[it's not escaped Linneus' notice that most of the men on the beach are dressed like Lance (minus Surfer Bro Shark-Tooth Necklace) - some in baggier shorts, some in tighter pants in a similar material to what he is holding. None of them covered, save for the occasional boxy ("tee") shirt here and there, so... Linneus is sure he's not doing this correctly, by covering up on top. But this is what he likes.]
I'm not sure of the size... is there somewhere I might try it on?
[perhaps he can just wear it out of the store, if it's any good?]
[ he glances off to the side, where the vendor has been watching them eagerly. lance gestures to the suit, and to linneus himself, and the vendor happily directs them towards the back where a small, oh-so-convenient dressing room awaits... really it's more just a bunch of long sheets encircling a single stall area.
lance turns to the other with an encouraging smile and a thumbs up. ]
[to both Lance and the vendor... but mostly Lance for his help and his patience as he steps into the back, closing himself from view...
...this is strange material. Stranger still how he has to sort of struggle into the suit and for a moment he considers calling out, convinced it's too small, certain he's going to rip the seams. But further examination shows the seams are holding firm and he gets enough confidence to put it on. It stretches to fit him - hugs him closer than he had thought, but that's just the design. He's a little longer, checking how it looks in the mirror before he opens the curtain again, seeking Lance out in the shop.
If the boy had given up and wandered, he wouldn't have been surprised]
[ he had wandered, but not far. his back to linneus, he'd been in deep talks with the vendor as he considered a wide-brimmed hat, a strip of yellow ribbon tied around its crown.
when linneus speaks out, both lance and the vendor glance up from their talks, and while the latter is quick to throw praises the other boy's way, lance's own comments come a little slower, more stilted. ]
Uh... Good — you look. Nice.
[ his smile is a touch uneasy, but only because he feels suddenly shy. one hand comes up to rub the back of his neck, eyes darting away. ]
[Linneus had always been cursed with an easy blush - something he's learned to breeze through, but it's certainly showing now as he holds his folded clothes close. His companion is blushing just as much though - how sweet - and he smiles a little, stepping closer to the vendor]
May I take this, please? I plan on swimming today.
[catching Lance's eye]
Or learning how, at least.
(([laughs so hard] I... actually had something pre-written about Linneus going for a big sunhat!))
[ their eyes catch, and lance's shy smile splits into a wide grin. ]
Nah, he's swimming, [ he says with utmost confidence, turning to the vendor and holding the hat up. ] We'll take this, too.
[ and before linneus can even think to pay for it, lance is already pulling out his silver and handing it off to the vendor, who honestly couldn't care less where the money's coming from, so long as it's money. ]
Since I badgered you into doing this anyway, I might as well pay. [ plus, he has a job, and linneus seems new, so... treasure that month's-long stipend, friend.
anyway, once they're drawing away, he plops the sunhat onto the other's head, flashing another thumbs up. ]
[the boy has started paying before he's even managed to retrieve his own silver from his clothes. Catching his arm gently-]
You shouldn't have to--
--thank you.
[the transaction is already done, so what else can he say? His serious, concerned expression is wiped out, however, in favour of a startled expression when the hat is pressed onto his head. One hand flying up to touch it; to hold it there-]
We'll stick to the shoreline, right where the water reaches our hips. But first—!
[ he runs a little forward, stopping only to scoop up a little foam boogie board that he'd dropped earlier in his attempt to coax linneus into the waters. ]
[ ah, yeah, he probably should have explained that first— ]
It'll help you float. [ he starts towards the water, leaving off his flip flops by the sand. ] The first thing in learning how to swim is learning how to float, and how to not panic when you don't float right away. This little guy'll help you do that.
[perhaps it's with a hint of reluctance that he removes his hat, setting it down with his clothes on top so it won't blow away, his shoes to the side. Approaching with the float with a little smile]
[ lance's smile is small, innocent. he watches attentively as linneus does as he instructs, greeting the ocean.
but as soon as he does, lance's hand strikes out, quickly slapping a small handful of water up towards linneus himself (not necessarily his face, but definitely in his general direction). ]
[a little gasp at the splash, backing up in surprise. Why, Ocean?! It takes him a couple of moments to process what has happened...
But he can give as good as he gets. His splash is a little more delicate, a flick of his fingers with the float coming up as if to shield himself from return fire]
[ lance need only lift a hand up to ward off the few flecks of water aimed towards him, but his laughter rings out, proving his earlier actions were good-natured. ]
Well you already passed lesson one!
[ his hand comes down over the surface of the water again, but rather than slap against it or scoop it up, his hand merely rests along the gentle waves, riding each ebb and flow. ]
The ocean can be just as fun as it is intimidating. It's important to read its moods, and to know which kind of ocean you're dealing with today. Get a feel of it now—
[ he takes linneus' hand, careful to keep his hold gentle, and sets it over the surface of the water too, mimicking his other. ]
Feel that? Gentle, calm.
Above all else, if you respect the ocean, you'll be okay.
[he feels a little self-conscious at first, standing there with his hands over the water, but... he tries to get past that. Closes his eyes and keeps his hands there, feels the water lapping against his legs; the rhythm to it. It takes him a little time to open his eyes, but when he does...]
[ lance allows the other as much time as he needs, knowing about 50% of this is all mental and emotional anyway. especially for someone who's never even seen the ocean before, it's definitely gonna take a considerable more time to mentally prepare.
so when linneus announces he's ready, lance simply beams at him in encouragement. ]
Great. Now grab up your board— we're gonna work on floating first. You're gonna wanna hug it to your chest, like this, and slowly lift your feet up so you aren't touching the and anymore.
[said as he is trying to get his weight over the board - if he situates himself wrong he feels unsteady, like he's pushing down against a resistance that is only going to fire the board back up again. Or else it squeaks against his dampened skin or costume. But he tries to get it right - hug it to his chest, Lance had said - and once he thinks he might be floating there, he carefully lifts one foot off the bottom.
Then... the other?
Is he doing it? Or is he simply clinging to the board for dear life?]
should linneus glance up at lance in that moment, he will be treated to an encouraging smile and an even more encouraging (hopefully) thumbs up. ]
Looking good. [ as good as anyone clinging to a boogie board can look, anyway. but he's doing it, and that's all that matters! carefully, lance reaches down to grasp either side of the board, slowly trying to coax linneus to lay a little more horizontally against it. ]
Okay, now try sort of... laying down on it? You wanna let your body rest over the surface of the water just like your hand had been.
[he can do this. He can manage. But Lance's hands, his help keep ing the board steady... it's reassuring to have. The boy doesn't mean him to hover, Linneus is pretty sure, but to use the board sort of as a... buffer?]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[it's not escaped Linneus' notice that most of the men on the beach are dressed like Lance (minus Surfer Bro Shark-Tooth Necklace) - some in baggier shorts, some in tighter pants in a similar material to what he is holding. None of them covered, save for the occasional boxy ("tee") shirt here and there, so... Linneus is sure he's not doing this correctly, by covering up on top. But this is what he likes.]
I'm not sure of the size... is there somewhere I might try it on?
[perhaps he can just wear it out of the store, if it's any good?]
no subject
[ he glances off to the side, where the vendor has been watching them eagerly. lance gestures to the suit, and to linneus himself, and the vendor happily directs them towards the back where a small, oh-so-convenient dressing room awaits... really it's more just a bunch of long sheets encircling a single stall area.
lance turns to the other with an encouraging smile and a thumbs up. ]
Knock yourself out, man.
no subject
[to both Lance and the vendor... but mostly Lance for his help and his patience as he steps into the back, closing himself from view...
...this is strange material. Stranger still how he has to sort of struggle into the suit and for a moment he considers calling out, convinced it's too small, certain he's going to rip the seams. But further examination shows the seams are holding firm and he gets enough confidence to put it on. It stretches to fit him - hugs him closer than he had thought, but that's just the design. He's a little longer, checking how it looks in the mirror before he opens the curtain again, seeking Lance out in the shop.
If the boy had given up and wandered, he wouldn't have been surprised]
...how does it look?
no subject
when linneus speaks out, both lance and the vendor glance up from their talks, and while the latter is quick to throw praises the other boy's way, lance's own comments come a little slower, more stilted. ]
Uh... Good — you look. Nice.
[ his smile is a touch uneasy, but only because he feels suddenly shy. one hand comes up to rub the back of his neck, eyes darting away. ]
You were right, that's... definitely your color.
no subject
[Linneus had always been cursed with an easy blush - something he's learned to breeze through, but it's certainly showing now as he holds his folded clothes close. His companion is blushing just as much though - how sweet - and he smiles a little, stepping closer to the vendor]
May I take this, please? I plan on swimming today.
[catching Lance's eye]
Or learning how, at least.
(([laughs so hard] I... actually had something pre-written about Linneus going for a big sunhat!))
great minds *v*
Nah, he's swimming, [ he says with utmost confidence, turning to the vendor and holding the hat up. ] We'll take this, too.
[ and before linneus can even think to pay for it, lance is already pulling out his silver and handing it off to the vendor, who honestly couldn't care less where the money's coming from, so long as it's money. ]
Since I badgered you into doing this anyway, I might as well pay. [ plus, he has a job, and linneus seems new, so... treasure that month's-long stipend, friend.
anyway, once they're drawing away, he plops the sunhat onto the other's head, flashing another thumbs up. ]
A beach look isn't complete without accessories!
no subject
[the boy has started paying before he's even managed to retrieve his own silver from his clothes. Catching his arm gently-]
You shouldn't have to--
--thank you.
[the transaction is already done, so what else can he say? His serious, concerned expression is wiped out, however, in favour of a startled expression when the hat is pressed onto his head. One hand flying up to touch it; to hold it there-]
This too?!
no subject
[ but quickly, quickly! back to the waters they go! lance doesn't mean to leave linneus behind, but he definitely isn't dawdling either. ]
I mean, you probably shouldn't wear it in the waters, but it'll be useful when you're out of it, for sure.
no subject
[though he supposes that to really show his thanks he should make good use of the gift. And that means learning to swim, come hell or... high water.
Well, he hopes the waters shan't be too high.]
Where is a good place to learn?
no subject
[ he runs a little forward, stopping only to scoop up a little foam boogie board that he'd dropped earlier in his attempt to coax linneus into the waters. ]
Safety. [ he holds it out towards the other. ]
no subject
[taking the board, turning it over and back]
...what does it do?
[he's... pretty sure it's not some sort of a shield...]
no subject
It'll help you float. [ he starts towards the water, leaving off his flip flops by the sand. ] The first thing in learning how to swim is learning how to float, and how to not panic when you don't float right away. This little guy'll help you do that.
no subject
[perhaps it's with a hint of reluctance that he removes his hat, setting it down with his clothes on top so it won't blow away, his shoes to the side. Approaching with the float with a little smile]
I'm ready to learn.
no subject
[ he starts to wade in, waving linneus over with a hand to follow after him. once they're about thigh-deep, lance gestures to the water. ]
Ocean, this is Linneus. Linneus, this is the ocean.
no subject
[...Lance surely didn't mean it that way.
...nope, he did. He absolutely did. But he trusts his teacher's methods, even clears his throat lightly]
Hello, Ocean.
no subject
but as soon as he does, lance's hand strikes out, quickly slapping a small handful of water up towards linneus himself (not necessarily his face, but definitely in his general direction). ]
no subject
Why, Ocean?!It takes him a couple of moments to process what has happened...But he can give as good as he gets. His splash is a little more delicate, a flick of his fingers with the float coming up as if to shield himself from return fire]
no subject
Well you already passed lesson one!
[ his hand comes down over the surface of the water again, but rather than slap against it or scoop it up, his hand merely rests along the gentle waves, riding each ebb and flow. ]
The ocean can be just as fun as it is intimidating. It's important to read its moods, and to know which kind of ocean you're dealing with today. Get a feel of it now—
[ he takes linneus' hand, careful to keep his hold gentle, and sets it over the surface of the water too, mimicking his other. ]
Feel that? Gentle, calm.
Above all else, if you respect the ocean, you'll be okay.
no subject
[and he passed the first lesson? Perhaps he's not as poor a study as he thinks...
He lets Lance take his hand, a little smile catching at the corner of his mouth as the boy brings it over the surface]
It's different to my rivers. To what I grew up with.
[the ocean could hold him, but it could swallow him as well. So Linneus' respect... come with a little fear, as well.]
no subject
Take your time, [ he instructs gently, releasing linneus' hand so he can feel the water on his own. ]
When you're ready, let me know.
no subject
I think I'm ready?
[he's not sure how one judges such a thing]
no subject
so when linneus announces he's ready, lance simply beams at him in encouragement. ]
Great. Now grab up your board— we're gonna work on floating first. You're gonna wanna hug it to your chest, like this, and slowly lift your feet up so you aren't touching the and anymore.
no subject
[said as he is trying to get his weight over the board - if he situates himself wrong he feels unsteady, like he's pushing down against a resistance that is only going to fire the board back up again. Or else it squeaks against his dampened skin or costume. But he tries to get it right - hug it to his chest, Lance had said - and once he thinks he might be floating there, he carefully lifts one foot off the bottom.
Then... the other?
Is he doing it? Or is he simply clinging to the board for dear life?]
no subject
should linneus glance up at lance in that moment, he will be treated to an encouraging smile and an even more encouraging (hopefully) thumbs up. ]
Looking good. [ as good as anyone clinging to a boogie board can look, anyway. but he's doing it, and that's all that matters! carefully, lance reaches down to grasp either side of the board, slowly trying to coax linneus to lay a little more horizontally against it. ]
Okay, now try sort of... laying down on it? You wanna let your body rest over the surface of the water just like your hand had been.
no subject
Like this?
[and, hesitantly]
It's not going to sink?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)