Page 78 of Mistaken Magic

"Didyou like it?" he asked next.

"That'swhatI'vebeen trying to figure out!"Isnapped. "Idon't know!Imean, girls kiss nothing like guys.Well, at least she doesn't.It'skinda weird."

"Howdo guys kiss?" he asked, refusing to let up with the swords.

Myarms were getting tired, butIpushed through it. "Hard.Deep.Guyspull girls against them, take what they want, and feel so strong.Ikinda like that part."

"Howdoes she kiss?" he asked next.

Ourweapons collided over and over whileIthought about that. "Soft,"Ifinally said. "She'sjust smaller.Herlips feel completely different.Hertongue didn't thrust like some sexual proxy, you know?Moreof a caress and swirl.Like, tender."

Hewaved me down, lowering his weapons. "Wouldyou let her kiss you again?"

"Maybe?"Iscrunched up my face, hoping that wasn't the wrong answer.

"Thatfelt like an untruth," he pointed out. "Wouldyou,Rain?Nojudgment.I'mjust asking."

"Yeah,Ithink so, butIcould be wrong."

Hejust nodded. "Truth.Sostop worrying about it.BeAspen'sfriend.Ifyou end up cuddling, then see how it goes.Ifyou kiss her, then let it happen."

Ihuffed at him. "Andyou're all for this because you're hoping for some threesome, right?"

"Andyou're assuming my opinion matters at all?" he countered. "Rain, beforeFriday,IsuspectedAspenwasn't into guys, but it's not open knowledge.BackinFaerie?It'snormal for most people to enjoy both sexes.Beinggay is as uncommon as being straight.Methinking two beautiful women together is appealing is no different from you thinking two sexy men are appealing.It'snormal.It'snatural.Twois better than one, after all.Right?"

"Yeah,Iguess?"Iadmitted. "Butguys are always pushing girls to be in a threesome for them.Youknow, whether they like it or not.Thatwhole thing.Likeseriously objectifying us."

"Trustme,Iknow," he assured me. "Iwas born onEarth.Igrew up with those guys, andIknow it's what you're expecting, soI'lltease you about it.Why?BecausewhenIsay it, you stop and think.Becausethe idea of you withAspenisappealing, but probably not for the reasons you think."

"Thenwhy?"Ishot back.

Hemurmured, clearly choosing his words. "Forthe fae, pleasures of the flesh are one thing.Pleasuresof the mind are another.Pleasuresof the heart are a third.Responsibilitiesof commitment - fae marriages - are something completelyseparate.Theyare not exclusive of each other, and each has its own appeal."

"Ok?"BecausenowIwas lost.

Hechuckled softly. "I'msayingIdon't see a conflict with my friend chasing something that pleases her.Idon't feel likeIshould have to hide my approval of your choices, but you clearly do.Rain,I'msayingIlike you, butIalsolikeyou.Believeit or not, my favorite things are these long, deep conversations.Well, and the bashing each other with sticks.I'msayingIcan be your friend.Ipromise it doesn't bother me at all to talk about some cute fae girl - with a cute human one."

Ijust nodded. "AmIgoing to be in your debt for this?"

"Yep.Forbeing willing to listen to you,Iexpect you to repay me by talking to me."Thenhe gestured to the sticks again. "Ithink it's a fair exchange.Now, are you ready for another round?I'mgoing to hit back this time."

"Deal,"Itold him, lifting my sticks back into position. "Forboth."

Chapter Thirty-Four

Keirwore my ass out.Theguy pushed me hard and kept me talking for the rest of the class.Thebest part was that it helped - both the swordsmanship and the mental crapIwas stuck on.Andthe moreItold him, the more sweet words of wisdom he had.Atone point, he mentioned that it didn't matter ifIwas straight, a lesbian, or something else.Iwas me, and liking someone wasn't ever guaranteed.Beingstraight didn't meanI'dbe into every guy in the world, did it?Beingexcited about a kiss didn't meanIhad to be more toAspenthan a friend.

Itwas such an obvious thing, and yet hearing him say it made me feel so much better.Whenthe last bell rang and we put our weapons away,Iactually felt likeIhad my head on straight.Keirjust patted my back and turned me toward the door, only for us to findBrackenleaning against the wall on the other side.

"So?" he asked, looking atKeir.

Keirsmiled at me. "Beingnew at a fae school is easier said than done.She'sadjusting.Weworked through it."

"Good,"Brackensaid, turning his attention on me. "If, at any time, you need help or advice,Iam here to talk.Ialso know that sometimes bashing it out helps more.Keirhas keys to the gym, and since he's a junior, he's allowed out here as late as hewants.I'llmake sure both of you are cleared for after-hours use.Ifit's after curfew,Rain, you'll have to get permission from me orLiamfirst, ok?"

"Easy,"Iagreed.

"SoundslikeIjust got a promotion,"Keirteased.

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