The Familiar Stranger

We looked at the kid with Milo as they ran playing a little further. We looked at each other and realized that we forgot what we were talking about. Mateo broke the silence asking:

"Do you know what Demisexuality is?"

"Yeah, I think I am Demisexual. I found that out recently."

"Really? how so?"

"Well, I knew I'm heterosexual but never looked at a guy and was just attracted to them. I can appreciate when someone is attractive but that's about it. They're a good-looking person like when I see a beautiful girl. I see that she's beautiful but I wouldn't be attracted to her. I thought that was normal until I was with a few friends and one of them mentioned how she has a type and it makes her aroused and I turned to my other friend and asked her if she feels the same and she said yes and the third one felt the same. I was confused but didn't really care much. Then I, not so long ago, watched a video of a "normal" girl with an asexual girl and apparently not everyone is that way."

"That's interesting. I, also identify as demi-heterosexual."

"How did you figure that out?"

"I've just always been interested in sexuality and I found that out reading about it."

"Oh I see. That's interesting!"

He asked me "Have you ever hired a cuddlist or been to a cuddling group or party?" as he moved a little closer and kind of opened his arms as if he was inviting me to a cuddle party of our own so I answered "No" as I turned to the side a bit and lay back slowly where I laid my head on his shoulder "what about you?". He wrapped his arms around me and said "I've been to a cuddling party once" I held his arms and asked "How was it?" then started to gently play with his fingers.

"It was interesting. I was dared by a friend. I didn't want to go because I thought I'd just be cuddling strangers and it would be weird but it wasn't. You get to talk to people and you can only cuddle with people if you ask permission. It was a little too crowded for my liking, though."

It is very weird how comfortable I was with a stranger being this close to me and in my personal space, let alone cuddle with him. I basically started it when I laid my head on his shoulder but he technically invited me to when he came close enough and opened his arms.

"That's pretty cool. would you consider going to one again?"

"Hmmm. I don't know. I don't completely reject the idea. "

"So would you say you're competitive?"

"A little, yes. Are you?"

"Not at all"

We looked at the kid playing with Milo. Then he said:

"Shay"

"Yes"

"What would it take for you to say you have succeeded in life?"

I thought for a few seconds and said "to be content with wherever I am in life."

"hmmm"

"What about you?"

"To reach my goals and for my loved ones to be happy and healthy."

"That's sweet."

We sat there cuddling for a couple of minutes. At this point, my fingers were gently running through his palms. His chin was on my head and we were both looking at the absolutely beautiful view. I was wondering if my hair, in a pineapple, was bothering him or tickling his face but I didn't say anything. I noticed that the sun is about to set. I thought to myself I have to leave. I didn't realize how much time has passed but I didn't want to leave. I enjoyed Mateo's company and the sunset looked so beautiful. I broke the silence this time saying:

"The sunset is absolutely beautiful."

"Yes, very beautiful. It's crazy how time flew. It wasn't even 6:30 when I came."

"I know! I was thinking the same. I have to go but I'm really enjoying the sunset."

"Can you stay for a little longer? I can walk you home?"

I looked up into his eyes and said smiling "It's ok" "Thank you for asking!" raising my voice showing that I really am thankful. I sat down and turned toward him "It's about a 30 minutes walk to where I'm staying" and this time I opened my arms inviting him to a hug. He opened his and we hugged. It was the warmest hug I've ever received. It was longer than average but not awkward at all. I've never thought longer hugs are awkward. Maybe it's just because I am a hugger.

"More reasons for me to walk you back. I can walk you just close enough. We can enjoy the sunset as we're walking?" he said lifting his eyebrows trying to convince me. "Sure, ok", I said smiling.

He whistled "Milo... come here, let's go". The kid ran toward us and Milo followed him. "Thank you for letting me play with Milo. He's so cute". "Sure thing kiddo", said Mateo to the kid smiling at him. Then we waved at the kid as he waved at us and started walking back to where I'm staying.