First Kiss

Aric spent the night with the spirits laying on his body. Even as he slept, he gave off spirit energy, which made them cling to him.

Morning came soon, and the sun was in the sky. Aric woke up when the rays of light reached his face. He yawned and stretched his hands, which made the spirits scramble off him.

"Oh, sorry, guys, didn't see you there," he apologized and got to his feet. He looked over to Ariel's bed, but she was not there.

"The elf lady went outside," one spirit said.

"Thank you," Aric replied. He got up and walked to the door, the spirits following him. He opened the door and walked out. Immediately, the first thing he saw was Ariel swimming naked in the stream.

Her body was covered in sparkling water, with help from the sun, as she splashed herself with it. Aric could not help himself—his eyes landed on her, and he could not take them off.

He felt blood rush down to his waist, his male instincts kicking in, and he swallowed hard. Ariel turned in the water, and her eyes met Aric's hungry gaze.

Immediately, Aric realized that she saw him. He fell backward into the house. "I'm sorry!" he yelled and shut the door.

"[Sigh]" He let out a dejected sigh and slid down the door. He sat down there and curled his knees up.

"The first person I meet, and now she'll think I'm some sort of creep. Talk about a bad morning."

He placed his head on his knees and didn't speak. The lesser spirits just floated around him and didn't say anything; they could feel that he was down.

He sat in that position for five minutes until he heard a knock. "Aric, are you there?" Ariel asked. Aric stood up slowly, his heart pounding. He was scared of what she would say.

He opened the door and let her in. She walked in fully dressed and went to her bed. She sat down and didn't say anything.

"I am really sorry. I shouldn't have stared at you like that. I understand if you wouldn't want to stay with a creep like me," Aric said.

Ariel didn't say anything. She tapped her side, signaling Aric to come and sit down. Aric looked at how close she tapped—it was right beside her. He swallowed his saliva and walked to her. He sat down right beside her and looked down.

She stretched out her hand and grabbed Aric's hand. She pulled it to her thighs and placed it there, then placed both her hands on it. Aric was stunned by this development. He looked at where his hand was and started feeling hot.

"You don't have to apologize," she said and stroked his hand.

"Elves look at dark elves as despicable creatures. No one associates with us; it's like we reek of some smell. No one ever wanted to look at me.

"When I saw you staring, it made my heart happy because you had a look in your eyes I had never seen before. Your eyes were that of someone who wanted me," she said. She rubbed his hand slowly while looking down.

Aric heard everything she said, and he knew he had to act. He had to confirm to her that she was beautiful and help push away the notion that the elves had planted in her head.

He used his second hand and held her by the chin. He dragged her chin slowly, turning her to look at him. Their eyes locked. Aric summoned all the courage he could and spoke.

"We might have only known each other for a day, Ariel, but I've come to know that you are an amazing person. You are beautiful regardless of what crap those elves believe. Honestly, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen," Aric said. He felt his stomach twisting as he said those words, like a hole should open and swallow him.

What followed after what he said was an intense blushing from Ariel, but she didn't look away. She kept her eyes locked on Aric.

Aric felt the mood would get awkward if they stayed like this, so he decided to take a risk. He moved his head closer slowly, and to his surprise, she came in closer as well.

Their lips touched—her soft lips pressed against his. With just that contact, fireworks were already going off in Aric's head.

He felt that was enough and tried to pull back, but then Ariel went in for more. Their lips locked. Aric's eyes opened wide in shock but then closed a few seconds later.

She didn't wait for him to do anything. She immediately traced his mouth with her wet tongue. She went at it eagerly, but Aric could tell she hadn't done this before. However, he had some experience from his last life.

His hands went behind her waist, pulling her in. His tongue pushed back against hers, dominating her and leading her.

He slowly fell deeper and deeper into a trance-like state as he started to kiss her eagerly. His body temperature increased, and he felt his little brother rise rapidly.

With eyes closed, their bodies kissed for close to a minute until Aric finally stopped. He pulled away slowly.

Her face was flushed with excitement. She stared at Aric, not even looking shy after what they did. Aric could not be the same. He got up from the bed. "I'll go make us something to eat," he said and walked out immediately.

Ariel sat there. She placed her finger on her lips and then smiled.