A few things to note: I tried thinking of items that made sense that they could find on the island. Things that might have been left there - over time - by others. I'm happy with the choices I made . I hope the readers are. Also, I realize that sea glass isn't necessarily sharp... But, roll with it, will you?
CHAP
"Dean?! What are you doing?" Emma discovered him, knee deep in a hole in the in the jungle, digging with the broken ore. "I'm digging a hole." He grunted as he worked.
"I can see that. What for?"
"We need some meat protein. So, I'm going to catch one of those wild pigs that comes through this path." He replied, huffing as he scooped. "Oh, like a trap! Cover the hole with leaves and things. Then, lure the animal over it to fall in the pit?"
"Exactly! Hopefully it works." "Awesome! You want help?" "Nah, no use in both of us getting dirty. Well, scratch that - can you gather branches and things to cover this with?" He asked when he stopped to think.
"Sure" she smiled at him and was off.
By the time she finished gathering things to make a canopy for the trap; Dean was finished digging his hole. He covered it and told Emma to climb the nearest tree to see if she could see anything coming.
"There's one coming this way!" She excitedly called out. Dean grabbed his spear and saw the tips of the animals ears bobbing as it trotted along the path. He quickly unpeeled a banana and tossed broken chunks on the ground leading directly to the trap. Offering up a a silent prayer; he hid behind the tree Emma had climbed up. The animal was too hungry not to take the bait and walked right into the trap. It squealed loudly as it thrashed and flailed; trying it get out if the pit.
The site and sound was breaking Emma's heart. "Quick Dean! Do it now. It's scared and suffering!" Dean tossed the spear with a hard grunt; killing the animal instantly.
Emma had never been hunting; seen an animal killed up close - or killed anything larger than a spider herself. Offering "thank you's" to Dean, God - and the pig. 'We appreciate your life and sacrifice. Thank you for feeding us.' she mumbled as she climbed down the tree; her heart pounding. Dean jumped into the pit to get the dead animal.
He petted the pig and offered his own 'thank you' before he picked it up and hoisted it over his shoulders to carry to the beach.
She followed close behind as Dean carried the carcass back to shore - blood dripping all down his back with each step he took.
His first attempt at butchering was a horrible mess. But with practice; he would improve, eventually. "You're a mess. You look like a serial killer." Emma chuckled, pointing at him. Dean shrugged in agreement and walked past Emma - towards the ocean to wash up.
"You coming?" It wasn't so much a question, as a request. "Surf's not too bad, and I could use the company. We could work on your underwater skills."
"Fine" Emma didn't put up a fight. 'He's determined to get me to like the ocean.' She thought, taking his blood smeared hand and walking towards the water.
"You ready? Now take a deep breath. I won't let go of your hand. I promise." Dean smiled and kissed her before they each took a huge breath and swam through the clear water, down towards the coral reef.
Dean looked at Emma and smiled. She smiled back in kind, making him happy. He tugged on her hand leading her around. Then, they made their way back to the surface.
"It's so pretty down there. So clear." She was amazed. "It's great isn't it. You did it. I'm proud of you." He beamed. "Wanna go again?" "Okay".
By her forth time down. Emma was no longer holding Dean's hand; and she was able to stay down longer. This allowed Dean to leave her side and explore the reef and collect some more shellfish.
Xxxx
The following day was too cold and windy at the beach. It didn't look like rain was coming, though. So, the two of them decided to spend time inland at the meadow. They packed some food and water and had a little picnic - of sorts - in the tall grass. Dean brought the books and read as Emma lay on her stomach on the blankets, daydreaming. Dean used Emma's rear end as a pillow. It was just a nice relaxing time for the two of them.
"Dean, have you ever been to summer camp?" Emma propped herself up onto her elbows. "When I was a kid, once. Why?" He replied, stopping mid-sentence.
"The one I went to had this nightly ritual called 'devotions'. Basically, you just list the things you were grateful for that day, or week." "Like a gratitude journal?" He asked.
"Yeah, I suppose. Only spoken. I always liked that. Maybe we could start our own. If you want?" "Sounds good. It's better to concentrate on the positive things we have anyway."
Xxxx
"Morning beautiful. Time to get up." Dean whispered into her ear, kissing Emma's bare shoulder. "I have a surprise for you...wake up."
She rubbed her eyes and turned her body towards his voice. "Morning to you. What's up?" She asked.
"I don't know what the 'exact' date is; but isn't it your birthday - give or take?" "How do you know when my birthday is? I never told you."
"I remember one time; your click of girlfriends decorated your school locker. Plus, your birthday is close to my Mom's." Emma blushed at the sweet knowledge that he even noticed. Sophomore year Emma's two best friends made a sign and taped it, and a few small balloons, to the outside of her locker. The school made her take it all down by 3rd period. So, she wasn't even sure how Dean saw it in the first place. As she usually didn't see him in the halls by her locker until after 5th period.
"Close your eyes and come with me." he guided her outside, "Okay, you can look now. He'd prepared breakfast for her. All her favorite foods, garnished with edible flowers.
"Wow! Thank you" she hugged and kissed him tenderly. "I also offer my services to you for the whole day - as your personal servant. Whatever you need done, I'll do it." She giggled and smiled at him. "That's very generous. You sure about that?" She asked.
"Oh, also, hold out your hands." he smiled and place eight multi-colored pearls in her open palm. "For your collection. I'll put them away for you. Sit down and eat." So far, Emma had about twelve pearls safely tucked away in the trunk.
Dean returned and sat beside her by the fire pit. "What's the first thing you want to do today?" "The laundry needs to be done..." She sighed. "I said... what do you WANT to do today? I can handle that." he corrected.
"Well, I was going to condition my hair. It's so dry, it's breaking. Beyond that... I'll have to think."
Dean suggested they start by taking a walk and they ended up spending several hours strolling the island. Hand in hand.
Emma picked flowers at the meadow and they sat munching on dried pork, just chatting - while she wove the flowers into a wreath necklace. It was a very low key - enjoyable time. When the sun was right overhead; Dean suggested they go to the lagoon. With him carrying their washable items; they made their way.
"If we were back home. I'd have a spa day." she explained as she followed close behind him along the - now well defined trail through the jungle. "I think I could manage a massage." He replied. Emma squealed with delight, making him smile.
"I can do the laundry later. What can I help you with first?" he asked."Foot rub?" She asked. Dean spent the next half hour or so working on her feet. "You've done this before. Haven't you?" She stated.
"Nah, don't think so. Why?" "You're just good, is all. You have the magic touch."
"What's next?" he asked. "Hair, I've made this aloe-avocado-coconut pulp concoction that I'm hoping will soften my hair. My ends are so dry. I should really cut them; but I'm afraid to cut my hair." she explained, showing him the paste she'd made.
"How'd you make this?" Dean asked, smelling the pasty glob.
"It took forever to mash up the coconut so that there weren't any bits left. I wanted it smooth. Just pounded it between two rocks over, and over - and over!" She smiled proudly. "Cool. Well, I can handle that for you." She gave him a skeptical glare.
"I want to do it. You can trust me?" he affirmed. "I do trust you." she said, turning her back to him. "Relax. Let your head drop." He placed the small towel over her shoulders and worked the paste into her hair; starting at the ends. "Ever had a scalp massage?" he asked.
"Yes, love them." he worked his figure tips in a circular motion all over her scalp for a couple of minutes; then gathered her hair up and twisted it into a bun high on her head.
"All done?" she asked. He knelt down to rinse his hands in the water and she kissed him on the cheek. He smiled and kissed her shoulder. "How long do you want to leave that in?" he asked.
"No idea. We should do the laundry while it sets. It'll get done faster if we do it together, Dean." He tried insisting she let him handle it. 'Can't fight that logic'.
The blankets took the longest to rinse out as they had to twist them - repeatedly - to get the excess water out before laying them to dry. They had cut the arms off of the men's jacket and used those as pouches to carry picked fruit. They simply tied one end off making a long pouch. The rest of the jacket was just used as needed. All-in-all, they finished the laundry in about half an hour.
"You want that back massage now?" He asked. "Yeah! If you're offering?" She smiled.
While he turned away; she removed her camisole top and laid face down on the warm rocks. "Can I use some of your paste?" He asked, helping himself. Emma just nodded.
"You do have magic hands." She sighed happily. "Do you have anything to compare my skills to?" He asked.
"I do. Mom and I have had many spa days. It's kinda 'our thing'."
Feeling a little sad at the memories; Emma didn't speak again. She just closed her eyes and enjoyed the pampering. After about ten more minutes she said, "You can stop anytime you want. I'm good." She was nearly asleep; she was so relaxed. "Come on. Come lay here with me for a bit." she smiled and patted the space beside her.
"You're having a nice day then?" he asked, laying on his side - facing her - with his head propped up on his hand. "Oh yes, all things considered. I am. I don't even miss not having a birthday cake." she told him, squinting her eyes to look at him. Dean shifted slightly; blocking her eyes from the sun and Emma smiled. "That would be a pretty tall order, yes." He reasoned.
"It's just as well. I'd eat the whole thing myself anyway, and get really fat." she grinned, puffing out her cheeks, then smiling at him.
He laughed and poked her in the rib lightly, making her squirm a little. "You have a sweet tooth then?" he asked, playing with one of the ties on her bikini bottoms. "You have no idea. I'm actually surprised I don't weight, like, a thousand pounds already! It's a good thing the only sweet things we have here are fruit." she said. "Back home, I had to constantly work out to offset the junk food I ate. It's my one weakness. Especially when I'm stressed." She added.
"You always looked so fit." Dean replied, while looking over Emma's toned body. "I had to work for it." Emma told him, eyes closed, enjoying the warmth of the sun shining down on her back.
Neither of them spoke for a while. Dean continued to play with the strings on her bikini bottoms - eventually untying one side altogether.
"I felt that. Is someone in a hurry?" she asked, as he lightly kneaded her left butt cheek. "Maybe a little. Too early?"
"Not necessarily. Have you ever heard of a 'nooner'?" she winked and they broke out in a fit of giggles for ten minutes before she jumped up and into the lagoon. Losing her bikini bottoms in the process. Dean jumped in after her and they had a splash fight. Eventually, Emma surrendered (she always did) and Dean wrapped himself around her; nuzzling her neck for a bit before he helped her rinse the remaining paste out of her hair.
Once out of the water, Emma wrapped the cotton shawl around herself; tucking the ends into her cleavage. While Dean put his shorts back on; and gathered the dry laundry.
"Let's get back to the beach. I want to start dinner." "Why the rush?" "I want to try out a meal I've been thinking about and it could take a while... Or fail."
"You want help? It is your 'maybe birthday', after all." "No, you've already done so much for me today. Thank you! I want to do this for you." She enveloped him in a hug and kissed him deeply. Dean responded by grabbing her butt with both hands and giving it a squeeze.
"Ah!" she squealed and smiled.
X
With her insistence; Dean went for a walk while Emma prepared dinner. He was only making her nervous anyway, trying to help. Once he was gone she was able to relax and get to work.
"It looks and smells great, Em." "I hope it tastes good? Sit. I wrapped the fish in seaweed for flavor. I made a salad of sliced avocado, pineapple, coconut, edible flowers and leaves." "Plus, there's some pork broth." She smiled proudly as they sat down to eat.
"Oh, this is good!" "Really?" "Don't you think so, Emma?" "I guess. Yeah."
"We'll, I'm impressed. Thank you." He leaned over to kiss her. "Thank you for today. It was wonderful" She replied, kissing him back.
"Will you go get some more water while I clean up this stuff?"
"Ugh, fine. Ruin the moment why don't you." He groaned. "I'll be waiting for you. I promise." She winked.
As promised: she was waiting for him inside their shelter. He found her sitting with her back to him. She was humming softly and brushing out her hair. Dean sat down behind her, taking the brush from her hand. "Let me" he whispered in her ear. She smiled. "Told you I'd be waiting." She spoke softly.
"You smell so good." He hummed into her ear as he ran the brush through her fragrant hair. "It's the paste." She replied. Emma's breathing slowed down as her body melted into his. "This is nice." She sighed leaning into his chest.
He stopped to kiss her shoulder. "Would you like to take a walk on the beach?" He whispered into her ear, kissing it.
"Sure. That would be nice." Dean smiled, standing up and holding his hand out for her. "A moonlit walk on a beautiful beach is very romantic." She sighed resting her head on his shoulder as they strolled.
The evening air was warm with a slight breeze that made strands of Emma's hair dance. The orange sun was just about to set. The sky was still several different shades of orange and purple. They walked leisurely along the shore; letting the low tide water wash over their bare feet. "Water's really warm. Want to go for a dip before it gets too dark?"
"Sure" she replied with a dazed smile. Removing what little they had on; they walked - hands clasped - into the warm ocean water. When they were almost knee deep; Dean twirled Emma around catching her around the waist, and started to dance with her. She let out a small scream in surprise, then laughed and smiled at him.
"This is nice, thank you" Emma whispered into his ear as they swayed. In response Dean pulled her more tightly to him, kissing the side of her face. "Good. I agree." All too quickly, the surf was up to their thighs and Dean suggested that if they weren't going to swim; they should return to shore and... "Find something else to do" (wink, wink). They broke contact and Emma started making her way back to the beach with Dean following behind her.
"Ah! Hey!?" Emma cried out when Dean splashed salt water at her bare back. She turned toward him and returned fire, giggling. "Whoa, I got you!" she hollered with satisfaction when she landed the perfect splash directly at him.
He wiped the water from his face, smiled wickedly and took off after her. "You're going to get it now!" he charged at her. "No, wait! You started it. That's not fair!" she screamed with laughter as he chased her in circles.
He was inches away from her; when Emma zagged in the direction of the shore. Running, she turned her head to see how close he was to catching up with her and lost her footing, landing on her ass in the hard wet sand with a resounding 'thud'.
Dean ran to her and dropped beside her. "You alright?" he smiled, waiting for her giggles stop so she could answer him. "Yes. Owe! Mostly I just hurt my pride." she panted, collapsing back on the wet sand. "That was fun." Emma smiled up at Dean, digging her fingers and toes into the sand, as the surf washed up onto her legs.
"It was" he agreed, mesmerized by her stunning body glistening in the bright moonlight. Dean leaned over Emma, placing his hand in back of her neck, kissing her passionately on the lips.
"Hmm..." Emma wrapped her arms around his neck; pulling him over top of her. The continued to kiss passionately for several more minutes. Then, Emma opened her legs for Dean.
It was well past dark by the time they went to bed. They were exhausted and completely soaked after a much needed dip in the ocean. "Best 'maybe' birthday EVER!" Emma said, as she fell asleep with a smile on her face.
Xxxx
Without much warning the weather turned exceedingly hot with little to no breeze. It was too hot to tackle much of their usual hunting, fishing, exploring. "I'm melting." Emma moaned. To which Dean agreed.
Hunting in daylight was near impossible as the sun seemed to be 'six hundred zillion degrees' - and blazing right over top of Dean... wherever he went. Even the trek to the lagoon to fish became exhausting.
They tried spending their days here - but, many of the island's predators had the same idea. Feeling unsafe, they only went when they absolutely had to.
Dean and Emma depended mostly on the fruit they could easily pick; and whatever fish he managed to catch - plus their cave stored food supply for nourishment. Now, a month later; their surplus food was almost gone.
"I seriously pray that the weather cools down soon. We only have another couple weeks worth of rations left. Then, I'll have to hunt anything I can find." Dean admitted with a frustrated, worried grunt.
There was also no enjoying the cooler ocean during this time; as they quickly started to burn. They swam only in the evenings. Which Emma hated. But, she didn't want Dean out there alone, either. With little else to do during this hot spell; Emma suggested they try sleeping during as much of the day as they could and move around primarily at sunset. She was exhausted and feeling ill from the heat anyway; and if they couldn't actually sleep - well, resting was good too.
The new routine gave them time to really examine their daily tasks. The each worked on ideas of how to make life better for themselves. Dean spent the time he wasn't sleeping dreaming up new traps to try; and ways to improve their shelter. He managed to fashion a slingshot, and was trying to make a bow.
Mostly, Emma slept. Otherwise, she kept herself busy with 'home ec-ish' type projects. Most of them failed. But, she did make a few grass skirts. Though, not the most comfortable attire. She also helped Dean fortify the roof and make it more sun/rain-proof. She spent many hours weaving large panels for Dean to line the roof with.
They quickly learned to like this nocturnal lifestyle - it was a nice switch.
** sort of a blunt end, I know. The next chapter really gets things going.
