Author's Note: Many thanks to all of you reviewers. They're great. Again, I do not own RENT.
CH.3 – MIXED AROMAS
(Joanne POV)
5:30 am. I groan, rolling out of bed and turning off my alarm clock. I glance down running my hands over my toned stomach. Ever since I've had my own apartment I've slept nude. I love the feeling of my skin on my white silk sheets, and nothing really makes me more comfortable with myself. I walk into my bathroom, over to my shower, and turn on the cold water. Yes. Cold. My dreams last night were filled with the lovely Maureen. This morning, as soon as I awoke, I knew I would need a cold shower. I would really rather pleasure myself, but alas, I didn't really have time. So a shower it is. All throughout my shower I found my hands wandering. Sliding over my toned stomach, one hand slowly trailing up between my breasts, the other down to rub my smooth thighs, all the while my mind consumed by thoughts of Maureen. I snapped back into reality quickly, realizing that if I didn't hurry my ass up I'd be late for work. I turned off the icy water and climbed out of the shower. "Fuck," I said aloud when I noticed I'd forgotten to grab a towel out of the dryer. I stood on the rug, drip-drying a bit so I don't completely soak my plushy white carpet. I walked from my room, down the hallway, through my living room, past the kitchen and over to the washroom, all the while stark naked. I smiled. My home life is not what most people would expect. At work, I'm fairly quiet, I keep to myself, and I wear conservative yet quite sexy suits. At home, I'm completely opposite. I wear as little as possible, I sing and dance a lot, I'm quite rowdy when drunk, and if I'm alone, chances are I'm nude. I grab a towel from the dryer, quickly dry my still glistening body off, and towel dry my short hair while walking back to my bedroom. I walk over to my dresser, open a drawer and pull out a black thong and matching bra. I hurriedly slip them on and not really wanting to deal with pantyhose today, I decide on a black pantsuit, complete with shirt and tie. I run in the bathroom, quickly brush my teeth while trying to do something my hair. Finally getting it to look somewhat decent, I quickly apply a minimal amount of make up, run back to my room, frantically throw on my black heels, grab my keys and briefcase, and run out the door.
(Maureen POV)
I awoke to the sound of a jackhammer outside my window. I didn't want to be awake yet, so I curled up around my body pillow and tried to fall back into my peaceful slumber. But instead, my mind was filled with thoughts of Joanne. Suddenly, I no longer wanted to sleep, so I just lay there, thinking.
Yesterday was so amazing. Well, the later part of it anyway. Joanne. Ah, she's the most amazing person I've ever met, not to mention the most attractive. I can't believe we talked for two and a half hours. After we went our separate ways, I went home and lay on my couch just thinking. I couldn't believe the sudden turn of events. After a while of recapping, I decided a very cold shower was in order. This was all so new to me. I had never reacted this way to a woman before. I had always appreciated the female body, and kissed a couple girls at parties, but it was while playing truth or dare. But even thought I did appreciate the female body, I'd never considered really touching a woman or being intimate with one at all. But it seems that since I laid eyes on Joanne, that's all I can think about. Don't get me wrong. I can't wait to get to know her better, personality wise. But whenever I think about her eyes, or her smile, or her small cute hands, I find myself very aroused. I keep imagining slowly taking off that extremely sexy suit, laying her down on my bed, and just exploring her gorgeous mocha body with my hands. No kissing, no making love, just simply touching her. I find myself more and more wanting to make her come simply so I can see the look of pure bliss on her face. I'm constantly thinking about her and we only met yesterday. This feeling is so amazing. I've always been one to be attracted to people rather quickly, but this feels so much deeper. Right, I guess you could say.
I've been lying in my bed thinking about her since 8:00 this morning. It's now 10:30. I suppose I should get up and do something. It might make 7:00 tonight come sooner. I climb out of my king size bed and straighten the sheets. I pull my huge crimson down comforter all the way up and neatly place all seven pillows in their correct locations. I'm kind of anal that way. I straighten the curtains on the bed's canopy and turn to my closet. Ah, what to wear. I wonder what the weather is like. I cross to my window and open the blinds. A gorgeous day. Bright sun, birds chirping, very few clouds. A beautiful New York day. However, being that it is still only April, I decide on skintight jeans, a red short-sleeved Billabong shirt, white and red Adidas shoes, and my favorite jacket. White with red lining, a red hood, and the Canadian flag on the back. Finished dressing, I stepped into the bathroom to brush my teeth and fix my hair; a high ponytail, easy and playfully flirty. Perfect. I walked into my kitchen, grabbed my keys and a bottle of water and I was out. I figure a nice walk will be great; around the village, maybe through a park. Wherever I can that may help pass time quickly. God, I can't wait to see Joanne again.
(Joanne POV)
Work was fairly uneventful. Basically the same old shit happened; bitchy clients, dickhead co-workers, and my mom. She has, yet again, found another Harvard grad to fix me up with, someone perfect in her eyes. There is one small problem. This particular grad, along with the rest of my future 'prospects', has a certain appendage that I'm not particularly fond of. Therefore, I'm not interested. Just the thought makes me cringe. My mom still clings to the hope that one day I'll marry a handsome man and have kids. The getting married part, I'm all for. And I love kids, so hell yeah. But I'm gay, plain and simple. So if and when I do get married, it will not be to a man. I don't know how many times I've told her. Oh well. She's a mom, she's allowed, I suppose. Anyway, work is over, thank God. I got out early today. It's only 4:00 and I'm almost home. I walk into my building, onto the elevator, and up to my apartment on the 9th floor. I unlock my door and walk in, immediately tossing my keys on the counter and putting my briefcase in the living room. Ah, home sweet home. I love it here. My black furniture the perfect contrast to the white carpet and walls. I venture to my bedroom and undress, putting my clothes neatly away. I walk into my bathroom and started the shower, this time warm. Also, I remember to grab a towel this time around. After a rather relaxing shower, I throw on some lounge clothes, perfect for cooking in. I do my hair, however, knowing perfectly well what would happen if I didn't. I straighten up my room since I'd left it looking like a tornado had hit this morning.
I return to the living room and turn on my CD player to shuffle. Entering the kitchen I pull a Smirnoff Twisted Raspberry from the fridge, my favorite, and begin to prepare dinner. Earlier, I decided on something simple for dinner. Chicken fettuccini alfredo. While all that is preparing, I set the table. Two tall white candles, black plates, and white cloth placemats decorate my contemporary black table. I also pull a pricey bottle of white wine and start that chilling on ice. Everything is almost ready. Everything but me, that is. It's 6:45; I run to my room, put my lounge clothes back in my drawer and pull this very sexy short black dress from my closet. I slip into it and make sure it fits correctly. Yep. It's tight in all the right spots. I slip on another pair of heels and spray just enough Victoria's Secret Love Spell just as the doorbell rings…
Meanwhile…
(Maureen POV)
At 4:00 I started heading back to my apartment. I was only four blocks away, no biggie. Upon arriving home, I immediately started laying out my clothes, something revealing, but not slutty. I was searching through my closet and I found it. Perfect. This gorgeous, and rather sexy, knee-length red dress. Thin straps, low V-cut, and it showed just enough of my breasts. I couldn't help but run a hand over them as I remembered the way the dress fits me. I pulled a red thong from my underwear drawer, and closed it, knowing the dress did not require a bra. Now, shoes. Black strappy heels. There is a tiny black bow right where the dress comes to a 'V' and will be accentuated perfectly by black heels. I smiled at the outfit laid out on my bed. Now, on to my shower. My shower took much longer than I planned. I shampooed my hair and got turned on, so I did some teasing. While washing my body, I kept imagining a certain lawyer's petite hands, and I began squirming, touching, and teasing erogenous areas simultaneously. I started moaning, loudly, with every flick of my fingertip. Finally, I pushed two fingers inside and that was that. My orgasm was definitely one for the books. It was amazing. I slowly slid to the floor of the shower as I let the feelings wash over me. I felt the water getting cold and decided to get out. I quickly dried and threw on some shorts and a tank top while I got ready. I decided to do my hair curly and leave it down. I applied the perfect amount of make up and went to my bedroom. I slipped on the thong, followed by the dress and my shoes, carefully lacing them up my calves. I strategically sprayed some Strawberries 'n' Champagne, grabbed my purse and keys, and headed to Joanne's. I arrived outside her door a couple minutes early. What the…! I could hear the faint sounds of Michael Jackson's 'The Way You Make Me Feel' coming form her stereo. I smiled to myself imagining her cooking and dancing seductively to that song. I felt myself become slightly aroused at the thought of her perfect ass swaying in time with the music. Cool your jets, Maureen. I shook the thought away and rang the doorbell. Nothing could have prepared me for the sight I was about to see.
(Joanne POV)
Checking my hair and makeup in the small mirror I had hanging on the wall by the door, I took a deep breath. But as I opened the door, I quickly realized that a deep breath was not enough preparation for the vision I was currently seeing. My jaw nearly hit the floor. Maureen looked stunning. Red is definitely this woman's color.
"Hi. It's so great to see you again. You look amazing," I said smiling. She blushed. God, I wish I had a camera right now.
"You don't look so bad yourself," she winked at me.
I stood back holding the door open so she could step into my apartment. I closed the door behind Maureen and was immediately embraced in a tight hug. Rather shocked, I didn't respond instantly, but quickly recovered and wrapped my arms around her tiny waist, as hers were already around my shoulders. I smiled, loving the warmth of the embrace, and quietly sighed. I love hugs.
"Mmm. I could stay like this forever," Maureen said, barely above a whisper.
"So could I," I said, pulling away slightly so I could look at her. She was smiling…and getting closer. I smiled, realizing what was about to happen. I leaned into her closing the rest of the gap. The kiss was amazing, unlike anything or any kiss I've every experienced. I think Maureen felt the same way, considering the moan I felt escape her throat. I pulled away smiling and just looked at her. Her eyes were still closed and her lips were still parted slightly. I giggled a bit causing her to open her eyes.
"Ready to eat? I hope you like Italian," I asked, really hoping she wouldn't say no, because I was not in the mood for Pizza Hut. As a matter of fact, after that kiss, eating food was the last thing I wanted. Eating something, or rather someone, else sounded considerably more appealing right at the moment.
"I love Italian. It smells wonderful!" She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. I took that opportunity to kiss her lightly and before she could respond, I turned and walked into the kitchen. I looked back at her and laughed out loud at the fake pouty look on her face, which in turn made her laugh. I made a mental note, however, to watch out for that look. I'm sure it could be lethal.
I poured us both a glass of wine and dished up dinner. We sat down and proceeded to eat. Maureen kept making all these sexy little noises. For instance, she had a bite of pasta and a sip of wine and she moaned quietly, but loud enough so I could hear. I don't even think she realized she did it. I squirmed in my seat becoming rather turned on. Now is so not a good time, I scolded myself.
(Maureen POV)
After dinner, I helped Joanne carry the dishes over to the sink, following her lead of course, as I had no clue what she wanted me to do with them. I returned to the table and grabbed my glass of wine, refilling it with the tasty beverage. I walked back into the kitchen and leaned against the counter, slowly sipping my wine and quietly watching Joanne. She's so gorgeous, even doing the dishes. I don't know how she does it. Maybe it's the air of lawyerly confidence she has. I'm not sure. She's not arrogant by any means, just confident. She knows what she wants and how to get it. I slowly walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist, resting my chin on her exposed shoulder. I felt her jump a tiny bit, not expecting it, but she quickly relaxed into the embrace.
"Dinner was delicious. Thank you," I said quietly, lightly kissing her neck, and replacing my chin to her shoulder. I felt, more than heard, her moan at the feather light touch. I smiled and quietly sighed, loving the feeling of simply holding her.
We both decided to watch a movie for the remainder of the evening. I went to the bathroom to freshen up while she tried to decide on a movie, which didn't exactly happen. I came walking back down the hall from the bathroom, and upon seeing Joanne trying to pick a movie, I stopped and leaned against the wall. I just stood there watching her. She's cute when she's frustrated. I felt a bit voyeuristic as this was the second time tonight that I just stood watching her without her knowing, but quickly brushed off the feeling. After all, she's just picking a movie, it's not like she's in the shower or anything. Oops, shouldn't have thought about that. I giggled a bit, partly at the thought, but also partly to announce my presence.
"Do you want some help?" I asked, still smiling while walking towards her. She just smiled at me. She stood up straight and wrapped her arms around my waist as I approached.
"Why don't you pick a movie while I go freshen up?" Great. Now I have to pick. Well, I suppose I can't go wrong. I mean, she's not going to hate a movie that she owns. I decided on "My Best Friend's Wedding." I had never seen it, but it looked and sounded like a good chick flick, and a good cuddling movie, which is what I was mainly going for. I don't really care if the movie is good. I just want to cuddle with her.
By the time Joanne came back into the living room, I already had the movie in and to the main menu. I kinda think she was watching me, the same way I had watched her, because she took forever. I sat down on the couch and patted the spot next to me, smiling invitingly. She smiled and walked over to the couch. Sitting down, she took off her shoes and tucked her feet up under her, while leaning her head on my shoulder and lacing our fingers together. I laid my head on top of hers, smiling. She smells so good. It's kind of a mixed scent; cinnamon and vanilla. I love it.
By the end of the movie, she ended up curled up in a ball with her head in my lap, sound asleep. I hadn't paid any attention to the past half hour of the movie. I just sat there, the same position I started in, watching her and running my fingers through her hair. I enjoyed that more than the movie, I think. She's so different when she's asleep. She's almost vulnerable. Almost. She looks like a little kitten right now, all curled up in a tiny ball, and I can almost hear her purring. She's so cute. I'm falling so fast for her, which is so not like me. Usually I keep my walls up for quite some time, but with Joanne, I feel like I don't need to. I think she feels the same way, and that thought makes me want to squeal with happiness.
Joanne starts to stir and tries to roll over, and in the process manages to almost fall off the couch. I quickly reacted, catching her right at the edge. She smiled, but was still sound asleep. How does she do it? I started to run my fingers lightly along her jaw line, trying to wake her up.
"Joanne," I whispered. No response whatsoever. "Joanne" I said again, a bit louder this time. She stirred a little bit, but not much. Finally, when I realized that nothing was really happening, I bent over and kissed her. I felt her start to kiss back a little, but still thought she was asleep until I felt her hand push the back of my head closer to her. A bit later, I managed to pull away, realizing that we both needed a minor thing called air. I looked down at her and just smiled, running my hand through her hair.
"I really hate to do this but I have to get home. I have work tomorrow morning. Protesting is my passion, but it doesn't pay the bills," I said, smiling and giggling a bit. She knew already that I work at a bookstore fairly close to her office. It's a wonder we've never met before. I guess timing is everything. Had we met even hours before we did, I would have still been with Mark, and that could have gotten ugly. Maybe tomorrow I can time my break with her lunch and surprise her. That would be a nice distraction. I was brought out of my reverie by her sighing and sitting up. I reached over and laced our fingers together not wanting to lose contact with her completely. I pushed myself up from the couch, rather clumsily I might add, because a certain lawyer had caused my left leg to fall asleep from the knee down. She watched and just laughed at me, saying nothing. I blushed a bit, and then retorted, "This is your fault, you know!"
"I know," she said. Her lips then curved into a bit of a wicked smile, "Want me to kiss it better?"
"God, yes," I said, almost too desperately. But before she could do anything, I placed my hands to stop her. "But now is not the time." WHAT! Maureen, do you realize what you just did? AH! What on earth! Why did you say that! I looked down at her, smiling halfheartedly. She looked a bit disappointed, but smiled anyway. "The anticipation is killer, but it will only make it that much better." She knew I was right.
I pulled her up from the couch and we made our way to the door. I pulled her into a tight hug, never wanting to let her go. We stood there for what seemed like no time at all, but was really like ten minutes. I love spending time with her, but it goes by too quickly. I pulled away a bit but then leaned in to kiss her. She's the most amazing kisser. It's so different from kissing a man. Her lips are so soft and our bodies seem to mesh together perfectly. I placed my hand behind her head, pulling her closer, and let my other hand find it's way to her waist. Hers slid down my back and rested, gently, on my ass. I quietly moaned at the feeling. Reluctantly, I pulled away and reached for the door handle.
"Thanks again for dinner and the movie, Joanne. I had a wonderful time. Do you wanna go out on Friday night? Maybe catch a movie, dinner, go for a walk. Sound good?" Joanne smiled and leaned in to kiss me once again.
"I'd love to," she said between kisses. I was ecstatic.
"Great. I'll call you tomorrow. Have a good day at work," I didn't want to leave.
"You too. Be safe getting home," she leaned against the door as I started to walk away. "Bye Maureen. Thanks for tonight." I turned around and walked back and kissed her goodbye once more.
"Bye Joanne." I more than reluctantly walked away, already planning the details for our date on Friday night. Tonight was so amazing, I don't know if I'll be able to top it, but I'll sure as hell try. Maybe I'll try and top her as well! I sighed and headed out the door of Joanne's apartment building.
A/N: Please review. I'm having a great time writing, and the reviews make updates come faster!
