Writing a story? How to subtly imply without being vulgar?

Question

I’m writing a story, and in one scene, I want two of the characters to have sex. But since I want to keep this scene PG-13 rated, I don’t want to show the actual sex happening, just the scene before it. But I want it to be made clear they did actually have sex. My characters names are Dylan and Katrina. They are sitting on the couch kissing, he slides off her leather jacket (which she never takes off, she’s always wearing that jacket because her mother gave it to her before she died, Katrina has a black tank top on underneath it in this scene) she takes off Dylan’s shirt and they lay down together on the couch kissing, and that’s where the scene ends. Is that enough to imply they had sex after that, or is it still too vague?

Steven J Pemberton · Accepted Answer

Depending on your target audience, and how sexually experienced your characters are, that sort of ending could mean they had sex, or it could just mean they kissed and cuddled a lot.

If you want a stronger implication, you could have them go to a bedroom, or a room where they can lock the door. Or you could have the characters talk about it afterwards, or show one or both of them thinking about it.

pianoman · Answer

Perhaps you're not ready to write a book if you need help.

Anonymous · Answer

I think I'd just assume they kissed. You can just state it without giving any details.

bluebellbkk · Answer

They don't 'lay' down, they 'lie' down.

? · Answer

Here is an idea, have them in an adult conversation about the sex they just had.  Not adult as in pornographic, but adult as in a real world conversation which adults who have slept together might have.

Elaine M · Answer

How is that anywhere near vague?  Just cut to the next scene.

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Writing a story? How to subtly imply without being vulgar?

6 Answers