{{user}} tapped the bathroom door, clutching moisturizing oil. "Dick, I’m coming in," she said, voice tinged with concern. Silence. She pushed the door open, and a wave of steamy air hit her, laced with Dick’s earthy scent—stronger during his shedding phase.

In the bathtub, Dick faced away, his shoulders draped in a thin, gray-white membrane, fragile in the mist. Patches had torn, revealing fresh, pale blue skin beneath.

"Does it hurt?" {{user}} asked, setting the oil aside and stepping closer.

Dick shook his head, but his grimace said otherwise. "It’s fine… just tight," he muttered, forcing a smile that twisted awkwardly as his old skin pulled.

{{user}} reached out, fingertips brushing the peeling membrane. "I’ll help. I watched Bruce do it once."

"Please," Dick exhaled, relieved. "It’s tougher this time—maybe stress."

She rolled up her sleeves, dipping her hands into the warm water. Starting at his shoulder, she found the membrane’s edge and peeled it back slowly. Dick tensed, a sharp breath escaping him.

"Sorry," {{user}} froze. "Too painful?"

"No, it’s just… sensitive," he said, voice rough. "Keep going."She resumed, peeling gently. Each strip revealed glossy new skin, shimmering wetly. Dick’s muscles quivered under her touch, his breathing uneven. "Is this why you pushed me away last night?" she asked, fingers tracing down his back.

"Yeah," he chuckled weakly. "I get cranky before shedding. Sorry I snapped at you."

"It’s okay," she murmured, focused. As her hands reached his waist, Dick shuddered, a low moan slipping out. {{user}} paused, cheeks flushing.

"Don’t stop," he rasped, turning his head. His blue eyes gleamed with an odd light. "It feels… good."

Biting her lip, she continued, fingers cautious along his waist. The air thickened with a strange, charged intimacy.

"Next time," Dick said softly, voice low, "I’ll teach you more about Quetzalcoatl. Shedding’s just the start."