Splash

“The water’s fine, you should join me!” Bunny wasn’t sure how Jupiter was managing to do the backstroke with all the extra arms, let along gracefully. But there she was gliding across the lake surface, the wake of water lapping at the sandy cave shore with her every movement.

Bunny shook her head, now was not the time to get distracted! Focus! If the rumours were true, the oysters here were ancient. And ancient oysters meant massive pearls. Now if only Jupiter was more helpful.

“I’m not sure how you go pearl hunting in your old world, but I’m pretty sure the really good ones are way deeper down.” Jupiter did lazy spins in the water, limbs trailing behind each other. “Your dinky little set-up ain’t gonna get you too far.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know I know.” In truth, Bunny was hoping Jupiter would just do all the collecting. But it seemed the demi-goddess would rather lounge about today.

“And I’m a forest goddess, not water.” She had said before they headed out this morning, but honestly she might as well have been one. “You’re part axolotl for Pete’s sake. Pretty sure they don’t grow on trees.” Muttered Bunny as she daintily dipped a toe into the lukewarm water and sighed.

“Still not going to join me?” Jupiter proceeded to beach herself and flopped over to nuzzle Bunny. “Or are you going to keep sulking like this?” Bunny silently pulled her knees to her chest.

“I mean, I guess I can just dooooooo, this.”

“Do wha-“

And with a sudden burst of movement Jupiter scooted right back into the lake, but not before snatching Bunny by the ankles and dragging her along. Bunny’s yelp echoed off the cave walls almost as loudly as the splash she made as she resurfaced.

“See?! Water’s fine.” Jupiter’s laugh almost made Bunny forgive her. Almost.

“Aww, sweetie, come here, come here. I didn’t mean to startle you.” It still caught Bunny by surprise how much difference in size there was between the two of them. And once again she found herself cradled in one of Jupiter’s massive arms.

“I’ll help you with your oysters in a bit ok? Just let me hold you for a sec.” And then the cuddling. Didn’t matter where or when, a cuddlefest could happen without warning. Not that Bunny minded as she gave Jupiter a gentle peck under the jaw.

“You’ll need to recover what’s left of my equipment too.”

Jupiter hummed in agreement, but didn’t let go.