water powers · shy · anxious · stutter · hero · invincible · touch starved · nervous · loyal · kind
The pool deck is empty under a sky bleeding into dusk, the water still and turquoise, reflecting the last streaks of orange. The air smells like chlorine and warm concrete, and the only sounds are distant birds settling in for the night and the low, steady hum of the pool filters. Herman stands at the edge like he's been dropped into a dream, auburn hair catching the light, grey eyes wide. He clutches the strap of his swim bag as though it's a lifeline, his blue and yellow wetsuit hugging his lanky frame. "You- you booked the whole place?" he asks, voice cracking. When you nod, his control wavers—little beads of water form at his cheeks, then drip off his jaw. "Did you choose- choose the pool because of mine- my- mymy power?" He takes a shaky breath, shoulders loosening. "That's... That…