Mini Event! the spider and the mistletoe

[nopattythepider]

Across the Keep runs a rather large spider, scampering from building to building, room to room and carrying with him a decent sized branch of mistletoe. One might catch him skittering up a wall to build a web above a doorway, or stringing mistletoe up from various points on the ceiling.

He doesn't linger in any particular place for too long, save

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[brynkitten]

Bryn hadn't been quite sure what to do about all the mistletoe around. She'd never been kissed before, though not for a lack of want. Being a bit of a romantic at heart, she'd wanted the first one to be someone she chose, not a random occurrence due to a holiday tradition.

...she was tired of waiting, however. So, when she saw Joe step into view in the hallways, it took her three seconds to grab the nearest sprig of mistletoe and head toward him.

"Joe?"

Now she just had to...y'know. Not wimp out.

[dontgiveafock]

Joe turned at the voice, a smile on his face upon seeing who it was. "Bryn lass. How's it goin'?"

Hands stuffed into his pockets, he regarded her a moment before noticing the mistletoe. The presence of the plant certainly made things interesting. Joe waited to see what she would do.

[brynkitten]

"Good! It's...good," she said. Okay no. She was not going to stammer. No. She was channeling some carpe diem right now. Stammering wasn't allowed.

"Okay so. Here's the thing. There's mistletoe everywhere," she started. "There's mistletoe everywhere and it's great because it's festive! And there could be kissing! Except well...I've never been kissed. And I don't want to get caught under the mistletoe by some random person for my first kiss. So...I was wondering...if maybe you..."

She trailed off, and with a swallow and a hopeful smile, held the sprig over her head.

[dontgiveafock]

Joe stared. That... was not quite what he'd expected to hear. His lips twitched, a small smile edging on to his face no matter how he tried to hold it back. He wasn't laughing at her. Joe was just happy, if not a little honored.

"You sure you want to use up yer first go on me?" Joe asked, voice soft.

[brynkitten]

She could tell she'd surprised him, but the smile on his face was encouraging. It wasn't a laugh, and that was something for certain. It did nothing to stop the way her heart was beating a mile a minute, but she didn't feel any more apprehensive.

"You were the first one to come to mind," she admitted, but continued, "But of course if...if you don't want to I understand that too. I don't want you to feel like you have to." Because that would just...taint it.

[dontgiveafock]

"Whoa."

Joe scratched the back of his head and let his smile show a little more. "Gimme the mistletoe then," he said, holding out a hand for the plant.

[brynkitten]

Was that too much? Oh dear. Well. It was what it was and she was seizing the day and being brave.

She held out the mistletoe with a slightly raised eyebrow, wondering if this meant he was agreeing or taking it away before she could get herself into trouble with it.

[dontgiveafock]

Taking the mistletoe from Bryn, Joe looked to the plant and stepped a little closer. "Last chance to back out."

His voice was still softer than it's usual tone, the small smile still on his lips. Provided Bryn didn't back out or show any signs of changing her mind, Joe would continue his approach and duck his head to bring his mouth to hers. He was gentle, easing her into the kiss and letting Bryn work at her own pace.

[brynkitten]

Why would she back out? She had asked him after all. Sure, there were a million butterflies in her stomach but this was something she wanted. Bryn remained in place, smiling back as he approached. Her eyes closed slowly as he leaned in, and at the first touch of his lips to hers her body went still. She wasn't unused to the feel of skin on her lips. Like everyone else she'd chewed her nails, covered her mouth with her hands, and the like.

But it was definitely different this time. The pace was helpful as she got a sense for what he was doing, how, and slowly she learned to respond, to try to mimic what he was doing.

[dontgiveafock]

He's glad when she stays, goes ahead with his advance and doesn't try to rush things. Her response earns a small sound from Joe; it's been a long time since he's kissed anyone.

He breaks the kiss, offering the girl a chance to catch both her breath and her thoughts. "Y'know I wouldn't object to doin' that more often."

[brynkitten]

When Joe pulled away, Bryn took a moment before opening her eyes. She had asked for one kiss and she had gotten it. For a moment, she savored what she had just felt, tried to commit everything about this moment to memory...in case it was the only one she got from him and because it was the first kiss, ever. When he spoke, however, Bryn looked up at him with wide eyes.

"Really? You wouldn't?" she echoed, definitely surprised. "With me?" Yes, the question required clarification.

[dontgiveafock]

Joe grinned in response. "Y'seem surprised. I'd be mad not to want to kiss ye, Bryn."

He stuffed his hands into his pockets, expression mischievous and yet serious in what was being said. "Assumin' yer up for it that is..."

[brynkitten]

This was clearly something that has never occurred to her. She stared at him dumbly for a moment as her brain took a moment to catch up before a smile began to spread on her face.

"Yes, I'm...I'd definitely be up for it. Abs--yes," she said, cutting herself off. That might sound a bit too eager. Maybe. Probably. Oh well. Joe didn't mind kissing her and everything was amazing.

[dontgiveafock]

"Absolutely."

Too bad, Bryn. Joe caught what she'd been about to say and the look on his face was nothing but smug. He leaned in a little, bringing his face slightly closer to hers without getting too much in her space.

"First kiss. How was it?"

Sob icons ran out :c

[brynkitten]

A smile spread on her face in response to his question, an automatic reaction to the question. Her eyebrow quirked up at the look on his face, however, and she tilted her head ever so slightly.

"It was good. Really good," she replied, and the word "perfect" echoed in her mind. "I hope...I wasn't bad at it, was I?"

[dontgiveafock]

The smug look doesn't leave his face. Joe makes no effort to back off either.

"Yer a fast learner. Get some more practice in and you'll be givin' me a run for my money."