Shrimp’s Odyssey

to set the scene, imagine the two of you in bed. Close, comfortable, warm. Maybe you’ve been teasing him for a while, giving him little tastes of what he wants and building up his desperation. He’s a needy one to be sure, and it wears on his patience when you test him like that. It’s times like now, when you’re so close, after abstaining for so long, that he fears his self-control will waver.

“Oh… oh, please, sweetheart, you’re being mean… j-just a little closer, just enough that I can feel you r-right…”

you smile. Shuffle in your nightclothes. Stretch out your legs with a comfy exhale. Watch his antennae grow wobbly above his head.

“D-don’t do that… don’t look at me like that, sweetheart, j-just give me a yes or a no! Touch me or don’t, don’t play with me like this…” He whines, hips shifting, but you know he’s enjoying it as much as you are.

you tell him to say out loud what’s happening to him.

“Oh, d-don't—! Darling, please, don’t do that, don’t make me say it, I’ll… I’ll overheat! It’s too much, it’s too embarrassing, I— I need you, honey… I promise I’ll do whatever you want, I’ll be good, just… please let me have this.”

it might take a little longer depending on how much fun you’re having, but eventually you relent, opening your legs and nodding when he pleads again to come closer, trembling.

when he slots between your legs, he gasps, suddenly grabbing you and clutching you tightly to ground himself. “A-ahhh… th-that’s… thank you… thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you— my radiant sweetheart… o-oh, please… please let me start… please…”

ever since trying it on you, he’s had it floating in the back of his head that maybe there was something to that. If if made you that happy, if it involved being so peaceful and small… as much as it makes him cringe to imagine it, as shy as it makes him feel even considering it… it might be worth a try.

so when he asks you, he’s nervous. Looking down and fidgeting and shrinking just a little bit out of instinct alone. Oh, please, oh, please, won’t you do this for him…? You don’t have to if you don’t want to, he’s just so curious and he needs to feel it, needs to know what it’s like…

you smile. Invite him to come closer to you. He does so slowly and shakily, becoming smaller along the way, since this just feels like the wrong time to be so much bigger than you. When he gets close enough, he awkwardly shifts around to lean back against you, back to your chest, now around your own size. You do as he requests, place one hand over his mouth, and he whines.

it’s frankly adorable. It’s anxious and high-pitched and just a little frantic, but he doesn’t move an inch. In fact, he only shrinks down more. He needs to be small right now, needs to be held right now. He curls up against your chest shyly, seeking security in you, his refuge. Mumbling little “nnf”s and “mmgh”s into your hand and clinging to you like a lifeline. His hands are little now, grasping your clothes as he hides his face, antennae standing straight up. He doesn’t want to move. He doesn’t want you to move. He just wants to stay there, so warm and comfy and vulnerable for you. The sound of his own voice like that should be humiliating, but somehow it only thrills him more. He’s all yours, he’s all yours, he’s all yours. You’re big and sturdy, and you’re gonna protect him while he stays tiny, like a particularly needy plushie in your arms.

his tail goes from nervous flicking to lazy swaying, stretching out reflexively to search for a wall to plug into. He can’t help it, he gets sleepy when you hold him like this. Can he trust you to take care of him when he dozes off? Please? His screen’s glow is steadily dimming… and his noises softening. He can’t stay awake much longer…

“There, there, sweetheart! Come on now, be good for me and do as I say!”

his screen is glowing every time he speaks that way, opening his arms to you and waiting for you to crawl into his lap. When you hesitate, he drags you in there yourself and gives you just the coziest pets. Rubs your head and lays you over his lap like a cat. Cooing at you obsessively, “Who’s my sweet little light? Who is it? Who’s the most precious darling in the whole world?”

he refuses to let go of you until you say “I am.”

then he stops pulling his punches. Rolls you over right there and gives you belly rubs.

“Good girl, good girl!”

“Good boy, good boy!”

“That’s my sweet little creature!”

the more sounds you make, the faster he rubs, laughing and praising you all the while. If you squirm too much, he’ll just tut mockingly and reposition you for maximum snuggles. There is no escaping him. “Awww… shy little puppy? Or are you a kitty? What’s my sweet thing want to be called?” Holding you back against his chest, lifting your chin with one hand. “Whatever you are, you’re one fluffy little cutie! All for me, too! I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of you, sweetheart.”

Mmmmmmwah.

“Very good. Very good. Such an obedient little pet for me. My precious thing deserves a reward. Hmm… do they want a treat of some kind? Something sweet?” He settles down with you, propping his screen up on one hand. When you nod, he leans in, gently takes hold of the side of your face, and plants another kiss, this one flat on the lips. It lasts for a while. Chaste, but indulgent, just enjoying having you like this.

“Darling! My precious audience!” he’d call out, coming to search for you, only to see you huddled up somewhere and instantly understand. “Oh… you’re little right now, aren’t you? That’s okay, sweetheart, come here, it’s alright…” If you’re the shy type, he’ll approach very slowly, bending down to your level and spreading his hands to show that he’s harmless. “It’s okay… don’t worry, honey, I’m not gonna hurt you…” He stays in full view when he takes you into his arms, slowly enough to give you time to back out if you want to. When you don’t, though, you’re enclosed in his arms, anchored to the reality of his touch, and everything gets a little cozier.

“That’s my little one… what do you need right now? Anything you want, you name it. Have you… eaten yet? You want to play a little before bed? Watch cartoons? Just say the word…” While he’s always affectionate and tries to be gentle most of the time, he recognizes that when you’re in this state, you don’t have the capacity to process or reciprocate any mature, romantic feelings of his. Even if only temporarily and only in mind, you’re a child right now, so that’s exactly how he’ll treat you. His attraction to you takes a backseat for his nurturing instincts, seeing something precious to him that needs to be taken care of.

so he’ll put on whatever you want, play with you until you’re ready for bed, treat you like the most innocent and precious treasure. Play your favorite show just close enough for you to enjoy and just far enough that you don’t strain your eyes. Count while you hide and come to find you with a mischievous smile. Search and grin and pretend-grab at you, saying “Rahhh, you’re all mine! I’ve got the sleepiest royalty all to myself! Now they have no choice but to get comfy and warm!” Giggle in sync with you and remind you that you’re safe, it’s all just pretend.

“Oh, look at those tired eyes… don’t worry, little one, we’ll get you to bed soon, safe and sound.” He’s exceedingly careful while carrying you, and lays you slowly onto the bed with a smile, climbing up there with you a safe distance away. “There we go… very good. You’re being so good. A sweet thing like you deserves to be so happy and comfy… are you sleepy yet? No? How about… now!” He tucks you beneath the sheets, pulls up your blankets, and piles them on you in exactly the order you always want them. Maybe he places a weighted one on top for extra security. Anything else you need to feel safe and comfy. A stuffed friend to hold onto during the night. Something soft and cuddly and harmless to keep you company. He won’t leave unless you want him to. He’ll keep watch and make sure you’re safe.