[private party]

[more_flexible]

The nice thing about time was it just kept moving along, putting things in the past where they could be easily compartmentalized and forgotten. It also meant there was a future to look forward to.

A future like today...he'd been thinking about it since he spoke to Lisa. He did the thoughtful thing and put the speedo on under his jeans and went to collect her and take her to the south part of the island. He had promised her a pearl and he knew just where to look.

But he didn't cook, nor did he bring any food. Just a blanket over his arm as he lead her to the pretty stretch of beach near the new oyster bed he'd found. He had his knife and his mesh bag and a smile warmer than the sun. This whole date thing was actually sort of...nice. He'd have to try it more often.

Comments

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

Okay, so it had been awhile since Cuddy had been on a date. In fact, it had been a really long time. And she would have been blatantly lying if she said she didn't spend time getting ready, no matter how limited her means of preparation might have been.

The clothing box had actually been compassionate, and Cuddy had managed to rustle up a bathing suit - two piece and black, of course so it couldn't be said the box was modest - and a white shift dress to wear over it that was soft against her skin. Cuddy was pleased by this, and after cleaning up a bit she was ready.

The sun was warm against her skin, and her smile was effortless and easy. There was no trace of anything resembling nervousness - she was just happy. Happy to be with him, in his company.

"It's beautiful," she said as her eyes took in the unfamiliar surroundings. And it was. Completely unlike anything she'd ever seen before, at that. Her dark hair was tied back loosely from her face, a few stray strands catching in the light breeze.

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

"I like it," he replied, smiling at her softly. "What would you like to do first? We can lay in the sun for a bit, or get in the water. I brought my things...I wasn't joking about getting you a pearl," he said as he spread out the blanket on the sand and stripped out of his jeans.

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

Cuddy thought that over as she crossed her arms, pulling the white dress easily over her head. The bikini beneath was not particularly showing, but it suited her just fine. "Which do you do first when you come here?" she asked, her back to him as she pulled her hair over her shoulder, securing it a bit more firmly with the band.

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

"I dive," he replied as he walked around behind her to straighten the corner. His eyes were drawn to her back, particularly her spine where there were several scars flanking her vertebrae, and he fought to keep his reaction neutral. "I enjoy the sun after, when I'm shucking the oysters."

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

"That sounds perfect," Cuddy said with a smile, acutely conscious of his warmth behind her and welcoming it. Dimly she was aware that she should be self conscious about..something..but she just wasn't.

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

He circled back around and strapped the knife to his thigh, then tucked the mesh bag through the waist of his trunks at the hip. Suddenly, Jack was all business, even though his eyes remained warm as they took the sight of her in. "Then...shall we?" he asked, offering his hand.

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

"Yes we shall." Letting her hand rest in his, she stepped to his side, noting with appreciation the efficient way he handled things. There was a definite appeal about it.

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

He lead her to the waves, changing hands and laying a warm palm on her back. His fingertips grazed the scars lightly--a small indulgence that he normally wouldn't have pushed.

"I hope you aren't afraid of sharks," he said, only half joking, as he continued to bring her out, waist deep...and then deeper. The water was warm and here the waves were gentle, breaking hard off the reef farther out in the ocean.

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

She didn't shrink away from his touch the way she had when people had tried in the past, and the most logical assumption would have been she just wasn't aware of it. But his hand was warm, and she leaned into it subtly.

"Sharks?" she asked, eyebrows lifting slightly, though there was no fear in her face. "Afraid, no. Surprised? Maybe." The smile on her face was sweet and she let him guide her, moving deeper into the warmth of the water.

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

"This close to shore, since the reef is out there, mostly it's just nurse sharks. They might be curious, but they won't bite," he explained as he leaned in and kissed her lips.

"For luck," he said when he pulled back. "Back in a few."

He took a deep breath and dove in, his body a graceful arc slicing the surface of the water. He knew just where he was going...it was just a matter of the time it would take him.

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

"Then I won't be afraid," she said with a smile, anything else she might have said trailing off at the warmth of his lips. His kiss was warm and she responded before she knew it.

"Good luck," she said, her eyes watching his before he disappeared into the water.

Okay, so the crazy fluttering of her heart could have just been because...well, nevermind that. But she did touch a fingertip gently to her lips and fixated her eyes on the place he'd been.

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

He'd done this enough times to know just when to let out some air, just how to push hard to the bottom, just how long he had to collect as many oysters as he could. The knife worked quickly, prying them free as he scooped them into the bag. He knew the minutes were ticking by and he vaguely hoped she was enjoying her time and not frightened. This was totally going to be worth the wait.

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

She hadn't begun to worry, not quite yet. It would take the passing of over two minutes before concern and fear began to twist themselves in her chest. For the present time her face was tilted to the warmth of the sun, her eyes closed with a content smile on her face.

The water was warm and she carefully stepped out a bit further, her head falling back to let her hair trail a bit in the water. It felt so unexplainably good to just..be here like this.

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

Two minutes came and went easily.

Then three.

Then four.

Below the surface, Jack had his bag filled and replaced the knife in the sheath so he could begin to surface. The stinging burn in his chest told him he'd just about hit his limit, but he surfaced slowly to let the pressure change gradually.

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

By halfway through the third minute there was a twist of fear in Cuddy's chest, and she began to step out further, carefully feeling the way before taking an actual step.

Was he okay? For all she knew the island had...magical seas or something, where you didn't need to breathe underwater. But she couldn't help but worry and after a moment she ducked her head beneath the surface, opening her eyes to look for him.

Nothing yet..and after a moment she had to resurface, not used to holding her breath in the practiced fashion he was. Her hair was lank and twisted down her shoulders, but she didn't seem to notice.

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

A moment ago he wasn't there, and then he was.

He found the sandy bottom and took easy strides toward her, wiping his face and shaking his hair. Water poured off his shoulders and down his chest, and he smiled as if he hadn't even left.

"No trouble with sharks? You're still in the water, so I'm guessing not."

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

"None at all," she replied, and while her expression was relaxed and pleased she did feel indescribable relief that he'd come back safely. Lifting a hand she pushed the hair back from her face.

"Maybe I scared them away," she added, her voice playful.

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

"Not all of them," he replied with a wink. "Let me toss these on the beach and we can swim for a while?"

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

"Love to," she answered, the previous fear leaving her face. Waiting for him to do so she turned her back to the shore and faced the water, running her hands through her hair. "It's absolutely beautiful today."

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

He tossed the oysters onto the shore and waded back to her, moving in behind her and pressing against her back as he gathered up her hair and twisted it softly to lay against her back. "Utterly gorgeous," he purred.

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

The closeness was unexpected but welcome, and she leaned back against his chest, a slow smile curving at her mouth. "I'm very glad you approve," she murmured, feeling his touch send a delicate shiver down her spine.

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

His arm slipped easily around her and fingers splayed wide as he pressed his hand against her stomach and held her to his body. The motion of the waves had them swaying together, the sand shifting gently beneath their feet.

"The last thing you need is my approval," he purred against her neck. "The facts are all there. The day is beautiful, you are gorgeous, and I am trying so hard to be on my best behaviour."

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

"Oh are you? Protecting my honor?" Purring softly in her throat she let her head tilt back, giving him an easier access to the curve of her neck and shoulder.

Her hand slid over his, fingers tracing the back of his hand. Touching was something she was getting used to, becoming more comfortable with being free in it.

"Everything right now feels amazing. I can't remember the last time I felt this alive."

[captainjack.livejournal.com]

He turned and rested his lips against her neck, just feeling her pulse with his mouth. "Alive is good," he whispered, breath warm and gentle as it poured over her wet skin. "Lisa, can I ask you something?"

[doctorcuddymd.livejournal.com]

"Of course you can," she replied, her voice a little breathless as she tilted her head back a bit more. Her fingers slid up slowly, playing through his hair.