Chase...wakey, wakey."

He felt a light nudge on his shoulder as the words echoed deep in the background. There was a slight delay of a few seconds before his brain processed the interruption. Chase brought himself to slightly open his eyes to verify his whereabouts. He was where he thought; comfortably lying on his stomach in his own bed. He must be hearing things because who could be talking to him in his apartment? His eyes closed in hopes of going back to a deep slumber.

"Chase?"

He jumped and flipped over completely stunned and disoriented. He stared with in panic with his now fully awake eyes to see Cameron towering over him, smiling.

"How did you get in here?" Chase was obviously still in too much shock. He forgot the one reason how this could be possible.

"House has keys to all our places, remember? I lifted yours from his desk. At least I hoped it was yours. I have Foreman's too if you feel like busting in on him."

"I don't think Pamela would be happy with that." Chase said with a gruff and tired voice. "Why are you here so early? I thought we were getting together later."

"Yes, our date is later. This is a kidnapping."

"A what?" He put his head in his hand at the idea of a stunt being pulled on him so early.

"I have come to force you against your will to go out and have breakfast with me. You will be given a minute to throw on some sweats or something, then you are coming with me."

Chase was slightly more awake and now could only smile at her audacity. "I have no say?"

"Nope."

He started rubbing his eyes to properly wake himself up. He knew Cameron was not going to go away. "Then I better not resist and go with you quietly. I don't want to be harmed." He grabbed a sweatshirt and pants that were lying nearby and threw them on over the boxers and t-shirt he was already wearing. "I'm all yours," he said with little reluctance.

"Stay quiet and no sudden moves." Cameron talked tough for the role, but inside she was giggling profusely.

He went to get his shoes on, but Cameron stopped him. "Nope, you are wearing these instead." She pulled out from the bag in her hand a big pair of grey fuzzy slippers with Koala heads on them.

"You can't be serious."

"Come on, what are the chances of me finding koala slippers in your size? This is fate here. Plus they are so darn cute!"

He looked at her with disgust and yet put his new footwear on anyway.

Outside a confused Chase scanned the parking lot. "Where is your car?"

"Right here." She got out a remote and hit the unlock button. A new, shiny green Mustang convertible responded to the command as doors went click.

"You got a new car?"

"No, just rented it for the day. I love Mustangs."

They climbed into the car and Chase took time to admire the leather interior. He quickly noticed the stick in the middle of the console. "A stick shift?"

Cameron grinned. "Better for speed. You better buckle up." She sharply reversed out of the parking space and they lunged slightly forward when she slammed on the brake. "Hang on," she said as she pushed her left foot on the clutch, shifted gears and slammed on the accelerator. The noise of the forward motion was thunderous.

"You are going to wake my neighbors." Chase wasn't sure at this moment whether to be thrilled or scared. He was too tired to be either.

"This is a kidnapping. I got to make a fast getaway." She let out an evil laugh as she pulled onto the main street, shifted into a higher gear and went faster.

------------

"Coffee, bring the pot." Chase told the waitress with a rather haggard expression. His morning to say the least had been abrupt. He was actually really amused, but he had the part of reluctant victim to play.

"Are you from Australia?" The waitress asked with complete curiosity.

"Yes, how did you guess?"

"The accent was a clue, but the slippers are a dead giveaway." She started laughing. "Coffee, coming right up."

Cameron laughed at his agitated glare. "You're so cute when you are irritable. You do need your coffee."

"So, are your plans to tease and humiliate me all day? Sounds like a great second date."

"Be prepared, you are in for more surprises today"

"I'm not sure if I should be scared or excited. I guess I'll be both. So when does our date officially start?"

"Probably right now. I have a full day planned."

"Well, if that's the case..." He motioned her to lean toward him. She did as requested and he leaned in simultaneously, delivering a big kiss. She kissed back and they spent a good half minute avidly sharing each other's warm lips. They both pulled away at the same moment with each holding the same coy smile. "I always kiss on the second date," he said.

The waitress put the coffee down and started fanning herself. "Whew, you two sure bring the pretty."

-------------------

The wind felt extraordinarily refreshing as it whipped its way through his messy blond hair. He was enjoying watching Cameron's hair more, which was all let down, flapping wildly through the breeze. They were out on the open road, miles from anywhere, the top was down, and the car was cruising at a ridiculous speed.

Cameron felt secure enough that the lack of local law enforcement in the general area made it okay to push the car past 80. She had been dying to let loose since after breakfast when they went back to Chase's place and so he could get ready for their day. She loved the freedom of the road and was more pleased with the amused look on Chase's face.

Chase was rather impressed with the way she handled and caressed the stick shift. He briefly remembered how great her touch was...strike that. Must get mind out of gutter. He went back to enjoying the ride. There was just something so liberating about flying free in the open air. "So, are we going to be Thelma and Louise today?"

Cameron laughed. "I'm not sure. If so, does that mean I get to fuck Brad Pitt?"

"Either you or me." Chase cheekily replied. "No driving off cliffs though."

"Deal." She decided to push her speed a little faster. "I wanted to spend our day celebrating a great American pastime; the road trip. I'm hoping you haven't experienced this since people don't do this any more. The top down, the wind in our hair, the open country enveloping us…"

"The bugs in our teeth." Chase finished her sentence. He saw the frown from his companion in response to his remark. "This is really fun so far. I haven't experienced this before, at least in this country."

It hadn't occurred to Chase how long they had been driving until he saw the sign for the Pennsylvania state line whirr by him. "What's in Pennsylvania?"

"Mountains."

Chase saw another blurred item buzz by. "There is something else too."

"What's that?"

"Cops."

Cameron heard the siren behind her. "Damn."

-------------------

They rode upward for twenty minutes on a winding road through the many hills. The mountain air was thinner but far more refreshing to the senses on their open-air ride. Cameron turned into a dirt drive and drove through a row of tall trees until she hit an open meadow that was perched on top of one of the mountains. The overlook offered a picturesque spectrum of light and colors that highlighted the tree-lined valley below. She parked the car and they got out.

"I still don't know how you got out of that ticket."

"Being a pretty woman has its advantages."

"What if it was a female officer?"

"I'd let you talk. The accent and your looks would have melted her. Think about it, together we are invincible."

Cameron led them over to a bench that was sitting atop a scenic cliff. "I'm surprised there aren't others here. This is a very popular viewing spot for the race."

"Race?"

"Yes, look over the horizon there. It must have just started."

One by one popping up into the brightly lit background were little dots of color that as they got closer identified themselves as hot-air balloons. Very soon the distant sky was full of them as each one elegantly floated at a gentle pace in their general direction. The colors gradually grew more and more radiant as the small dots expanded into large orbs. The noises of the hot air pumping grew louder as well making the balloons' approach all that more exciting. Both of them stared in wide wonder as the first balloon drifted directly above. They delivered an enthusiastic wave which was cordially returned by the couple floating by.

Balloons started going by every few minutes. Some were floating rather high, while others were struggling with the altitude to clear the hill. One balloon came right by them so close that Chase and Cameron were almost eye level with the basket. The occupants still managed to send a greeting while frantically blowing the flames into the balloon to force it higher. Eventually it regained its form and floated up to join the others.

"Have you ever been in a balloon before?" Cameron asked.

"I took a tethered balloon ride at some local festival once, but I don't think that really counts. I grew up in a huge ballooning region, but for some reason never got around to trying it."

"I've never tried it. The heights, the idea of adventure always made me a bit squeamish. I have always loved watching them though."

"Remind me never to take you hang gliding then."

"You've been hang gliding before?"

"Yes, a few times near Sydney. It is a major rush." Chase paused to gaze in wonder at the oncoming balloons. "So where are they coming from?"

"The next town over. The annual fall festival is going on."

"Fall festival huh? What goes on at those things?"

"I have no idea."

"Care to find out?" He smiled at the prospect of exploration.

She smiled back in agreement of the idea. "Sure, the plan this afternoon was to see where the road would lead us. Let's give it a try."

--------------------

How did he talk her into this? The suggestion didn't sound scary at the time, but now that they were faced with the moment at hand she was getting apprehensive. It was too late to back out now. There they were, held up by one line and hanging by another one hundred and twenty feet up waiting to be cut loose. "One, two, three…"

The cord cut loose and she hung onto Chase for dear life as they did a sweeping free fall. She could only scream to react to the jarring motion. The slack of the cable tether kicked in and they started swinging wildly back and forth. She looked over at Chase to see a face lit up with pure enjoyment over yet another great thrill. "I'm going to kill you." Cameron told him as they continued to swing like a pendulum.

"You look so adorable in that flight suit and goggles." She did actually, but he also was enjoying her current frazzled demeanor. "It's pretty cool that they had the festival where a Skycoaster was located."

"Yeah, really cool. Can I barf now?" She was surprised that there was a small adventure park here at all. It was made up of only a few attractions for those looking for something different. This was certainly different for her. Eventually the swinging stopped and they were helped out of their harnesses and suits. They both held onto to each other as they were a little wobbly when it was time to start walking.

"Come on, you have to admit, that had to be the most thrilling event of your life." Chase felt the adrenaline going through him.

"Thrilling might not be my choice of word. More like stupid and crazy."

"You were well harnessed. That was pretty tame compared to real hang gliding or bungee jumping."

"Don't tell me you have bungee jumped as well."

"Heavens no. I'm not that suicidal."

They found themselves in front of yet another attraction that this time caused Cameron to smirk. "What say, want to take me on?"

"After seeing you drive? I don't stand a chance. I'll certainly trail behind you though in fun."

She went up to the window to buy the tickets. "Two for the go-karts."

-------------------

"Chase, am I trying too hard?"

"What do you mean?"

"This day, all the stuff I'm throwing at you. Is it too much?"

"No. I'll admit that we are trying hard to impress one another right now and we won't be able to keep this up, but for now it is fun."

"Well, I plan to tone it down now. All that's left is dinner and a movie."

"We just aren't used to seeing different sides of each other. It doesn't matter if we wrestle black bears or jump off a bridge, I'm glad we are having this day together."

Cameron smiled at his comment.

"There are no plans for bear maulings and jumping off bridges, right?"

Now she started laughing. "Don't give me ideas mister."

"I'll shut up."

"You should be safe for the rest of the day." Just as she said that, she hit a straight away of road and gunned the accelerator again while shifting.

"We'll see about that." He nervously replied.

-------------------------

For a few more hours they cruised along taking in the local rolling landscape while never leaving Pennsylvania. Chase surmised that Cameron had a specific place in mind for dinner and a movie judging by her awareness of what roads she was taking. She gave the impression she was looking for something particular. Eventually they reached a small rural town that was nestled on one of the many twisting roads they rode upon.

Chase was in awe as soon as they hit the town limits and could easily see the landmark. "Wow, its one of those old fashioned drive-in theaters. I only ever heard about them in folklore. I don't think I have ever seen one."

Right next to the drive-in was a local McDonalds. Cameron pulled into the parking lot and stopped the car. "We're here."

Chase tried to hide his peculiar look but Cameron could tell she was confusing him. She enjoyed keeping him guessing. They walked inside and up to the counter. "Can I help you?"

"I'm here for the dinner and movie package."

The cashier was rather enthused. "Great I'll let the manager know you are here."

Chase said nothing and gave a curious smile to his mischievous companion. He was giving her the benefit of the doubt.

"Good evening folks. Right this way." The manager led them around the corner to a private room in the back. The room was softly lit, had lite jazz playing in the background, a nice crisp white tablecloth, elegant looking candlesticks with lighted candles, real flatware, stoneware, and glasses.

Chase really tired hard to come up with some sort of snide comment or joke about this situation as they sat down, but he had nothing. He was afraid anything he would say would just come across as wrong. He opened his mouth to say something sweet, but then broke out in laughter.

Cameron joined him. "Yeah, pretty interesting huh? I'm willing to bet you have never dined by candlelight at the McDonalds before."

"No, this is great. You mentioned a package though. I'm presuming the movie has something to do with the drive-in theater next door."

"Yes, why do you think I rented the convertible? You can't watch a drive-in movie properly without one. I told you I wanted to show you the traditional American road trip."

"Have you decided what to order?" The man asked them both. Chase looked at the very fancy menu in front of him. "I'll have the Big Mac value meal."

"The same." Cameron said as she handed him the menus. As soon as the man left they started giggling again.

-------------------------------

Surprisingly, there were quite a few cars at the drive-in as they pulled in. Luckily Cameron had a prime spot reserved in the center since she had "the package."

"Quite a crowd." Chase noticed how many of the cars were convertibles.

"There aren't too many places like this around anymore, so people will drive for miles to experience the nostalgia."

"How did you find out about this place?"

"Pamela. This place seems to have significance from her childhood. She has never thought to bring Foreman though, so she was kind of kicking herself over giving up a great date idea to me."

"Did she help you plan the entire day?"

"She made suggestions. I picked what we were doing. The car was my idea. I have to admit when it comes to creative ideas I'm rather clueless."

"I'm rather impressed. What you did today was good. So, what's showing?"

Cameron's eyes lit up over the selections for the evening. She couldn't have picked two better ones. "It is a zombie double feature. 'Night of the Living Dead' and 'Shaun of the Dead'. Kind of bridging the gap between old and new."

"Zombie movies?" Chase looked kind of repulsed.

"You are a doctor. You can't handle the gore?"

"No, it's not the gore. It's the idea of eating brains. Yuck. I do love Shaun of the Dead though. It's one of the funniest movies I have ever seen."

"Cool, then the experience won't be completely wasted." Cameron quickly changed to her flirtatious grin. "So, would you care to join me in the back seat?"

"I don't know," teased Chase. "I'm not sure I can trust you. Promise to be good?"

"Who me?" Cameron faked naivety as she climbed into the back seat. "I'm always good." She leaned back in a very inviting position.

Chase took her shaky promise and climbed in the back to join her. Pretty soon the attendant came by with a huge bucket of popcorn. "Enjoy the show." Chase was rather puzzled. "How did he…?"

"It's part of the package. I can't watch a movie without popcorn."

"They really thought of everything."

They sat side by side in the back with their legs stretched out as the first film started. Chase put his arm around her and pulled her in closer. "I hope you don't mind. This is after all a horror film."

She rested her head gently on his shoulder. "I should have made you promise to be good."

-----------------------------

The movies finished rather late and they faced the long drive back home. The setting couldn't have been more wonderful as it was still warm enough to keep the top down and the moonlight shined down upon them shimmering in spectacular beauty. Chase tried hard to stay awake, but the buzz of the road noise and excitement of the day was just a bit too much. He drifted off leaving Cameron to sweetly watch him sleep. She loved watching the flutter of that pretty blond hair and the look of serenity on his face as it reflected off the moonlight. Yes, it was a good day. She knew that opportunities for them to wow each other were going to now get rare. Anytime they got together in the future would have to involve more personal time and less distraction. She was alright with that. She was hoping he was too.

She gave him a nudge after she pulled into his apartment parking lot. "Chase, we're home." He woke up and was surprised that he slept all the way back. "I'm sorry, that was rude of me. You should have woke me up sooner."

"No it wasn't rude. I liked watching you sleep."

They both glanced at each other wondering what should happen next. Chase leaned in to kiss her. "Thank you for a wonderful day." He gave her a soft passionate kiss that quickly grew into something deeper. When the excitement inside them both hit a feverish pitch, Chase pulled away.

"Cameron, I want to ask you inside more than anything, but I can't do that yet. It's killing me, but I can't."

"I understand, but do you mind if I ask why anyway?"

He looked at her with deep honesty. "If we should have sex again, this time I want it to mean something. I care for you deeply, but we aren't there yet."

Cameron peered back directly into his eyes and let him know with her telling glance that she agreed. "We should just say goodnight."

"I'm going inside there and I'm going to pound my head against the wall in frustration, but hopefully we can have another date soon."

Cameron chuckled at his charming angst. "Absolutely. Let's make it simple though. Pizza and movies at my place."

Chase thought for a second. "How about my place next time? It's about time I got a new TV."

"I can help you shop for one."

"That can be the first part of the date then. We'll buy the TV, set it up and watch it."

Cameron laughed. She loved the idea.

"Good night Cameron. Thank you so much. I had a fantastic day."

"Good night." She was going to have her grand exit while she still had the car. As he was headed toward his building entrance, she sped out with a thunderous boom.