It was a wonderful sunny day on the island of Creamy. Not a cloud in the sky. The perfect day for a book sale. Goldie's house was overflowing with a variety of books, comics, and magazines. So much so that she asked Jelly to help her get rid of some of her massive collection. Jelly, of course, happily agreed to help and set up a book sale on the naturally, Jelly asked Beef to tag along so she would have someone to talk to.
The makeshift shop was all set up. Decked out with pink and green picnic blankets all dedicated to the different genres of books Goldie had given her. There were a total of 6 sections that the lovely villagers could browse from. Jelly and Beef decided they would sit together on the middle two blankets so they could manage the books and still chat with each other.
Throughout the day many villagers stopped by and scouted out the fresh lot of books. Beef and Jelly giving them recommendations for new and exciting adventures. There were also slow times when only one or two villagers would be browsing so Jelly took over while Beef read through a few of the novels himself.
By the end of the day, they were down to only one stack of books and a good sizable bag of bells. Goldie had stopped by as well to see the progress of the day and was impressed with the last remnese of the stack. Goldie also noticed how invested Beef was in a particular book.
" I see you found something you like!" She giggled at him.
Her all knowing comment pulled Beef from the book to look at the giddy yellow dog.
"Looks like you need that one more than I do! You can keep that one, free of charge." She winked at him and turned to Jelly to help her roll up the blankets. Jelly noticed Beef's interesting expression and became curious as to what Goldie was talking about. She tried to see the title of the book that Beef was reading but it was blank so she decided she would ask him about it when they got home.
Goldie and Jelly finished rolling up the blankets while Beef set the remaining books in a box to drop off at the Nook Cranny. Goldie thanked them for their help by giving them a good portion of bells from the funds they made that day. Then she grabbed the box from Beef and strolled over to the store leaving the couple to their own devices.
On their way to Beef's apartment they stopped by a little corner market to pick up ingredients for dinner. Jelly quickly walked the store while Beef stood outside reading the book Goldie gave him. As Jelly paid for the items she could see Beef leaning against a light post completely enthralled by the book which only sparked her curiosity more!
Leaving the store, the pair made their way to Beef's apartment. As he was unlocking the door Jelly's curiosity could not be held back.
"What's your book about? It must be interesting." Tilting her head, she looked to see Beef paused at the door. He chuckled. Opening the door he led Jelly by the hand to the kitchen.
"It is an interesting book, but not one I should be discussing where someone could hear."
His answer was ambiguous and vague. It ate at Jelly like a Duck to peas. Ferocious and wild.
"That sounds so mysterious! What is it about that makes it so secretive?"
Beef trying to delay this as much as he could and started to put up the groceries. Smirking as he did so while Jelly grew more and more anxious to know.
"Beeeeeeeeeef! Come on! Tell me!" She started to tug on his shirt sleeve as he put the box of animal crackers in the cabinet.
"I wonder if I should tell you." He laughed at his game as he continued to leave her guessing while he walked to the living room.
"You are being so unfair! I want to know!" She followed him to the living and stood pouting while he lounged on the couch. He was still smirking at her all the same.
"If you want to know so badly, then you should read it. I left it sitting on the counter if you want to take a look."
That was all Jelly needed. She raced back into the kitchen and quickly grabbed the book off the counter and flipped to the first page. There in big, bold letters she read "The Kissing Journal". Her face became a nice shade of pink as she closed the book and slowly walked back into the living room.
"You're reading a book about kissing?! I didn't think you needed help in that department!" She held the book in front of her face to emphasize her statement. This only made Beef laugh at her childish actions.
"It's not just about kissing, it's about the meaning of a kiss." He waved her over to sit next to him so he could tell her more of his findings with the book. She sat next to him, cuddling close so he could wrap an arm around her shoulder while he held the book in his other hand. He flipped through a couple pages and then stopped on a chart that listed the different types of kisses.
"See this book tells you the meaning of kisses and their significance as a form of on where you place the kiss is what determines the meaning of it. Like a hand kiss is a sign of honor or luck. A shoulder kiss is a gift of strength. And a forehead kiss is a sign of familial love or knowledge."
Jelly's eyes became wide and she looked towards Beef to show her interest.
"That's so cute! I thought all kisses meant the same! Now when I kiss my plushie Sir Squishsums goodnight I'll have to give him a peck on his little hand!"
"That's not all of them. There are plenty more." Beef slowly brought his hand to her neck and softly stroked it, pushing her loose hair to the side.
"A neck kiss is a sign of desire." Jelly became aware of Beef's actions and her blush began to deepen, turning her a bright shade of red. Beef continued his teasing by lifting his hand from her neck to her cheek.
"A kiss on the cheek is a sign of friendship or a pure love." He started to fixate on her eyes. Forcing her to look at him. Then he took his thumb and softly grazed it across her lips.
"A kiss on the lips is a sign of romantic love but can also be a gift of life." He whispered. Jelly was starting to lose focus, she couldn't decide where to look: his eyes or his mouth. But both were dangerous.
"B-Beef, what is it that you are trying to do?" She was flustered but she didn't want to fall for his game. He smirked at her and started to play with her hair, letting the loose, wavy curls fall between his fingers.
"I want to know the kinds of kisses you will give me." Direct but still vague, Beef's greatest technique. His second most powerful move. All the same it made Jelly's brain fire on all cylinders, making her extremely alert and would have to choose her words carefully or she would fall completely for his trap.
"Why do you assume I'll just give them to you," she toyed at the collar of his shirt, trying to find something else to focus on so she didn't get sucked into his stare. Beef's teasing smirk disappeared. He knew she was trying to tease him back but Beef is always a step ahead.
"Tell you what, how about I give them to you first. But I will only do it if you promise to do it back," he smiled sweetly to try and convince her of good intentions. She pressed a hand to her cheek to show her shock at his seemingly innocent request. Usually he would mess with her, using his charm to swoon her so that she would fall head over heels for him again and then get caught in his trap. A trap she loved but knew he took advantage of. He makes her feel safe but vulnerable. Giving her the affection she wants but teasing her and making her desperate for him to recipericate.
"Fine, I'll play along with you," once she said those words, Beef's innocent smile faded and turned into a dangerous stare. The one that makes her feel like a trapped bunny in the wolf's den.
"Then let the game begin."
He moved his hand from her hair, slowly and softly brushing up against her skin as he made his way to her hand. He intertwined their fingers, lifting their hands up. He untangled their fingers and held her hand up to his mouth. Placing a small peck to her knuckles. He then turned her hand over. Mimicking the same action to her palm and wrist. He rubbed the spots he kissed with his thumb. His focus went from her hand to her eyes. He wanted to make sure she was watching.
"Was that for honor or for luck?" Jelly questioned. That sweet smile crept back on his face.
"It was for luck. I want you to always have it with you so you'll never be in trouble. Or at least so you can get out of trouble quickly."
"Oh, how sweet. But hopefully, if I'm in trouble, you'll be there with me." She cooed to him.
"I'll always be with you." He reaffirmed that by pulling her close and placing a gentle kiss on her shoulder. From her shoulder he moved to her neck, nuzzling into the crook where he would place his next kiss.
"Strength and desire," Beef whispered into her neck. Breathing softly against her skin. He starts a trail of butterfly kisses from the base of her neck to behind her ear. He pulls back to see her reaction.
She's bright red. She's tense. She looks like she's about to cry. Perfect. Her cuteness and innocence makes his heart beat faster. Makes him want to continue to protect her. He wants more but he has to go slow so he doesn't scare her. This game he is playing with her is driving him crazy. He instigated it and he might be starting to regret he has to finish it.
He leaned forward, closing the distance between them. Jelly's eyes softly closed as she leaned to meet him halfway. But the kiss she was waiting for she didn't get. Instead, Beef pressed his lips against her cheek.
"Friendship?" She was confused. And a little hurt.
"I thought you…" Tears pricked at her eyes. Too many emotions spiraled within her. She loves does he not love her? Is he just teasing her?
"Yes, friendship. I want you to be my best friend, my dearest friend for the rest of my life." He placed another kiss on her cheek. Jelly started to cry. He is always sweet. He is always caring for her. She is just being silly but it makes her cry all the same.
"It's your turn."
Jelly sniffled and wiped her tears away. She smiled and nodded. It was her turn and she was going to use it. She cupped his face and rubbed small circles on his cheeks with her thumbs. The same motion he did when he kissed her hand. She wanted to return the affection. Starting with his hand and making her way up. But She had to start at her favorite part first.
She leaned forward, closing her eyes once again. This time she got the kiss she wanted. Their lips pressed together. It was gentle and loving. It made her heart soar. All she wanted to do was bask in this sensation. His warm, strong frame holding her tight as her soft, delicate lips pressed against his. She loves him. More than anyone. She has always depended on herself. She's always been friendly and caring but never loving. He's the only one that has ever invoked these emotions in her. And she hopes the same goes for him. She's happy with him. She's safe with him.
She breaks free first. Catching her breath while she stares into his eyes.
"Straight to the point I see." Beef laughed.
"Is that the only one I get?"
That set Jelly off. She started to laugh with him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled into him.
"This is what you wanted from the beginning. You just want me to fawn all over you huh?"
"Oh, you caught me. I guess you're the cop now?"
Jelly leaned back and nodded, confirming the statement.
"That's right! I'm the cop now, and I say you're under arrest for being illegally cute!" She finished that declaration with a kiss on the cheek.
"I am also the judge and executioner. And you have been found guilty! Your punishment is Death by Kisses!" She gave him a quick peck on the lips and then proceeded to nuzzle his neck, leaving butterfly kisses, like the ones he gave her.
"Well, I guess if I do the crime, I do the time. Tell me your Honor, how long is my sentence?" He started toying with her hair as she made her way to his.
"Your crime is severe. I'm afraid you've been given a lifetime sentence. I hope you learn your lesson." She faked a disappointed sigh.
"I don't know. I don't think I'll ever learn my lesson. I think I'll just have to serve my time like a hardened criminal." He winked, making Jelly blush.
"I think you're implying more than what you say, but it's okay. We have a lifetime to find out." This time she gave him a smirk,like the cat that ate the canary. They both laughed at this silly exchange. Perfectly happy as they always will be. Beef really does go with Jelly.