Day 6 – Kiss ("Across The Universe")
Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing
Through my open ears inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns
It calls me on and on across the universe
-"Across The Universe" (1969) by The Beatles
O-O-O
"You ready?"
"Almost...!"
Luna stood in front of a changing room, looking out over the waters of Lake St. Clair as she waited for her girlfriend Sam to finish changing into her new swimsuit. Luna, who was wearing a somewhat conservative purple two piece with a skull logo in the center of her top, was excited to see just what Sam was wearing, but she was even more excited just to spend the day at the beach with her girlfriend on a nice summer day. The lake was beautiful, and there weren't too many other people around, so she figured the two of them might even be able to get a spot on the beach to themselves later in the day.
And as Luna thought about all the fun things she and Sam might do, she could hear the door open behind her.
"Well?"
Luna turned, and almost immediately, her eyes went wide. Sam's new swimsuit was a teal bikini that left almost nothing to the imagination. Luna had never seen her girlfriend in such a skimpy swimsuit, and her jaw almost dropped, but she managed to keep it together as she felt a blush slowly come to her face.
"What do you think, Lunes?"
"I think you look... beautiful," Luna stammered, trying not to lay it on to thick but also trying to give her girlfriend a nice compliment. "Really awesome, dude...!"
"Awww, thanks," Sam replied with a smirk. "Figured I might go with something a bit... bolder for our dates to the beach, and I love the color."
"It matches your hair," Luna replied, still trying to come up with coherent things to say. She was clearly stunned by just how good Sam looked in her new bikini, and found herself feeling a range of conflicting emotions, including a bit of worry. "Gonna be gettin' a lotta stares though..."
"Oh, it's okay, I have you to keep all the creeps away," said Sam with a smirk, clinging tightly to Luna's arm. As she did, Luna could feel her heart beating slightly faster, and Sam, noticing the blush on her girlfriend's face, backed off just a bit but stayed close, glad that Luna seemed to like her choice of swimwear. "And don't worry, I don't mind you staring."
"Who, me? I wasn't staring...!" said Luna defensively, her voice shaking as she spoke. Sam just let out a giggle, and Luna breathed out a quick sigh before trying her best to regain her composure and play it cool. "Maybe we oughta hit the water now?"
"Sure thing, it's a nice warm day and that cool lake water's gonna feel so good..."
As the two girls walked together toward the lake, Luna couldn't help stealing a few more glances at Sam, who was smiling and walking with a confident air about herself. The more she looked at Sam, the more she felt one of those other conflicting emotions... and wondered just how she got so lucky to end up with a girl like Sam Sharp in the first place.
It wasn't just her physical beauty that bewildered Luna, either. Sam was a kind and gentle soul, the type of person whose smile could light up a room, and who had immense compassion for humans and animals alike. She was also a great singer and guitar player... not quite as talented as Luna herself was, but enough to carry the band on her own if she wanted to, and enough to harmonize perfectly with the talented brunette.
How'd someone like me ever get so lucky, anyway? I mean, Sam seems like the type of girl who'd be out of my league, but she's head over heels for me, and now she's showin' off in that really cute bikini... feels like everything's been a dream since I met her... ugh, I gotta snap out of this! I might be lucky, but this isn't a dream, it's real! Sam really is my girlfriend, and of course I'm good enough for her! But man, when she's looking this good, sometimes it's got me feeling like I don't measure up, like she's gonna dump me or somethin'! I know she's not that kinda girl, it's just me bein' my usual anxious self, but why can't I stop feelin' like I don't deserve her? Ugh, I gotta say somethin', I just hope I don't come off like a desperate loser...
But before Luna could say something, Sam spoke first, noticing how flustered Luna still was.
"Luna, something's wrong, I can tell."
Gripping Luna's hand tightly, she began walking along the water rather than toward it, and gently pulled Luna along, toward a slightly less populated area of the beach.
"...what gives? I thought we were gonna go swimmin'!"
"We are, but you look really nervous, I can totally tell. It's the bikini, isn't it?"
Luna sighed, parting from Sam as soon as they reached a somewhat quiet section of the beach. As nervous as she was, she figured she'd better confess her feelings now, lest things stay awkward for the duration of their date.
"Okay, yes, it is! Sam, you are... smokin' hot in that thing, like you've never ever looked this good before, and you've always looked super amazing, but in that bikini, I mean... wow...!"
"Luna, it's okay, we're dating, you can compliment me if you want to," said Sam, though she too was starting to have a blush form on her face, as she wasn't used to getting such strong compliments on her appearance, even from her girlfriend, and she didn't want to come off as someone who was fishing for them. She'd never worried too much about her appearance before, but she did want to wear something cute for Luna, and it seemed her new swimsuit was having the effect she desired... she just didn't want to make her girlfriend feel awkward or even inadequate. "I hope it's not too much... I mean, you're beautiful too..."
Sam leaned in and gave Luna a quick kiss on the lips, and Luna's blush only grew. Luna knew Sam was being completely sincere, but even then, she couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. The girl of her dreams, who Luna thought was an absolute total knockout, was calling her beautiful? She knew Sam liked her, but it was still so much, especially today when she was looking so incredible.
"Sometimes I just... can't believe I'm dating someone so amazing," said Luna, biting her lip as she smiled warmly at Sam. "I must sound like a total loser right now..."
"Luna, you are a lot of things, but you're not a loser," Sam replied, gently taking Luna's hand and placing it on her stomach. As Luna gently ran her hand across Sam's belly, feeling the soft skin around her navel, Sam trembled slightly at Luna's gentle touch. A small part of her wanted more, but knew they were still a bit too young to take their relationship that far.
"Wow, Sam, you been workin' out...?" asked Luna, almost transfixed by the faint outlines of Sam's abdominal muscles.
"Not really, just my usual rock climbing and organic smoothies..."
Luna looked back up into Sam's eyes, and Sam reached up and took Luna's hand, their fingers interlocking. They were both biting their lips as they smiled at each other again, and as Luna tried to accept that she wasn't dreaming, that she really was dating a girl this amazing, Sam tried to think of a way to make Luna understand that she felt just as entranced by her beauty as Luna was by hers... and that part of the reason she'd gotten this bikini was so she could look as good on the outside as Luna already made her feel on the inside.
"...what is it you saw in me when we first started going out, anyway?" asked Luna. "I mean, after I sent you that letter, what made you want to meet up?"
Sam thought for a moment, but didn't have to think long for an answer. Still, she knew something simple wouldn't be good enough, that Luna truly wanted to know why Sam saw so much in her... and so, keeping her hand clasped tightly around Luna's, she began walking along the beach, and Luna started walking next to her as she spoke.
"I mean, I'd already noticed you from before... that girl who loves rock 'n roll, the best singer at our school. You were always hanging out around our band, and we all wanted you to join..."
"You thought I was the best singer in our school?"
"Everyone knew you were, Luna," said Sam with a smile. "You were already famous from winning all those music competitions around town... I mean, not everyone at our school is into rock, but everyone knew who you were, so even before you sent that letter, I thought you were pretty cool. I wanted to ask if you'd be in our band, but I was so nervous... I figured you were more of a solo act, I didn't think you'd want to waste your time on a bunch of weirdos like us."
"You... were nervous about asking me...?"
Luna never knew she'd had that kind of effect on Sam... she thought she was the one with the monster crush for the pretty blonde who just happened to share her musical tastes. Sam was her dream girl... to think that Sam had ever thought she was too cool to ask to join their band practically blew Luna's mind.
"Hells yeah I was, you're Luna Loud! You were the biggest rockstar in our school..."
"Sam, when I sent ya that letter, I was head over heels for ya... I could barely compose myself thinkin' about askin' you out, when I thought you'd sent me a letter it drove me nuts!"
"You told me about that," said Sam with a giggle. "When I replied to your letter, you told me all about that little incident... turned out to be your dad asking out your mom."
"Yeah, I felt silly but it did inspire me to pull the trigger on asking you, so turns out it was the best thing that ever could've happened to me..."
"When I got that letter from you, I couldn't believe it myself. Luna Loud, the rockstar, asking me to hang out? I figured you were just humoring us when you were jamming with our band, but to find out you really liked me?"
"I mean, I didn't even know you were into girls, so that was a huge shot in the dark."
"Another reason I felt nervous about asking you," said Sam, as she and Luna made their way to an empty section of the beach. "I didn't want you thinking I was some weird lesbian fangirl with a crazy crush..."
"Dude," said Luna, unable to keep herself from snickering.
"What?" Sam replied, putting her hands on her hips. "Seriously, I was star-struck! Then the more I got to know you, the more I realized how awesome you are... and at the same time, the more comfortable I got around you... so I'm not nervous around you anymore, but I still think you're the most beautiful girl in the world, Luna..."
"Even in this old thing?" Luna asked, blushing as she held the bottom hem of her top, which was less a bikini top and more a tanktop with the bottom half ripped off.
"Luna, you could be wearing anything and I'd still think you're hot as hell. You could be wearing three winter coats, or an ugly Christmas sweater, or be totally naked-"
Sam blushed and covered her mouth with both hands right after saying that, and Luna practically cackled as she watched Sam's entire face light up bright red after making that little slip.
"...you know what I mean! Luna, I've had a crush on you since the day I first saw you perform... your confidence, your voice, your sincerity... not to mention your long legs and that cute pixie cut..."
"Oh, you like my legs, huh?" said Luna, smiling and standing in a way that showed them off for Sam, prompting the blonde to blush even harder.
"...you really know how to use them," Sam replied, smiling and continuing to look down.
"Eyes are up here, Sam," Luna joked, placing her hand under Sam's chin and gently trying but failing to lift it up.
"Oh, I know," Sam replied with a smirk.
Sam finally stopped looking at Luna's legs, and when the two looked in each other's eyes, they exchanged a quick laugh. Sam's blush faded, though Luna was still blushing as she looked her girlfriend up and down, reaching up and rubbing the back of her neck while tapping one of her big toes into the sand.
"So you've gotten less nervous around me, but I guess with me it's the other way around, huh?"
"It's okay," said Sam. "I mean, I guess I can't help but be a bit flattered, I didn't think this swimsuit would have such an effect on you..."
"Sorry," Luna replied, still worried that she was coming off like some kind of loser. "I didn't think it would either, it's just... when I'd see you and your band performing together, I'd see how happy you were singing and playing, and you just looked so amazing up on stage with a smile on your face... swinging your hair around, rockin' that cute blue streak in your hair... and the fact that we liked the same kinda music, I mean, I couldn't stop thinking about ya. When we started going out, I still couldn't believe it, I mean, here's this amazing, beautiful girl, and she wants to hang out with little old me..."
"Your sisters told me how much time you took getting ready for our first date," said Sam, as she and Luna began to walk along the beach again. "You didn't have to do all that, but... I know why you did."
"Guess I might be a little bit shallow," Luna said with a sigh. "That might be one of the reasons that sometimes I can't believe we're dating, because you're so pretty and I'm so... me."
"You're perfect," replied Sam. "That's why I want to be your girlfriend, because you're such a good person, and because I have a lot of fun with you."
That's just it, thought Luna, looking into Sam's eyes and trying to come up with just the right words to describe what this girl meant to her. As beautiful as you are on the outside... man... on the inside, you're amazing... you're so nice, and you care so much about everybody... I liked ya before when I just thought you were some hot rock and roll chick, but now that I know the real you, I know I'm in love...! And that's why I'm really freakin' out, because I don't want ya gettin' the idea that I'm only into ya because you're smokin' hot in a bikini! But how do I tell you how amazing you really are, when all it looks like I see is your appearance? Man... I dunno how I could possibly tell ya...
The two kept walking, and Luna kept trying to express her feelings toward Sam, but all that came out were compliments about her swimsuit and her body. Awkward, stammered comments, comments that Luna felt like some kind of a sleazebag saying to Sam without anything else substantial to tell her. But Sam looked flattered all the while, and replied with compliments about Luna's appearance, and the two kept walking along that quiet section of beach, holding hands and blushing and just generally being two silly teenagers in love, staring at each other awkwardly and gawking over each other's appearances.
Luna still didn't feel right, but Sam accepted her compliments with warm smiles and warmer replies, and soon, the two were standing completely alone on a remote section of the beach, having spent their entire time so far just walking without even dipping their toes into the water. Finally, Luna was fed up with herself, and let out a scream of frustration.
"What's wrong, Luna?"
"Nothin', except me bein' a skeeze and talkin' about your sexy outfit instead of talkin' about you, the real you! Sam, I hope you don't think I'm some kinda weirdo who only loves you for how pretty you are, because that's not who I-"
"You love me?"
"...!"
Sam giggled, reaching up and touching Luna's cheek.
"Luna, there's nothing wrong with complimenting me on how I look... I already told you, we're dating, it's okay... I know how you really feel about me."
"You do?"
"You kinda just blurted it out a few seconds ago."
"...yeah," said Luna softly, bowing her head and smiling but still looking into Sam's eyes. "It's true, though... I really do love ya, I know that sounds a bit crazy because we've only been dating for like a year, but I... I think you're awesome, I love how sweet and gentle you are, and how you always know how to cheer me up, and how nice you are to my family, and how you put up with me even when I'm being a selfish jerk, which I'll really, really try not to be in the future... Sam, you'll always be the most beautiful girl in the world to me, no matter what you're wearin'... that sexy bikini blows me away, but what blows me away even more is how awesome a person you are, and how lucky I am to have such a sweet person for a girlfriend... I love you, Sam... and I'm really glad you gave me a chance."
Sam listened to Luna the entire time she was talking... and halfway through her speech, tears had started to form in the blonde's eyes. Luna's compliments about Sam's appearance had flattered her... but her explanation about why she truly loved her made her heart soar.
"Luna... I love you too..." was all Sam managed to say, reaching up and wiping a tear from her cheek. "And I'm so glad you dropped that letter in my locker."
Sam looked into Luna's eyes, reaching up and stroking her face as Luna felt a tear coming to her own eyes as well.
"...it changed my life."
The two looked into each other's eyes, though both of them also stole quick glimpses at the other's swimsuit-clad body. As hopelessly attracted as Luna was to Sam at that moment, Sam was just as attracted to Luna... and could feel it in every part of her body.
For a moment, both of them considered going farther in their relationship than they ever had before. They'd already kissed, many times since that first kiss on the cheek that Luna had given Sam after they'd babysat for the McBrides' cats... but now, seeing each other with the light of the sun shining on them, no one around them, and both of them having just declared their whole-hearted love for each other, they knew that if either of them had asked, if either of them truly wanted to go that far, the other would have given their immediate and enthusiastic consent... and they would have done it right there on that beach, regardless of whatever consequences could arise.
But then, Luna remembered where they both were... a public beach, in broad daylight, where anyone could walk up at any time, and only a few shrubs and some locked sheds for cover...
They might've wanted it, but it could wait... and Luna was the first among them to vocalize that realization.
"We're... kinda on a public beach," said Luna sheepishly, blushing but already looking nervous as she and Sam continued to lean in to one another. "...maybe... another time?"
Like in a year or two, in one of our rooms, thought Sam, exhaling a sigh as reason overcame desire. "Right..."
The two girls then both laughed nervously, awkwardly, realizing how close they'd been but also realizing how close they'd become. It could wait... they had all the time in the world, and now that they knew how much they truly cared for each other, there'd be another opportunity.
They both then looked out toward the lake...they could head back to a more crowded section of the beach and go swimming together like they'd planned.
Instead, they leaned in even more, until their lips finally met, and the two began the most passionate series of kisses they'd ever shared.
No one would bat an eye at two teenagers merely making out on a public beach, especially if both of them were still standing.
The two held each other tightly, kissing with their eyes closed and not a care in the world, both of them shivering as they felt each other's skin. Sam reached down and placed her hand against the small of Luna's back, while Luna reached up and gripped Sam's shoulder, and the two kissed several more times, softly repeating that they loved each other as they did so.
Swimming could wait... it could wait as long as Luna and Sam felt like kissing.