Britwitch's Cottage

[Britwitch]

I watch him come in, watch the movement of his eyes as they move across my modest home from home. As I close the door a wind has started to move the branches outside.


I can't be sure but I think there's going to be quite the downpour before long. In the meantime, though, can I get you anything? I have tea...or there are some bottles of wine squirreled away somewhere if you'd prefer...

My eyes narrow ever so slightly as I scan the kitchen trying to remember where I put the bottles before returning to him and warming.


...anything you'd like, I'll try to oblige.

 

[fr33ks33k]

That's very kind of you, Miss...Brit, was it? I feel we've met before...

*Her smile warmed his own, and he moved to a couch to sit*

I think wine would be a lovely idea. I'll trust your discretion as to the type.

*He leaned back into the plush cushions, arms stretching out across the back of it.*

 

[Britwitch]

Brit's fine, absolutely fine...and I have a similar feeling myself...

I head into the kitchen, reaching up to a high shelf to retrieve two wine glasses. Depositing them on the worksurface, I bend to access a low cupboard, after a moment or two's internal debate, I settle on a bottle of rosé. Bringing it, and the glasses over, I place them on a low coffee table and join my guest on the couch.

...and you, what should I call you...?

I ask lightly, one eyebrow slightly quirked as I start to open the wine.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Brit it is, then.

*He watched her retreat to the kitchen, disappearing briefly and resurfacing with wine and glasses. His eyes continued to follow her as she came to sit beside him.*

Well, around these parts they call me Fr33k. I have many names, though. If that one is off-putting, I'm sure I have another that would be suitable...

*He emitted a small laugh. No one seemed to mind his peculiar name here, and he didn't suspect Brit would either.*

 

[Britwitch]

The cork comes free with a louder pop than I was expecting and I pour two rather generous glasses. Handing one out to him, I hold my own slightly aloft.

Then I shall call you as others do. To new friends...

I clink mine against his and take a sip, my eyes looking at him over the rim as I do so.

I hope the wine's ok for you, Fr33k, do let me know if it isn't.

Another sip before settling back against the back of the couch, turning slightly to face him in the process.

It's almost a shame you chose today to come to the woods, if the weather had been a little more promising, I could have given you the local tour...shown you the sights...

 

[fr33ks33k]

*He takes a sip as well following the toast, enjoying the flavor of the wine.*

The wine's just fine. And as for the sights...

*His eyes play over Brit from head to toe, a slight smile quirking the corners of his mouth*

I'd say we'll do just fine. Truthfully, I enjoy walking in the rain on occasion.

*The thought of a storm-soaked walk was actually quite appealing to him, and he wondered what her thoughts were on it. He was equally content to sit and enjoy the warmth and coziness of the cottage.*

 

[Britwitch]

Feeling a blush warm my cheeks as his eyes make no attempt to hide their path over my figure.

Walking in the rain can be a wonderful thing...I have to confess I have been known to get up and go out in the middle of the night just to walk in a storm...to feel the water soaking your skin, your clothes...there's nothing like it...

Smiles almost guiltily at her admission

...plus there's always the enjoyment of coming back inside to warm up afterwards...

 

[fr33ks33k]

*The smile on his face widens at the sight of blood rushing to her cheeks*

Yes indeed, a cool rain followed by a warm fire. Now I'm hoping the rain comes quickly...

*He tips his glass, taking a long drink, his glass just under half-empty now. His free hand has managed to become placed right above her shoulder, still resting on the couch's back. His eyes flick over the curve of her shoulder and the line of her collarbone before returning to her eyes.*

 

[Britwitch]

I continue to sip my wine, stopping as a distant rumble breaks through the relative quiet. The window panes rattling ever so slightly in their old wooden frames. My eyes move from his face, to the window and back again.

Seems your desires are going to be met...

I grin, making no attempt to hide my own excitement at the prospect of a storm. I take a far larger mouthful of my wine than I have been taking and lick my lips.

If you would like, the best view of the storm will probably be down by the lake where we can see the sky the clearest, it's a short walk from here and if we leave soon we'll probably be there before the rain starts...

My eyes sparkle as they meet his.

 

[fr33ks33k]

*Hearing her words, he downs the rest of his wine, setting the glass on the table and rising to his feet, fingertips brushing over her shoulder 'accidentally'*

Well then, let's go, shall we?

*His eyes were full of excitement, but also a bit of mischief*

 

[Britwitch]

I try not to react as I feel fingertips move over my shoulder, skin grazing mine for a split second but I'm sure my face betrayed the excited thrill that raced through me momentarily as it happened. My glass is soon as empty as his and, after adding a few large logs to the fire to prevent it burning out before we return, we're soon walking down the steps outside my cottage.
Taking his hand, without really considering it, I pull him playfully towards a track leading into the trees.


This way...

 

[fr33ks33k]

*It is a comfortable thing, her hand taking his. He thinks nothing of it as she guides the way, his steps keeping stride with hers, his eagerness showing through in the giddy grin on his face. He keeps stealing glances at her, each time catching the same giddiness in her eyes.*

How long have you lived out here? You seem to know the ways quite well....

 

[Britwitch]

I lead him down the winding path, ducking to pass under low branches. Glancing back every so often to make sure I'm not dragging him along.

I've been out here for a year or so now and I like to think I know the area around here fairly well...

I skirt around a rather large pothole and pull his hand gently to encourage him to follow. As I turn around to ask if he'd prefer a shoreline view or something a little more elevated, my foot catches in an exposed root and my balance abruptly fails me. I wince as I start to fall, both in anticipation of the thump I'm surely about to receive from the ground and with embarrassment that he might now think me less than graceful.

 

[fr33ks33k]

*The sudden jerk of her hand is luckily enough to spring him to action, moving deftly to stop her fall. His hands end up just below her shoulder blades and just above the small of her back. He is grinning just a bit at the irony of her words and the timing of her trip*

It seems the woods either want you to know that they too can change, or they wanted me to have my hands on you....

*He helps her to her feet, regaining her balance. Off in the distance, but closing in, another peal of thunder sounds the storm's impending entrance*

Shall we continue?

 

[Britwitch]

Instead of face down in the moss and mud, I find myself in his arms. Looking up in to his face.

What is it they say about pride and falling...?

I quip quietly, leaning against him as he helps me right myself. Cheeks once again pinker than previously.

Thank you, for saving me...I guess I should try to keep my eyes on the path, at least until we get to the lake...

I tuck an errant curl behind an ear before retaking his hand and squeezing it slightly.

...we should probably keep moving. I was going to ask if you wanted a shoreline view or something a little higher...?

A little more carefully, I continue to lead him down the path, reaching a fork after a short while.

 

[fr33ks33k]

You're quite welcome.

*Once we reach the fork in the path, a moment's thought informs his words*

I say we go for the shoreline. You said that would be the clearest view, right? I can think of no better place to watch it, then.

*He awaited her to lead the way, though his eagerness still shines brightly in his eyes*

 

[Britwitch]

Shoreline it is...

I lead him down the right hand fork, which has a distinct downward slope to it. Within minutes we reach the shoreline of the lake. Sandy beach beneath our feet and wide expanse of water before us. The lake looks dark and foreboding, mirroring the clouds above. Small waves break the surface, growing more and more rapid in their movements. The sky rumbles ominously above us and despite my love of storms, I feel myself move to stand a little closer to him.

Don't think we'll miss much from here.

I say, leaning against his shoulder to make sure he hears me over the thunder and ever increasing wind.

 

[fr33ks33k]

*From this vantage, the storm will be nearly on top of them. He smiles at the prospect, and also from the gentle presence of her body next to him. His arm snakes around her waist, an easy action that seems just right*

This is quite a wonderful spot. And probably not just for storm-watching....

*His voice trails off as he gets lost in watching the brewing weather coming to a head before them*

 

[Britwitch]

I feel his arm encircle my waist and subconsciously rest my hand upon his as it comes to a halt. My eyes are wide as they look skyward, my hair dancing wildly in the wind.

It's one of my favourite spots...for swimming, sunbathing, thinking...all sorts of things...

The dark clouds flash and in an almost childish way I start to count.

...one...t-

A massive clap of thunder cuts me off and makes me yelp with surprise, the jolt that accompanies it pressing me back against him. The first rain spots start to fall.

I think the storm just arrived.

 

[fr33ks33k]

*As she jumps, it causes his hand to tense on her waist, pulling her just that fraction closer. The feel of her hand on his is another comforting thing*

Yes, I do believe it has.

*The droplets start to come down harder, the flashing and booming of the clouds intermittently casting light upon the glassy lake's surface. He turns his head to look at her, smiling, before returning his gaze to the boisterous cloud cover*

 

[Britwitch]

The feel of his body behind mine, his hand on my waist, quelling the natural panic the rises each time the clouds light up above us and the thunder crashes all around.

The rain grows steadily heavier. In no time at all my dress is soaking up the water, growing heavy and clinging to my skin. My hair slows it's dance as it's increasingly weighed down. Drops running down my face, my neck, my chest.

It's wonderful...isn't it...

I murmur, glancing up at him over my shoulder.

 

[fr33ks33k]

*The downpour soaks through his clothes just as easily, dripping steadily from his hair in beads. His eyes wander, following random streams of the rain as they flow easily down her body. The look in her eyes is pure joy, and he can't help but keep smiling*

It sure is.

*His words are punctuated by a particularly loud peal of thunder, the lightning accompaniment flashing like a strobe light crackling and forking across the sky.*

 

[Britwitch]

My eyes remain fixed on his face, even with the impressive light show going on above. I turn slightly, being careful not to dislodge his hand from my waist and causing it to slide around to my back, lifting a hand to brush hair back from his face.

You looked...

Suddenly, I find myself at a loss for what to say. No doubt it was going to be witty and more than a little flirtatious but I have a more pressing urge rapidly overcome the desire to talk.

I push myself up onto my toes and press my lips to his gently, softly, tasting rain and him in equal measures.

 

[fr33ks33k]

*His smile is halted, but it is replaced with an even better facial activity. Her lips are soft and smooth as they press to his, the runnels of rain moving over, between, and around. His other hand comes to rest beside the one formerly around her waist, both now holding her lower back as his head inclines to deepen the kiss*

 

[Britwitch]

My hands move to rest on his shoulders, my back arching to press our rain soaked bodies together, pushing chest against chest. My clothes feel icy cold but his body is warm. My tongue creeps between parted lips to stroke his lips, to taste more fully.
The rain, the wind, the thunder, the lightning, all seem suddenly so far away.