The network has certainly churned out a number of responses today, but I feel there has been a common misconception that should be addressed.

Sex is not simple.

There is no formula of in-out-in-out that achieves a magical simultaneous orgasm. What you get out of a sexual encounter is highly dependent on what you go into it knowing about yourself; at times, that may not be much, and that is perfectly acceptable. You have every right to be unsure, to try something just for the sake of seeing if it might be something you want to try again- and if not, then no harm done! There is a certain self-consciousness that permeates the realm of sexual encounters; a worry that if one asks questions they will seem incompetent or undesirable in some fundamentally flawed way, and that does nothing but hinder what could otherwise be a good time for all parties involved.

Intimacy is not necessarily defined by the parameters of a long-term relationship, but rather the level of honesty you achieve with the other person-- or persons, if that happens to be the case. Sex is messy and complicated and oftentimes not as linear as books, or television, or even our friends would like us to believe.

Sex is not a performance art, it is an endeavor in satisfaction. Not knowing is forgivable- sometimes you just can't tell- but not asking, not making sure you've completely satisfied your partner in every way you are capable of and comfortable with, is selfish and infinitely unattractive. Rest assured, you may not be able to tell the difference between bravado and skill, but your partner will.

So ask. Ask in the act. Ask after the act. Ask over some kebabs in the park-- just make sure that you give as good as you get.


(( ooc: backdated to sometime last night! ))

[One would think spending one second in a space ship and another in a zoo would rattle a person. However, when Jenny lands on the ground with a thump, she isn't necessarily rattled. No, she's excited.] Hello, what's this?

[She picks up the device next to her and studies it for a brief moment before looking up excitedly at the massive creature in front of her. An elephant, not that she knows that.] Oh hello, what are you? [Getting to her feet, she reaches out to gently pet the trunk of the beast.] Trapped here in a cage, like me? Doesn't seem fair.

[It takes her no time at all to work out the device in her hand, the video coming to life. She smiles excitedly into the screen. The elephants trunk can be seen inspecting her hair, her shoulder, her face. She doesn't seem to mind it one bit.] Excuse me. I found your cages. And while I understand the necessity of them given certain situations, I must insist that you allow the more harmless creatures their freedom. It doesn't seem ri- [The elephant's trunk pokes her in the side and she laughs and looks up to him in response.] Oh, that tickles!

Gods. Deities. I want to make a trade. An important one.

If it works I might even decide to pray to you.

I am not..certain.. [The confused voice is followed shortly by a confused face. An upside-down confused face. The man considers the device a moment, looking it over as if trying to solve a great puzzle.]

It reminds me of one of Lucca's devices.

[More inspecting and the device is turned a few more times.]

Which should mean, if I remember her words accurately...ah! [The video is righted and he smiles.] This would be the correct way for it.

And then...oh [slight blush.] My apologies...this device is already on, is it not? I did not mean to seem so lost, though, I suppose there is no hiding what is undeniably true. Could someone, perhaps, tell me where or when I am?

[The network is treated to a nice shot of the snow-covered cement in the City Square and a muffled voice.]

Are you sure it’s on? I don’t see the—oh! Thank you, that makes a lot of sense, actually. You have a good day, too!

[After a momentary blackout (caused, no doubt, by a hand over the lens), a pale woman with red hair comes into view. Her sheepish smile is largely overshadowed by the considerable amount of blood on her blouse.]

Hey there. I’m Penny, I’m not exactly sure what I’m doing, and I definitely don’t know where I am—which is completely okay because I think I just died…? [she shakes her head, flustered] I know, that sounds totally insane, sorry. I promise I’m not a crazy person, just… you know, kind of confused.

[She pauses, thinking.]

Um. Does anyone know what’s going on? Or where I could get a new shirt, maybe?  This was a cute top, too...