2 2: First Kiss

Today, Evan is brushing out Eve's damp hair as they sit on a blanket in the sunshine on his side of the river. They have been meeting each other here at the river a little over 6 months. They have learned a lot from each other about the other's culture. Many of their values are the same: respect your elders, family first; knowledge is the key to success, etc. Then without thinking, Eve takes Evan's hand, kisses his palm and presses her cheek into it.

"That is a kiss," Evan smiling, "One of the ways you show affection to a person you care for. You care for me," sitting next to her, his tail wraps around her heart shaped bottom causing Eve's heart to flutter.

They hold out their hands next to each other. Evan's nails are jet black like his hair. His palm; though a different texture than the rest of his skin like a human, is the same color as the rest of his skin. His skin is a slightly lighter tan than Eve's with a yellowish hue to it. Yet, there are no variations in coloration, it's one smooth even tone from head to toe. It's completely lacking in darker or lighter areas without so much as a beauty mark. Even his lips while being full and well-shaped are the same color as the rest of him. Eve loves the way the black hair runs from the nape of his neck down the center of his back and becomes his tail with the same smooth thick jet black hair as his head.

"I care for you as well," Evan concerned by her quiet manner when she's usually talkative, "I was taught kissing spreads germs, but it seems a nice way to show affection. My father squeezes the back of my neck when I do something he approves," giving a little demo, "Sometimes he pats my head or scratches behind my ear. Mother is little more affectionate. She presses her cheek to mine like this or hugs me like this. I like the way you hug better. It's warmer."

"Kissing does spread germs, but so does shaking hands and breathing. That's why we have immune systems. We encounter germs, viruses and bacteria constantly," Eve breaking her silence, "It's just such a nice way to express affection. My parents are always hugging and kissing. They love each other very much."

"It's not appropriate to show such affection openly in my community. My parents hold hands like this when out in public." Evan places Eve's hand on top of his, "They are more affectionate at home. Father puts his face in mother's neck like this." It makes Eve goose pimply in a warm way.

She clasps Evan's hand, "It's not unusual to see people holding hands like this. But when holding hands with someone special to your heart, or in your case hearts, like a mate or someone you intend to mate with, you hold hands like this," sliding her fingers between his and closing them. "It's sort of a symbol of becoming one, a unit."

He closes his fingers and smiles. His doubled sets of vampire like canines gleaming like pearls. Eve is sure it's the most beautiful smile she has ever seen.

"My people would find your people's open shows of affection and happiness most distressing." Then Evan request, "Teach me to kiss."

"OK," Eve surprised by his request and her own quick response, "it's not hard. The most common place to kiss someone is on the cheek. You just pucker your lips like this… That's good. Then press them to the cheek." She kisses his cheek. Then he kisses both of her cheeks. "Perfect," smiling as a blush heats her face.

"There was different way for holding hands with someone special," Evan holding up their entwined hands for a moment, "Is there different kiss for special someone?"

"Well, yes," Eve suddenly more nervous than ever before in her life, "there's a pressing of the lips together. But not just a pressing, there's a cooperative thing going on and sometimes people use their tongues."

"Use their tongues," repeats Evan. Then request, "Show me."

"I don't know how. I've never kissed anyone like that. I've never had a special someone until you," That last part fell out of her mouth before she could catch it and she looks away from him. She can see her shoats waiting patiently for her on her side of the river.

Evan turns Eve's face back to his with a forefinger. Last week she had initially refused his request to examine her breasts. After a couple of why questions, she admitted she was afraid he wouldn't like them. His response was he couldn't imagine not liking anything about her. He didn't quite have the words to describe how much he did like them. He was especially impressed with the chocolate brown coloration of her nipples. She knew he liked them when he rubbed his face into them like he does her hair when he brushes it. It made her shudder a bit while she became excessively warm in between her legs. Unconsciously, she put her hands into his hair, cradling him to her and has no idea how long the examination took.

"Please," Evan fearful he may have requested something too intimate, even though she didn't come right out and say no, "show me," running his thumb over her full soft lips, "We will learn together." Nervously, he waits for what seems an eternity for her to begin the lesson.

Staring into his eyes, those big green catlike eyes, she goes for it. This, their first kiss is a soft, innocent, quick peck. A shy smile passes between them and she is amused with herself for having been afraid; simply silly, because she's been dying to kiss him. The next kiss is also soft and innocent, yet last a bit longer and has more of that cooperative aspect she was trying to explain. The third kiss starts soft and innocent, but loses its innocence quickly.

Evan pulls Eve over his crossed legs and she crosses her ankles behind him at the base of his tail with that same marvelous jet-black hair. He pulls the strings loose on her support top and she has no objections to him planting kisses on her breasts experimentally flicking her nipples with his lavender tongue. But when he tugs at the string in her briefs, Eve jumps backward off his lap.

"It's starting to get late," Eve standing and securing the ties to her undergarments, "I need to return before I'm missed. Don't want anyone to come looking for me," a slight exaggeration. She could be gone a couple of days before anyone would worry.

Evan stands, "I have frightened you."

"No," Eve shaking her head, "I've frightened myself. I want this. I want you. I've just never felt such strong feelings for anyone before. I'm overwhelmed by my own excitement, fear and eagerness."

"I understand. My feelings are same," Evan smiling, "and I have some feelings I cannot name. I do not have the words in any language."

"Yeah," Eve relieved there's no misunderstanding, "Plus, I'm not sure I'm ready to mate."

"I have no choice," Evan looking at the ground, "My [luxste'] has begun."

"[Luxste',]" Eve repeats. This is a new word from his language.

"[Luxste',]" Evan explains, "is when a male become overcome with desire and need to mate. This is time when I am expected to bond to a female for life. There are only 2 females suitable for me to choose from in my village. But because I have shown no interest in neither, Rond or Vor, my father has chosen Vor. He believes she is most suitable for me."

"Do you have feelings for her?" Eve asks concealing a great amount of jealousy, but the worry is still visible in her eyes.

"Disinterest. I do not even enjoy her company."

Eve is greatly relieved by this answer, "It's getting dark. I should get going."

He grabs her hand, "Be my life-mate, Eve, please. You do not have to decide now. Just meet me tomorrow. My father… I do not think he knows my luxste' has begun. But soon I will not be able to conceal it."

Eve just stands in silence as she looks up into his begging needy eyes. She gets so lost when she looks into those eyes.

"I cannot imagine living my whole life with anyone but you. Will you come tomorrow?"

"Yes, tomorrow," she agrees. Then on her tiptoes, she hugs and kisses him good-bye.