Work Text:
It’s a little-known fact that Niran can’t swim.
He knows how to perform intricate shamanic rituals, how to fight demonic spirits and manipulate fate itself, but he does not know how to swim. It’s simply a skill he had never learned, nor had he ever had much reason to.
It also wasn’t exactly a piece of information he tended to share if not explicitly asked.
Therefore, he couldn’t accuse Pete of orchestrating a prank or some elaborate act of revenge by choosing a lake for their monthly ‘Reconnection with Nature’ activity — a tradition they’d picked up not long after they officially started working together which, in the grand scheme of things, was just another excuse for the two of them to hang out more, but neither was willing to admit that yet.
So Pete couldn’t possibly have known. He’d been genuinely excited, planning in advance, rattling off ideas about hiking trails, picnic food, and swimming while Niran had quietly nodded along, keeping his little secret to himself.
By the time they arrived at the lake, it felt far too late—and too awkward—to mention it. They’d found an open patch of grass near the shore and began unpacking their things. Since Niran had no intention of actually going into the water, he left his tank top and swim shorts on, instead just fishing a dark blue cap and a pair of sunglasses out of the bag to shield himself from the relentless summer sun.
Across from him, Pete wasted no time enthusiastically taking off his clothes.
Niran watched with a small, lopsided smile as Pete promptly got one foot tangled in his pants and started hopping around on the spot, arms windmilling to keep his balance.
Niran snorted.
“Seriously?”
Reaching out, he caught Pete by the shoulder to steady him while the other finally wrestled the pants free, revealing a pair of loose black swim trunks.
Pete flashed him a grateful grin before reaching for the bottle of sunscreen lying on the blanket.
His hand froze halfway there.
“…You’re planning on swimming in that?”
Niran raised an eyebrow.
Without a word, he plucked the sunscreen from Pete’s hand, squeezed a generous amount into his own palm, and motioned for him to turn around with a flick of his head.
Pete obediently did as he was told.
Niran began rubbing the sunscreen across his shoulders, his eyes occasionally drifting to his talisman hanging securely around Pete’s neck, warmth spreading in his chest every time at the sight.
“I’m not planning on swimming in anything.”
“Huh?!”
Pete immediately twisted around, nearly elbowing him in the face in the process.
Niran sighed, planted a palm against the side of Pete’s head, and firmly turned him back around.
“I said,” he deadpanned, “I’m not planning on swimming at all.”
Pete went still.
“What? Why?”
Niran shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “i just don’t want to.”
Pete gave a disbelieving huff. “That’s a stupid excuse. Seriously, why not?”
Niran closed his eyes for a brief moment. Of course Pete wasn’t going to let it go. He never let anything go.
With another quiet sigh, Niran opened his mouth, the words slipping out so low and mumbled that it barely qualified as speech.
Pete blinked in confusion.
“…What?”
Niran stared resolutely at the sunscreen bottle in his hands.
“Niraaan.”
The Wu let out one last, long-suffering sigh before finally blurting out:
“I said, I can’t swim.”
Pete went still.
“…You can’t swim?”
Niran continued spreading sunscreen across Pete’s back, the movements a little more erratic now.
“No.”
“…Like, at all?”
“Yes.”
Pete was silent for a long moment.
“Oh my god.”
Niran eyed him cautiously. “…What is it.”
“I have to teach you.”
Niran’s hand faltered mid-motion. “Yeah, that’s not happening.“
“Oh, yes it is!”
Pete turned around, taking the bottle of sunscreen from Niran’s hand, and tossed it onto the blanket before looking at him expectantly.
He gestured impatiently at Niran’s clothes. “Come on. Start undressing.”
It was Niran's turn to look at him with wide eyes.
“…Huh?”
Pete rolled his eyes.
“The shirt and cap, you idiot. Unless you want to get water all over your car seat on the way home.”
With a huff, Niran dropped onto the blanket, adjusted his sunglasses, and leaned back on his elbows, glaring up at Pete from beneath the dark lenses. “I told you, I’m not going in.”
Pete, however, was not so easily deterred.
“Come on,” he coaxed. “It’ll be fun, I promise.”
Niran shot him a skeptical look over the rim of his sunglasses, one eyebrow arching. “Are you even qualified to teach someone how to swim?”
“Hey.” Pete pointed at himself indignantly. “I taught my little sister. I’m an excellent swimmer.”
He crouched beside Niran, resting his forearms on his knees.
“You trust me, right?”
What a dirty move.
Niran frowned. Pete knew exactly what he was doing. The thing was…Niran was running out of excuses. It wasn’t as though he was afraid of the water. The lake was shallow for quite a ways out, and Pete was almost certainly telling the truth about being a capable swimmer. Between years as an athlete and the advantages that came with his demonic abilities, he had no reason to doubt him.
Besides…Pete would never lie about something like this.
Turning his head away, Niran scrunched up his nose in thought.
Pete waited without pressuring him further, a small, patient smile playing on his lips.
After what felt like an eternity, Niran let out a heavy sigh. With the utmost reluctance, he gave a single, tiny nod, though his mouth remained twisted in a disgruntled frown.
Pete lit up instantly.
“Let’s fucking go!”
Which was how Niran found himself standing knee-deep in pleasantly cool water, eyeing the deeper parts of the lake with unmistakable suspicion, having previously taken off his cap and the ring Pete gave him.
Pete stood beside him with his hands on his hips, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Water’s perfect today. Not too cold, not too hot. Couldn’t ask for better conditions.”
The weather conditions were the last things on Niran’s mind right now, if he was being honest, his nonchalant demeanor slightly beginning to crack, giving way to nerves now that he’s actually standing in the water.
“Whatever.”
Pete glanced sideways at him, his grin softening.
“Hey.”
Niran hummed.
“Don’t worry.” Pete bumped his shoulder lightly. “I’ll be right beside you the whole time.”
Niran scoffed, the corner of his mouth tugging upward despite himself.
“I’m not worried, you punk.”
Pete’s smirk returned in full force.
“Good.” He turned and started wading farther into the lake. “Then let’s go.”
Niran’s eyes widened.
“Hey—wait a minute!”
Pete glanced back over his shoulder, slowing to a stop.
“First thing we’re gonna do is get you familiar with the water.”
Niran shot him a flat look as he reluctantly waded over to where Pete was waiting. “I’m plenty familiar with water—”
He was abruptly cut off when Pete pressed a finger against his lips.
“Shhh.”
Niran’s brows drew together, his eyes crossing slightly as he tried to glare down at the offending finger.
Pete, entirely unbothered, grinned.
“I’m the teacher here.”
He gave Niran’s nose a light tap before withdrawing his hand.
“You just stand there, look pretty, and listen.”
Niran blinked, showcasing a striking resemblance to a confused puppy waiting for instructions.
“Now, there’s only one way to do that.” Pete went on, undeterred.
Before Niran could ask what he meant, Pete suddenly scooped up a handful of water and sent it flying straight into his face.
Water dripped from the tips of his hair, trickling down his cheeks as he gasped out a shocked breath. Slowly, he lifted a hand and wiped the droplets from his eyes.
Pete’s laughter faltered. “…Oh shit.”
“You.” Niran’s voice was terrifyingly calm. “Are going to regret that.”
Before Pete could react, Niran bent down, scooped up a double handful of lake water, and launched it straight into Pete’s face.
Pete sputtered, blinking wildly.
“Hey—”
Another splash hit him before he could finish, then another.
By the time Pete managed to shield his face with his forearms, he was dripping from head to toe.
“Okay!” he laughed, coughing out a mouthful of lake water. “Think that’s enough familiarity for you.”
Niran’s lips curled into a devilish grin.
“Really?” He tilted his head. “I don’t know… I’m still feeling a little unfamiliar with it.”
Pete narrowed his eyes. “No,” he said, pointing a finger at him. “I’m pretty sure that’s enough.”
Niran merely shrugged with all the innocence of an angel. “Whatever you say, oh great teacher.”
Pete huffed, planting his hands on his hips as he looked around the lake.
“Alright. Let’s do this.”
He beckoned Niran closer. The water was going up to their hips now.
“Have you ever done a back float?”
Niran shook his head.
“Okay. Then that’s where we’ll start. Watch.”
Pete leaned back without a hint of hesitation, letting the water cradle him as he stretched out across the surface. He floated effortlessly for a few seconds before tucking his legs underneath himself and standing again.
“There. Your turn.”
“My—?” Niran stared at him as though he’d lost his mind. “Do you want me to drown?”
Pete rolled his eyes.
“You’re not going to drown.”
He waded over until they were only a foot apart.
“I’ve got you.” One hand settled gently against the small of Niran’s back. “Like this.”
Niran swallowed. He folded his arms across his chest in an attempt to hide the slight tension creeping into his shoulders.
Pete noticed, but wisely chose not to comment on it.
“Okay.” His voice softened, slipping naturally into the patient tone of a coach. “Lean back slowly. Let the water support you.”
His free hand slid beneath Niran’s shoulder blades.
“I’ve got your back, literally.”
Niran snorted despite himself.
“Just let yourself settle into the water,” Pete continued. “Lift your hips a little, keep your head back, and don’t tense up too much. If you stay relaxed, the water will do most of the work for you.”
Niran still looked hesitant, but after a moment he gave a single nod and took a deep breath.
Slowly, he let himself tip backwards.
The instant his feet no longer felt firmly planted beneath him, one hand shot out on instinct, latching onto Pete’s forearm in a tight grip.
Pete didn’t comment, simply letting him hold on.
Niran tried very hard to keep his face from flushing at their proximity, ignoring how intimate the whole thing felt.
Pete, meanwhile, seemed entirely unfazed, watching him with quiet concentration as he gradually settled onto the water’s surface. For one brief, terrifying moment, panic flared in Niran’s chest, certain that he was about to sink like a stone.
Then he felt the steady pressure of Pete’s hand against the small of his back, exactly where he’d promised it would be.
“There you go,” Pete murmured. “That’s it.”
His other hand slipped beneath Niran’s head, cradling the base of his neck. It wasn’t really there to hold him up anymore — more to reassure him that, if he slipped, Pete would catch him.
“Relax just a little more for me…”
Niran consciously unclenched his shoulders. His hand slowly let up on the death grip it had on the other’s forearm.
“Good.” Pete’s smile warmed. “Look at you. You’re doing great.”
Niran blinked up at the cloudless sky, cheeks involuntarily heating up at the praise, and he couldn’t even bring his hands up to try and hide it. It’s not like the praise was unwelcome, he was just terrible at receiving it.
The water held him easily, his body rising and falling with the gentle rhythm of the lake.
“…It worked.”
The words escaped in quiet amazement.
He turned his head just enough to meet Pete’s eyes, unable to hide the look of genuine wonder on his face.
Pete grinned back.
“Course it did.” His hands were barely supporting Niran now, lingering more for comfort than necessity. “You’re a natural.”
He punctuated the compliment with an exaggerated wink.
To his own surprise, Niran smiled.
His eyes drifted closed again as he let himself relax completely, lulled by the soft rocking of the water and the warmth of the afternoon sun on his face.
Pete looked down at him, a fond smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“So…”
Niran hummed contentedly.
“Should I try letting go now?”
Niran’s eyes snapped open. “What?!”
Pete burst out laughing.
“I’m kidding! I’m kidding.”
Niran glared at him, unimpressed. Stretching out one arm, he flicked a small splash of water directly at Pete.
“You’re not funny.”
Pete childishly stuck his tongue out.
“That’s a lie. People tell me I’m hilarious all the time.”
“No,” Niran said flatly. “That’s the lie.”
“Hey!”
Niran closed his eyes again, a small, satisfied smile settling on his face as he listened to Pete’s indignant protests, content to let himself drift and fully trusting that the other wouldn't let go.
After another minute, Niran lowered his feet until they found the lakebed again and pushed himself upright. Water streamed from the ends of his hair as he pulled his sunglasses off the top of his head and blinked away the droplets clinging to his lashes.
Pete was watching him expectantly. “…Well?”
Niran considered the question for a moment before the corners of his mouth lifted into a small, satisfied grin.
“That wasn’t so bad.”
Pete beamed.
“Told you.”
Niran clicked his tongue, mock exasperated. “Don’t get all smug, it’s unflattering.”
“Too late for that.” Pete nodded towards the deeper part of the lake, where the water darkened from turquoise to a deep blue-green. “Wanna try going a little farther out?”
Niran followed his gaze.
The familiar flicker of hesitation returned, lingering only for a second this time.
Then he looked back at Pete.
“…Yeah.”
Pete’s grin widened. “Yeah?”
He held out his hand.
Niran looked at it for a beat before slipping his own into Pete’s with an exaggerated sigh.
“Just because I don’t wanna listen to you whine and complain that your kindness was rejected.”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night, big guy.”
Together, they started wading farther into the lake, Pete unconsciously matching his pace to Niran’s slower, more cautious steps, never once letting go of his hand.
By the time the water reached Niran’s chest, Pete stopped.
Niran looked at him warily.
“What now?”
“Now we flip you over.”
Niran blanched slightly.
Pete stepped around until he was facing him, reaching out to pluck the sunglasses from Niran’s head before slipping them onto his own.
“This one’s a little different. I’ll support your stomach instead of your back.”
Niran nodded.
“Take a deep breath first. It’ll help you float.”
Niran did as instructed.
Pete rested one hand lightly beneath his ribs and the other just below his stomach.
Niran’s traitorous heartbeat picked up at the skin-to-skin contact, but he forced his expression to remain carefully blank, silently hoping Pete couldn’t feel the way it had gone slightly uneven beneath his touch.
“Ready?”
“No.”
“Good enough for me,” Pete said cheerfully. “Lean forward.”
Slowly, Niran let himself tip towards the water.
Unlike before, he could see the lake beneath him now, sunlight dancing across the sandy bottom. His first instinct was to immediately plant his feet again.
Pete ducked his head slightly so Niran could see him better, his voice calm and grounding.
“Easy.”
Niran forced himself to stay where he was.
“I’ve got you.”
Pete’s hands remained steady beneath him, barely lifting anymore.
“There, that’s it. Stretch your arms out.”
Niran obeyed.
“Good.”
Niran sniffed, feeling a little silly and more than a little bashful. “And now what?”
“Now…” Pete grinned. “Pretend you’re Superman.”
Niran turned his head just enough to shoot him a deadpan stare.
“I am going to hit you.”
Pete’s grin turned smug, eyebrows raised.
“But then who’s going to hold you up in the water?”
Niran only huffed in response, unable to argue with that.
Gently, Pete took hold of his wrists beneath the water and guided his arms forward, stretching them out.
“Move your arms like you’re parting water with your hands. Kick your legs a little.”
Awkwardly, Niran did.
The movements felt clumsy at first, more splashing than swimming.
“There you go!” Pete encouraged. “Longer kicks. From your hips, not your knees.”
Niran adjusted.
Almost immediately, he felt himself glide forward.
His eyes widened.
“…I’m moving.”
“Hell yeah, you are.”
Pete gradually eased the pressure of his hands until they were doing little more than skimming the underside of Niran’s torso.
“See, you barely need me now.”
Niran glanced back in warning.
“Don’t.”
Pete grinned and briefly tightened his grip, firmly taking more of Niran’s weight onto his hands, a quiet reassurance that he wasn’t planning on going anywhere anytime soon.
After they’d done a few more successful practice runs, including one minor incident where Niran practically latched onto Pete like a human life raft after forgetting to keep moving his feet and slowly sinking beneath the water, Pete finally clapped his hands together.
“Okay.”
Niran straightened, brushing the wet strands of hair away from his forehead.
“What?”
“I think you’re ready for the next step.”
Niran narrowed his eyes.
“…Which is?”
“Actual swimming.”
Niran stared at him.
“Don’t you think that’s a little too soon?”
“Nope.” Pete said it with complete certainty, like there wasn’t even a possibility of him being wrong. “I have full confidence in your abilities.”
Niran looked at him skeptically for a moment before turning his gaze back towards the open water.
Then he looked back at Pete.
“And if I fail.”
Pete’s expression softened.
“Then I’ll be right there to help. And we try again.”
Niran studied him for another second before giving a resigned sigh.
“Fine.”
He took a breath.
The first few strokes were clumsy, his rhythm uneven enough that he nearly inhaled a mouthful of water.
Pete walked beside him the entire time, close enough to grab him if he faltered but resisting the urge to interfere.
“Slower,” Pete called. “Don’t fight the water.”
Niran adjusted.
The next stroke felt…easier.
Then another.
At some point he realized with a jolt of disbelief, that Pete wasn’t touching him anymore.
He was actually swimming. On his own.
After several more strokes, Niran cautiously lowered his feet until they were just barely grazing the lakebed, only now realizing how far they’d actually ventured out.
He stood there for a moment, chest rising and falling a little faster than usual.
Pete waited, leisurely swimming backward in front of him, his attention never wavering.
Finally, Niran looked up.
“I did it.”
Pete’s grin could have rivaled the sun.
“You did,” he said proudly. “Told you I’d have you swimming like a pro in no time.”
Niran looked back over the few meters he’d managed to cover.
A small laugh escaped him, bright and genuine, radiating happiness.
Pete’s smile widened at the sight.
“Hey,” he said, unable to resist. “Wanna see who can swim faster?”
Niran gave him a flat look.
“I learned how to swim, like, five minutes ago.”
Pete grinned.
“Scared I’ll beat you?”
Niran stared at him.
A slow, dangerous smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he narrowed his eyes, the challenge clearly accepted.
“Okay.”
He pushed a wet strand of hair out of his face, flexing his chest muscles once in an exaggerated display of confidence.
“Hope you’re prepared to lose then.”
Later, after they’d dried off and changed back into their clothes, the two of them sat on their blanket, basking in the warmth of the late afternoon sun and picking at the snacks they’d packed.
Niran rested his elbows on his knees, absently watching the gentle ripples spreading across the lake. His muscles ached pleasantly, exhaustion settling into his limbs alongside a quiet sense of accomplishment.
Putting down the can of beer he'd been cradling in his hands, he nudged Pete’s knee with his own.
“Alright,” he admitted. “I’ll give you this.”
Pete looked over with a mouth full of sandwich, his own non-alcoholic beer — courtesy of being the designated driver — already sitting empty beside him.
“Mh?”
“You do make a pretty good teacher.”
Pete swallowed the bite before waving a dismissive hand.
“Nah.” He lightly tapped a fist against Niran’s shoulder. “That was all you. I was just there for moral support.” He grinned slyly. “And to make sure you didn’t drown.”
Niran let out an amused huff, shaking his head fondly.
“Is that so?”
“Uh-huh.” Pete nodded with complete sincerity before stuffing the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth.
Niran watched him for a moment, an unguarded smile on his face, before turning his head back towards the lake where the sun was slowly setting.
Without really thinking about it, he leaned sideways until his temple came to rest against Pete’s shoulder. His mind flashed briefly to that fateful night outside the bar, when the roles had been reversed and significantly more alcohol was involved.
Pete went perfectly still. After a moment, he relaxed, letting his shoulder settle naturally beneath the weight of Niran’s head.
Neither of them said anything.
“…Thanks.”
The word was so quiet Pete almost thought he’d imagined it.
“What for?”
Niran watched the sunset in silence for another few seconds.
“For today.”
Pete smiled to himself.
“You don’t have to thank me.”
“I know.”
Another pause.
“I want to.”
Pete bumped his shoulder ever so slightly against Niran’s, careful not to dislodge him. His hand lifted a moment later, fingers brushing through Niran’s damp hair in a quiet, familiar gesture.
“I’m glad you had fun.”
Niran gave his hand a half-hearted swat, before settling comfortably back against him.
“…I really did.”
It was a simple admission, but for Niran, it meant far more than it sounded.
Pete’s smile softened.
“Good.”
The conversation drifted away after that, replaced by the quiet lap of water against the shore and the warm hush of a summer evening.
Neither of them noticed the sun finally dipping below the horizon.
Neither of them particularly cared.