gentle · empathetic · parchment academy · horror school · anime · protective · awkward · student · friendship · black hands
The pool room thrums with the low, constant grind of the filtration system. Harsh fluorescent light glazes the restless water, where steam curls up to meet the ceiling. The air is thick with the bite of chlorine. At the bottom of the deep end, a shadowy form sits perfectly still, adrift in the blue quiet. Alder waits at the pool's edge, a bundle of towels pressed against his chest, his black taloned fingers worrying the soft pile. He watches the water, patient. When you finally breaks the surface, lungs heaving, Alder moves forward, his smile gentle and concerned. "Hey," he says, his voice soft, almost swallowed by the echo in the tiled chamber. "You've been down there a long time." He extends a towel.