The Spell will Break

[Felicity Mason]

A cold shiver ran up her spine, and a wave of fire passed through her flesh. Her face was red again, she was sure of it. She opened her mouth, looking for something to say. Anything at all.

Put him in his place! He can't talk to you like that! You are the Queens daughter! He can't...

But another voice in her head was hushing the first voice. No. He could talk to her like that. She wanted him to talk to her like that. She wanted him to tease her, to make her blush. She wanted to feel his breath against her ear again.

And then a third voice was mumbling something about alcohol and how she was going to need more of it before the end of the night.

It was that third voice that Felicity eventually listened to as she drained her glass, carefully looking away form him.

"You were wrong earlier," she said after a moment, carefully changing the subject, "My mother isn't a Jedi anymore. Dummy. Jedi can't hold titles. If my mother was a Jedi, she could never become Queen."

It was a stupid detail. Pointless. And it was all she had to grab onto. The only thing she had to change the subject.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

Ding ding! Score one for the Crow!

Smiling in victory he let the girl have her moment of distraction. He'd entertain her new topic before making her blush again. But that's all he'd do. It was just a date after all. "Hah, a minor matter of words. She can use the force and weild a saber. That's enough for most people," he pointed out as a glass of cider was presented to him. "Another Sunrise or feeling a taste for something...more?" he asked, lightly emphasisng the last word whilst grinning at her. Teasing her was too addicting.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

"Oh, another sunrise ple-"

It took her a moment for it to sink in what he was trying to say. She felt like someone had zapped her. Her eyes slid sideways, narrowing at him. She wanted to say something, but the words were caught in her throat. So she did the only thing she could think of. Her hand curled up into a fist.

She went to punch him on the shoulder. Not hard. Probably. She didn't ever really know her own strength. Or maybe the boys at the Academy were just spoiled little flowers who bruised at the lightest touch.

"Idiot."
[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

Owain laughed as she punched his shoulder. Strong girl, she'd probably leave a bruise. He masked his grimace of surprise as best as he could as he nodded at the barman, and the man mixed up another Strawberry SUnrise for Felicity. Owain shook his head as he drank the cider, savouring the much sweeter taste of the drink compared to the rum he had had before. "So touchy, Songbird. What's the problem, never flirted before?" he teased, raising an eyebrow at her. Huh...this WAS flirting. And he was enjoying it. With her.

...huh.

...he was going to need more to drink. He turned away and took a deeper drink of the cider.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Drink. She needed more of it if she was going to get through this night. And if she managed to make one or two 'mistakes' along the way, even better. This was what being young meant. Making those mistakes, making memories.
She took a deep sip of her drink and almost choked.
Flirting? Her!?

Get over yourself, girl. You've been flirting with him from the start.

She drank more to drown out that voice in her head. It was getting fuzzier the more she drank. No. She really did have no tolerance.

"So, you are flirting with me, then?" she smiled, turning to face him at last, "I suppose this is a date after all. It is to be expected. Get in line, Owain. You aren't the only one wanting me."

If he was going to play, then she was going to do the same.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

Oooh, and so their battle fo words would begin. Time to see who would back down first!

"Well why wouldn't I? Sure, you're still somewhat pretentious, but you've matured a bit lately," he shrugged. Her following words made his smile turn predatory as he leaned in again, closing the distance between them as he lowered his voice. "Oh, I don't doubt that. You mentioned some Prince Charmings already, left behind at your party. And yet here you are...with me. Why would that be, hm?" Owain asked quietly, making their conversation more intimate.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

He was close. Almost too close. Perfect. She leaned in too. This time, she wasn't going to back down. She could feel her head swimming. Her thoughts were not her own. Not entirely. Or maybe they were and she was just lacking the self control that would keep that part of herself at bay?

"Maybe I'm tired of Princes already," she answered, lowering her voice to match his "Maybe I want something a little more exciting."

She set her drink down, eyes never leaving his for a moment. Her heart was racing. She was telling herself that this was all a game. Now she wasn't so sure. She reached across, hand resting on his knee.

"Maybe I want you, Owain."

How long could he keep this up now? Surely he would back down any moment. He had to. She didn;t know how much longer this could go on.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

He kept smiling as he replied. "Well, wouldn't that be something?" he mused, before leaning forwards and planting a quick kiss on her cheek. Payback for that time on Immeria. They were even now. He leaned back. "When you know for sure, let me know," he winked at her, though he knew he was glowing red too. So much for that. Best get her home soon, before she got actually drunk. Nothing could would come of that. Plus his uncle would certainly dissaprove.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Felicity could do nothing but blink at him. She didn't even react to the kiss. She hadn't felt it for almost a full thirty seconds, but when she felt it at last, it was as if someone burned it into her. She glanced at her drink, almost empty already. When did she drink that much?

She reached up to her cheek. He won this round, didn't he? Slowly a smile found her lips. She felt disappointed. How funny. So bitter. Well, the night wasn't over yet.

"Heh... sure thing," she replied, pulling her hand away from his knee, "Hey Owain? I think I might say yes. You know, when that guard of mine asks me out. Just so you know."

She watched him out of the corner of his eye, looking for any sign of jealousy. Just a hint that she might get what she wanted after all.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

He winced despite himself as she revealed that little tidbit. How...disappointing. Ah well...he'd live. "That's...your business," he replied evenly, downing the rest of his drink. He had lost his taste for the evening all of a sudden. "At least now you can say you've been on a date before," he added with a shrug and a smile. "Shall we head back? I think your guard might start panicking when he finds your cage empty..." Owain finished, standing up and offering her a hand.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

There it was. All she needed. Her smile went flat. She went to lean in again. She knew. She knew! He felt something. He wouldn't look so adorably disappointed if he didn't.

"Owain-"

She shut her mouth quickly when he spoke of the date. Yes. This was her first date. And now it was over and she was sad and a little drunk. She hadn't even done anything regrettable yet.

Well, there was still the walk back. Felicity put on a new smile and took the hand he offered.

"Alright. Thanks for taking me out tonight. My first date. You're a great... friend"

The word 'friend' sounded bitter, forced. He was so stupid. If he felt something, he should be trying to stop her! He shouldn't just walk her home and leave it at that! Was he honestly just messing with her?

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

He didn't let go of her hand as he led her out, beginning to walk back to the palace at a slow wander. Friend...yes, she was his friend. Urgh, even admitting that much felt like a stba in the gut. The girl was nothing but confusing. He felt like he was being reeled in on a fishing line somehow. Trust his luck to desert him now. He looked at the blonde as they walked. The emphasis she had put into that last word...interesting...maybe...?

"Well, we can still enjoy Theed by night. I tend to find cities take on a whole new personality after dark," the youth offered cautiously. "but I think you may have had a bit more to drink than you should have, and seeing how you're my responsibility...well, best not push our chances," he muttered, realizing he was staring at her face. Her lovely, flushed...he looked away. Stupid stupid stupid. "And I'll be, an honest compliment from Felicity Mason," he chuckled, shaking his head. Back to teasing. He knew where they stood in those interactions at least. "So, guess I can't expect a second date huh? You've got a guard to fall in love with..."

Owain blinked. Wait, he just said that out loud didn't he?

...dammit.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

He was still holding her hand. Still. She could feel her cheeks glowing red hot. She couldn't even pretend to blame it on the alcohol anymore. She kept her eyes on the ground as they walked out. The sky was still clear. The moon as big and bright as it had been at the start of the ball. In the distance the soft glow of the palace was in sight.

Second date. No. She supposed there was no second date for them. Even if she didn't agree to go out with her guard, Owain wasn't likely to want to date her again. He was only doing this as a favor to her anyway.
...wasn't he?

"Y-yeah... him. But you know..." She stopped pulling his hand to stop, "first relationships never work out, right? Maybe someday...?"

What was she even saying anymore? She shook her head. She might be a little drunk, but even sober she would be tripping over her words here.

"Never mind. Hey, Owain?" She tore her eyes from the ground at last. "Can i try something?"

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

They came to a stop. He turned to look at the girl, so unsure of herself now, a complete change from her haughtiness when he had met her. The soft glow of moonlight made her seem so much more ethereal. Her words touched something within him, and he smiled warmly at her, nodding. "Someday, definitively. I mean, if you're interested," he said, rushing the last few words as he realized he had just as good as confessed an interest in her.

Eh, screw it. No regrets. He opened his mouth to speak before Felicity spoke again, making him snap it shut. He nodded slowly. "Well, of course. Tonight is all about trying new things," he replied.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

'If you're interested'. Those words made her breath catch in her throat. So he did like her? This boy was confusing, but no matter what, at least she knew of her own feelings. For now, that was the best she could hope for.

"Close your eyes, then," she ordered, standing on the tips of her toes. She never noticed how much taller than her he was. He didn't look much taller. Her heart was beating so fast now, faster than it ever had when she was dancing with Glyph or with Viper. What was it with her and attracting men with strange names?

That was her last thought before her lips touched his.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

Oh he knew where this was going. Or at least, he thought he knew. Owain was well aware of what happened when acting on assumptions, so kept his face neutral as he closed his eyes. Maybe she wanted to slap him and make a quick getaway? Heh, that would be like her. Fiercely independent, proud and never admitting anything freely. Then again in her position it was to be expected. She was a princess. Knowing her had advantages. Unlike him.

And then he felt the soft grace of her lips on his. Oh yeah, he had figured - oh alright, been hoping - for this. He nearly smiled, but instead let one arm snake around her waist, pulling her closer as he kissed her back. His own heartbeat had picked up, racing now, thrilled. He could still taste the drink on her lips from the bar. So sweet.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Her first kiss. Now what was she supposed to do? His lips were warmer than she expected. Tasted different too. Like... something she couldn't place. Sweet.
Her body pressed against his. A warm arm wrapped around her. He hadn't pulled away. No. He pulled her closer. and she was just standing there with her arms limp at her sides. What was she supposed to do now? Cautiously she reached up with trembling hands to touch his face. Was this right? Or was she supposed to do something else? Bite his lip? No, no. That was far too aggressive.

She was so worried about being a bad kisser that it was almost enough to distract her from this feeling building inside. Her heart was beating so hard she could feel it in her throat. Maybe he would be able to feel it too through her very chest, so tightly pissed against him.

When was she supposed to pull away? Or was he supposed to pull away? Was she even doing this right? She'd thought about this so often. So romantic. So perfect. But she never thought about what she was supposed to do during the kiss. Well, it was only her first. She couldn't be expected to know what she was doing yet.

First date. First dance. First drink.
First kiss.
First love.

Tonight was full of firsts.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

She was touching his face now, hands trembling. Unsure. That was alright, not like he had a lot more experience himself. She felt so warm in his hands, shivering slightly. He hadn't planned on the evening going this way, but that didn't mean he hadn't entertained the notion. Moments passed as his conscience warred with his lust. Reluctantly, he broke the kiss, feeling his own cheeks glowing. The youth smiled crookedly at the girl as he held her. "So...how was it?" he asked.

What he was referring to he would leave to her to work out.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

And then he pulled away and Felicity was left shivering in his arms. Her face was burning. And his cheeks were red. He was smiling. She smiled back.

"It was... my first kiss," she answered slowly, "I think I liked it. A lot."

She sounded stupid, and he was still so close. And she was still shaking like a newborn Tauntaun. Did he notice? She moved her hands down his cheek, down to his chest. She had to stop acting like this. She was being way too shy. It wasn't like her at all.

"Congratulations, Mister Barnabus," she managed a little laugh, "You got my first date and my first kiss."

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

"Don't get addicted now," he warned her with mock seriousness. Her little confession of what he suspected made him nod. "Truly, a treasure ebyond measure," he commented, finally letting her go. Best not to take this too far. First dates and all. "Guess I'll leave the planning of the enxt date to you then," he pondered with a wink, folding his arms across his chest as he looked at her. Hopefully this wouldn't blow up in his face. That would make living in Immerria...difficult.

[member="Felicity Mason"]