Private Finished The Cape Of Secrets

As a retaliation for Eve's wave Jake started an all-out water war. Eve usually so reserved, started splashing water back as well as he could and though he didn't all out laugh he was chuckling and smiling as much as he was capable of. They seemed to be about tied, or maybe Jake was winning because he was obviously more buff than Eve. It was time to change tactic.
Eve tried submerging himself again and this time he moved, circling Jake. He was fast and was on the other side in seconds. Jake was still splashing so he maybe wouldn't notice Eve was gone. Eve had his eyes open and though it did sting it wasn't too bad. He could see Jake's whereabouts, and when he was behind him Eve quickly surfaced and sent a huge splash of water towards Jake. Now he was laughing a little, this was fun.

Eve first chuckled and then laughed at Jake's expression as he turned around. It felt nice to laugh, it felt nice to feel it in your chest. Eve brushed his wet hair away from his eyes and smiled at Jake. It was another genuine, wider than usual smile. Eve had made more of those since meeting Jake.
"I'm sure I wouldn't best you at everything, at least not in guitar playing. Or clumsiness."
Eve chuckled and treaded the water. He had completely forgotten about his scars and the stone on his chest, at least temporarily. It gave him such peace.

When Jake suddenly plunged down it all happened so fast Eve didn't have time to swim away or dodge. Jake grabbed his legs and pulled Eve underwater. The sudden submergion didn't scare Eve but what did was the fact that Jake could probably see his scars. A small wave of panic came over Eve, he was almost certain Jake had seen his scars from this position.
When Jake let go Eve quickly came back to surface and gasped in air before looking at Jake. His expression was normal. Had he not seen the scars? Had he seen them, but decided to stay quiet? Whichever it was, Eve didn't know whether to be thankful or slightly disappointed. But they were having fun, why should Eve ruin it?

Eve smiled a little and used both of his hands to swipe away the hair on his face.
"You know, many people drown because of stunts like that."
Eve tried to sound stern but managed to only sound slightly amused and happy. Then he did something unexpected even for himself. Eve lifted himself out of the water high enough to be able to try and push Jake underwater by his shouders.

After Eve had pushed Jake underwater he had pulled himself back, bit embarrassed by the sudden physical contact. Then Eve just floated for a second and listened to the silence and his own fast heartbeat. He had closed his eyes so Eve didn't see Jake start floating.
Eve soon swam back to the surface, already smiling a little. And then he saw Jake, floating his face down like he was dead. Nasty flashbacks immediately wanted to rush back but Eve kept repressed them
"Jake?"
Eve raised his voice a bit, he tried to make his tone sound light. Eve swam closer and as he looked at Jake's floating body it was like floodgates were thrown open. All the flashbacks of his friends dead, burned alive, rushed to Eve's mind and his breathing became shallow. Cold flames sprouted themselves around Eve and he grabbed Jake arm, shaking it. Eve couldn't see well, his eyes were hazy from tears that wanted to fall down.
"Jake? Please tell me you're not dead too..."
Eve's voice was full of grief and panic-stricken and his hands were shaking quite badly

Eve couldn't see properly, his eyes were blurred from tears and memories. But he felt Jake's touch on his sholder and it helped him draw himself back to now. Eve looked at Jake, he was a blur. But Eve heard his words, heard the concern in his voice. Eve lifted his own hand and touched Jake's. He was there. He was alive. Not burnt and dead.
Tears finally burst out, tears of relief. Eve tried to hold them back but it did no good. Once the flow had begun it didn't stop.
Eve opened his mouth to say something but he forgot words when Jake suddenly hugged in. In the ocean, all wet. Without a shirt. Eve wasn't completely blown out of his shock and flashbacks but just enough for his face to turn red. Eve swallowed and wasn't sure what to do with his arms. But then he heard Jake's words. They were full of worry, and regret. Eve frowned a bit and was ashamed of himself. Now was not the time for getting flustered.
Eve slowly moved his arms so they were loosely around Jake and he gently patted his back.
"It's okay. I'm okay, I'm fine. Don't worry, it wasn't your fault. None of it was your fault."
Eve's tone was gentle and soothing, hanging onto Jake and sharing comfort with him helped Eve shed the last of his flashbacks. His eyes cleared and he looked at the horizon, just holding Jake lightly but firmly.

Eve knew Jake was blaming himself. Naturally he would, Jake was kind. But it made Eve feel even more guilty for having his small lapse. It was all Eve's fault, after all. Maybe he was still too sensitive to be in these situations. Before he would've just gotten drunk or high and dulled the memories. Maybe he should...
No. Eve stopped himself there. He would NOT make himself go down that road again. Eve didn't want this to become a circle of guilt where he and Jake just kept blaming each other for things that were out of their control. Eve's lapses were out of his control for now. They would have to deal with it.

But though Eve had found his determination the prolonged embrace was starting to make his face feel hot. Especially since Jake was still not wearing a shirt. But Eve would not let go first, since he felt like he wasn't the only one in need of reassurance.
Thankfully Jake was the one to back away first, though he still left his hands on Eve's shoulders. That did not bother Eve enough to make him blush. But his heart did race. Jake suggested they'd go the shore and just chill on the beach. Eve swiped some hair away from his face and a hint of a smile could be seen on his face.
"Okay. Sounds good. After you."
Eve gestured towards the shore, he would follow if Jake started to head there. He didn't want to be the one to remove Jake's hands from his shoulders, in case it would hurt his feelings. But...
Eve knew they would have to talk, at some point. About their feelings, their guilt. Eve was under the impression Jake wasn't that good at sharing his. But Eve was sharp. And, if it required it, he could be persistent.