Wild Hollywood (closed)

[Asa]

Well as long as the animals outside of the reserve have either already made it to the lake or already left maybe 45 minutes

She winked.

Why can't wait that long?

 

[WatchingCloud]

"I think I can make it that long. No guarantees, though."

Carl watched in fascination as they drove out, still finding all the sights exotic and new, even after a couple weeks in the area.

"So, animals going to and from the lake, huh? Your equivalent of LA rush hour?"

 

[Asa]

Sell you tell me if we end up parked waiting for a herd of wildebeests or elephants.

She laughed as she drove pointing out different sites to him.

 

[WatchingCloud]

"Amazing stuff," he said, dazzled by all the wildlife. Just the sheer lack of civilization was soul cleansing.

"Have you ever been to Hollywood or Los Angeles proper with any of your work?"

 

[Asa]

Long ago.

She shrugged.

Dominic talked me into being the handler and bringing my animals for some "on the set playland". Turned out to be more than they had even told him. The actress was mortified of having to film in an actual zoo around people so they made one on a set and wanted my animals to be the ones in the cages.

Her tone as she spoke about it was less than kind.

Zia had seen her on TV before and handed her a palm leaf and stick mimicking the fans she saw when approaching actors. It didn't go over well. She freaked screamed and tried to scare her away by throwing things at her and Dominic told Alec Golden off royally even saying that he had never seen a star of his that he let another director hire be treated so horribly by a costar in his life. He then informed the actress that she should be honored to work with an actress as talented and kind as Zia and that Zia was simply attempting to get her autograph on the offshot chance the woman ever become as talented and gracious and compassionate star like her.

Dominic's part of the story always reminded her to laugh at Hollywood.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Carl sighed at her story.

"Yeah, there are some pretty clueless folk in Hollywood. They're not all bad, though. And things are better the further from that reality distortion field you get. Next time we're in that part of the world, I'll have to show you some of the spots I like."

He sat back, enjoying the ride and the freedom. And the view - especially Alexis's wind blown hair, her soft lips, that little spot on the side of her neck, the curve from her collar bone to where her skin vanished under her top...

 

[Asa]

They had lucked out and the road was clear as the entered to lavish jungle at the base of the volcano and followed the overgrown path to a mid way point big enough to park the Jeep.

We can stay here or hike the rest of the way to the top

 

[WatchingCloud]

Carl was sorely tempted to "stay," but they were this close to the volcano and he was curious.

"We made it this far, I think we can make it the rest of the way. To the top, I mean." He gave her a wink.

 

[Asa]

She winked at him and grabbing the pack that was in the back of the Jeep.

Well then let's go.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Carl offered to carry the bag, then took her hand and followed her lead. He marveled at just how alone it felt out here, like they were the only two in the world.

"Just how active is this volcano? I got the impression it wasn't exactly dormant."

 

[Asa]

She nodded.

It rumbles and grumbles but doesn't really explode or anything.


Her hand holding his she smiled as they walked along.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Carl had no idea how far a hike it was up the side of the volcano, since the lush vegetation obscured the view. He just marveled at all of the exotic plants and birds and butterflies. One flowering plant with large, blue blossoms caught his attention.

He paused long enough to pick one and tuck it behind Alexis's ear.

"Beautiful," he said and kissed her emphatically.

 

[Asa]

She had started to smile till he was kissing her. Pressing into the kiss till she heard a sound she knew well.

Let's go...

She broke the kiss and grabbing his hand pulled him towards a shallow cave. Stopping a few feet away but where they could still see in she pointed to what appeared to be a hole in the cave floor. Steam. Followed by what looked like bubbling spaghetti sauce then nothing but heat.

Lava tube.

Walking on with him the hike only took perhaps 30 minutes and the trees opened up to black rock and smoke.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Carl was fascinated by the small hole in the lava tube. So close to such raw nature.

Then they reached the rim. The black rock was a stark change from the lush vegetation. The smoke obscured his view and caused his eyes to water. There was the smell of sulfur, giving everything a hellish feel.

"So this is what it's like to look under mother nature's skirt..."

 

[Asa]

She pulled him back into the vegetation and away from the odor.

I have heard of people rigging a lava tube to safely direct the heat a short distance to warm their homes but I can't t imagine how.

 

[WatchingCloud]

"That sounds absurdly dangerous," Carl said. "But I'm no expert. I trust your preserve is far enough away to not be at too great a risk from eruption?"

 

[Asa]

Yes but if there is an issue the animals are a great early warning system.

She turned to face him.

Now where were we?

 

[WatchingCloud]

Carl wrapped his arms around Alexis and pulled her in close.

"Hmmm...I think we were somewhere around..."

His lips brushed across hers, followed soon by the playful flick of his tongue.

"...ah, yes. Here."

 

[Asa]

Mmm yes... I think we were.

She purred and snuggled close nibbling at his lips.

 

[WatchingCloud]

"I hope this is the place you had in mind," Carl said in between kisses while his hands slid up under Alexis's top. "Not sure I can restrain myself any longer..."

 

[Asa]

She points to the base of a flowery tree a couple of feet away.

Right here Carl... Seems so perfect.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Carl had to agree with her choice - soft, lush grass on the ground underneath a protective canopy of green dotted with beautiful flowers. It was like something out of a Hollywood set...and he'd know.

"Of course it's perfect, you're here."

He gave her a wink before scooping her off her feet and into his arms. Somehow, he managed to lay her gracefully in the grass, all while their mouths were locked in a passionate embrace of their own.

 

[Asa]

Locked in a kiss her arms around his neck pressed close against his chest. Stretching out on the soft grass. Once the kiss broke pointing out a very colorful bird picking at some fruit in a nearby tree.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Spreading out on the grass beside Alexis, Carl followed her attention to the colorful bird.

"Beautiful. Is that a good omen?"

 

[Asa]

No just a beautiful bird. But I doubt it would be this close to the volcano if there was a problem

She smiled and curled close against him pressing a kiss to his neck as he had done to her before.