The Maple Seed Flies - Auto Gyro Design Quest

[X] Kiss her. (+1 stress)

You don't speak, watching her face drop from a broad smile to a look of gentle confusion. Instead, you step in close to her, taking a deep breath of her perfume. Your hand finds her shoulder, then the back of her neck. Your other slides into the small of her back. You pull her close against you, feeling her warmth in the cool evening air.

'Now. Do it. Before you can chicken out,' your brain screams inside your skull. 'Just do it!'

You lean in and press your lips to hers. Your heart feels like it might burst in your chest. She is delightfully soft in ways you couldn't have imagined before this moment. She relaxes into you, letting her weight rest in your hands, and you feel like you could stay like this forever. It's a little taste of divinity, a moment of communion from the touch of another. Her lipstick is the wine, her scent as sustaining as bread.

This is a more honest prayer than you've ever given in front of a priest.

She doesn't break the kiss quickly. When she does, it is with the sharp breath of someone holding one for far too long. She finds your eyes, searching them for something; whatever she finds seems to satisfy her, and she leans in to meet your lips again. Hers is far more tender, a gentle, exploratory kiss rather than your hungry collision.

"We should go inside," she whispers in a momentary pause for breath.

---

The food is good, though you hardly notice the cacophony of flavours. You cannot take your eyes off of her. Had you missed her this much in a matter of weeks? You had no idea you could. You were drinking her in like water.

You don't notice she's asking you a question until she repeats herself. "I said, what happened to the fear?"

"Fear?"

"Of this. Us." You look down, watching as her delicate fingers gesture between you both. "Last time we talked about this you were panicking about what it meant."

"Oh." You feel a twist in your gut as the last three weeks of anxiety come rushing back. "I am still– I mean, I suppose…"

Dear Lord, Helena, you're more eloquent than this.

You take a deep breath and try again. "I am… still scared. Running away to a new country halfway around the world is nothing compared to this. But… it is the same choice, no? I have to choose between cowardice or… another new adventure."

"Somehow, I can't imagine my Baronesa as a coward."

Her Baronesa. Dios Mio, this girl will kill you if she's not careful.

"I am not brave. But neither am I a coward." You reach across the table, and she takes your hand. Her palm is so warm against your own it could almost burn. It feels… good.

– - - -

You walk Imiko home again, this time hand in hand the entire way. She holds herself close enough that you feel her shoulder brush against your arm. Every touch is an electric spark that runs through your skin. It's almost a shame when you reach her house; it's far too soon, far too early for a parting.

"Tonight has been…" you trail off, uncertain of what you're even trying to say. It's positive, but the precise words escape you.

Thankfully, Imiko provides in your stead. "It's been delightful. I've missed you."

"I have as well. It will not be three weeks again." You place your palm against her cheek. She is so warm it feels like she could burn your hand. Your own cheeks burn in sympathetic fury.

She matches your motion, placing her hand over yours.

"I know how hard your work is."

You think of the stress of the last weeks, of the tension in your muscles and joints. The headaches that plague you as you try to sleep each night. The past few hours have done so much to unburden you. Does it have to end?

"I am glad I finally took a break."

"It doesn't have to end, sweet Baronesa."

"Huh?" You step back, trying to study her face. She's smiling gently, eyes half-lidded and full of promise.

"Do you want to come inside? I have some Europan drinks we could share."

"I would–" You begin. She places a finger over your lips.

"I have a very empty bed."

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH
[ ] Accept the offer (+1 Stress).
[ ] Decline the offer and go home.