[It does help that Bel isn't the dead weight of the drowned, or the dangerous thrashing of the panicked. They're just very, very determined to survive this. They help where they can, pulling when they are in reach, mimicking (if poorly) how Miles moves.
Miles is right though, in the slow push downward, that first involuntary gasp from burning lungs is met by air, rather than a rush of damning water. Something Bel is DEEPLY grateful for as they force themselves through the gash after Miles...
The current that takes them afterwards barely needs any swimming at all. Rushing headlong, the twists and turns throw both of them into the walls of the corridor with bruising force. It's only in the eddies created by an open door that Bel manages to close their hand around SOMETHING, and in turn drag Miles to a stop.]
no subject
Miles is right though, in the slow push downward, that first involuntary gasp from burning lungs is met by air, rather than a rush of damning water. Something Bel is DEEPLY grateful for as they force themselves through the gash after Miles...
The current that takes them afterwards barely needs any swimming at all. Rushing headlong, the twists and turns throw both of them into the walls of the corridor with bruising force. It's only in the eddies created by an open door that Bel manages to close their hand around SOMETHING, and in turn drag Miles to a stop.]