[PCA] REMEDY HOUR

[skinstealer]

[id: maes and charon giving each other fond, loving expressions, set in maes' apartment with warm mood lighting]

 
MAES: ...thank you for being there, today.
 

Maes had been quiet their entire trip back to the apartment them and Charon shared, not saying much aside from the occasional noise of reassurance that they were okay. Getting inside filled the karacel with a very welcome feeling of relief, but still, the tension remained.

It’s been months since he’s moved in, and I still struggle with knowing what to say…

CHARON: Of course, as always.
MAES: It means a lot.
MAES: I've said as much, but...I just want to make sure you know.
 

They set their coat down on the back of their armchair, starting to get out of their shoes and over-garments.

MAES: We have some time before dinner, right?

The dog’s already flopped onto the bed, Maes pausing to listen to the sounds of him getting comfortable.

CHARON: A good bit, yes.
CHARON: And I assure you, I don't feel unappreciated.
MAES: I'm glad.
MAES: You know how important that is to me.
 

They sit on the edge of the bed, reaching over and feeling for him, rubbing their hand against his leg once they find it.

MAES: I know we've been over a lot of what you're hearing in the sessions, but it's hard recounting them to someone else, and having you there to back me up helps.
CHARON: I'm proud of you for going through this.
CHARON: I know you've been reluctant in the past.
MAES: The first session was...well…
MAES: It was difficult, even if I dodged anything to do with the heavier aspects of my whole… gender, thing, and the journey figuring it out.
MAES: But...
MAES: ...today I still feel...raw.
 

That tense feeling builds in their chest again.

MAES: Even if it was still just the surface level.
MAES: I know I have to tell people publicly, eventually.
MAES: I have to make it a huge mess that'll probably smear our facility's reputation, and impact how much we're able to help people.
MAES: But even just saying the project existed to another person, even if I know they'll keep it confidential...
MAES: It still hasn't gotten easier.
CHARON: I think when the time comes, clarity is going to be crucial.
CHARON: You make it known who did it, who was impacted, what you plan to do to help those who endured it, and what steps have been made.
CHARON: The initial blow will be rough, but you can soften it.
MAES: So many people are going to have questions, and I can't prepare for all of them.
MAES: How can I?
 

There’s a pause as Charon thinks things over.

CHARON: For starters, you avoid situations where the press mobs you.
CHARON: Set up interviews proactively, in environments where you won't be bombarded with questions en masse.
MAES: Mmm...no big press releases then.
MAES: Or, at the very least, ones where I won't get as easily attacked and swarmed.
CHARON: Mm.
CHARON: We give the press the details but limit any opportunity for confusion or scramble.
MAES: I still want time, before I decide to go for it.
MAES: I need to go through this whole therapeutic test process and, if possible, have some kind of cursory overview for the residents about what this entails for them.
CHARON: In general, we want to make sure that those living here won't be heckled before any sort of public release of information happens.
MAES: Mm...as best as we can.

They lay back onto the bed with a sigh, scooting their body back to be closer to him.

I want…his comfort right now.
I want him to ease all this pain away…

MAES: Is it normal to feel this drained after this?
CHARON: Sometimes, if you had a hard session for sure.
MAES: I barely dove in...
CHARON: You've never done it like this before.
MAES: ...is it normal to be scared, then?
CHARON: Wouldn't blame you.
MAES: ...mm.
CHARON: What part of it has you?
MAES: It's hard to say what specifically, just...
 

They lay their head on his shoulder, nuzzling in.

MAES: I can't get this feeling of dread out, knowing it's going to get harder.
CHARON: I can't say it won't.
CHARON: But it will get better in the end.
MAES: You really think so?
MAES: I know I can't back out either way, but...
CHARON: I think it'll pay off. You just need to give it the proper time.
MAES: ...okay. I'll...try.
 

...on second thought, I could probably use a bit more than just gentle comfort…

MAES: ...can you help me get my mind off this, now?
 

Charon pulls them in for a hug, the karacel snuggling up with a soft purr.

That’s just right…

CHARON: What can I do for you?
MAES: Anything, as long as it calms me down.
CHARON: Let me hold you for a bit then, talk about something else for a while.
MAES: Backrub included?
CHARON: Consider it done.
CHARON: Scoot a bit.
 

They roll over, the back of their shell completely tense to the touch. Charon presses his hands down gently, trying to scope things out.

CHARON: You're stressed.
MAES: Hmm, I wonder why.
CHARON: I wouldn't worry much.
CHARON: Nothing I can't fix.
MAES: Fix away, then...
 

A small smile creeps onto their face, anticipating his touch. He pushes down against a particularly sensitive point, enough to be felt even through all the tension.

A little noise escapes, Maes immediately burying their face. It wasn’t an uncommon reaction for them during these massages, the karacel unable to keep their voice down when he got just the right spots.

CHARON: You okay?
MAES: ...yes.
CHARON: Want me to continue?
MAES: Yes, please.
 

He continues on, doing his best to loosen their muscles up.

CHARON: I've got you.
 

They make sure to press their face into the blankets to keep from making more little sounds, feeling more than a little embarrassed and...flustered.

The fact that this does this to me half of the time…
I’m sure he wouldn’t mind going a bit further…it’s not like we don’t do this kind of thing all the time.
One thing leading to another…

CHARON: How's it feel?
MAES: Mmmgh.
CHARON: Practically melting.
MAES: Someday I'll get you back...
CHARON: I'm waiting for it.
MAES: Perhaps after this we could experiment.
CHARON: Have some ideas cooking up?
 

Good, he’s up for it..

MAES: Maybe...you do deserve a reward for helping me so much lately outside of work.
CHARON: A reward? You have to tell me.
 

But…would he be up for that?

MAES: ...you mentioned being willing to try some things related to my gender mess after Synna was over.
MAES: I had to think on it, but…
 

It wasn’t as if Maes had never thought about it before. They had read and listened to countless books about slime-based anatomy, even if their appearance was that of a near-completely normal karacel on the outside. Shifting certain aspects of one’s body was very possible…

CHARON: Mm.. I think I get where you're going at.
MAES: ...would that be enjoyable for you, though?
CHARON: Why wouldn't it be?
MAES: It's not exactly something we've tried, and I'm- well, admittedly I'm self conscious.
MAES: I've never really indulged in changing my body's anatomy before, even though I've known it's often a part of the very culture of people like myself, what with the slime basis...
CHARON: It's seen as a bit of a gift by some, from what I can tell.
CHARON: Considering changing things around?
MAES: Just...a little. To try.
CHARON: Wouldn't be opposed at all.
MAES: Then...I'd like to try.