Waking up: A whole new ball game
Who: Rook & Payne What: Cleaning. Kind of. When: Early, early morning on Day 14 Where: One of the bathing pools.
Warnings: R - Nakedness, kissing, touching and general implied-goodness.
Rook felt disgustingly sticky.
The wicker hammock that he had moved into was slightly damp and muddy, and overnight the muck had dried onto the skin of his chest and back. Forget being clean, he would be lucky if he was just... not dirty. Not wanting to be late, and left behind by Helena, Rook waited till the laughers had left before jumping off the tree, and striding towards the small stream that ran past the village. Someone, he couldn't remember who, had pointed out the general direction of the bathing pools that he could have a dip in. Though he was male, and knew all the rumors about boys enjoying dirt and being mud-caked, Rook really didn't want some strange alien mud on his skin. Who knew what the land of this planet contained... the grass was freaking purple!
It was in a sort of thoughtful daze that Rook made his way to the pools, looking at the clear, sparkling water with a little relief. At least the water wasn't pink, or yellow or some awful shade of vomit. Clear water he could deal with. Taking off the only bit of clothing he owned, he left it on a rock before wading into the water. The refreshing liquid lapped at his chest and he dunked his head into the water to cool his frustrations. Clear, clean, refreshing water he could deal with. It was still ridiculously early, and he hoped that Helena wouldn't leave without him. Just a short wash and he'd be on his way.
Payne had woken early, and for a while she lay in the hammock she shared with Clay, her arms over her face, keeping the morning sun out of her eyes, just dosing dreamily. She missed Clay's arms and legs tangled up with her, she missed his warmth... It would have been nice if once, just once he'd stay in the hammock a while, but for whatever reason he'd taken to getting up early, some days before she even woke. She didn't mind, not really. Sometimes it was nice to stretch and wake alone, and both of them had times when they needed to be alone. Still, she missed the solid press of him that morning, his hand over her belly - and so when the teen finally did blink fully awake, she frowned and peered down at the fire, wondering where he was. She didn't see him...but she did see Rook, heading away from the tree. She smiled. She'd noticed the eye he'd been giving her across the fire the other night, and she'd been pleased enough to return his looks. Still, it took her a while to rouse herself, and pull on her tank top and her trousers, leaving her kneesocks and boots at the foot of the hammock. She shimmied down the tree, taking her time walking to the little bathing pool. Maybe later she'd find Rook, or Clay, and enlist them into her hunting schemes. She'd make some modifications to her atlatl. May be that she'd actually catch something, and bring meat back to camp again. That had been a good feeling, had filled her with pride and a sense of accomplishment, and she'd conveniently forgotten the fact that it had almost killed her. She tended, as a rule, to conveniently forget things like that.
She smiled a bit as she saw Rook in the pool, and he looked a bit happier than he had before. She shucked off her trousers without thinking, plopping down on the side of the pool to kick her feet in the water. "Hey."
Rook was in the process of looking for something to rub on the dirt on his chest when he heard her. Spinning around, he was about to offer a general greeting, but stopped at the sight of her. She wasn't wearing pants, and her slim, pale legs were hanging in the water. The shock dumbed him for a second.
"H-hey!" he responded, forcing his eyes away from her legs and to her face. "How are you this morning?"
Payne grinned at the look he was giving her. It was nice - good for her ego, really. She liked to be looked at, liked to be desired. At the moment, a bath sounded nice, too. She kicked a bit of water at Rook, giving him an easy grin. "Not bad. Mind if I join ya? I have soap!"
"Be my guest," he answered without thinking, smiling a little as he scratched at the mud at his chest. It wasn't till he realised that to bathe, she'd be naked, and he was naked and they were alone in a pool of water and...
Rook couldn't help it, he blushed lightly, turning to look away from her. Maybe if he wandered into slightly deeper water, there'd be less of a chance that he.... or she would see something inappropriate. "Soap is good." He managed to mutter.
"Yeah, it's a good thing." she dug the bar of soap out of her crumpled cargoes and tossed it to him, before rising to hastily peel off her pants and top. She dropped them to the grass with visible pleasure and relief, taking just a moment to let the sun spill warm and delicious over her skin, making every inch of her tingle with pleasure and enjoyment. Her hands ran through her hair, her eyes squinting into the sun...and then she shook out her tired and sore limbs, forgetting that moment instantly as her body slid into the cool, refreshing water. Oh, and remembering Rook. That, too.
"Thanks." Rook caught the soap on reflex, and on reflex, his eyes caught the full view of Payne standing on the side of the pool. Naked. His eyes widened, unable to tear his eyes away from the sight. The sunlight brought out the glow in her skin, and he was speechless. When he came to his senses, Rook quickly looked away, scrubbing the soap against his dirty chest.
He felt like a pervert. The last time he'd seen a naked woman was five years ago, and that wasn't exactly the best memory.
Payne sighed with pure pleasure as the water closed over her aching body, and she dunked her head, scrubbing the water into her hair and letting little bubbles of air from her lips. Rising, she wiped the water from her eyes and lay back against the bank, pulling up a bit of citruscress and chewing on it. "You like our alien planet?" she asked, conversationally. But her eyes were sliding over his back and shoulders, openly admiring him, remembering their last encounter.
"I haven't been introduced to it yet, so I wouldn't know." Rook was thankful that the soap was beginning to work its magic, and the mud was slowly starting to come off. "Its very muddy though." He indicated to the dirt on his back, and chest.
When he looked back up at her, he caught her open admiration, and couldn't help but smile a little. It wasn't often that someone would show their open appreciation, though many had tried to 'subtly' take advantage of him. He liked the fact that she was direct, and open, not treating everything as a hooded secret. Despite all the heartbreaks he'd been through, Rook was trying very much to keep himself open to new experiences. Not every one was out to get him, and maybe this new world, this new planet could be a fresh chance at life.
Payne knew that some girls liked to be coy when they found a guy attractive. She could understand that, it added a new twist to the whole game. ...but here? On a new planet, where everything was strange and brilliant and wild and new? There was no point. She would have never let him catch her eyeing him, of course, if she thought she'd have to deal with another rejection. No, sir, Quinn had been bad enough, that asshole! Rook, though...Rook was different, and even if he didn't have 'nice guy' practically stamped on his forehead, the memory of his slow, easy kisses, as well as the looks he'd given her (and her chest) at the campfire made her pretty sure things weren't going to go that way this time. "You'll like it. I like it." she told him, grinning as she spun in slow, easy circles in the water. "Lots of room t'run. Berries that smell like roses. Clean water, no pollution...animals to kill an' eat." that last part was a big part of what had changed her mind about the place. "Soon as I find more drugs here, we're set."
He couldn't help watching her, couldn't help catching her contagious grin as she spun. "I'm sure I will." Perhaps more for the company than the situation, but he wasn't very fussed. "I like running, and berries." The last time he took drugs, he ended up in a police station, charged with sexual assault. Not that he had actually done anything. The experience had been a wonderful one though, other than the night in jail and her backstabbing accusations.
Now that most of the mud was coming off his chest, Rook felt distinctly better. Deciding to deal with his back later, he stretched his hand out to her, soap sitting in his large palm, "Here, you should use your soap before I dirty it further." He felt bad for using it before her, even though the mud didn't cling to the bar as he much as he thought it would. Where had his manners gone, honestly.
"Turn 'round." Payne ordered cheerfully, taking the soap and rubbing it between her hands to work up a nice lather. She was glad he'd warmed up to her so quickly - some of the camp didn't take to her too well and she was glad to have another potential ally. It was her way to lay everyone out in her mind in terms of loyalty, dependability, usefulness...and Rook was already shaping up to have high scores in at least the first of those. "I'll do yer back." she moved with easy, confident motions, no shame or embarrassment at all in the way she touched him.
Rook obeyed the command without thinking, offering her his back. In a way it helped his shyness, he wasn't able to look at her in a way that made his stomach clench with unknown emotions. It had been so long since he'd been with a girl that he just couldn't admit to the strange tingling of his spine when she felt her approach. At first contact, he felt decidedly awkward, rolling his shoulders a little to release the tension. Soon though, the feel of her small hands moving against his skin made him relax. It felt good, even if Rook wasn't sure why.
Payne could feel the tension in his shoulders the first moment she touched him, and frowned a bit. What was he so nervous about? He'd seemed to like her, the night before. He'd definitely liked her, the lazy afternoon they'd met. So why all the stress at her touch? As Payne slid the soap over his shoulders and down his back, her fingers curling to scrape off the mud, she mused it over. Unless..unless he didn't want to like it? That was a mystery to her; her experience with men who were shy about taking what they wanted was minimal and mystifying. Her hands were a little bolder now, sweeping around to his sides, up into his hair, kneading the muscles. One even curled around his ear for a moment, leaving a trail of water and soap in its path. "Good?"
The way her fingers pressed into his skin, hands expertly massaging his taut back, sent heat curling through his gut. It took all of his willpower to stand resolutely still, and even then, the feel of her nails scraping against his skin made him shiver. It was strangely sensuous, the way her hands moved, and Rook was torn between wanting her to stop or keep going forever. He couldn't be sure if his will was as strong as his flesh, if she continued further. When she touched his ear, Rook couldn't help but twist his head a little, trying to catch a sight of her expression. "Very good." His voice had deepened by tones and tiny sparks of warmth were sliding through his veins from her actions.
So he did want her. It was perfectly obvious in the tone of his voice, the way it lowered, the cast of his eyes. Even the slightly attentive posture his body took, the bolder her hands became. Payne was perfectly willing to indulge Rook's desire, but she wanted him to initiate something, to feed her ego if nothing else. After that, her own interest could meet his happily. She lay her cheek against his back, just between the shoulder blades, her warm breath fanning over his skin, and her hands swept around to his front. She was still, apparently, washing him, but the soap and water in her hands were only an excuse to touch, to feel, to let the sensual beauty of the day move through her and find outlet with him.
Rook swallowed tightly as her hands became more insistent, sliding along the surface of his wet skin. His sides felt unnaturally warm, where her arms were pressed against him, and her cheek felt smooth on his back. It tickled a little, but instead of wanting to laugh, Rook wanted to turn around and kiss her, and touch her. The sudden urge for physical contact scared him a little, but the fear was swept away in the touch of her skin against his, replaced by a hot, burning desire. He hadn't felt this way in years, and the heat that was pooling in his gut began to spread into his chest. It was a very very strong temptation. Still, he kept perfectly still, a battle of will and want, thought and desire. And Rook wasn't sure which side was going to win. Shakily, he cleared his throat. He had to stop her before he gave in to something that she wanted no part in. "Payne... Did you... want something?"
Payne laughed, low and throaty against Rooks' back. She'd been pretty clear, Payne thought, of her willingness, right up to the limits of plausible deniability, of course. Quinn had reminded her the importance of that. Was Rook shy? Oh Lord, he was shy! She laughed again, her hands sweeping up his chest and crossing around his waist as she peeked around him. Did she want something? No, not particularly. If he'd given no signs of being aroused she would have gone back to her spear-thrower and her knives, back to Clay and their wild games. Rook did want her, though, and that was a good feeling. Very good. And she wasn't exactly a passive recipient of his desire. So yeah, maybe. A little.
"Mm. Don't you?" She asked him frankly, invitation as clear in her tone as she could make it.
Her laugh shuddered up his spine, and he wondered if he had read her all wrong, that she hadn't meant to make him feel this way. Rook blushed a little, hoping that he could leave peaceably if that was the case, without anything embarrassing happening. However, the feel of her hands roaming his chest and abs gave him pause. Her invitation tingled across his arms and Rook turned around to look in her face. Seeing her naked didn't feel inappropriate anymore. He was careful to look in her eyes as he spoke, even as his hands spanned her slim waist, sliding up her back. "Perhaps." Her skin was smooth and soft and his eyes couldn't help but roam appreciatively over her face and body.
His hands were cool and wet, and Payne could feel the water running down her back and into the pool as Rook touched her back, her waist. She shivered in appreciation and her eyes closed for a moment. She could practically feel his eyes on her, the hunger in his gaze. It warmed her, just as the sun did. Made her shiver, just like the cool water wrapping her body, licking at her and running over her in little liquid tongues. If their previous encounter was any indication, anything Rook wanted could only add to her pleasure, only add to the glorious newness of that day. "Yeah?" she inched toward him, her hand sliding up his arm toward his shoulder. "Good."
Unable to resist her anymore, he leaned in close, pressing his lips gently against hers. His arms were loose around her, and she could break away at any moment should she choose to. Her lips were soft, and his arms slid slowly up her back, fingers tangling lightly in her hair. It was the breaking point of his repressed emotions, and he poured all of that into the kiss, his arms gradually tightening around her till she was pressed against his chest.
He was so gentle, at first! Payne had been kissed by more men than she rather cared to think about, and while some might like to say that they remember every kiss, she didn't. Most men were startlingly alike when they kissed, which was why, when she had her way, she'd rather have skipped the kissing altogether and move onto other things. Rook, though, stood out. His kiss started out so tender, as if he were afraid of breaking her. She responded slowly, carefully, but when his hands tangled into her hair, and he broke with need and pulled her tight and his kiss changed, becoming something hot, hungry, Payne heard herself let out a tiny whimper of agreement with whatever it was that had broken his shyness. His want for her washed over her, adding to the warmth building inside.
She tasted so sweet, so soft that Rook couldn't help but pillage her mouth, angling her head against the hard press of his lips. Her soft whimper only stirred him on, and he pulled her to him, a hand sliding to her bottom and pulling her up to him. His desire had overwhelmed everything else, and his mind no longer had a say in his actions. The press of her body against his made him groan, the contact too much, yet not enough all at once. Rook was desperately confused, but he didn't want to think anymore. He wanted to feel, to be touched... to be alive. Slowly, he broke the kiss, looking at her as if he was in a daze. He was still holding her tight against him, having lifted her off her feet to hold her tightly.
Payne could have cried, if she'd had the ability or the nature for it. His need and his reluctance were so endearing, he was just a bundle of hunger and repression and she could see none of this consciously, of course, but felt it in the pit of her stomach. He held her so tight her feet left the mossy bottom of the pool and her toes wiggled against the tops of his feet. Her hands finally pulled from his hold to loop around his neck and she smiled, nothing but pure good-feeling in her ridiculously pleased grin. This, this was what she'd needed, and hadn't even realised it.
Rook watched her for a moment, breathing hard. He buried his face against her neck, still in indecision about what he should do. Her smell and warmth seemed to envelope him and he sighed into her skin. He pressed small, soft kisses along her slim neck, his hands exploring her back, stroking her spine. As his lips explored her neck and collarbone, his fingers slid down her back, along the outside of her thigh. God, she was beautiful. Rook hadn't realised exactly how gorgeous she was until now, as all his senses examined her body.
Payne was squinting up at the sky, her eyes taking in everything about this world. The leaves, the water, the air, all of it so familiar and yet glaringly different. The air was clean, nothing like the polluted stuff she'd breathed all her life. The water was clean and pure, nothing like the flourinated, metallic water she'd pulled from rusty taps. The world was lush and growing and organic and alive, nothing like the jungle of concrete and alleyway and metal and stone she'd always known. And this, too: Rook was different, nothing at all like the men she'd known with their tired pickup lines and boozy kisses and greedy hands. She waited for her slippery reluctance to come, that furtive feeling that made her temper her body with chemicals before she could enjoy the press of another person. It didn't come. She just felt good, and careless, and free. Her body responded enthusiastically to Rook's caresses, her own hands stroked him, sliding into his hair. "Everythin's beautiful." she murmured, unsure what had made her speak the soft words aloud.
Looking up momentarily, he brushed the hair from her face with a tender hand. "You're beautiful." His voice was soft as he ran his fingers lightly through her hair and traced the side of her face. Slowly, his lips slid lower, till they pressed along the top of her breasts, taking his time in exploring her soft skin. He was lost in the scent and feel of her, and he loved it. Swirling his tongue against her skin, Rook tasted each and every curve with slow, gentle reverence. "You're... very beautiful." He bit down lightly along one side, sucking on the red mark. Even while an arm held her to him, his hand strayed down towards her thighs, touching and pressing and tracing with slow, fluid strokes.
Payne wasn't sure what to say to that. She'd been complimented before, of course, but his tender reverence put her just a bit confused. Still, he was lusty, and she felt very comfortable in that. She laughed as he kissed and touched her, giggles turning to sighs and then gasps as it went on. Lord, but the guy was good with his hands! Finally Payne wiggled away from Rook's hold, swimming to the bank and leaning against it, opening her arms to him and inviting him in again. "Well, yer not so bad lookin' yourself." she smiled.
For a split second, Rook had second thoughts. It wasn't right. He had only known this girl for a couple of days, maybe less, and this was only the second time he had even spoken to her. It didn't go along with social propriety. Then again... they were in an unknown planet, living in a society based on the age of the dinosaurs. Who gave a shit about social propriety? One look at her, willing, and inviting and he was wading over towards her, a slow smile lighting up his face. Moving into the circle of her arms, he pressed his lips to hers, one hand on the soft mud of the bank.
His kiss was grand and his lips warm and firm, and his body pressed her into the muddy, mossy bank. Her hand still held the soap, and distracted, she let it fall from her fingers onto the bank. Her whole body longed for touch, for this delightful state to continue. Sex was so often filled with angst and denial and violence; this simple, free sort of feeling was delicious. She pulled him closer, legs rising to clasp his hips with her knees, and her lips pressed to his, her enjoyment coming out in her kisses.
The way she curled into him was adorable, and he leaned over her, feeling his hand sink a little into the soft mud as he did so. The muscles of his back shifted as he kissed her, angling and moving his lips gently along hers. Gradually, the kisses increased in pressure and desperation, and Rook pressed closer, his hips trapped by her thighs. Her chest was crushed against his, and the feeling ignited his need further. Sliding his tongue along her lips, Rook swept around her mouth, tracing each curve, tangling his tongue with hers. A hand slipped down her body, caressing and memorizing the very feel of her skin - every soft curve, every delicate line.
Those kisses went on, growing progressively more hungry and passionate, the touching more bold. Usually she'd have long since have reached the point of 'fuck or flight'. Not this time - she was content to simply enjoy him and revel in their mutual desire, soaking in the sun. Feeling his hands touch her, press to her, stroke her, bring out feelings she'd forgotten and some she'd never really noticed at all. And his body reacting to her hands, shuddering against her, endearing in it's helpless desire. Touch. Alive. Alive and glad of it, feeling every inch of skin prickle with sensation and delight. Finally it all came to a head and she fell back, gasping for air, letting her head fall back against the mossy bank. "Jesus."
Rook was panting heavily as well, both from repressed desire and the lack of oxygen. Slowly, he disentangled himself from her legs, crawling up to lie on the bank next to her. He didn't care that it was dirty, or that they were both naked, looking up at the rising sun. Tilting his head slightly to look at her, Rook sighed happily,tenderly stroking the skin of her stomach. Words didn't seem sufficient to describe how at peace he felt, and he fell back onto the ground, looking up at the sky. Everything was beautiful.