A/N: Italics = mental dialogues...and dreams in this section. Hope y'all enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters and I also don't own the song.
never been kissed: thanks, glad you're still enjoying it.
"Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better. Remember to let her into your heart, then you can start to make it better."
Natalia looked up at the figure walking down the beach towards her, focused entirely on the song filling the silence. As the figure approached the song seemed to vibrate through out the air. "No one ever sang that to me but you."
"I know."
"I miss you, I miss you so much."
"I know Tal, I miss you too."
"Why did you leave me? Why did you go?"
"I had to honey. But you know, I didn't really have much of a choice in the matter."
The figure sank to her knees on the sand next to Natalia, "I love you Tal, I always have and I always, always will. And I know you don't want to hear this, but you've got to let go of me."
"No. I can't and I won't."
"Princess, listen to me okay? It's been ten years, you can't use me as a shield for the rest of your life." Natalia looked up as the figure laid her hand over Natalia's heart. "Tal I will always be in here, and I'm never going to leave, but you deserve happiness. And yes, what we had was amazing but there's so much more out there for you. Before you object… she loves you Tal. There's room in your heart for both of us. It's not a matter of replacing me, just moving on."
"I love you."
"I know." J.R. smiled and stroked Natalia's cheek softly. "Let her in Princess, she'll be good for you, I promise. It's not a betrayal to my memory to love again. I love you Tal, I always will. I've got to go. There's another stop I have to make tonight."
"Don't leave me?"
"I'll always be in your heart Princess." With that J.R. leaned forward and pressed her lips softly against Natalia's. "Always."
Natalia opened her eyes and looked around the tent. Hearing only the sounds of the night and Calleigh's gentle breathing, she snuggled up closer to Calleigh and fell into a deep dreamless sleep listening to the sound of Calleigh's heartbeat.
Calleigh sat atop a jungle gym that no longer existed and watched as a six-year-old version of Natalia spun around the swing set dressed as a princess. Calleigh couldn't help but smile, enjoying the chance to watch the young girl.
"Beautiful isn't she?"
Startled, Calleigh looked up at the woman who was quite suddenly siting next to her.
"I think I loved her even then."
"J.R.?"
"The one and only."
"Why are you here?"
"Because the both of you are being blind to opportunities. Tal because she's afraid that by loving you she'll betray me. And you because you're afraid that by loving her you'll hurt her and get her into something she's not ready for."
"But-"
"This is one of my favorite places you know, even in death. I played on this jungle gym as a child. I proposed to Tal here. Sitting right where we are now. I was devastated when they tore it down. Well as devastated as a dead person can be… I'm sorry, I still get caught up in the memories."
"It's okay."
"You're not crazy. Granted you're talking to the dead, but you're not crazy. She loves you. I know you love her. I want her to be happy. I know you're the one that will make sure she is."
"How do you know?"
"That's an interesting question. I don't have magical abilities. I can't see the future, but I have a great view of the past. You two were made for each other. I would have made her happy, but you'll make her complete."
"What do I do?"
"Love her. Plain and simple. Be there when she hurts. Wipe away the tears when she cries. Make her laugh on a bad day. Tell her the truth. Be her friend. It's that simple. She loves you as you are, without demands or stipulations. She doesn't need huge extravagant gestures, though she won't turn them down. Be yourself."
"That's it?"
"That's it. You're all she needs"
"J.R. … thank you."
"You're welcome. Just make her happy. Oh, and Calleigh…"
"Yeah?"
"Speed says hi."
Calleigh looked up in surprise as J.R. walked away
"Hey Jude, don't be afraid. You were made to go out and get her. The minute you let her under your skin, then you begin to make it better."
Calleigh awoke with a start. She smiled at the weight of Natalia on top of her, running her fingers through Natalia's hair slowly. "I love you, and soon I'll tell you for real." Calleigh soon fell back into a deep dreamless sleep.
A few hours later Calleigh and Natalia woke wrapped up in each others arms. Neither was all that willing to move. They laid there together a few more minutes, both drawing comfort from the contact.
"Morning Talia." Before Calleigh could stop herself she leaned forward pressing a soft kiss on Natalia's lips. "What do you say we get up and head to the beach?"
Natalia was so caught up in the brief sensation of Calleigh's lips on hers that she could do nothing but nod. Calleigh smiled and exited the tent quietly. Natalia stared up at the ceiling of the tent, instantly missing the warmth that Calleigh provided. Sighing softly she gathered herself together and made her way out of the tent to join Calleigh for breakfast.
The two ate a quick breakfast of fruit and cereal before changing for the beach. While Natalia packed a bag with towels and a few other items, Calleigh put together a small cooler with bottled water and some snacks. And before they knew it the women were walking hand in hand towards the beach. Neither commented on the slight changes in their relationship, and the more intimate touches, they were content to let things lay as they were.
Natalia smiled, glancing over at Calleigh as they walked. The view was certainly one to be enjoyed as Calleigh wore a pair of red swim shorts and a blank tank top. Calleigh enjoyed the chance to look Natalia over as well, cut off jean shorts that fit her perfectly and a white tank top had Natalia looking as stunning as ever.
Reaching the deck they walked down the stairs slowly, enjoying the peace and quiet of the nearly empty beach this early in the day. Within the hour families and teenagers and young couples would be converging upon the beach like stoners on a free bag of weed, but for now the beach was theirs. Kicking off their flip flops at the bottom of the stairs they made their way across the hot sand, picking a spot near the water, but obscured from the main section of beach by a slight puff of dune grass.
Towels were spread out, sunscreen applied and clothes dropped. Calleigh tossed her tank top on her towel, showing off the simple black bikini top that had been hidden underneath. Once Natalia had the chance to remove her jaw from the ground she dropped her shorts and tank next to Calleigh's revealing her perfectly designed sky blue bikini that perfectly accentuated her flawless skin.
Moments later both women were waist deep in the frigid water. Calleigh playfully splashed Natalia, swerving a moment later to avoid the returned splash. The women frolicked and splashed, pushing and pulling on each other, and in their attempts and activities forgot how chilled they really were. Their playful movements and the simple presence of each other warmed their bodies. At one point Natalia dashed back up to their towels and grabbed the Frisbee that had been purchased the day before. She sent it hurtling through the air in Calleigh's general direction. Calleigh in her attempt to catch the flying pink disc stretched for it and found herself sputtering in the water up to her neck.
"Oops?"
"Nice throw Nat."
The game of frisbee commenced with both women doing their best to make sure their companion ended up immersed more often than not. Calleigh was much more interested in watching Natalia stretch and reach for the frisbee than she was in making good throws. As for Natalia, the image of Calleigh dripping wet demanded all of her attention.
Calleigh waded through the water, making her way over to Natalia. "You know it's freezing out here?"
"I've noticed."
With just a simple elegant smile Calleigh took Natalia's hand and led her to the shore. Moments later the women had stretched out on their towels, allowing the sun to dry and warm their dripping bodies. The women were content to lay their next to each other listening to the waves hit the sand. Unfortunately, their bubble of solitude was burst when a gaggle of teenage boys raced past, their shouts breaking the silence. Calleigh propped herself up on her elbows and glared at the passing forms. Her sigh was echoed by a more internal one, "That you?" "You have other voices that pop into your head when they aren't wanted?" "No" "Well then Sherlock it's me ain't it." "Har har." "Enjoying the beach?" "I'm enjoying the company more." "I'm assuming you don't mean me." "Nope." "Glad you're finally admitting it. So what excuse are you going to use next to get close to her?" "I don't know yet." "Build her a castle." "What?" "Every princess needs a castle"
"Hey Talia?"
"Hm?"
"Did you bring the bucket and the shovel?"
"In the bag."
"Thanks!"
Natalia looked up as Calleigh grabbed the bucket and shovel and headed to the water to fill the bucket. She couldn't help but focus on the way Calleigh moved and how her muscles flexed. It took all her strength not to reach out and touch and stroke the skin that so appealed to her. She focused her gaze on Calleigh's hands, watching how they formed and sculpted the sand. As Calleigh formed walls and doors, windows and stairs, Natalia formed an image of Calleigh.
Each movement Calleigh made was echoed in Natalia's mind. Though In her mind Calleigh's hands were on her. She watched Calleigh move and had to bite back a moan imagining those hands on her. Calleigh looked up, caught Natalia's eye and grinned. Natalia smiled and moved over to help build the castle, hoping it would distract her from Calleigh's hands.
Unfortunately for Calleigh the increased proximity played havoc with her control. It took all her power to avoid reaching out for Natalia. "I know you want to take it slow with her, but don't go so slow you go backwards." "What do you suggest?" "Something sweet and romantic, but easy to manage while you're camping." "I have the perfect idea."
Calleigh looked up at Natalia, "I know we're here together and we're eating together anyway, but would you have dinner with me tonight? After the sunset?"
Natalia looked down trying to hide the blush, "Of course."
Calleigh smiled brightly at Natalia reaching out to brush a sand-covered hand across her cheek. "Good, after the sunset why don't you shower and get dressed and I'll be ready when you get back?"
"Sounds like a plan."
