Interlaced Leaves: relaxed oral sex lying in opposite directions
Interlaced Leaves is a lying-down oral sex position. The receiving partner reclines on their back, propped on one elbow, with knees bent and one leg crossing over the giving partner. The giving partner lies on their side, or turned almost onto their back, with their head between the receiver's thighs and their body stretching away in the opposite direction, legs straight and lifted. Their mouth is at the penis and one hand holds the raised knee. It asks little effort from the receiver, and there is no penetration and no eye contact.
Also known as: Blade · Crossed Leaves
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies on their back with the upper body raised, resting on one elbow and forearm, head up and knees bent; one leg lifts and crosses over the giver, and one hand can rest on the giver's thigh. The giving partner lies on their side, or rolled almost onto their back, with their head under the receiver's thighs at pelvis level. Their body continues in a straight line away from the receiver, in the opposite direction, with both legs straight and lifted off the bed. One hand holds the receiver's raised knee to keep the space open. The giver sets the rhythm with mouth and hand. Nobody is on top; the main load is on the giver's neck, which has to turn towards the pelvis.
Why this position works
Some couples like it because the receiving partner can relax and watch while staying comfortably propped up, and the leg over the giver creates a sense of closeness. The giver can control the pace and depth of their mouth freely and use one hand at the same time. It is an unusual angle that can feel different from oral sex kneeling between the legs. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: giver's legs resting on the bed
The giving partner lowers their legs onto the bed instead of holding them in the air.
The head stays between the receiver's thighs, but the giver lets both legs rest on the bed, straight or slightly bent. This removes the core effort and the balance needed to keep the legs lifted, so the position can last longer.
- The receiving partner reclines on one elbow with knees bent.
- The giver lies on their side in the opposite direction, head at the receiver's pelvis.
- The giver lets both legs rest on the bed, slightly bent if more comfortable.
- The receiver crosses one leg over the giver and the giver holds that knee with one hand.
Variation 2: pillow under the giver's head
A pillow under the giver's head brings the mouth level with the penis and spares the neck.
With a firm pillow under the head and shoulder, the giver no longer has to lift and twist the neck to reach the penis. The angle of the mouth becomes more natural and the giver can keep going for longer without strain.
- Place a firm pillow where the giver's head will rest, next to the receiver's pelvis.
- The giver lies on their side on it, body stretching in the opposite direction.
- Adjust the pillow's height until the mouth reaches the penis without lifting the head.
- The receiver keeps one leg over the giver to close the space gently.
Variation 3: receiving partner lying flat
The receiving partner lies flat on their back instead of propping up on an elbow.
The receiving partner lowers their upper body and lies flat, head on a pillow, knees still bent and one leg over the giver. The supporting arm rests and the receiver can relax completely, though they lose the view of their partner.
- The receiving partner lies flat on their back with a pillow under the head and knees bent.
- The giver lies on their side in the opposite direction, head at the receiver's pelvis.
- The receiver crosses one leg over the giver's upper body.
- Both hands of the receiver are free to rest or to stroke the giver's leg.
✓ Tips
- Put a pillow under the giver's head or shoulder so the neck does not stay twisted.
- The giver does not need to keep the legs lifted: lowering them onto the bed makes the position easier to hold.
- The receiving partner should keep their hips still or move gently, letting the giver set the pace.
- Oral sex can pass on infections such as herpes, gonorrhoea or HPV; a condom on the penis lowers the risk.
- Agree on a signal to slow down or stop, and pause if the neck or the supporting arm gets tired.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Oral sex on the penis, lying in opposite directions
- Active anatomy
- Mouth and tongue (one hand as support)
- Receptive anatomy
- Penis
- Main stimulation
- Penis (oral)
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is Interlaced Leaves a penetration position?
No. It is an oral sex position: the giving partner's mouth is at the penis, with no penetration.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as the giver lowers their legs and uses a pillow. The original version, with the legs lifted, needs some core strength and balance.
How can the giver avoid neck strain?
Use a pillow under the head, get close enough not to stretch, and take breaks. Turning slightly more onto the back can also help.
Can two men do this position?
Yes. The mechanics are the same for any couple where the receiving partner has a penis.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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