★ but I'm going to be okay as long as you're beside me along the way

[complexguy]

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[dharmalady]

"Well, don't risk your job," she says softly, still smiling at him, though it's softly now, more tender.

"I know what you would do for me. When I do get a better position, it shouldn't be because my boyfriend beat someone up. Even though I absolutely want you to punch Kevin in the fucking face."

[complexguy]

He smirks a little again, kissing the corner of her mouth. "They'll figure it out soon enough, that you're the best one for the job."

[dharmalady]

"I love you. I love you so much," she murmurs, grateful for him, for the way he loves her. Kissing him softly, she's fully relaxed now and that's because of James.

"How do you feel about squeezing into a bathtub with me?" She knows he doesn't really care for them, but he's the only reason her day's gone from shitty to a little better.

[complexguy]

He's just so glad to know she's feeling better, and that he could help with that in some way. Kissing her again, he tucks a few strands of hair behind her ear. "All I can think about now."

[dharmalady]

Once they're both undressed, she lets him get into the tub first, and then she leans back against him.

The sigh she lets out is the most content sound, and she relaxes against him, melting against his chest.

"I love you so much," she murmurs.

[complexguy]

His arms are protective as they loop around her, lips pressing tenderly to her shoulder. "I love you, baby. You know how much?"

[dharmalady]

"Tell me," she says with a soft smile.

There's a small bruise on the back of her shoulder, just from bumping into something at work.

[complexguy]

He does see that bruise, and he kisses her again tenderly right there, lips lingering. "Didn't care about life before you, Juliet. All I did was survive. But you, you make it all worth it. You make me wanna be alive."

[dharmalady]

"I was just existing, you know?" she asks him quietly, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Just moving from one thing to the next. I know you understand how lonely that is. And then you asked me to stay with you," Juliet breathes out.

[complexguy]

"For whatever damn reason, you stayed." They both know why, but it still amazes him. His hold on her tightens lovingly, kissing her other shoulder.

[dharmalady]

Juliet stays in the bath with him until the water's cold, and then she gets out, dries off, and needs him. She makes love to him, they eat dinner, and then she sleeps in his arms, breathing deep and even.

Two weeks later, Horace drops by to let her know her and James will both be going on the sub to Tahiti for supplies. She's so shocked at the casualness of it, that she can just go, that she just nods and then thinks about it until she gets home, starting dinner and waiting on James, knowing Horace probably spoke with him, too.

[complexguy]

When James gets home that night, he watches her cooking for a moment before going to her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her shoulder tenderly.

"Tahiti, huh?"

[dharmalady]

"Tahiti," she says with a soft smile, leaning back against him.

"I can't believe I'm going to just...get on that sub and leave," she says quietly.

[complexguy]

"You think about not coming back?" He asks softly, gently, pressing a kiss to the shell of her ear.

[dharmalady]

"Never. Unless you're not thinking about coming back," she promises, hands finding his against her stomach.

"It's just insane to think about. How easily Horace lets us go. He has no idea."

[complexguy]

"I'm goin' wherever you are, Juliet. Wherever that is," he says firmly. It must feel so damn insane for her, though, this woman who spent so many years trying to get off the island.

[dharmalady]

"Home is you," she agrees, turning to look at him. "It's just..." She averts her gaze for a second, speaking softly.

"Just remind me that Rachel isn't out there."

[complexguy]

"She ain't out there, baby," he breathes out softly. "It's almost 1975 and she's just a kid."

[dharmalady]

Juliet nods, wrapping her arms around him and closing her eyes.

"I miss her," she whispers, but she never stops.

[complexguy]

"Wish I could bring you back to her, Juliet." He wraps her up tighter in return, kissing her forehead.

[dharmalady]

"I know. I know you do, baby," she breathes out, closing her eyes.

"This is going to be a good trip. Our first trip together," she says with a soft smile.

[complexguy]

"We'll make a good time of it, anyway," he smiles back at her. He has no idea what to expect in Tahiti, but it'll be fun just being with her.

[dharmalady]

Juliet kisses him softly, and when they get on the sub together, they're shown to a full-size cot so they can drink their orange juice and curl up.

Sitting on the edge of the bed with him, she looks at her cup.

"Don't drink it too fast. You'll pass out sooner than you think. Trust me."

[complexguy]

He's never done this before, of course, so he'll follow her instructions. "Well, you know me. Never turn down a good time." He's joking, lifting up his cup in mock salute, and then just taking a small, slow sip. He's shoulder to shoulder with her, taking another sip.

Then he gets a rush to his head, blowing out a breath with a soft laugh as he shakes his head a little. "Damn, that hits fast..."

[dharmalady]

She takes a sip of her own and she's smirks.

"I took mine like a shot. I guess Richard had to carry me to the sub from the facility we were in." Which is kind of satisfying.