Page 9 of Slithery Heat

“I do change clothes in the evening, yes.”

For some reason, Gideon chuckled. “You don’t understand. It’s a relief for me to let go of the pretense, of the dress code and poise I need to maintain at work. I’m wondering if you feel similar relief when you can…um…let go of the human skin and be yourself, twenty limbs and all.”

“Oh. I’ve never thought of such a comparison. I don’t feel a strong relief in one form or the other. My skin is more sensitive when I’m in my natural form, so for sexual contact, I prefer it. But existing in other spaces is easier when I assume a more…compact shape. I’ve been doing it since I was a small child. For Vaellians born on Earth, their human form is second nature.”

“That’s nice, I guess. But if you ever want to, you know, stretch your tentacles, I’m fine with that. I don’t mind.”

“I’ll take that into consideration. Thank you.”

The human looked at Siurin with his sharp eyes.

“Do you have more questions?”

Again, Gideon’s lips twitched with a smile. “It’s nice to chat. It doesn’t have to be a serious question that demands a serious answer. We can just talk. Unless I’m disturbing you, that is. Do you need to work?”

“No. We can, um, chat. What do you want to talk about?”

“Are all Vaellians so methodical even in social interactions?”

“Ah. Um. I’m notmethodicalall the time.”

“But you are now. With me. Why? Because you’re paying me?”

“May I point out that was a serious question?”

“Sorry. Will you answer?”

“I’m not paying you, per se. I’m paying the clinic, just like the fertilizing parent is paying the clinic, and you are getting your compensation from the clinic.”

“Technicalities. Do you want to tell me why you are so careful with me?”

“I don’t want to make a mistake. The previous times I had encounters with humans, the investment was low on both sides. A few hours of pleasure that could be given or not, no harm done. If I drive you away, I’ll lose the opportunity of a lifetime.”

“How often do you need to, um, deposit eggs?”

“It varies. Some Vaellians of my biological gender can produce ten eggs every few years, some only three or four once in their lives. When the eggs are ready for insemination, they need to be placed into a surrogate, or the Vaellian body expels them in the form of waste. Our species has struggled for survival for centuries, and many Vaellians in my position would feel not only instinctually but also morally compelled to fulfill our natural role. This is the first time I have reached this point of the reproductive cycle, and I am most anxious to do it right.”

“What mistakes do you think you could make?”

That made Siurin pause. “I don’t know. I… My natural form is considered fearsome by humans, isn’t it? Or maybe the things I’d say would put you off. I could overlook a need or discomfort on your side when I am to take care of you and should stay focused on your well-being.”

“I appreciate your concern, I really do. But what I’ve seenand feltso far from your natural form has been quite pleasant.”

Siurin was glad. He tilted his head in what he hoped was a gesture of appreciation.

“And your concern for my well-being makes me feel safe, so thank you.”

“Of course. Um. Good.”

The conversation then moved to simple topics like how Siurin spent his free time and which food he preferred. He even made Gideon laugh when he described his experiences with various cuisines on Earth. He felt irrationally proud that he’d been able to entertain the omega.

Siurin hadn’t expected more from the stay at the clinic than the fulfillment of his biological needs. He’d chosen Gideon based on superficial qualities like appearances, health, and age. Gideon was indeed highly attractive—the delicate omega was the epitome of beauty, plus he had the sex drive and flexibility of a young, hormonal human. But the more time Siurin spent with him, the more he appreciated Gideon as a pleasant companion, even outside of sexual contact. The workings of the omega’s mind were most interesting. While some of Gideon’s questions unsettled him, Siurin did his best to answer them, hoping to learn more about Gideon in return.

“May I inquire why you applied with the clinic,” he asked, “or would that be considered an invasion of your privacy?”

Gideon shrugged, appearing relaxed. “I’m single, and spending a heat with toys only is really depressing. All my alpha friends and acquaintances are either coupled up or someone I don’t want to be intimate with. I would have to find a stranger online to help me through my heat, and that’s risky.”

That sounded like the usual way humans reasoned around their heats, but how such an appealing omega was still unattached baffled Siurin. He would have asked about that, but wasn’t prying about past relationships considered intrusive? “An arrangement via a reputable agency is a safe option for a healthy heat. The added monetary compensation makes it a practical choice,” he said neutrally.

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