Title: Hydra
Author: Crimson Coin
Rating: T … not quite R but it's romance so things may get a little steamy
Pairing: Juliet/Sawyer
Disclaimer: I don't own Lost or these characters. I just like to borrow them to have a little fun.
Summary: Dharma time story about how Juliet and Sawyer became a couple.
Note: This story is based on a suggestion from tntlostfan for a one shot. It's going to be multiple chapters because, well the ideas just started coming! So I hope I'm forgiven, tntlostfan. But I promise, you'll have your idea in the story.
Sawyer knocked on Amy's front door just after lunch hour. He squinted against the bright sun, shielding his eyes as he peered behind him back towards his house. Juliet carried a large cloth bag filled with sandwiches, beer, wine and fruit out onto the porch. Miles and Jin waited at the base of the stairs, Miles with a large blanket and Jin carrying two fishing poles and a small tackle box.
Sawyer grinned as his eyes raked Juliet's body, admiring her. She wore a brightly colored sundress; he'd call it a mini dress. That was the only redeeming part of the 1970's, the mini skirt. He focused on her exposed smooth legs and prayed to any god that would listen in thanks for that marvelous invention. He knew under that dress she wore a one-piece bathing suit and he couldn't wait to see it on her. She laid it out on the bed that morning; he saw it after breakfast. But she refused to give him a fashion show, instead kissing him softly as she shoved him out the bedroom so she could dress and he could shower.
The door to Amy's house opened and Sawyer turned to greet the woman he came to visit. "Hey, Amy."
Amy smiled brightly. "Hi, Jim. What's up?"
Sawyer stepped into the house. "Got another favor to ask. You still got that box cutter?"
Confused, she furrowed her brow. "Box cutter?" She closed the door behind him. "What do you need a box cutter for?"
He looked down at his jeans and tugged at the knees. "Gonna cut off my jeans. We're headin' down to the beach today and I ain't got a suit."
"Oh! You're all going swimming? You can use one of Paul's if you like."
"Nah, I don't wanna take that. Plus if I cut 'em off, I can wear 'em around when I'm off."
Amy giggled and nodded. "Alright." She walked into her kitchen and dug through one of the drawers. Pulling out the box cutter, she handed it to him." Her expression sobered. "I'm really sorry, Jim. I tried talking to Rosie again. There's no way I can get that album for you without actually throwing you into her bed."
He scowled and walked into the kitchen, resting the box cutter on the counter to dig through Amy's utility drawer. "God damn it." He pulled a pen out of the drawer and sat on the kitchen chair, drawing the line on his jeans where he would cut. He chose a length approximately two inches above the knee. "There's nothin' huh?"
Amy shook her head. "No. And if I tell her it's for you, it'll just make it worse. You know I can cut them for you with scissors, right? And it would be a lot easier than a box cutter."
"Really?"
"Yes. You men have to make everything so complicated." She placed the box cutter back in the utility drawer then pulled out a pair of scissors. "Come here, stand in front of me." She knelt down on the kitchen floor in front of James and frowned. "Not like that. Just stand natural. Don't be so uptight."
He chuckled. "Don't be uptight. You're the one on your knees." He grinned wickedly down at her and relaxed, taking a more natural stance.
She glanced up at him and matched his grin. "You wish, Cowboy. Me and Juliet? You just can't get enough of us."
"Damn straight." He watched her tug on the legs of his pants then used the pen to mark where she would cut. He nervously licked his lips. "Don't cut it off now. I'm kinda fond a him."
She waved the scissors then pointed to him. "You're a pretty brave man mouthin' off when I'm down here with somethin' to snip."
He mimicked the motion of zippering his mouth then put his hands on his hips in a cocky display of trust.
She laughed at him and shook her head before holding the back of his left thigh, balling her fist to tighten the fabric so she could draw a dotted line for her scissors to follow.
Neither saw the flicker of brown hair as Rosie turned and walked away from Amy's living room window, a smile on her face.
Sawyer tucked the football he swiped from Horace under his arm as he strode confidently towards the beach. It surprised him how comfortable the cut off jeans felt. At first he felt like a tool but then realized, everyone in the seventies looked like a tool. So if he didn't fit it, then that would be suspicious. Of course he drew the line at polyester, platforms and short shorts. Those three things would not happen while he breathed, or at least was sober.
He tossed the football into the air, easily catching it as he stepped onto the beach, peering one way than the next. About one hundred yards down the shoreline, Miles and Jin stood at the surf, barefoot with pants rolled up to the knees as they cast their fishing lines into the water. Juliet lay on a blanket stretched out on the sand close to the trees, taking advantage of the natural shade. He grinned, jogging down the beach to reach them quickly – correction, reach her quickly.
He slowed as he neared and set the football in the sand. "Can't work on yer tan in the shade there, Snow white."
She ignored him at first, comfortable on her back, head propped up on a pile of towels. She held a finger up to him, dismissive as she finished the paragraph of her book then closed it, holding her spot with her finger. "Now what were you saying?"
He sat on the blanket, feet hanging off. "I said yer all pastie here in the shade. Let's get some sun!"
"I'm not stopping you from getting any sun. By all means crawl out there and lay in the sand. Don't come cryin' to me though when the sand fleas bite you."
He tugged off his boots and set them beside the blanket then stuffed the socks into the toes. "I ain't complainin'. Plan on loungin' next to ya for a bit. So I guess that means I'm stuck in the shade." With a content sigh, he stretched out on his back and tucked his arms behind his head. "Ah." He wiggled his toes, flexing his feet. "Amy and Horace will be here in a bit. They were getting ready to eat some lunch then head on down."
"That'll be nice," Juliet said simply as she continued reading her book. "Did Amy cut your pants or did you?"
"She did," he responded with a chuckle. "I was going to but I guess she didn't want me hackin' my leg off with the hand axe."
"Mmm. She was washing the floor yesterday so I can imagine she didn't want that mess to clean up."
He opened one eye to look up at her. "Are you always such a wise ass?"
"Are you?"
He grinned. "Yes."
"Then I'm not letting you have all the fun," she teased with the barest hint of a smirk. Turning slightly she reached into the bag and pulled out a thick book, dropping it casually on Sawyer's stomach.
"Ooomf, hey Blondie, what's the big deal?" He picked up the book then laughed. "The Godfather? Never read it."
"Now you can. I saw it on Amy's shelf yesterday and swiped it. Gave her Of Mice and Men. Thought you'd appreciate that."
He nodded with a frown. "Thank God. I was getting ready to burn it."
"I know," she reached over and placed her hand on his chest, rubbing soothingly. "You look cute like that, you know. In cut off jeans."
"I always look cute, sweetheart."
Sighing, exasperated, she shook her head.
"What, I do."
"You keep telling yourself that."
He chuckled and his eyes roamed her body. "So when you takin' that dress off?"
"Tonight."
"Promise?" He propped himself up, resting on an elbow as he faced her. "Cuz I'm kinda curious what that suit looks like under there."
"There's really nothing to see." She shrugged casually though her eyes evasive.
A single brow lifted and he reached out, fingers teasing the hem of the skirt. "That so? I'd disagree."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm not kidding. These suits are ridiculous. I feel pretty foolish."
"Oh yeah and I'm a blazing example of fashion in my cut offs."
She opened the book again, using a single hand to hold it open. "Not happening. You can wish."
"Aw, come on," he goaded and turned closer to her, sliding a teasing hand over her stomach to cup her left hip. "Just a peek?" His fingers clenched, the action tugging the short dress higher up her thigh.
With her left hand holding the book, he knew she couldn't stop him without putting the book down. She bit her lip a moment before switching hands, holding the book with her right as her left reached down to stop his hand. Eyes still on the book, she said nothing, just held his hand in place.
Smirking, he toyed with her fingers. "I'll take my shirt off."
"I think I've seen you more with your shirt off than with it on." She held the book aside a moment to meet his eyes. "Sorry, that won't get it." Then resumed reading.
"Hmm, I'll take off my pants."
She hesitated then lowered the book, meeting his gaze again but this time with her brow arched.
He sat up and unbuttoned his shirt, grinning at her. "That got yer attention." He shrugged out of the shirt, tossing it towards the bag with the sandwiches. It hit the top, and draped half in and half out. He reached for her dress again.
"You said pants." She challenged with that patented smirk.
"Get me a little worked up and I'll take 'em off."
She closed the book and lay it at her side. Sliding her hand over his abdomen and around his waist, she teased him. "Hmm, I think we have some love handles we didn't have before."
He laughed, eyes bright and he showed no sign of self consciousness despite her critique. "Yeah well, again, back to yer cookin', Blondie."
"My cooking? Oh of course, how foolish of me. Of course it's not your new sedentary lifestyle. Of course."
He ducked his head to her, husking in her ear. "You can always help me with some aerobics. Maybe some abs work."
She swallowed hard, eyes fluttering at his nearness. She could smell the sea and the spice of his deodorant. Despite his effect, she easily maintained control, at least of her voice. "I'm not the one gaining weight."
He pressed a soft kiss to her ear then lifted up slightly to look down at his waist. "Did I really gain weight?"
Amused at his vanity, she squeezed his waist. "Just a little. But, you spent so many months living on that beach as opposed to a house with constant food. So you thinned out. You look great though, James, really. Just lay off the beer a bit." And she patted his flat stomach. "Don't want that getting away from you."
A soft smile tugged at her lips as he sat back fully on his knees and twisted slightly to appraise his waist. He touched the flesh at his side. "Maybe it is a little." He frowned. "God damn it. I gotta get out on patrol more. Can ya gain weight in a week?"
"Yes, you can. Seriously, James, you maybe gained five pounds in the last month or so. Ten at most. It's not that much."
"You don't get it, Blondie, I got my looks goin' for me. It's what I got." He stated, brow etched in concern as he looked at his arms and chest.
"Hey," she sat up, concerned as she cupped his jaw in her hand. "Hey, that's not all you have. You're smart, funny, witty, loyal and pretty damn brave. Do you hear me?" She tilted his head up to force him to meet her eyes.
He met her eyes. "Yeah I hear ya."
Obviously, he didn't believe her. She could see the doubt easily. "James, if all you were was a hot hunk of meat, I wouldn't still be here. You're my best friend. I've never had someone in my life that I've had this much in common with. That I felt so natural with. Well, other than my sister."
A crack of a smile tugged at his lips. "Yer not callin' me one a the girls, are ya?"
She smiled brightly at him and stroked his cheek. "No. Not at all. You're still incredibly hot … even with the extra fifteen pounds."
He scowled. "You said ten."
She laughed and slipped a hand along his cheek then the back of his head. She tugged him playfully. "It's probably closer to thirteen."
His eyes narrowed as he grumbled. "Damn doctors." He followed her lead as she pulled him closer and as she lay back again, he hovered over her. His mood lightening at her coaxing, he smirked. "So … did ya do this with all yer girlfriends?"
"Just the ones I thought were hot."
He held her serious expression a few seconds before laughing. "You always out dead pan me!"
She grinned at that and slightly tugged on the back of his head. "I've had a lot of practice."
He leaned closer. "Well since I'm one of the girls, you think I'm hot and you're a lesbian, I think we're on the right track."
"James?"
"Mmm?"
"Shut up."
His eyes half closed, he smirked. "Yes, Ma'am." Slowly, he wrapped his lips around hers and he smiled in triumph at her soft hum. She always tasted so good, her lips soft and pursed to his.
She played with the hairs on the back of his neck, her free hand reaching up to cup his cheek, stroking the course stubble growth. "For a girlfriend, you should shave more."
"That mouth talks too much," he murmured against her lips.
She hummed. "You should see what else it can do."
He grinned. "Mine'll have ya buckin' for more."
She smiled. "It better." She sighed contently when his lips touched hers again.
Miles cast his line back into the water as he stood next to Jin. "So I dunno what's up with her? I mean what's not to like about me, right? I'm cute, funny. I think she's just not thinking straight."
Jin nodded in agreement. "Or she no like you."
"Yeah and she likes Phil? Please, nobody likes Phil."
Jin smiled and slowly shook his head. He never wanted to say much and luckily with Miles, he didn't have to since now the shorter man shot off on a tangent about Phil. Jin enjoyed listening, even half heartedly as he thought about his wife. She was now long gone and returned to the real world, likely thought he was dead. He wondered if she was safe and happy? Did she have the baby? Was it a little girl?
When Miles yelled back over his shoulder, Jin's thoughts return to the present and he twisted slightly to follow Miles' gaze. Sawyer lay beside Juliet, hovering over her. Jin smiled at the sight of the two embracing. Sawyer had changed so much since they crashed and Jin grew to trust the man that saved his life, even though he claimed he didn't care. It was good to see him happy again.
Miles rolled his eyes and yelled again. "Yoo Hoo! Excuse us! You know, we're standing here!"
Jin looked back out at the water, muscles relaxing in the warm sun as he fished. "Leave them alone. They are happy."
"Yeah well that doesn't mean I want to watch him try to suck her lips off. At least their clothes are still on." Miles retorted then looked back to the water. A mischievous smirk tugged at his lips and he handed Jin the fishing pole. "Hold this."
Jin took the offered pole and watched, confused, as the smaller man stepped down the beach. Miles crouched down and picked up a large floating blob of seaweed from the surf. With a wicked and playful grin, he turned up the beach and stalked towards Sawyer and Juliet. Jin's eyes widened, opening his mouth to object. Miles shot a dirty glance to his fishing buddy and Jin bit his lip to keep from laughing.
Standing about three feet from the couple, Miles brought the seaweed back and then tossed it, aiming at the Sawyer's head. The large, dripping wad of plant matter flew through the air then smacked into the back of his head, draping around his neck and shoulders. The two broke apart from their embrace, startled though neither made a noise.
Salt water dripped around Sawyer's neck and onto Juliet as they stared at each other a moment. She shoved at his chest to push him back then sat up.
Miles sighed in mock exasperation. "God, it's about time you two came up for air." He elaborately gestured to himself and Jin. "There are other people here you know!"
Sawyer reached up to grab the piece of seaweed and dropped it in the sand beside the blanket. He blinked once then once more, the muscles in his shoulders tensing. Water speckled the front of Juliet's dress, dampening the fabric. She repressed the rising chuckle at his expression and instead reached up to pick a piece of seaweed from his hair.
Miles slowly backed away, unwilling to turn his back on Sawyer. Sawyer clenched his teeth and shook his head. "That's it!" He shoved to his feet and turned on Miles. "Come here, ya little midget." Miles darted down the beach; Sawyer chased.
Juliet laughed at the spectacle, surprised how quickly Miles ran. He easily outraced Sawyer and kept a good ten yards ahead the entire race. Sawyer showed no signs of giving up, even though he slowed slightly after the initial sprint. Miles taunted, shouting something over his shoulder. Whatever the words, it spurred Sawyer and the tall blond man took off again with renewed vigor.
Miles eyes widened as he tried to run again but Sawyer caught up to him and tackled him into the surf.
"What the hell are they doing?"
Juliet turned towards the voice and smiled brightly up at Amy. "Miles tossed seaweed on the back of James' head while he kissed me. If you can imagine how he would react, that should explain the whole situation."
Amy giggled and flicked some stray seaweed off the blanket before kicking out of her sandals. "So they're killing each other?" She straightened her sun dress then sat beside her friend.
Juliet glanced to the left, watching Miles and Sawyer. "Yes. Seaweed tossing is obviously a war declaration."
Amy bit her lip to stop her fit of giggles and lay back on the blanket. Horace neared and smiled warmly. "Hello, Juliet. Beautiful day we have today, isn't it?"
"Yes, Horace, it is," Juliet agreed and lay back as well.
Horace put down the small picnic basket then picked up his football. In a pair of shorts and tie-dye t-shirt, he walked down the beach towards Sawyer and Miles. Sawyer grinned at the sight and stood victoriously over Miles, hands on his hips. Miles lunged up and shoved at Sawyer's abdomen, knocking the wind from him. Sawyer doubled over and Miles laughed, racing towards Horace, waving his hands for the ball. Horace chuckled and threw the football.
Amy shook her head. "Boys, so rough."
Juliet simply smirked and picked her book up again as Amy watched the three men tossing the football down the beach. Flicking open the page of the book, Juliet read in peace.
Amy lay back on the blanket, closing her eyes as she sighed in relaxed calm. "You're so lucky, Juliet. To have Jim."
"I know," Juliet stated casually and turned a page.
"No, you have no idea how lucky you are." Amy turned onto her side, head propped up in a hand to look at the tall blonde. "I mean I loved Paul so much but, gosh, I prayed he would have been half as thoughtful as Jim is."
Juliet glanced at her friend and concealed any smirk at the sight of Amy. The buxom brunette was nearly bursting with whatever secret she wanted to spill. Juliet tilted her head. "Paul seemed pretty thoughtful to me, taking you on a picnic, even though it ended tragically."
Amy smiled sadly, blushing. "Yes well, he had his moments but never did something just because, you know?"
Should she goad her? Amy obviously wanted to splurge whatever information she knew. Juliet closed her book. "Well, James doesn't exactly do that either." That should do it.
"Oh but he does!" Amy quickly offered, excited. She spoke softly, voice lowered as if sharing a secret. "I mean I was helping him try to do something for you but we couldn't get it done. I feel so bad but there's nothing we could do. See, I guess there's no harm in telling you now, but we were trying to get your favorite album but Rosie has the only copy and with the sub not coming back anytime soon, she's the only source. And she wouldn't give it to me unless I could get Jim to sleep with her."
Confused, Juliet tilted her head. "My favorite record?"
"Of course. Petula Clark right?"
"I never told him that."
Amy giggled. "See? That's why he's so thoughtful. But Rosie has it and we didn't want to tell her Jim was looking for it because then she wouldn't bend an inch. But still, ugh, that resentful little bitch, she just won't let it drop! Jim came to me a few days ago, hoping maybe I had it. But I didn't and did some poking around for him. If only it was anybody but Rosie! Hmmf."
Juliet turned her head to gaze towards Sawyer, watching him with curiosity and warming affection.
Amy tilted her head, examining Juliet's expression. She smiled brightly. "It's so nice to see you like this, Jules."
"Like what?"
"I don't know. You and Jim have been different lately. More relaxed and happier." Another giggle slipped from Amy's lips. "He must be doing something right between the sheets."
Juliet smiled softly, eyes still on Sawyer. "He's been doing a lot right, lately."
Sawyer laughed as he held the football over Miles' head, taunting the shorter man by waving the ball. His eyes bright, he rested his free hand on his hip as he teased Miles. Miles glared and shook his head, not jumping and certainly not giving in to Sawyer's taunting. Horace chuckled calmly and held his hands up to catch. Sawyer threw the ball.
Amy touched Juliet's arm. "Don't tell him I told you. He wanted so badly to surprise you but from the looks of it, Rosie isn't giving up that album. And Jim blew her off yesterday again and to her face. I can't imagine she's going to change her mind, but she may stop stalking him for a little while. Especially after the way you just ripped into those cans!"
Juliet chuckled and shook her head. "It's not like I'm going to aim the gun at her head."
"Doesn't matter." Amy shrugged casually then reached into the small picnic basket Horace dropped nearby.
Sawyer caught Juliet's eyes on him and offered a crooked smile and slight wave. The motion distracting, Miles pounced on the opportunity and smacked Sawyer hard on the stomach. Sawyer doubled over and Miles laughed, grabbing the football then raced back towards Jin. Muttering a few choice curses, Sawyer followed.
Juliet leaned back, offering an apologetic smile when Sawyer glared at her. He held her eyes. "I'll get you later, Blondie."
Amy giggled at that. "I'm sure you will, Jim. I'll be having dinner at Horace's tonight so scream all you like."
Juliet flushed and picked up her book.
Note: I know, I've finally updated! Sorry it's taken so long but I promise that I have not given up on this story. I will finish it. I hope you liked this newest chapter. Review me, I love it so. Thanks again for sticking with me.