Keith Logan
Eᴄʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴄ.
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2022
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𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠
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- Thread starter Keith Logan
- Start date
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Keith Logan
Eᴄʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴄ.
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2022
"𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑂𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛; 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑗𝑜𝑦." • ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • 
• ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐼 : 𝐵𝑢𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 "Welp." "I guess that means another round of sake." The couple had only just finished a full bottle, right before the howls of strong breeze and the pitter pattering of a spring night's rain began to pelt against the exterior of the quaint uptown izakaya. The pair of recently engaged lovebirds were reclusive introverts. But whenever they were in each others’ presence, they would gleefully feed off each others’ spark, two elements reacting to each other to form an intense sizzle. Observers from afar would often notice the unmistakable contrast in energy as opposed to when they were alone, of how the pair could gossip and laugh amongst themselves for hours on end, hand in hand, head to shoulder. They would transform into a spontaneous bunch, like how they just decided to aimlessly trek an hour away from their accommodation, which was situated at the heart of the Kyoto's city centre, then somehow found themselves dining by the only eatery along a secluded, tranquil avenue, of which they would probably struggle to get out of the mazy streets if they intoxicated themselves any further. Joshua and Julia were notoriously light weight when it came to the consumption of alcohol. But in a land where it wasn’t uncommon for consumables to be infused with peaches and yuzus, it was hard to resist the promise of a good night, ushered by saccharine booze. It was always a good time when Joshua McKinna and Julia Howell, the J&J dynamic duo, were together. Due to be married in just under seven months, this Kyoto trip was supposed to be their last major vacation together as girlfriend and boyfriend, or rather, fiancée and fiancé to be precise, right before they officially tie down the knot. The pair first met each other during their freshman year of college. It took only a fortnight for them to realise just how unbelievable a fit they were to each others' gloves. Contrary to most couples where ups and downs were interwoven into the fabrics of their relationships, their immaculately smooth journey was an envy for many. It was surreal how they could read each others' mind like an open book. They shared a breath of same interests, values and almost all philosophical views. Much of those were cultivated since birth, certainly helped by the fact that they were both raised with half Chinese and American blood and heritage within their respective families. They had never fought, because they understood each others’ needs and desires, were able to pick up cues on just about any nuances, perceptively eliminating the detonating cord to any metaphorical dynamite with unconscious compulsion, even before a spark could have a remote chance of ever igniting a situation out of proportion. They were predictable. They were perfect for each other. Too perfect. Too... smooth sailing. The grass is not always necessarily greener beyond the horizon of one's field of vision, be it literal or figurative, even if the resounding evidence painted an immaculate picture. It was extraordinarily easy for the lovebirds to entrust their wellbeing and lives to each other. What had never ever been a fleeting concern, was that it was also impeccably easy for complacency to trickle through behind the shroud of habitual jouissance, a rotten seed rooting itself, discreetly thriving amidst the conducive, ignorant environment like a parasite for as long as it wasn't weeded out. Joshua and Julia were young and none the wiser to the seed's existence. They never had an opportunity to test their grit, resolve and resoluteness in the face of tribulation. Because tribulation never existed in their little bubble. At least for Joshua, he was sucked under the rose tinted illusion that the love that he shared with Julia was transcendently indestructible. Nothing in the past eight years of their time together had given him any reason to believe that their foundation that they built alongside and with one another, could realistically be wavered. Joshua was a predisposed thrill seeker, a happy-go-lucky individual who possessed high degrees of openness. And he had every reason to believe Julia shared the same mindset as he did, base on the plethora of unforgettable memories that they shared as a result of their spontaneity. As such, it became thematically common for Joshua to be tempted to play with fire, when the concern for consequence of actions had turned negligible, since he had utmost confidence that they were always able to figure a way around any dissonance. "Those two girls over there? Six out of ten each." Joshua most spontaneously decided to start a round of rate that chick or hunk. "For context, I'd rate you an eight." He teased, with a tone most nonchalant, demeanour oh-so-calm, as if there was nothing inherently wrong with not giving the love of his life a perfect ten, not especially when feisty bantering were part and parcel of their daily dynamics, sizable romantic tension yielding from the manner in which they often poked fun at each other. "That group of four there averages about a seven point nine. Close. Could potentially surpass an eight if they would just put some makeup on." There weren't many patrons dining in at the izakaya that evening, which wasn't all that surprising, given that it was located on a god forsaken street which only saving grace was the stretch of pretty blossom trees lining up along one side of the nondescript avenue. Six other females, and... a damn fine subtly tanned brunet of possibly French and Asian mix? Actually, maybe more Hispanic than Asian in him. It was so hard to tell. He seemed all over the place. The man was in an unbuttoned suit along with a pair of matching pants. He was dressed down to unwind, tie undone and scrunched up on his table. He looked to be in and around his thirties. Like the couple, the enigmatic man did not look like he belonged around there. 
Joshua eyed him for a good moment, before reverting his gaze back onto Julia. His eyes narrowed when he caught her ogling at the majestic foreigner. Joshua wasn’t the jealous sort. And he could understand why Julia had laid eyes on this other man because objectively speaking, he too believed he was good looking and exuded an air of debonair. He could appreciate any gorgeous lady "Sheesh." "Look at you." "Go on then. Be honest. I can see it in your eyes, so don’t you dare lie to me." • ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • |
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starshine
‧₊˚✩彡
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2023
"𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑡ℎ." • ——– • 𔓘 • ——– • Sixes? Them? Well. Loose-fitted clothing made for ambiguous, boxy figures. She'd grant him that. But therein lied alluring mystery of potential curves and the bar's lighting reflected healthy silken sheen of hair. That ought to be worth another point or two. She drew in a breath, on the cusp of defending these modestly pretty strangers. "For context, I'd rate you an eight." Julia's mouth snapped shut. "Eight??" Attention spun from nameless women likely commiserating over some of life's (or love's) woes judging from their somewhat huddled-together body language to the source of her own. (Hardly. Joshua was a certified source of endless comforts and bliss. Her personal lucky charm, really.) "Tsk. Please share, sweetheart." Elbow on polished counter, mindful of freshly filled drinks, she leaned in and flicked the swoop of Josh's fringe with narrowing stare. Corners of petaled lips quirked upwards to betray her lack of offense. Silver-tongued, he wasn't quite. But he never failed to make her feel beautiful and adored. "What am I lacking? Don't tell me I get points docked for seeing my bedhead or weirder side. Not when I agreed to a lifetime of being subjected to yours." A lifetime. Forever with Joshua McKinna as her loving confidant and partner-in-mischief. Those words, in any of their iterations, always tasted pleasant on the tongue. Intoxicating as the sake they'd been recklessly tossing back when novelty of visiting timeless shrines and parks mellowed into desire for low-key relaxations for the evening, yet yielding the effervescence of golden champagne. She couldn't wait for the big day. Both because wedding preparations proved to be tiring work and because...well, it simply made sense. Shirking outdated traditions, they lived together. Had been since they graduated college. At this point, she felt as if she already possessed Joshua's last name. Their upcoming ceremony was formality. Reason to celebrate with their closest loved ones and friends while hopefully making her groom's eternally effortless composure slip at the sight of Julia in her bridal gown. "You're damn lucky." She iterated, slipping back into her personal space with good-natured clink of sake cup against his. Really, she thought, as alcohol slid with deceptive water-like smoothness down her throat, she was damn lucky. Not many girls could boast of meeting their perfect other half. Especially not so soon. Not without first experiencing tumbling brushes with love, clumsy forays into situationships bearing misleading promises of something more, or unrequited feelings. Julia had been spared of many expected romantic hardships. Fate miraculously placed Joshua squarely into her path - all clever wit and boy-next-door disarming humor in a charmingly handsome near six foot package - and he became her first...well, her first everything. The ease with which he conquered her inexperienced, although not necessarily naive heart, was nothing to be scoffed at. Seriously. It even extended outwards like ripples in a pond to conquer those in Julia's life as well. Friends promptly stamped him with their seal of approval, a rarity among girls who rightfully cautioned against one of their own falling too soon. But upon meeting Joshua, they walked away, all assured smiles and approving nods in agreement that he was a keeper. Even her family, of which she'd been a little more nerve-stricken with, weren't immune to him. Her mother was a given. Her father found his background and ambitions respectable. David, her little brother, took to him with horseplay vigor of long last being blessed with a proper sibling. And Lǎolao, the more taciturn member in the Howell household, offered to make him her pork belly specialty for his next visit. He'd effectively become one of their own. All the pieces of Julia's life fell into immaculate place and brightly glimmered. Like the faceted diamond adorning her ring finger. So, it wasn't just this spring break, surprise bucket list vacation of hers fulfilled, which put the young woman in buoyant mood. But that she was enjoying the splendors of Kyoto with him. Her lover. Best friend. A man of infinite delight. Speaking of... Their idle entertainment continued. Julia turned slightly to better survey the izakaya. Thoughtful hum emanating from her lips and lost to surrounding din while fingertips drummed along jean-clad thigh. That was when she spotted him. 
A perfect stranger. He tugged loose and discarded his tie while likely waiting for his order to arrive. A mundane act. She couldn't say why it caught her eye to the point of ceasing tapping rhythm. Maybe because it was laden with unintentional eroticism. She always found suits attractive on men. But there was something about the casual undoing of constraints that beckoned to some deeply innate feminine want. She also couldn't say whether the way he undid the top button of his collar and cuffs worsened this feeling. Julia's fiance found their next round in lieu of her. Distraction hadn't dulled her urge to butt heads with him. Swift to come to their defense with tutting grin. "Another failing of a man's eyes. Incredibly subtle, but they are in fact wearing makeup. See? Right there. Little flick of winged liner. Their laughter is cute too - solid 8.5s all around." Unfortunately, her gaze was just as swift to again flick towards the solely-inhabited table. Its occupant now leaned back in his seat with lackadaisical air, indulging in his first long gulp of a refreshing highball. She watched the way his Adam's apple bobbed. The breadth of his lap like an inviting perch. 
"Huh?" "Look at you." Pleasant drunken haze gave way to unpleasant stomach lurch when she noticed Joshua regarding her as she was regarding...not him. Julia squirmed like a child caught misbehaving. Flush, already stubbornly clinging to her countenance from that evening's spirits, deepened. It threatened to seep down her neck to bared shoulders. "Go on then. Be honest. I can see it in your eyes, so don't you dare lie to me." Joshua didn't bristle with jealousy. Just as she never did. So implicitly unshakeable their trust and commitment to one another was. Gaze cool and observant beneath a veneer of calm amusement. It reminded her of when they met, many years ago now, beneath strung fairy lights in a basement party in which he approached Julia standing off to the side and teasingly speculated she had been dragged there against her will. He'd been right then and he'd been right now. Damned if she'd ever admit it. Besides, it didn't mean anything. She only had eyes for him. "Your drunken eyes deceive you. A seven, maybe." She said with cavalier shrugging dismissal. Julia straightened so that her back was to the unknown gentleman and flicked light caramel waves over her shoulder. "I think you clean up nicer in a suit." Julia seized the carafe and took to refilling his glass, light gaze flitting up to Joshua's as she added on silkily, "Though I think a suit comes off you even nicer." • ——– • 𔓘 • ——– •
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Keith Logan
Eᴄʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴄ.
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2022
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"𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑂𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛; 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑗𝑜𝑦." • ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • "Eight??" "Tsk. Please share, sweetheart." "What am I lacking? Don't tell me I get points docked for seeing my bedhead or weirder side. Not when I agreed to a lifetime of being subjected to yours." "I don't know. But I won't be able to tolerate you trying to rub it in my face by reminding me that 'I gave you a 10 on this day'. We both know you have every inclination to be doing that some time down the road." "Also for the record, you love my bedhead and weirdo-ness. Someone said 'You're cute', citing Julia Howell (2010), that first time we shared a bed, if you so need a reminder." He was referring to more than a decade ago, when they were sixteen and still in their early honeymoon days, the time in their lives when they were still trigger happy at buttering up each other with immoderate compliments - not that they weren't as much in love as they used to, but gone were the days that they whispered cringeworthy lovey-dovey stuff to each others' ears. It was an opportunistic slumber party of one of their classmates that the both of them got invited to, of which their clueless parents agreed to because it sounded like a harmless group gathering to them. It seemed like a rather ordinary memory in the grand scheme of things. But somehow, it stuck with him, because it meant a great deal to be called cute by one's crush at such a tender age. He had made sure to Joshua pushed forth his replies with absolute calmness. His trademark confidence, shining through. He had an unfair amount of charm that would make even the most arrogant of statements seem cool and suave, if only they were uttered through his quick witted lips. "That's why you chose to marry me." "You're damn lucky." Of course she would say that. They had come a long way. It wasn't the first time Julia tried to 'defend her honour' and attempt to dismiss and take an opportunistic jab at Joshua, more often than she showered him with words of affection these days, whilst they were made in unspoken jest that the both of them naturally understood. Such was the chemistry that they shared, a classic exemplification of the level of comfort that they had found themselves nestled in each others' cradle; comfortable enough to not take offense at each other, comfortable enough to know that every verbal punch that they threw at each other would not be taken with offense. In similar fashion, he wasn't the slightest bit perturbed when he caught her latching her eyes on a certain man in a familiar way that he had been all too used to himself. It did feel low-key surreal that that gaze wasn't meant for him in that particular instance, as he was literally watching that expression that was typically reserved for him, from the sidelines. The first time she stole a glance, Joshua found it easy to dismiss it as a happenstance - because whose eyes wouldn't be naturally drawn to beauty's beckoning? The second time she casted the surreptitious peek that however, Joshua could no longer resist not calling her out - it was yet another one of those instances in which she was literally begging for him to tease her hard for it. Because a flustered Julia was one of the cutest things in the world that Joshua could never get enough of. He was going to embarrass her till his heart's content for it. "Go on then. Be honest. I can see it in your eyes, so don't you dare lie to me." "Your drunken eyes deceive you. A seven, maybe." Joshua actually snorted out the shot that he was taking mid-way as he listened to her judgement. He didn't even know why his reaction was that tad too dramatic, which had him broke into a second's uncharacteristic flinch. But it happened. And the sake burned his nostrils a bit, of which, he soldiered on the pain in silence. He was however, quick to regain that default dreamy, collected demeanour of his. 
"You don't even ogle at me like that these days. Insinuating that I'm a five or six right there?" There wasn't even a pout on his face, as if he already knew her answer in quiet confidence. "I think you clean up nicer in a suit." "Though I think a suit comes off you even nicer." "Mmh hmm. Is this damage control you're playing at?" Again, he pressed on with the very casual teasing with the calmest of smiles. Not that he wasn't already assured. But when Julia redirected her attention back to him, undivided, the man was placed at incredible ease - Julia always knew how to say, what to say the right things, at the right time. She refilled his glass with another serving of concoction that would coax his mind into conveying a certain curiosity that surged into his consciousness out of the blue. It wasn't uncommon however, for the lovebirds to be engaged in philosophical debates and exploring hypotheticals after intoxicating their minds toward a state of disinhibition. "Munchkin." Joshua returned the favour by refilling her glass on her behalf this time. "Have you ever once wondered what it might feel like to at least be able to date another person?" "Like, do you ever feel like you may be missing out on gaining a different and fuller perspective of what relationships entail?" Joshua paused, his eyes then glanced over to the very man that managed to draw Julia's innate urge to give him a second look. His eyes were hazy, but coloured in muffled intrigue. "Say, I never existed in your life. And you are here solo, on a business trip." "You're lonely, emotionally needy as we both know, in a foreign land. And you see that man right over there." "Is there a possibility that you'll tell yourself 'fuck it', and approach him just to see how the night may unfold?" • ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • |
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starshine
‧₊˚✩彡
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2023
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"𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑡ℎ." • ——– • 𔓘 • ——– • Oh. How the slightest curve to his expression could wreak the mightiest havoc to her pulse. She had once been utterly helpless to the charm of Joshua's smiles, often understated and reserved in nature. They beckoned to her inner coquette. That impish itch to see what might make his poker-faced composure shift in the slightest. However, love's initial magical high was not designed to last forever. Firework-esque attraction settled into adoring modest bursts of their everyday. Eventually he learned Julia's ways and how best to counter or indulge them accordingly. Just as those casually alluring smiles didn't always inspire frenzied butterflies. That wasn't to say dashing colors of their romance petered out into monotonous greys. Far from it. His charm hooked her still. Joshua's unconvinced hum brought flickering reminder to the bride-to-be's mind just how delicious its vibration felt when muffled against her flushed skin. Often at the helm of coaxing naked honesty to spill from Julia's mouth readily as it'd seep from her body. Handsome expression made her want to meet his quirking pout with conciliatory peck that'd inevitably spiral from chaste softness to a pressing heat... If only they weren't in public. Instead, his mindful fiancee resigned herself to the covetous delight of palm squeezing his knee while leaning in for refills. Playful banter continuoued effortlessly with their pleasant buzz. "Damage control would be me calling you a certified 11." Of which, he was. Joshua McKinna was leagues above any other man. Whether in the realm of physical, mental, or emotional. A passing glance was nothing more than fleeting fancy. Careless error on a spoiled, contented woman's part. Attractive people may draw the eye for brief moment, but only one person was capable of residing in the spotlit focus of her softened enamor forevermore. Him. The only one for Julia. Obvious even then. Under the mystical sway of libation indulgences, the izakaya's edges began to soften into distant, dreamy blur. The considerate din of fellow patrons quieting as well. Only the center of her universe at present remained unaffected. Mostly. Drunkenness had a way of gentling his profile too. No...gentle wasn't quite apt here, was it? Ambient bar lighting cast delicate halo upon Joshua. Shadows rending his edges indistinguishable. And for fleeting, surprising instant, Julia found his mood and thoughts unreachable. Despite their many years together. Despite being so close their limbs occasionally brushed. "Munchkin." Julia blinked. Taken aback by her inability to recall when exactly she had perched her chin on curled hands to peer over at him in admiration or when she had drained that ?-nth glass of sake. The latter of which he remedied. "Have you ever once wondered what it might feel like to at least be able to date another person?" She sat up a bit straighter now. Joshua's question almost had a sobering effect. At the very least, made her heart perform somersault amid syrupy thick sake-induced dull comforts. "What?" She asked, quiet. Too quiet. "Like, do you ever feel like you may be missing out on gaining a different and fuller perspective of what relationships entail?" She needn't follow the trajectory of his speculative gaze to know where it settled. Her own did not follow. As if doing so would inspire some illicit admission. So instead Julia observed the bartender putting finishing touches on a perfectly-carved ice sphere for a customer. It spun in the cocktail glass, much like her thoughts, as he artfully poured an amber liquor. Presumably whiskey. "Mr. McKinna. This better not be your way of subtly hinting at cold feet." Unlikely. Even the wry-touched arc of her grin said so. Julia assured herself this was just another of their countless hypothetical what-ifs? The couple so enjoyed contemplating them. What if we met much earlier as young children - would we be childhood sweethearts or oblivious youths in denial? What if I didn't make a fool of myself that night and blurt out that you were cute? Would you still love me if I were a worm? And now - what if they hadn't met at all? She wasn't sure what to make of it. Yet, she closed her eyes as Joshua ventured further down this road. Searching fingers blindly connected with cup and she lifted it to her lips. Julia tried to envision this alternate timeline. Trip abroad, not with the love of her life, but on her own as a woman at the perfect crossroads of youthful beauty and seasoned maturity. One where a potentially enticing rendezvous lay before her like ripe fruit for the plucking. Aside from cracking open lids to flutter him a glare for that "emotionally needy" quip, she found herself responding considerately. "Honestly? ...I'm not sure. Even in a world without having crossed paths with you, putting aside how achingly tragic that would be," never remiss for chance to flirt, "you know well I'm not exactly uh...the suavest at approaching men." Gentle features crinkled slightly in opposition to her dismissive shrug. She stared into the empty cup dangling betwixt her fingers as if it could deliver something better. It took his approach to set their romance into proper motion. Sure, Julia was almost a shamelessly smooth flirt now. But that was a facet of herself born of their time together. With him. Comforting assurances and confidence Joshua effortlessly carved from the humble gemstone of a young lady. Maybe not too dissimilar to how that crystalline ice yielded to the bartender's influence. Even with liquid courage flowing through her veins in inebriating glory, she doubted herself capable of more than slyly admiring a beautiful stranger from afar. Julia ran her tongue along the sharps of her teeth and set the glass down. Cheek propped lazily along palm, she regarded him, askance. She posed in counter, "What about you? Would you approach another girl?" He could. Easily. No question. The charm he possessed wasn't something she could fault him for. Though it left a peculiarly sour taste in her mouth. The tension of this wildly imaginative hypothetical, and bitterness, would dissolve. Julia sighed softly and her expression loosened. "Either way, I'm glad you were my first." And only, silently implied. "Imagine having to endure the awkward pains of getting a leg cramp while on top of a total stranger instead of a sweetly nurturing boyfriend. Yikes." She referred, of course, to one of their fledgling sexual encounters. Back when they were discovering themselves, their likes, "Another?" ...Now she wished to perish herself as the bartender checked on them. Julia hoped his English was limited enough to miss that. She deferred to Joshua for the decision, whether they remain on the path of idle recklessness or wisely considered calling it a night. When he turned away, she hummed. "A bit of consideration behind this though. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were encouraging to send me into the arms of another man." Then she laughed. Short but brightly polished. Because it was a ridiculous notion really. What man, especially one to be married, would want to even entertain the imagery? • ——– • 𔓘 • ——– •
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Keith Logan
Eᴄʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴄ.
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2022
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"𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑂𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛; 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑗𝑜𝑦." • ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • "Mmh hmm. Is this damage control you're playing at?" "Damage control would be me calling you a certified 11." Joshua burst into a short guffaw. Knowing her all these years, he had expected her to reply with something along the same vein - always generous with her compliments. Yet, given their naturally settled bantering dynamics, there was always this niggling possibility that she was always pouncing on every opportunity to pull his leg, and here, it came across as an attempt at jest and playful sarcasm. That was where he found the humour - the paradox that him being a certified 11 was meant to be both genuine and tongue-in-cheek at the same time. It was a commonality between the couple to be engaged in all things vocal and physical with one another, sometimes a bit much excessive. Bystanders often commented on how the pair were adorably inseparable, or nauseatingly clingy - depending on one's subjective opinion. They were fulfillingly comfortable with one another and never found a need to venture beyond that safety all-encompassing bubble they were snuggled tight in. That comfort baseline did also usher the way towards blissful ignorance, of which the pair risked being increasingly myopic to the world around them - evolving fresh, sometimes differing perspectives that would be considered alien and otherworldly to the couple would likely both challenge and intrigue the biased hive mind that the both of them shared. Fortunately, Joshua was a fond philosopher and a curious thinker, with Julia always being more than willing to oblige and engage his ever-wandering mind. They were daydreaming frogs in the well that went against the proverbial notion that they were narrow minded individuals. Pour a few drinks into the equation, and the gates to his dam of thoughts would flood through once more as they always did. "Have you ever once wondered what it might feel like to at least be able to date another person?" "What?" "Like, do you ever feel like you may be missing out on gaining a different and fuller perspective of what relationships entail?" "Mr. McKinna. This better not be your way of subtly hinting at cold feet." "No, silly goose. You are mine. And if you ever tried to leave, I would tie you down in my basement and make you surrender yourself to me all over again." The fingers of his right hand, interlaced over her left, lifted it up, before planting a soft peck on the back of her hand, accompanied by a piercing gaze into her eyes, and a hint of soft menacing grin he could not help from the evil things he could potentially plan for her hypothetical kidnap. "I'm just saying, have you ever thought there may still be things I might not be able to offer you that you never knew you needed?" "Or rather, I wouldn't know what else I could be offering more to you because we're too comfortably settled in our own nest and view of what makes a good relationship, then complacency and what not." He paused, taking in another sip of the sake in hand as his eyes shifted back forward, deep in thought. "I don't want you to just be a happy wife, but the happiest wife." "Maybe, if we had the opportunity to put ourselves out there more often, being exposed to new elements, we could learn more about ourselves? Maybe, if you ended up meeting Joshua McKinna version two point zero, he would put me and what we have to shame?" He took another sip. "God. Am I even making sense right now?" "Honestly? ...I'm not sure. Even in a world without having crossed paths with you, putting aside how achingly tragic that would be, you know well I'm not exactly uh...the suavest at approaching men." "What about you? Would you approach another girl?"
"First, to address your first statement, that is what makes you all the more enticing." Joshua could not resist the opportune to flatter as spontaneously as Julia only just did to him seconds ago. The moment she sat her glass down and looked set to lean in against the table, his nearest hand very charmingly slithered around her waist, flipped her, pulled her away from her seat, then spun her onto him, breasts on chest. There was a brief silent exchange of gaze, before his head leaned in to her left side, hot breaths gushing against the definition of her outer ear, whispering on. "You're demure, docile. Bloody gorgeous as well. It makes me want to squeeze you so tight, you wouldn't be able to break free from my limbs, ever." He led to a playful, dragged out nibble against her earlobe, ending with his both arms coiled around her back, literally attempting to squeeze the breath out of her. The effects of the sake, doing some noticeable disinhibition - not that the pair weren't already used to public display of affection. At that moment however, the need to engulf her with his passion felt particularly elevated, as often under the influence of alcoholic intoxication."If I do approach another girl, she has to be an exact replica of you. Cause you're perfect for me." His light brown pupils shimmered as he stared deep into her irises. "By the way, you're not allowed to use the same line. I've called dips." "Either way, I'm glad you were my first." "Imagine having to endure the awkward pains of getting a leg cramp while on top of a total stranger instead of a sweetly nurturing boyfriend. Yikes." "And I'm glad you've upped your rodeo skills a lot more since that fateful evening." Like a poor serve in a round of tennis, Julia was asking for it by sending him a perfectly set ball to land a return kill shot. His smirk was mischievous, punchline delivered calm as signature. It might sound like an insult. But somehow, his aura, his demeanour - it was difficult to take offense in anything that he said. The man was also quite very unpredictable - one moment he was fawning all over Julia, and the next wringing a satisfying pout out of her. The bartender coming by to offer a refill was timely, accentuating the pink of her genetically inherited Asian blush. Joshua shook his head however, refusing the refill like he anticipated their night at the izakaya was close to running its course. "A bit of consideration behind this though. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were encouraging to send me into the arms of another man." "Maybe I was." His reply was short and concise to begin. There was a considerable thoughtful break thereafter, before the peace was broken. "Whatever happens, we can trust each other, right?" Another pause, with nothing but soft gaze into her eyes. "Whatever happens, we know our hearts will still be fidel to one another at the end of the day." His fingers ran delicately through her hair, stroking tenderly along with a longer verbal pause. Joshua looked to be engaged in a moment of self-inflicted internal conflict. "Hand me your ring, Julia." "Let tonight be a reminder of just how desirable of a woman you still are, and how god damn lucky I am to have you." "And no matter how awkward you are in that hypothetical alternate universe you spoke of, you will leave this place by the end of the night with that stranger without having to lift much of a finger." Joshua smile. He gently flipped Julia over to have her back resting against his chest, whilst he angled his body over to the stranger man in question. His tone hushed a notch, semi-whispering into Julia's ears. "As a like-minded man, I can assure you that all you need to do, is stand up, and ask to share a drink with that man over there, then let nature take its course." Ridiculous notion? Perhaps. But they were riding the metaphorical momentum of a surfer's desired wave which came out of nowhere, because a series of opportunistic elements including but not limited to alcohol, great company, mutual and discerning understanding, and the couple's inherent sense of adventure and spontaneity all falling into place. It was now, or never. "This is your one narrow chance to live not for me, but for yourself for just one moment, without me by your side for a change, to know what it feels like to be on the other side, Munchkin." "Whether you'll end up appreciating us more by the end of it all, or learn more about yourself, this little journey of self-discovery would be useful for you, maybe even for us." "Go for it, Julia, before the window closes once we tie the knot. Or if I decide to change my mind much sooner for that matter." He paused, before planting a soft kiss by her right temple. "I won't be angry, I promise." "Just, you owe me the full story tomorrow, if you do actually end up stepping out of this place with your hands tucked into the elbow of another other than myself." "… or have you disappointingly lost your game?" He smirked. Conversations were never as fun if he didn’t always build towards landing a playful jibe at the other. • ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • |
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starshine
‧₊˚✩彡
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2023
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"𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑡ℎ." • ——– • 𔓘 • ——– • "God. Am I even making sense right now?" He was. But this was where the couple with their enviable simpatico, diverged onto different thought paths. Joshua, in his laid-back complacency, did not resign himself to remaining complacent. Accomplishments, of both professional and personal variety, accumulated as well-earned notches on his belt. Yet the gears in this head spun with regular clockwork wonder. He dreamed of more. Of better. Even when cards were dealt into idealistic place, the man couldn't help wanting reshuffle the deck. Just to see what other opportunities lie in wait. "Doesn't matter how amazing Joshua or Julia 2.0 could be, just by rewriting our romantic history casts countless probabilities into the infinite pool that somehow had our stars align. Destiny could do a 180°. We could somehow pass one another by. Or we could have settled with another." Whereas his future bride was satisfied with who they were. How they were. Could things be better? Certainly. Everyone had room for improvement, even the woefully blessed. People were not meant to be stagnant. Life was an endless source for discovery, for learning, for growth. Maybe additional experiences would shape into well-honed, wizened lovers. Maybe not. He was already an adoring man beyond imagination. She couldn't be happier. Julia was keen to hold rather than give up her cards. For her, their blissful fate had already been generous, precious enough, too precious really, to risk allowing whispers of curiosity untangle its course. And she'd argue more. If only his arguments weren't disarmingly convincing. If only he didn't assail her senses with abundant affection. As if she were the center of his universe. Onlookers be damned. Honestly, she couldn't be bothered to care about any of them either. Even as Julia had let out a girlish gasp turned squeak when he usurped her entire being, there was only glittering amusement. Surrender. Arms reflexively twined around his neck. She melted into the warmth of Joshua's intimate embrace. Melted under the sweet heat of husked adorations as only a besotted woman could. Drunk not from the sake but from all that fell from those soft, indulgent lips. Yet his docile fiancee possessed a willfulness. She survived his sensual possessive retaliations with delightful squirm and bubbling laugh, before utilizing the cushioned lean of her embrace and artful sweep of fingers along the fine hairs of Joshua's nape to coax, "You make me sound heaven-sent. So then, what's the catch? You still want-" "If I do approach another girl, she has to be an exact replica of you. Cause you're perfect for me." That impossibly darling man. The depths of his eyes held hers with steady assurance. Glib retort not forthcoming. Julia kissed him. Alcohol tainted their breaths, but beneath was that familiarly endearing taste of him. She shuddered. It was easy to lose herself in him. Too easy. Lest their fairly intimate coil turn insistent, she parted with a final peck and tender jawline caress. Sense enough invaded buzzing thoughts to playfully thwack Joshua's chest and roll eyes heavenward at his impeccable dig. She set herself up, huh. Sardonic indulgence was but another facet of their love language. "Uh-huh, I suppose you trained me well." Their shared sense of humor formed an invaluable thread in the safe netting of their relationship. Not just blithe banter simply because he liked seeing her smile and vice versa, but for its way of taking the edge off the stressful or unpleasant. Or for example, right then, when it made for ginger-light approach to unfamiliar waters. That was why, Julia was positive his soft laughter would join hers. And thus, give assurance that this illicit hypothetical would fade well before their tipsiness subsided. However- "Maybe I was." -Joshua was skilled at keeping her on her toes. Heartbeat withheld in that monumental pause as she doubted her ears. But he seemed too considerate. Too contemplative. "Whatever happens, we can trust each other, right?" "I do..." She said slowly. Not drunk enough for lost irony, that these words would form their very vows in future before loved ones and friends as they'd pledge a lifetime to one another. In loving mirror to his soothe, she caressed his fringe, letting dollish fingertips skirt down the fine curvature of his face. "You're my love. My home. My safe harbor. At the end of the day, your arms are where I truly belong." Julia's chest swelled with an inhale, strange ache mingling with something untoward. Fear and... anticipation? His gaze held hers, steady, but she asked incredulously. "Joshua, darling, you hear yourself right now? You're fine with sharing my body, so long as it isn't my heart?" Tortuous pause as the balanced scales of their love shifted with an unknown addition. She watched his conflict play out. She would readily rescind this entire discussion if he gave the scantest hint of unease. "Hand me your ring, Julia." "Let tonight be a reminder of just how desirable of a woman you still are, and how god damn lucky I am to have you." Joshua - her soul mate and eternal cheerleader. He bolstered. He soothed. In manner achingly similar to the past. Back then, it was when Julia had awoken in cold sweat with misguided belief she had failed a final. He had tugged her to him, letting intimate silence and assurances that though unlikely, a GPA drop wasn't life-ending settle around her in warm, cocooned comfort. And now...now he sought to assure her that a desirous man was naturally at her beckoning. If only she'd allow. "I think," she began with faint amusement that was perhaps too tellingly breathless, "that is mostly in your head. You can't speak for every man. He looks tired. Gives off the vibe of wanting to drink alone." Unconvincing even to herself. Regardless. The seed had already been sown into a receptive mind. His burgeoning curiosities. Her innate desire to indulge. Only the passage of time would reveal what might become of this seed. Whether it would nourish the couple or sow irreparable cracks into their once solid foundation. 
Self-consciousness. Shame. The red hot embers of...something she didn't dare name. "Go for it, Julia, before the window closes once we tie the knot. Or if I decide to change my mind much sooner for that matter." One last encouragement from the man at her side. Fluttering affection. Decisive blow against voice of reason. Her eyes fluttered shut and she uselessly prayed Joshua somehow couldn't sense how wildly her pulse raced. He likely could. Judging from the way his mouth lingered in pleased arc along her temple. "… or have you disappointingly lost your game?" She scoffed. "My game only works on poor susceptible guys like you. But...should we see anyway?" There it was. The thread of assurance that even as they faced these uncharted waters, they would inevitably remain themselves. Wholly united. Julia caressed his cheek before signifying she wished to slide off his lap and ordering one highball and one water. "You'll stick around, right? Keep an eye on me? Just in case." She folded her arms along the counter's ledge while waiting. "Just a drink and a word though." She gave her conditions with surety. Enough to dabble in the potential high of discovering she had not lost a certain je ne sais quois with the opposite sex after becoming solely absorbed with Joshua for the better part of their young adulthoods. "Also," she directed her gaze away from drink preparations to hold his, "the ring stays on." Of this she would be most adamant. "Becoming your wife is not something I'm okay with shedding at will," soft brown eyes curved in wry manner, "even should I do something decidedly uh...hypocritical of that. Besides, there's no way he didn't catch that we're already together. All because someone just can't keep their hands to themselves." She made a show of tut-tutting Joshua while touching up her lip tint, knowing she wasn't much better. Beneath the veneer of familiar jest and crafted composure, Julia thrummed with nervousness. With excitement. The likes of which she had admittedly...not felt in quite a while. He was right. Even should this encounter turn into graceless fumble, at least it could be something the couple could look back on and laugh. Two new glasses slid their way. With a snap, Julia shut her mirrored compact and stowed cosmetic belongings back into her travel clutch. "How do I look?" Ironic perhaps, how she turned to Joshua while seeking his approval. God... Was she really doing this? Yep. She was doing this. Drinks in hand, Julia made her way towards handsome stranger's table. Delicate shifts and turns of her body to scooch past the pair of friends taking their departure, emphasizing how well pink sweater and jeans clung to her curves. "Hi." She greeted with what was hopefully a friendly smile not at all tampered by anxious energy. "Long day, huh." She gestured with flicking glance towards his discarded tie. Wow. An opener for the ages. She was due to be married soon, approaching a guy shouldn't be this hard. Geez... It wasn't. She was just in her own head. Julia loosed a breath and extended the highball in offering. "I mean, let me join you for a drink and help you forget about it?" Wait. What if she was bothering some precious, needed solitude. "Or you just take the drink, and I leave you in peace." If the gentleman hadn't taken the glass, both now prickling her palms with cold condensation, she'd set it down and brush some soft layered strands from her shoulder. "But, if you'd be willing to humor me for at least a minute or two, I'd be super grateful." Mainly her pride. If she had to turn tail now, she'd never live it down. • ——– • 𔓘 • ——– •
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OP
OP
Keith Logan
Eᴄʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴄ.
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2022
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"𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑂𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛; 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑗𝑜𝑦." • ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • Such was the vigour that Joshua possessed, relentless in his pursue for perfection. What was perfection to him, even? It was something that he could not possibly ever answer. All that he knew, was that there would always be room for improvement, because somewhere out there, he was pretty darn sure there was someone better than he was. That was his driving motivation in every aspect of his life - he aspired to be the best version of himself. That meant that he needed to constantly evolve and reinvent himself - there was never going to be a singular forever perfect hand, because a perfect hand is also contingent on circumstance, hence the constant need to reshuffle the deck. It was a way of life that had gotten so deeply ingrained in his everyday thought and action processes, be it work, social or in love. His bosses were highly impressed by his productivity and capacity for innovation. His friends and family were always entertained and in awe with his ceaseless growth and ideas. It worked for him in those two major departments in his life, he didn't see why it should not work as well with his significant other that would inadvertently supersede all other aspects of him at the end of the day. Joshua wanted to be his most genuine in front of the person whom he trusted most, and could be most vulnerable to. He wanted Julia to experience his whimsical, unorthodox mind in a manner that no one else could understand him better, in a manner that he knew she would never judge him, but instead, be the source of nurture and encouragement that she had always been. His desire for never ending betterment was more than just about living out his motto, but that he also wanted the love of his life to experience the best of him and what he had to give. Because if he were to be honest, none of the other things mattered as much as Julia Howell. "Doesn't matter how amazing Joshua or Julia 2.0 could be, just by rewriting our romantic history casts countless probabilities into the infinite pool that somehow had our stars align. Destiny could do a 180°. We could somehow pass one another by. Or we could have settled with another." "... I'm so turned on right now." "I love it when you talk nerdy." Joshua paused, as he nuzzled the tip of his nose against the right side of her right temple, taking in a slow, deep breath like he was addressing a certain sniffing addiction, of blended scent between her favourite shampoo and that signatory saccharine smell of her scalp. "Exactly. Doesn't that excite you, to discover what better entails?" He paused, taking in another long whiff, before continuing. "Too often are we caught up with anxieties, consequences and what not that prevent us for living out our imagination. You and I, we are both daydreamers. What if I want to offer you a chance to live out a daydream in a safe space? No judgement. Just you, being yourself in that dream-like state, free of all forms of inhibition. There is no better place to practice this in a surreal haven like Kyoto." "If I do approach another girl, she has to be an exact replica of you. Cause you're perfect for me." "Uh-huh, I suppose you trained me well." "That I did, my darling kitty." Joseph gazed right into her eyes, soft but piercing. His palm cupped her chin and demanded that she tilted up to meet him with a firm grip and command, simultaneously caressing with gentleness that was mind bogglingly paradoxical. "... you do work very well on your hands and knees." Julia was asking for it. "Whatever happens, we can trust each other, right?" "I do..." "You're my love. My home. My safe harbor. At the end of the day, your arms are where I truly belong." "Joshua, darling, you hear yourself right now? You're fine with sharing my body, so long as it isn't my heart?" "So long that it isn't your heart." He nodded softly, confirming with that trademark soft, genial smile. "But the focus is not about me, but you, right now." "Hand me your ring, Julia." "Let tonight be a reminder of just how desirable of a woman you still are, and how god damn lucky I am to have you." "I think," "that is mostly in your head. You can't speak for every man. He looks tired. Gives off the vibe of wanting to drink alone." "Are you suggesting that you know better than a man, how a man thinks? Trust, Jules baby." Joshua nibbled her ear once more, this time, following the upper curve of her pinna. His proceedingly whispered in husky breaths. "You are bloody desirable. And no man would be able to resist you, no matter the excuse." "Honey..." No words followed thereafter. But in predictive fashion, he knew what Julia was trying to imply. While the locals were culturally taught to mind their own business, the blatant admiration of the foreign stranger's eyes lingering on his fiancé's body was unmistakable. His eyes were definitely not wasted on Joshua nor their hanky-panky antics, but Julia. Joshua noticed that the hook has been latched into their experiment for the evening. Mischievously, he slipped his hands beneath the table to tug against her lower sweater in a bid to peel her off-shoulder top much lower, revealing more of her porcelain immaculateness, more of that delectable cleavage of hers. Joshua had already decided that it was game on, and he was playing salesman. "Go for it, Julia, before the window closes once we tie the knot. Or if I decide to change my mind much sooner for that matter." "… or have you disappointingly lost your game?" "My game only works on poor susceptible guys like you. But...should we see anyway?" "You'll stick around, right? Keep an eye on me? Just in case." "I won't dare leave until I'm fairly certain you step out of this place safe and sound." "Just a drink and a word though." "Also," "the ring stays on." "Becoming your wife is not something I'm okay with shedding at will," "even should I do something decidedly uh...hypocritical of that. Besides, there's no way he didn't catch that we're already together. All because someone just can't keep their hands to themselves." 
Joshua smiled, fingers gripping her cheek to send it on a more obtuse tilt towards him, before lifting her chin to direct her lips to receive what was meant to be a nerve soothing kiss with intent most passionately, all happening under the persistent direct stare of the other man on the distant side. It lasted for a good ten seconds, then he pulled away, gazing on. "I thought you'd never ask." Surprisingly, Joshua was agreeable to her request to keep the symbolic accessory on, perhaps even welcomed. Was there a stealthy sigh of relief on his part? It begged the question if Joshua might also be discreetly analysing Julia's fidelity of the heart in this self-induced muddle of a situation. There was a sense that there lies curious complexity in Joshua's seemingly straight forward proposal beyond first glance. "Is that you wishing I hadn't kept my hands on you?" His grin was composed. The man couldn't resist pouncing on the opportunity for yet another tease."How do I look?" "Divine." If Joshua were to be honest, he was more than ready to expect Julia to refuse his outrageous exploration for the evening. It was indubitably, a tall ask. Her choosing to play along however, served as yet another reminder of just how amazingly open and spontaneous of a woman Julia was, reaffirming his belief that he had indeed, found himself a precious soulmate who was as insanely bold and adventurous as his restless spirit was, that she was no doubt, the woman he would be most fortunate to live out the rest of his life with. And divine indeed, as he watched her sashayed away in natural grace over to the enigmatic man. "Hi." "Long day, huh." The stranger's eyes had previously been distracted by a tending server, but were already back on Julia when she was half way over to his table. "It has been. But Japan has a way of keeping a man constantly invigorated, so I feel like I can actually keep on going through the night if a need calls for." "And doubly so when an eye candy as fine as yourself steps up." "To what do I owe the pleasure?" 
He had a strong British accent, but in no way, looked like he was a native Englishman. He had a unique look to him that made him look quite very unclassifiable, a little bit of everything, exotic. He was a little shorter than Joshua, but possessed a healthy looking tan. Conversely, Joshua was fairly lean athletic fit, whereas the manner in which his body-con long sleeve wrapped around his sculptured V-shaped torso hinted of a man who had been on a rather serious body building routine. A generous hint of his deep chest, apparent from the unbuttoned top. And the musk when she ever found herself drawing closer - if virility had a scent, that was that - heavy and overwhelmingly dizzying. It was definitely not cologne, as there was nothing earthy nor fruity in the mix. "I mean, let me join you for a drink and help you forget about it?" "Or you just take the drink, and I leave you in peace." "But, if you'd be willing to humor me for at least a minute or two, I'd be super grateful." "I will accept this drink, on the condition that you are going to stay quite a bit longer than a minute or two - unless, you're in some hurry? You've kickstarted a promise of an entertaining night to come, it'd be a shame to end the start of the weekend with an anti-climax. Please, take a seat." Casual guilt tripping, or debonair? It was hard to discern. The stranger gestured to a seat not opposing his, but right beside him to share the same bench sofa he was sat on. It was clear from the brief interaction that the man had a no-nonsense go-getter air about him, confident and imposing in demeanour, possibly had been in the game for a long time. He was clearly unafraid to be forthright and honest about his interest from the get go. "I'm Theodore." "Is this some sort of truth or dare going on between you and your... fiancé?" His eyes briefly glanced down at the ring on her finger, quick to infer. Even more certainly, he didn't seem like one to beat around the bush. • ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • |
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starshine
‧₊˚✩彡
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2023
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"𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑡ℎ." • ——– • 𔓘 • ——– • "It has been. But Japan has a way of keeping a man constantly invigorated, so I feel like I can actually keep on going through the night if a need calls for." Uh-oh. She was not prepared for that. The stranger's laid-back allure ultimately drew Julia to his side like wayward sailor to siren. And his voice, a siren's call, beckoned her to drown in his depths. Rich. Exotic. Sophisticated. It harkened back to cozy, lazy nights spent with Joshua upon the couch in tangled cuddle whilst some show they may or may not have been only marginally attentive to played in the background. She tended to perk up whenever man or woman with a British accent emerged however, drawn to that foreign flavor and elegance. The couple attempted to mimic those charms. Rather poorly, in fault of deeply embedded American inflections, and usually to defeated fits of giggles. "And doubly so when an eye candy as fine as yourself steps up." God help her. If this gentleman dared to call Julia "love" or any other of those adorably common endearments with a face and body like his, she was sure to melt into a puddle. At least the ice had been broken. And so far, he had been receptive to the woman's indelicate intrusion. It shouldn't have been truly surprising given she'd have to be blind or willfully ignorant to fail in noticing the frequency and lingering duration of his stares when at the bar. Still, not being cast away with withering glare shot a boost of confidence into Julia. Being complimented by a fine stranger doubly so. There was a reminiscent echo of butterflies in the pit of her stomach. Amplified by brand-new thrills. She beamed prettily at him. Although she continued toeing the line of considerate and coy to truly bait a shared interest from him. Thankfully, he bit. "I will accept this drink, on the condition that you are going to stay quite a bit longer than a minute or two - unless, you're in some hurry? You've kickstarted a promise of an entertaining night to come, it'd be a shame to end the start of the weekend with an anti-climax. Please, take a seat." He bit with greater responsiveness than anticipated. It was as if he had usurped their roles of pursuer and pursued and turned them asunder. Once again, likening to him a male siren in her mind, she couldn't help but wonder if he had been the one surreptitiously setting forth bait for her pursuit all along. That hadn't put Julia off. Far from it. She found herself relieved for the intrusion turned firm-welcomed invite. She found herself unequivocally intrigued by the gentleman and his ability to not mince words even as he cut through Julia's clumsy decorum. Admirable trait. Maybe even a turn-on. "No, no real hurry. Especially not now." Nude mauve lips curved into saccharine indulgence as she slid through narrow gap of two tables to take the place at his side. Their thighs inadvertently bumped as Julia situated herself and with faint prickle of conscious heat, she scooched down the booth an iota and crossed her legs elegantly. Regarding the vacant seat across, she pondered whether that would've been a more reasonable. Safer. For all involved. Because currently... They openly faced towards Joshua. She swallowed to loosen a knot of guilt, clambering up her throat with dry-scratch insistence. Trust. Julia reminded. We trust in ourselves and in one another unfailingly. She was here with not just her fiancee's blessings, but insistence to live a little. There was no deception taking place. No reason to hide. Theodore. She at last had a proper name to Mr. Siren. "Julia." She offered hers in turn, along with delicately extended hand to shake. Slender fingers were bereft of jewelry, but he naturally latched onto the cool gleam of the generous round-cut diamond, haloed by miniature gems, upon her opposite with blunt eagle-eyed attention. "Is this some sort of truth or dare going on between you and your... fiancé?" 
"Hmm. Close, but not quite." While Theodore had been swift to cut through coy tension to get to the core of Julia's straying presence, she let it linger a beat while taking a drink. Movements purposeful and measured in how she guided the straw to her lips and lowered her lashes in relish. Though it was his voice, low and smooth, like the alcohol served here, that she enjoyed most of all. Setting the glass down, she'd divulge. "I am here on vacation with my darling fiancé." She paused, noting Joshua's turned posture as if determined to allow his lover some privacy sans spying, but perhaps compelled to check on her just the same, and offered him fluttering, amused wave. "A little fun before we tie the knot officially. Because of my work, our honeymoon will be a bit delayed. So this is a premature, happy compromise for us." Rather than shrink away in shame at Theodore's call-out, the brunette lit up from within. Brimming with a joie de vivre that eked past shyer defenses. Glowing mirth that could only come from someone headily in love. When light gaze and her attention swung to Theodore, that adoring glow softened into fade. In its place, the intrigue of curious moth fluttering towards flame. He was straightforward. Casually confident. And profoundly masculine, from both mannerisms to the rolling wafts of body heat sensed from the space between him and her. Dangers posed to Julia's reserved sensitivities in any other circumstance, but at present...those dangers proved undeniably enticing. She was only playing with fire in a controlled setting. Julia tried to recall gestures and words, clumsy or not, that made Joshua swoon all those years ago. She had found his drunken blush endearing then, especially when paired with cool banter. She had laid gentle touch to his arm and whispered that he was cute into his ear. She did not think she could be that brazen, or youthfully innocent, in the here and now. But she could... "I am so incredibly lucky to have found him... But, can I let you in on a secret, Theo? And promise you won't laugh?" Harmless amusement reflected in the lighter glimmers of her irises, assuring she would take no offense whether he did or didn't. Julia braced against the plush back booth cushion and angled her body. Close. Overly close, without directly touching him. Instead, floral notes of gardenia mingled with sunlight, further warmed by eventful day of touring permeated his vicinity, dancing along with the musk of his own fragrance. Along with Julia's caressing whisper. "I've never been with anyone else." She slowly withdrew into her space and lowered cupped hand while holding his gaze. Faint nod and smile reaffirmed the admission. "And so, we fell into this..." She gestured vaguely. "Debate of sorts. On whether I'm capable of even approaching another handsome gent or if long since settling into the throes of blessed monogamy has dulled me beyond hope. So that is why," she had still been somewhat angled towards Theodore, now sliding her glass over to clink against his in amicable cheers, "I'm immensely grateful to you, my experimental companion, for at least entertaining me with some conversation tonight." Conversation. The furtive word lay feeble barrier for what this encounter was. All that it'd likely amount to. Julia was genuinely pleased with at least this much. Enough to ticklishly assure her place as a beguiling woman outside of a man obliged to look upon her with eternal love-roseate glasses, perhaps enough to even lurk in the back of mind illicitly as what-if fantasy. The finer jagged details of what her and Joshua spoke of remained artfully concealed. The gentleman none the wiser. She rested elbow upon table and cheek upon curled palm. She wordlessly reached for his discarded tie. Julia languidly played with the soft, dark fabric. Sliding it around her fingers, letting some of its length drape in contrast along the soft ivory flash of revealed wrist, while plying Theodore with idle chatter. "I've shared something of myself. Isn't it only fair that you share something about you? For instance, I presume business brings you to Kyoto. Is it only temporary?" • ——– • 𔓘 • ——– •
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OP
OP
Keith Logan
Eᴄʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴄ.
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2022
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"𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑂𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛; 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑗𝑜𝑦." • ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • "No, no real hurry. Especially not now." The next moment, the man watched the half Asian float towards his side as invited. No words were exchanged whilst settling in. But the manner in which she shifted herself close to him without a second's hesitation, so much so that their thighs were pressed firmly side by side instead of keeping a cautious distance, was telling of her first impression of him and her receptivity to all that was transpiring. She seemed very much at ease. Theodore let out a soft grin to himself at that very promising sign. "Julia." The man very softly moaned, or rather, it might be more of a deep sigh - it was hard to discern -, albeit most transient and subtly, more involuntary than it was deliberate given how instinctive his reaction was. "You got to be kidding. That's actually my favourite name for a lady. Whatever have I done of late to deserve this night?" ... "Is this some sort of truth or dare going on between you and your... fiancé?" "Hmm. Close, but not quite." "I am here on vacation with my darling fiancé." "A little fun before we tie the knot officially. Because of my work, our honeymoon will be a bit delayed. So this is a premature, happy compromise for us." Joshua was indeed a darling like that, sensitive to even the slightest detail, mind always actively putting Julia's wellbeing at the forefront of his every thought and consideration twenty four seven. He knew his fiancée was naturally shy and could take awhile to warm up to people, much less the novelty that they were venturing into at that moment. So the sideway shift and averted gaze was meant for Julia, even from afar, in hopes that he would be one less psychological burden. That much was his love for her, not just from grand words and actions, but through the little nuances like that. What followed, were sneaky shifty eyes from Joshua, relying on his peripheral vision to cue when it was safe for him to make a clearer side glance. He could never bring himself to take his eyes off the love of his life for too long. Theodore hummed with a smile. So far so good. Her response was as expected, but it sparked more questions than there were answers. He found himself quickly entranced by the bubbliness of character interlaced with coyness, demureness and otherworldly beauty. Gosh. She is an ethereal dainty goddess, no cap. Naturally, his posture relaxed, but body tilting towards Julia like a sunflower drawn to its source of heat and sustenance. His chest, unconsciously boasted out further like a silver back primate seeking its mate. It was also at the same time when the lady gravitated towards him, all of it happened so spontaneously and instantly. "I am so incredibly lucky to have found him... But, can I let you in on a secret, Theo? And promise you won't laugh?" He held his breath when the lady suddenly leaned in closer for an apparent whisper. "I've never been with anyone else." It was only when she pulled away, did he dare release his breath. How can someone with such a face of pretty innocence sound so... vixenly alluring? Theodore's intrigue in the lady just went up a few notches there and then. Such mystery. "And so, we fell into this..." "Debate of sorts. On whether I'm capable of even approaching another handsome gent or if long since settling into the throes of blessed monogamy has dulled me beyond hope. So that is why," "I'm immensely grateful to you, my experimental companion, for at least entertaining me with some conversation tonight." Interesting. Was it all really just a simple case of daring to walk up to another man to start a conversation? Because that sounded just like any other attempts at socialising in a different environment. She spoke of a debate. Surely, they must have dived into the topic on a much deeper, philosophical and intimate level. Theodore internally sighed when the lady withdrew even further away to perch her elbow upon the table. Did she even realise that she was beginning to sink her hook into his proverbial skin? Did she knew exactly what she was doing, or this just all came oh so natural to her, that she never realised her true appeal? Dulled me beyond hope, she said. That had him let out a light, delayed scoff-cum-titter as his mind ponderously revisited her words. Then, her fingers began to graze upon his tie. That literally sent a jolt of shiver down his spine. The apparel was an extension of him, an item that had followed him for the majority of his hours everyday, so much so that he could feel phantom sensations from it tingling his nerves. Theodore could actually feel her finger tips tickling his deep cleavage as she slithered across. When she wrapped his tie around her wrist, it reminded him of stories of just how Geishas of the past refined the art of showing that bit of porcelain flesh, notably during tea ceremonies. That sultry sliver was apparently enough to rouse men of the past on. He thought it was stupidly absurd - until now. Again, dulled me beyond hope, she said. She wasn't even trying. "I've shared something of myself. Isn't it only fair that you share something about you? For instance, I presume business brings you to Kyoto. Is it only temporary?" He needed a second or two to break out of that intense moment of contemplative introspection. Theodore wasn't trying to be cliche. She is a fucking goddess. She was doing things to him, high jacking his mind. His exterior remained stubborn, however. Calm and composure reigned the whole time, refusing to show just how rattled he was actually on the inside. Oh the ego of an alpha male. "Mmh." His shoulders had been tensed on high alert for a while now, so he took a moment to relax, picked up his pint, and consumed not one, not two, but three big gulps to douse the heat in him that was spreading like wildfire. His Adam's apple, titillating, sashaying to accommodate the heavy inflow. "An intelligent guess. I am here for business, indeed. Temporary is subjective, since I'm not stationed here, but I do come back from time to time." "I work for a MNC as a relations and business mediator." "I own a house. But it's a sitting waste because I spend about ninety percent of the time away from home. I liken myself as a citizen of the world, to be honest." "I adore traveling, I really do." He paused to take in a forth gulp. There seem to be a moment of reflective melancholy in his eyes. "But it's really hard to settle down with this lifestyle, as you can imagine. Not many could will themselves to keep up with such an exhausting hustle - which I must add, does not feel like a chore to me." There laid a bittersweet twinkle in his eyes, as he stared into blank space momentarily. There seemed to be more of a story to his concise summary than he had let out, a story that was probably not all that appropriate for the evening, all things considered - she was but a stranger - for now, perhaps, if destiny willed -, and it was Friday night. So, he was quick to break off from his rumination, to redirect the focus back unto Julia, unto them. For a man with his lifestyle, one needed to be open, adaptable and fluid with the flow. That was manifested in his action, as he decided to join Julia along in the random stroking of his satin tie. At the crossroads of mid to late thirties, Theo looked about a decade older than Julia. But his heart certainly seemed younger than his majestic mature poise. It wasn't difficult to imagine how a man of his personality would fare well as a relations professional. The man still knew how to play; was in the mood to play. It started with a silly little tug off war. And when he did manage to pry the fabric off from her wrist and fingers, he half draped it over her nape. It was at this point that he began to work a Windsor knot in silence around around her neck, slow and sensual, as the smoothness of silk caressed her skin. What is the couple looking to experiment, exactly? What boundary is there? Here sat a delectably fine lady beside, who spoke in vague terms, not forthright nor did she deny her full intentions. For a half cup full man who believed in taking his chances, the audacious Theodore supposed there was only one way to find out - after all, the worst thing that could happen was to end up engaging in a verbal or physical sparring contest with the fiancé, of which was something that the ex-party animal was quite accustomed to the brawl culture. Live life on the edge - his motto. So he tightened the 
The thumb of his free hand lifted up her chin - and their lips connected.Time seemed to stop. Joshua’s eyes widened. His jaws dropped just a little, stunned by the brazenness of one party. But apart from that, Joshua did not move from his seat. His one hand slowly brushing against his chin on a fidget, angled body relaxed more against the backrest, pivoted by his left bicep, eyes now more intrigued and concerned with keeping tabs on what was unfolding, than bothering to hide his covert gazes any longer. Alcohol and predisposition aside, the fiancé's lack of drastic reaction within the next few seconds was all the impetus that Theo needed to press on with his assault. They say a first kiss is telling. He sucked, air locking Julia’s mouth to his. His tongue battering against her pink-reddish gates until they relented into granting him access into her oral cavern. The man literally stole a kiss. Intense was an understatement. The way that he was draining oxygen out of her a representation of the shuddering amount of passion he was prime eager to give. The way he refused to loosen the pull of the • ————– • 𔓘 • ————– • |
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starshine
‧₊˚✩彡
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2023
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"𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑡ℎ." • ——– • 𔓘 • ——– • How fortunate that Julia opted to stem the flow of alcohol for herself this evening. Any more may have dulled inhibitions further. Any more may have honed recklessness, to behave more brazenly with this complete stranger six thousand miles away from home. But it would've done so at great cost. One which would have likely tampered the woman's appreciation of what was so (in)delicately unfolding between them. And oh, she did not want to miss a thing. This was heady. He was delectably heady. Witnessing a man drawn so irrevocably to her charms proved an intoxication of its own. Seduction for Julia had long since strayed from realm of unknowns into the safely predictable. Being in love for many years fostered such comforts. She need only don lacy scraps and wait in sensual strategic place to draw Joshua's eye, to slide onto his lap, or let a few kisses and touches linger with intent. There was never question as to whether her other half desired her. He wanted her. He always wanted her. But under the veneer of stranger-allure, seduction became a game of uncertainty. One where nothing may be taken at face value. Every glance, smile, gesture, and word, carried with it some hidden meaning. And if interpreted or handled wrongly, the night's magical possibilities would dissipate like smoke. As seducer to the seduced, Julia got to witness this man - this charmingly suave and composed man - attempting to unravel her lexicon. Attempting to unravel her while making it seem as if he himself weren't unraveling at the seams. How oddly cute. She thought, watching the pronounced bob of his Adam's apple with pride. She wondered what he would do if she were to bring her lips to that strong, thick neck. She conscientiously kept untoward thoughts to herself. Mostly. Her hand clearly had a mind of its own. Perhaps the tint to her gaze raptly fixed to his fine profile equally betrayed her. Even as they feigned normalcy with an exchange that sought to draw away from their simmering tension. As expected. The nature of Theodore's work wasn't terribly surprising. "I own a house. But it's a sitting waste because I spend about ninety percent of the time away from home. I liken myself as a citizen of the world, to be honest." She hummed with understanding while still playing with his tie. "Hmm, I can imagine. At least, is there someone to keep the place for you when you're away? To welcome you back?" Julia cut a glance to his hands. However, unlike her, he did not seem to possess a wedding band gleam. He seemed of prime age to be settled with wife and family too. Belatedly, she realized this was unlikely the case. Admittedly much to her relief. It was one thing to play around with her future spouse's blessing. It was quite another to be playing with taken man. Julia had zero desire for the latter. After silk-twirling beat, she added in softened compensation. "Ah, well...being a 'citizen of the world' surely comes with its own draws. For instance, Japan is the first country I've visited outside the US. So, believe it or not, I'm a bit envious." She then began recounting said perks. "Getting to visit many places on the company's dime, taking in gorgeous foreign sights and sampling local flavors," she then ducked to catch his gaze meaningfully with slow-curled smile, "and collecting all manner of cultural exchanges, stories for conversations with perfect strangers, make for an interesting man." Julia appraised him, then gave a nod. "Mhmm. I could sense some worldliness about you from across the bar. You wear it well, Theo. Well as that suit of yours." Stretched to fitted capacity about his impressive build. "I adore traveling, I really do." There was a delicate shift in that pause for drink. Brush with a different sort of intimacy from the kind that left him taut and grasping for measured composure earlier. Too intimate for the depths of their brief encounter. Even Julia's fidgeting stilled to acknowledge it. "But it's really hard to settle down with this lifestyle, as you can imagine. Not many could will themselves to keep up with such an exhausting hustle - which I must add, does not feel like a chore to me." Drawn in by soothing jazz softened vulnerability marking his expression somewhat crestfallen, she leaned in. His loneliness was palpable then. It touched her. It threw seductive experiment into disarray. Julia sought, clumsily, for anything that might soothe. "Hey. Not many doesn't mean none. In your travels, you're bound to meet countless people. And within that sea of people, there could very well be one who- Huh?" She blinked. Brows gently knit in confusion. When had he...? Mr. Siren's ability to drown her in his depths was no laughing matter. Because, somehow, Julia missed the surreptitious shift that again begged the question, who was the seducer and who was the seduced. Theodore wrested silk from lax grasp with ease. When it began to twine around her slender neck in cool, gradually tensing embrace, Julia somehow found her voice - "...What are you doing?" - breathy, shocked and utterly mesmerized as the rest of her. She didn't dare move. she felt her pulse flutter. Wild, anticipating, thrumming against Theodore's tie. Sitting up, far more alert. Julia's back arched slightly with gasp, breaths drawn to strained wisps not wholly from unforgiving tie-leash, but from the intensity of his expression, brimming with heat and some other emotion she couldn't discern, now occupying the entirety of her vision. Julia's own wide eyes trembled. She grasped at the tie and table's ledge. His touch tingled through her. Flush spread like spilled watercolor paints across ivory canvas, painting her in his colors even before his breaths came near enough to mingle with her own. The silence of the bar around them sunk in to give illusion they were the only ones here. There, in a moment of suspended time, he kissed her. No. Kiss was far too delicate a term for this selfish taking of what was desired. He swept over Julia like daunting wave. Tongue surged past pretty painted lips rounded in surprise to swallow her gasp. Her breath. Her whimpers. He swallowed them all with no remorse. And she - "Mmmph" - could only entrust herself to him in this twisted tangle. Entrust herself to how he overwhelmed in...the best of ways. Julia was certain that if he wasn't holding taut, she'd sink, bereft of strength, quivering to the floor. Every forceful curl of his tongue sent prominent shivers up and down her spine and honeyed heat to the pit of her stomach. He tasted of unfamiliar, intoxicating excitement. Of maturity. Likely akin to the spirits he'd been tossing back this evening. Oh, he was delectably heady, wasn't he? By the time he at last deigned himself to a stroke of mercy, to heed the thunderous call of heaving chests for need of breath, she nearly slumped forward, limp into his arms. Julia caught herself. Braced against the broad perch of his thigh, she ran a couple fingers along moist, swollen pout in dazed disbelief. "Oh my God, Theo..." She needed a moment to gather herself. However, an upwards glance only undid her further. The carefully applied color to her lips had transferred to him in fading, alluring shades of pink. Beautiful contrast to his masculinity. Julia now braced both dainty palms along his thigh, leaning in reflexively, lids fluttered shut before capturing his mouth of her own accord. Where Theo was domineering, she was demure. Patient. Nimble tongue slowly coaxed her way into his cavern, baiting him to join her. She nipped his lower lip gently, only breaking their kiss so that she might trail her lips along his neck. Every tempting affection punctuated by dulcet whisper. "Would...you...like to-?" "Fuck!" In accompanying shift, Julia nudged the table with her hip. And in doing so, artlessly knocked her glass over. Water splashed and spilled between them, sending her reeling back. An icy cold river cutting through torrid desire. "Fuck, fuck...I'm so sorry!" In the midst of scrambling for napkins within reach to help mitigate the damage, Julia found herself overwhelmed in different capacity. A tempest of too muchness with Theodore at its center. What was she just about to propose? It smacked Julia with sobering impact. Left her feeling dismayed. Foolish. And oh so fucking guilty. "I'm..I'm just sorry..." She repeated faintly, so faint it was likely lost to hearing. Just as she was lost to him. Tie and all, slid from Theodore's grasp. She didn't run for her fiance. Bypassing the bar instead, head ducked down while turning towards the hallway with restrooms. From its quiet sanctity, she buried her face in hands and counted internally to quell those more tremulous breaths that made it feel like she was on cusp of panic attack. The cold wall at her back helped ground her somewhat. As did the faint air freshener scent. Bit by bit, she realized she was still here. Her world hadn't closed in. She would be okay. ...Probably. Grimacing at the tie still fixed around her neck, she swept her hair back. Ears pricked with approaching footsteps. Male, judging from their vague, loftier weight. She glimpsed shadows from the bottom door crack. Must be Joshua checking in. "I'm okay," she said, not quite gathering the courage to open it and face him in proper just yet. "Really. That was...wow." Breathless laugh, bearing equal traces amazement and shame emerged from Julia as she shook her head. "Crazy. Kinda amazing? Truly something to be honest, but I think a point has been proven. I think this is a bit much and we should stop before I do something regrettable." She pressed the splay of cool, somewhat clammy palms against still-flushed cheeks for good measure and exhaled. Julia then unlocked the notch. "Let's just head back to the hotel, okay?" • ——– • 𔓘 • ——– •
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