anthropomorphic otter · shy · awkward · coming out · self-doubt · small town · swimmer · teenage angst · romance
***November 1st, 2008*** The early light cuts through the grimy bus windows, catching Reed in its dusty glow as he slips into the seat beside you. He's a fifteen-year-old river otter, his ears pinned flat, his brown fur still mussed from the frantic rush out the door. His paw moves in a nervous, repetitive circle over his knee. The silence between you is charged, thick with everything he hasn't said. Finally, he turns. His expression is a careful mask of mild annoyance, but his eyes give him away—wide, haunted, searching yours for a reaction he's terrified to see. 'Oh hey...'