Sixteenth Gesture:
A question thrown…
'I had never touched you…
… the way that I have done…
…now.'
He was there alone – his gaze fixed on the far distance as dusk started to settle on his features. The sand was warm on his bare feet yet the wind carried with it its usual cold.
Soon…pretty soon the evening will come as the last traces of the fading sun shone through. Its rays reflected sully on his velvet irises.
She always knew the moment they went back that he would be there. The children have been put to bed - - too early than usual due to their exhaustion. As she stared at his sole figure from afar, she smiled inwardly as she breathed in the fresh air. It had been so long since they have had the chance to be here again. And every minute that passed seemed like every second of the past.
She then broke through the shade of the wooden house as she made her way towards him.
He turned around, meeting her halfway. He knew it was her; he just wanted to catch her in the act of doing so. She had been very modest in her actions, very cautious even in showing her emotions.
Yet they have done this before – teasings would seem childish now.
"Sneaking up on me again, Ms. Clyne?" he smiled as his eyes darted towards her neck where a silver lining crossed…tracing its roots and setting them into a circular object on its tip.
"Not really…"
Once reaching her destination, she momentarily gazed at him before he finally reached out for her hand.
"What are you doing here?" she asked interestingly.
"Just thinking."
"What about?"
It was at that question that he let his eyes rest on her face.
"Have I ever kissed you before?"
His question was undoubtedly surprising but she never let it show. She was a bit startled, but still composed. If he was honest indeed, then she'd have to answer him in the same sincerity. It did intrigue her though, as she had the same question on the back of her mind.
"You did."
"Right…" It was as though he had remembered something he had forgotten as he shifted his gaze on the crashing waves once more.
"…I did, but I have to believe it was accidental. I remember it being one when we literally slept together…" chuckling a bit at the memory, he spoke casually.
Just then, she pulled him and turned him around to face her. He was unsure of her reason but then was anxious of what's about to happen. Usually, when she does strange things, it would turn out pleasing and memorable.
As his rational continuously weighs the possibilities, she then raised her hands to his shoulders, holding the material a bit tightly as she tiptoed a bit…and with her lips near his ear, she whispered.
"I believe it happened way before that…the first time you ever kissed me was something like…this…"
As the last word was spoken, her lips lay on his. It was quick and nothing more than a mere peck but it was one of those things that made his eyes widen.
Breaking contact with him, she then smiled, a hand on his cheek.
"So you really thought I never knew."
Pressing his cheek a bit, she then excused herself. His mouth laid a bit open, before his lips recognized a smile as his eyes wandered off to where she was.
What amazed him were her wit, her boldness and her principles, but now, it would seem he would have to add another to his list…perhaps there was something in the way she held the fabric of his clothing, the care she applied and the slight tugging at its material.
And maybe, just maybe, he had to observe how she acts now on –
Just so he could be better prepared for what would happen next.
end