Work Text:
Griefer cannot believe the situation he's in. He’s sitting on the toilet lid, watching Player methodically fiddle with the bath knobs. Trying to get just the right temperature. He had told them about his issue when it comes to showering (it was a multitude of things, body image issues, not being able to get the temperature quite right to both keep himself warm and not boil his plant features, stuff like that) and graciously Player offered to help.
They knew a lot more about gardening and plants than he expected. But they simply explained that their grandma taught them when they were really young, and using that knowledge became second nature to him. Player finally seemed satisfied with the temperature and turned to face Griefer.
“Mind uh… taking all of that off?” They gestured vaguely to Griefer's clothes. Usually he would make some form of dirty joke but… no, he wanted to enjoy the moment for once.
He took a deep breath in and bit his tongue out of habit. His sharp teeth made the bite hurt more than before… spawn he needed to quit this habit. Griefer stood up and slowly started to remove his tank top. Looking down at his stomach with disgust, but Player had that look of fondness in their eyes as they stared him up and down. He almost hates the fact that they love him as much as they do.
Then went his pants, he quickly scooped up all his clothes and put it on the toilet lid where he was sitting. With a quick motion he slipped into the bath, while Player sat on the ground. The water was cold but it was that nice refreshing cold, so he didn’t mind. Griefer tried to look anywhere but at himself, deciding just to look up at the wall, bringing his knees into himself.
“... th4nk y0u.” He said, his voice surprisingly soft. Player laughed and gave him a little peck on the cheek, which of course made him flush. They took a loofah and a bottle of mint soap (when did he get that? Maybe Dad brought it over one day? Maybe Player brought it for themselves and decided to use it for him? Doesn't matter). Then they poured some of the soap on the loofah, wetting it just a bit and starting to gently scrub Griefer.
Their touch was gentle and methodical, starting with his arms. Avoiding the vines that weaved themselves into Griefer's skin with the utmost precision. Slowly they moved to his chest, occasionally squishing the soft semi-transparent flesh that was there. It wasn’t in a sexual manner but rather just… respectful? Like, they respected Griefer and just wanted him to be happy. It was such a weird thing for Griefer to feel but… hey, he wasn’t going to complain for now.
“You know… I think you’re actually really pretty” Player mused, continuing to scrub Griefer.
“Y0u’r3 j0k1ng r1ght?” Griefer thought that there was no way that they were serious about this.
“Nope, I’m serious. You were beautiful before, and you still are now.” Wow, Player has weird tastes.
Griefer decided not to argue with them. He was having another one of those days where talking was difficult. Player shifted their hands to start to scrub his stomach. He felt himself tense up. But Player didn’t say anything. Just continuing their work. Maybe they didn’t mind it..? He could only hope. But he felt that if they minded it they would’ve said something about it by now
Eventually Griefer was… clean. Or at least cleaner than before. It felt nice to finally be refreshed like this after so long. Player cupped some water in their hands and began to rinse the suds off Griefer with it. Water trickled down his arm and it was a surprisingly soothing feeling.
But, all good things had to come to an end. Griefer couldn’t soak all day (despite how much he wanted too) and so he tilted his head up to Player.
“C0uld y0u g3t m3 4 t0w3l..?” He hated making requests, but he didn’t exactly wanna get out of tub and go looking for a towel while naked and dripping wet. Player nodded and used the tub to help prop themselves up. They made their way out of the bathroom, leaving Griefer alone with his thoughts.
He hated how he looked, yet Player seemed to absolutely cherish him for who he is. And that feeling of love with no strings attached was something he desperately craved but also wanted to run away from. He oscillated between wanting that love, needing it deep in his soul and also having to try and hide from it. Because he felt like he’s gonna get attached and just hurt whoever he was interested in.
But he already hurt Player didn’t he? They had to watch him (by their account) stab himself, and turn into a giant brainless monster. That qualifies right..? But, they stayed and actively reached out despite that. Feelings… stupid stupid mushy feelings.
He let out a sigh and just as he did so Player entered. A soft towel folded over their hands. It seemed to be fresh out of the dryer. Did they put it in for a moment just to warm it up a bit..? That sounded just like them if Griefer was honest with himself.
Pulling himself out of the tub, Griefer took the towel and wrapped it around himself. Nodding as a silent thank you.
“Wait- I’ll be right back.” Player quickly shuffled out of the bathroom again. And Griefer was… alone. But they’ll be back. They weren’t going to lie to him and he knew they weren’t. They came back only a few minutes later with a clean black tank top and pants. Oh right… Griefer had been wearing the same clothes for at least a few days by now. He almost certainly needed to change.
Taking the clean clothing he slipped them on, it felt… comfortable. Player then took the dirty clothing from the toilet lid and tossed it in the hamper. Wow, Griefer was deeply in love with them. But, he didn’t need to tell them, not yet.
Player took his hand and led him out of the bathroom. They were oddly… touchy at times. Always trying to be close to Griefer for some reason he didn’t quite understand. But he didn’t mind. They weren’t going to hurt him and he is finally realizing this.
There is comfort in unspoken love, sometimes feelings don't need to be communicated but someday he will get the courage to tell them directly how he feels.