WAKING UP!

[twin-fans.livejournal.com]

Your character is in a nice, warm bed, wearing their bedclothes (or lack thereof) of choice. It's comfortable, it's fluffy, and it's great...

Unfortunately, someone's in bed with them. They might roll over and accidentally cop a feel before waking up fully, they might notice the heat on their backs, but whatever the case may be, there's someone in there with them. They could easily remember the night before, how that happened, but...

Where's the fun in that?

Comments

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

[Ahava snorts in an effort not to laugh again]

Actually, it's more how embarrassed you seem to be, Billy. Nothing happened as far as either of us can tell, and we're both mature-minded individuals. There's no reason to get so upset about things, is there?

[Now she's teasing him.] Or do you not want people to know you hugged me?

[morphitudinous]

...I guess not. I've had worse things inflicted upon me against my will than being compelled to sleep next to someone I trust.

[And he falls for it, vaguely sensing that he's walking into a minefield.]

Of course not! If you're not offended, then I'm not ashamed. I'm sure any witnesses would know that sleeping animals often unconsciously migrate to the nearest source of warmth. [He says that last part clearly, as if explaining himself to any hidden cameras.]

I'm not implying that the thought of hugging a friend repulses me, because it doesn't. I'd simply prefer to do so when we're both fully conscious and able to refuse. [As evidenced by the flaming blush on his cheeks. At least he's otherwise calming down?]

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

[That gets a surprised, yet pleased, look from Ahava.]

Really? You trust me that much even though we've only spoken a few times? That's sweet of you, Billy.

[Yep, straight into the mine field. And he really has no idea how big that minefield is. A good hint is how much she's trying to seem innocent and not smirking.]

So, you'd refuse if conscious then?

[morphitudinous]

Well, as you've said, you don't have the inclination to do anything untoward. You're also an intelligent professional, who would likely know not to. [Not that you'd know it looking at Luis, but most of their kind weren't ravenously inclined to have sex.]

[Here, he stumbles to explain. You can tell he's flustered when he reverts into hyperpolysyllabicsesquipedalian mode.] That's not what I meant! I was referring to your ability to consent, since I'm the one who unconsciously initiated the exchange.

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

True, but sharing a bed with someone could have worse results than just that, depending on the person. I still think it's quite a sign of trust when you barely know me.

[Oh Billy, you're making this way too easy for her.]

Then you don't think I'd want to hug you? Is there some reason why I wouldn't?

[morphitudinous]

At any rate, the case in favor of trusting you is stronger now.

[And oh geez, this is getting more and more uncomfortable.]

Not every culture uses and interprets physical contact in the same way. In some eras, men were forbidden to touch women they didn't intend to marry. Others regularly kiss as a ritual greeting. Even within a single culture there are considerable differences in comfort level: some people I've known will hug a friend during their first meeting, and others will take years to reach that level of comfort. A small number entirely dislike the gesture.

I couldn't say with certainty which category you belonged to, so I opted to use caution. I didn't want to risk offending you and introducing tension into our working relationship.

[He starts fiddling with the blanket in his lap, the oddity of the situation finally setting in: they're in bed, in their pajamas, and he's discussing the complications of hugs as a social phenomenon. It's almost enough to make him laugh too, and he does: an amused snort escapes.]

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

[Ahava is trying really, really hard not to laugh at your discomfort, Billy, but it isn't easy.]

Well, I promise I'm perfectly capable of understanding that a hug is just a hug. Even if we're sharing a bed at the time.

[Then Billy snorts and Ahava can't help it: she starts laughing as well.]

[morphitudinous]

I can agree to that.

[And then he's laughing too, falling back against the pillows with a soft thud.]

It's an excellent morning already, huh?

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

Well there are definitely worse things to wake up to than hugging. A complete stranger in your bed, cramps from falling asleep in the lab, ship-wide emergencies, zombies...

[She's still laughing a little, but there's a definite note of seriousness there.]

Look at it that way and this is one of the best mornings I've had.