BarucAI

The Gentle Touch - ALT Images

Added 2024-07-12 13:00:14 +0000 UTC

Hi hi ✨

How are you doing? I hope your day is going good! I just landed a new job doing something I love: writing! This means two things: I will continue to polish my skills to bring you better stories ✨, buuuut also that I will have less time 🫤. Previously I worked as a waitress in a small coffee shop, so I had plenty of time to draft ideas and start writing stories. But now I will need to organise better to keep up with my work and the almost daily posts.

But worry not, as we have a new cool story for which I'm already writing part 2. This one I have a love hate relationship with, I love the concept, but I hated writing it. This is draft 4, and I'm happy with it, I have some plans to give it an unexpected twist at the end of part 2, but part 1 is just the beginning, for you to get to know the characters and suggest some ideas! This story is set in 2036 and follows Isaac, a young man who works in his mom's spa.

If you're a tier 3 or tier 4 member, you're in the right post, maybe the abundance of images gave it away 😅.

Let me know what you think and if you have some ideas for a continuation!

Just a quick ps. I know we have a lot of "started" stories. Next week I will focus on doing parts 2's and 3's for stories we already started (The Huge Sugar Baby pt. 2 & The Growing Star of Channel 5 pt. 3) and will explore some concepts outside the fmg-35 virus universe. Thanks for reading all this! And now, the story!

📦 Grab the full res images from the attachment section of this post. ⬇️

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The Gentle Touch

"Isaac! Where's the lavender oil?" The booming voice of Evelyn Taylor echoed through the spa, causing the delicate glass vials on the shelves to tremble.

Isaac, hunched over the reception desk, barely glanced up from his textbook. "Second shelf, left cabinet, Mum!" he called back, his voice muffled by the thick anatomy tome propped open before him.

A moment later, Evelyn's heavy footsteps vibrated through the floor as she strode into the reception area. At 7'6", she had to duck slightly to clear the doorway, her mass of curly auburn hair brushing against the frame.

"What are you doing with your nose stuck in that book again?" she asked, planting her hands on her hips. The lavender-scented massage oil bottle looked comically small in her grasp. "We've got clients arriving in ten minutes."

Isaac sighed, reluctantly closing his book. "Just trying to get some studying in before the rush, Mum. You know, for my future career?"

Evelyn's expression softened slightly. "I know you've got big dreams, love. But right now, we need to focus on the here and now. Mrs. Pemberton's coming in for her weekly deep tissue, and you know how particular she is."

"Yeah, yeah," Isaac muttered, sliding off the high stool. Even standing at his full height of 5'9", he barely reached his mother's midriff. "I've got the hot stones warming up already."

Evelyn ruffled his hair affectionately, her powerful hand nearly engulfing his entire head. "That's my boy. Always thinking ahead."

As Isaac moved to arrange the treatment room, Evelyn called after him, "Oh, and don't forget to restock the extra-large towels. We're running low after yesterday's rugby team visit."

Isaac nodded, suppressing a groan. The spa's clientele had shifted dramatically over the past year, with more and more Amazons seeking their services. It meant constant adjustments - wider doorways, reinforced massage tables, industrial-strength equipment. Sometimes he felt like he was working in a construction zone rather than a spa.

As he laid out the enormous towels, each as big as a small blanket, the spa's front door chimed. Isaac hurried back to the reception area, plastering on his best customer service smile.

Mrs. Pemberton, a regular client who'd undergone her transformation just a few months prior, ducked through the doorway. At 6'10", she was on the shorter side for an Amazon, but her muscular frame more than made up for it in width.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Pemberton," Isaac greeted her warmly. "How are you today?"

The woman smiled down at him, her once-delicate features now set in a face that could have been carved from marble. "Oh, you know, dear. Same old aches and pains. These new muscles of mine are a handful, I tell you."

Evelyn emerged from the back room, beaming at her client. "Margaret! Lovely to see you. Isaac's got everything ready for your session. Shall we?"

As the two Amazons made their way to the treatment room, their conversation drifted back to Isaac:

"I swear, Evelyn, I don't know how you manage to keep this place running so smoothly. Every other spa in town is a mess, but yours... it's like you've always catered to us bigger gals."

Evelyn's laugh rumbled through the spa. "Oh, it's been an adjustment, believe me. But we adapt, don't we? Speaking of which, how's that new job treating you?"

"Oh, marvellously! Who knew my legal background would translate so well to construction management? With these new muscles, I can do the work of three men. It's..."

Their voices faded as the treatment room door closed, leaving Isaac alone in the quiet reception area. He slumped back onto his stool, reopening his textbook with a heavy sigh.

"Adapt," he muttered to himself, tracing the diagram of a human skeleton - one that looked nothing like the towering women who now dominated his world. "Easier said than done."

The afternoon wore on, a steady stream of Amazon clients coming and going. Isaac handled the reception duties, scheduled appointments, and assisted where he could. But more often than not, he found himself relegated to the sidelines, watching as his mother effortlessly manoeuvred around their massive clients.

As the last client of the day left, Evelyn began the closing routine, her movements practised and efficient despite her size. "Good day, wasn't it?" she called out to Isaac, who was wiping down the reception counter.

"Yeah, Mum. Great," he replied, trying to inject some enthusiasm into his voice.

Evelyn paused, turning to face her son. Her brow furrowed with concern. "Alright, out with it. What's bothering you?"

Isaac hesitated, then sighed. "It's just... I don't know if I'm cut out for this anymore. The clients barely even notice me these days. And my plans for physio school..." He gestured helplessly at the anatomy book. "How am I supposed to manipulate joints and muscles when I can barely reach them?"

Evelyn's expression softened. She crossed the room in two long strides, kneeling down to be at eye level with her son. Even kneeling, she was still slightly taller than him.

"Oh, love," she said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've got gifts that are uniquely yours. Your hands might be smaller, but they're skilled. Remember how Mrs. Pemberton raved about your work on her trigger points last week?"

Isaac nodded reluctantly. "Yeah, but-"

"No buts," Evelyn interrupted. "This world is changing, yes. But there's still a place for everyone in it. We just have to find where we fit."

She stood up, stretching to her full height. "Now, how about we close up here and grab some dinner? I'm thinking that new Amazon-friendly pizza place on High Street. Their small size is big enough to feed us both."

Isaac managed a small smile. "Sounds good, Mum."

As they locked up the spa and headed out, Isaac couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. His mother's words were comforting, but the reality of their new world loomed large - quite literally - around him. The streets were filled with towering women, the shop fronts altered to accommodate their size.

He glanced up at his mother, striding confidently beside him. She'd always been a force of nature, even before the virus. Now, she was practically unstoppable. Part of him envied her ease in this new world. Another part wondered if he'd ever find his own place in it.

As they approached the pizza place, the delicious aroma wafting out onto the street, Isaac pushed his worries aside for the moment. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new clients, new reminders of how the world had changed. But for now, he had dinner with his mum to look forward to - even if he'd need a stepladder to reach the pizza.

The next morning dawned bright and early, with Evelyn's booming voice cutting through Isaac's dreams.

"Isaac! Up and at 'em, love! We've got a full day ahead!"

Groaning, Isaac rolled over in bed, squinting at his alarm clock. 6:30 AM. He'd been up late studying, and his body protested the early wake-up call.

"Coming, Mum!" he called back, his voice still thick with sleep.

By the time Isaac had showered and dressed, Evelyn was already bustling around the kitchen, preparing a breakfast that could have fed a small army. The countertops, raised to accommodate her height, were covered with plates of eggs, bacon, and toast.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Evelyn chirped, ruffling Isaac's damp hair as he shuffled past. "I've made your favorite - cheesy scrambled eggs."

Isaac plopped down at the table, which now sported custom-made chairs to fit both their sizes. "Thanks, Mum. Smells great."

As they ate, Evelyn rattled off the day's schedule. "We've got Mrs. Hodgson at 9 for a full body massage, then the Thompson twins for sports therapy at 11. Oh, and don't forget, the new massage oil shipment is coming in today. I need you to check the inventory and make sure everything's accounted for."

Isaac nodded along, trying to keep up with the rapid-fire information. "Got it. Anything else?"

Evelyn paused, a forkful of eggs halfway to her mouth. "Oh! I almost forgot. I've got that meeting with the Amazon Business Association at 2, so I'll need you to handle Mrs. Fairfax's appointment."

Isaac's head snapped up. "Mrs. Fairfax? But she always insists on having you. She says my hands are too small."

Evelyn waved off his concern. "Nonsense. Your hands are perfect for getting into those tight muscle knots. You'll do fine. Just use the techniques I taught you."

Before Isaac could protest further, Evelyn stood up, clearing her plate. "Now, hurry up and finish your breakfast. We need to get to the spa early to set up."

The morning at Tranquil Giants Spa - a name Evelyn had chosen after the transformation, much to Isaac's chagrin - was a whirlwind of activity. Isaac found himself constantly on the move, fetching towels, preparing treatment rooms, and assisting his mother with the more demanding clients.

As he helped Mrs. Hodgson onto the reinforced massage table, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of inadequacy. The woman's muscular frame dwarfed him, and he had to stretch to reach across her broad back.

"Evelyn, dear," Mrs. Hodgson called out, her voice muffled by the face rest. "Be a love and tell your boy to put a bit more oomph into it. I can barely feel a thing!"

Evelyn, who was mixing up a batch of aromatherapy oils nearby, chuckled. "Isaac, remember what I taught you. Use your body weight, not just your arms."

Isaac gritted his teeth, leaning in harder. "Yes, Mum," he muttered.

The morning wore on, with Isaac feeling increasingly like a small cog in a very large machine. The Thompson twins, both standing at an impressive 7'2", barely seemed to notice him as they chatted with Evelyn about their latest rugby match.

By the time the afternoon rolled around, Isaac was exhausted. He slumped behind the reception desk, dreading Mrs. Fairfax's impending arrival.

Evelyn breezed past, adjusting her smart business suit - custom-tailored, of course. "Now remember, love, Mrs. Fairfax likes her pressure firm but not too deep. And don't forget to use the lavender oil - it's her favorite."

Isaac nodded wearily. "I know, Mum. You've only told me a dozen times."

Evelyn paused, her brow furrowing. "Are you sure you're alright to handle this? I could reschedule my meeting if-"

"No!" Isaac interrupted, perhaps a bit too forcefully. He took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "No, it's fine. I can manage. You go to your meeting. Show those other Amazon businesses what Tranquil Giants is made of."

Evelyn beamed, leaning down to plant a kiss on top of Isaac's head. "That's my boy. I know you'll do brilliantly."

As she headed for the door, she called back, "Oh, and don't forget to restock the extra-large robes after Mrs. Fairfax's session. We're running low again!"

The door chimed as Evelyn left, leaving Isaac alone in the suddenly too-quiet spa. He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Right," he muttered to himself. "Time to prove I can handle this on my own."

No sooner had he steeled himself than the door chimed again. Mrs. Fairfax ducked through the entrance, her 7'4" frame filling the doorway.

"Hello, dear," she said, peering down at Isaac. "Is Evelyn not here today?"

Isaac plastered on his best customer service smile. "I'm afraid she had an important meeting, Mrs. Fairfax. But not to worry - I'll be taking care of you today."

Mrs. Fairfax's face fell slightly, but she nodded. "Well, I suppose that will have to do. You do know how I like my massages, don't you?"

"Of course, Mrs. Fairfax. Right this way, please."

As Isaac led her to the treatment room, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was constantly living in his mother's shadow. Even when she wasn't here, her presence loomed large.

He took a deep breath as Mrs. Fairfax settled onto the massage table. This was his chance to prove himself - to his mother, to the clients, and most importantly, to himself.

"Right then," he said, rolling up his sleeves. "Shall we begin?"

As Isaac's hands worked across Mrs. Fairfax's expansive back, his mind began to wander. The repetitive motions of the massage allowed his thoughts to drift to his dreams of becoming a physiotherapist.

In his mind's eye, he saw himself in a pristine clinic, wearing a crisp white coat. But instead of his current stature, he imagined himself tall and muscular, easily able to manipulate the limbs of his Amazon patients. In this daydream, he confidently guided a towering woman through her exercises, his strong hands supporting her massive arm as she worked through her shoulder rehab.

"That's it," Dream Isaac encouraged, his voice deep and assured. "Just a few more repetitions and we'll see significant improvement in your range of motion."

The imaginary patient smiled down at him, impressed by his expertise and strength. "Oh, Dr. Isaac, I'm so glad I came to you. No other physiotherapist has been able to handle my new body like this!"

Isaac's lips curled into a small smile as he continued to massage Mrs. Fairfax, lost in his fantasy. But then, unbidden, another scenario crept into his mind. Suddenly, the world around him shrank. The Amazons in his clinic diminished, returning to their pre-virus sizes. He found himself eye-to-eye with his patients, no longer dwarfed by their immense statures.

In this version of his dream, Isaac moved with ease among his clients, his average-sized hands perfectly suited to their now-normal physiques. No need for specialised equipment or superhuman strength - just his skills and knowledge, finally able to shine without the overwhelming shadow of Amazonian proportions.

"Mmm, that's lovely, dear," Mrs. Fairfax's voice rumbled, snapping Isaac back to reality. "But do you think you could put a bit more pressure into it? These muscles of mine are quite stubborn, you know."

Isaac blinked, his daydreams evaporating as he confronted the vast expanse of Mrs. Fairfax's back once more. He pressed harder, feeling the dense layers of muscle beneath his hands. The sheer width of her back served as a stark reminder of the challenges he faced.

"Of course, Mrs. Fairfax," he replied, trying to keep the strain out of his voice as he leaned in with more force. "How's this?"

"Much better," she sighed contentedly. "You know, you're getting quite good at this. Almost as good as your mother."

Isaac felt a mix of pride and frustration at her words. "Thank you," he said, then hesitated before adding, "Actually, Mrs. Fairfax, I've been thinking about furthering my education. I'd like to become a physiotherapist."

"Oh?" Mrs. Fairfax turned her head slightly, curiosity in her voice. "That's a noble profession. But isn't it quite... physically demanding these days?"

Isaac's hands faltered for a moment. "Well, yes, it can be. But I'm hoping to find ways to adapt. Maybe specialise in techniques that don't require as much... size."

Mrs. Fairfax hummed thoughtfully. "I suppose there's always a need for different approaches. My niece - she's about your size, you know, one of the few who didn't change - she's been struggling to find a physio who can work with her effectively. All the new ones are so big, they can barely handle her tiny limbs!"

This nugget of information sparked a glimmer of hope in Isaac. "Really? I hadn't thought about that. There must be others like her who need help too."

"Oh, certainly," Mrs. Fairfax agreed. "Not everyone grew, after all. And even some of us who did still need a gentler touch sometimes."

As Isaac continued the massage, his mind raced with new possibilities. Perhaps there was a place for him in this field after all. It might not be the grand vision he'd initially imagined, but it was something - a niche he could potentially fill.

"Thank you, Mrs. Fairfax," he said sincerely. "You've given me a lot to think about."

"Happy to help, dear," she replied. "Now, if you could just work on that knot under my left shoulder blade. It's been giving me trouble all week."

Isaac refocused on his task, his hands moving with renewed purpose. The path ahead was still uncertain, filled with challenges he'd need to overcome. But for the first time in a while, he felt a spark of genuine excitement about his future.

As he worked, he began to mentally list the courses he'd need to take, the skills he'd need to develop. It wouldn't be easy, but then again, nothing in this new world was. And just maybe, he thought, he could carve out a place for himself - not in his mother's shadow, but in his own unique space.

"How's that feeling now, Mrs. Fairfax?" he asked, working diligently on the stubborn knot.

"Wonderful, dear," she sighed. "You know, I think you might have a real talent for this after all."

Isaac smiled, a genuine one this time. "Thank you," he said, meaning it more than she could know. "I'm certainly going to do my best."

As the afternoon wore on, the spa's busy morning gave way to a lull in appointments. Isaac finished with Mrs. Fairfax, who left with a satisfied smile and noticeably looser shoulders. He found himself in the staff room, grabbing a quick snack before the next client arrived.

Olivia, one of the spa's newer employees, was already there, her 7'2" frame folded somewhat awkwardly into a reinforced chair. She looked up as Isaac entered, grinning broadly.

"There's our little miracle worker!" she exclaimed. "I heard you sorted out Mrs. Fairfax's stubborn knot. Nicely done, mate."

Isaac felt his cheeks warm at the praise. "Thanks, Liv. Just did what Mum taught me, that's all."

"Oh, come off it," Olivia chuckled, her laugh deep and throaty. "Your mum's brilliant, sure, but those magic hands of yours? That's all you."

As Isaac rummaged in the oversized fridge for his lunch, another voice chimed in from the doorway. "She's right, you know."

Sarah, the spa's receptionist and longest-serving employee after Evelyn, ducked into the room. At 6'11", she was considered petite among Amazons, but still towered over Isaac.

"I've lost count of how many clients have raved about your deep tissue work," Sarah continued, reaching past Isaac to grab a protein shake from the fridge. "They say you can get into spots the rest of us can't reach."

Isaac shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant despite the swell of pride in his chest. "Well, I suppose being small has its advantages sometimes."

Olivia snorted, nearly choking on her energy bar. "Small? More like fun-sized, love."

The three of them shared a laugh, the tension of the busy morning finally starting to ease.

"So," Sarah said, leaning against the counter and fixing Isaac with a curious look. "Any updates on that physio school dream of yours? You've been awful quiet about it lately."

Isaac hesitated, fiddling with his sandwich wrapper. "Well... I've been thinking. Maybe there's a way I can make it work, even with... you know." He gestured vaguely at his unchanged body.

Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell, short stuff."

As Isaac began to explain his newfound idea about specialising in non-Amazon physiotherapy, the spa's front door chimed. Sarah excused herself to greet the new arrival, leaving Isaac and Olivia to continue their conversation.

"You know," Olivia mused, "that's not half bad. My little sister - well, I say little, she's about your height now - she's been complaining about not finding a decent physio. Says all the new ones are too big and clumsy for her."

Isaac nodded eagerly. "Exactly! There's got to be a market for it, right?"

Their discussion was interrupted as Sarah poked her head back into the staff room. "Isaac? There's someone here to see you specifically."

Curious, Isaac made his way to the reception area. A middle-aged woman, untouched by the virus and standing at an average 5'6", was waiting nervously.

"Hello," Isaac greeted her with a warm smile. "I'm Isaac. How can I help you today?"

The woman, who introduced herself as Ms. Chen, explained that she'd heard about Isaac's skill with smaller clients. "I've been to three spas this week," she said, wringing her hands. "But every masseuse I've had has been... well, enormous. I left feeling more bruised than relaxed."

Isaac nodded sympathetically. "I understand completely, Ms. Chen. Why don't we get you set up in one of our treatment rooms, and we'll see what we can do for you?"

As he led Ms. Chen to the room, he couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. This was it - proof that there was indeed a need for someone with his unique skills.