Weakness
Part V
Multiple Man glided to a stop at the edge of the deep end, turning and holding onto the side loosely as he treaded water and looked back at Pyro. The fire mutant seemed to be relaxing, still moving his arms through the water, bobbing up and down till the water reached his chin. Multiple Man paused to watch as the fire mutant rose back out the pool, the water dripping slowly from his bare chest…
"You ok?" he asked, swimming up to him slowly. The fire mutant nodded, albeit a little sheepishly. "Right then. Time to take your feet off the floor."
The fire mutant tried to keep his face neutral, but Multiple Man could see the apprehension in his eyes. Slowly he approached the smaller mutant.
"I'm happy like this, thank you," Pyro muttered. Multiple Man tried not to laugh.
"Try and lay on your back," he smiled as Pyro arched an eyebrow. "Just lean back. You'll float, trust me."
Although his eyebrow was still arched, the fire mutant leant back slowly. He jumped as he felt Multiple Man's hands on his back.
"Sorry," he muttered, standing up again. Multiple Man smiled softly, resting one hand on the fire mutant's back and the other on his chest, gently easing him back into a horizontal position. Pyro frowned but reluctantly leant back.
"See? Is this not relaxing?" Multiple Man asked, moving both hands to support the fire mutant.
"No," came the grumbled reply.
"You're doing fine," he said reassuringly. "Now paddle your arms."
The pyrokinetic curled his lip up but did as he was told. Multiple Man turned slowly as if Pyro was moving himself. Content the fire mutant was comfortable, Multiple Man gently lowered his hands from his back.
Pyro's whole body dropped under the water. Multiple Man cursed and quickly pulled him upright, frowning concernedly as he coughed and spluttered.
"I'm sorry, that…"
"We're done," Pyro pushed the older mutant away roughly, quickly making his way to the nearest ladder. Multiple Man sighed quietly but did not argue. That hadn't gone as well as he'd hoped…