The start of something new | Alice & Ash

Ash chuckled, sending the pictures right away so she wouldn't forget it. It felt really good, not just to be close and take pictures, but to actually feel the connection she felt to Alice. She hated the thought of having to go back home already, however she felt quite privileged to even have come here and meet up. Sure, her parents didn't know, and she would perhaps not tell them for a while, just to avoid the whole stranger-danger talk with her mother.
Walking outside it was safe to say that neither of them had really missed the cold. The warmth of the dome they had long left behind was just a mere memory as they reached the small supermarket, the story of Alice not having been able to learn how to ride a bike quite funny and still making her giggle. "You know, if you ever come visit me I'll teach you how to ride a bike," she said as a promise. They decided to just grab the most essential things inside, stopping by the small to-go cooler with sandwiches, salads and all kinds of easy meals. Humming to herself she picked up a sandwich with chicken and green pesto, thinking it sounded decent, also grabbing a couple of water bottles for them. Letting Alice decide what she wanted before they headed up to the till. Ash decided to pay, just out of convenience, muttering something about her getting it the next time. Next time, which was seemingly something both of them agreed on would happen in the future.
Finally out on the streets once more, she decided to place their things in her backpack before trying to find her way around with the different signs outside. Yet again it seemed like the fenix had the overview of their location, and she followed blindly. As they walked she decided it was her time to entertain with a story. "And so I find him, butt naked in the middle of the school auditorium, and you know what this idiot tells me?" she laughed, having a hard time containing just how fun she found this memory, "sorry, Ash, I guess this year needed to start a little more daringly." She mimicked her school friend's voice, his name was Vinnie and quite the weirdo, but Ash and him had basically survived High School together. "I swear, he's stupid, but I think you'd like him."

"I promise you, he's much worse than that," she smiled, shaking her head as she still felt so giggly from her story. Eventually they wounded up at the hostel, Ash taking the lead as she knew the way to her room. It wasn't really anything special, but it was quite spacious, considering it was meant for four people in total. Only seeing as she traveled outside of the tourist season she had wounded up with this giant room to herself. The compliment made her chuckle as she removed her jacket, revealing her true outfit underneath. She felt a little sweaty, but she hoped she wasn't smelling too funky. Taking off her beanie as well it revealed the true frizz underneath, making her sigh as she walked to the mirror, combing her fingers through it in a desperate attempt to make it look somewhat presentable.
Turning around she noticed how Alice was just standing there, making her smile a little apologetically, "you can sit down wherever," she assured her, leaning down to untie her shoes, kicking them off by the door, leaving them to lay a little messy. It didn't really matter anyways, right? Moving over, she opted to crawl up on the bed she had been sleeping in, pulling her feet up and away from the cold floor. Despite the heating having been turned up, it seemed it wouldn't heat up the uncarpeted floors. Tossing a water bottle to the fenix she smiled, unwrapping her sandwich as she hadn't been kidding when she said she was hungry. Taking a big bite, she sighed in relief as she leaned back against the headboard, chewing as she looked around the room.
"Are you vegetarian?" she asked a little curiously. She hadn't really mentioned it, but she would like to know if that was the case. Taking another bite of her sandwich she groaned softly. It felt good to finally eat, especially since the only thing she had been able to get down so far was the croissant, and that was hours ago by now. Picking a bit at the bread she smiled as she finished chewing, "is it weird that I invited you here instead of to some restaurant?" It seemed to have dawned on her that this perhaps was not really what people did on their first dates. But then again, she was a student and money didn't grow on trees. Buying a fancy meal just seemed redundant, besides this way they didn't have to worry about noisy people. Ash liked being around others, but when it came to this sorta ordeal, she much more preferred something a tad more intimate. She wanted to be able to hear what Alice was saying, and it wasn't like she had an alterior motive for inviting her here. Well besides the hope that she might get to kiss her again, but for now she was quite content with simply eating and getting some calories in her system.
Unscrewing the lid to her water bottle she gulped down a few mouthfuls, a bit happy that she hadn't picked a sandwich that was heavy in garlic or curry. That could've been a bit off putting, right? But then again she wasn't sure what the norm was with dates like these.

Ash looked rather apologetic, she hadn't really meant to catch her off guard like that, muttering a small, "sorry~" regret clearly on her face. Though Alice made a great recovery and even joined her on the bed. The mattress wasn't really all that good, but she suspected this hostel was quite used when the tourist season kicked in, so it wasn't like she was surprised. Besides that she hadn't really payed a lot of money to stay here for the few nights she was going to be in Korinthia. Looking at her sandwich she listened Alice explain her reasoning, feeling a bit guilty that she hadn't really thought about that. Perhaps because she had never really had to think too much about it, mostly eating what was served at home. Meat was just something of a normal thing that was prepared and put on the table.
She ate as the fenix reassured her this wasn't too bad. Though Ash did make a mental note that sometime in the future she wanted them to go for a real dinner date. Maybe once she had moved here and gotten a part time job? That could be a thing, right? The fact that the apologies came left and right just made her feel like chuckling, shaking her head each time, saying that "it's alright," or "don't worry about it." If she didn't want the risk of food being dropped in her sleeping area she shouldn't be sitting and eating on it. But besides that it wasn't like Alice just let the droppings lay on the bed, she picked it up and ate it, so no worries to find a piece of lettuce later when it was time for bed.
"Well school starts back up after the weekend, and I thought I might as well just stay here until at least Saturday," she wanted to get a small head start on the homework on Sunday, and it being Wednesday today meant she actually had half a week here in Korinthia. "I got an interview with the art college I've applied to tomorrow, but other than that I'm free to do whatever," was that her hinting at the fact that she wanted to spend more time with her? Yeah, but it wasn't really a hint and subtlety they were way past. "Do you have any plans for the week, or do you think you could squeeze me in at least once before I go home?"

Ash felt the butterflies in her stomach start to flutter once more as she watched Alice grin. Chuckling lightly she looked down, fiddling lightly with the empty sandwich wrapping, the plastic crinkling slightly. She had hoped that was the case, that the fenix did in fact have time for her. Of course she couldn't demand the attention, but just spending a bit more time together, and yet she wanted to. It was like she knew there was a timer above their heads, that she would have to go back home and the thought alone made her heart ache a little. Perhaps because she hadn't felt this comfortable around someone before. "Would it be too much to ask for both?" she chuckled, shaking her head as she smiled a little goofily at the wrapping in her hand.
Biting her lower lip she stretched her leg out, her foot touching the side of the fenix' thigh as if she felt there was too much distance between them. A simple touch. Not anything special. But it was oh so nice. "I wouldn't mind seeing you every day I can," a sweet admittance that sounded so innocent spoken out loud. They were still strangers in a way, and yet they were not. Ash knew that what she was feeling was a seed that could grow into something really quite wonderful. Her eyes moved up, looking at the dress that Alice was wearing, just taking it in before her eyes moved up to look at her eyes. Such dark eyes that had a warm shade of brown. Like the color of warm and freshly brewed coffee. Did she know how pretty she was without even trying? The pale white hair that framed her round face was breathtaking, but what she kept stealing glances of was those slightly pouty lips. The rememberance of their shared kiss in the dome could send shivers down her back.
A little mindlessly she grabbed her bottle of water, toying around with the cap a little, her eyes diverting, looking down at her finger scratching lightly against the plastic lid. "The hostel has a common area with games and such," she spoke out loud, not sure if Alice found this too boring. "I also have my computer with me ... We could watch a movie or something?" throwing suggestions out there because she was almost terrified of having to say goodbye already.  

Ash chuckled, getting up to discard of her trash as well, but also walking over to a closet that only she had the key for. It was nice having somewhere to store valuables when traveling, and this hostel was actually pretty cool in the sense that each room had the corresponding lockable closets. Getting her computer out, she flipped the screen up, turning it on as her other hand fiddled to grab the charger. She usually never traveled anywhere without her computer, maybe because she used it a lot at school so being without it she felt almost naked. The fenix had said she liked almost any movie, but she was still pondering what they could watch.
She sat down on the bed with her back against the headboard, making room so Alice could move over to sit beside her. It would be a little snug, but Ash wouldn't mind it if she didn't. Her computer started up, her background a picture of her and Vinnie in front of some graffiti that the seraph had made. She checked the internet connection, which was pretty decent for a hostel, but she knew that the download time would be a bit slow. Any which way, she opened an internet browser clicking her way to a streaming service before humming softly, "any movies here that catch your eye?" If they were watching something it might as well be a bit interesting, though Ash was already sure that her attention would be mostly on the pretty fenix next to her.
Flipping through the online catalogue of movies they eventually settled on a basic romantic comedy. To her it didn't have to be anything special, and plot wise a rom-com was easy to follow up on if she were to lose focus. Placing the computer half on her lap and half on Alice's, she leaned back, pressing play and watching the title screen along with logos of production companies spring by on screen. Though her attention was more so on her hands. She felt a little bit of an itch in her fingers to just reach over and take her hand, but she also wanted it to be subtle and not too eager. Since when had she cared about how she came off?
Her hand opted to rest on her thigh, her fingers tapping a bit against her skirt, playing a bit with the fabric between her fingers. And yet slowly they made their travel. down from her skirt and slowly over Alice's thigh to take her hand. It felt good. The butterflies swarming in her belly as she smiled a bit at the screen. It wasn't like she really payed attention to what was the main conflict, no, her mind was fully honed in on the fenix' hand in her own, her fingers slowly moving to intertwine themselves with hers. Her thumb caressing the back of her hand in a mindless loop, though she tried switching it up and move in different patterns just to keep it a little interesting.

Feeling Alice move in closer, her head on her shoulder, Ash couldn't help but smile, leaning her head to lean on the fenix'. Her body was getting warmer having the other to snuggle up to. The sigh made her chuckle softly, trying not to move too much as if it would disrupt their little bubble of comfortable closeness. "The movie is the worst thing I've seen in a while," she giggled in agreement, lifting her head to look down at her. Did she know how many summersaults her stomach made when she looked at her? Ash had long forgotten to even count, and she just looked at her a little lovestruck, "your hand is so soft," a mutter of confusion but also that of bliss. Had holding someone else's hand ever felt so real? Had it ever made her worry that her palms would get sweaty and she would have to do the awkward wipe away against her thigh? She wasn't sure.
"Uh- c-can I kiss you?" maybe it was a bit too late to ask when they had already kissed back at the garden, but she felt it was only proper now that they were alone and sitting this close. "Sorry, I guess I'm just not used to being this intimidated by another person," swallowing a bit of her pride, but it was better to just say it. That way it wouldn't be awkward later on. What Ash really wanted was to forget about the movie and just kiss Alice. But she felt almost dirty thinking about that, even if it wouldn't be more than just a cute moment of their lips meeting. Adjusting herself a bit so she was facing the fenix a little better, she lifted her free hand up, running a few fingers over her cheeks, feeling how soft and warm they were. It was pretty safe to say that she was beginning to feel something for Alice. Even if it was just her crush growing stronger, she felt like there was something more there. Although it was still too early to say, Ash was the type of person to be all or nothing. She didn't like to be kept in the dark, she preferred to just state what she wanted. But with Alice it was like she couldn't even make demands. She put her faith in this other girl's hand, so willing to offer her heart and come what may that it scared her a little.
Breathing out in a small shudder, her green eyes met with the brown ones. They looked almost like uncut garnet, so warm and inviting - just like the rest of her. It was the thoughts of a madwoman, she noted, that she felt like she had already fallen for Alice without even noticing fully. "Was it weirder that I asked?" she giggled, looking down, feeling her cheeks burn a bit as heat rose to them.

Kinda liked the weird. Wow. Had a sentence ever made her feel so reassured? The follow up made her blush, biting her lower lip lightly as she leaned in as well. The hand on Alice's face just carefully cupping her cheek before their lips finally greeted once more. It truly felt like nothing could ever beat this. Like she had been living in a world without color and now all she saw and felt was the overwhelming stimulation and discovery of the most wonderful colors. Her eyes had fallen shut, her body leaning in closer to the fenix, hungering for her lips, her scent, her taste. Ash's hand moved carefully from her cheek and down to palming her neck, experiencing that in fact their pulses were both going crazy.
Breaking the kiss she gasped softly, but their lips weren't separated for long as she leaned in again, savoring the taste, giving the hand that still held the other's a small excited squeeze. Yeah, Ash had fallen already. It was amazing and made her whole body tingle, but it was also scary like falling off of a cliff, hoping someone would catch her before she hit the bottom. The want to lay down with her was taking over, but the computer on their laps made that a bit hard. Pulling away she took some time to catch her breath that was heavy with the intimacy of this moment. Wanting to say something, and yet it was as if words had no real meaning in this pseudo-world they were in right now. Instead she sent her a small smile, one that showed a mischievous glimmer in the green ones.
Letting go of Alice, she grabbed the computer, moving it over to the nightstand before returning her attention to the lovely fenix by her side. Being a bit brave she opted to crawl up on her lap, her cheeks red from the heat they had been making and were soon to share once more. One knee on each side of Alice's thighs, she leaned over her, her hands free to cup her face between both palms. Admiring her, holding her head like she was truly the most precious thing in the world, she smiled as her head leaned down closer. "You're really pretty," she whispered, so close that she could feel her breath on her skin. It sent delightful shivers down her back, making her fingertips tingle and her toes wiggle a bit. Wetting her lips a little she let her body take control, greeting Alice's soft ones. It was crazy how it made her very being so surprised and yet so safe being here with the other. It was still innocent, though suggestive in the sense that Ash's poor skirt had ridden up her thighs, pooling at her hips, but she didn't even think about her own decency as all her mind could really focus on was the feeling of their kiss. Their lips moving together, syncing in a small dance as the corny movie faded to be only background noises.

It was as if words weren't needed, and why would they be when it seemed they were both on the same page. The knot in her stomach from the pure joy she felt as she sat here on top of the warm fenix was almost too much to handle. Ash thought of herself as a pretty decent kisser, but it was also hard to judge when you couldn't exactly kiss yourself. Instead she went by how the other reacted, and as a tongue was introduced she was a slave to such a demand. Opening up and greeting the tongue with her own, her heart started beating out of control. Trying to focus on breathing through her nose, her hands moved down to Alice's shoulders, pulling herself closer as if it would help pump oxygen in to her lungs. The subsequent moan made her body hunger for that much more, but all she could really do right now was moan softly back in to the other's mouth, praying that neither of them would never have to part ways again.
For a girl who hadn't really experimented much, kissing Alice was like opening her eyes for the first time. The fact that kissing someone else could feel this good? It was a little mind-blowing. Leaning away she panted for air, a string of saliva still connecting them. Her mouth open, her eyes half-lidded as she took her time to feel her beating heart. Her hands were softly gripping at Alice's shoulders, looking at her as her own freckled face was red from the heat and clearly rather blissful in her expression. "It's very warm, huh," she whispered, still panting softly, her thumbs playing a bit with the straps on her dress. Was every part of her so soft? Her skin was smooth and warm, and oh so inviting. "I like it though," she followed up with a mutter and a slight smile that hopefully didn't make her look goofy; Though let's be honest, it probably did.
The movie continued, the music intensifying as something dramatic was happening, but Ash couldn't take her eyes off of the fenix. "I - uh ... Sorry this is perhaps awkward," looking down she frowned a bit, but maybe it was better to come clean before things escalated a little too fast for her to keep up. "I haven't been with a girl before," was that stupid? She knew she couldn't be born with that experience, but what if the nice fenix now thought she was a prude or worse just thought she was experimenting to figure herself out. Of course Ash was trying to figure herself out, but she didn't doubt her attraction to Alice. Far from it.

Ash seemed to strike something within the sweet fenix, and now she felt bad for even saying anything. This was usually how it went with the guys she had dated: A few kisses, making out, and before she knew it they wanted more. The only experience she had with girls was what she knew from her own body, but every woman was different that way. Guys could just stick it in, to put it crudely, and they would be happy. It seemed as though she had hit a topic that it seemed even Alice was not very well known in, and for some reason it made Ash feel a bit more safe. If neither of them knew anything, then they could get to figure it out eventually. Not being able to stop herself, she breathed out in a slight chuckle, feeling so relieved to now have this out in the open.
Tilting her head a little to the side, she didn't shy away from touching the fenix up her bare arms in a soothing motion, watching her as she sat here. "How about ... We just stick to what feels good?" she suggested, hoping they could work around this awkwardness just like they had any other obstacle today. "I mean, I really like kissing you," leaning in she gave her a sweet and almost innocent peck on the nose, giggling softly as her nose nuzzled against her forehead, smelling her rosy scent. "And I would really like it if you touched me more, like, my hips and thighs," that was parts of her that she felt comfortable with for now. They could have time to explore more eventually, but setting boundaries would maybe help them know how far they could take it.
"I also really like it if you'd run your fingers through my hair, not pulling it but you know," Ash moved her hands up, showing it on Alice as she gently moved her fingers through her hair, her fingers digging lightly at her scalp in that same motion. "Is there something you like? Or would like to try?" She was being rather grown up about this, but it was only because consent to her was almost second nature.

Down the sides and kisses down her neck, check. That seemed doable. The mention of the movie made Ash realize she had barely paid attention to it, turning her head to look at the screen, chuckling as she shook her head. "Reasonable suggestion," leaning over, stretching a bit, but remaining seated on top of the fenix as her fingers moved over the mousepad. The window with the movie was promptly closed, opening up a small music program where she clicked a few more times, putting on something more calm. Adjusting the sound a bit, she leaned away from the computer and found her focus back on Alice.
Leaning back down over her, she moved some of her red hair behind her ear, smiling widely, "better?" she asked, clearly a light tease, but she was really happy about not having to listen to the two main characters' voices anymore. The music she had picked was random, sure, but it did fit her love for girly-indie songs that she usually listened to, hoping that the other wouldn't mind. Leaning down she kissed her nose once more, letting her lips hover teasingly over her lips, just sharing the air between them. "I'm going to need to know what perfume you use," she whispered as if they had to keep quiet, but it was more so because their faces were so close, "I don't think I can afford to forget your scent." Leaving a light peck against her lips before moving down in a trail of tiny yet gentle kisses she finally reached the fenix' neck. Breathing a slight bit heavier than normal, she felt like her heart was once again acting up, her stomach fluttering with butterflies.
She started out slow, her lips simply exploring Alice's neck, trying to leave no spot untouched, the rosy perfume in her nose making her feel a bit turned on by now. Was she going to ever forget the feeling? She doubted it. Her hands moved down along her side, giving a few squeezes here and there, just letting her feel the different types of pressures that her hands could provide. Her tongue moved out, licking carefully over her pulse, gritting her teeth before blowing cold air on the wet spot. Chuckling a bit as she clearly felt a little more mischievous, but that was only a good sign. It showed that Ash was opening up, feeling more comfortable, and the fact that she could trust the fenix. Her lips sucked lightly just below her ear, not trying to leave a mark - well at least not unless she wanted it.

There was no doubt in her mind. This felt right. Even if it was just their first date, it was so clear it wasn't just that. They knew each other, well at least from their excessive texting back and forth, and now from today. But it was like they understood one another, moving like magnets pulling and pushing at each other just enough to make the friction spark like electricity. As she was busy working on her neck she felt her thigh getting squeezed a little harder. While she would've said it wasn't what they agreed on, she knew it was because she was losing composure. Gods, all she wanted to hear was Alice moaning just for her, already getting high on the thought of what marvelous sounds she could produce. But then the squeeze stopped, followed by an apology she smiled against her neck, breathing against her skin in a small scoff. "If it's so nice ... Why aren't you moaning yet?" she whispered in a frisky tease, pulling away from her neck to look at the pale haired woman beneath her. "I mean, I can hear on your breathing that you're restricting yourself," her finger moved so delicately down along the middle of the fenix' neck that was a bit wet from her wet kisses. Biting her lower lip, she felt how swollen her lips had gotten from all the kissing and sucking, but it was a nice ache.
"Please," she whispered, leaning down to kiss her forehead a few sporadic places, moving her lips slowly around her face, "I want to hear." It was quite the genuine plea. Hearing what Alice liked or not would help her greatly in determining her next moves. Her kisses ended up at the fenix' pouty lips, smiling as she leaned in, connecting their lips, however this time she didn't hesitate to introduce her tongue. Licking her lips, her body aching to taste her again, letting the tenderness take over once more. The vivid colors she saw when she kissed Alice were like fireworks. That was how poets described kissing someone you loved, wasn't it? But Ash was not a poet, but a painter. To her it was more like a canvas filled with rainbows and sunsets, warm and inviting and such a safe feeling in her gut.
As her lips and tongue was busy, her hands moved down, grabbing her hands gently. Entangling the fingers on both hands, she pulled them up over the fenix' head, pressing them down in to the mattress. "You can squeeze my hands as much as you like," she promised her, after breaking their heated kiss, "remember to tell me if there's something I'm doing wrong ... Or something you want to try." It was all new for her too, but she luckily knew a little bit - at least enough to make do. Her kisses moved down once more, devouring her neck, her breathing heavy as she decided to bite teasingly against the soft flesh, moaning herself at the feeling. Perhaps if she started moaning herself, Alice wouldn't feel so alone, and it would perchance also make her feel that more encouraged to reply to her breathy calls.

Who would've known Ash had this side within her? It was as if Alice was drawing it out of her, feeling the power in her veins as she was the one dominating. Was it weird? She didn't have a clear answer, but then it was as if the more the other submitted, the more she felt drawn to lean in to that urge. The poor girl didn't even know it all stemmed from her ifrit nature, but ignorance was bliss, especially in this scenario. That was when the begging started, not only that but the fact that she heard the soft moans was really edging her on. Ash let go of one hand, but instead of letting her gain that control, she placed her other hand, holding Alice's second hand on top of the newly released one. That way she could still hold both arms up and keep her pinned down.
Her now free hand moved down her arm slowly, her fingertips only lightly touching the warm skin. She didn't want to overwhelm her too much, but there was also a need to touch her some place that was a bit more risky. Of course she moved slower, taking her time, letting Alice feel that they could always stop, even if Ash was in control, she wouldn't do anything if the fenix didn't like it. There was no fun in being pushed to a limit that was too far out of one's comfort zone. It was a careful move, her breath heavy against the fenix neck as her hand slowly but surely cupped her breast. Wow, it was really soft. Not just the dress - oh, well it was soft too - but the feeling of the fatty tissue beneath was indeed something Ash liked feeling, maybe more so because she knew it was Alice. Moaning softly against her neck, she placed a few kisses against it before her lips decided to travel once more. This time down to the exposed part of her décolletage, placing careful and rather delicate kisses against it.
Alice was squeezing her hand, telling her that she didn't want it to stop just yet, and she hushed her sweetly, clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth as she pulled away from her chest to look at her. Her eyes soft, a loving gaze befalling the fenix beneath her, seeing her red cheeks contrast her pale white hair made her smile. "Just because it doesn't go further, it doesn't need to stop," she assured her. Was that really what Alice thought? That Ash would get bored? Like hell she would! This woman was the most amazing person she had ever had the pleasure of meeting, and now she was actively fooling around with her on a bed. Anyone would be mad as to deny this heavenly being beneath her anything. "Though I do feel a little lightheaded," she admitted in a small chuckle, a little drunk on love and affection.