys in the corner, almost completely deflated. A few bathrooms and changing rooms were around, too.
Pomni turned her head toward him, lips parting as if to ask another question, but stopped when she realized he was already watching her, leaning against the wall with his arms folded, eyes sharp yet completely unreadable.
She quickly looked back to the water, cheeks warm, and splashed it lightly to distract herself.
“Pretty sure there are. The water wouldn’t be warm otherwise.”
“Yeah… right.”
Pomni flicked the water with her fingertips, sending little droplets across the surface. Jax tilted his head at her, a mischievous spark lighting his eyes.
“Careful,” he drawled, pushing himself off the wall. “That’s how accidents start.”
She glanced up at him, narrowing her eyes. “Accidents?”
He crouched beside her, resting his elbows on his knees. “You know… one splash leads to another.”
Before Pomni could react, Jax dipped his hand into the pool and flicked a sharp spray of water right at her.
“Hey!” she gasped, scrambling back as cold water splattered across her chest and arms.
Jax chuckled, smug and unrepentant. “What? You looked like you needed to cool off.”
Her face scrunched into determination, and she scooped both hands into the pool, flinging a much bigger splash at him. The water caught his shoulder, soaking into the front of his sleep shirt.
“Oh-ho, now you’ve done it.” Jax stood, looming over her like a predator who’d spotted prey. Pomni scrambled to her feet, but she was already laughing, her nerves mixed with so much adrenaline.
She was having fun.
“Don’t you dare—” she started, but it was too late. Jax grabbed a handful of water and sent it flying her way. Pomni squealed, twisting, her hair and outfit dripping as cold droplets ran down her arms. The plush hamsters on her slippers were comically deflated. She retaliated instantly, sending wave after wave at him.
Soon, their laughter and splashes filled the area, the water’s surface rippling wildly before calming down. Jax’s pajamas clung to him in soaked patches, and Pomni’s stuck awkwardly to her frame, heavy and dripping.
Jax blushed before pulling his attention away from the way the clothes clung to her figure.
Breathless, she pressed her palms against her damp clothes with a squeak. She forgot she was wearing nothing underneath that shirt.
And it was soaked.
She immediately covered up her chest with her hands and redirected the conversation before things got awkward. Luckily, it looked like Jax noticed and didn’t take a peep.
“Great. Now I’m freezing.”
Jax, equally drenched, looked her up and down with a raised brow. “Well, if you’re gonna complain about it… We could just change.”
Her eyes widened. “Change? Into what?”
He grinned and fished around in a nearby storage cabinet, pulling it open with a squeak. Inside were folded stacks of old but surprisingly neat swimsuits—probably assets that came with the addition of the pool. He tossed one toward her, a bandeau bikini top with a matching set of bottoms.
“Ta-da. Lucky day.”
“JAX YOU PERVERT!”
“Whaaaat?” He innocently placed a finger to his cheek.
“You seriously expect me to wear this?” She held it up in front of her. It would fit her. She darted her eyes away; she was blushing furiously.
“Fine. I’d rather wear this than catch one of Caine’s twisted digital colds.” She shivered at the thought.
The last time Caine decided to add the addition of sickness to fulfill the request of “helping them to feel more human”, she couldn’t stop throwing up after she almost drowned in an ocean-themed adventure.
While she was lost in thought, Jax pulled out a pair of salmon swimshorts, the same color as his usual overalls.
Pomni’s swimsuit was themed exactly like her costume as well, split down the middle with red and blue on their respective sides. The strings holding it together were a soft yellow.
She glanced at him, then at the pool again. The idea of changing in front of him made her pulse quicken, but his smug grin softened when he noticed her hesitation.
“I’ll turn around,” Jax said casually, almost too casually, as if it wasn’t a big deal. “Promise I won’t peek. Swear on… well, something important, I guess.”
Pomni clutched the swimsuit tighter, surprised at the unexpected gesture of trust. She gave a small nod. “Fine. But you’d better keep that promise.”
With a mock salute, Jax turned his back, humming under his breath as he tugged at the strings of his shorts. Pomni exhaled slowly, her cheeks warming as she began to change.
Jax was facing the far wall, shoulders squared, arms bent as he tugged his soaked shorts and boxers all the way down. His posture was deliberately stiff, exaggerated almost, like he wanted her to know he was being extra careful not to turn around.
She bit her lip, a nervous laugh bubbling in her chest. “You… really aren’t looking?”
“Pfft,” he scoffed, his voice carrying that usual teasing lilt but thinner now, softer. “Please. Do you think I’d risk ruining my perfect reputation by peeking? Nah. I’m a gentleman, through and through.”
“A gentleman?” Pomni echoed, rolling her eyes as she slipped into the swimsuit. Since she was a bit wet still, it clung to her skin, and she had to tug it on with force. “Since when?”
Jax chuckled low in his throat. “Since right now. Guess you brought it out of me.”
“Says the guy who asked me to lift my shirt earlier.”
Jax simply scoffed.
She tugged the top over her chest quickly, suddenly feeling too aware of the sound of fabric brushing against her skin.
“You done yet?” Jax asked, his tone casual but with an edge of impatience.
“Almost. Don’t rush me!”
“I’m not rushing,” he shot back. “Just—these clothes are a pain when they’re wet. You think your outfit’s bad? Try peeling these tight boxers off your legs.”
That mental image made Pomni snicker despite herself. “Sounds like karma.”
Finally, she smoothed the swimsuit down and took a steadying breath. “Okay… I’m good.”
Jax gave a sharp nod without turning. “Alright. Ready for the grand reveal?”
Pomni crossed her arms, shifting on her feet. “This isn’t a reveal. It’s just… clothes.”
He finally turned, still tugging his damp shirt over his head, his grin returning full force as his eyes landed on her. “Sure. Just clothes.”
Pomni’s cheeks warmed instantly, and she hugged her arms tighter around herself. “Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?” His smirk widened, deliberately playful now, though there was something quieter behind it, a flicker of genuine surprise, maybe admiration. “I didn’t know you could pull off something like that.”
She groaned, covering her face with both hands. “I hate you.”
“You sure about that?” he said lightly, tossing his wet clothes aside and shaking his fur like a dog, droplets scattering across the floor. “But you totally blushed.”
Pomni peeked out between her fingers, narrowing her eyes at him. “You’re imagining things.”
Jax only chuckled, rolling his shoulders before striding toward the pool’s edge. “Sure, I am. Come on, Pomni. Time to see if that swimsuit stays on.”
“YOU REALLY ARE A PERVERT!”
“AM NOT!”
Pomni shuffled a step back as Jax moved closer to the pool, his grin never faltering.
“Well?” he asked, spreading his arms theatrically. “You’re all dressed up. Don’t tell me you’re just gonna stand there.”
Pomni glanced at the pool’s dark surface, her arms instinctively crossing over her chest again. She shook her head with a huff.
“Oh, come on.” Jax crouched down by the edge, dipping his hand into the water. He flicked it up at her in a little arc that caught her thigh, eyeing her up and down in the process.
He really just couldn’t look away. She looked absolutely gorgeous. Who knew she was hiding that pretty figure under that clown getup and that lousy sleep shirt?
Pomni yelped, hopping sideways. “Hey! I just changed into this!”
“Exactly,” he said smoothly, leaning back on his hands.
She rolled her eyes, inching toward the pool reluctantly, peering down into it. The water reflected her face in a wobbly way. Her chest tightened at the thought of slipping in.
“What if I can’t swim?” she muttered.
Jax arched a brow. “Can’t swim, huh? Guess I’ll just have to save you, then.” He puffed his chest out dramatically, one hand to his heart. “Don’t worry, Pomni. I’ll be your hero.”
Her cheeks flared. “That’s not funny.”
“Oh, it’s hilarious,” he countered, his grin widening. “You should’ve seen your face.”
Pomni huffed, stomping her foot. “I am not getting in first. If you want to swim so bad, you go.”
“Ladies first,” Jax shot back instantly, smug as ever.
“Not happening.”
“Fine,” he sighed with mock heaviness, rising to his feet and stretching lazily. “Guess I’ll just have to…”
Before she could react, he stepped closer, too close, and leaned down near her shoulder, his voice dropping to a playful whisper.
“…push you in.”
Pomni’s eyes widened. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Jax’s smirk was pure mischief. “Oh, wouldn’t I?”
Her pulse kicked into overdrive as they locked eyes; the space between them was tense.
Pomni froze under his grin, her mind racing. He was close enough now that the faint light from underneath the pool caught the curve of his smirk, the sharpness in his eyes, and for a heartbeat, she thought he really would shove her in.
But instead of shrinking back, she let a sly little smile tug at her lips.
“Oh, wouldn’t you?” she echoed, her tone suddenly playful.
Jax raised a brow, clearly not expecting her to lean into his game. “Uh-oh. That sounded dangerous.” He teased.
Before he could react, Pomni darted forward, bracing both hands against his chest and shoving. Not hard enough to hurt, but enough to catch him completely off guard. His paws slid on the slick floor, arms flailing for balance.
With a loud splash, Jax tumbled backward into the pool.
Waves were sent crashing against the sides. Pomni stumbled back a step, covering her mouth, wide-eyed, before laughter bubbled out of her uncontrollably.
Jax surfaced with a dramatic gasp, his over-the-top glare locking on her immediately. “You did not just do that.”
Pomni doubled over, clutching her stomach, tears prickling her eyes from laughing. “I—I did! You should’ve seen your face!”
Jax swam to the edge, resting his arms on the tile, water dripping down his chin. For a second, he looked like he might climb out and shake her. But then his grin returned, sharper this time.
“Oh, you’re gonna pay for that.”
Pomni’s laughter faltered, her smile wavering. “Wait. W-wait, Jax—”
But he was already moving, pushing off the edge and slicing through the water toward her. She squeaked, backpedaling, but there wasn’t much room between her and the pool. His hand shot up, spraying a wave toward her.
Cold droplets splattered across her arms and chest.
She gasped. “Jax!”
He laughed, the sound echoing in the chamber. “Still think you’re staying dry, Pomni?”
Her heart pounded in her chest, but her grin spread wider. She lifted her chin, trying to sound braver than she felt. “If you think I’m letting you pull me in, you’ll have to try harder than that.”
Pomni’s voice wavered with defiance, but she was already edging away from the pool’s lip, her bare feet squeaking against the damp tile. Jax floated lazily just beneath her, his smirk never fading as his hands traced ripples across the surface.
“Oh, I’ll try harder,” he murmured.
Before she could react, his arm shot up like lightning. His wet hand clamped gently but firmly around her wrist.
Pomni squealed, tugging backward. “Jax, no—!”
He yanked, quick and deliberate, and with one startled cry, she toppled forward. Her body hit the water in an icy rush as the pool swallowed her whole.
For a moment, everything was muffled. Then she surfaced with a sharp gasp, flinging wet hair from her face as she splashed back toward him.
“You—!” she sputtered, coughing through her laughter. “You dragged me in!”
“Sure did.” Jax was already floating backward, smug as ever, water dripping down his sharp grin. “Consider it revenge.”
Pomni lunged at him, sending a wave straight at his chest. He coughed dramatically, thrashing like she’d mortally wounded him. “Ack! Betrayed in my own pool! Treachery!”
Before she knew it, she was laughing too hard to keep herself above water properly. She flailed clumsily, and Jax was instantly there, steadying her with one hand at her elbow.
“Careful,” he said, quieter this time. The smirk was still there, but softer. “Don’t make me save you for real.”
Pomni blinked at him, her pulse hammering at the closeness, the heat of his hand feeling so comforting.
Then she splashed him square in the face.
“Pfft—Pomni!” Jax choked, shoving the water from his eyes as she darted backward, giggling uncontrollably. “Oh, you are so asking for it now—”
He lunged forward, and the pool erupted into splashes once again.
The water settled eventually, its splashes tapering off into smaller ripples. Both of them were breathless, clinging to the cool edges with the sound of dripping water. Pomni floated near the corner, her hair plastered against her rosy cheeks, still smiling despite looking like a pathetic wet cat.
“Okay,” she panted, pressing a hand over her chest. “I think… You win.”
Jax leaned back against the shallow end of the pool, arms stretched out lazily along the edge. “Obviously. I always win.”
Pomni rolled her eyes, but there wasn’t much fight in her voice. “You’re insufferable.”
“Yeah, but…” His eyes flicked toward her, lingering just long enough for her to notice. “You’re smiling.”
Pomni froze, her laughter catching in her throat. She hadn’t realized it, but she was. Despite the insomnia and the soaking clothes piled nearby, she was smiling so hard it almost hurt.
Her hand touched the water absently, tracing little circles across the surface. “…Maybe this isn’t so bad.”
Jax tilted his head, watching her fingers break the tension of the water. His usual mocking edge had dimmed, replaced with something unreadable. He let the silence stretch, filling it only with the quiet lapping of the water.
Then, with a slow drift, he pushed off the wall and swam closer. Not all the way, just enough that the space between them shrank, the water tugging gently at both their shoulders.
Pomni’s breath hitched. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing,” Jax said, his smirk returning but softer this time. “Just making sure you don’t drown on me.”
“I’m fine,” she insisted, though her voice was thinner than she wanted it to be.
“Sure you are.” He floated a little closer still, his arm brushing against hers under the water for the briefest second before he pretended it hadn’t happened. “But… you’re a lot quieter now.”
Pomni turned her face away, heat prickling beneath her damp hair. “Maybe because someone keeps talking.”
Jax chuckled low, the sound rumbling in his chest. “Touché.”
