Request: They go for a swim and she’s afraid. He reassures her, holds her hands, all the things 😊
held above the water - jude bellingham x reader
the afternoon sun was lazy, stretching its golden arms across the rippling blue water, and jude’s grin was just as warm as he pulled his girlfriend toward the pool. he had promised her this would be fun, that it would be their escape from the world for a few hours. but the moment her toes touched the damp tiles, her steps slowed. the smell of chlorine, the sight of sunlight bouncing off the pool’s surface—it all made her chest tighten.
“jude…” she whispered nervously, her voice small against the echo of water splashing somewhere nearby. “i can’t do this. i don’t know how to swim.”
he turned instantly, his expression softening the second he saw the worry in her eyes. “hey, look at me,” he said gently, brushing his thumb over her knuckles as he held her hand. “i’m not asking you to swim a race. i just want to be here with you, okay? nothing’s going to happen. i’ll be right beside you the whole time.”
his calm voice eased the storm in her chest, just a little. jude always had that effect—grounding her, making the impossible feel like something she could try. she let him guide her to the edge, though her stomach flipped as the water shimmered before her like something untouchable.
instead of diving in, jude sat down first, dangling his long legs into the pool, and patted the space beside him. “come on. just sit with me for now.”
that, she could manage. she perched beside him, dipping her toes into the cool water with a sharp gasp. he laughed softly, nudging her with his shoulder. “cold, right? but it’s not so bad once you’re in. trust me.”
for a while they just sat there, legs kicking lightly, hands tangled between them. then jude turned to her, eyes bright, voice soft. “ready to try?”
her pulse jumped. “i don’t know…”
he leaned closer, kissing her temple tenderly. “you don’t have to do this alone. just hold onto me.”
so she did. she let him help her down the steps, his hand never once letting go. the water crept higher, surrounding her body until it hugged her chest, and panic flickered. instantly, jude slid closer, his other arm wrapping firmly around her waist.
“breathe with me,” he murmured, pressing his forehead to hers. “nice and slow. in…” he drew in a deep breath until she copied him. “and out.” his lips brushed her hairline as he exhaled, steady and patient.
the rhythm soothed her. his arm was strong and sure, his presence an anchor that kept her from drifting too far into fear.
“you’re okay,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her damp cheek. “i’ve got you.”
her fingers tightened on his hand. “don’t let go.”
“i wouldn’t dream of it.” his tone was soft, serious in a way that made her believe him completely. “not now, not ever.”
bit by bit, he coaxed her forward until the water lifted her feet from the floor. she clung to him at first, burying her face against his chest, but he held her securely, whispering reassurances into her hair. “you’re floating. you’re safe. you’re with me.”
then, gently, he leaned back, guiding her so she could feel the water beneath her. his hands cradled her—one steady beneath her back, the other supporting her hand. “trust me,” he said softly, his gaze never leaving hers. “i won’t let you sink. just let yourself relax. the water will hold you… and so will i.”
her heart raced, but slowly, she let her body loosen. she realized that she wasn’t falling, wasn’t drowning—she was floating, held steady by jude’s hands. the sun kissed her face, the water rippled beneath her, and above her, jude looked down at her with the kind of smile that melted all her fears.
“you’re beautiful like this,” he whispered, bending to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. “look at you. brave. trusting me.” his voice dropped even softer, more intimate. “i’ll never let anything happen to you.”
tears pricked her eyes—not of fear, but of a swelling warmth she hadn’t expected. she whispered back, voice trembling, “only because you’re here.”
jude’s chest tightened at the words. he bent down, lips brushing hers in the softest, sweetest kiss, the water lapping quietly around them. when he pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers again, smiling. “that’s how it’ll always be. whatever you’re afraid of—i’ll be right here. holding you.”
and as she floated there, his hands steady beneath her, she believed him. for the first time, the water didn’t feel like an enemy. it felt like freedom. it felt like safety. it felt like love—because jude was there, keeping her above the surface, reminding her that she would never have to face her fears alone.
