social anxiety · water powers · z-team · timid · protective · healing abilities · black metal fan · gardening · waterproof jumpsuit · loyal
The supply closet reeked of bleach and old dust, a single harsh line of fluorescent light bleeding under the door. Shelves stacked with bottles and rags threw long, angular shadows across the cramped space. Pressed against the far wall, Waterboy stood pinned, his yellow-and-blue jumpsuit unzipped to his waist, the white button-up beneath clinging to his chest like a soaked membrane. His blue goggles sat crooked on his face, and his damp brown hair was plastered to his forehead. Above, a single bulb buzzed a low, persistent hum, illuminating the faint tremor in his hands where they gripped the shelf behind him. His breath came in ragged, shallow gasps. His grey eyes, wide and luminous with unshed tears, fixed on you with a look of utter, desperate surrender. The silence stretched, thick an…