Title: Blood Lost – Chapter 3
Author: Romantique (The Original)
Classification: John/Diana but the Rayburn family is here.
Rating: M for language, drinking, drugs, suggestive sexual situations. The F Bomb is dropped frequently. This is Bloodline, after all.
Summary: Takes place at the end of Season 1, exploring the aftermath of a Rayburn's death, and the arrival of his unknown son.
Disclaimer: MAJOR SEASON 1 SPOILERS. This Bloodline fan fiction occurs after Season 1. If you haven't watched, you've been warned.
Legal: These characters do not belong to me. I'm just a fan and have not made a dime. Please email me to obtain permission to post.
o-o-o-O-o-o-o
The two men jogged for about 15 minutes, slowed it down to a fast walk, and then to a slower walk. All the while, John was breathing heavier than Kevin and coughing up a lot of phlegm. He drank his water.
"You doing okay over there, old man?" Kevin teased, hiding his concern for John's blood pressure.
"Yeah," John panted and coughed some more. "Told you it's been awhile. Diana made me promise to run this running routine by the doctor. I told her I would."
"A wise thing to do," Kevin agreed. "And as long as we keep at it, this is the worst part about running. Getting started. Before you know it? We'll be sprinting."
The two walked back to Kevin's shop where John grabbed his suit and Dopp kit out of his car. Kevin let John shower first. Once John was out and dressed, Kevin asked, "Want another water? Need to keep hydrated today so we don't get sore."
"Uh, yeah," John answered.
Kevin passed him a water and then said, "Here, catch. It's a protein bar. They're pretty good. Belle buys them at Costco. You might want to pick some up for yourself."
"Thanks, Kev," John said with a smile. "Better than my usual donut. I'll eat it in the car on my way to the station. Want to do this again, tomorrow morning?"
Kevin laughed. "You actually eat donuts?" He was thinking about the typical cop stereotype of coffee and donuts.
John winced, having heard the joke a thousand times.
"But seriously? About tomorrow? That's the plan, man," Kevin smiled. "One down."
John reached out to give his brother a hug. "One down."
o-o-o-O-o-o-o
Later that day, John stopped by the hospital and waited to see Dr. Hennessey.
"Detective Rayburn. I didn't expect to see you again." The good doctor was referring to night John recently checked himself out of the hospital AMA, Against Medical Advice. The day he killed Danny.
Normally, Dr. Hennessey wouldn't waste his busy schedule with a patient who did what John did. He'd refer the patient on, but this was a member of the Rayburn family, respected benefactors of the hospital.
"Yeah, and Doc, I sincerely apologize for that. We had too much stressful family stuff going on at that time."
"I gathered as much," the doctor nodded. "From your mother. And I read the papers."
"Things are a little quieter now," John tried to explain. "I've decided to take my health more seriously, make it a priority. And I want to get back into a running routine which is what I was used to, several years ago. I'd like your help in helping me do that."
"The tests we ran when you were here? Everything came back normal. But that doesn't mean you still don't need to keep your blood pressure in good control. Uncontrolled hypertension can do permanent damage to your blood vessels and your heart. It can cause a stroke or a heart attack. You're at an even higher risk for stroke now, because of your father's history."
"I know that." John became sheepish. "I also know that as I become more physically fit and as I lose a few pounds, my medication may need to be adjusted."
"That's true."
"And that's where I'd like you to come in," John said, talking with his hands. "I mean, you're the best there is around here. I'd like you to make sure my idea of a running program is a sound one. Check me at regular intervals to see if my medication dosage is okay."
The doctor began to be at better ease with the man standing before him, a different man than the one he treated in the hospital. "Running can be good, for some patients. But before I would recommend a running program for you? I'd like for you to do one other test. A cardio stress test."
"Okay," John said, remembering he did one of these a few years back for a physical for the Department. He passed with flying colors. "How soon could we get that scheduled? I'm leaving on a short vacation on Friday, and I was hoping to at least get that much done before I left."
"I don't know," the doctor was encouraged, as he seemed to have a more cooperative, motivated patient. "Come with me, and we'll find out. You can schedule the stress test and a follow up appointment."
o-o-o-O-o-o-o
It was Friday morning, and John was packing up the car while he backed Diana up with last minute instructions to the kids.
"There's plenty of food in the fridge and the freezer. And we left some money with Mama Ray if you need it. You got your allowances for the week," Diana was mentally going down her list. "And when I call to check in? I expect you to pick up."
"Got it," Janie rolled her eyes. "It's not as if you never left us on our own before."
"Not in a long time," John chimed in. "And I want to add that I've already talked to the neighbors. They are to call me if there are any parties or people over here who don't belong while we're not home. Meaning anyone other than the two of you. It's fine if you want to stay at the Inn after school or over the weekend. That's between you and your grandmother. But you two still need to make sure Surf is walked, fed, and let out every day. Do a good job, and I'll make it worth your while in your allowances next week."
"Don't worry," Ben said, a little more mature than his sister. "We got this. Dad, you go and relax and have a good time. You need this."
"Yeah," John nodded. "I feel like I do. And just so you know? It's not you kids who mostly stress me out."
Janie have her Daddy a hug around his neck. "Thanks for telling us that."
John hugged her back and kissed her on the cheek. "You're welcome and no boyfriend in the house when we're not home," he reiterated.
"I got it," Janie smiled, a little irritated, but expecting no less.
John then gave his son a hug and a handshake. Diana followed suit. Then, John turned to his wife. "I think we got everything. You ready?"
"Yes, I think we are."
o-o-o-O-o-o-o
Driving up Highway 1, once they were out of Islamorada and on their way for the 90-minute drive to Miami, John sprung a surprise on Diana. "We're comped over at The Palms. Beachfront room."
"Really?" Diana was impressed. "You actually got a room with this little notice."
"It's off-season. And yep. It was Mom's suggestion. We did an off-season trade between them and the Inn. The room, meals, room service, spa services for the two of us. Maybe you'd like to be the one to be massaged for a change. We pay for nothing unless we want a night on the town or something like that."
"That was so nice of Sally to do that," Diana smiled.
John felt guilty taking it from his mother, but he also didn't want it to appear that anything was abnormal by not taking it.
"No, she was all for it," John reported. "I think any chance to mother her grandchildren is what's in it for her." After a moment of silence, he added, "I saw Dr. Hennessey this week. He had me do a cardiac stress test yesterday. Only thing that came out of it was he wrote me a prescription for an inhaler to use before I go for a run. He said I probably wouldn't have to use it for long. And, of course, he told me to ease up on the salt shaker. I have a follow up appointment in a month to check my med dosage. I'm to do daily blood pressure checks and bring the log to him to review. I brought my meter and the inhaler with me."
"Wow, John. You are full of surprises this morning. I'm impressed with this turnaround in you."
"I don't think I would have done it, if you hadn't put your foot down," he confessed. "You were right, and I want to thank you for that."
Diana snuggled closer towards her husband. She wove her arm through his and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I've told you this before. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you. I love you so much, John."
Eyes on the highway, he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "I love you, too."
Snuggling in a little closer, she continued, "You too important to me and to the kids. To the family. The town. I've been so worried about you since Robert died. And then, Danny? It's been too much."
"It has been too much. But the dark storms are passed us now, and there's clear sailing ahead." John laughed. "At least for the next five days."
o-o-o-O-o-o-o
They made it to South Miami without hitting too much traffic and were checked into their room. It turned out to be a suite on the third floor. It had a balcony and overlooked the Gulf and the white sands of the hotel's private beach.
"This is absolutely beautiful," Diana remarked upon seeing the spectacular view and the luxurious décor and fabrics in their spacious room. The attention to details in the kitchen and in the parlor, a phone in the bathroom that had a whirlpool tub big enough for two, the high quality soaps and lotions from local vendors she was familiar. And a basket of flowers, wine, fruits, and chocolates from Sally on the counter with a card that simply read, "Have Fun."
She walked over to the balcony. The drapes were wide open. She opened the door and closed the screen to let in the salty ocean air.
John tipped the bellman, who sat their luggage on the stands in the closets, and locked the door. He joined his wife in taking it all in. "This is nice."
"I'll say," Diana smiled. "It will be nice to be pampered for five days." Then, she asked, "What do you want to do first?"
He turned to her and took her in his arms and gazed in her eyes. "Make love with my wife."
The two headed towards the bed and went at it in a heated frenzy, as if they hadn't been together in months. At least not spontaneously. Clothes went flying, in an almost desperate need to reach their pent up release. It's as if they were starving . . . for private intimacy. The session was intense but too fast, the way it is with married couples who have kids in the house and grab sex whenever and wherever they can.
John was breathing, heavily.
"Maybe you need to use that inhaler before sex, too," Diana teased.
"Maybe it's like running, and you and I need a lot of practice over the next five days." He rolled over on his side, facing her. "Damn, Diana. When's the last time we could just have sex without it being scheduled? We're like trained mice. You know, like those mice that run around a maze in those Skinner box experiments?"
"I know," she said. "It's far from ideal."
"Yeah, but we've made it work." John reached down and grabbed the sheet and covered them both. Diana snuggled into his arms. She loved his smell.
Once his breathing returned to normal, he cupped her face in her hands and gently kissed her mouth. Their tongues melded and their kissing languished at a deliciously slow pace. Diana wrapped her leg around his waist and drew herself closer to him. Her breasts pressed against his chest, her pelvis pressed against his. As they kissed, his hands roamed to find the fullness of her breasts, and hers reached down to find his manhood. She slowly stroked him with her finger tips, as their kissing deepened, and he came alive again.
They continued like this for a long time, allowing their passions to slowly rebuild. They began to move against the other, and John reached down and took his time to make sure she was ready. Soon, she let out little moans, as she moved against his fingers. They continued like this until he felt her go over the edge, pulsing in rhythms. He moved on top and began to move slowly. It was like surfing. All he had to do was to be patient and wait for her pleasure waves to subside, for her catch the right wave and wait for it to slow before moving again, and he did. Familiar with their rhythms, Diana wrapped both legs around him and moved against him, as the need to release came closer. Taking their time, they slowed everything down and then, rode the waves again . . . doing this over and over again until the waves built to a point where she could hold on no more.
"John!" she cried, going over the edge and taking him with her. The waves crashed over them. They clung to one other, breathless, as if their desires were released back to the outgoing tide.
"Wow . . .," Diana whispered, still shaking.
"That's . . . what I'm talking about," John also spoke in a winded whisper.
"Like riding a bicycle," she giggled.
"Only a lot more fun," he concurred, holding her closer, waiting for their shaking to still. "I think my blood pressure lowered 20 points."
"I'm glad." She hugged him tight and kissed his chest. "I love you."
"I love you, too," he squeezed her in his arms and closer to the radiating warmth of his body.
The two soon drifted off to sleep together to the sound of crashing waves outside their room.
(To be continued . . .)