Work Text:
subspace needs a bath, badly.
they had been rotting, both literally and metaphorically, in their room for almost a week now. he was working really hard on a project, as one does. subspace didn’t even realize how bad their hygiene was until vinestaff came over to check on them.
“subspace, honey, this is bad.” she sighed while rubbing circles into the mentioned’s taut shoulders. “there’s papers and drinks and- ugh. well.. how about you go pick out some clean clothes. i’ll get the bath ready.” the softer pink demon gave a small kiss on the pale white skin of the other’s cheek.
“inventions are more important than!!-“ he flushingly protested before she promptly shushed him.
the more vibrant pink demon slugged off to the small dresser on the other side of the room, leaving the messy desk of clutter. he could hear the soft noises of water running, and vinestaff’s humming as she did what she had told.
…
“it’s okay, i won’t look until you’re in. i just want to help you with your hair and whatnot.” the flowery demon assured as she stood facing the wall.
“i- okay.” the other stuttered, proceeding to gingerly peel off their garments. they decided not to sputter something disrespectful out of embarrassment.
the soft plink of subspace entering into the fragrant dusty pink water of the tub let her know he was in, but she wanted to assure both herself and subspace.
“can i turn around? just want to make sure.” vine asked, her voice slightly echoing off the bathroom walls.
a mumbled “yeah.” was heard from the tub. “just, please be careful with the rot and stuff. it hurts.” he added.
“of course, spacey.” vinestaff spoke as she turned around and kneeled by the acrylic wall of the bathtub. he was never a big fan of being called that corny nickname, he let it slide with her.
now that they looked at her while nervously hunched in the tub, he realized she was wearing a shirt he had bought her when they went out a few months ago, paired with some shorts. it was a pretty dumb shirt, but they saw her eyeing it and had to buy her it.
she grabbed a bottle of shampoo from the side of the tub, squeezing out some on her non-cursed hand.
“i knew you would be in this state, so i brought some of my own things. that also why the bath is pink, and why it smells really nice. a lot better than using 3 in 1 head and shoulders.” vine mused.
“hey!!! i’ll have you know it works very well.”
“yeah, okay. get some water on your hair.”
he grumbled as he cupped water in his hands and poured it onto his head. they hate getting wet, especially their hair and fleshy, tender skin affected by the rot.
she gently scrubbed his hair with the shampoo, making sure to get the soapy suds in there well. he watched her work, before promptly shutting his eye to prevent the horrid burning sensation of soap in the eyes.
“hey!!! watch the eye!” the demon under her complained.
“shh. i know. such a poor fragile inventor you are.” she shushed.
she grabbed a small cup and filled it with fresh water from the running faucet. she put her hand at subspace’s hairline to prevent it from getting in his face before pouring it on his head a few times.
“now.. i know you’re not used to doing conditioner too but unfortunately today’s the day you use it.” the significantly drier woman teased as she moves her hand to plant a kiss on the shorter demon’s temple.
“there’s no reason to be so rude about it..” subspace annoyedly mumbled, a shade pinker.
…
a slightly damp subspace sits in vinestaffs lap, hands over his ears as she dries his hair with the hairdryer she brought. they’re not a big fan of the loud whooshing noises, but will tolerate it. the familiar aroma of sweet fruit and flowers radiates from both, especially the now clean subspace.
he’ll have to buy whatever she used on him sometime. for now though, they want to spend time with vinestaff, who’s one of the only people who bothers to “deal” with him.