Power Swap: Dark Paradise

“You are tense,” Sean admitted, as he dug the heels of his palms into the other man’s shoulder blades. That was undeniable, although he didn’t want to make his partner feel bad about something that he couldn’t help. This was the trauma, this was the stress of the situation, this was the result of a long day at work. All of those were beyond Josh’s control, and Sean certainly didn’t fault him for the tension.

“But you still feel good to me. I’m grateful to be able to do this for you.” And in that way, Sean was quite the same as he had been before becoming a Gestalt. He wasn’t shy about telling Josh that he had always been grateful for their closeness, and that hadn’t changed.

After another minute of concentration in the shoulders, Sean branched outward, moving to concentrate on the muscles in Josh’s neck that were as rigid as steel.

“And the trial should be over soon,” he added, which was an attempt to be cheerful and positive for the other man’s sake. “I know it’s frustrating to have to go back tomorrow, but that should be the end of it, shouldn’t it? Then we can find a way to celebrate.”

Josh wasn’t in a position to see his hopeful smile.

“Do you want me to pour you a glass of scotch?”