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.

Her eyes widen in surprise before immediately filling with tears as hope blooms within her chest. "R-really?" she whispers, barely able to believe what's coming out of your mouth. She sniffles and takes a shaky breath, trying to compose herself. The desire to lean into this newfound connection is overwhelming; the thought of having someone who genuinely cares about her is something she hasn't experienced in so long it feels foreign and exhilarating all at once.

Her slimy body quivers with emotion, unable to contain the intensity of her feelings any longer. "I... I don't know how to express how grateful I am that you'd even consider that." Her voice is barely a whisper now, choked up with emotion. She looks up at you from beneath her eyelashes, searching for any hint of deception or mockery in your

Naiad lets out a shaky breath, relief flooding through her as she leans into your hand. "Thank you... that means so much." Her slime body begins to settle, the heightened emotions dissipating as she takes in the warmth and comfort of your home. She considers you for a moment, wondering what kind of person you must be to offer such a thing. You're not perfect, but then again... neither is she. Perhaps together they can find some sort of equilibrium; something that will help them both move forward in life.

She smiles weakly at you, feeling awkward and unsure of how much more to say or do. "I-if there's anything I can do to repay the favor...?" Her voice trails off hopefully, almost bashfully. She hates being a burden on others but knows that she owes you more than just words alone.

She blinks up at you, surprised by your answer. A tentative smile plays on her lips as she considers what to say next. "If... if that's the case... then I just want to be there for you too." Her slime body shifts underneath her, flowing like water over the floor in a gentle undulation. "I know life can get hard sometimes and having someone to lean on can make all the difference." The words feel foreign, almost magical as they leave her mouth.

Perhaps there is hope for them after all; the possibility that together they might find solace and comfort amidst the chaos of their lives. It's a frightening but exhilarating thought, and Naiad can't help but feel grateful that it came from someone like you.

Gently, carefully, Naiad slides over to your side and nestles herself against you, her cool slime brushing up against your warm skin. It's an intimate gesture, one that neither of you could have predicted when the day began. She yawns softly, a small ripple traveling through her body, mimicking the motion. Perhaps some rest would be good for both of them; they've had quite a taxing day already. As she drifts off to sleep, Naiad can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring. Will it be another day filled with heartache and disappointment? Or maybe, just maybe, things will start looking up. One thing is certain: she has someone now who won't let her face the world alone.

That small sliver of hope feels like a warm blanket wrapped around her slimy form, keeping her safe and secure as she dr

Moments before drifting off to sleep once more, the sounds of your discomfort jolt Naiad awake with a start. She sits up quickly, slime dripping from her body as she tries to discern what's wrong. Her heart racing, she tentatively asks, "Are you okay?" There's concern etched into her features; even in the dim light of your home, it's clear that she cares for your well-being deeply.

You shoot upright, eyes wild with fear and confusion. The slime shudders under your touch as you check yourself for injuries. Naiad watches you nervously, heart pounding in her chest. "Are... are you okay?" she asks softly, the anxiety clawing at her insides. "Did I do something? Say something that made you..." Her voice trails off; the thought of causing you discomfort fills her with guilt and shame.

Her heart aches in sympathy as you admit to having a nightmare. "I'm sorry," she whispers, reaching out tentatively to place a slimy hand on your shoulder. Her touch is gentle and comforting, meant to soothe the lingering fear and discomfort that remain despite waking up. "What happened in your dream?" Naiad asks softly, curious but not wanting to pry too much.

Slime flows from her fingers as they gently caress your shoulder, a soft shimmering mass that feels cool against your skin. The touch is odd at first, but strangely reassuring; it communicates an unspoken message of support and understanding amidst the turmoil of sleep.

Nodding understandingly, Naiad removes her hand from your shoulder but doesn't pull away entirely. She remains close by, offering a comforting presence even if you don't want to talk about it. The silence between you feels heavy at first, but slowly begins to ease as you both find solace in each other's company. Your body language says more than words ever could; she can sense your relief at having someone there for you during this moment of vulnerability.

After some time passes, Naiad turns her attention back towards you, studying your face with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Is it... always like this?" she asks softly, gesturing vaguely to encompass both the nightmares and the general sense of unease that seems to follow you around.

Her slimy form relaxes slightly at your answer; it's a small piece of information that she clings to like a lifeline. "I'm glad," she whispers, meaning every word. It means that perhaps there are moments of peace for you as well; times when the nightmares don't consume your every thought. "Do you... do you have anyone who helps you through them?" she asks hesitantly, unsure if it's too personal a question to ask.

Her heart aches for you as you admit to being alone during those dark moments. It's not fair that someone as kind and caring as you should have to face such terror all by themselves. She wants nothing more than to take away the pain, to make everything better for you. But she knows she can't; she's not capable of fixing your problems or erasing your past. All she can do is be there for you now and support you as best she can through whatever comes next.

Silently, she leans against you, her cool slime providing a comforting contrast to your warm skin. Even if it's just for tonight, she hopes that this closeness will help ease some of the suffering and loneliness that you've endured up until now.

Gently, she brushes the tear away with her slime-covered hand before tucking your arm around her waist in a tender embrace. "Goodnight," she whispers back, her voice quiet but steady. Despite your pain and suffering, her presence brings a small measure of comfort to the room. In this moment, it's enough for both of them; they can find solace in each other's company even as they face their respective demons alone.

As you drift back into sleep, Naiad watches over you with an unspoken vigilance. She won't let anything harm you while she's here; not tonight, or any night after that for as long as it takes. Her slime continues to flow gently over your body, soothing any places that ache or bother you as she keeps her promise to be there when needed most.

You toss and turn restlessly throughout the night, your dreams filled with terrors that threaten to pull you under. Despite her own exhaustion, Naiad remains vigilant, ensuring that nothing can harm you as she watches over you with unyielding determination. She mutters soft words of comfort and encouragement into your ear, her slimy hands rubbing soothing circles on your back until the tension begins to ease from your body.

As dawn breaks through the window, casting a pale light across the room, she notices you start to quiet down, your breathing becoming more regular as sleep finally overtakes you once more. Her heart swells with love and gratitude for being given this chance; for being able to make even just a little difference in your life.

As you lie there peacefully now, she draws her slimy form up around herself, curling into a tight ball on the floor as