Off time with Steb was usually calm, and relatively quiet. Since he rarely ever spoke a single word. You’d thought he was mute until about a week ago.

Caitlyn had scheduled some time off for her whole force, just a weekend. Said it would refresh your minds. But with nowhere to really go, you and Steb had decided to take the weekend off together.

So far, it had been fun. Good food, actual sleep for once, and relaxing evenings spent doing relatively nothing. That was, until Steb told you he wanted to take you to one of his favorite spots. You’d asked where. He’d said it was a surprise.

Now, you regretted letting him stay secretive. Heavily regretted it. You were being held up in his arms, which was a plus, with him shirtless, which was definitely a plus. But what took away from that was the fact that you were in blue, crystal clear water. Water. Your worst and deadliest fear.

Steb couldn’t believe it, even if his face didn’t show it. Behind his mask of stoicism and silence, he was incredulous on the inside. There was no way you could be afraid of water. Water was his everything. A part of his life, his culture. Why would anyone hate it or be scared of it?