Ari ♫ ♪ ♬ (gracenotes) wrote in emillion, @ 2013-10-05 01:23:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, !log, arielle chiaro, aspel cassul |
Who: Ari & Aspel
What: A reunion Body shots
Where: A bar in the Theatre District
When: Saturday night
Rating: A fairly racy PG-13
Status: Complete~ ♥
She hadn’t really seen Aspel in several weeks, and while Ari would deny that this had anything to do with anything at all, the point remained that she was early for the first time in awhile, by nearly ten minutes, which she suspected would mean that she would have to wait. Unfortunate, really. She had gotten increasingly antsy the second week of near-perfect silence; while she understood that Aspel had important things to do, it was her own reaction that had her frustrated. It was not as though they were joined at the hip, for Faram’s sake, and a few weeks here or there oughtn’t be any problem, but she had found herself missing the other woman all the same, foolishly, as though Aspel owed her any of her time. Which of course she didn’t. And yet she had jumped at the opportunity to see her when the network post had appeared, immediately issuing an invitation. It wasn’t so abnormal to miss a good friend’s company, after all (the rug had been placed firmly a week ago in the category of things that do not require concern, for the sake of her own sanity, and Aspel relegated back to good friend whom I would very much like to talk into bed one of these days). So perhaps -- just perhaps -- she was here early because it had been weeks, but there was nothing wrong with that, either. Never one to linger alone in a corner, Ari soon found herself at the bar with drink in hand and surrounded by a number of friendly acquaintances who had spotted her upon arrival. At the moment, she was letting a very pretty corsair in a daringly low-cut blouse flirt with her, her elbow on the bar and her expression entertained as a fantastic (and likely untrue) tale was recounted to her starring a dragon-like creature supposedly encountered deep in the Kerwonian mountains who understood the hume tongue and spoke in riddles. No one had said she couldn’t amuse herself while she waited, after all. The fact that Mag’s ordeal was over with was an incredible relief. It was always a trying time of year, perhaps even more trying than Aspel’s personal ventures out. Thinking things over, it was unfortunate that she’d be unlikely to obtain the week off she normally took, especially with the trip to Ordalia behind her now for Mag but….. Certain things had to take priority over others. Mag took priority over herself, and the entirety of Emillion’s safety would too. While the smith had regretted her decision to take up a council position previously, wishing to have the freedom the forge offered her, there was a certain…… Appeal to it as well. The fact that herself and Drake had managed to shape up the entire process and operations of the guild, making it a better experience for all involved, and possibly interesting new recruits into their masses, well… Aspel couldn’t say she didn’t take a certain level of pride in that fact either. The work load had been adjusted to, she’d become more used to the average complaints, and had even figured out a few shortcuts here and there to make everything that much more bearable. In the end, she wasn’t so sure she felt uneasy about the decision anymore. Though, even with all of these duties, a horrendous pile of work to come back to, and something ticking away like a timer in the back of her own head about how things would eventually come to term, Aspel felt strangely at ease. Perhaps, for the first time in years. Maybe, Aspel Cassul was finally finding the place and pace in which she belonged. However, the most interesting - and complicated - part of her return would perhaps been the chocobo stampede of feelings she found herself struck with almost immediately. Relief, thankfulness, ease, distress and a certain…. Loneliness. A deep set longing that had successfully been mostly pushed aside previously due to the all-consuming worry that had taken precedence before. It didn’t hit her in full, debilitating force until Ari had messaged her back on the network and Aspel found herself circling a series of emotions that she hadn’t the faintest how to label or handle. Glimpses had been caught before, but never hung on to long enough to really figure anything of significance out, and this time - really - would be no different. The invite out was simply, happily, accepted. Unfortunately though, old habits did indeed die hard, and Aspel was running late. She’d been so good regarding keeping time for so long it felt like an eternity of trying to make it to meetings and agreed locations on time with her…….. Job. Now though, this evening, Aspel found herself distracted in in ways she couldn’t fully fathom as her attention seemed hyper fixed on the smallest details. Were her fingernails clean? Were they cropped appropriately? Did she have anything in her teeth? Was her clothing in proper condition? (That was perhaps the silliest concern considering Ari had blatantly told her in the past that her company as a sooty smith was welcome - and she better looking even then - than many of the others the bard had to deal with on a regular basis) And so on… All tiny details, all things if she was going to see Mag or Vivi or……. Well, she might concern herself over these things if she was going to see Drake. What was she even thinking? Finally being so frustrated with herself that she gave up, Aspel had ushered herself out the door even though there were still a few things off, but she was going to be late enough. With that, she’d find herself walking into the establishment fifteen minutes later than planned. It took a moment to spot the other woman, chatting away - not unusual - near the bar and Aspel found she couldn’t help but smile. When was the last time they’d really seen each other? Probably the Harvest festival if she could recall properly. Had it really been nearly two weeks? Something bitterly tumbled around in her chest at the thought and Aspel shoved it aside. What was that even? Pointless, that’s what it was. Stupid and pointless. “Good evening, ladies.” The smith intentionally interrupted the recanting of whatever tale may have been taking place. A bow of her head easily followed the comment, and a soft smile pulled at lips. “My apologies for my tardiness.” This statement was very clearly aimed at Ari, as Aspel’s gaze easily fell on the bard before her, barely a lick of attention paid to the corsair standing by them at all other than the greeting and the briefest glance over. “Hopefully, our plans for this eve are not derailed by such, no?” Ari hadn’t spotted Aspel when she had first entered the bar, and had in fact not realized she had approached until she spoke. The warming of her smile was immediate, then, and she couldn’t help but be a little… flattered at being the sole focus of the other woman’s attention; she was all but ignoring Ari’s present companion, not to mention anyone else currently gathered around the bar. She thought momentarily of just how long it had been since she had really garnered Aspel’s undivided attention, then quickly put that thought away. Why ruin a perfectly nice evening? She had it now. “If tardiness were a reason for plan derailment, I am afraid I would never get anything done,” she said with a laugh. “I am regularly late to absolutely everything. But you will have to catch up,” she cautioned. “I’m a drink and a half in by now.” Which, considering the fact that Aspel seemed to have a fairly high tolerance (not to mention a better idea of pacing, as far as Ari had seen), meant she was ahead by a fairly sizable margin. “I think I see a friend,” the corsair suddenly interjected, her expression amused. “Perhaps I will finish the story another time.” “By all means, another time,” Ari said lightly, which seemed to be all the excuse the woman needed to rise from her stool and saunter across the bar. “It appears your seat has just been vacated for you,” Ari said to Aspel once the corsair was gone. “I suppose that means you are, in fact, exactly on time.” “Ah, so your bad habits are my boon?” The jest was light, but caused her smile to pick up a bit more than it already had by simply being in the company of the other woman already. “If so, I will be quite thankful for your bad habit in this instance.” Though, Ari’s prod at the smith needing to catch up caused a slight laugh, and a shake of her head. “Only a drink and a half? And I thought you were to pose me a challenge.” A hand waved to catch the bartender’s attention, a drink order easily being placed. It was a good time to obtain Kerwonian brews due to the soon impending festival just around the corner. With the sudden interjection from the woman Ari had been speaking with a polite smile and bow of Aspel’s head was offered. “Have a good evening.” A thought briefly flickered through her head about how she’d completely missed the woman’s name and how… Terribly rude that was. Yet, at the same time, the smith couldn’t find it within herself to really care at the same time. How…… Odd. Regardless of herself, there was now a seat open, and a drink on the way. A second flickered by before Aspel shifted, sliding into the seat next to Ari. “I suspect it has.” And as if her sitting was the magical cue, quickly up came the drink order she placed, a nod of thanks given to the bartender before her attention switched back to Ari - solely - once more. “I do hope you are not terribly cross with me. I have not the faintest what I could do to make it up to you if you were.” There was a joking edge to the words, even though there was also a certain seriousness there as well. To think she could have messed up their first really solid time together in weeks was…. Less than appealing. “A drink and a half for me is probably three for you,” Ari pointed out with another laugh. “Especially if you are going to drink beer.” It wasn’t entirely surprising, with the festival so soon, but at this rate, she thought she had best slow down, lest she wind up insensible halfway through the evening. It had been far too long for things to go that way -- really, she was determined to maintain a fair measure of sobriety to ensure the night did not end prematurely. That would be a terrible waste. “I could tell you I am not cross at all,” she mused once Aspel had taken her seat, “but that seems like a waste of a perfectly good open offer to make your tardiness up to me. Perhaps I ought to ask for something truly outrageous?” she teased back. Just what she could get away with remained to be seen, but it was all in good fun in the end, wasn’t it? Might as well try her luck. “I think I will hold on to that for a minute,” she said after a moment or two of consideration. “Have a drink, or three. Tell me how you’ve been. I haven’t seen you in… awhile.” A casual shrug, as though she hadn’t marked the passage of time. “Ah, is that how we are approaching this, a drink ratio. Now, that hardly seems fair.” If they were going to play a game like this though, Aspel would indeed need to spend a fairly hefty amount of time catching up. At least, that was if she didn’t want to get blitzed terribly fast which seemed…. A rather wasteful way to go about approaching this evening. “I suspect it may.” The amused look that crossed Aspel’s face was obvious at Ari catching on to the oh so obvious game she’d just presented to the other woman to toy with as she so desired. “Outrageous, you say?” With the amusement seeping into her smirk, the smith’s gaze shifted away, picking up the beer to take a sip of it - not all that great really, not that she was much of a beer fan in general actually, but it was a taste of home - before the liquid was swallowed down and Aspel’s eyes fell to the rim of the mug. “Curious.” Though, the concept of Ari mulling it over a moment earned the quirking of a brow. “Is that so?” The briefest huff of air, remotely resembling a laugh, slipped out. “Much better now that all of that is done and I am here having a drink. Yourself?” Vague, yes, but it was Mag’s issue, not her own to discuss. “And since when have I been concerned with being fair?” Ari asked, putting her elbow on the bar and leaning forward. “I could argue how it would be far more fair if approached in this manner, but let us be honest and admit that I am asking for the sake of my very fragile pride.” She grinned. “I’ve mentioned previously how very easily bruised it is, after all. But I suppose I ought to control myself so that you needn’t carry me home again.” Not that that sort of ending was unpleasant in any way, but she really thought they ought to be able to do better. Now that she wasn’t being foolish over rugs, at any rate. “And yes, entirely outrageous. You didn’t put limits on it, after all. Shall I send you on a wild quest across the world to fetch me a fallen star, as they do in the books, before I say I forgive you?” A thoughtful look before she said, “On second thought that seems far too easy; I am certain I can be more creative. Especially,” she added, “since it is the drinking you have missed. I would hate to deprive you.” She tapped her glass against Aspel’s mug before sipping at her own beverage. “I have been busy with nothing of significance. Aside from the few auditions I have deigned to attend -- why is it nearly winter? -- my life has been rather uneventful. Really, I am fortunate that you’re back now to liven it up.” And that was likely the closest she was about to come to saying she had missed the other woman’s company. “When it benefits you? Quite often I must assume.” And with the other woman’s forward movement, Aspel couldn’t help how her eyes dipped down for a moment to the bard’s chest before switching back up to her face quickly. “And I do believe my sobriety will benefit you quite well if you choose to use it appropriately.” Which really, with the rules and stipulations she’d outlined long before now, Ari should have plenty idea of precisely what she was referencing quite easily. “Is that all?” Aspel’s smirk widened at the idea of chasing a fallen star across the world. The hint at what precisely Aspel had missed caused a moment of confusion to flash across her face before Ari touched their glasses together, and an instant flash of recognition dawned. A part instantly wished to rebuff the statement, and point out how Aspel had said being here had been what she missed technically and here would imply in a tavern with Ari’s company, even if drink had been said in the same breath. Another pull at the brew was taken, this one a bit longer, mostly just to get the stuff out of her glass. Though, there was some absent push at living up to Ari’s expectations, and goals in the back of her head that bit at her insides driving it too. “Because the seasons are ever changing outside of Ordalia.” Aspel couldn’t help but tease, especially after having to endure the climate for a week just recently. It never really had been her favorite for it’s weather. “Ah, then I suspect I must endeavour to liven it up quite appropriately, no?” A moment of amused thought flickered across her face with a couple…. More interesting ideas she could propose that were quickly shucked aside. “A game of some sort, perhaps?” “I am assuming,” ari said, her smile looking quite self-satisfied as she followed Aspel’s gaze, “that in this instance, ‘appropriate’ does not actually mean ‘dull.’ I will have to consider the benefits of your sobriety. Mine may be a lost cause sooner rather than later, though.” All the more reason to slow down, considering such a promising offer had been made. “As I thought, such a task is far too simple and really beneath your abilities. Don’t worry, I will do better. Though it does seem to me as though you already have some thoughts on the matter.” As did she, but her curiosity would likely get the best of her in this instance, at least for now. Her own ideas could stay in reserve just a little while longer. “Perhaps I ought simply to trust that you will please me. In your choice of game, that is,” she clarified, though she doubted the double meaning would be lost. This, too, was a game, after all, one they had played off an on for a terribly long time, though lately, the stakes seemed to have shifted. “I like games quite a bit, after all, as you’ve cause to know. What sort of thing did you have in mind?” “I shall pray not.” Was the quick and easy response. Considering how far they’d come, and everything they’d managed at this point, and her talk with Mag… Well, not taking advantage of time spent with Ari at this point seemed…. Unproductive. Though, she still had a fair amount of nerves regarding the matter. While the will was strong regarding what she desired, there was still the… Faintest hint of doubt. Soon, very soon, she’d undoubtedly cave, and the level of frustration she’d been encountering would assure things would be… Well, now wasn’t the time to think of those things exactly as there was still booze in her glass. Another long sip of the brew was taken before the glass was put down, and a shift in her seat was taken. One knee would adjust, sliding between Ari’s legs if so allowed not pressing far, but enough to be obvious, and Aspel toyed with the mug in her off hand. “A few, perhaps.” Though, what game would the enjoy tonight? A cant of her head was taken, eyes shifting up to the ceiling as she considered. “I had no specific plan in mind at this time, though, I feel as though we could find a reasonable method in which to….” A pause, something devilish lingering across absent features for a moment. “appease both our desires, no?” A nudge at Ari’s inner leg was given via Aspel’s knee for a moment before downing the rest of her drink and pushing the mug back across the counter. The placement of Aspel’s knee would certainly not be missed, the slightest quirk of eyebrows up betraying her brief surprise. Yes, the stakes certainly seemed to have changed for the better. Her foot nudged the other woman’s ankle lightly under the bar, and she didn't move away. “So vague, you are. You force me to imagine all sorts of interesting unlikely things. I'll hardly sleep tonight, with all this wondering, I’m sure.” Or, perhaps, for other reasons entirely. But that was yet to be determined. “Reason is secondary to my plans,” she admitted, “but I tend to agree that the appeasement of desires could be accomplished, one way or another. Let’s see…” Aspel pushed her mug across the counter just as a cheer rang out from the other end of the bar; Ari craned her neck and spent a few moments watching the proceedings with amusement as the corsair from earlier -- who had apparently found a friend or two and didn’t seem any worse for having been supplanted in Ari’s attentions -- pulled down the hem of her blouse as she hopped off the bar and gave a very elaborate bow to those surrounding her, most of whom were dutifully applauding. Now there was an idea... “Well,” she drawled. “There is one game I can think of that would certainly serve to... amuse us both.” And hopefully, allow them to pick up where they had -- so unfortunately -- left off. “But I’m afraid beer simply won’t do for this one. Feel like something a bit stronger, perhaps? I'll even try -- with no promise of success -- to match you.” Though if things worked out as well as she hoped, the alcohol would be the furthest thing from Aspel’s mind. The feeling of Ari's foot elicited a low, muted, and amused huff of breath. A rather self satisfied smirk crossing Aspel's face easily with the situation at hand. "Perhaps, that is precisely at what I aim." The tease in her voice was obvious, though, there was a dare there as well. Something that.... Honestly, Aspel wasn't sure she could entirely follow through on, but a much larger part - in this moment - quite wanted to try. It was curious to see just what Ari might come up with and Aspel simply remained quiet for a few moments, allowing the bard time to mull things over. Yet, it would not take long until Ari had begun speaking again and an eyebrow quirked awaiting the final results of this.... Lengthy decision. However, it seemed to be taking a bit and caused a shift in the smith's position of seating, allowing her knee to nudge a bit further up the other woman's thigh. "Is that so?" A thoughtful noise was given as Aspel attempted a serious look, but amusement still cracked through. "I suspect I can make an exception if that is what shall be required of me," A pause, mulling over the words. "I think I would much rather you did not match me, I would loathe for the other possibilities of our night to be cut short. Though, if we are to engage, I do believe - as it is your game - that it is left within your hands to lead the way." “Promises, promises,” Ari said with a low laugh. Not that Aspel hadn’t kept her awake several times, but it hadn’t ever been in the manner she preferred. Though perhaps, this evening, with the right lead up… “Tequila, then,” she said. “There is nothing quite like it for the game I have in mind.” She waved the bartender over, gestured in the direction of the corsair’s group (one of her friends had taken her place) and said, “What they’re having, please.” Once the bartender had departed, she gestured in the direction of that group and said, “Easier to show than tell if you’ve never played, though I warn you, I anticipate we shall have an audience before long.” Fortunately, it wasn’t a terribly difficult game to play, once one saw exactly what was required, and the example was easy enough to observe. “I know several variants,” she mused, once she was certain the salient points had been grasped, “but in this case, perhaps simple is best to start.” She preferred to keep at least some measure of modesty for the moment, though she thought she might reevaluate later, if Aspel seemed amenable (she preferred to avoid the potential of running into things, at any rate). As the bartender came back with the necessary items, she quirked up her brows in a look that had a fair amount of challenge to it, said, “As you so kindly release me from attempting to match you, I suppose I must then ask for some assistance. This bar is rather tall. Lift me up?” Naturally, she could clamber up on her own, but why? Another thing to add to her list of things big, strong knights are good for. Really, she might have shortchanged Lex a bit, after all. The thought had her swallowing a laugh. “I have to break one yet.” And it was true. Aspel couldn’t recall a single instance in which one had been broken to date. Perhaps, some were taking a bit longer to come to fruition than others, but none had been broken at least, not yet. The sudden mention of the hard liquor earned a curious quirking of brow. Just how blitzed was Ari interested in getting this eve? That wasn’t precisely a light drink by any means. A careful eye was given to the directions offered and Aspel watched, admittedly a bit surprised - though she did school it rather well - at the choice in game. “Variants, you say?” There was undoubtedly a definite curiosity there, an interest of sorts as well. It was a game she’d…. Somewhat played… During her wilder days, but it generally very quickly deviated into something else altogether back in that time, and the smith had to wonder if perhaps that was the entire plan. With the items necessary provided and Ari asking for assistance, an eyebrow quirked even further. “Are you certain this is the game you wish?” If they, or well… Perhaps Aspel alone, got too drunk then… It wouldn’t be all that much fun at all, now would it? Even if something in the back of her head still struggled with precisely what to do. A moment would be given, the curious look remaining but there was neither displeasure or amusement accompanying it at all. You have yet to keep the majority of them, either. She chose not to say it -- why bring up something she hoped very much to correct -- and so she only smiled benignly, and at the curious look upon her mention of tequila, added, “You are simply going to have to trust me.” All things considered, if things went well, they would only get in a shot or two before the proceedings got more interesting -- she anticipated at least partial sobriety, unless the game ended up being amusing enough to take precedence over other things, in which case, well… “Quite a number of them,” she confirmed at the question regarding variants, “though the others I know of are not terribly conducive to remaining… shall we say, fully clothed. They tend to come up more often at the beach, though I am certain we can improvise, if the traditional version meets with your approval.” “I think it will be a great deal of fun,” Ari responded to the request for confirmation. “One round,” she added with a grin. “If you don’t enjoy it, we will certainly find another game. A bit of adventure never hurt anyone, after all.” “Ah, is that what this game requires?” Aspel couldn’t help the mildly good humored verbal nudge at Ari’s words. Though, the notion of variants still held a fair amount of interest, especially when explained a bit more in depth. “If this game goes well, I may just be tempted to whisk you away to a beach for a rematch.” There was a smirk, but a part of her regretted the words seconds after they had come out. Was taking Ari away on a wild beach vacation really something that would bode well for her in the end? Though….. Maybe. No. That thought wasn’t really for now. “One round.” The words were clearly a statement of agreement but there was the faintest hint of unsureness to them. Regardless, Aspel shifted, turning her gaze towards the supplies at hand. “Where would you wish to begin?” “If this game goes well, perhaps we can discuss it,” she said with a laugh. It was the sort of easy joke she could shrug off without much concern. “I rather like the beach, even if I prefer to stay out of the water. But for now…” For now, there was something else to focus on. “First, you help me up onto the bar, of course,” she said, her expression very amused. “I get my blouse out of the way,” how fortunate it was that she hadn’t worn a dress tonight, “then as you saw, instead of the back of your hand the salt goes here,” she raised the hem to draw a circle around her navel with her finger, “and I’ll make sure you get your lime wedge… once you’ve taken your shot, of course. The shot is rather the point of the entire exercise.” Of course it wasn’t about the alcohol at all, and no doubt Aspel realized that as well, but it was the sort of pretense one cultivated in situations such as this. “Shall we?” “I believe we shall.” It wasn’t that the other part of Ari’s commentary wasn’t of interest, because, quite frankly, all aspects did rather intrigue the smith, but… They would need to be left for another time. Shifting, Aspel stood from her seat, and moved in order for the both of them to be in proper positioning. With that Aspel’s hands fell to the bard’s hips, and easily lifted her to sit on the bar. It would easily seem that the other woman very well intended to have this game underhand quite quickly, as Ari was already making short work of rolling up her blouse before Aspel had even had a chance to move back fully. A hard swallow would be taken, eyes dipping off to the side for a moment with her mind shooting off in probably at least a dozen different directions. Just how was Ari planning on getting her that slice of lime? Rolling up the sleeves of her own tunic, Aspel cleared her throat. Only time would tell, and it seemed like the time would come quite soon if Ari had anything to say about it. Though…. She had to wonder just precisely, how long this very game may last with the implications that were carried along with it. “I am ready as you see fit.” Once she was up on the bar and her shirt tucked up to leave her stomach bare, Ari made quick work of the preparations. It was perhaps a testament to just how often she had done this that once the shot had been poured, it took her next to no time at all to wet her finger and draw another quick circle around her exposed navel before taking the salt shaker from the bar. Really, she had almost thought that Aspel would find some reason to decline the game when she had begun baring her skin, but it seemed that while she was not without her thoughts on the matter -- the swallow hadn’t been missed by Ari’s sharp eyes -- she was going to at least try it out. The thought that she would soon have Aspel’s lips on her in a place quite a bit below her neck had her heartbeat speeding ever so slightly. “As am I,” she responded, her tone and expression a mix of amusement and challenge as she propped herself up on one elbow, offered the shotglass. The little plate of lime wedges was within easy reach but… she’d get to that once the game had begun, just in case. She did not anticipate something as simple as taking the wedge from her lips would be the straw that broke the camel’s back in this instance, but with Aspel, she had learned that caution was key. In this game, too, any escalation would be… gradual. “Mm.” Was all Aspel could really offer in response at first, and when Ari offered up the shot, she simply swallowed again. “Shot, salt, then lime, correct?” Though, it’d appear she was terribly wrong at the correction the other woman offered. Well, perhaps not terribly but it did rather remind Aspel of her age and just how long it’d been since she’d done anything of this sort. The fact of the other woman’s skin… And scent… And voice… And touch… Being terrible distractions, ones that could most likely derail her in even the most complicated moments tried to be pushed aside. “Mm.” Once again, seemed the best response and Aspel doubted her decision all over again. Whereas Ari had caught most of her attention, and the….. Activities the others had been engaging in were…. Appealing, and….. Distracting…. In their own regards. She could feel it all pulling at something deep down that had been locked away for years - now she was just making herself a fool. Perhaps, they’d be better off if not engaging in such this eve. There was the faintest faltering of her decision, a flash of hesitance across her face for a moment before a clearing of her throat was taken. “Perhaps, I am too old for games as such if I can not even keep the rules straight, no?” A weak smile was offered, an attempt to conceal a faint level of frustration and lingering anger with herself. What in all of Faram’s name was wrong with her? Ari rolled her eyes. She couldn’t help it. “There you go, pretending to the age of a white-haired old sage again,” she said with an amused look. “I don’t believe it for a moment. One round, remember?” She swirled the liquid in the glass she still held, added, “Hardly anything at all. I do believe the rules will right themselves as you go along.” And really, the fact that she would, theoretically, get Aspel’s lips on her sooner rather than later was a powerful motivator. “Besides,” she said, “you’re already set me up here, and I am going to have salt all over my clothing if you do not rid me of it now. The salt, that is.” She wouldn’t mind being rid of the clothing, either, but probably not whilst laid out on a bar. Or at the very least, not whilst mostly sober. “At which point, you may as well drink the tequila, and take the lime.” She was suddenly very glad she had not yet placed the lime between her teeth; that might have been the breaking point, after all, and as it was, it seemed she had to do a little convincing. “Well, Aspel?” She let the name roll off her tongue slowly, with relish, almost added, I am beginning to suspect you may be afraid of me, before changing her mind and leaving it at two words and an arch look that quite clearly said, come on. “I said nothing of white hairs.” Aspel retorted, thinking back on Mag making comment about such things not all that long before. Admittedly, herself and the other woman were starting to get up there. All of their parents were likely to be quite appalled by the fact that neither had married by this time. The smith shifted in her stance at Ari’s commentary about one round. The smith…… Had agreed. Faram damn it. “One round,” Aspel repeated, a bit hesitant once again as she wetted her lips. At the nearly double meaning - before clarification - Aspel couldn’t help but bite at the inside of her lip. “Of course.” Her voice came out low, a bit raspy before she swallowed again with eyes lingering low, clearly focused on the…. ’salt’ on Ari’s stomach. As much as she might try to refrain, as much as something inside of her tugged, pulled and pleaded to back away, something much larger, and much stronger wished to press forward. “I suspect I might.” The words were completely absent, her mind - and eyes - somewhere clearly else. The sound of her own name on the other woman’s lips, and a brief glance up to see the look across Ari’s face seemed to seal the deal. With that, Aspel shifted, kneeling down slightly as her hands fell to the bard’s hips and tongue slipped out over the other woman’s stomach to glide over the salted parts. With that complete, Aspel shifted, moving up, pressing her body close to Ari’s - there was a familiar pounding in her chest and ears that had been gone for years - before her hand fell over the bard’s and directed the shot to easily slide down her throat, lips brushing against the skin of the other woman’s hand. When the smith looked up it would seem as though Ari had been waiting as the slice of lime was already between her lips. A whimper was repressed with a somewhat pitiful huff of air. Swallowing hard, Aspel leaned in, pressing her body against Ari’s to retrieve the slice of lime from the other woman with her mouth. “Implied,” Ari insisted. “Fortunately, as I said, your commentary has fallen on temporarily deaf ears. One round -- to start. And then we’ll see.” She almost added, don’t look so apprehensive, but refrained -- the game itself and the tequila would certainly take care of the apprehension, if she had judged correctly. And if not, well, she would at least have one short but memorable experience to recall sometime later. The way Aspel’s eyes were focusing on the bared skin of her stomach certainly boded well. And it did seem in fact that when Aspel resolved to do something, she did it with a will; Ari couldn’t help a slight shiver as the other woman’s tongue glided over her skin, her mind very quickly going exactly where she had thought it would -- and oh, wasn’t that a pleasant thing to ponder -- and her one complaint was that it was over far too quickly, and Aspel was up again and pulling the hand that held the shot glass up to her lips. It was a bit of a scramble to reach for the lime with her free hand while the shot was taken, but she’d played this game often enough to manage it, so that she could grin up at Aspel with it between her teeth. Her reward was what appeared to be a small exhalation of breath and another swallow before Aspel leaned in again to take her lime. Their lips met for an instant, and Ari held on to the lime wedge a few moments longer, the fresh, sour taste of the juice on her tongue, before she relinquished it. Perhaps, she thought, swallowing and wrinkling her nose a little at just how sour it was, that was enough torture for Aspel’s self restraint for the moment. Or perhaps not -- Ari certainly wouldn’t object to a second round, though she supposed first she ought to see whether the tequila -- and the rather intimate contact -- had in fact had the desired effect. The prophesied audience had indeed begun to gather (not that she could blame them, she supposed; it would be quite a sight, after all), and there was a smattering of applause. “For someone who claims to be ill-equipped to play this manner of game,” she said, pitching her voice low so that those who surrounded them would not necessarily make out the words, “I do think you are something of a natural. Was it as terrible as anticipated?” Honestly? Aspel desperately wished to let out some small moan or whimper at the body contact, the holding back of the lime, the absent brushing of lips. Yet, this was hardly the place or time for it. Though, there was a jolt of thrill at the public display, at the feeling of eyes on them and their intimate - yet public - escapade. If this had been five, ten years ago, there would be another round, and then another. That was… Before things were further heated and dragged off into either a corner, an ally or a room. If not perhaps started on the very bar before them. Faram she missed those days. Sometimes, times like this, they felt so close it made her entire body ache, her utter soul to yearn for what she tried not to be, what Aspel claimed she no longer was. Just one kiss. A metallic scraping - a dark desire dug deep down in her chest - rung in her head and Aspel leaned in, pressing a strong kiss to Ari’s mouth as a response to the words, tongue stroking at the other’s lips. One hand fell down, grasping at the bard’s hip, fingernails pricking into the skin, before her grip relaxed slightly, the kiss being pulled back only briefly before another was taken, and her thumb stroked over the other woman’s hip. Slowly, the smith would break the kiss, swallowing, there was still something there. “And your wish?” Though Aspel did not answer immediately, her kiss was, in its way, answer enough. Ari let her lips part on a hum of approval, straining up to meet the kiss, one hand rising to rest at the back of the other woman’s neck. There was no apprehension here -- the kiss was hungry and certain, just as her response was. More applause, which she ignored as utterly unimportant in this moment. She whimpered softly when the kiss ended, though a second was quickly initiated, and she allowed herself to savor it for a few moments enjoying the taste of lime and tequila and nearly unmistakable desire. When Aspel pulled back a second time, Ari let her go, letting herself once again rest upon her elbows, propped up on top of the bar. “My wish?” Now there was a loaded question, if ever there had been one. “My wish…” she repeated, trailing off. “I would welcome another round… or another variant… or really,” she licked her lips, smiled, “any game or venture you might think of that would get your lips better acquainted with my skin.” A gauntlet thrown which might -- or might not -- be taken up. But considering most outcomes to such an invitation should be favorable for her, she felt confident enough in making it, especially considering the way Aspel had just kissed her… and the way she was looking at her now. The applause fell on deaf ears for Aspel, in fact, they were almost an annoyance. Not that she would blame anyone, or that she expected any less with the place they were in, but the onlookers, in some abstract sense were taking away her attention from where it so rightly - in her own strange, slightly animalistic, and desire filled head - belonged in this specific moment. Even with the mild flare of emotion towards others, Ari’s whimper would not go unnoticed, and it pulled strings inside Aspel she’d nearly forgotten she had. “Mm.” Came the only confirmation to the initial question. The faintest flicker in the back of her head attempted to scream of warning, but far too much of her was invested in what was developing here and now to really abide by what was best. Not now at least. Perhaps later if she must. “I must suspect repetition or variant would depend upon where you desire my lips next to fall, no?” The words came out low, a bit on the breathy side even if it hadn’t been her intent, and really, any argument she may have had for another round was lost to the ether undoubtedly now. For at least a bit longer, Aspel would gladly follow as long as it allowed her to touch and taste more of Ari’s skin. “I can think of a few places,” Ari said. “Some of them, perhaps, not entirely appropriate to the venue, but I will hold those thoughts for… sometime later.” And they would serve to keep her well-occupied in the meantime. “A variant for now, I think, for the amusement of all parties?” Primarily the two of them, really. The audience was an afterthought, even with them hanging on their every word. It took a moment of consideration -- the version she was thinking of had the potential to get awfully messy -- before she tugged at the hem of the blouse she had previously rolled up and pulled it up and over her head. Really, she blessed the foresight that had had her donning a bra this evening; there were often days that she eschewed it altogether, but she had had some thought towards potentially getting out of her clothing later -- if not quite in this manner -- which allowed her to do this now. Granted, the lacy garment wasn’t exactly modest, but she was still covered. Technically. “I like this blouse,” she said serenely even as she tossed it carelessly on a nearby bar stool. “I would hate for it to get wet. I do hope you don’t mind?” Another challenge. How much further could she push the game before she reached some uncrossable line? “A bit of a challenge, this time,” she said. “Salt,” she drew a line from the hollow of her throat down her sternum, “and after I prop myself up, the drink is poured here,” she gestured just below the tiny bow hiding the front clasp of her bra, “and the idea, of course, is for you to get it all before it gets everywhere.” She was going to be sticky with it anyway as it trickled down her stomach, but it seemed a small price to pay, in the end. “The lime doesn’t change, at least for now.” There were a few other places where she could put it, but this seemed quite enough escalation for the second round. She reached for her own glass of wine, previously forgotten on the counter, and took a few swallows. She would likely be the sober one tonight, considering she was plying Aspel with tequila, but the bit of warmth was welcome, considering just how much of her skin was exposed. “Do the new rules meet with your approval?” "As you wish." Came the automatic reply. One that Aspel was too familiar with delivering without thought. She had never been much of one to push when a mind was... Supposedly made up. Then, Ari was disrobing. Admittedly, it wasn't a far strech from how she had previously been just seconds before, but... It was a change, and the smith found herself swallowing, regardless of her actual desires for the action. Why must she be such a readable creature at times? "I do believe, concern regarding your dress is the least worrisome engagement I could have this eve." Really, it was the best she had. Silence was all Aspel could offer as Ari carried on regarding how this version of the game was played, and a slow, deep and measured inhale caused the smith's chest to rise as her eyes followed over the direction. "I believe they can be abided by." Now, the challenging part would be actually accomplishing the task laid out before her in such a manner that the booze was not lost... Or perhaps, allowing a bit of it to trail off would be for their... mutual benefit. Regardless, the new version of the game was soon to be underway, and the smith found it hard to remove her eyes from Ari's body. Certainly, she'd seen a fair amount of the bard's skin before, but... It had never been under such circumstances, or with their... relations this far before. With that thought, and the agreement for the new game, Aspel shifted, stepping back slightly as to allow for them both to have the space needed to move. And the game was off... The lick of salt was easy, yet the 'shot' was going to be a bit more difficult, and Aspel intentionally let a beat too long pass before pressing lips and tongue against the spot where the tequila had been poured. Sucking up what she could - which thankfully was most - hands then grasped at Ari's hips once more, assuring to hold the bard in place while the smith shifted, letting her tongue run over where trails of tequila had run awry. Perhaps, this would pay Ari back for her choice in game, but then again, perhaps this was precisely what the other woman had been looking for. Fortunately, it seemed Aspel was feeling quite agreeable this evening. Perhaps not agreeable enough to take Ari’s place on the bar (though the bard considered asking, after the second shot was consumed; the idea of getting her lips all over Aspel’s body was quite appealing as well), but agreeable enough for the beach variant of the game for now, with all its implications. The cold trickle of tequila down her stomach tickled, but Ari did not have long to be amused before Aspel’s lips and tongue began a rather thorough exploration of her ribs and stomach as the tequila was licked up from her skin. Propped up on her elbows, Ari let her head fall back, her lips ever so slightly open, her expression making it quite clear to anyone who was watching just how much she was enjoying Aspel’s ministrations. She was so occupied with her own enjoyment, in fact, that she almost missed the moment to place the lime between her lips, but she scrambled it into position just in time, and when Aspel leaned in to take it, her arms came up, fingers twining into the other woman’s hair, and the retrieval of the lime became a prolonged meeting of lips, her back arching and chest rising for more contact before she finally released her grip and settled back on the bar, her eyes bright and avaricious. The idea of dragging Aspel back down -- and forget the audience, what did they matter? -- was more appealing by the moment. This game, she thought, had been one of her better ideas to date. Even if they might be a bit too drunk by the end of the night to do more than stumble home (Faram, she hoped not), considering Aspel’s lips had gotten acquainted with all sorts of places they had previously left unexplored, and considering the way Aspel was watching her (in her very nice and very lacy bra, which she had been clever enough to wear), the evening was already a smashing success. And the night was young yet. |