@tarnishedxknight - continued from here
It had taken far more courage than she thought it should have for her to finally say something to Basch. Because, in truth, Carter had... wanted to try and go further with him for a little while at that point. But she hadn't said anything, far too anxious about making him uncomfortable and pushing him too far to even attempt to do so, and was truly happy with what they had. Their relationship was good - she felt comfortable with him. Felt safe. She loved what they had and was content where they were, but when they decided to move into a shared room, it slowly gave her just enough courage to bring it up. To finally say something to him, and... she hadn't really expected his answer.
Her face flushed out of embarrassment at her own question, and Carter kept her gaze averted - doing her best to ignore how her heart fluttered in her chest and the way her stomach twisted. Doing her best to ignore the immediate, nagging thought in the back of her head that she was asking too much and making him uncomfortable, and that she was pushing too many boundaries--
But then he mentioned he wanted to as well, and she felt her heart skip a beat.
Carter finally glanced up to Basch, her face still hot, and leaned into his touch instinctively as he began to rub her cheek. A shy smile spreading over her lips as she gently rested her hand over his, and as her heart continued to pound against her chest. A familiar need coiling deep in her belly, though she ignored it, and softly began to rub her thumb against the back of his hand. "I'm- I'm not," she assured - though her voice was just as quiet. Just as shy, as a nervous giggle caught in her throat. "I- I mean... I- I don't know wha-what I'm- I'm doing either. I... I- I wasn't even sure- sure how to say some-something in the first- first place. Um, I- I just..." Her voice wobbled slightly - only out of nerves - and she cleared her throat awkwardly as her smile turned more sheepish. "I'm- I'm nervous too, but... I- I trust you. I'm- I'm not expecting suave or- or confident. Just... that- that you're o-okay with this."
Though... that did worry her some. That she had no idea what to do or really even expect. She could get herself off if she wanted, but... she wasn't sure about someone else. Yet, despite there, there was a strange sense of comfort in it - that neither of them were experienced, and she hoped it would comfort him some as well.
Her eyes widened in surprise at Basch's next question, and she quickly shook her head. "No, no. It's... it's- it's different now than- than it was in- in your time, I- I think. I- I mean, some pe-people can still fa-face that sort, but... I- I promise you I- I won't. You- you won't tarnish my- my reputation or any-anything like that, Basch." She smiled again, and took his free hand in hers - giving it a reassuing squeeze. "I- I appreciate you look-looking out for me, though. But I- I promise I'll- I'll be okay. I- I won't be dis-disowned or anything of the- the sort."
God, she absolutely adored his awkwardness. It was part of his charm in her eyes, and... it was rather comforting then. She didn't want him to pretend to be someone he wasn't or him to feel like he needed to put on a facade for her. He was honest and awkward, and she loved him even more for it. Felt more comfortable in wanting to go further with him.
"I'm- I'm certain," she whispered, and leaned in to press a soft kiss against his cheek. Doing her best to ignore how her face was still flushed. "I- I trust you, Basch, and I- I know you'll- you'll stop if I- I ask. And... I- I want you to- to know the same goes- goes for you. If- if you want to- to stop at any- any point, that's- that's okay. I- I just..." Carter hesitated, and lifted a hand to his face as she pulled back - gently caressing his cheek as she felt another rush of heat rise into her face, and darken the blush she was surely sporting. "I... I- I want to do- do this with- with you. I- I want you, Basch."
