It was a perfect evening, a most perfect one indeed.
For all was right in the world, and in the infinite universe.
Captain Daniel Gregg pondered on these things happily, as he reveled in his continued existence; in the little patch of heaven, an Eden he built and christened Gull Cottage. And even though he was still a ghost, there were still many things to be greatful for.
Things such as: Supernatural powers, invisibility, walking through walls, eternity, and above all - Carolyn Muir.
It was a Thursday, on a warm August night, the third year into the Muir's stay in Gull Cottage. At precisely half past eight, Captain Gregg had finished his meticulous task of organizing his sea charts. Taking the time to note the coming of low tide, and the possibility of a squall in the coming days.
He was also contemplating a most intricate idea in his mind. Something he wished to discuss with Carolyn Muir later in the evening. The subject matter was highly unorthodox, and he was rather uncertain of what the discussion of it may bring. But he supposed it was worth, very much worth the - exploration.
Shortly after he rolled the several parchments in place; he was about to take leave of his desk, when he could hear the soft giggles of Candy and Carolyn in the living room, the sound of Candy's transistor radio echoing into the Alcove.
He had immediate plans to use his telescope, but was hindered by curiosity.
The Captain emerged from the Alcove; invisble, quietly - if not amusedly, observing the scene before him.
Candace Muir, was laying on her stomach on the carpeted floor, with a soft throw pillow beneath her elbows. She was watching her mother with great admiration, as some racous tune was being played from the radio she held in her hand.
Carolyn Muir hummed along to the music. She was for the evening, dressed in white slacks and a teal green blouse. She was ajusting the sleeve on a dress she was making; occassionally stepping back to see how her overall work looked on the headless mannequin.
The Captain silently walked over to the fireplace, a small smirk at the corner of his mouth.
Suddenly, the radio's signal was intercepted, as the noise of static filled the room.
"Aww, mann," Candy exclaimed, as she shook the rectangular contraption. "And that was my favorite song!"
"Try finding another radio station, sweetie. It could be just the connection," Came the reply from her mother, as she draped a measuring tape around her shoulders.
"Oh all, right. I'm gonna do it, but I'm not gonna like it." Candy conceeded, her words grumbled with disappointment.
She began the task of shifting to one station to another, discontent at what was being played as of the moment.
Candy managed to stumbled upon some sort of piano music and paused to listen.
Soon soft music resonated into the room.
"Hey Mom, this is pretty." Remarked Candy, looking up at her mother with a smile, "Do you know it?"
"Hmmm," Carolyn listened carefully, "I think so, its been such a long while since I've heard it." She answered, sticking a pin into the cloth she was working with.
"Do you still remember the words?"
"I don't think so, its been so long-"
"Sing it, Mom." Candy quickly interjected, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
"No Candy, I couldn't possi-"
"Pleaseee?" The young girl insisted.
She met her eyes, and knew she couldn't say no.
"Alright, but don't expect it to be perfect," Carolyn had begun to say.
"I don't mind, go on!" Candy said eagerly.
Her mother paused her sewing, long enough for her to catch the second part of the melody.
"The very thought of you," She sang.
Her voice reverberated into the room. Its timbre was utterly mellifluous, reminding him of pink silk as he listened, captivated.
"And I forget to do, those little ordinary things, that everyone ought to do." A half smile found its way to her lips, as her eyes sparkled in the firelight, "I'm living in, a kind of daydrean. I'm happy as a Queen. Though foolish it may seem to be, its everything. The mere idea of you, the longing here for you. You'll never know, how slow, the moments go, till I'm near to you..."
Candy watched with eyes full of awe at her mother, as Carolyn smiled at her daughter.
"I see your face, in every flower; your eyes and stars above. Its just, the thought of you. The very thought of you, my love."
The song ended and was quickly followed by a hearty round of applause from Candy.
"That was so beautiful Mommy!" She said with excitement.
"Thank you, darling." Carolyn replied, playfully bowing at her; at the moment, only visible audience. Completely unaware of the invisible one that stared at her with deep reverence and admiration.
The Captain watched the two exchange in giddy converse, as Carolyn continued with her sewing.
Candy was still fumbling with her transistor, in search for a steadier radio station, when suddenly a blast of salsa music filled the room.
The Captain grimaced at the loudness.
"Hey what is this song?" Asked Candy.
The entirety of the room was suddenly engulfed with an exotic beat; coming in with increasing gradiation in melody, like a tropical heat wave.
"I hate that song." Grumbled the Captain to himself, in spite of never having heard it before. Its loudness highly offending him.
And to his surprise, Carolyn exclaimed, "I know this song!"
Slowly the beat could no longer be ignored as Carolyn Muir started swaying to the rhythm.
"Its called 'Salsa'," She answered her daughter, snipping a loose piece of thread from the cloth she was handling.
"You're supposed to dance to this beat?" Candy asked, with bemused perplexity.
Carolyn turned to her daughter, setting down the scissors and needle on the table.
"Of course you do!" She said with vigour as she chuckled lightly at Candy's expression.
"I'll show you." Said Mrs. Muir with a deliciously cheeky grin.
Candy was then filled with alacrity, as she stood up to make space for her mother on their living room floor.
The music was reaching its height, as Carolyn Muir made her way to the center of the room.
Kicking her shoes aside, she started to dance.
Her body moved with exact timing to the beat. Her feet were agile and precise, as her delicate hips shook from side to side; extending one leg to the left, then to the right. Then making a quick turn, returning to her pace of movement. She then extended her leg to the back, right leg first, then left. Never once did she lose her stance and posture; elegantly moving her body with ease.
Both Candy and the Captain watched with mouths proverbially dropped to the floor.
To him, the dance was shockingly scandalous.
He should say something.
The Captain thought.
It was highly unsuitable for a mother of two, to be dancing that way in front of her daughter. But then again, judging from Candy Muir's astounded expression, the effect was completely the opposite.
Still. He really should say something.
But the Captain, in spite of his prudish tendencies(in some aspects with regards as to how a lady should behave,), surreptitiously enjoyed watching this side of Mrs. Muir.
The music seemed to bring another part of her, resurfacing as though it had been hidden. As the music continued, he dismissed his earlier judgement of it as being noise, he found himself actually enjoying it.
It was primal, feral - almost. The melody was filled with an inescapable purpose, save only to be tangled within it. He was unsure what the singer was chanting, but even he was mesmerized. Though, he was more mesmerized with the sensational creature dancing along to it.
He pondered heavily on what made her look so different as she danced it. He watched her movements carefully from head to toe, a saucy glint in her eyes.
He felt a shiver of desire go through him, and he shuddered inwardly.
What made her seem so...
It was then he realized it.
Sensual.
That was the word.
Every single part of that word was the only adjective he could think of, that could encompass effectively his realization.
He then suddenly remembered, very briefly, a fellow seaman such as himself.
He was a wealthy merchant from Arabia, who sailed on a great ship and was very insistent on bringing his harem along in his travels. All of them each a tantalizing beauty, and possessed great talent in the art of belly-dancing.
But he soon realized, they all paled in comparison to the woman who now captivated his eyes.
As the song came to an end, Carolyn collapsed onto the nearest couch in a fit of giggles.
"Mommy, where did you learn to dance like that?" Candy said, her voice full of amazement.
"I used to take classes in ballroom dancing when I was in College for the summer," Answered Carolyn in between laughs, then added, "Oh Candy, I haven't danced that way for the longest time."
"You sure dance great Mom." Marveled Candy affectionately at her mother.
"Thank you, dear." Said Carolyn with a smile full of joy and gratitude. "I still can't believe you convinced me to do that!"
"Awww come on Mom, watching you dance beats the heck out of watching television!"
They broke into peals of laughter.
After a short while, as their mirth subsided, Carolyn glanced at her wristwatch and realized it was already thirty minutes past nine.
"I think you should start getting ready for bed sweetie, its getting late, and you still have school tomorrow." Her mother announced as she got up from the couch.
"Awww Mom, can't I stay up late just this one? PLEASE?" Pleaded Candy.
"Not if you want to remain this height for a long time." Teased Carolyn.
"Awwww Mom..." Mumbled Candy unhappily as she picked up her transistor radio and exited the room.
Carolyn shook her head fondly at her daughter as she went about the business of cleaning up in the living room.
"I rather enjoyed that little number you performed, Madame." The Captain's baritone timbre echoed, as he rematerialized himself into the room instantaneously.
Carolyn glanced upwards from picking up discarded pieces of cloth. Her cheeks flushed.
"You...saw that?"
"Yes, indeed so." He replied with a taunt. "Oh, you needn't be embaressed my dear. You are quite an exquisite dancer if I may say so myself."
Carolyn supressed a smile, "Thank you, Captain." She looked at him carefully, noticing the same look he had, when they were in serious converse in the Wheelhouse not long ago, "Was there something you wished to discuss Captain?"
His eyes met hers with gentle intent. "Yes, Madame. As a matter of fact, I wanted to ask you if you would be so kind to grace me with the pleasure of your company, on a leisurely walk on the beach?"
She smiled fully this time, "I'd love to Captain."
A/N: Hello my lovelies, hope you enjoyed this first Chapter. I'm not exactly sure how long this one will be, but I'm currently having so much fun writing for this lovely couple. Reviews are welcome and most importantly, greatly appreciated. Any typoes will be corrected. Happy Reading and God Bless!
I do NOT own anything.