First Kisses

With Violet’s departure, the art studio was plunged into an awkward silence. Seeking solace, Alison once again nestled herself against John’s arm, her face buried in the crook of his shoulder.

She jumped as John broke the silence by clearing his throat, and then said, “Um, sorry if all of this has made you uncomfortable.”

Alison shook her head against his arm. “N-no, it’s fine,” she muttered.

John lifted his hand and stroked Alison’s hair. “Since the dragon barrier, I’ve been trying to find the right words…” he began, his tone shifting into a more mechanical and practised cadence. “I’ve noticed that my feelings tend to develop quickly. It doesn’t have anything to do with magic or the Abyss; it’s something I already knew before but it’s become more apparent as I’ve become more sociable.

“I know your feelings for me, and I like you a lot, Alison, I do. I want you to know that I’m not just saying empty words. My feelings might not be as deep as yours are right now, but I want the chance for them to grow, and I’d like to do it together.”

Growing more nervous, John massaged his neck and began to deviate from his rehearsed speech. “So, uh, I wanted to ask if you’d like to be my girlfriend? I know you’re new to the Abyss, and I-”

“Yes!” Alison blurted out, her sparkling green eyes peering up at him along with the biggest brightest smile John had ever seen. “I-I mean, y-y-yes,” she repeated, her voice slightly shaky.

John smiled back and hugged her, refraining from the lame reply of “Nice.” Instead, he remained quiet as they clung to each other.

“Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I don’t want to rush things or make you feel overwhelmed, unlike with my experiences. We can take things at your pace, no pressure. I’m here, I’m not going anywhere, and physical intimacy isn’t the only important part of a relationship,” John reassured the Survivalist Pictomancer.
Alison melted into John’s warmth, nodding in agreement. Smiling, John let his fingers run through Alison’s silky green locks. “The kiss from earlier… It didn’t count, you know.”

Confusion filled Alison’s face as she looked up at John. “W-w-was it not g-good? Why d-didn’t it count?” Her voice carried a hint of worry.

John felt a little bad, but smiled reassuringly, explaining, “You see, you didn’t kiss back. It can’t be considered a real kiss if someone tries to steal it from you; otherwise, it wouldn’t be special. Until you decide you are ready, your first kiss hasn’t happened yet.” He paused and hummed. “I know it’s not easy for you to ask, so we should use a signal instead. All you have to do is, uhm…”

John was quiet, thinking when Violet’s disembodied voice interjected from between them, “Tap or put your finger on your lips.”

Before John could object, Alison smiled and nodded. A warm sensation filled John’s chest as he admired her, noticing the dimples which formed on her cheeks from her smile.

Alison closed her eyes, took a deep breath and pulled away from John, freeing his arm. John stood like a confused puppy, tilting his head as he watched the petite girl. Standing with closed eyes and hands clutched to her chest, she manifested the courage to reach up, pressed a finger to her lips briefly, and then repeated the gesture before anxiously clutching her hands and waiting.

Surprised, John hesitated. He hadn’t expected her to make a move so soon, assuming she’d need to take some time to acclimate to the idea before considering acting on it.

“Go get her, tiger,” Violet whispered in his ear, gently pushing him forward.

As John stepped forward, he rubbed his palms on his trousers to rid them of the sweat that had formed. Alison sensed his presence, her eyelids fluttering and her breathing picking up in anticipation.

Unexpectedly, John found himself more anxious than he’d anticipated. It wasn’t his first kiss nor was it even the first one of the day, but he felt his nerves building. The cause was obvious, he was determined to make Alison’s first kiss memorable and special, especially considering her feelings for him. He felt that it had to be perfect for Alison’s sake.

Her body was tense and John could see her shaking. Alison’s eyes tightened and relaxed as if engaged in an internal conversation. He lightly placed one hand on her shoulder, then the other on her waist before he initiated a tender, hesitant kiss.

Despite initially being stiff and uncertain, something seemed to urge Alison as she tried to reciprocate. The softness of her lips sent a shiver down his spine and a warmth blossomed in his chest. Alison’s body gradually melted in his arms, and she leaned in, pressing her hands against his chest. A moan started to form, but Alison cut it off with a squeak, as if vocalising her enjoyment was somehow wrong.

Hoping to encourage her, John let out a low moan and the hand on her waist moved to her back, pulling her against him tighter.

The air crackled with static between them, prickling at their skin as they released quiet moans and mewlings. Eventually, John decided to break the kiss. As he pulled back, Alison swooned, her eyes fluttering open, and an uncontrollable smile brightened her face.

Leaning forward again, John pressed his forehead against Alison’s. “Was that okay?” he asked, nervously.

Her smile was infectious, forcing John’s lips to curl up, and Alison let out a giggle. When she stopped, she nodded. “I… y-yeah… It was p-perfect… b-better than any o-of my fan-fantasies,” she cooed.

A giddiness settled over John and he leaned in for another gentle peck on the lips. “I’m glad,” he responded, sighing in relief.

Violet appeared beside the new couple. “You two are absolutely adorable, you know that? And sweetheart, you’re something really special. Somehow you made John all bashful.”

John found Alison clinging to his arm for comfort, her face lighting up with a shy smile. Violet giggled, then an idea sparked. “Oh, while you two were lost in your moment, I had a thought. Any time Alison wants a kiss, she could text you with an ‘X’ or for a cuddle she could send an ‘O’. Although, it seems as if she’s already mastered getting cuddles when she wants.”

John, embarrassed, protested, “Violet… Come on, you’re just adding awkwardness.”

Waving off his protests, Violet smiled and continued, “Oh? But Alison doesn’t look uncomfortable, or at least she’s not blushing any more than usual.” There was a pause before Violet pinched the bridge of her nose. “John, she’s come this far on her own, and I know you want to be her knight, but she’s not helpless, right, sweetheart?”

Alison shyly nodded in response, too shy to answer verbally. Violet shot John a triumphant look, emphasising her point, and redirected her smile to Alison. “I’ve mentioned this before. You should offer her opportunities, and if she’s not comfortable, she can refuse. Don’t forget, she’s dating you now, so she’s gonna get invited to join in with all kinds of things, especially with Ellie around.”

John conceded, his shoulders dropping and a defeated sigh escaping his lips. “Well… yeah, you’re probably right about that, and Ellie doesn’t pull punches. I can’t really control what she does or says…”

Violet put her hand on Alison’s shoulder and chuckled. “Well, given the inevitable considering Ellie, and the fact you’ve just had your first kiss, how about I claim the honour of being your first girl kiss?” she suggested playfully, lightening the mood with a wink.

John groaned. Understanding it was a joke, but still, he’d only just asked her to ease up. Alison’s grip on his arm tightened momentarily before letting go and stepping back. Just as John was about to reassure her, Alison surprised him again.

Covering her face behind her hands, she took a deep breath. After closing her eyes for a moment, she repeated her earlier gesture of tapping her lips. Violet was visibly excited and almost gloating in John’s eyes as she beamed with joy.

“Oh… uh, is it really okay?” Violet asked, clearly looking for approval from John.

“I… uh, well, yeah, I’m fine with it if she is. I think we need to talk about the relationship after though,” John muttered.

Violet jumped in excitement, giving John a quick hug before skipping towards Alison. She reached up with both hands, cradling Alison’s chin with one hand and placing the other on the back of her head.

John held his breath as Violet leaned forward, unconsciously pursing his lips. The two girls connected in a tender kiss, and his eyes remained glued to them as they quietly moaned into each other.

The sight in front of him left him at odds with himself. It felt awkward, like being a third wheel, yet the scene in front of him was captivating. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t tear his eyes from the alluring image in front of him. He also felt a twinge of jealousy and possessiveness, yet at the same time he felt warm, almost proud.

Alison was the one to break the kiss, and for a moment, Violet tried to follow her to continue the kiss. “That was quite n-n-nice,” Alison said, smiling at the spirit.

Violet playfully fanned herself. “My, my, such an enchantress. Someone knows how to leave a girl breathless,” she teased, blushing slightly before turning to John. “I’m feeling a little tired, so I’ll rest for a while. I’m sure you two have more to talk about, and I think lunch would be the perfect opportunity.”
John and Alison found themselves alone in the studio as Violet vanished into the necklace. Both kisses had affected Alison, her breathing was heavier and her entire face had taken on a rosy hue.

John broke the silence, suggesting, “Hey, Violet might be onto something. Do you have anything for lunch?”

Nervously shifting her weight from one foot to the other and stroking her forearm with her thumb, Alison replied, “Uhm, n-no. I was going to get l-lunch at the c-cafeteria,”

“Well, I have food in my inventory. If you don’t have plans, would you like to join me? We can call this a little lunch date,” John suggested with a warm smile.

Alison blushed and nodded, replying, “I’d l-love to. Uhm, the desks aren’t v-very clean. A-at least not to e-eat from.”

“Yeah, hmm, well, let’s sit at June’s desk instead. She keeps it extremely clean, and I know that she has lunch there pretty often,” John proposed, heading to the desk.

After sitting down, John cleared the clutter, glancing around for another chair. John’s ear tickled as Violet whispered a suggestion, “Tell her to sit in your lap.”

“I thought you were resting?” John whispered back, hearing a chuckle in response.

“Hey, Alison. I don’t think there are any other chairs for June’s desk,” he said, turning to Alison, who’d moved closer. Pushing the chair back a little, John patted his lap. “I don’t suppose you’d mind sitting here while we have lunch together?”

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