The girl laying in the coffin haphazardly spluttered water from her mouth, spraying it in his face. He threw up his arms to protect himself-and yet the man was overcome with a sensation he hadn't felt...in as long as he could remember. [i]She was okay.[/i] He couldn't fathom why her well-being was so important to him. He didn't want to see anyone get hurt. Her soaked clothes hugged her tightly, revealing a lithe, small frame. The man looked away almost in embarrassment. He was glad he saved her, but thought it was best left at that. She almost leapt up past him to wrap her arms around the woman beside him, clinging to her tightly. The man almost felt a twinge of jealousy. [i]I had swam down to save her, and yet I am recognised for nothing.[/i] The man felt something akin to scorn. He felt like this was almost typical. For some reason, he almost felt like crying. It seemed he was always the one left dejected when everyone else was at their happiest. Despite his despondency, a small part of him still glimmered with content. [i]At least she was safe.[/i] The man had to suppose so--at least he wasn't a complete failure.

He felt a small, clammy hand touch his cheek. With the girl's whole hand, she stroked his cheek gently. He turned to look at her in shock--she had nothing on her face but gratitude towards him. His gasped slightly; she gave him such a soft, calm smile he couldn't help but feel placated. He immediately felt guilty for his envy earlier. [i]She didn't forget about me.[/i] He felt so horrid. How could he feel so jealous when he wasn't deserving of anything anyway? [i]You don't save to receive a reward, you do it because it's meant to be done. You...you fool...you should just get back in the water and--[/i]

Very suddenly, the girl's finger brushed his hair. He hadn't the awareness to notice before--his hair tumbled down around him in neat, black locks. They were spongy and smelt slightly earthy. She looked at him, almost pleading with him to let her touch it. He almost laughed. [i]I don't see why not.[/i] He grabbed her hand and wrapped it around one of the fuzzy coils. Seeing her face light up in wonder was enough to burn all the depressive thoughts away. He resolved, if he could make her happy, he would be happy as well.