In my haste to upload originally, I forgot to mention I own nothing of Doc Martin. I am borrowing the characters for some random speculation while we wait for the rest of the series to unfold.

The original concept of this came to me in a flash, and just as quickly, left. I was looking at it the other day and thinking it still had a few seeds worth exploring. So, here's the next chapter.

DIY: Louisa's Project

Chapter 2

Of course, Martin liked to conduct his own studies, not be the subject of one, even one that could benefit him significantly. It was not his nature. But neither was it Louisa's nature to be easily derailed when she had decided on a course of action. She had observed a deficiency in her knowledge of Martin; therefore, it was time to go to school on her favorite subject.

She decided to go back to basics. Although she was not a rank beginner in the game of love, she was a beginner in many ways with someone as complex as Martin. She had been exposed to his criticisms, his observations, his manner, and as well, she had seen the gentler, more caring side of him. She wished to unlock the secret of encouraging the latter and discouraging the former. She decided to do this through developing a stronger understanding of what he liked and wanted. But while Martin professed to like direct (some might say terse) communications, he was evasive when the subject was him. So direct questioning wasn't really going to work here. She would have to suss out what she wanted to know by other means.

She decided to start with his body, exploring him through touch, smell and taste. There was no mistaking his reaction to each of these applications, as she methodically began her course of study. It was hard not to be diverted herself, when his reactions were so very distracting and exciting. She discovered that he loved being nuzzled and kissed just behind and around his ears (which seemed to be extraordinarily sensitive). It could well have been the things she also whispered in his ears that were producing said effects and ardent response, but what did it matter?

The good part of physical exploration involving two parties is that there are direct benefits for all. When he realized how much he was enjoying Louisa's actions, Martin managed to suppress his desire to explain the medical basis for every physical reaction. OK, the gag that she put in his mouth might have had something to do with it … no, that too was another daydream on her part. He really was beginning to enjoy the whole process, although he did his best to turn it around on her, matching her explorations with a few of his own.

Since they were both enjoying these interactions, she didn't insist on completing her original course in that first session. In fact, this course of study was going to provide hours of mutually satisfying entertainment. Perhaps someday she would be earning her own Ph.D. in Martinology … the study of all things Martin.

In addition to the physical side, Louisa realized that there was a huge cerebral component to understanding Martin. One of the reasons she was so drawn to him was his mind – not his rude behavior, of course, but his knowledge, his decisive take-charge attitude and demeanor, and his certainty. She loved knowing that his knowledge of all things medical/physical (at least concerning the body) was encyclopedic. She worried, as she had expressed to him, that she was not his equal in the mind department, and that perhaps eventually, he might realize it and find her less attractive as a result.

"Louisa, thank you for your interest in me. Let me assure you, I'm flattered by your interest, but I'm not all that complicated," Martin said. "I'm a simple man, with simple desires, really."

"Now I don't believe that for a minute. Maybe in the bedroom, maybe that's true," she conceded. "But let's review a conversation we had that time we went to Bert's restaurant on opening night. I mentioned a book I was reading, some piece of contemporary fluff, as a way of proving basic conversation with you. In response, you mentioned having recently read some book of the year of the dermatological society. Can you not see the unbalanced nature of our basic interactions?" she retorted. "Really, I'm not trying to look for trouble here, I'm just trying to make sure you don't get bored with me, and go looking for another Edith or something."

"Let me be clear. Edith has got nothing on you. I have no interest in her, or anyone like her, and I never will have. I know you think she and I were together while you were pregnant, but it was more professional, at least on my part. She may have had designs on me, but they were not reciprocated, or even really appreciated, on my part," Martin explained.

Louisa was glad to hear it.