Hard and Soft

Chapter 1 understanding

Ms. Sarah Hopkins was a couple’s therapist, who regularly met with couples on the edge of breaking up. She had seen everything at least once. But, Hopkins had never seen a case quite like that of the Johnsons. It had started out in a common way though. Hopkins thought back to a meeting from last week.

“So, neither of you have told the other of what it is you would want from them in your four years as husband and wife?” Hopkins asked, “You’re both starved for sex, love, and attention. But, you both feel like there’s something you need before you can give it to the other. This sort of thing is reciprocal in nature, so, what do you feel you can give the other for your needs? Even if only to receive?” Ms. Hopkins said calmly to William and Belle, her newest pair of clients. They were both fairly thin, and both were brunettes. William was a very clean-cut sort of fellow, clean shaven, and with short hair. Belle was the image of traditional beauty, she had an amazing figure, with hair and skin to match. Hopkins then said “So, I think I have a proposition for the two of you. I want each of you to write down your fantasy version of the other. Go ahead and be unrealistic.” The doctor gestured toward Belle, and said “You could have his dick be a foot long, and have him give you a foot massage every day without being asked,” the doctor then gestured toward Will. And said, “and you could have her want you in bed every day, while cooking, cleaning, and working.” Hopkins then looked between the couple, saying, “Go ahead and have the other be a billionaire who never wants you to work another day in their life. Anything, this is a fantasy after all. Just don’t try to make them feel bad, no grand standing, no intentional guilt trips, no negativity at all, except for the changes you would make in them if you were God for a day. If you are wondering why, it’s fairly simple. I want you to each put down what you feel like you want from the other, maybe you’ll never get it anyway, but at least it will be known. Then, we can do a fair, level headed assessment of what can be done by each of you, for the other. Hold nothing back. Do not fear that you are undeserving, and in doing so, remain silent about what you want. How deserving you are, and how incredible your desires are is irrelevant. This is purely an information gathering exercise.”

Hopkins looked between her clients. The skinny guy with short hair, spoke, saying, “But what if,” and he nervously swallowed, before finishing, “if, if, well, let’s say that I’m sure that she would hate my secret, that she would leave me if she even knew.” A line that very much got Belle’s attention. Hopkins replied, “That changes nothing. In fact, I would’ve expected it. But, you’re past the point of caution. It is time to take risks. As things are, your relationship is failing, so, a fifty-fifty shot of winning or losing is better than a guaranteed loss. This is the time to do dangerous things, what do you have to lose?” William grimaced, and said, “fine, I will, As long as she does it too,” he then stared at Belle, who said, “Fine, deal.” Hopkins said, “Perfect you have a week to think about it and write down what you want. Say nothing, but think about what you would be willing to do for each request, even if all you can come up with is that it is impossible and nothing can be done. Try. Do not show one another what you have written until I can see it and we all speak together next week.

A week passed by, during which, the couple did as instructed, and wrote their respective desires, while keeping in mind what they wanted to receive, and what they would be willing to give for these things. The two did not fight during this time, though they were fairly distant from one another.

Then the day came, and the two each brought a short list to doctor Harkins, who looked over each of the documents, with an inscrutably neutral expression on her face. After a time she said, “Well, you each provided me with a list of five things. The first four of which are identical between the two of you. This is a first for me, that your lists mirror each other almost perfectly. So, I will simply read off the four identical requests.” And she took a breath before reading, “First, you each want the other to be more interested in you, sexually. Second, you each feel unloved, and want that to change. You have each commented that you understand that the other has no reason to change this behavior as things are, and that you cannot blame them. Third, you each feel unattractive, with similar commentary attached. Fourth, you each would like the other to be more open minded with you and your own needs, made worse by an understanding that, if they knew the truth, it would be the end of everything.

Hopkins then took a deep breath, before saying, “Now, for the different one. If either of you have any objections I will not speak on the matter.” The doctor then waited in silence for a moment, before shuffling the papers together and saying, “good, a willingness to talk is the first step toward addressing any issue. Now, I must note that, even here, your statements and desires are similar. So, remain calm, and be aware that you are not alone in this,” She then turned to Belle, and said, “You note that William was in much better shape when you first met, and that you greatly miss his muscular physique. You comment that you feel that it is unfair to ask him to work out excessively for you, when you know that the best you have managed to do is avoid gaining much weight over the years. But that, in all honesty, you feel no attraction to him physically. At least not as he is now.” The doctor concluded, “You speak at great length about how you hate this part of yourself, and feel very petty to care so much about it. But, when you first agreed to marry your husband, you did so, hoping that he would become more muscular, not less.

Hopkins then turned to Will, saying, “and you, William, have written that you, similarly, would want Belle to change her physical form. You want Belle to gain weight, not in muscle, but in the form of body fat, and quite a bit of it.” She then nodded toward Belle, saying “He says that, apparently you lost quite a bit of weight shortly after marriage, and that he didn’t want to say it, but he hasn’t found you attractive since then. Will hoped that you would change in the opposite way, citing a general understanding that most women gain weight after marriage. He then says that he has largely stopped initiating sexual encounters, and has even refused when you do at times, because he simply cannot achieve an erection much of the time. He also says that, when he does so, it is almost always from imagining and fantasizing about how you were before you lost weight.”

After this the three spent a time in relative silence, before Belle spoke, saying, “You know what’s funny, Will? I knew that you found me unattractive, but I thought that it was because I was no longer able to lose weight.” Before laughing bitterly. The doctor then said, “That is exactly why I suggested this exercise.” She then looked between Belle and William for a moment, and, after an uncomfortably long silence, said, “Normally I would wait for the two of you to suggest solutions here, but, given the obvious similarities of your requests, I must suggest this. Would the two of you be open to the possibility of an exchange, where Belle gains weight, and William builds muscle. Because it seems like this could potentially solve the totality of your problems with a single exchange.” William said, “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing actually.” Belle nodded, and said “Same.”

After another extended period of silence, Will said, “So, I have an idea. What if, after this session, we go out to eat together, we get something that is nice, filling, and full of protein, like a steak or something, then I dust off our little home gym, and work out while you sit back and snack.” Belle giggled and said, “You really do like fat girls, don’t you?” to which William said, “Honestly, I thought you knew, I practically worshipped your belly when we first got together.” Belle laughed bitterly again, and said, “I thought that you were being supportive of me, and trying to let me know that you loved my body despite the fat. It made me want to lose the weight for you, since it made me feel like the pain and work were worth it.” Now it was William’s turn to laugh, as he said, “This is a fucking comedy of errors. It’s like a fucking skit. Except the joke is us.” Then the doctor said, “I’m going to step in right here. You two just made a breakthrough, and found a simple solution, so, don’t sit on your reasons to be sad, leave them in the past and move forward.” Belle nodded and stood up, saying, “Thank you doctor, now,” and she turned to William, smiling as she said, “I have been wanting to go back to the Cask and Cleaver Steakhouse for over a year, and haven’t because I was afraid that it would make me fat. But, if that’s actually what you want, we should totally go tonight. Then lets do your plan, I had actually thought something similar, but didn’t want to sound lazy and fat. So, I know that you apparently don’t hate fat, how do you feel about the other?” to which William asked, “You mean laziness? Well, it’s not GOOD, but I honestly don’t have a huge problem with it, and I kind of like it when it’s obviously fattening you up. Like, in the scenario we planned, where you’re just chilling, and even having a snack, while I exercise. Its better since I’m exercising, as opposed to doing some necessary work, and struggling with doing it alone. Sorry if that’s too finicky with the details, I’ll let you know if I have a problem with you, or need help. But for now, let’s default to neutrality, or even being a bit positive about laziness, until and unless I ask for help with something.”

Then, after therapy was over, William and Belle drove directly to the Cask and Cleaver Steakhouse, the entire drive had the couple looking at one another with a nervous, excited sort of energy, that was so overwhelming to them both that it lead to there being only one thing asked between them. Will asked Belle, “So, would you be opposed to me, ummm,” after a few seconds of umming and ahhing, Belle said, “Don’t be embarrassed, I don’t want to spend four more years with secrets between us. Ask away.” William nodded and said, “Right. Do you mind if I tease you for eating and talk about how fat you’re getting. It’s been a fantasy of mine since I was a teenager, and I want to try it if you’re okay with that. If you ever feel uncomfortable with it, just tell me to stop, and I will.” Belle replied, “Well, I don’t know, but I don’t hate the idea, so go for it. Do you mean now, while we eat, or after?” William said, “Well, all of the above, hell, add, ‘in bed’ to that list. I honestly want to try it damn near everywhere, but I’ll back off the moment you feel uncomfortable, deal?” Belle had an idea and winked, saying, “Well, if you’re gonna have a butterball bride, you shouldn’t have to be quiet about it.” William had the one thing that he did not miss about being attracted to Belle occur. He had an unwanted erection that he had to hide. This did not go unnoticed by Belle, who remained silent on the matter, though it did make her smile.

Getting to their table and sitting down went normally enough. Belle opened up her menu and said, “You know. I’ve been wanting to try potato skins for years now. But every time I see them it’s as an appetizer, and I figured I shouldn’t get any, because I’m already having way too many calories with the meal. But, if I’m trying to gain weight, is that okay?” William smiled and said, “If I ever say no to that, shoot me, it’s an imposter.” And chuckled, before saying, “Honestly? Remember how I said being lazy was a weirdly complicated issue? Being greedy isn’t, I love the idea of you wanting more, even excessively.” Belle smiled and said, “So, I get an open invitation to be greedy and eat as much as I want?” Will said, “In fact, please try to do so more.” Belle licked her lips, saying, “I get that and I also get a muscular hubby?” Will nodded, and his wife continued, “I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been this excited before.” To which William smiled and said, “and this meal is a perfect symbol of that, it’s a ton of calories and fat for you, and a ton of protein for me. So, I had an idea.” Belle shrugged questioningly, and William continued, “Let’s get you a dessert too. Don’t worry if it’s too much to eat right now. I want to get it to go. Then, after we’re done eating, I want to go home and work out for you, while you eat the dessert. We’ll both be building the body the other wants us to have.” Belle smiled and said, “You know, I love this side of you. Even if I think of your own motives, you’re still pampering me and excited about it. I love that excitement on its own, but it’s even better now that I know it’s me you’re excited about. Even more so since I know that it’s me doing what I want to anyway. Most of all because I know it’s your being excited to go to bed after.” Then, before William could even answer, a waitress came by and said “Good evening, I’m Lucinda and I will be your server for the afternoon. I hope you guys are hungry.” Belle smiled and gave William a side eye, as she said, “Absolutely starving. In fact, I’d like to get an order of potato skins for an appetizer.”

As the couple waited for their food, Belle asked William, “So, is it just food, or do you like me being greedy about other stuff too?” to which Will replied, “Oh? Well, as weird as it sounds, food and sex. There’s something special about knowing that you want to feel good. It makes me want to give it to you.” Belle replied. “honestly, I’m frustrated to have spent years with you without knowing a huge part of you. It’s like I’m getting to know you all over again.” William smiled, and said, “Well, let’s get to know everything this time. It’s weird, I am beyond excited to do this a second time, but I really don’t want a third.” Belle slipped her foot out of Its shoe while William spoke, and ran it up his leg while seductively saying, “Then let’s get to know,” and she dragged out the word, “everything,” as she reached his member with her foot, slowly moving across him. Belle then said, “You know, no idea if it’s true or not. But I heard that guys have a more productive work out if they’re,” and she dropped her voice to a near whisper as she said, “Super, fucking, horny, as they do it.” She then bit her lip, and said, “So, want to make this a regular thing? We eat out together, then we go home and you work out as I keep eating. Then we can go at it like bunnies.” She continued to speak, keeping her volume low as she said, “Hell, we can even do it every day, and I’ll go down on you when I’m not down to do the real thing.” Will felt his mouth watering as he swallowed to avoid drooling. Belle suddenly adapted a cheerful tone and spoke more audibly as she said, “It’ll give you more motivation to work out!” before giggling. William said, “So, if you really follow through with that, then get ready to be married to the next Mr. Universe.” Belle blushed, and somehow looked even more aroused, making William say, “Damn, you must like muscles as much as I like fat.” Belle bit her lip and said, “Yeah. So, I’m gonna get as fat as I can for you. You just get muscular for me.” Then, as if summoned by Belle’s words, the waitress returned with a large plate, covered in potato skins making William say, “and here’s the fuel for our new future together.” Then, as the waitress left earshot, he, half-jokingly, said, “Our sexy future together.” Belle giggled, and said,” just your dreams for now, mine comes with the steak.” As she cut off her bite. Moments later, she swallowed, and said, “Oh my God, this is really good! You should try it!” to which William smiled and replied, “How’s this. I will next time. For now, I want to see you eat them all.” Belle had weirdly mixed feelings, on one hand, she felt kind of objectified, on the other, she really did love seeing Will this excited. So, in the name of making things work, and new discoveries, Belle said exactly what she figured will would want, “Or, you take one bite right now, and I eat ninety nine percent of it, and we do that every day, forever. Oh, and don’t think this means I don’t still want dessert after.” Will licked his lips and said, “and I think you just earned an extra ten reps from me.” As Belle cut off a piece of potato for him.

After finishing their steak, the two went home. As Will drove, Belle asked, “Hey Will? Can I get a picture of you in your gym shorts before you start working out? I want to make a before and after thing, starting here.” Will said, “Sure thing Belle,” then held up a finger, saying “In fact, I love your idea so much that I’ll ask the same of you. In fact, I’ll weigh myself too, still asking the same of you,” Belle laughed and said “Sure, but I know my weight, I’m one eighteen, have been for years.” Will said, “I know that. I’ve been checking the scale. Did you know it records the weight of everyone on it? I’m one seventy by the way.” Belle asked, “Then why do you want us to weigh ourselves?” Will said, “You know what, you’re right, but every day after this, I want a regular log of your weight. But the pics sound damned good, so, we can both do both, and have a perfect record of our changing bodies.” Belle beamed as she nodded.

Shortly after, William and Belle found themselves in work out shorts and a tank top. They were in their den, where the two had put a multipurpose home gym from BowFlex. William looked at the machine with trepidation. Belle noticed his concern and put a hand on Will’s shoulder, saying, “Okay, here’s motivation for you,” and she held up a bag from the steakhouse as she sat on the couch. Belle pulled a large slice of strawberry cheesecake and a plastic fork out of the bag. Then she said “Three to one ratio because I’m still pretty full, but how’s this. Every three reps you do, I’ll take a bite. Then, when we’re done with this, we can have some fun if you’re up for it.” With that she winked at her husband.

William sat on the machine, which had been left on the bench press setting, with the weights set to 60 lbs. He said, “Right, three to one.” And blew off some dust that had accumulated on the machine. and began his reps. One, two, three, and William saw his wife take a bite. Nine more reps, three more bites. To his wife’s credit, William was having a much easier time lifting than he remembered, though he wasn’t sure how much was because he was horny, because he wanted to see Belle eat more, or because of some other reason he couldn’t guess. Will then moved on to bicep curls, traps, and countless other exercises, as his wife dutifully ate her cheesecake. William felt like he ought to be annoyed that he was working out, and all that Belle had to do was snack on something tasty. Then he remembered the huge meal that Belle had just eaten, for him, and just how hard this must be for her.

Will was right, Belle was eating through quite a bit of stomach pain. Similarly to Will, this was largely done to see her spouse being sexy for her. Also, much like Will, Belle was psyched, and unsure of why exactly. But, she loved to see her husband sweaty and working his muscles, so much so that she was starting to feel excited about getting fat, if it meant that William could feel the same thing as her.

Once Will noticed that Belle had finished her cheesecake, he finished his current set and sat up, saying “So, Belle. Do you want to-“ and she cut him off by practically pouncing on the man and burying him in kisses, saying, “In bed, in the shower, and anywhere else that you want to do it. “ as she buried the man in kisses.