Practice
Ineffa:Traveler, Aether, may I ask for your assistance? It requires some discreetness and a task I can only in trust to you.
Aether:I’m running out of magic tricks to distract Aino while you sneak in the veggies, but I think I could try-
Ineffa:No, it’s not that urgent task again. I require information. Tell me, what makes a good kisser?
Aether:…..I’m gonna get a drink from The Flagship. Hold that thought.
Aether:*holding two drinks* I’m back.
Ineffa:Perfect. Oh, I’m not thirsty.
Aether:The second one is for emergencies. You have an amazing talent of catching off guard with every conversation. Now then, why are you asking me about kissing?
Ineffa:Paimon has mentioned some of your previous experiences with people; I’ve also witnessed a couple myself. Clearly, you’re adept in the topic.
Aether:Th-Thank you? I guess? I wouldn’t say I’m THAT experienced. I also don’t know what to tell you. Is this about Jahoda? Of course it is. Silly question on my part.
Ineffa:Part of greater intimacy and a natural step towards deepening a bond is kissing. By all accounts, it’s a nice gesture of affection. Aino likes kissing my cheek, and I kiss her forehead before tucking her in.
Aether:That’s adorable. *sips drink* And now I feel like I’m not treating Paimon well enough. Continue.
Ineffa:That’s where my experiences end. I’ve never kissed before in a romantic sense but based of collected data, the rules aren’t exactly the same. That brings me to you, the expert.
Aether:Still not that. But I get the picture. “Rules” is a bit of an incorrect phrase. There may be guidelines or tips but everyone is different; the moment is always different. Kissing happens naturally, driven my certain emotions and gestures. What makes a good kiss is both people embracing that moment.
Ineffa:Hmmm….but there are guidelines?
Aether:That’s not the part to get hooked on! Look, i know you like her. It’s like our favorite thing to agree on. Jahoda is great! But let’s be real, awkwardness is unavoidable and the slip ups will be sweet. It’ll come more naturally with practice.
Ineffa:Hehe, you are correct on all counts. Still, some margins are avoidable with prior knowledge. This brings me to my second request. May we practice?
Aether:…*reaches for second cup*
Aether:I’m kiiiiiiding! Partly, what!? I…don’t think we have to go that-
Ineffa:Please? *blinks twice* Also thank you in advance.
Aether:Don’t decide things on your own!
Ineffa:I would like to make Jahoda’s first kiss a pleasant experience.
Aether: Didn’t you say you don’t have any prior experience like this? You should make yours a pleasant one. A first kiss should be with someone you deeply care about and trust. It should mean a lot to you.
Ineffa:Then the requirements are meant. You mean a lot to me too. It was thanks to our meeting, I rediscovered who I was, where I came from, and how I want to be the person I want to become. Aside from Aino, and Jahoda, you are someone I trust and care for; bolts and all.
Aether:…sniffles Oh….well that’s nice to know.
Ineffa:And from a logical standpoint, my fine motor skills can be a little…inadequate at times. A gross miscalculation during the real moment could harm her. You’re significantly more durable.
Aether:That’s a crazy thing to follow up with. Made me feel special and now I’m a test dummy.
Ineffa:Apologies. Though, I am being completely transparent. Kissing you would mean something to me, so there’s no reason for you to feel guilty or think you’re taking something. I trust you.
Ineffa:So…is the head tilt at a specific angle? Is it a pucker like applying makeup, or eating a sour grape?
Aether:I know understand how Jahoda can get stressed out. I’m not built for this kind of emotional whiplash! Ineffa might be more stubborn Itto!
Aether:Ffffiiiiiiiiieeeeee. I…can’t beat this reasoning.
Ineffa:*smiles* Gratitude. Please, we can start whenever you’re ready. I also apologize in advance if this feels different from kissing someone organic.
Aether:It’s fine. You’re not the first mechanical person I’ve kissed.
Ineffa:I knew I was right to ask for your help!
Aether:Pfft, I guess I can’t deny that.
He refused to let himself overthink, moving the cups out of the way before leaning forward and gently cuffing her face. Ineffa didn’t seem too surprised; a few seconds past of studying Aether’s posture was all she had before carefully leaning into the kiss.
It wasn’t too bad. It was kinda neat that Aether could hear the hum of her motor. It was oddly comforting. Unlike Scaramouche, there was a warmth to her lips despite them clearly not being flesh. Her hands never touched his face. She was probably concerned about pinching him, but she did rest them on the sides of his shoulders. If he opened his eyes, there was a decent chance she was staring. All in all, not a bad first attempt so far. However….
Ineffa:Hmm? *ends it* Ae-
Aether:Gaaaaaaaasssssspppppp!
Ineffa:Ah, right. Oxygen.
Aether:Yeah…yeah I was realizing you probably forgot that factor. *holds chest*
Ineffa:Noted. Nothing longer than 15 seconds.
Aether:Give her seven. If she wants more she’ll get it herself. Phew! That was dizzying but I’m good! You?
Ineffa:I really have nothing similar to compare it too. However…it was pleasant. *smiles* I can see the appeal.
Aether:I don’t know of your eyes were open, but if so, you might want to close them. It’s a little awkward for someone to open them and see the other staring. Not to mention, yours are really bright.
Ineffa:Tip acknowledged. I could see how that can cause issues. By the way, is this perhaps an entry level to kissing?
Ineffa:From what I could gather from books and other media, in comparison to our kiss, there was a noticeable absence of tongue.
Jahoda:You ever get the feeling of impending danger?
Nefer:Jahoda, I pay for your anxiety medication. Why are we still having these conversations?
