Ocean's Kiss

We stood alone at this hidden beach you took me to; you kept talking about how pretty it was and that I just had to see it, and it was the perfect spot because you were sure barely anyone knew about it or went there. Eventually, I let you take me here, as your happiness is all I want. The weather wasn’t bad at first, but the closer we got to the beach, the stronger the wind. “You okay with this? We can go back if you’d like,” you asked. I did want to turn back a little, but I didn’t want you to think I was scared of a little wind, so we pushed on.

The sun shone beautifully, reflecting off the water perfectly, but the way the light hit you was breathtaking; it felt like seeing that one piece of artwork that invokes an emotional response out of you. The hand over your eyes blocked the sun as you looked at the horizon. Eventually, you turned to me, motioning for me to come closer, and even though I wasn’t that far, each inch closer caused my heart to pound through my chest. We stood close, close enough that I thought you could hear my thoughts, and as I stood there, a strong gust came in. Thinking I could handle it, I was humbled by the force that came before me. I stumbled a bit, rearranging my footing and trying to keep balance. I could hear your muffled giggles, embarrassed that you noticed, but your happiness was infectious, and I couldn’t help but laugh a little too.

Standing body to body in the ocean by our sides, waves crashed hard against the shore and echoed through our ears. It was the most pleasant sound I’ve ever heard; it filled every space of my mind that wasn’t filled with you. We squeezed our eyes shut almost instinctively as the first few droplets of water hit us. Its warmth felt refreshing on my face. "Taste salty," you said. I could barely hear you over the ocean. I tried to think of what to say in response. "Taste like you," I mumbled. The waves crashed perfectly into my voice, hiding what I said.

"Hmm?" you said.

“N-nothing,” I looked away, and a crimson flame grew strong in my chest.

The ocean had risen a bit slowly and crawled to our toes. I wiggled my toes through the sand and water. You’re focused, looking in the distance, taking in the hidden knowledge it holds for us. I do the same, fixing my focus, but all I can take in is how I’ll never see another ocean the same again.

I took a breath for a moment. A salty scent mixed with a light smell of coconut wrapped around my brain, and it was intoxicating. I wanted to involve my life around this smell... around you.

The winds became stronger, pulled me out of my head, and brought me back into the moment with you. The breeze was warmer than before, and the sound they made was different from before as well; it was like they were speaking to me in a whisper. They said I needed to touch you and hold you; their words were influential in the moment, and I was easily persuaded. Hesitantly, I reached my hand closer to yours. Like trying to touch a butterfly, I brushed my fingers against the back side of your hand. You didn’t flinch away, so I continued. Touching your skin was like running my hands through water, smooth and cool to the touch. You began to move your hand slowly; our fingers eventually touched. They played with each other at first and then caressed, and our fingers eloped into each other. Once our hands touched, you believed that I was ready to move deep. Even though I had felt unsure, your guidance kept me moving, and together we went into the ocean. The waves covered our ankles; it felt so warm; you feel warm. The water felt so welcoming that I didn’t notice how your hands now radiated so much heat, and my palms began to sweat, but the farther we went, the more that didn't matter as the water drowned out all worries. The water was up to our waist as we stood, taking it all.

Settling into the situation, I began to notice how much higher and more frequent the waves were here, and uncertainty was building up in me. I was ready to turn back, but with that thought, the waves became more violent, unpleasantly splashing my face and engulfing me. I felt as though I would drown if I didn’t get back to shore. I wanted to freak out, but I could not let you see me panic, as that felt worse than drowning, so I held my fear in silence, hoping it would end soon. A tingle feeling came over my heart that caused me to relax my body. Your hand was preciously placed over my chest; its heat was a remedy, and you were a healer who knew my pain without having to ask. The uncertainty washed away as one of the waves came by in that moment, and the waves were gentle again.

I didn’t realize you had pushed us further away, and I didn’t care anymore. We floated in the water, holding each other. I let you plunge me under, fully capsulated by the sea, and I no longer needed oxygen or food, only you. The water became a blanket that wrapped around us; our worries were washed away, and all we had was each other. Our hands explored each other, not wanting to lift our hands off even for a second, so they glided around our bodies. Your hands ran gently from my forearms to the back of my neck, and your fingers played through my hair. My hands traveled from your chest down to your hips, greedily pulling you closer as we continued to be wrapped in the heat of love's embrace, a feeling together for the first time that could only be replicated once during our time together.

It felt like forever, and I didn't want forever to end, and neither did you, but eventually, the moon came and the water receded. We were back onshore breathless and newly connected by our intimate adventure. A goofy smile beamed on my face, all from the realization of what happened. I wanted to sing to the world. My excitement must have been obvious as I heard you giggling at me.

"So I guess you like that, huh?" You smirked.

"I loved it," I replied.

You cocked your head to the side as you looked at me. You made me so nervous when you did that, and I could feel my cheeks getting hot. "Was that your first kiss?" You said. I nodded in response, feeling embarrassed. I tried avoiding your eyes, but you didn’t want that. Gentle yet firmly, you grasped my chin, turning me to face you. You had a soft smile as you looked at me. "Well, let’s not make it your last kiss, okay?" Those words sang so beautifully in my head that I nodded in anticipation. We leaned in again, and the ocean covered us once more.