"Combine the rotation with this accordion technique," Skinner said. "Start slowly, it may take time to coordinate the movements."
He wasn't wrong there. I had to focus on folding and unfolding Ramsey before I could go back to swishing him slowly back and forth. I hadn't realised aqua therapy took quite so much concentration. We might both fall asleep after this.
"Don't lose your rhythm," Skinner said. "Get your accordion movements more accurate, rather than the rotation. You don't need to rush. This isn't the dance floor."
I managed a smile while forcing myself to concentrate harder. This was definitely going to take some practice, but I could definitely see the benefit of it. This would be a fabulous way to de-stress.
We continued like that for a few minutes before Doctor Skinner stepped in to take over and demonstrate some more complicated techniques.
I watched carefully, following his movements like I was still supporting someone.
Fortunately for everyone, he made no attempt to drown Ramsey or anyone else.
After about twenty minutes, he nudged Ramsey's legs down toward the bottom of the pool and stepped away from him.
"I trust you feel less tense than when you entered the water?"
"If I was any more relaxed, I'd fall asleep." Ramsey knelt in the water and rolled his shoulders. "Not gonna lie, I thought that was weird to start with. But it was good. I'd do it again. Thanks."
"It looks like I need to do some more studying so I can be certified to do that myself," I said.
I didn't mind one bit; I loved learning. And the obvious boost to Skinner's ego was clear to see. This time, we didn't have to fake being on his side. I'd love to learn more of this and all the other techniques. A person couldn't know too much.
"I'm happy to give you recommendations," Skinner said. "Aquatic therapy is the future."
Why did he have to be on the wrong side? I could learn a ton from him, and I'd be happy to do it. And work closely with him, to include more and more players in this program. That would be so much nicer than thinking he wanted to kill us, or knowing there may come a day where we'd have to kill him.
Right now, that seemed like both a million miles away and a waste.
"I'll do more," Ramsey said. "I'll tell the other guys too. Storm might loosen up after a session like that."
That was hopeful, but I was willing to try. We could even work up to Storm and Atlas supporting each other's weight in the water. That would be the ultimate test of trust.
"The whole team would benefit," Skinner said. "You may go." He nodded to both of us before moving away as a couple of otherplayers stepped into the pool to run laps down the lane on one side.
Ramsey's eyebrows twitched up at the curt dismissal, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he placed his hand on my lower back and led me to the steps and out of the pool.
"That was nice." He lowered his hand, but the look on his face suggested if we weren't surrounded by people, he'd peel the swimsuit off me and fuck me here and now. The front of his board shorts was tented slightly, his erection getting the better of him for a few moments.
"Yeah, it was," I agreed. I stepped over to pick up my towel and wrap it around myself. "It's nice to forget about things for a while. Just enjoy the water and all that. They could do with piping some music in here though."
He grinned. "Some loud rock would be just right."
I snorted. "I was thinking something along the lines of classical music or ballads, not rock, but whatever floats your…body."
"I really would fall asleep then." He snatched up his own towel and dried his face. "I need something loud to keep me awake."
"There is that, I suppose. Storm or Atlas would probably prefer something loud too."
I couldn't quite imagine either of them floating to the sounds of Mozart or Beethoven. On the other hand, it wouldn't hurt either of them to try. They might decide they liked it.
"I better go and get changed and get back to the infirmary," I said. "I have a few appointments this afternoon."
"I'm going to hit the gym," Ramsey said.
I frowned at him. "Haven't you worked out already?" He did a workout at home before coming here for training, then did another workout in the pool before the relaxation therapysession. Now he wanted to exercise again? I was starting to worry about the extent he was overdoing it.
"I still have energy to burn off," he said, but his eyes were averted.
