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“Bob, I’m starting to worry.”

FootGuyBob: im fine

Usually, that would make me laugh.

I bring one foot up anyway and angle it toward the lower corner of the frame. The lotion waits on the desk, but I don’t go for it.

The public chat keeps moving. It feels louder without being more interesting.

BigDog469: spread

MouthyMike: come on bro

MNTopDad: u good tonight?

FootGuyBob: other one?

“No,” I say.

The chat pauses. Not a big pause, but enough.

BigDog469: no to what

“Just give me a minute.”

MouthyMike: damn moody

“Yeah,” I say. “Probably.”

I could turn that into a bit. Moody HotnReddy. Make them earn my smile.

Doesn’t feel worth it.

BigDog469 tips again.

BigDog469: plug make you feel better

I look at the toy on the desk. There’s no challenge left in it. No spark. Just another object waiting to prove my body can be turned into a group project.

“No plug tonight.”

The room complains immediately.

BigDog469: seriously

MouthyMike: boring

MNTopDad: let him chill

I rub both hands over my face and forget, for one second, that I’m on camera. When I look back at the screen, the viewer count has dipped.

“Sorry guys,” I say. “Not feeling it tonight.”

BigDog469: we can get u there

My hand moves to the mouse before I change my mind.

“Not tonight, guys.”