When to be gentle

Alec gives a deep sigh of content, his arm around Ryan and keeping her close to him. Nestling down further in the couch, he turns a little so they're facing each other on their sides. Her had on his back still felt oh so good.

Die happy? Happiness... was... that what this was?

All of a sudden, the coy glint disappears from his eyes, replaced by something different. Wonderment. Curiosity. Maybe even a little confused.

Happiness. He kisses her nose lightly. "You do make me happy," he whispers. His tone of voice wasn't that of simply telling her, but it was more as if he had just discovered this fact.

His foot strokes hers. "Thank you."


Eli tilts his head a little against Scarlet's hand, a little chill running through him at her touch. He closes his eyes for just a moment, feeling a tenderness in her hand. She was rough and tough on the outside, but he was catching a glimpse of what was on the inside... and it wasn't creepy at all.

Opening his eyes again, his own right hand comes up to cradle the side of her face. His thumb runs over her lips, and for several moments, he just mirrors her movements, mapping out the curves of her cheek, jaw and eyes and they hold each other, studying each other's gaze.

He knew he had more than permission to kiss her lips, but he takes his time, knowing when to be rough and when to be gentle. The soft breeze blows through the air while the distant booming of fireworks continues. Back at the bar, it had been a moment for stealing kisses and toying with sly intentions. Out here though, it was different, and he'd learned well enough over the years to recognize which was which.

Leaning in slowly, he cocks his head, his hand sliding down to her neck as his thumb rests on her cheek. His lips brush against hers lightly and he checks her eyes to make sure he still had her permission. Finding he did, he returns his lips to hers, venturing a little more passion this time as his grip around her waist tightens.