Thread: A Knight without Shining Armor (Google+Velvet Stars)

The look on Marisa's face was noticeably hopeful, and that impression grew as he spoke. Although she had no way of knowing when or how they might be able to spend more time together, simply knowing that he wanted to do so brightened her day. She continued clasping his hand with her free one, her smile sweet yet decidedly affectionate. It was the same sort of expression she had worn when she first heard the idea of meeting and going on a date a mix of interest and anticipation that spoke volumes. As much as she wanted to think about the future - preferably a future where the two of them would see their relationship grow into the kind of romance she had always wanted - she gave a small nod of understanding. At least she thought she understood, anyway. That was proven wrong a moment later when his hand touched her cheek. What was he trying to do? For several seconds, she had no idea then one came to mind and her eyes widened slightly. The thought was a surprise, but not an unpleasant one, and she tried to still the sudden fluttering in her stomach that such an idea created. She could feel the warmth of her blush radiate against his palm, but she didn't resist the gentle pressure that turned her head towards his. The closer Jason's face came to hers, the more her eyes started to close, revealing a willingness that she wouldn't have been able to voice. The thought that she hoped he was trying to kiss her, that she wanted him to try such a thing in the first place, never crossed her mind. It all happened naturally in her focus on the moment. As a result, it took a few beats after the kiss had ended for the event to sink in. Although she didn't say anything right away, Marisa's face seemed to glow all on its own, and her hand squeezed his as she giggled softly. Umm...that was... She spoke nearly in a whisper, only to pause, searching for words. It was really nice. The instant she finished speaking, she realized how silly that sounded. Trying to clarify, she put down her chopsticks and gestured with her free hand. Um, I mean, it wasn't just nice, not that it was bad, I liked it a lot and...err... The laugh that followed was definitely more of the embarrassed type. I guess I really don't know what people say at times like this... She fidgeted, her demeanor having shifted from sweet and shy to innocently awkward in record time. It was quite possible that she had ruined the moment, and the very idea of it was mortifying. Yet even as she searched and failed to find the perfect response to the first kiss of their relationship, her fingers remained intertwined with his. Underneath the urge to find something to say - knowing that the chance at the ideal romantic reaction was gone already - she was content to stay at his side. Their shoulders would have touched if her height was closer to Jason's, and without intending to, she leaned against him just a little. Only the slight gap between their seats kept it from being 'cuddling', if one could call it that. For a second, she glanced in the direction her twin had gone, a look of surprise crossing her face when the spot was empty. When she checked further away from their table, she spotted Melanie standing near to the door, phone still pressed to one ear. Her head was tilted to one side, and her free hand was resting over the opposite ear, two fingers hidden in a loose bit of hair in front. The position wouldn't have meant much to random onlookers, but Marisa knew her well enough to draw several conclusions from what she saw. More than likely, their cell phones worked in this building, but a low signal made it difficult to hear clearly. The phone probably dropped the call at some important point, which prompted the move to a different spot. And knowing her twin, she was also trying to balance their promise to support their friend with a desire to keep an eye on her. Being across the room was a reluctant compromise. At the same time, Marisa had to admit that she had been worried when she didn't see Melanie around. Having her sister come along hadn't been part of her plan, but her presence was reassuring all the same. It made it easy for her to return her attention to Jason without any concern for herself. Can I try some of those noodles? If you say they're good, it must be true. He obviously had good taste in food her dish was the one he suggested at first, and she had enjoyed that a great deal. Not as much as the interruption from her meal, of course...but that was completely different, she told herself.