Traction, p.9
Traction, page 9
“Thank you, Alex. This was a wonderful date. I only wish you hadn’t pulled back a bit. Yes, I noticed, and I understand you are trying to ensure that my feelings stay intact. I know what you and Sam will likely do after your date. I’m okay with it. If anything, I’m just a little jealous, so I just want one promise from you. Since she gets you first in ED, if this works out and we are able to accept this relationship long enough for it to spill over into real life, I want our first time to be there.”
Xeal studied the face looking at him with such hopeful eyes, and he found himself unable to resist them. Leaning forward he pressed his lips against hers, pulling her closer to himself as he did so. Focusing solely on the woman before him, he gave her a kiss while holding nothing back. As he did so she practically melted in his arms as he caressed her in all the right ways. Finally, he broke the kiss and Aalin worked to calm her breathing.
“Nicole, no matter how this turns out, thank you for being so wonderful, and I promise that so long as this shared relationship continues, I will not bed another woman in real life before you.”
“Alex, I’m in trouble. I think I’m already in love with you. I knew I really liked you, but yah, please take care of me.”
“Nicole, I hope I am worthy of such love, and I’ll apologize now for all the time we will spend apart in the future.”
“Why do we have to be apart?”
“If I am to build FAE as it needs to be, I will have to spend countless hours working to secure our future. During these times I will have to venture to places where I won’t be able to take others, and at times I will vanish for months at a time. It’s why you and the others role keeping the guild running is so vital. I am the symbol of the guilds power while the vice guild leaders ensure it is run efficiently.”
“I understand, but promise me that you will come by every evening I don’t see you in game to kiss me like you just did, and I won’t be mad if you have to give Sam the same treatment.”
“It’s a deal.”
Xeal leaned in once more giving Aalin one more passionate kiss before they both made their way to the meeting point where Gale and Geitir awaited them. As they drew near, they could see both Gale and Geitir talking while they waited for them to arrive. They seemed to be just passing the time discussing ED and all of its intricacies, but stopped once they noticed Xeal.
“My, my, Xeal you are popular. Not only do you have a beauty awaiting you here, but another arrives with you. Please tell me what your secret is.” (Geitir)
“Let’s not get into that. Here is the contract to review.” (Xeal)
“True, here is not the place, but at least let me buy you a drink next time we’re both free.” (Geitir)
“I will take you up on that, though it might be a while before I’m free.” (Xeal)
Xeal looked between Aalin and Gale as he said his last line.
“Don’t say it like that. You make it seem as if we are just causing you problems.” (Gale)
“Ah, lass, to us men women are just that, a problem, one to which many of us spend our lives trying to understand and solve. Some have an easier time than others, and it is a problem that we truly love as it can bring so much joy to our lives.” (Geitir)
“Well said Geitir.” (Xeal)
With that Geitir signed the contract. Then with a kiss on her cheek, Xeal bid Aalin farewell before turning to Gale as the two were now alone.
“So, umm shall we go get dinner?” (Gale)
Xeal could tell Gale was nervous, which made her look really cute to him. However, unlike with Aalin, he was venturing into uncharted territory for him with Gale. He had no experience with her to know what type of things she liked, or disliked, past the obvious stuff friends would know. All he could think to do was project confidence, and at the same time, not get cocky. He could feel the nervousness in himself. It both scared and excited him. He was going on an adventure and all he could do was step forward. So, he took her hand in his, bringing her closer to him and locked arms with her before making their way to the restaurant not far from where they were.
“Sam, relax. There is no need to rush right now. Let’s just enjoy this time together.”
“Easy for you to say. I was doing fine until I saw Aalin’s face. What did you do that made her so happy?”
“Sam, would you like me to tell her everything we do on this date?”
Gale’s face turned red and her eyes went to the ground as she heard that.
“No, please don’t. Also, why are you using my real name in game?”
“Sam, I don’t believe in treating a date in ED different from one in reality. I am not dating Gale and Aalin, I am dating the wonderful women who play them. Understand that when it is just you and I, I will insist on calling you Sam.”
“Okay, then I suppose I should call you Alex as well. So, Alex let’s have some fun together.”
The pair had arrived at the same restaurant that Geitir and Xeal had met at before. This time however, Xeal had reserved a private table for Gale and him. They found themselves in a medium sized room with a single round table big enough for six if you sat completely around it. Along one side was a rounded bench big enough for four, if needed. It was soft and perfect for cuddling as the pair settled into it. Gale still seemed a bit on edge as Xeal put his arm around her to pull her closer.
“Alex, this is really nice and all, but could you please give me a little more space?”
“Certainly. Please be as open and honest with me as possible. This time is meant for us to figure out what works and what doesn’t.”
“Thank you. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it, it’s just, um well, you know.”
Sam was extremely red and just couldn’t seem to find the right words. The way she was fumbling made Xeal’s heart race. He had enjoyed his time with Aalin immensely, even if it brought bittersweet memories back, but this was amazing. He had forgotten how wonderful it was to step into the unknown, to not have an answer key to every situation.
“Sam, you’re wonderful.”
“Huh, what?”
Xeal put his hand on Gale’s cheek and looked straight in her eyes as he drew her closer.
“Your wonderful. I love this side of you. I apologize if this makes you uncomfortable, but the way you are right now is amazing, and the way you stole that kiss was so sexy. I can’t help but to enjoy this for what it is, and I find that wonderful. Regardless of where this leads, I find myself wanting to just enjoy the moment and lose myself in you Sam.”
“Alex, I don’t know what to say. How can you be so open with what you’re feeling right now? I just think-”
Xeal pressed his lips to hers in a deep kiss before she could finish speaking. Her eyes went wide at first before slowly closing and her body started to take over. Her hands were on Xeal’s back as she pulled herself onto his lap. She was so grateful for the privacy the room offered as she guided his hands down her back until they were firmly on her rear. She could feel the passion building and if it hadn’t been for the knock meaning the waiter was returning for their order, she may have completely let go of all restraint right then. However reluctantly, she broke off the kiss to let Xeal respond to the knock. She stayed on his lap as they ordered some fancy sounding food and then the waiter left, seemingly unsurprised at the sight of her on Xeal’s lap.
“Alex, I don’t think I can hold it in me much longer.”
“Sam, just relax and stop thinking and just be here with me. Don’t worry about what the next turn will bring. We are on a roller coaster together right now and we shouldn’t worry about the next turn, or drop, but simply enjoy the ride.”
“Alex, thank you.”
With that Gale snuggled into Alex as they waited for their food to arrive. Once it did, Gale reluctantly left Xeal’s lap. She found herself playing footsy with him out of a desire to be closer, and while the food was nice, and she was enjoying talking to Xeal about what he had been doing in ED while they had been apart, she wanted more. More of his lips on hers, more time where there was nothing that existed but the two of them. She wanted to lose herself completely in him. She wondered how much of this was due to her deity, and how much were her own feelings. She had found it so strange after her initiation was complete how she had such strong urges, but nowhere to direct it. That had changed the first time she had seen Xeal after, and what had made it worse was it had carried over to reality as well. Every time she looked at him, she wanted him so much it really did scare her. It hurt to know her best friend felt similarly to herself without the push she felt from her deity’s influence. She felt guilty, like she was stealing from her. Sure, she had liked him before she was initiated, but that had been a small flame. Now it was like a bonfire. The thing that scared her the most was losing him, or her best friend. She had been willing to sacrifice her own happiness for theirs. Now, however, she couldn’t see herself without him. The weirdest part was she didn’t feel possessive like she thought she would. All she cared about was that he saw her, that he cared about her. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t the only one he noticed, as long as she could have him as well. All of this was overwhelming her. She didn’t want to get serious, but she couldn’t stop. As Xeal had said, the pair were on a roller coaster and all they could do is see where it took them and enjoy the ride in the meantime.
“Alex, can I ask you something?”
“Sam, you can ask me anything.”
“Okay, what will you do if you fall for both of us?”
“Hmm, I don’t know. I certainly can see that happening, but it highly depends on the two of you. If I feel this situation is going to destroy our friendships, I will end it regardless of my feelings. If one or both of you loses interest in me, I would have to accept it and move on. Relationships are complicated and if I’m being honest, this situation is exceptionally so. All I intend to do is answer each of your feelings with honesty and sincerity. If you both do the same with me and each other, it should help us all accept the outcome, whatever it may be.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It won’t be. There will be times when we don’t want to hurt one another and think hiding something would be for the best, but it would probably do more harm than good.”
“Why are you putting so much effort in? You didn’t even really want this.”
Alex drew her in closer and made sure their eyes locked before answering.
“Sam, if I said I wasn’t interested in you, or Nicole, it would be a lie, and if I were to not take both of you seriously, it would just become something that I regretted later in life. Love is not something that we get to schedule. We have to see where it leads.”
“Then why try to turn us down?”
“Simple. I really think the timing is bad. I will be extremely busy for the next several years. I fully expect you both to grow tired of how often I have to ignore you, other than a message here, or there.”
“So, you’re saying that in a few years, if one of us was still available, you might have asked us out.”
“Yes, that was the possibility I was trying to preserve.”
“Idiot. For all your confidence you don’t know how a girl’s heart works, but that’s ok. I’ll be sure to train you. Even if we don’t work out, at least you will learn something from this. Consider it my apology for putting you in this situation. Lesson one, if you like a girl and she likes you back and you’re both single, just ask her out, especially when she opens herself up to you. Now, let’s get back to enjoying ourselves. This conversation is killing the mood.”
“Thank you, Sam, I truly appreciate it. Now, how was your meal?”
“It was nice, but the seat wasn’t as nice as the one I had before.”
“Well, dessert is next.”
With that, Xeal pulled Gale back onto his lap as they awaited the chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream they had ordered to share. When it arrived, he took the fork, and instead of using it to feed himself, he brought it to Gale’s lips. They took their time on dessert, flirting, playing and kissing the whole time. By the time they left, both had playful smiles on their faces. They enjoyed a short walk in each other’s arms through the town before they made their way to the inn.
“Alex, are you sure you’re okay with this?”
“Yes, although I would like to wait, I am looking forward to it.”
“Really.”
Gale was looking shy and unsure of herself as she looked at Xeal. They were sitting on a bed next to each other in the inn, still fully clothed. Xeal brought her in close and started making out with her passionately. They both allowed passion to overtake them and let it guide their movements.
Morning, August 16, 2266.
Alex and Anna were outside waiting when the girls arrived for the morning run. The first thing Nicole and Sam did was to walk over to Alex and give him a deep kiss and hug to say good morning. First Nicole, then Sam. Anna gasped in shock at the sight before her and started to step away.
“What the hell is going on!?” (Anna)
“What do you mean?” (Alex)
“Why did Sam and Nicole both just kiss you like that, and why are they still hanging off you like it’s the most natural thing in the world?” (Anna)
“What are you talking about? You’re the one responsible for this.” (Alex)
“Yah, your little game yesterday caused this, so just shut up. (Sam)
“Be nice you two. We should thank her. After all, she gave us the push we needed Sam.” (Nicole)
“I, I, I, I, I caused what? How? Why? Huh, this makes no sense. My head hurts.” (Anna)
“Oh, boy, did you step in it. Next time, think about what you’re stirring up before you try to play matchmaker.” (Amanda)
“I, no, they are just crazy, right? This is just to mess with me, right?” (Anna)
“Afraid not little girl. You really caused this. You better accept it and move on.” (Amanda)
“Hey, I’m not just a little girl, and don’t blame me for my brother being a playboy!” (Anna)
“I would say more of a Casanova, from the way those two have been acting.” (Amanda)
“Stop it. No, no, no, it’s just wrong, all wrong. Please, it has to be a joke!” (Anna)
“Stop your whining and deal with it.” (Sam)
“Anna, relax. Just please don’t play another of your games. While I don’t mind sharing with Sam as we figure this out, it would be a problem if you caused another girl to try and butt in.” (Nicole)
“Wait. What? No, please no. What are you even saying!” (Anna)
“What is who saying?” (Dan)
“Dan, Fred, my brother and those three are just joking, right? He isn’t really dating both of them, right?” (Anna)
“Afraid not, and if I were you, I wouldn’t speak to Dan about it too much. He is okay with it, but after what happened yesterday, he’s a little miffed at how it played out.” (Fred)
“Fred, it’s ok. After the explanation Amanda gave us, I understand why, and while I might be a bit envious of Alex, I’m interested in how it will play out.” (Dan)
“No, just no.” (Anna)
Anna was having a mental breakdown; she couldn’t grasp what was going on. How could the three of them be like that? Her brother was clueless when it came to girls. He had never so much as gone out on a date. Now, two girls were happily hanging off him, flirting without a care for who was watching. It made her sick.
“What are mom and dad going to say when they find out?” (Anna)
“Who cares? He can always stay over at our place if he needs to. Nicole and I would love to have him.” (Sam)
“Ahh, no, no, no, stop it!” (Anna)
“Okay, everyone let’s calm down. It’s time for our run and I think this conversation is just going around in circles anyways.” (Alex)
With that Alex brought an end to the subject, for the time being at least. Anna was still in shock and Dan still seemed lonely; Sam looked like a fun game had ended. Fred looked relieved as Amanda was giving him his good morning kiss as Nicole just smiled brightly at the scene that had played out in front of her. Once the run was finished and a few more kisses were exchanged, everyone went their separate ways to clean up and get a quick meal in before they returned to ED. As Alex and Anna walked in, their mom and dad were sitting at the table flirting once more. This had become the normal and it was part of why Anna was more than happy to join in on the daily runs.
“Mom, dad Alex has something to tell you.” (Anna)
“Oh, what is it son?” (Dad)
“I have no idea what Anna is talking about.” (Alex)
“Your son has not one, but two girlfriends.” (Anna)
“Say what?” (Mom)
“Yep, he is dating both Sam and Nicole.” (Anna)
“Alex, is that true?” (Mom)
Alex shot a look at Anna who was looking smug, then to his dad who had an eyebrow raised, and finally his mom who looked ready to launch into a tirade. He knew his mom wouldn’t like the answer and his dad was smart enough to fall in line with her on this matter. He had to be careful on how he approached the issue as it could very easily end with him staying with the girls until he got his own place.
“Well, I guess I should go pack up. I love you all, but nothing I say will keep you from going off on me. I’m better off just telling it straight as it is, leaving home after, and letting you all cool down for a few months. When you’re ready to talk I can give you the details and how Anna is to thank for things turning out this way.” (Alex)
