Anakin was right. So far, Lucien was loving their spontaneous decision to postpone the college tour and spend the weekend hanging out with his boyfriend, alone, thanks to Anakin's bribing of his older brother. After the general store in a forgotten coastal town, where they spent a few glorious moments staring out across the sapphire blue ocean in search of a breaching grey whale, he was not sure he could be more amazed. Until the already narrow road narrowed further and the trees lining it grew in height and width. Lucien leaned against his window and looked up, seeking the canopy, but the trees kept going as if they were reaching into the heavens.

"What the hell!" He turned to Anakin, who was grinning. "Those trees are massive."

"This is Cathedral Grove. It's one of the last remnants of the truly ancient coastal redwoods." Still grinning, Anakin pulled into a small gravel lot and killed the engine. Even though it was the dead of winter and rain fell from the oppressive gray skies, the parking area was almost full. "Let's go!"

Anakin hopped out, and a shivering gust of air hit Lucien in the face before Anakin closed the door. Growing up in cloudy San Francisco did not prepare him for a cold wintry day. He was a Californian through and through.

Anakin flipped up the hood of his jacket and walked toward the trailhead, stopping at the entrance to turn around and shout, "Come on, slowpoke! We're cutting into precious daylight."

Lucien shook his head and chuckled, still unsure about the whole hiking in the rain thing but willing to give it a go. He checked to ensure there was plenty of battery left on his phone for photos, then pulled on his hat, wrapped a scarf around his neck, and slipped on gloves. He jogged over to meet Anakin, and a fat raindrop splattered on his cheek. Cold and dry, he could handle. Cold and wet were something else entirely. The warmth of Anakin's smile, simultaneously soft and erotic, sent a hot flush tumbling below the surface of his skin and warded off the elements.

"What? Never played in the rain before?" Anakin reached out and gently wiped away the raindrop with an ungloved finger. Lucien froze, mesmerized by the ministration. Years into the relationship, he still got an electric jolt at his boyfriend's touch.

"Shut it," said Lucien, his throat thick. "You know I hate the cold."

Anakin stuck out his tongue, grinning. "You'll have to acclimate if you want to go to university on the East Coast."

"That is totally different. I won't be hiking in the snow with my crazed boyfriend." Lucien tugged his scarf tighter, staring at Anakin's soft and smooth lips. "This is seeping into my bones."

"Welcome to the great outdoors," said Anakin as he led the way up the meandering path through the majestic woods. "Some of these trees were around with the dinosaurs."

Lucien rolled his eyes. The trees towered over them, reminding him just how insignificant they were, how magnificent the world around them was. He felt a little like Alice in Wonderland and chuckled.

"What?" Asked Anakin over his shoulder.

Lucien spread his arms and turned in a wide circle. "Fine. I'll admit this is pretty awesome. Lead on."

Anakin shook his head, his eyes bright with mirth. "And you called me crazed."

They came to a tree that had fallen across the trail, and the obstructing section had been cut out to open the path. Its massive trunk was now part of the forest's circle of life as ferns and moss flourished on its old bark, and small mammals burrowed homes into its crevices. Lucien pressed his back flat against the sheared-off end and spread his arms, unable to reach the edges. He looked up, and there was a good three feet above his head, the trunk thicker than he was tall.

"Take a photo!" He called to Anakin, not breaking his spread-eagle pose. "My phone's in my left jacket pocket."

Anakin studied him for a few seconds but did not say anything. He walked closer, his gaze locked intensely on Lucien's. Right then, Lucien was confident Anakin was going to kiss him. He dropped his eyes to Anakin's mouth, a mouth that spread into a grin as he slowly reached his hand into Lucien's pocket. Heat seeped through the layers of clothing into the skin just above Lucien's hip bone from the gentle pressure of Anakin's hand. He met Anakin's eyes again, and the blond took his time extracting the phone, smiling as he stepped back.

"Fuck off, tease!" Groaned Lucien in a hoarse whisper, and his body was about two seconds from making his jeans extremely tight and uncomfortable.

Anakin winked." "Say cheese."

"Shut up," said Lucien playfully and forced himself to think of anything other than how attractive Anakin was, how much he wanted to drag him behind one of those monstrous trees and savor those lush lips. He wanted to send the picture to their families. The last thing they needed to see was him sporting a bulge. They had promised to keep the weekend trip sexless. Finally composed, he made a face and stuck out his tongue. That was the playful picture that would placate parental minds.

Anakin snapped a few more shots, and when he walked forward to return the phone, Lucien dropped his arms but did not move, wanting to see what Anakin would do. Silently he challenged Anakin to pull him down and deliver the kiss he so desperately wanted. Lucien dropped his gaze to Anakin's lips for the millionth time since they left Wyatt back in the city. He lifted his eyes to find Anakin doing the same, looking at his mouth. When Anakin met his gaze again, Lucien knew they would kiss right then and there. He could not think of a single thing in the world he wanted more than the feeling of those lips on his. He leaned forward to meet Anakin—

"Look at the one, Mommy!"

The excited yell of a little girl startled them out of their fugue, and Anakin stepped back, grinning as he hopped on one foot and spun away gracefully. Disappointed, Lucien forced a smile for the kid and her parents as they approached. He followed Anakin. He was going to kiss his boyfriend before they left. He had earned a reward.

They walked silently for a few minutes, the near-kiss moment gone, and then Anakin stopped and pointed. His grin was wide and teasing, like he was suppressing laughter. "Meet the granddaddy of all trees."

Lucien, who had been so focused on Anakin, had not noticed the tree the width of a house in front of them. He stumbled to a stop, and his jaw dropped. "Whoa! I've never seen one so big."

"Ouch!" Teased Anakin in a sexy low voice.

Lucien narrowed his eyes. "Maybe, you should remind me."

"Well, that redwood is about thirty feet in diameter."

Lucien found he could not pull his attention from Anakin's near-perfect profile. An elbow nudge prompted him to return his attention to the trees. A spilt at the base of its hollowed-out trunk left a space large enough to park a small bus inside. Lucien quickly stepped inside and walked around the interior with barely suppressed awe.

Anakin followed him, and protected by the old tree, shielded from the rain and curious eyes, he leaned in close. "How's it feel being inside for a change?"

Lucien did not even bother to answer. He reached out, placing one hand on Anakin's waist and the other behind the blond's neck, and pulled him closer until their bodies were flush and heat blasted his insides.

The kiss was soft, tentative. Anakin's lips were warm and perfect against his own. He deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue into Anakin's mouth to tease, play, taste, and savor. Anakin pulled him tighter, and a groan rumbled through his chest, vibrating and echoing in their hollowed wooden environment. His jeans grew dangerously tight as he blossomed at the feeling of Anakin's hardness against his thigh. He rocked them gently, increasing the pressure and friction. His need for Anakin ramped up so high the world around them began to fall away. Cocooned in the safety of the tree trunk, Lucien let his hand on Anakin's hip wander down between them until he could cup Anakin, pressing his palm up and caressing him through his pants. The brown-haired elemental popped the top button of Anakin's jeans.

"Yes," gasped Anakin into his mouth.

Lucien grabbed the zipped tab and pulled slowly.

The high-pitched squeal of a child pierced the secluded bubble Anakin and Lucien had found. Lucien's heart shot into his throat. He and Anakin shot apart, looking out toward the trail with wide eyes and rapid breaths. The young girl and her parents were not in view yet, but too close for them to lose control.

Anakin started to laugh, easing the tension. "We're being cockblocked by a four-year-old."

"Kids these days." Lucien leaned in for one more kiss and then grabbed Anakin's hand. "Come on, let's go find more hollow trees to make out in."

"Nature's growing on you then?" asked Anakin with a cocked eyebrow.

They did not come across any more suitable make-out tress. The rest of the short hike through the ancient forest was awe-inspiring nevertheless. Despite the hike being his idea, Anakin could not keep his eyes off Lucien. They had been together for a while, and he had memories of the other timeline, but it was like seeing the curly-haired young man for the first time. At the same time, the soul-wrenching connection was still there, still as powerful as ever. They might have to do the long-distance thing in a year, but he planned on making the most of the time they did have.

Back at Anakin's car, Lucien hopped into the passenger seat, turning toward Anakin as he buckled his seat belt. "How long until we get to the hotel?

Anakin slanted a sideways grin at him. His voice was velvety smooth and darkly seductive when he said, "In a hurry for more whale-watching?"

Lucien pulled his jacket's zipper down and tugged at this shirt collar in a vain attempt to relieve himself of the sudden spike in temperature in the confines of the vehicle. "Something like that, yeah,"

Anakin leaned over and tugged on Lucien's jacket, pulling him in until they met nose to nose over the center console.

"Soon," he whispered. His breath ghosted over Lucien's mouth and sent a shive of anticipation cascading over his skin before Anakin bushed his lips—warm, soft, and this time sure—over his. The temperate notched up another dozen degrees. Losing awareness of his surroundings, Lucien fell into the kiss, giving back as much as Anakin gave. He leaned closer, stretching against the restraints of his seat belt, and arched out, wanting more. He cupped the side of Anakin's jaw, slid his hand into soft hair, and groaned.

Anakin pulled back, breaking the kiss.

"Cruel," complained Lucien teasingly.

Anakin rested his forehead against Lucien's as they held still. Harsh, rapid breaths slow as they collected themselves, and the world snapped into sharp focus around them.

"We should get moving." Anakin's voice sounded far more guarded, muddy somehow. After a few seconds, the world made its way through Lucien's haze, but he did not move.

"Sure. I'm ready."

Anakin chuckled softly. "Me too."

Lucien closed his eyes. He breathed in brine and cedar and male musk. With a sigh, he straightened up and sat properly in his seat. Face forward because if he looked at Anakin now, he would drag him into the back of the car, and they would never make it to their hotel room for the night.

Cool air, fresh and invigorating, crept into the vehicle from the window Anakin opened.

"Two hours of scenic driving," said Anakin with a touch of strain in his voice.

"Come on." Lucien tried one more time as he steed out onto the small deck off the French doors of their rental. "Tell me what it is."

Anakin only shook his head, again, grinning even wider, if that was even possible. Lucien could not imagine what they would be doing on the beach at night in winter. The temperature had dropped significantly since they had come in from their walk through the tiny beachfront town. There was a solid breeze dropping the "feels like" temperature further. If that was not enough, there was also the threat of rain in the forecast.

"Follow me," said Anakin, leading the way down the path they had taken earlier.

Lucien gave up and followed. Of course, he would see what the fuss was about soon enough, but needling Anakin to tell him was fun.

They stepped onto the beach, set vibrantly against the dark indigo skies, and sounds of crashing waves were four bonfires stretching out along the vast coast. Hot centers and glowing embers sat like beacons in the night, promising warmth and comfort.

"Is this legal?"

Anakin laughed. "Don't worry about it."

Lucien eyed the bonfires. "Annie…"

"Everything is on the up and up. They do this most nights around this night of years," said Anakin as he pulled Lucien past the first bonfire with a wave to the huddled figures surrounding it. "They have dinner, share a few drinks, roast marshmallows. Come on, Luc, it'll be fun."

"Huh," said Lucien, tripping over washed-up kelp in the dark but righting his balance before taking a dive. "Aren't we in a state park? There's a blanket fire ban in state parks."

"We're about 2 miles outside the state park," answered Anakin.

Less than fifty yards in front of the next bonfire, a silhouetted shape shot up, and a cracking young male voice shouted, "Anakin!"

With a laugh, Anakin ran forward and scooped up the silhouette-turned-charging-boy in his arms, swinging him in a circle before dropping him back on his feet. He ruffled the kid's hair. "Hey, Robbie."

Another boy, older than the first and obviously the younger one's brother, rose and, in a more controlled manner, stepped up to Anakin for a hug. Anakin did not swing the older boy around but ruffled his hair affectionately.

"It's good to see you two," said Anakin. "You're both getting so tall!"

The boys laughed, the youngest with stars in his eyes and the oldest with a shy dip of his head.

"You didn't bring any of your mom's cookies?" The older boy glanced between Anakin and Lucien with open curiosity.

Anakin pulled Lucien closer to him. "Next time, maybe." He turned the face Lucien. "These two troublemakers were Billie's foster kids, Robby and Adam. They live with their maternal grandfather now." He turned back to the two boys. "This is Lucien, my boyfriend."

Lucien stepped forward and shook hands with the two, receiving an assessing look from the older boy, Adam. If he was reading Adam right, the young man was taking his measure, which made Lucien smile a little.

"Pull up some sand, gentlemen," said an older man after giving Anakin a quick hug.

"Philip, how are you?"

"Good. I'm good."

"Sit here, Annie," said Robby, patting a smooth path of log beside him and then pointing to a spot on the opposite side, side, "Lucien, you can sit there."

Lucien raised his eyebrows. The kid was bossy, but it was cute, too, so he did as he was ordered and sat across from Anakin between Adam and Phillip.

"How long are you here for, Anakin?" Asked Phillip as he opened two bottles of soda and handed them down. Adam passed them each a stick with a marshmallow stuck to the end.

"Just a day or two. Visiting colleges but decided to take a small detour." Anakin held his marshmallow over the flames, and Lucien followed suit.

Phillip nodded, giving them a knowing look. "It's good to see you again. The boys keep asking when you're coming for a visit."

"Sorry it's been so long," said Anakin, digging his thumb under the label on his soda bottle. "Just...life, you know."

"I do." Silence fell for a moment, and then Phillip turned to Lucien. "You also looking at colleges, son?"

Lucien laughed nervously and nodded his head. "I'm a bit more limited in my choices, but yes, sir."

Phillip accepted the answer without comment. Adam eyed him. "Your marshmallow's on fire."

Lucien flicked his stick up, and the fire instantly died out. "I like them crunchy."

"Me too!" Adam agreed enthusiastically and pulled his burnt marshmallow off his stick.

The conversation naturally flowed into an animated discussion of tales, both shared and new. When the fire began dying down a couple of hours later, and it got too cold to stay out much longer, Phillip stood. "Well, I have to get the boys home, so they don't oversleep for school in the morning."

"Ah, Grandad," moaned Robby. "Can't we stay a little longer?"

"Nope," stated Phillip gathering their empty bottles and leftover snacks and tossing them into a cooler. "But don't worry, I'm sure we'll see Anakin and Lucien tomorrow. Dinner?"

Anakin stood and started kicking sand over the waning flames. "Definitely!"

With a sigh and a pout, Robby got up and helped douse the fire. When it was safely out, he hugged Anakin tight, followed by a round of hugs from the whole family. Lucien was surprised when he reached out for a handshake, but he too was pulled into hugs even by Adam.

"You're okay," said Adam with a nod and shy smile when he stepped out of the brief hug. Then he turned and walked away. Lucien met Anakin's amused gaze and arched an eyebrow.

"Adam's a little overprotective after, well…They all are." Anakin did not elaborate beyond that, and Lucien, frowning, did not push. "But seems you've passed muster."

"Any more tests while we're here?" joked Lucien as they walked back to the rental house.

"No—no," whispered Anakin.

Anakin shook his head and smiled again, he bumped his shoulder playfully against Lucien's, and Lucien reached out and held Anakin's hand. Silence fell between them as they navigated the path in the dark and then up the short steps to the condo's back door.

"Need another soda?" Asked Anakin as he closed the door behind them.

"Nah, Annie. I'm good." Lucien plopped himself down on the couch, suddenly feeling the day catch up on him. "Any more sugar, and I'll be in a diabetic coma."

Anakin yawned, belatedly covering his mouth.

"They seem like great people," commented Lucien.

"They are."

"I think Robbie's crushing on you."

Anakin laughed and shook his head. "Not like that. He just loves swimming, and Adam doesn't. I was the one to teach him how to swim. If anyone was going to crash on me, it'd be Adam."

"I got that feeling," agreed Lucien.

"We're basically family, though, and last I heard, there was a boy in his class he was crushing on."

"I'm glad he's got a supportive family and a great role model," said Lucien settling deeper into the couch.

Anakin sat on the couch beside Lucien and leaned a little closer. His body heat was like a welcome blanket along Anakin's side. Silence fell comfortably between them, and the contented feeling threatened to drag Lucien into slumber. He rallied himself up, wanting to stay awake all night with Anakin. "How come you've not been back here in a while?"

Anakin sighed. "Guilt. Seeing Adam and Robby reminds me of Billie. She was in the process of adopting them when—when she died. And she died because of me."

"No, she didn't, babe. Of course, she didn't."

Silence fell between them again, and Lucien looked for a way to fill it, get Anakin back on a happier and safer track. Jonathan murdered Billie, and Jonathan was a topic they avoided. It felt important to make those sky blue eyes sparkle again and make those sexy dimples reappear. He cast his gaze about the condo but found nothing.

"I think it's time for bed." Anakin struggled to his feet and pulled Lucien back onto his. He leaned on and gave the elemental a quick peck on the lips. "Tomorrow, we go kayaking."

AN: Another short scene while I continue to battle with the next chapter.