Touch phobia

Working on pre-fwb Edwin and Portia. Kinda wanna give him even longer hair that he finally gets trimmed but idk???? Edwin doesn’t like being touched, BUT wants to touch Portia but gets overwhelmed a bit, so they begin exposure therapy. Portia’s like ‘I am such a saint, your future gf will thank me!’ Obvi he just wants her, And helps him get used to being pet prodded and overall close. He still hates being touched… except by her. I think it stemmed from them deciding to secretly hook up but he’d get too shy and pull away or get jumpy so she’s like bro… so she lays on him and he awkwardly holds his hands up because he doesn’t know what to do.

During these times, I think they’d talk a lot. She’s basically inform him that she’s not gonna BEG him to touch her, he should ask, just like she does with him. She also says why would I expect you want me if you don’t put in effort??? Like brush your hair before I show up, dress nicer??? Kinda basic things he didn’t really put together. Edwin’s very clean, so he does as told and puts more effort/is more bold.

I think another big thing for him would be asking. Portia probably gives him a talking to to say ‘if you don’t know, just ask’ and to ask about ANYTHING, she’s an open book, why struggle? Why be unsure what she means when u could ask for clarification? So it really helps him be more confident and conversational, outgoing, and pick up on more social cues.

For Portia, this really helps her with patience lol, and also I think Edwin is so incredibly sincere. She’s great at reading people, and when she tells him to do stuff, she NEVER expects him to do it, so when he does aka ‘well you told me to not bite my nails I’ll let you paint them’ or ‘you said I should ask more so I am’ I think she’s surprised and also kinda feels heard for the first time. She absolutely lessens/is nicer when she asks things of him; and he continuously shows up for her. He is upfront, blunt, a bit callous and not very tactful, but he means what he says and does. ‘You need a ride home, so I’m driving you’ ‘I saw this and got it for you because I knew you’d like it’ and it’s so wonderful to her.

Portia makes Edwin feel seen and appreciated, and Edwin makes Portia feel heard and cared for. Portia kinda becomes softer and happier, Edwin becomes more relaxed and happier, overall they challenge each other a LOT and improve each other. I think it’s partially out of spite, like ‘I’m gonna prove stupid Portia wrong and show her I can plan a romantic date IT CANT BE THAT HARD’ while also being obsessed with each other