Want you to get in and try to relax
Concentrate on your muscles, feel them let go
You like music?
Charlie
Yeah I’m not an alien
Aunix
Haha. Put this album on.
You can turn it off if you don’t like it
Charlie
Ok
Aunix
Let me know when you’re out and dry
Take it slow
Charlie
Ok
He undressed, not exactly feeling observed, but watched over, like there was someone hearing out for him in the other room, making sure he was okay.
He slipped into the water. The heat unlocked his muscles, soothing the knots that had built, his shoulders unwinding slowly as he relaxed.
He didn’t have to worry about whether he was wasting time or being too indulgent. He was being good. Listening to his Alpha—well, not his Alpha, but…
He was being good. Following instructions.
He let his mind drift, unspooling into loose string instead of a tangled, tight ball. Every time the events of the day tried to creep in, he just focused on the Alpha’s clear commands—this, at least, he couldn’t fuck up.
He got out before the water cooled too much, rinsing off with the shower and wrapping up in a towel. The cloth was thin and scratchy, some cheap thing he’d bought online even though he had more than enough money to get something better quality.
He wondered what the Alpha would think of his towels. Somehow, Chase could guess he wouldn’t approve, even if it was only Chase using them.
He dried off, including his hair, and then sat on the edge of the bed, heart skipping a beat as he texted the Alpha.
Charlie
I’m out now
Aunix
How was it?
How’re you feeling?
Charlie
So much better