RAIN, RAIN, DON'T GO AWAY
Juliet heard the van approaching but didn't need to investigate who might be driving it.
She kept her eyes toward the ocean but was staring beyond it.
She felt calm and quiet.
"You come here often?" Kate joked as she sat down.
Juliet smiled and turned her head slowly toward Kate, "Yes, actually. I've never seen you here before. You new around here?"
Kate smiled back, "Yes ... actually."
Juliet turned back toward the water, "Sawyer tell you where I was?"
"He didn't have to. I can read your mind, remember?" she joked.
Neither said anything for a bit. The silence made Kate anxious.
She quickly stood. "Maybe I should go. I shouldn't have ... "
Juliet interrupted her, "No. Stay." she said softly.
Kate sat back down.
Their silence was only tolerable to Kate because it was delaying an inevitable conversation she didn't really know how to start or have.
But somebody eventually had to say something. "You ok, Juliet?" she asked.
Juliet looked at her and smiled softly, "Better now."
She looked down at the ground. "You guys coming back - it made me remember how much I wanted to leave. And then on top of that - made me realize there is nothing here for me."
She looked back at Kate, " ... except for you."
Kate's breath caught in her throat.
They shared an extended gaze until they became distracted by a booming clap of thunder.
Seconds later they were in a downpour and dashed toward the van.
"Well," Kate said as she surveyed the visibility through the windshield, "I don't think we're going anywhere until this lets up."
She turned toward Juliet and noticed her shiver.
"I think there's a blanket in here." she said as she climbed into the back.
She rummaged through a pile and found one. "Here." she said as she started to climb back up front.
Juliet stopped her, "I'll come back there. We can share it."
They sat across from each other and leaned back against the sides of the van.
Kate spread the blanket across both of them.
Juliet smiled softly, "Thanks."
Kate was avoiding making eye contact by watching the rain.
Juliet could tell she was nervous.
She leaned forward and put a hand on Kate's knee to get her attention. "Just so you know - I don't expect anything and I certainly don't want either of us to be uncomfortable."
Juliet leaned back and continued, "I've never been attracted to a woman before. I don't know how this works."
She took a deep breath, "And I don't know how you feel so I can just ignore whatev ... "
Kate interrupted her, "I feel ... something, Juliet," she smiled, " ... and I don't want to ignore it."
She scooted around next to her. "And just so you know - I've never been attracted to a woman before either."
Juliet smiled, Kate continued, " ... and I've only kissed one - unless we count Jack who is moodier than any woman I've ever known."
They both laughed. Juliet joked, "James has his moments too - and he has long hair ... and he sings songs from musicals in the shower. Now that I think about it he and Jack would make a lovely couple."
After their laughter died down, so did the rain.
"Want to head back, get some lunch?" Kate asked.
Juliet nodded, "Sure."
It started pouring again when they were within eye shot of Dharmaville.
Kate parked the van next to Juliet's house and they ran inside.
After they took off their shoes Juliet offered, "If you don't want to go back out we can make sandwiches here."
Kate nodded, "Yeah. Ok."
"We should put on dry clothes." Juliet suggested as she headed toward her bedroom.
Kate followed.
Juliet opened her dresser drawer and pulled out a couple t-shirts and pairs of shorts.
She handed a set to Kate, "These ok?"
Kate took them and smiled, "Thanks."
Without hesitation Kate stripped down to her underwear.
Juliet wanted to look but felt like that was a little obvious. Instead she tried to look casual as she took off her shirt.
She was so distracted by the thought of Kate undressing she was having a hard time undoing the button on her jeans.
Kate noticed and approached her.
She looked Juliet in the eye while she reached down and undid the button for her then smirked, "What would you do without me?"
STATUS UPDATE
After they finished eating Juliet looked out the window to check the status of the weather.
"Barely raining." she said as she shut the curtains. She turned toward Kate in the kitchen, "Looks like you're free to go."
Kate turned off the facuet and wiped her hands. She smiled, "The rain isn't what's keeping me here."
Juliet smiled back.
They filled the rest of the afternoon with card games and conversation.
In the early evening Kate parused Juliet's book shelf while Juliet parused her records, settling on Paul Simon.
She hummed along as she joined Kate at the book shelf.
"Looking for anything in particular?" she asked.
Kate shrugged, "Not really. Any suggestions?"
Juliet pulled one down from the top shelf, "Breakfast of Champions. You'll love it."
After Juliet grabbed her book from her night stand she joined Kate on the couch.
When she sat down Kate leaned back against the siderest and put her feet on Juliet's lap.
Juliet looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
Kate laughed, "Want me to move?"
Juliet shook her head, "No. I don't mind."
After about an hour later Kate started to yawn. "I can't read anymore or I'm going to fall asleep." she said as she set her book on the coffee table.
Neither one had really been concentrating on reading but it was an easy way to be close without feeling pressure to talk.
Juliet looked up from her book, "You can take a nap if you want."
Kate looked across the room at the clock, "Too late for a nap."
She stood then headed toward the kitchen. "Want a beer?" she asked as she opened the refridgerator.
Juliet finished up the last few sentences in the chapter she was on.
"So what now?" Kate asked with a smirk as she handed Juliet a beer before she could answer.
Juliet gave a playful sigh as she accepted Kate's offering, "Isn't a little early to try and get me drunk?"
Kate raised an eyebrow. "And why would I want to get you drunk?"
Juliet sat down her book and smiled. "Because otherwise you can't trick me into letting you stay the night."
Kate smirked again and said, "I'm pretty sure we're past trickery ... " then sat down next to Juliet.
She grabbed Juliet's can, opened it, and handed it back to her, "But I'd rather not take any chances."
Juliet laughed then took a drink and rested her hand on Kate's thigh.
"We probably shouldn't be drunk at dinner." she suggested.
Kate shrugged, "There's plenty of time for that afterwards."
DINNER WITH A SIDE OF KNOWING
They were having a hard time not smiling when they caught eyes so they avoided conversations with each other.
Kate was fairly certain Sawyer could sense what was going on - but it didn't bother her.
She laughed to herself when it crossed her mind that they both had the same taste in women.
When she got back in line for seconds Sawyer joined her.
"You're magic, you know. With Juliet. She seems fine now."
Kate nodded, "Yah, uh - we had a good talk."
Sawyer smiled softly, "You can tell me the truth Kate. I promise you won't hurt my feelings."
"I think you already know the truth, James."
He paused as Kate turned to face him.
His eyes were soft. His tone was quiet. "I guess I do."
He smiled again and stepped out of line.
Kate and Juliet walked back together.
"Did James have anything interesting to say?" Juliet asked.
"Do you know that he knows about, " Kate paused, "... that he knows ..."
"I told him," Juliet interrupted softly.
Kate stopped walking. "What? Why?"
"Because he's my best friend, Kate."
"Well then why did he need to hear from me about it?" Kate wondered out loud as she took a few quick steps to catch up to Juliet.
Juliet briefly looked over at Kate, then dropped her eyes back to the ground. "I think he just needed to know if it was mutual. He's like a big brother - doesn't want to see me get hurt."
Kate raised her eyebrows, "I wonder what Jack thinks."
"I think he thinks about two things. You and the island - in that order. " Juliet said as she opened the front door.
They stepped inside, "I think he thinks about your happiness, mostly."
"And what do you think about, mostly?" Kate asked casually.
Juliet closed the door then turned around and smirked, "Other than Miles?"
Kate crossed her arms in playful defiance.
Juliet smiled and continued in a less playful tone, "You already know my answer."
AND THEN
After they'd killed a six pack while watching tv Juliet stopped trying to be nonchalant about their proximity.
When she returned to the couch after a bathroom break she leaned her back against the side rest and tugged on Kate's arm.
Kate got the hint and scooted over, sat between her legs and leaned back against her.
Juliet had zero interest in the television. Her eyes were drawn to the parts of Kate that she could see.
Kate eventually started playing with Juliet's hands - which caused Juliet's heart to beat faster.
Kate noticed. "Am I making you nervous?" she asked.
Juliet sighed and said softly, "Yes. But I'm also quite comfortable - and a little drunk."
Kate laced their fingers together. "Me too."
They pretended to watch tv for a while longer - then Kate stood and yawned.
"You ready for bed?" she asked as she held out her hand. Juliet answered by taking it and standing.
1, 2, 3
After about five minutes of lying in bed in silence Juliet whispered, "So ... are you ever going to kiss me?"
Kate smiled into the darkness. "Well, I would - but it's your turn," she responded playfully.
Juliet laughed and then rolled onto her side. "Is that why we haven't kissed yet? Because you think I should kiss you?"
Kate rolled onto her side to face her. "Yep. It's all your fault," she teased while trying to keep a straight face.
Juliet squinted her eyes in order to appear to be playfully contemplating the situation, "I really don't think it shou ..."
Kate interrupted Juliet with a quick peck then laughed at the stunned look it left on her.
Juliet gave her a teasing shove to the shoulder, "Hey. I thought it was my turn."
Kate smiled, "You were taking too long."
Juliet shoved her again, hard enough to push Kate onto her back - then she climbed on top of her and straddled her with her knees.
Before Kate could say anything Juliet leaned down and kissed her - tongue and all.
When Juliet finally broke the kiss they both were a little out of breath but it didn't stop either of them from smiling.
Juliet sat back on Kate's hips and shrugged, "Well - I guess it wasn't too bad for a second kiss."
Kate grabbed Juliet's pillow and playfully threw it at her. "That was our third kiss."
GREAT MORNING
Juliet awoke to Kate kissing her collarbone.
She kept her eyes closed and made an effort to soak up the intensely gratifying feeling that being with Kate gave her.
When Kate moved on to her neck she let a soft moan escape.
Kate whispered, "Good morning," then continued kissing.
Juliet smiled toward the ceiling and whispered back, "Great morning."
The more Kate kissed the harder it was for Juliet to keep quiet.
Her moans encouraged Kate to keep going - moving across the front of her neck and onto the other side.
Juliet gently tangled her fingers in Kate's hair.
Her neck was by far Juliet's favorite place to be kissed.
Kate was half lying on top of her and surely felt the heat coming from inbetween Juliet's legs.
Eventually Kate was fully on top of her, straddling Juliet's thigh.
Juliet ran her hands down Kate's back and then rested them on the backside of her hipbones.
Kate pushed her hips forward as she let her full weight press into Juliet.
She continued to move her hips as Juliet purposely put pressure in between Kate's legs by raising her thigh.
The rubbing effect caused Kate to moan against her neck.
Juliet snaked her hands up the back of Kate's tank top.
Her skin was hot.
When Kate started lightly sucking - Juliet moaned Kate's name.
Kate wanted to kiss her so badly but didn't think it was a good idea considering it was morning ... and that mouths and morning rarely went well together.
Juliet had the same thought and said "Kate" again - this time as an obvious attempt to get her attention.
Kate pushed herself up. "Juliet," she smirked back.
Juliet smiled. "We should get ready for work. You know - take a shower ... "
Kate pushed herself up all the way - then climbed out of bed and held out her hand.
HOT, HOT HEAT
They stood next to each other at the bathroom counter and brushed their teeth while the shower heated up.
Juliet had snagged an extra toothbrush out of the stockroom for Kate a while ago.
They both brushed longer than usual due their nerves over what was potentially about to happen.
But they couldn't brush forever.
Juliet tested the water, "It's hot now."
Kate smiled and sighed - then began to strip down to her underwear.
Juliet turned slightly to the side and followed her lead. Kate couldn't help but watch her.
She went slowly - as if she was attempting to be nonchalant - but her face was tense.
When Juliet was done - Kate approached her, then moved behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist.
She kissed Juliet's shoulder then offered, "We can just shower. No expectations."
Juliet quickly turned around and then kissed her - slowly, deeply.
She pulled back, "I haven't been this nervous to be naked with someone since my first boyfriend."
Kate smiled, "Good news is - I've never taken a shower with a woman before either - so we're on the same page."
Juliet raised her eyebrows. "I didn't say I'd never taken a shower with a woman before," she teased.
Kate stepped back. "Well good," she said as she took off her shirt and then her underwear.
It was an effort for Juliet to not drop her eyes down.
Kate took a step toward Juliet and tugged on the waistline of her underwear. "Need any help?"
Juliet shook her head. Kate laughed - then pulled the curtain back and got in the shower.
While Juliet finished rinsing her hair Kate leaned in and kissed her neck again a few times.
Then she ran her fingers across Juliet's collarbone, inbetween her breasts, and down to her belly button.
Juliet tilted her head back upright and smiled as she put her arms around Kate's neck.
"We should probably get out before we use up the island's water supply."
Kate nodded then leaned in and gave her quick peck. "Interested in using up the island's bed supply instead?"
OFF TO WORK THEY GO
They had a difficult time leaving the house - mostly due to Kate's inability to keep her hands off Juliet.
They had finally made it to the front door but before Juliet could open it Kate playfully pushed her up against it.
Juliet was almost able to verbally protest until Kate unintentionally silenced her by kissing her - again.
She kissed a trail down Juliet's neck.
"Kate. We're already late," Juliet managed to say while being encompassed with thoughts of forcing Kate back into the bedroom and having her way with her.
She continued, "I really don't want somebody to come knocking at the door looking for us."
Kate pulled back and smirked, "Well, I don't really want to pretend to be a mechanic."
Juliet sighed and cupped Kate's face. "I think you just don't want to be bossed around by me," she said playfully then gave her a quick kiss.
GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNIN'
Toward the end of the work day Juliet called Kate into the storeroom of the garage.
"Juliet?" Kate called out after she did a quick scan around and didn't see her.
"Back here."
She followed Juliet's voice to the back corner.
"Can you help me take this box down?" she asked when Kate came into view.
"Sure." Kate said as she moved next to Juliet.
Suddenly, Juliet grabbed her and pushed her up against the back wall.
Before Kate could say anything Juliet kissed her.
After she broke the kiss she began kissing Kate's neck.
Kate smiled. "Is this some kind of employee motivational technique?"
Juliet smiled against Kate's neck then reached inbetween Kate's legs.
She moved her hand back and forth while saying, "No. This is revenge for this morning."
Kate moaned quietly.
Juliet continued in a raspy whisper, "I've been - distractingly horny all day thanks to you."
Kate closed her eyes then pushed her hips forward to create more pressure against Juliet's hand.
Juliet let her enjoy it for a minute then pulled her hand away and stepped back.
Kate sighed and opened her eyes, "Ok. We're even."
Juliet smiled.
"Horace asked if I could help work on something at the Orchid for the rest of the day. I'll miss dinner."
Kate scrunched her brow, "Of all the days."
Juliet stepped toward her, put her hands on Kate's waist, "I know. I couldn't get out of it."
She gave Kate a quick peck. "Have some wine, relax. I'll be back before it's dark."
WINE TO FILL THE TIME
Jack caught up with Kate on the way back from dinner.
"We haven't hung out in a while. How are you doing?"
His concern was still endearing. "Doing well. How are you?"
Jack smiled, "I'm fine."
As they neared his house he asked, "Want to watch a movie or something? Have some drinks?"
Kate thought about it for a second.
She was going to have drinks anyway - might as well have company.
HOME ALONE
Juliet returned home to an empty house. She figured Kate was waiting at her place.
She took a quick shower and then headed to Kate's.
She knocked - and waited - and knocked again. She tried the handle but the door was locked.
She returned to her place to wait for her there - thinking she was probably playing cards with Hurley and Miles - or - something.
After sunset Juliet started to get a little worried.
She decided to swing by Hurley's and ran into Miles on the way.
"Hey, Miles. Have you seen Kate?"
Miles nodded, "Yeah. Last I saw her was at Jack's. I just left. I think she killed a bottle of wine by herself. I'm pretty sure she was flirting with me."
Juliet restrained herself from rolling her eyes. "Thanks."
She considered going to Jack's but decided against it. "Everyone needs space," she thought.
Juliet fell asleep on the couch after a few drinks and some awful 70's television.
When she woke up it was barely morning. She went into her bedroom, mostly expecting Kate to be there - but she wasn't.
She was too tired to think too much about it so she climbed in bed and fell back asleep.
When she woke up to her alarm - and still no Kate - her mind immediately went into analysis mode.
Kate had had a bottle of wine, with Jack, and didn't come home.
She took a deep breath and slowly breathed out - as doubt started to creep in.
