That unmistakable yearning that can build slowly between two people, even if it is completely unexpected (quite often the most exciting). It builds in the pit of your stomache and the center of your upper chest feels shaky and weak when you think of them or talk with them or, god forbid, are near them and touch.

Sexual tension is provoked further by the smell, sight of even the most innocent bits of flesh, voice, touch and general attention of this person. The thought of their breath caressing the knape of your neck or their lips on your throat or chest is enough to cause you to bite your lip and tremble.

This is perhaps the most intriguing and exciting part of the entire relationship. Everything is new here, even if you've known the person for years. It's territory left unmapped and you suddenly realize that you may not be the only person interested in venturing into the darker; unmapped areas.

This usually culminates into the realization on both parts that something is about to happen and that there is that unmentionable spark that you have but to reach out and grasp. This phase flows into either the very sensual and soft and beautiful slow love making or intense, needful rush of sexual release which is much like packing the entire sexual tension phase into one explosive experience.

Plot device used by writers who can't resolve romantic affairs without a very long period of not-wanting-to-admit-it and he/she-is-just-not-for-me before the sexual release, which often makes fans who previously liked the sexual tension issue to decide that it was the right time to switch plot devices.