Kevin turned to look over his shoulder as he and Johnny hiked up the trail. "Doing okay back there?"

"Yeah," Johnny answered. "Man, this is incredible."

"Now you know why I wanted to bring you up here."

Johnny smiled broadly and nodded. "Mind if we stop for a minute? I wanna get some pictures."

"Sure," Kevin agreed. "Think we're about due for a break anyway."

Johnny slid his pack off his shoulders and kneeled down before he started digging through it and coming up with a smaller bag. Before Kevin knew it, Johnny was pulling out a camera and a lens, attaching it and aiming the camera out over the cliffs.

When Johnny had told him he planned on bringing a camera, this was hardly what Kevin thought he had in mind. He figured Johnny would bring a basic camera, not a whole professional set up. This looked like serious business.

He waited while Johnny took a few pictures before commenting. "Didn't realize you were that much into photography."

"I picked it up a few years ago," Johnny told him as he kneeled down and dug through his bag, finding a different lens and switching them out. "Drove everyone at the station crazy for a while when I first started."

"Yeah, I can imagine not everyone loves having a camera shoved in their face."

Johnny laughed a little at that. "My captain at the time called me a twit. Pretty sure he wanted to call me something else."

He took a few more pictures before nodding firmly and taking the lens off the camera, repacking his bag and putting it back in his pack. "Ready to move on whenever you are."

Kevin knew exactly where he wanted to lead Johnny. "Sure. It gets a little more challenging from here, but I promise you it's going to be worth it."

Johnny shrugged as he slung his pack back over his shoulders. "Pretty sure I can handle it."

Kevin had little doubt about that. They continued up the trail, chatting idly as they climbed. It was warm and sunny, and Kevin could feel the sweat run down the back of his neck. Eventually the trail they were taking would lead down to the beach, and Kevin looked forward to getting into the water to cool off a little. Johnny had sounded unsure about that plan but seemed willing to go along.

Finally, they reached the top of the cliff. Down below, the water reflected the bright blue of the afternoon sky, the waves crashing and rolling over the sand. Kevin always found the sound so soothing, and often came up here after an especially hard shift.

Now, he got to share it with Johnny.

"Wow," the word came out in a single breath from Johnny.

"You like it?"

"Yeah," Johnny responded, quickly setting down his pack and opening it, once again retrieving his camera equipment and setting it up before clicking off a few shots.

Kevin set down his own pack and lowered himself to the ground, watching as Johnny fiddled with his camera and took some more shots. Finally, he seemed satisfied and lowered his camera. "This is amazing. Thanks."

"Entirely my pleasure," Kevin replied, something in him warming at Johnny's words. "I come up here a lot to unwind. Helps me put a tough shift behind me."

"Got a few of those places myself," Johnny told him. "Wouldn't mind returning the favor."

"I'd like that."

Johnny smiled at that, raising the camera and aiming it at Kevin. Kevin heard the click of the shutter before Johnny lowered the camera.

"Like what you see?" Kevin asked casually.

Johnny scooted closer and sat down next to Kevin, glancing around before giving him a quick kiss. "Always."

That brief kiss sparked something more in Kevin, and he wished they weren't out in public so he could indulge that desire. But there would be other times and places for that.

"You know, if we take the trail back down, it splits off and it'll take us right down to the beach," Kevin told him. "And I don't know about you, but I could stand to cool off a little."

"It is kinda warm," Johnny acknowledged. "Little dip in the ocean'll probably do me some good. As long as I don't have to rescue anyone."

Kevin laughed a little. "Right. Definitely don't want to work on my day off."

They spent a good long while sitting near the edge of the cliffs, making idle conversation as other hikers passed by. There was something about this that was so easy and comfortable, creating a whole different kind of intimacy that Kevin rarely found elsewhere. Sure, he had a wide circle of friends and lovers and former lovers that he remained friends with, but what was happening here between him and Johnny was a whole other thing.

It was too much to expect this to turn into something more serious, Kevin knew that. But he was enjoying just spending time with Johnny without it necessarily leading to anything physical. It was a nice change of pace.

He felt Johnny's hand touch his, his fingers lightly stroking along the back of Kevin's hand. Even that felt far more intimate than any of the other nights they'd spent together, and Kevin couldn't quite figure out why.

"So, hey, about that trail to the beach," Johnny spoke quietly.

"Right," Kevin pulled away and pushed himself to his feet. "We should probably get going."

Kevin once again led the way as the hard-packed dirt turned to sand the closer they got to the beach, the sound of the crashing waves growing louder. "Right through here."

They soon stepped on to the beach, the soft sand making their trek more difficult as they found a spot to set down their packs. "There's some changing areas nearby, although some people don't bother with that."

Johnny looked confused. "You didn't tell me that."

"Well, technically it's a no-no, but the city doesn't bother to enforce it," Kevin explained. "Completely up to you, of course."

"Hmm, think I'd better take a pass on that," Johnny answered carefully. "Maybe some other time."

"I'll keep it in mind," Kevin teased him as they started toward the changing area.

Once changed, they headed down to the water, the hard-packed sand cool under their feet. The waves rolled in as they started going in, and Johnny regarded them with a skeptical expression. "You're sure this is safe?"

"Reasonably sure," Kevin was now wondering if this was a good idea after all. "You don't have to go in if you don't want to."

"I don't mind the water," Johnny responded as he waded in a little further. "It's water rescues I don't like. Too unpredictable."

"True," Kevin acknowledged as he waded in and let himself fall back into the water, letting it wash over him, the soothing rhythm of the waves relaxing him after the day spent hiking.

"This does feel pretty good, though," Johnny admitted as he joined Kevin. "Kinda get why you come out here."

"Mm-hmm," Kevin replied. "Not a bad way to end the day, is it?"

"Who said the day's over?" Johnny countered.

Kevin let out a short laugh. "No reason why it has to be. Unless you need to go home tonight."

"Nope."

Deep down Kevin had hoped their day together would somehow extend into the evening, but he had known better than to assume anything when it came to Johnny.

Another wave washed over him, and he heard the sound of someone coughing next to him. He shifted and saw Johnny standing waist deep in the water and running his hands over his face, his hair slicked back as he tried to recover from his coughing fit.

"Are you okay?" Kevin asked.

"I am now," Johnny answered with an obvious catch in his voice. "Didn't notice the incoming wave, that's all."

Kevin couldn't help teasing him a little. "Next time try not to inhale it. You're not a fish."

Johnny moved so he was closer to Kevin. "I'll keep that in mind."

Just as Kevin caught the devilish expression on Johnny's face, Johnny grabbed hold of him and dragged him under the water. Kevin's response was swift, and soon the two of them were all but wrestling with each other, making cracks and laughing at themselves.

Johnny gave up first as they ended up back near the shoreline, lying on his back, breathing heavily while the waves washed over his body. "Man, you're killing me."

"You started it," Kevin pointed out as he lay next to Johnny, resting on one elbow.

Johnny acknowledged that with that little crooked grin. "Suppose you're gonna finish it."

"I could," Kevin answered, leaning down for a brief kiss. "But not here."

"Damn," Johnny murmured. "Could have played out that one scene…what movie was that?"

"From Here to Eternity?"

"That's the one."

"Huh, who knew you were a movie guy, too?"

"I'm not, not really," Johnny explained. "But that scene's pretty memorable."

"I wonder why," Kevin teased him again, glancing around before leaning down for another kiss.

Just as he did so, another wave crested and crashed over them, leaving them both spluttering and coughing.

"Jesus Christ," Johnny managed to get out as he was still recovering.

Kevin managed a laugh amidst his own coughing fit. "Think maybe it's time to go."

"Fine with me," Johnny grumbled.

By the time they gathered their packs and headed back to the changing area, Johnny seemed to have mostly recovered from the experience and was back to his usual chatty self. "We should check out some of the trails by where I live," he called out over the sound of the shower. "No ocean views, though. Hope that's not a problem."

"It's no problem," Kevin called back. "I'd like to see your stomping grounds."

They both stepped out of the showers and made their way to the changing area. "We could make an overnight trip of it," Johnny suggested before glancing around. "Wouldn't mind getting you in the back of the Rover."

Kevin couldn't help the warmth that spread through him at the thought, and he knew it showed. "I knew you had an ulterior motive."

Johnny merely regarded him with amusement. "Right, like you weren't thinking the same thing?"

Kevin snapped him in the rear with his towel. "I wasn't until you brought it up."

"Won't be the only thing I, uh, bring up."

"You are shameless."

That amused expression grew into that already familiar crooked grin. "Figured you liked that about me."

There was something about Johnny's words that struck Kevin, and he paused for a moment. "It's one of many things I like about you."

Johnny's expression changed to one of curiosity, though that slight smile never left his face. "Yeah, guess I could say the same. If that means anything."

Something clutched in Kevin at that, though he wasn't sure why or what it meant. Finally, he nodded. "It does, Johnny. It does."

Johnny almost seemed relieved as he nodded in response. "Good. I mean, I don't know exactly what it means, but that's okay, right?"

"Right," Kevin answered firmly. "Now, it's a bit of a hike to get back to the car. Ready?"

"Whenever you are."

They set back out again, carefully navigating the trail back to where they had started. Finally, they returned to the car and set their packs in the back seat.

"I don't know about you, but I'm beat," Kevin told Johnny. "How about we pick up some food on the way back to the house?"

"If it's not too much of a hassle," Johnny answered. "I'll cover it if you want."

"You don't have to do that."

Johnny shrugged. "Seems like the least I can do."

Kevin quickly realized this wasn't an argument he was going to win. "Okay, just this once."

Johnny seemed pleased at that. "Sure."

Kevin pulled into a drive-thru, and they soon had a bag of burgers and fries between them, with Johnny holding on to both their drinks. The smell caused Kevin's stomach to grumble, and he reached into the bag for a few fries.

He wasn't alone. His fingers touched Johnny's, and he started to pull back. "Sorry."

Johnny popped a couple of fries into his mouth and shrugged. "No problem. Just got hungry. You want your drink?"

"Uh…sure."

Johnny stuck a straw in one of the cups and handed it to Kevin, who took a drink and stuck the cup between his legs.

It was a relatively short drive back to the house, and by the time they got there, only the burgers were left. Kevin shut off the car and dug back into the bag to hand one to Johnny, and they fell into casual conversation as they finished eating.

There was something about all of this that just felt so right, and Kevin couldn't help wondering what it might be like if this thing between them became more serious, if they went from sharing a bed occasionally to sharing a life.

He couldn't help letting out a short laugh at how ridiculous his own thoughts were, and that immediately caught Johnny's attention. "What's so funny?"

"Just thinking, that's all."

Johnny leaned over and kissed him. "About what?"

"Nothing you need to worry about."

"I'm not worried," Johnny told him as he kissed him again. "Just curious, that's all."

"Just thinking about what a good day it's been." It wasn't a lie, really. It had been a fantastic day.

Johnny tilted his head thoughtfully before acknowledging that with a nod. "You know what? You're right. Kinda good to know we can get along in, uh, other ways."

"Careful," Kevin teased him. "I seem to remember agreeing to keep things casual."

Johnny's expression turned more serious. "Well, sure. But things can change, right?"

Kevin could feel his heart beating a little faster. "They can."

Johnny seemed to consider that as he ran a hand through Kevin's hair. "But they don't have to change right now."

"No, they don't," Kevin replied, unsure how to take any of this. "We can figure it out as we go."

Johnny didn't seem entirely sure, but it was clear to Kevin that he was thinking it over. Good enough, Kevin figured. He wasn't going to push Johnny for more than he wanted to give.

Finally, Johnny let out a short sigh. "I think I'm beat, too."

Kevin quickly kissed Johnny. "Well, then I suggest we head inside."

They climbed out of the car and headed inside, and Johnny dropped his pack near the door before taking off his boots. Kevin did the same and started to head toward the TV before Johnny caught him and pulled him in close.

Kevin couldn't help getting swept up in the feel of Johnny's mouth on his, his hands tugging at Kevin's shirt and finding their way underneath, and Kevin found himself doing the same. TV could damn well wait, Kevin supposed.

He guided them both toward the couch, and they fell gracelessly upon it, Johnny nearly right on top of him. It didn't seem to slow him down much, if at all, and soon they were a tangle of limbs, making out like a pair of teenagers.

It occurred to Kevin after a good long while that they didn't seem to be progressing much beyond this, and somehow, that was fine with him. Johnny, for his part, seemed content to continue just kissing and touching him. It was odd, considering how quickly they usually progressed.

Eventually, Johnny pulled back, shifting so that he was looking down at Kevin with a curious expression. Kevin couldn't help worrying, just a little. "Something wrong?"

Johnny shook his head, tracing down Kevin's chest with one finger. "Not really. Just kinda weird that we're all over each other but…nah, forget it."

"Well, let's see," Kevin shifted a little, letting a hand rest on Johnny's hip. "We hiked most of the day, took that trail down to the beach, then hiked back up that trail. It wasn't exactly an easy hike."

"True," Johnny agreed. "I just didn't want you to think that, well, I was losing interest or something."

"I'm not losing interest, either," Kevin pointed out. "The spirit is willing. The flesh is weak."

Johnny let out a quiet laugh, leaning down to kiss the spot where Kevin's collarbones met. "Yeah, that."

They shifted ever so slightly, somehow still managing to lay tangled up with each other without too much discomfort, and Johnny rested his head against Kevin's shoulder. "I really like this," he spoke quietly. "I mean, just, you know, being here with you."

Something about Johnny's words touching him deeply. He didn't want to ruin the moment and scare Johnny off. Instead, he interlaced his fingers with Johnny's, stroking the back of his hand with his thumb. "It's not bad, is it?"

Johnny scoffed quietly at that. "Just wish I could tell people about it."

That stung, but Kevin knew better than to take it personally. It wasn't as if he could tell that many people about Johnny, either. "Believe me, I want to tell people about you, too."

Johnny's fingers curved around the back of Kevin's hand, his thumb stroking lightly. "I mean, if I told people I was burning up a bunch of gas to see a chick, they'd get it. This…nah, they wouldn't. Just wish things were different, you know?"

Kevin didn't respond right away. It seemed Johnny had been thinking about this for some time, and he needed to just let it out. He decided it was probably better to just let him.

"See, this is why I don't get too attached to guys," Johnny continued. "And you know, it's been easy for a long time. Screw around with guys when I want, date girls when I want. Or, you know, when I meet one I kinda like. But I haven't been looking too hard for another girl lately. Makes me think, well, maybe something's changed. And it has. It's this. You and me."

Kevin shifted a little, waiting to see if Johnny was going to say anything more, but it seemed he'd said all he had wanted to say. It did make sense, Kevin supposed, that Johnny could be more himself here. There was little chance of running into someone he knew and having to try to explain things.

He wasn't sure Johnny fully understood that, though his line of thought seemed headed in that direction. Kevin knew that once again, he'd have to approach this carefully. "I'm sure there's a reason for that."

Johnny lifted his head and regarded Kevin curiously. "I mean, I'm not sure if I'm in love with you or anything like that."

Kevin couldn't help his amusement at Johnny's words. "Right, let's not get ahead of ourselves."

Johnny looked mildly exasperated, and Kevin leaned toward him to kiss him lightly. "I'm sorry. I'm not making fun of you. You just caught me off guard."

Johnny still looked doubtful, and Kevin didn't know what else to say to help. "Listen, we don't have to keep talking about this. I don't think it's helpful for either of us."

Johnny seemed to consider that, finally accepting with a nod. "So, uh, I guess you don't mind if I stick around tonight."

"I'd rather you did," Kevin told him. "I suspect we'll both be in better shape after a decent night's sleep."

Johnny broke into a nearly full smile at that. "And I'll bet I know a good way to wake you up."

"Only if I don't wake you up first."

"You're on."

They passed the remainder of the evening watching something on TV and fooling around a bit before they finally called it a night. As they settled into bed, Kevin found himself with Johnny wrapped around him, his chest pressed to Kevin's back.

Kevin smiled a little to himself as he fell asleep. This wouldn't be a bad way to wake up at all.