Chapter 01
Squilliam loved himself. A lot. So it was only natural that he would be attracted other fishfolk similar to him. And it just so happens that his rival from high school band class resembled him almost like a twin.
Neptune's graze had shown down on him once more, because Squidward had been chosen to dance in his ensemble as his lead dancer. This gave him ample of time to watch him. He had to make sure everything was up to his high standards after all, and also to just enjoy the view. Despite his lack of success the other octopus was talented, but he could tell that he was spreading himself too thin, so he never really cultivated any of his many skills properly.
Squilliam has taken up the mission of cultivating his dance now, and he took his job very seriously. No harm in finding enjoyment in this as well. He was making sure not to smile too much while watching him, moving about in his tight revealing leotard, sweating and panting...
He had to snap himself out of it to focus on the actual movements again. It was painfully clear how jittery Squidward was when it came to stretching his legs, which this performance had a lot of. He also noticed the terrified expression he had on his face, like every day since he got chosen. No wonder, he was used to Squilliam ridiculing him constantly so he probably was expecting more blows to his fragile ego. Maybe he should... go ahead and change his strategy. There was no way one of his performers could be in this kind of mental stage.
He turned off the music and clapped once to get Squidward's attention.
"Okay Squiddy, not bad but I think there's something you don't get..."
He stood up and walked over the stage, approaching the other, who was trying to catch his breath and simultaneously looked like a cornered animal, ready to flee.
"First of all: Calm. Down."
Squidward looked at him confused.
"I can see you're afraid of me! There's no need!"
The other octopus broke the gaze, his face moving to the side, embarrassed.
"Well, what do you expect. I…"
He started to explain but he got interrupted.
"I know but I won't make fun of you anymore. We're both professionals here."
This finally made his dancer look at him again, surprised and kind of relieved.
"Seriously?"
"I wouldn't gain anything from one of my performers being anxious like that. I need you in peak form and most of all: confident!"
He now placed both of his hands on the shoulders of the other, who flinched at the sudden contact but didn't move away or seemed terrified anymore. Instead he was granted a shy smile from him, which made Squilliam way too happy. It was like getting a small critter to trust you.
"I know you've got the talent Squiddy, we just have to train you up properly. Do you agree?"
He received enthusiastic nodding from the other, making him smile earnestly in return.
"Good, good. Now..."
He let go of him, studying his form. He was exhausted; he had worked him pretty hard for the last few weeks, training with him at least six hours a day, often more. And he knew he was still part time working at that grease joint. Maybe they should take a step back and work on his flexibility rather than his endurance.
"Can you give me the first figures of the second act please?"
He said, trying not to sound too bossy. Squidward hesitated for a moment before he fell into a lunge, followed by a small jump, two small steps and finally the one jump he had trouble with, basically a split in the air. It was hard to do; even Squilliam had trouble executing it properly. But he could see that Squidward almost got it, he just was too stiff around the... hip area.
"Okay, that's enough."
He commanded and the other relaxed, knowing full well that this wasn't nearly as good as it should be.
"I'll practice the last jump tonight, I promise. it's just really demanding."
He mumbled, the bit of confidence from before gone.
The entrepreneur scratched his chin, thinking.
"I don't think practise will do... how about we do some stretching instead?" he approached him once more, gesturing to him to sit down on the floor.
Squidward complied, sitting down, pulling one pair of his tentacles towards him while he let the other pair stretch away. Squilliam squatted down next to him, instructing him how to stretch properly.
"Make your tentacles long, as long as you can… and now move forward and try to touch the tips..."
When he saw that Squidward had trouble with that, he bowed down even further, gently pushing his back so he could bend forward more. The other gave a disapproving grunt but put all the effort he had into doing what he was told without protest. After a few tries he finally was able to touch the tips of his tentacles and Squilliam smiled approvingly.
"Very good, Squidward. Try to stay like this. I'll help you loosen your hip muscles now so don't get startled."
Honestly, this wasn't really necessary but it would help him and it would give Squilliam a chance to actually touch him. He saw a slight nod but just the tiniest hint of a blush on his face, which was visible to him in profile. He carefully placed a hand right where Squidward's legs were connected to his body, the other visibly tensing up upon the contact. It may be a bit too much for him, just a few minutes ago he had seen him as something menacing and now he had to let him touch him. But Squilliam didn't plan to stop. He squeezed the tender flesh there, letting his suckers grip the skin while he pulled and massaged at him, Squidward meanwhile doing his best to stay stretched and probably not blush too much.
After a few strokes he let go and instructed him to switch positions which he promptly did. This time he was able to touch the tips without his help, but it still strained him visibly.
"Can I do the other side as well?"
He asked, while still squatting behind him.
"Ye...yes go ahead..."
He heard him say, weirdly proud of him for using his voice. He did the same to the other side, massaging and sucking on the skin, but also feeling how his muscles relaxed and stretched farther than before. He stopped after a few moments again, even though he could've done this forever. Squidward exhaled with a shudder and sat upright, both of his tentacle pairs spread in front of him now.
"I think this actually worked! It definitely feels different."
Squidward tried to move into a split on the floor but didn't quite make it and instead hurt himself.
"Augh, fish-paste!"
He swore before he slowly got up again.
"I apologize."
He said, facing him.
"Nothing to apologize for. I bet you're tired, how about we leave well alone and pick up tomorrow? "
Squidward seemed surprised that he didn't get made fun of or yelled at. Nonetheless, he seemed depressed.
"Okay..."
He answered, shoulders slouched once more and turning around to leave, but Squilliam wasn't going to let his dancer disappear like that. He followed him and grabbed him by his hand. Squidward looked at him, obviously embarrassed with his performance.
"Maybe you should get another lead dancer."
He mumbled. This made him angry. Nobody told him what to do, least of all Squidward. He didn't want to be too aggressive though, so he held himself back, and instead just answered in a stern voice.
"That's not for you to decide, Squiddy. You're my lead dancer, and I know you will do perfectly. But you have to stop to put yourself down and be so afraid around me."
He couldn't hide the hurt in his voice and wondered if the other picked it up. He seemed to do, as his eyes widened a bit upon hearing this.
"You're safe with me, Squidward, please remember this. I want this to be a success..."
He now grabbed his other hand too.
"For both of us. Please tell me you understand this."
Squidward was clearly taken aback. Maybe because of Squilliam's sudden change of attitude, maybe because of the body contact, maybe both. But it took him a while to react.
"Err..." he started, densely.
"Where is Squilliam and what did you do with him?"
He snorted once, laughing about his own joke.
"Very funny, Squiddy."
He just answered, but he couldn't help but smile a bit himself.
"I really mean it."
He added, staring into Squidward's eyes underlining his sentence.
"Okay. I trust you."
He finally said, holding the eye contact.
"Thank you. I know this isn't easy for you.", he said, his voice apologetic.
"It's not but... it's worth it." Squidward answered, smiling now.
"Thanks for believing in me, Squilliam."
