Water flowed over his skin, rinsing away the midday sun’s heat and making Daka wonder why his family didn’t like this pleasant sensation. He felt light all over, like perhaps he could fly away with the birds after all.
“If you take a deep breath into your lungs, it’s easier to stay afloat,” Mahu suggested.
Daka tried this, and though Mahu’s hold on him never faltered, he did feel his chest rise in the water.
“And when you release it, you’ll start to sink. Go ahead, I’ve got you.”
Daka let the air out through his nose, and true enough, his body grew heavier and began to sink. But Mahu kept him up. Daka relaxed his muscles and leaned into Mahu’s body.
“You aren’t afraid anymore?” asked Mahu.
Daka shook his head. “No, I like this.”
“So do I.”
Daka closed his eyes. The sun flamed ruby red behind his lids. The scent of nearby juniper and hyacinth drifted on the warm afternoon breeze. He let his ears sink below the water. The sound came as a muffled whirl, dampening his senses. There was something hypnotic in the combined sensations, lulling him to relax further.
When he opened his eyes, it was to find Mahu smiling, his red-brown irises awash with joy.
Daka returned the smile, letting his fingertips trail over the sweeping curves of Mahu’s lower back and the firm globes of his ass. “What are you thinking?”
“I don’t know.” Mahu gave a rumble of laughter. “You often leave me incapable of higher thought.”
Daka reached beneath the water’s surface and took Mahu’s cock in his hand. “Would you have it any other way?”
Mouth open, Mahu gasped. “Never.”
“I thought not.” Daka stroked his length, coaxing him plump. He’d never had sex in a river before. The idea held a certain appeal.
Mahu pretended to ignore him and walked deeper into the water to continue the lesson. “When you’re ready to float, you must take in a great breath of air and hold it. I’m going to take my hands away. Ready?”
Daka’s grip on Mahu’s cock tightened. “I have this to hold on to. Wood floats well enough.”
Mahu arched his brows. “I’m going to drop you.”
Daka’s grin turned wicked. “At least I’ll have something to swallow before I drown.”
Another burst of laughter escaped Mahu’s lips. “Stop it.”
“Never,” Daka purred, ready to give floating a try.
“Deep breath,” Mahu reminded him.
Daka obeyed, filling his lungs, and the hands he’d relied on to hold him up disappeared.
He didn’t sink. He held his breath and basked in the new sensation of floating all by himself. Mahu stayed close—he had to because Daka still held his organ in a loose grip. His presence made Daka feel safe, and the water couldn’t claim him so long as his lungs were full.
“I’m doing it!” As Daka said the words, he released too much air and began to sink.
Mahu caught him before the urge to flail took hold. “That was a good beginning.”
Daka stroked the shaft in his fist absently, content to let Mahu support him. “But how does one stay afloat when the body demands fresh air?”
“It’s a trick you learn.” Mahu’s lids fluttered. “Shallow, steady breathing and a way of moving your limbs to displace enough water to stay above the surface. First I should show you how to tread water.”
“Shallow breathing, hmm?” Daka smirked as he watched Mahu reacting to his underwater ministrations. “Like through your nose when your mouth is otherwise occupied? I’ve had some practice, perhaps I’ll be a natural.”
Mahu’s lips were parted and a flush colored his cheeks. “You’re a natural distraction is what you are,” he chided, but with no sting in his words. “I can’t teach while you’re doing that, Nedjes. Let me go.”
