The Handshake

by Beau Jágr Sheldon, briebeau.com 

Needs: 

Either each other’s hands or edible fruit/chocolates, if touch is not desired. 

Gain consent first and at every step. If consent is not given or is revoked, choose alternate methods of play or discontinue and move on. Always check in.

Use Script Change. Honor Script Change calls.

When time comes to consummate an intimate moment:

Touch

Press

Stroke

Embrace

Taste

First, touch. Gain consent from your partner. Gently touch your fingertips on theirs, as if about to shake their hand, or as though you are reaching for rescue as you sink beneath the waves. Their touch should feel like the grapes for Tantalus, but you do touch them. Perform this act and roleplay further before moving forward when feels appropriate.

Second, press. Gain consent from your partner. Move your hand to press your palm against theirs, again, as if a handshake, but do not touch them elsewhere or even move your fingers on their skin - remain palm to palm. Their palm should be resistant against you only because you are both corporeal, and it should be aching to hold back. Perform this act and roleplay further before moving forward when feels appropriate. 

Third, stroke. Gain consent from your partner. From where your hand is, without closing your hand, stroke their skin with your fingertips and the tip of your thumb. Stroke lightly but firmly, feeling their pulse faintly at their wrist, stroking the soft skin between their thumb and forefinger. You should feel tightly wound but also melt as your fingers glide over their skin, and struggle not to grip them and pull them near. Perform this act and roleplay further before moving forward when feels appropriate.

Fourth, embrace. Gain consent from your partner. Wrap your hand around theirs - either achingly slow or firmly and brusquely - and squeeze gently. Perhaps, if you both desire it, squeeze more tightly, and take death breaths each time you squeeze. It should feel like coming home, like a warm blanket, or maybe like lying in a pool of cool water while your skin is teased by the sun. Perform this act and roleplay further before moving forward when feels appropriate.

Fifth and finally, taste. Gain consent from your partner. Slowly (or rapidly, if they want as much) bring your partner’s hand to your lips. First, press your lips firmly to the back of their hand. Hold them there for a moment, feeling the warmth of their skin against yours. Second, check with your partner and if they are willing, turn their hand and kiss the center of their palm, pressing and holding your lips to it. Enjoy the slightest taste of salt from their skin, though your tongue doesn’t touch them. Feel the softest and roughest parts of those places with your lips. You can now proceed through the various steps freely, so long as your partner wants and consents as well. Perform these acts and roleplay further before moving forward to another scene when feels appropriate. 

Remember, these scenes are sweetest when they end happily and in a time that satisfies everyone.