A/N: Hi guys! Thanks so much again for reading and favoriting/following. Please leave a review if you can.

Shout outs to TheGoofyCat and LivingAtFearStreet for reviewing, I really appreciate it! To TheGoofyCat: Love the ship names! I've had an idea for a long time how this story was going to go, but actually writing it is making me rethink things! I appreciate the feedback :)

Chapter Warning: Starting to have some sexual themes. As always, offensive language/cursing aplenty.

"When I think of all the worries

People seem to find

And how they're in a hurry

To complicate their minds

By chasing after money

And dreams that can't come true

I'm glad that we are different

We've better things to do"

-The Grass Roots, "Let's Live for Today"

Since the beginning of sophomore year, Robin's weekends were generally uneventful. Before, she would spend time in Middle Rock Park, hang out with Diane, and attend numerous get togethers and parties around Castle Rock, even if no one besides Diane really wanted her there. Now, her weekends consisted of more studying, reading, and the occasional meal with her mother that was filled with awkward silence.

So when her mother had sent her to Main Street Grocery to pick up a few last minute ingredients for dinner, Robin certainly didn't expect for it to be a Saturday out of the ordinary. At least not until she heard her name being called.

"ROBIN! Hey!"

She jumped at the sound of his voice, dropping the red apples she was holding. She watched them roll down the aisle towards Teddy Duchamp, one apple stopping right at his feet. He scooped it up and strolled towards her as the nerves in her stomach started to settle.

"Guessing you're not gonna want those anymore, huh?" Teddy remarked.

"Yeah, definitely not, thanks to you," Robin answered shortly, turning away from him and reaching for more apples.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Teddy shine the apple he was holding with the hem of his shirt. She watched in horror as he took a huge bite of it.

"Teddy, that's disgusting!" Robin scolded, "That was on the floor, who knows what's on the bottom of people's shoes!"

He simply shrugged in reply and took another bite, the juice dripping out of his mouth.

"There's no other fruit like the apple," Teddy declared, his mouth still full, "It's the freshest of them all."

Robin gave an amused smile, attempting to hold back her laughter. He had a knack for making bizarre statements but saying them like they were the most profound thing in the world. She thought it was both hilarious and commendable at the same time.

"What? What's so funny?" he asked, confused.

"Nothing, just the way you talk sometimes," Robin replied with a chuckle, "I don't think I've ever heard such admiration for apples before, especially from a fellow 18 year old."

"Well it looks like you like them too, and you should," Teddy told her, "It's the fruit of teachers, you know."

She gave him a puzzled look. "What?"

"Robin, c'mon, you should know this! Students give their teachers apples! I've never actually seen anyone give a teacher an apple, but it's in tv shows and movies and stuff," Teddy explained, "And you know, you're a good teacher."

Robin smiled at the compliment. "Teddy, I just tutor you. I'm not a teacher."

Teddy rolled his eyes. "Jesus, so many corrections outta you. See, you could be a teacher. You'd be good at it."

"I guess," Robin responded with a shrug, "Thanks."

"You would be. And you like apples, which is apparently a requirement," Teddy commented, peering into her basket, "Jesus Christ, how many of them do you actually need?"

She had gathered about 10 apples into her basket along with the rest of the needed supplies from her mother's grocery list.

"My mom's making an apple pie tonight for dessert," Robin answered, "She sent me out to pick up a few things, so I really should be getting back. Nice seeing you, Teddy."

Robin started walking away towards the checkout counter, but to her frustration, Teddy eagerly followed right beside her all the way there.

He grinned at her. "Apple pie, huh? My favorite."

"Me too," she said through gritted teeth.

There was no one in line, so Robin began putting her items on the counter. Teddy stood close to her—a little too close.

"If you need anyone to finish off any leftovers, let me know and I'll come over. And if leftovers are involved, ya know I've gotta give Vern a shout. We'd clean 'em all out for ya."

"I'll keep that in mind," Robin muttered, rolling her eyes.

He really couldn't take a hint that she wanted to be left alone, could he? Sure, he really wasn't bad. In fact, she actually had enjoyed the last few times that they spent together at school. But talking to Teddy Duchamp during the weekend made her feel uneasy—what was his angle? She thought of the moment just two days ago where he had hinted at possibly having feelings for her. Her stomach fluttered, and she internally told it to cut it out.

"Here ya go, Miss," the cashier offered, holding his hand out to her for her change and breaking her out of her thoughts.

"Thanks."

Robin stuffed the change into a pocket in her purse, gathered her groceries, and beelined for the exit—of course, with Teddy in tow.

"Where do you live?" Teddy asked cheerily, "I can give ya a lift, I bet those groceries are heavy."

"I'm really okay, Teddy, thanks," Robin responded crisply, "See you later."

She turned right to start the trek home, and she heard footsteps right behind her. Oh my god, she thought, is he going to follow me all the way home?

"Robin, wait!"

"What do you want, Teddy?" Robin questioned, exasperated.

"I—uh—was hoping maybe you would—uh—" Teddy started, sounding unsure, "...Maybe help me study more for the biology test? Yeah, that's it, help me study for the biology test some more!"

Robin eyed him suspiciously. Did he actually want to study, or was this some sort of ploy?

"Since when did Teddy Duchamp want to study on the weekends? No, wait, since when did Teddy Duchamp want to study ever?"

"You're an inspiration, what can I say?" he remarked with a grin, "C'mon Robin, help me do well on my first test…I really kinda want to graduate now, ya know?"

Robin stopped walking and looked at him, feeling both surprised and confused. "You do?"

Something changed in Teddy's face and demeanor, and it was almost alarming to her: it was the first time she had seen him sentimental. He looked at her, his big brown eyes nostalgic, and he gave her a bittersweet smile.

"Yeah. My old man graduated high school before he stormed the beach at Normandy. I think I kinda want to do it too."

Anxiety and compassion flooded through her; it felt like her heart was falling into the depths of her stomach.

Robin had always known about Charles Duchamp. In fact, it felt like the whole town knew about Teddy's father: he went off to France to fight in WWII, and he didn't come back quite the same. Though the fight against the Nazis and his dad's return all happened before she was born, Robin had certainly been around for when his father was carted off to Togus for what he did to Teddy.

It wasn't something that she ever thought to talk to him about. Why would she? They hadn't been friends in elementary school when Teddy got his ear practically burnt off, and she also didn't truly understand the effects of war until she was almost 16. There was no way Robin would have thought to reach out to him then, because they barely saw each other, but also because there was no way that Robin would have reached out to anyone—it was too painful.

It still hurt too much to really think about her father, let alone talk about him. But if there was anyone else who could understand what war did to people, it was Teddy Duchamp. He stood there with those brown eyes and that smile, looking sad, yet hopeful, and oddly…beautiful. She had a strong urge to wrap her arms around him, but she suppressed it. Instead, she gave him a similar smile back.

"I think that's wonderful, Teddy. I really do."

His eyes widened, and he appeared to hesitate before replying. "Thanks. So you'll keep helping me?"

Robin continued to smile at him. "Yes. Of course. I just need to get these groceries back to my mom and then we can do some work."

Teddy grinned back at her. "Great. Let me drive you, it'll be a helluva lot faster."

"You behind the wheel of a car…sounds scary," Robin teased as she followed him back to the line of cars parked outside the grocery.

"Hey, hey, I know what I'm doin'! I betcha I'm the best damn driver in the tri-state area!"

Teddy pulled his keys out of his pocket as they came to a stop in front of a 1958 Buick Roadmaster, a sleek, bright red car with two doors. It looked freshly polished. Robin furrowed her brow.

"Nice car," she commented with uncertainty, "Where'd you get it?"

Teddy glanced away from her, inserting the key into the lock. "I got it from my uncle who lives out of town, he runs a car dealership."

While she knew that the Chambers family was one of the poorest in town, Robin had been under the impression that Teddy didn't really come from much money himself. Before she could ask him any other questions about his uncle or the car, he opened the driver's side door.

"Alright doll, slide on in. Get ready for the smoothest ride of your life."

Robin rolled her eyes as she pushed herself and the groceries to the passenger side. "Just get me home in one piece, would you?"

The drive to her house was surprisingly smooth, although it was only a little over a mile. Teddy pulled over right outside, and he looked up at her home with a smirk.

"So this is where you live, huh? How's about I wait in your bedroom?"

"Not a chance," Robin hissed, "You sit right here while I go put these groceries inside, and don't move."

"Yes, mother," Teddy joked sarcastically.

Robin gathered her groceries and trudged up the front steps to her home. She pushed the door open with her elbow and headed for the kitchen where her mother was, predictably, standing at the stove.

"Thank you so much, dear," Norma Hayes said distractedly, as Robin put the groceries down on the kitchen table, "I'm a little behind, dinner might not be ready until 7 or so."

"That's fine, Mom. Actually, I'm going…out for the evening."

Her mother's blonde head whipped in her direction, her blue eyes widened and a small, almost unbelieving smile crossed her face. "Out? That's—that's great, baby! With Diane?"

Robin sighed. "No, Mom. Just with a guy."

The smile on her mother's face almost touched the corners of her eyes. "A guy! How exciting, Robin!"

Robin crossed her arms over her chest. Leave it to her mother to get amped up over the sheer mention of a boy.

"It's not like that!"

Her mother blinked at her, but her smile was still wide. "Sure it isn't, dear. Well, have fun. I won't wait up."

"Mom, it's only 5 o'clock!"

"Well, I'll see you a little while later!"

Robin clenched her jaw and then turned on her heel, marching out of the kitchen and to Teddy's car. She yanked the door open and flopped down onto the seat. Teddy eyed her nervously.

"Er—you alright?"

"Just drive, Teddy."

Castle Rock was a little spread out, sure. But it certainly wasn't a big town. Robin first got suspicious when they crossed over the Castle Rock Bridge heading towards Harlow. There wasn't much that way except for Quidaciolu's and the Castle Rock Junkyard.

"This is the way to your house?" Robin asked doubtfully.

"Yeah, I live on the complete other side of town. Such a bitch to get to sometimes," Teddy responded, his tone rising.

There were a couple of houses out that way, so Robin stayed silent. A few minutes passed of them driving down the same street when all of a sudden Teddy made a sharp left turn onto a dirt road. All Robin could see on either side of her were trees as the car bounced her around.

"Teddy, where the hell are we going?!"

He looked at her, his smile wide and completely giddy. "We're gonna go have some fun! Your world's not gonna go to dogshit if ya let loose for once."

Hot anger boiled inside of her—he had lied to her. She turned to him, her green eyes blazing.

"Let me the fuck out of this car or I swear—"

"Christ, Robin, it's not like I'm a fucking serial murderer and I'm takin' you out here to chop your damn head off!" Teddy yelled, "So calm your tits!"

"Calm my—calm my WHAT?!"

"Your fucking TITS!"

They went over a particularly large bump, jostling the two of them side to side.

"Were you even telling me the truth about wanting to graduate, about your dad?!"

Teddy laid his foot down on the accelerator, the car jolting Robin around. She gripped the seat in a panic.

"I'm telling you the goddamn TRUTH!" Teddy bellowed, "Jesus FUCKING Christ! My dad graduated high school and I'm gonna do it too, godDAMNIT!"

She didn't know what frightened her more in that moment: the car ride or Teddy.

"Okay, okay, Teddy, I believe you, alright?! Please slow down, you're scaring me!"

Teddy whipped his head around, seeing how panicked she looked. He took his foot off of the accelerator and placed it on the brake. The car slowed but kept a decent pace forward.

"Sorry," he mumbled, "I'm takin' you out here just tryin' to get you to have a good time."

Robin was surprised by the sudden change of tone, but she kept one hand on the seat and one holding the dashboard—just in case.

"I'm sorry that I accused you of lying about your dad and wanting to graduate," Robin apologized, "And I appreciate that you want me to have a good time. But in case you haven't noticed, I don't really have a good time. And you can't just lie about studying and then borderline kidnap me."

Teddy grinned. "I guess I did kinda kidnap you, huh?"

"Yeah…"

"Robin, look, just because you don't have any damn fun doesn't mean you don't deserve to."

She was floored: it was probably the most profound thing that she had ever heard him say.

"What?"

"It's not gonna kill ya. It's okay to live a little."

Robin didn't respond: for once, she couldn't find the words to argue with him. She pondered what he said. Why did he care so much about her having fun? She was trying to keep on the straight path to Stanford: she didn't want anything, or anyone, to distract her from that.

It wasn't long before they reached their destination. The trees cleared, and they pulled up to a dark blue river, the water flowing slowly past them. It certainly wasn't shallow: it looked like it was fairly deep. Robin could hear the sound of rushing water and turned to her left. She saw a tower of rocks leading to one huge boulder situated up high, with water dropping over the side. Though not one of the biggest waterfalls in Oregon, it was still rather large.

Teddy got out of the car and immediately threw his shirt off. Robin followed him but instinctively kept her clothes on. She turned away from him, her face flushing red, as he started unbuckling his jeans. He tossed his glasses onto the pile of clothes.

"We're gonna lay out and get a tan?" she asked weakly.

"We're gonna jump into the water! C'mon Robin!"

She watched with terror as Teddy ran toward the waterfall and began hoisting himself up the rocks.

"You could fall!" Robin yelled at him, "There could be rocks at the bottom and you could hit your head!"

Teddy ignored her. Up and up he went until he reached the top, standing just to the right of the rushing water. He had to be about 25 feet up. Robin gripped her head, digging her fingernails into her scalp.

"Teddy, get down from there! It's too dangerous!"

He looked down at her and grinned. "Whatever you say!"

And with that, he threw himself off of the rock with a battle cry, flying through the air until he landed with a gigantic splash into the river.

"TEDDY!"

Robin kicked off her shoes before tearing off her blouse and pants. She sprinted to the edge, and just before she was about to jump in, Teddy surfaced from the water.

"WOOOOO!"

"Jesus Christ, you're okay?!"

"Of course!" Teddy called cheerfully as he treaded water, "I'm more than okay, I'm fucking amazing! Robin, you gotta do it, you gotta jump!"

Robin backed away from the water's edge. "No—no way. No way am I doing that!"

"Aw c'mon," Teddy said with a wolfish smirk, "You already took your clothes off, so you're ready for it. And you're even foxier than I imagined."

Robin yelped at the realization that she was standing in just her bra and underwear, crossing both her legs and her arms.

"Ugh, you pig! I was gonna jump in and save your ass!"

Teddy let out a cackle. "Robin, I don't need saving! I'm alive, more alive than ever! And you will be too if you just get up on that rock and jump in the damn water!"

He had that crazed, madman look about him, but he seemed like he was having the time of his life as he swam towards the spot where the water dropped into the river.

Could it really be that fun? She didn't want to back down from a challenge, especially one from Teddy Duchamp, and that was precisely what it was. She looked up at the rock with determination. She was scared, but she was also stubborn.

"Fine! I'll do it!"

Despite every nerve in her body screaming at her not to do it, Robin strode over to the waterfall and began clambering up the rocks. She climbed up one rock at a time, taking care of where she put her feet as the rocks were slick. She could feel her fingernails scrape stone as she pushed herself up and up. Robin finally reached the top and treaded carefully towards the edge of the waterfall. She stared down at Teddy, his eyes on her as he watched from the water. It was dizzying how far down he was. She bit her lip and could feel herself start to shake.

"Don't look down, you idiot!" Teddy called from below, "Look out ahead!"

Robin lifted her head to peer out in front of her. The trees were lofty, and being closer to height level, she could notice the many subtle colors of the leaves changing with autumn. The trees all lined the river, and she followed the river's winding path with her eyes. Though she couldn't see where the small river led, she had a far away view of a mountain, its peak tinged with snow. It was beautiful.

"Now jump!" Teddy commanded.

Robin took a deep breath. Trembling, she tossed herself off of the rock. She screamed, louder than she had ever screamed before. Her limbs flailed about as she soared through the air, her stomach flying up into her chest and adrenaline flooding through her. She plummeted into the river, hitting the water hard. The iciness seared through her skin like glass at first, but it just as quickly melted away. Eyes still closed, Robin instinctively kicked her legs and surfaced from the water with a huge gasp.

It all felt amazing.

"Holy crap!" Robin exclaimed, still trying to catch her breath, "That was—that was incredible! Invigorating!"

Teddy grinned. "I don't know what the hell invigorating means, but it sounds damn good!"

Robin doggie paddled through the water until she got to a place where she could stand. The river's coldness was refreshing. "This water feels amazing."

"I love when it's fucking freezing like this," Teddy remarked, swimming alongside her, "I can't believe you actually fucking did it, Robin."

"Me neither…"

He gave her a smug smirk. "I knew all I had to do was fucking dare you. You're too damn proud."

Robin was about to retort back, but she stopped when she noticed Teddy stretching his arms away from his body, as if he was paddling without moving. His tan skin glistened with water droplets.

Teddy suddenly submerged himself under the water, and just as quickly poked only his eyes out. He stared at Robin, and she stared back, her eyebrow raised. Without warning, he rose, opened his mouth and spit river water into her face.

"Ugh, Teddy, that's so gross!"

He cackled. "I got you good!"

She swiped at her eyes. "If 'good' means 'eyes full of river and mouth bacteria,' then yes, I'd say you got me good."

"I'll put my mouth bacteria somewhere else, if you want."

Robin grimaced. "Charming. Best pick up line yet."

"Wait till you hear this one."

And with that, Teddy went back under. Robin stared at the spot he was just in with trepidation. A moment passed before she felt arms wrap around her thighs. She gasped as she was hoisted into the air and out of the water, Teddy lifting her from the tops of her legs. He spun her around a few times, and she couldn't help but laugh.

"Get it?!" Teddy called, "Best pick up line?"

"I get it, I get it," Robin laughed, "Can you put me down now, please?"

Robin slipped back down into the water as Teddy's hands traveled upward. They rested on her waist as he turned her to face him. His big brown eyes had no trace of their usual amusement as he stared into her own. She could feel his hands tighten on her body as his thumbs rubbed against her skin. She felt hot even though the water was freezing. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

When his hands snaked down to her hips, Robin drew a breath. This needed to stop. But for the first time…she wasn't sure if she wanted it to.

"Teddy…let's keep swimming?"

He didn't let go of her, but his hands loosened their grip. He bent his head, it leaning against hers. The extra touch was electric.

"Robin…"

His voice was a mixture of pleasure and complaint. It made the pull between need and want stronger on both ends.

"C'mon Teddy," Robin said, turning away from him to face out towards the winding river, "Take a look at the sunset, it's almost down."

Teddy took one look at the setting sun and then bolted back towards land.

"What fucking time is it?! JESUS H CHRIST!"

Robin was bewildered at the sudden change in his demeanor. "I don't know, maybe 7:30? What's wrong?"

Teddy had already made it back to the river's edge. "I—I've got somewhere I need to be. You gotta get outta the water, now!"

Taken aback by his tone, she trudged through the water back to the river bank while Teddy flung his clothes back on and jammed his glasses onto his face. He didn't help her get back onto land. Where did he need to get to in such a hurry? Feeling a little deflated, she put her blouse and pants back on as he searched frantically for his car keys. His hand dove into his back pocket and pulled them out swiftly.

"Alright, get in!"

Though it was still a quick ride, Teddy had made sure to not go as fast down the dirt road as he had on the way there. Robin felt a little comforted by the thought that perhaps he had done this for her, but she then internally smacked herself. Why should she care about him doing things for her?

But he had given her a ride to drop her groceries off, had brought her to such a beautiful place, had gotten her to do something that she never would have done before. He had gotten her to want to be close to him. And that was beyond terrifying.

Teddy pulled up to the edge of Middle Rock Park on Birch.

"Okay if I drop ya here?"

"Yeah, that's fine," she agreed.

He parked the car and raced around the other side, yanking the door open for her. She slid out of the car, and he slammed the door shut. He suddenly grabbed her by both of her arms and grinned at her. There was something about his smile that made her grin back.

"Let's do it again soon, huh?"

"Okay."

Teddy leaned over and kissed her on her cheek before she could register what was happening. He smirked at her.

"See ya in school, foxy."

And with that, he jogged back over to the driver's side, got in, and sped off. Robin wandered onto the sidewalk. Her cheek was burning from where his lips had been. Too many thoughts and emotions engulfed her, dazed her. She didn't even know how to begin to sort through them all.

"Robin?"

Of course. Of course.

Robin looked to her left and saw Chris Chambers sitting on a park bench, peering out at her.

"Hi, Chris."