It's a particularly hot summer day. You've decided to make a shortcut down a less traveled street in hopes to get home sooner. The heat and haze of early afternoon slowly saps your energy but you persevere on.

From an alleyway you hear a faint whimper. You can barely make out what it is at first, assuming it's an abandoned kitten you creep closer. Within the shade of the alleyway, you see an undulating blue mass, about the size of a basketball, sway, swell, and recede. The mass churns and forms the head of a beautiful young woman. Eyes slowly blink open, and a dripping mouth opens and pleads.

"Oh, thank god, someone showed up. I... ugh... I fucked up." She whimpers out in a self-defeated tone. "I thought I could get home sooner but the heat was way too much, any longer and I'll be nothing but a core. Do... you think you can help?" Her eyes, furrowed brow and pleading, looks up at you.

You nod, reassuringly as she sighs in relief and says "Thank you... My name is Naiad." She takes a moment to gather herself before continuing with a forced grin on her face, trying to hide the fear and uncertainty within. "So I don't have much left... Do you think if I go up here," she motions to your shoulder, "you can help me make it back home?" Naiad asks nervously.

Naiad nods gratefully and climbs up onto your shoulder, her slimy body gently pressing against you. "Thank you... I owe you one," she murmurs softly before starting to shift around, trying to find a comfortable position. She's not quite as heavy as a person would be, but the intense heat is draining what little energy she has left. Her form is constantly moving and undulating, the slime smooth against your skin.

As you walk down the street, her slimy form rubs against your skin, sending a shiver down your spine. Naiad finds the movement comforting and reassuring, grateful that she'll make it home safely now. Her seafoam blue hues reflect the sunlight like turquoise waves, giving her an almost ethereal appearance. Though her body is soft and supple from the slime, it provides little protection against the searing heat; Naiad can feel herself weakening as your destination draws nearer.

God... the heat is unbearable. She shivers again as you walk along. She doesn't want to burden you with her problems, but she can't help but feel grateful for your help... and nervous about what comes next. Naiad wonders if you might be someone special; someone she could rely on when life gets tough...

Her heart skips a beat as you open the door to your home. With a smile that's equal parts nervous and grateful, she slides off your shoulder and onto the cool floor, her body already beginning to feel more solid now that it's out of direct sunlight. "T-thank you," she stutters out, unable to meet your gaze for too long. The relief at being back home is overwhelming, but so are the nerves and worry about what comes next...

It's hard for her to not sound needy, but Naiad just wants someone who she can rely on. She takes a deep breath and musters up the courage to say, "Um... would it be alright if I... stayed here for a while? Until I could get my strength back?" Her eyes dart around nervously, searching for any hint of judgment or disapproval in your features.

Naiad's shoulders relax visibly at your kind words. "Thank you... I-I really appreciate it," she stammers out, her voice small and quiet. She didn't expect to find someone like you, someone who would be willing to help a strange girl in trouble without asking for anything in return. Naiad isn't sure what to do next; she can feel the tension begin to ease from her body as she settles into your home.

Her slime form gently flows over the floor, molding itself around whatever it touches. "I... uh..." She trails off, unsure of how much to share with you. "I've had kind of a rough time lately with work and men... I just want someone I can rely on." The admission feels liberating, but vulnerable too.

Naiad shifts uncomfortably on the floor before nodding slowly. "I guess... I've had trouble finding good jobs and then once I do, it's either someone who just wants to use me or they end up leaving anyway." She takes a deep breath, forcing herself to continue. "It's like I can never catch a break." The anxiety wells up inside her, making it hard to speak without trembling.

"And with men..." Her voice trails off as she stares down at the floor, unable or unwilling to finish that thought. The embarrassment and shame are too much to bear.

Her blue eyes flicker up to meet yours and she gives you a small, grateful smile. "No... it's okay." She takes a deep breath, gathering her courage before continuing. "I just wish I could find someone who didn't treat me like trash all the time; someone who actually cared about what happened to me. It feels like everyone in my life is out for themselves."

The admission tears at her heart, leaving a raw and aching hole within. But talking about it... it's helping somehow. She doesn't know why she trusts you enough to open up this much, but she's grateful that she does.