SPOILERS: 'Mystery, Alaska'; the non-Russell Crowe related 'Titanic'(1997)

CHARACTERS: Although Maximus and Bud White are mentioned, this is primarily a John Biebe story.

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fanfic only, based on characters created by Russell Crowe in his movies, and in no way infringes

upon the God-given copyrights of such as Hollywood Studios (a subsidiary of Disney, and the studio which released 'Mystery, Alaska'); writer David E. Kelley (I *love* 'The Practice'), etc. I am only borrowing John and the others for a while with my greatest appreciation.

INTRODUCTION: When Laura was preparing to write part three of her 'World in My Eyes', (which is being serialized on the group site and archived elsewhere), she had a scene in which some of the characters mentioned a shopping trip to the local mall. To make it a tad more realistic, she asked some of us about our favorite stores. For me: Suncoast Video, Waldenbooks, Musicland, Bath and Body Works and The Body Shop. I think at some point, Laura had intended to write an actual "mall scene," but never got round to it as her story progressed. So when I asked if I could tackle one, using a particular moment in hers as my centerpiece, and doing it as a sort of companion piece to her story, she told me to go ahead. It wouldn't hurt to reread Laura's part three for some background and to set everything up (plus that, it *is* good).

Although it may appear that you are coming in on the middle of a scene in mine, and have missed something, you did not. I decided not to detail every single aspect of the shopping trip; you'll get a fairly good idea from Laura's story. Therefore, when mine opens, we (because the heroine from my own 'By Way of Introduction' is featured, as well as Michelle, Peaches, Maximus, Bud White, and John Biebe) have already been at the mall a couple of hours. The girls have even managed to get the guys shown off together because...well, the three do draw a lot of attention. And when a few people questioned their resemblance, they are said to be "brothers." Now it's time to do what was the main reason for coming: buying Max a twentieth century wardrobe. And he's getting a very nice treat: clothes from the famous Brooks Brothers. Bud is already delighted to hear this. John, however, is somewhat more tentative......

And find emotions that you always try to hide...

I do believe that there's a love you wanna share...

I'll take good care of you lady, have no fear,....

So I wanna know

I wanna know what turns you on

So I can be all that and more

I'd like to know what makes you cry

So I can be the one who always makes you smile."

     Excerpts from "I Wanna Know"  Artist: Joe    From: The 'Wood' soundtrack

"Brooks Brothers?" John asked, raising an eyebrow. "I may be wrong, but -- isn't this one of the fanciest men's stores in the country?"

"You're not wrong," Michelle answered him, as we started guiding the three "brothers" just inside the entrance. "It's just that it's one of the best men's stores in the *world*."

"Yikes," John mumbled, starting to look a bit uncomfortable as he glanced around. "And why are we here?"

"Because we thought that since we're on a shopping spree," Peaches explained, tugging on Max's right arm, "and this is Max's first real intro to the twenty-first century, we'd splurge a bit. We brought Bud here his first time out, didn't we, Bud?"

"Yep. You'll never believe the quality of this stuff. I still have one of the jackets you got me; great shape, and that was almost three years ago." Bud gave a mischievous grin. "Sort of hoping you'll --" Michelle rolled her eyes. "Yes, Bud. You get a small treat, too. Geez."

John shook his head. "But why am *I* here, girls? I've got enough clothes already. You all took me shopping at LL Bean when I first got here."

Michelle smiled and glanced at me, nodding in my direction. "It was Tina's idea."

The sheriff looked at me and smiled a bit. "Your idea, huh?"

I shrugged. "Like Peaches said, we're sort of splurging today. And I used to have a charge account with Brooks Brothers. Hope it's still active; haven't used it in a while. I'll check before we start; that'll save on my other cards."

"Gonna buy Max something?"

I nodded. "I told Peaches and 'Chelle I'd kick in on the tab, but..." and I hooked my left arm within his right one, feeling his muscles press against my skin, "...I want to get a little something for *you* too."

I saw surprise register on his face, and his words came in a confused sputter. "But... But sweetheart, I already told ya. I've got plenty of clothes."

"Yeah, for winter and spring 'Chelle said. Not summer. You need some things to start you out for summer." I was pulling him further inside. The others were already eagerly spreading out ahead of us, Michelle and Peaches finding some extremely helpful assistance from two female clerks, both of whom were almost panting and genuflecting as they looked back and forth between Bud and Maximus. All I could think was: they're definitely going to earn their commission today.  I glanced back at my companion, who was looking a bit uneasy. I could understand his dilemma. There were likely few Brooks Brothers in Alaska, and if there were, I doubted John Biebe would have been in one.

"Okay, maybe I do, but... hey wait... Tina." He pulled me back. "This *is* Brooks Brothers!" he whispered hoarsely.

"And?"

"And... Well... Well damn, Tina... It's freaking *Brooks Brothers*!"

I eased closer to him. "So... it's Brooks Brothers. If Max and Bud can get a few things today... well..." I gently rubbed his chest. "It's my treat. You can't spend the whole summer in flannel, you know. Don't worry about the cost. Crime scene techs get paid *very* well. We don't come a dime a dozen, remember? Not too many people would do our kind of work... Come on, John. Relax. It's my own way of saying... thanks for the great times we've had together."

A look of resignation crossed his features and he smiled.

"Aw crap... Okay, okay. Guess I can't fight you there. But --" He pointed a finger at me. " -- let's not go overboard. Agreed?"

"Agreed... When the account maxes out at about $2000, we'll quit."

"What?!" he almost screamed, but caught himself in time as we both laughed.

The one misconception about Brooks Brothers is that they sell *only* high quality business suits and accessories. Having shopped there over the years, I knew nothing could be further from the truth. They also carry some of the nicest male casual wear, and often at very reasonable prices, especially considering the quality. I loved their stores. The fresh smell of the beautifully pressed clothes; the scents of very masculine potpourris combined with samples of Brooks Brothers' own line of men's fragrances -- It definitely stimulated the senses and put me in a buying mood.

"I love shopping for men," I confessed, sighing as I ran a finger over the collar of an Egyptian cotton T-shirt. Like most of the company's clothing and accessories, their Golden Fleece emblem - a small ram with a ribbon about it - was visible on the area of the left chest. I always thought that was a lot more attractive than the stupid alligator -- or was it a crocodile?

"Yeah?" My comment had captured John's attention away from some lightweight sweaters. "And... exactly how many men have you bought clothes for, Ms. Stewart?" he teased.

I gave a coy smile. "Oh, let's see... My -- brother... My -- uncle." John chuckled. "My -- sister's boyfriend, who is the dad of my little nephew, Alex. I told you about Alex. I *love* to shop for him... Four, Sheriff Biebe. That makes four, when you count Alex."

"No more, huh?"

"Well... there's this handsome Alaskan law enforcement officer." Removing a pullover shirt from one shelf, I held it up to him to see how it went with his coloring. The sapphire brought out the vibrant blue of his eyes.

"Just hope he appreciates it. If he doesn't, he's a damn idiot.... Hey, I like that."

"So do I. Blue is definitely the color for all of you guys."

"You can thank RC for that," John said, smiling broadly in that way which caused my heart to flutter.

"Guess I can thank him for a lot of things -- you especially," I whispered, placing the item in his hands. "Hold onto that. I don't want someone else to grab it up if I decide to take it."

We spent the next half-hour making selections from among the store's casual wear. It didn't take as long as it would with Max (who needed to be sized and bought an entire wardrobe from underwear to outerwear), and besides, I've never been much of a clothes shopper. When it came to that, give me a catalog or the Internet anytime so I could peruse at my own leisure. For some reason, I saw shopping for men's clothing in a different light, perhaps because I was doing it for the opposite sex. Buying for John was enjoyable for me. I loved caressing the fabrics and imagining them against his body; holding the things at angles under the lighting to see the true colors; then showing my choice to John to see what he thought. There wasn't a thing he disliked, and he spent most of our experience praising my good taste. By the time we were done, he was loaded with several pairs of jeans in various colors; several cotton shirts, some in plaid, some in solids; T-shirts; a couple of pullover shirts; a jacket; and three summer sweaters. For a treat, I threw in a pair of sunglasses and a pair of everyday shoes.

"I didn't think I'd ever see anyone shop that fast," John admitted as we walked toward my rental car, carrying between us four distinctive blue Brooks Brothers bags. After making the purchase, one of the clerks had graciously allowed him to change into one of his new plaid shirts.

"Especially a woman?" I asked with a sly smile.

John chuckled. "Hey... you said it -- I didn't."

I laughed, pulling the LeSabre's keys from the pocket of my powder blue cropped top. "I know, I know. I just hate clothes shopping for the most part. Always have. Now my sisters and my mother... They could *live* in a clothing store. Me?" I shook my head. "I hate that pick it up, analyze it, put it back, pick it up again, try it on--" The trunk popped open when I hit the remote on the key chain. "--Put it back again; pick it up again. Yeech. Give me a book store anytime."

"But you liked Brooks Brothers. I could tell."

"Well, once I knew where 'Chelle and Peaches were shopping for Max, I made up my mind ahead of time about what I'd get you. I like to be able to just go right in... Boy I'm glad we brought two cars. I don't think one trunk could hold everything we're going to end up with."

"Not the way they're buying for Max... Okay, all set." He closed the trunk.

"But I loved shopping for you."

"You did, huh?" He moved closer, and I reached up to put my arms around his neck. "Yeah, you did. That was obvious."

"Well, it was wonderful thinking how you would look in all these things." I let my fingers gently stroke his hair.

"I thought you were looking very pleased with yourself.... All right, what do we do now?"

"I don't know. They're going to be a long while with Max. At least a couple more hours, and I don't really want to sit in the car all that time."

"Me either... Okay... so... we go back inside."

"Sure. Fine with me."

"Maybe we can even stop back by the sporting goods store," he said slyly, and I laughed, shaking my head. "What?"

"Oh God," I groaned. "You were as bad in there as Max was in that House of Knives place, and Bud in every electronics store we've passed... I thought you'd break down and cry when we made you leave. I don't want to traumatize you any further."

"Okay, okay," he answered, laughing himself. "We'll find a compromise."

We were back inside within minutes, walking along a corridor containing a main entrance to Sears, as well as an insurance office, a country-western clothes store, and a dentist office. As we turned the corner and went to the left, we had only strolled a few yards when my mouth dropped.  I hurried a few steps ahead of John. He caught me standing in front ofa display of monitors behind the store window, each one showing the trailer for this little movie called 'Gladiator'.

"It's Suncoast," I murmured in the type of awe normally reserved for great cathedrals and works of art. "I *love* Suncoast."

"Want to go in?"

"Can we?"

"Sure. This'll be one of our compromise stores. Besides, I know how much you love movies. Me too, remember. I haven't been in a Suncoast since I was last in Fairbanks."

We wandered into my version of Nirvana - which was thankfully empty at the moment - sighing as we gazed upward at the large, black and white, poster size photographs of actors and actresses in some of the best known movies ever created. I paused in front of one of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, and John grinned.

"Tina... there's your boat movie." I laughed as he looked about. "Hey, none of RC? I'll have to complain about that."

"You do that," I kidded, heading towards the rear of the store. A clerk at the register greeted me with a good afternoon, and I smiled in return as I neared an aisle marked  Drama'. "I can't believe all these DVD's."

"They've got a lot of 'em, don't they? Shit, almost more than video tapes."

"I noticed. My God, look at all these!" I was as happy as the proverbial kid and the candy store. "'Titanic'... 'The Ten Commandments'..." I gasped. "'The Shawshank Redemption'. I loved that *so* much... Oh look... John - John... Look." He stepped from the Science-Fiction/Fantasy section where he was literally throwing back a copy of 'Star Wars: Episode I', and came to my side. I was holding out a case, one which caused him to beam as I said, "Like this one?"

"Oh yeah. Definitely, darlin'." He took the copy of 'Mystery, Alaska' in his hands. "You really ought to get this."

"I wish I could, but unfortunately--" I accepted it back.  "-- it's still at the video tape rental purchase cost only. We're talking $80+ or more. I've never paid that for any movie."

"Okay... then why don't you get it on DVD?"

I fingered the corner of my beloved 'Titanic'. "I don't own a player yet. Hadn't really planned on buying one -- not until 'Gladiator' gets released. I figured that'll also be an excellent excuse to finally get that big screen I've always wanted." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw John busily selecting 'L.A. Confidential'; 'Mystery, Alaska'; 'The Quick and the Dead'; 'The Insider', as well as several others he knew were top favorites of mine. He was humming some little song I did not recognize, his head moving slightly to the tune, and there was a smile on his lips. Momentarily, I recalled his intentness when he had organized the 'Dear Abby' column for Donna. "John," I called out. He turned, a "cat which swallowed the canary" expression quite prominent. "John... I don't own a DVD player."

"I heard you the first time, Tina," he happily responded, and returned to what he was doing.

"But John--"

"Grab 'Titanic' there, darlin', and... hey, look, did you know the 'South Park' movie was in this format? You were saying how funny you thought it was. Damn, 'The Matrix'in wide-screen...." I wasn't quite certain what my favorite sheriff was up to, but I did as I was told. I selected some of my top favorite films of all time ('Titanic', 'The Ten Commandments', 'Batman', and 'The Godfather', since neither 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' or 'Gladiator' were available yet), then found myself being handed a basket containing John's selections. There was a nice variety, but five had one thing in common: Russell Crowe.

"O...kay," I softly said, staring down at the packages. "Now what?"

"Now you check out," he replied in a very matter of fact way. There was that grin again.

"But John--"

He gave me a little push toward the front counter. "No more 'But John' Tina. Go ahead and check out. When they tell you the amount, let me know. I'll take care of it."

"Great," I mumbled. "Guess I'll just sit and stare at the discs when I get home. They are pretty."

"Not when you'll have a DVD to play them on." I stopped in my tracks and looked back at him, my mouth hanging open. "We'll have enough time to take a look at those when we get out of here."

"Wait a minute. You're... You're buying me a DVD? You can't do that, John," I protested, although admittedly, part of me was excited at the prospect.

"Too late. Mind's made up," he grinned. We were at the counter now, and he whispered, "I'll be over there." He pointed at a display of 'South Park' memorabilia which was on sale, and headed to it, while I turned to face the female clerk who had spoken to me earlier.

"Ready to check out?" she asked, looking at the practically full basket. I glanced back at John, who was busying himself by playing with a Display Only talking Eric Cartman doll.

"Yeah I think so."

"Do you have a Replay card?"

"Replay-- Oh, wait a second. I do." I started digging through all the plastic cards in my wallet, until I finally located what she was talking about. "Here you go."

"I just hate to see you making such a large purchase, and not get your discount and points credited," she explained, beginning to remove the cases one at a time. "You must have just bought a player."

I nodded, smiling. "Just bought one." Well -- almost anyway.

"Aren't they fantastic? My parents gave me one for Christmas, and I just love mine."

My eyes wandered a bit, glancing at the magazine rack, and a publication caught my eye. 'Schwann DVD Advance'. Okay, so I would have to startcatching up on past and recent DVD releases, but the cover was what had made me smile. I pulled it out of the slot, held the issue for a moment, then dropped it on the counter top. I watched as the clerk's eyes grew even wider.

"Oh geez, 'Gladiator'." She was staring at the cover photograph of Russell Crowe as Maximus, before putting it down, practically drooling. "Oh man, I *loved* that movie. Hell, I loved *him*! Obviously you've seen it." Nodding, I held up four fingers. "Four times? Really? I've only seen it twice. Wasn't it wonderful?"

"It's my favorite movie since 'Titanic'."

"I want to see it again, but I just haven't had time with work *and* school. Uh-oh...."

"Uh-oh?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"

"I'm seeing a pattern here." She started laughing as she scanned 'The Insider'. "I just realized that five of these have Russell Crowe in it. 'Gladiator' won you over you that much, huh?"

I heard a sound behind me which was a partial cough and a partial sputtered chuckle. I knew it had nothing to do with the doll shouting out "Respect my authori-TAY!!" from the 'Chicken Lover' episode of the series.

"Well actually... I was already a fan of his from way back."

"Oh me, too. Me, too." She scanned the magazine. "The front office just told us it'll be out on DVD this fall. The video you won't be able to purchase until next spring."

"That's what I've heard."

"At least that's what they told us yesterday. That's subject to change of course. Always is. Good thing you already have your DVD player."

"Well, now I only have to worry about that big screen I'm wanting."

"Hey, a big screen's the only way to see that yummy body. That man is too fine." There was that sputtered cough and chuckle again. "Did you see him in that one with my man, Denzel Washington?"

" Virtuosity'? Oh yeah... ages ago on HBO. You're talking about that nude scene, right?" We both giggled, and I stole a glance at John, his head slightly cocked as he listened without appearing too obvious.

"Oh God... I thought my eyeballs would get seared," the clerk continued. "What a bod on him.  And they're always talking about Brad Pitt."

"Yeah, I definitely think Russell's gotten short shrift compared to some of these others, and a lot of them don't have half his talent."

"Oh I know...Hmm-- I don't know this one." She turned the 'Mystery, Alaska' DVD around so I could see it, and I felt my heart jump a bit. "When did it come out?"

"Last year sometime. I don't know if it was before or after 'The Insider'. I think - - after. Just happened to be in a video store one day, and the jacket caught my eye. When I saw he was in it, I rented it. That was just a week or so after I'd seen 'Gladiator' so it was sort of dumb luck on my part."

As she busied herself with the other items, she asked, "So what's it about?"

I smiled softly, remembering the first time I had watched the video. "Well, it's not an epic like 'Gladiator', or the tough drama that 'L.A. Confidential' was. There's this small town in Alaska called Mystery. Has a population of a few hundred. Very tight knit, very eccentric. Well, the town's biggest passion is hockey, and every Saturday, the younger men get together and play a serious game of pond hockey. They're so good, they get featured in 'Sports Illustrated' and someone comes up with the idea of them playing the New York Rangers in a real game. It sort of goes from there."

"So who does.... Hey Josh," she called to another employee who came in, carrying two Subway Sandwich bags.

"Still slow?" he asked her, sitting one of the bags down and some change next to her.

"Thanks. Picking up." He noticed the amount so far on the register display and whistled. "Sorry.  So who does Russell play?"

I could hear movement off to my left, near the 'South Park' products, the sound of footsteps slowly easing nearer, but not coming real close. Cartman was speaking again: "Beefcake!  Beefcake!" it screamed - a line from another episode - and I heard the voice suddenly muffled as if the doll was being stuffed somewhere.

"I'm sorry. You asked who does Russell play?" The clerk nodded as she rang the last item.  "Well..." I paused briefly, realizing that my voice almost trembled. I swallowed to coat my throat and started again, only then comprehending that her question was affecting me more than I knew.

"Well... he plays the town's sheriff... and-uh... I don't want to give it all away, okay... but... he's this... this real sweet... tender-hearted guy who's passionate about his wife... and his little boys... and hockey. There's this little action he does with his hand to show his wife how much he loves her," and I tried to imitate John's action, noticing out of the corner of my eye that he was smiling and watching me.

"Aw... that's sweet."

"And he does other little things, too, like... well, I'll let you see the movie. Anyway, he's very collected, calm, steady - - a little like Maximus."

"Who's she talking about?" the other clerk asked.

"Russell Crowe in this," she said, tapping the case.  He shrugged and moved off, then her attention returned to me. "So... okay, what does he look like in this one? I love how he changes his looks."

I could almost hear John hold his breath as he listened to my slow, thoughtful words. "Well... he's not as lean and tan as he is in 'Gladiator', but... he's not as overweight as he was in 'The Insider'."

"Yeah, 'cause I heard he gained forty or fifty pounds for that role by eating cheeseburgers and drinking beer."

"Oh, he's not *that* heavy this time round. I mean, his character plays hockey, so he's very athletic and muscular, but... Well, he's also... He's... I'd call it... cuddly."

The clerk obviously got my drift because she grinned. "A bit on the chubby side then?"

"I suppose you'd call it chubby... Yeah, he would be, but he's still... very sexy, and handsome..." I was starting to drift as I described his attributes, imagining myself floating in those beautiful blue eyes. "....and sexy... He has a smile which would melt an iceberg."

The clerk sighed, and in the background, I heard someone softly cough. Glancing behind me, I saw that John was staring at the floor, but even in profile, I realized his cheeks were red. I prayed I hadn't embarrassed him.

"That'll be - with your Replay discount - $297.52...I know one thing. I am hitting Blockbuster when I get off tonight. I have *got* to rent this movie. Then I'll see if I want to buy it on DVD."

A few other customers now entered the store, and the other employee returned to see if he could help them. John eased his way over to me, keeping his head down, and I felt his hands gently grasp my arms. He whispered in one ear, "Thanks love." I smiled in response while he pulled out his wallet, and started counting out the cash.

"And the next off day I have," the clerk continued, "I'm going back to see 'Gladiator'." She accepted the money from John's hand, completing the transaction. "And $297.52 out of $300 -- that'll be $2.48 in change, and here's your receipt, sir." She paused -- and I tried not to gulp. *Something* about him had caught her eye, and although he wasn't looking directly at her, I watched her bend her knees a bit to try to get a better look at the lowered face. "Yeah... I... I sure am glad you... you-uh... told me about... this... this-uh... movie." John moved slightly and was quite natural about it, so that a clear view was impossible from her current angle. The girl looked perplexed at first -- then she nervously giggled. "I'm... I'm sorry but... has anyone ever told your... is it boyfriend?... Yeah... well... that he looks... He kinda resembles...." She pointed at 'L.A. Confidential', and I shrugged, pretending to be puzzled, not wanting to jump to conclusions. "He just sort of looks like... Russell...."

I laughed as the male clerk walked up. "You wouldn't *believe* how many times a day we hear that, especially lately with 'Gladiator' coming out. But hey... one time, I dated a guy who looked exactly like Harrison Ford. You can't imagine the problems we had."

"Lucky you. Most of my dates usually look like Danny DeVito or something." John had quietly moved towardsthe entrance/exit, stopping to flip through some videos on sale. He was trying to stay nonchalant.

"Who looks like Russell Crowe?" the male clerk asked.

"Her boyfriend. I mean... not a whole lot, just a little... just enough."

He pointed at one of the in-store monitors which was repeating the 'Gladiator' trailer. Then he looked directly at me. "Sorry ma'am," he said before telling his co-worker, "You mean *he*," and he nodded toward John, who was now out in the busy hallway, "looks like the Gladiator dude?"  You could almost hear him laughing, but I was glad he was reacting this way.  Under normal circumstances, I would have been quite offended at his attitude, but in this case, I would make an exception. I wanted both of them distracted off John, if possible. "No way."

"Yes way," she argued back. "I said just a little... not a lot. It's not a big resemblance. She agrees with me. You didn't even know that was Russell Crowe in 'The Insider', remember?"

"There's no way *that* fat old man was the Gladiator dude either, Lindsey." I winced a bit. Jeff Wigand wasn't *that* bad, but then this was some young, silly clerk making the comment. For him, anyone over thirty was old.  "I look more like him than that guy in that... 'Insider' movie... or even *that* dude," he looked in John's directionagain. "Sorry again, ma'am. No insult intended, but he just doesn't."

"No problem." I was just glad to see them arguing, so I grabbed my bag. "Well thanks... Lindsey, was it? It was nice talking to you."

"Hey, anytime. Drop by again when you can. Have a great day."

"Yeah, you, too."

The last time I looked back in the store, both clerks were still having their disagreement. It was just as well we were leaving when we did, as more people were starting to come in. I found John a little ways off from Suncoast, standing in front of a display window for Musicland. I walked up and put my arm around him.

"Hi," I greeted and he smiled, kissing the top of my head.

"Hi. So you got out in one piece, huh?"

"Just barely. They'd started arguing about whether the actor in 'Gladiator' and the one in 'The Insider' are one and the same. God... I remember the stupid arguments over whether who played Han Solo and Indiana Jones were the same person."

"So long as that stupid kid didn't think that the--" and he briefly imitated the male clerk  "--'Gladiator dude'... and me looked anything alike. It was bad enough the girl was analyzing me."

"I know. Sorry about that."

He shrugged. "Hell, it was bound to happen, but you played it off so well, even when she was practically on her knees trying to see up into my face." We both laughed. "I was very proud of you. You didn't flinch once."

"Thanks."

"Even when she was asking you about 'Mystery, Alaska'." I noticed the twinkle in his eyes and realized he *had* heard the bulk of if not *all* of my reply. Playing with Cartman had just been a ruse, exactly as I had figured. John's voice grew softer, and I could see that his face was becoming a light shade of crimson. "That was sweet... what you said, I mean.... I was hoping you didn't know I was listening, but that damn Cartman kept yakking away at the worst times... But what you said -- it was very... uh... very nice."

Now it was my turn to redden some. "Yeah... well... I was making it up as I went, to paraphrase Indiana Jones... but... it... sounded okay... right?"

"Right. More than okay." We moved away from Musicland and started towards the center of the mall. "You... You really see me like that, eh?" he asked bashfully, but he was grinning the whole time. I knew he was curious.

Chuckling, I vigorously rubbed the arm linked with mine. Why would he believe otherwise?  "Geez, yes...and don't be getting a swollen head either, all right? You are so--" and my voice lowered "--cuddly and muscular, and sexy, and handsome--"

"You told that clerk 'sexy' twice."

Now I made a fist and playfully hit him in the shoulder. "Down, Sheriff."

"Oh... and she called me 'yummy'.  Well, she called RC that, but same difference." He pouted as if his feelings were hurt. "*You've* never called me yummy, Tina."

"All right, all right, you're yummy. I'd love to eat you up right now."

"Yeah? Really?" I think my last little remark made him feel somewhat awkward because he blushed.

"Yeah really. So -- are you happy? What did I tell you about a swollen head, Sheriff, so chill, okay?" I joked.

There was a short pause before I heard, "You've never told me I was 'too fine' either," he quipped. I started for his neck as if intending to strangle him. John took several steps backwards to playfully avoid me, and I practically fell into him as we laughed. A few onlookers stopped to see what we were up to, but before we could attract too much attention, we moved on.

"Hey, wonder where we start looking for a DVD in this place?" he asked me.

"Well... Radio Shack; Sharper Image, of course... Target, I saw one of those... Sears... oh, it's down that way," I said as I pointed towards another end of the mall. "J.C. Penney's is back *that* way... Guess it just depends on how much you want to spend."

"We should be able to find a really nice one at a fairly reasonable price. I've been reading the consumer reports, 'cause I'm thinking about getting one for my room." I shook my head, but John must have misunderstood me, thinking I meant he didn't need one. "Well, I don't always want to watch what the others are watching so I figured--"

"No... that's not what I meant. I can't believe you want to buy *me* a DVD of all things. Why?"

John stopped walking, and was looking at a few storefronts before us when he turned to face me.  "Why what? Why do I want to get you a DVD?" When I nodded, he replied, "Well... for lots of reasons, darlin'. It's thanks for being so sweet and shopping for me at Brooks Brothers."

"But I *wanted* to do that. You don't owe me--"

"And it's for all the times you've made *me* happy when you come to visit."

I hoped my mouth wasn't hanging open when I faced him. "What?"

His voice grew more subdued than normal, as we sat at an empty table situated in a cafe area, out of the way of traffic. "You've made me happy, Tina. I... It's hard to explain... I... I just know that your reality with me... it's been very special in a way you-- Well, in a way you couldn't imagine. I know you've been coming here a short time, and you can't always come whenever you like; I know you have a life outside all of this: work and all that. But every time you do--" He paused, glancing at the floor, and I figured he was as nervous making these pronouncements as I was hearing them. "Sometimes it gets lonely when you ladies aren't around. You're such a part of our existence--" He ran a hand over his beard as he sighed. "Ah hell, Tina... I don't know exactly how to put it. You and me... well, you said ityourself.... We've had some fantastic... well, some pretty wonderful... beautiful days *and* nights together since you found our place. You really mean a lot to me, sweetheart."

I allowed it all to soak in before I responded. "You... I wasn't... I *really* wasn't expecting that." I almost dropped the Suncoast bag, but John caught it as my hands fumbled.

"I'm sorry, Tina. I embarrassed you, didn't I, darlin'?" he apologized. "But you asked and--"

"Yeah. Yeah, I did, didn't I? No, I'm not really embarrassed..." Looking around me, it took a moment for me to recover and continue. "Nobody's *ever* said anything like that to me."

"Nobody?" He was extremely surprised.

Shaking my head I managed, "Well if they felt that way, they never got around to telling me."

John grunted. "Their freaking loss then."

I looked into his face, trying to smile, but this revelation - while not totally unexpected - had still thrown me. "You're right -- I asked for it. I *had* to know why I deserved a DVD--"

"And I unload all this," John gently interrupted. "Sorry about that."

I placed my right hand over his, softly smiling as I did. "I'm not... You don't know how much hearing that meant to me."

"Guess you need to hear it more often then, right, darlin'?" he said, winking at me. I couldn't help but giggle. In my whole life, no one else had ever made those kind of comments to me. "I plan on making it a habit." Then his eyes focused behind me and off to my left. "Hey, I see someplace else I'd like to shop for you."

"Where?"

He tugged me to my feet and I followed until we were at the entrance of a store front with mannequins attired in some very scantily designed underclothes. I took a step back, my cheeks scarlet as I shook my head and laughed. "Victoria's Secret?" I looked around to make certain that no one we knew was watching. "Oh John, no... I don't think so."

"Why? I've heard they have some very... well, very nice... items."

I moved closer to him, quite flattered that John had made such a suggestion. "I know -- I get the catalogs. I don't have anything against their... merchandise... but--" and I began to pull him away "--I can't wear anything from there just *yet*. Their sizes still tend to be a bit... tiny for me," and *that* was an understatement. "Maybe in another few months. I appreciate the thought though."

He clucked his tongue. "Damn shame. You'd look great in--" He bowed his head at one little number consisting of a red lace teddy. He shrugged. "Sorry."

"Don't be. Like I said, it was a nice thought. Besides Sheriff Biebe, I already brought a little something with me this time. Something along those very lines." John's baby blues widened as a grin appeared. "I got the catalog last week, and when I saw this one item... I knew I was coming here this week so I had them Fed Ex it to me."

"You've been holding out on me, Tina. You've already been here one night."

"It's my surprise for *tonight*, okay. I was waiting for the weekend. My... little... secret," I added coyly as he chuckled.

"I love secrets."

"Well, a woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets."

"A woman's... Where have I heard that before?"

"My all-time favorite movie. We watched it the last time I was here, remember?" I knew he should know which movie -- what he always referred to as 'my boat movie'. Despite his teasing, he liked it a great deal.

I watched him grin mischievously. "Oh -- right. 'Gladiator'. I just don't remember who said it though. Was it Maximus maybe?" My only response was to laugh and roll my eyes.

John had already suggested that we do any other shopping before getting the DVD since it would be our heaviest item, so we walked a little further, pausing every now and then to window shop. I had to give in to temptation and stop in Barnes and Noble, but there was a specific reason. When I left the bookstore, the magazine shelves were cleared of every publication with Russell Crowe or 'Gladiator' on its' cover. That mission was complete.

"You didn't know what, Tina?" I heard John ask as he quickly followed.

He found me standing in front of an open entranceway - no suffocating doors - deeply inhaling the intoxicating fragrances which wafted into the mall. I sighed. This place was heaven to me. "I didn't know this mall had The Body Shop."

"The Body... what?"

"'The Body Shop'. That's what it's called." I tried to stem my enthusiasm to explain. "I can't remember her last name, but the woman who started the business in England I think, this Anita... Broderick?... Roderick?... Well anyway, The Body Shop is devoted to selling items which aren't animal tested; they push environmentally safe products... and--" I laughed. "--before I start sounding like a freaking commercial... I just love the things they sell."

John looked completely bemused. "Okay..." was all he could manage, looking up at the store's sign and some of the merchandise in the windows.

"Do they have The Body Shop in Alaska?"

He scratched his head. "Honestly, I don't know. Maybe in Fairbanks, or Anchorage, or Juneau... or over in Vancouver if these stores are in Canada."

"They're supposed to be international. That's what they push anyway. I saw a couple of stores in London."

"I know one thing. We *didn't* have one in Mystery, but... I think I did hear some of the women talking about buying some of this stuff online. Are they on the Internet?" I nodded. "Okay... that's why it kinda sounds familiar... Is it sort of like Victoria's Secret?"

"Well, not exactly. No revealing underwear, but a lot of this could come in handy if you're feeling romantic." I took one hand, prepared to guide him inside, but I felt him stand his ground.

"You... You want me to go in there?"

"Sure. Why not?"

I saw his face turn several shades of red as he stammered, "Well what if... Well what if some of the... uh... well... some of them see us in here?"

"Some of *them*?" For a second I was confused.

"Michelle or Peaches--"

"Or Bud or Max? Are you worried they might razz us if they do?" He didn't answer, but I knew that was the case. In the back of my mind, I felt he was right and I often embarrass easily myself. "But *you* wanted to take me in Victoria's Secret."

"Yeah, well, I must have had a brain lapse when I brought that one up."

I smiled and eased nearer to place a hand against his cheek. "But I *want* you to come in with me. It's no fun shopping in here alone. I mean... I have, but--" Now the conversation was making *me* shy. "--that was before I had someone like you to go with me."

"Aw shit," he muttered. "You *would* have to put it that way... Tina -- hey, look... I'm not much of a shopper--"

"Neither am I... unless it's in some place I love. Like here."

"Or Suncoast or Brooks Brothers?" He shook his head, and I could see him attempting to concoct another excuse. "Besides - and I'm not trying to be sexist - but isn't this more a woman's store? I didn't even think they'd want men in the place." Almost the second he said that we noticed men inside, accompanying some female who was either a girlfriend or spouse. None of the males appeared particularly unhappy at being there. John glanced back at me, noting the "See I told you so" expression on my face. He sighed."I give up."

"Good. Let's go." I linked arms with him so he wouldn't try to escape, then guided him inside, which was something of a chore since he was not going easily. The second one stepped inside, your senses were inundated with dozens of scents - florals and fruits, nature-related, man-made.  They were running a sale, so the business was somewhat packed and busy, but the store was spacious enough that no one stepped on another's feet.

"Maybe we could come back later," John suggested as he nervously eyed a rush around the cash register. I was studying a display of scented candles along one corner, wondering what the exact price would be with a fifty percent off discount.

"Huh?... Oh John, come on. We're here. Let's look around... Hey, we need to start over here first."  I led him back towards the entrance where a round, glass, three tiered table was situated; on top of it was a series of medium sized, clear glass bottles, each one labeled.

"What's this, darlin'?"

"These are the perfume oils of every scent The Body Shop markets. The oils are just about the purest form of fragrance you can buy. What you can do is buy your items already made up, or - and this is the part I like - you can try these out one at a time, and see which one suits you. See, each one of these jars has a tube inside--" and I carefully removed the glass tube from a container marked 'Vanilla'. "Now you give it a whiff. If you like it, they can add the oil to... well, body oil, or a shower gel, or a lotion -- at the strength *you* want, not what the manufacturer determines."  I returned the tube to its appropriate bottle.

"Custom made, eh?"

"Exactly. You can also buy the perfume oil bottled 'as is' and wear it, or get your basics unscented. It's all up to you."

"So am I helping you pick something out for yourself? I never was very good at that... not-uh... not even for Donna. I always bought her the cologne I knew she had liked from past experience. Or, I asked for suggestions from one of my assistants, or the sales clerks, or one of Donna's friends."

My stomach stirred a bit at the thought of his wife, and I had to remind myself that - as John had said - his existence with his family and friends in Mystery continued in some 'alternate universe'. None of them were here with us, but it was still difficult to reconcile all this. Realizing he was doubtlessly waiting for a response, I asked, "Did Donna like what you bought?"

"Yeah, she did. Every time. Red Door; Obsession; White Linen. What was that one?... Oh... um... I got the whole set for her birthday once.  Opium, that's it. Opium."

"You have very good taste, Sheriff Biebe." I was quite impressed that he still recalled each of them.

He shrugged. "Actually it was Donna's good taste. I just bought what she liked."

"But that still shows good taste on your part, John. You could have done like a lot of men, and went out and bought a gallon of some cheap crap. You didn't. You took the time to consider what would suit her, and it panned out. That was quite thoughtful."

"For a man?" he joked.

"For anyone."

"Thanks." I could tell he was finally starting to relax, because it was John who now took my hand.  "But like I was asking, Tina...am I helping get something for you or what?"

"What," I teased, then I sincerely said, "You're helping shop for both of us."

That was not the answer he had expected. "Huh?" he mumbled, eyebrows raising.

"I'd like you to help me choose something for both of us. That's the main reason I wanted you to shop with me."

"But like I said, I don't know all that much about fragrances, Tina. Not sure how much help I'll even be."

"Well, I think you'll know what you like or dislike. We can just take a whiff of some of the samples; I'll jot down our top choices, our --" I waved my hand as if to say 'Not Sure'. "-- and the ones we give 'Thumbs Down' to. Then we'll narrow the list from there."

"And... then?" he started to ask, then I smiled as the light bulb suddenly appeared above his head. He gave a toothy grin, his eyes dancing. "Then we have 'em add *our* scent to some of these little... unscented items around here."

"Bingo! I told you you'd be a help."

"Okay." He was actually sounding enthusiastic now. "Okay darlin', I think I can do that. How hard could it be, right?"

"Exactly. I mean, it'll take a few minutes to sort out a fragrance. We need to find what suits *both* of us -- not too feminine, not overly masculine."

"Got ya." Now John took the incentive, turning one bottle so that the label was facing him. He removed the wand and sniffed it. "Hey, this is great. I like it."

Small notepad in hand, I pulled the cap off my pen. "What's it called?"

"Uh... 'Ananya'. It's called 'Ananya'. See what you think, darlin'. I know it's floral, but I like it."

I leaned in to take a whiff. "Oh... Oh, this *is* nice... I... This smells familiar. I think I've used this before...ages ago. So we add 'Ananya' to our top choice group?" He nodded. "Remember... this is for both of us. Like you said, it does have floral overtones. You're sure it's not too... girlish?"

John replaced the tube, then removed it a second time so that it had a bit more added to it. This time, however, instead of smelling it, he took one of my hands and deftly, gently, rubbed an edge of the glass against my inside wrist. He did the same to one of his own, then placed our wrists together. "Go ahead -- see what you think." We both carefully eased our heads down, not wanting to bump them - laughing as we did - and inhaled.

"I like it," I softly told him. "On both of us."

"So do I." He let the tube brush the same spots again, and for a second, I could have sworn I felt the warmth build within us, enhancing the scent. We were both briefly silent, then John cleared his throat. "Top of the list?" I could only nod, then jot down 'Ananya'.  "Okay -- next."

Taking the wand from him, I replaced it, and scanned the lower row. "I don't know this one." I lifted the tube for an oil called 'Mari Mari' and we sniffed it concurrently, then looked at one another. "Nah," we said simultaneously, shaking our heads, and laughing. I placed that in the Don't Buy category.

I reached for a third bottle, trying to read the slightly fading label.  Once again the wand approached my nostrils... and I screamed, "Oh GOD!!"

John's eyebrows raised. "Good, huh?" He wasn't sure how to take my reaction.

"Oh God!" I repeated, practically hurling the wand back in the vial. "That's awful!"

"You're kidding?"

"No, that's absolutely-- It..." I was almost gagging. "Yeech." John, curiosity overflowing, pulled out the wand again to test for himself. "You'll be sorry. Where the hell are those coffee beans?" I desperately grabbed the bottle containing a small amount of coffee beans, and practically shoved the opening up my nose. I inhaled as deeply as possible to cleanse my nasal passages, which was the reason for having that specific jar and its contents.

"Aw fu--" John caught himself in time, and now nearly tossed the wand away. "It smells like bananas!"

"See -- you thought so, too, didn't you? I don't much like bananas to begin with, let alone smelling like one. Geez... So you got a good whiff?"

"Oh yeah. Definitely put *that* one in the Don't Buy category." He could only shake his head, chuckling some. "Okay, let me try my hand at one."

"You couldn't do any worse than I have with the last couple," I joked.

"Hmm... How about--" He took a whiff of another, then shrugged. "What d'ya think?"

I crinkled my nose. "What was *that*?"

"Uh...'Patchouli'."

"It's... It's hard to describe: strong and spicy; sort of pungent... at least to me anyway I guess. I don't hate it, but I don't like it either."

"Maybe," we said together, and I placed it in the third column on my notepad.

And so it went for the next few minutes as we sorted through several more, with varying success.  'Heartfelt' - which was even softer than 'Ananya' - was a possibility. The one with the grapefruit base and two others which were so peculiar that they turned my stomach and sinuses upside down, sent John and me fighting for the coffee bean jar.  'White Musk' and 'Woody Sandalwood' were placed with the To Buy selections.

"Let's try one more," I suggested.

"But some of them are starting to smell alike, sweetheart," John told me as he smelled the coffee beans again. "I'm not even sure *this* helps anymore."

"Okay, but just one more..." I scanned the bottles we had not tested, hoping my last choice would be a good one. When I appeared uncertain, I watched as John studied one label, shrugged and muttered:

"Guess that'll be as good as any. Let's go for it... This... is... 'Oceanus'," he told me as he lifted the wand from its place. He was getting extremely expert at this.

"Nope. I don't know that one." The glass was placed near my nostrils and I took a deep breath, almost afraid of what I would detect. Then I smiled and looked at my companion. "Did you smell this yet?" He shook his head. "You need to.  It's... like... It... reminds me of the seaside... The ocean."

He smiled when he sampled it. "Yeah it does, doesn't it? Course I wasn't really used to the sea until I got here. It's not like Mystery's on the coast-line of the lower 48, or a Caribbean island, or something. Here darlin'." He let the wand glide very languidly over our unused wrists, the coolness of the glass sending a brief chill through me. Taking my hand in his own - the one he had sampled 'Oceanus' on - he brought both our wrists to his nose. I silently watched as he took his time savoring the fragrance as it blended with our chemistries.

"Well?" I whispered, my eyes not wavering off the seriousness he showed in analyzing the scent. He didn't speak, but I studied his expression. He was literally lost in this one, those baby blues aglow with an unspoken passion. My God, I thought to myself, as I finally inhaled our wrists to see how it meshed. No wonder John liked this one. The blending of what was obviously water lilies, violets and jasmine, along with other combinations I did not recognize off-hand, revealed that freshness unique only to the sea. Our eyes finally met, and I saw him attempt to shake off his daydreaming.

"You still here?" I kidded, but deep down, I regretted disturbing him.

"Huh?" No... John had mentally wandered some distance from the mall, and I imagined he had ended up on some tropical island -- with me in his company.

"You completely zoned out on me."

"Did I? Sorry."

"No problem. So...what do you...think - -"

"About 'Oceanus'?" He held our wrists in my direction again and I breathed deeply again. The essence appeared to intensify, and I wondered to myself if it was because my heart was pounding harder, and my hormones were tripling as we stood there. Geez... I don't know why these people kept it so warm in this store; I was about to burn up.... Closing my eyes, I imagined myself on the beach near the hotel, listening to the waves crashing against the shoreline, or feeling a clean gust of salt water carried on a breeze, wash across my face. I imagined what it might be like to make love to someone on the sand near the emerald-blue water's edge, in my own version of 'From Here to Eternity'. I felt a tingle in my lower body as though my more personal areas were growing as flushed as my cheeks... My mind was wandering again. He was so close. I could smell all the wonderful, natural scents connected to his maleness, scents which were becoming more recognizable to me with each visit. The oil only enhanced that, and I caught myself softly moaning in abandon as my thumb unconsciously stroked the large palm nearest my hand...

"Tina?" I opened my eyes and looked up at him, still unable to speak and nearly dropping my bags again. There was barely any space left between us we had pressed so close. "Tina?" I heard John repeat, his own voice low and dripping with longing. The edges of his hair caressed my face, and I trembled as much as I had that not so long ago night we had shared a bed -- and our bodies for the first time.

"Uh-huh?" The fog was finally lifting, and I realized where we were, and that there were people about. I had never intended to drop my guard so openly, but the feelings this man gave me....

"Still with *me*, darlin'?" he joked, but he was also clearing his throat of the sensual huskiness invading it. "You zoned out there a bit yourself."

I shook my head. "Sorry."

"So... you like it, too?" My reverie was finally broken. I smiled, nodding to his question, and he beamed. "This is it. This is it, sweetheart. I like 'Ananya', but - -"

"This is very - -" I didn't finish. It was obvious how I felt. "Let's take this one."

One of the employees - a blonde, thirty-ish appearing woman wearing a dark apron with 'The Body Shop' and their emblem imprinted on it - approached us just then. "I'm sorry, sir, ma'am... We've been so busy this afternoon." She was giving John an appreciative eye, then she tried to focus on both of us. "I just noticed the two of you sampling our fragrances. Do you require any help at this point?"

"We're fine," John almost whispered, self-consciously releasing my hand. Neither of us had realized we were being studied possibly as closely as we had those numerous jars of oils. "Thanks but...we think --" He glanced at me and smiled. "-- we... uh... we know what we're going for."

"'Oceanus'," I told her.

"Oh that's one of our most popular items with both women and men. And some of the products in that line are also on sale this week: three for $25.00." She motioned toward an 'Oceanus' display situated on shelves and counters in one corner. "Everything you see - with the exception of the room oil and infuser, the blue sponges and back cloth, and the pre-packaged gift sets - are included in that. If you try to build on the most expensive 'Oceanus' merchandise, it'll be a nice bargain."

"As in --" I started.

"Well, the perfume oil is a regular $10.00; so are the eau de toilette and - um...oh, the body spray -- $10.00 also. The 8.4 ounce bottle of shower gel is $12.00. Now the pre-packaged sets are not on sale, but each has a variety of items which may satisfy you. You might prefer to go that route."

"We were going to have you add the scent to the lotion, and... whatever else we might get that's unscented," I explained, noticing that the clerk was again ogling John. "We just want to adjust it to our own preference."

"Oh yes, we can do that too. *I* prefer to add it only to your body lotions and oils however; adding to unscented bath or shower gels tends to weaken the consistency of the gel. You're much better off going with the pre-mixed in that case."

I detected that John was becoming a bit disconcerted under the woman's scrutiny. The only thing she had not done at this point was run her tongue over her lips to let him know how she felt. He started to turn away, but realized one of her eyebrows had raised, obviously in anticipation of seeing the rear part of his anatomy. Instead he turned profile to face me. I could almost hear her cursing under her breath.

Deciding to get her mind elsewhere, I informed her, "Okay thanks... Appreciate it. We'll let you know what we decide in a little."

"Well, 'Oceanus' is a fine choice regardless. You and your fiance should enjoy that a great deal."

John and I stole glimpses at one another before we nervously laughed. Did she just say what I thought she did? He spoke up first. "Oh... we're not... we're not engaged."

Now it was the clerk's turn to become distressed. "Excuse me?"

I now said, "No... we're not engaged."

"Sorry," John almost said apologetically, shrugging.

"Oh. Oh, I am *so* sorry. It's just that... Well, for some reason since this morning, we have had a run on couples who are either newlyweds or engaged, and when I saw the two of you trying out our oils... And then I noticed neither of you were wearing wedding rings I... I just assumed... Oh... I'm sorry if I embarrassed either one of you. That's my fault."

"It's nothing," I told her, trying to put her at ease, although I secretly suspected she was relieved to hear the news.

"Well, I shouldn't have assumed..." She backed up a bit. "Let me leave the two of you alone to make your selections. I'm sorry again."

"Don't worry about it," John insisted, and she smiled a little as she turned away, hurrying to help another couple which may or may not have been engaged. He looked at me again, and we both burst out laughing. "Just remind me not to take you jewelry shopping while we're here. I heard you say something to 'Chelle earlier about looking for a new watch. The clerks will be trying to sell us an engagement ring instead."

"Or wedding bands," I tried to joke, but I noticed that our laughter was growing awkward. We both kept our voices low. "Were... Were we that... obvious?" Guess this had bothered us more than either of us were willing to admit.

"Hell, all we were doing was snorting oil up our noses. Not our fault... You remember the old saying about assuming, don't you?" I nodded. I think it's something about when you assume, you make an ass of you and me. "She didn't mean anything by it... Just been a long day for her, I guess." But the way he said it made me believe he was thinking the same thing I was.

"Well Sheriff... you were definitely making her *very* relaxed."

John feigned ignorance, but I saw his eyes were dancing. "I don't know what you mean, Ms. Stewart."

"Oh yeah, right. You don't know what I mean... The only thing she didn't do was walk right up and proposition you on the spot. The woman was nearly hyperventilating looking down..." I shot a glance at the area below his waist. "...*there*. Now that she knows we're not engaged, she might just come back here, shove me out of the way, and jump your bones."

"Not if I have anything to do with it. Look... I hate to hurt her feelings,..." He gently took my left hand. "...but right now, I'm already spoken for -- whether we're engaged or not. Now... I think it's past time we went shopping." He reached for one of the plastic green baskets stacked near the main opening, and handed it to me. "Agreed?"

"Agreed.... Okay... 'Oceanus'. What have we got?"

We moved nearer the display the clerk had indicated, and I knew we were both overwhelmed by not only the bouquets coming from this one, but the surrounding products as well. I watched John's large fingers touch one bottle, then another, as he scanned what was available. Then his eyes were abruptly diverted to a second set of goods off to the right. One eyebrow raised as he looked over me.

"Hemp? They sell... hemp?"

I smiled and nodded, giggling slightly, as I picked up a tube of lip conditioner. "Must be fairly new. I don't thinkI remember those before when I went in a store at home. Hmm... hand protector, hemp eye pillows--"

"Hemp elbow grease?  Hemp Body Butter'? I'll be damned." He chuckled. "Oh wait a sec...'Hemp Burning Oil'... Aw man... I hope somebody doesn't buy this stuff thinking they could get a high off it."

"Hey, wouldn't surprise me. I've heard of desperate people smoking oregano."

"Sorry sweetheart; I digress. Just thought that was odd... Okay... 'Oceanus'." He selected a small, blue marbled body bar and gave it a sniff. "Can't tell much. Smells like soap."

"Smells like? Well, it *is* soap--"

"But it smells... I don't know... It just smells like... soap."

Now I tried to sniff through the thin plastic wrap encasing the bar. "You're right. It smells like soap."

"Regular soap."

"Uh-huh. Want to just pass? I mean usually, the scent jumps out at you, even through the packaging. Like..." I reached for a raspberry exfoliating soap, and sampled it. "...Ooo... Well, like this one. See?" He nodded as I held it toward him. "Want to get it or not? The 'Oceanus' I mean."

"Let's wait... Okay, here's pre-made shower gel. That's what she was talking about." He removed the black cap and took a deep breath. "Mmm," he practically purred.

"Good?... Oh -- that's... that's fantastic. It's so clean and... aquatic; you can smell the tuberoses even more. That's the note I was trying to distinguish in the oil."

"Note? I've heard you say that before."

"Well fragrances have different... levels -- notes. The top note is what you smell when you first put it on. There's a second note as it combines with your body's natural scents."

"Like we were doing over there with the oils. Yeah, I'd heard of that before. That's why some things smell so different on one person than another... 'Opium' -- on Donna... it was very nice."

"Yeah, same with my mother, but on me--" I laughed, shaking my head. "Well, just don't buy me 'Opium' -- ever."

"That bad, eh?" he teased.

"Like a wet dog."

He pretended to shudder. "I'll remember that. But... what you're wearing today." His voice lowered. "I meant to tell you how lovely it is. I noticed it at breakfast... I..." John leaned close to my left collarbone. "...I can still smell... just a little -- just a hint, even after all these hours."

"That's the final note," I explained, almost weak in the knees, and once more, both my stomach and my lower regions contracted in anticipation. John was wearing no fragrance at all, but his pheromones could send me through the ceiling. No wonder I loved wearing his shirts and sweaters when we were alone, and especially his hockey jersey.... "That's what lingers after time has passed." My words were barely audible.

"Mm-hmm." Oh God... we were starting to wander again, and I felt John's right fingers stroke the palm of my left hand before he coughed. "Uh... shower gel."

"Yeah -- shower gel. What size?" He picked up two bottles and I read the sizes. "Eight point four ounces; sixteen point nine ounces. Okay -- which? Which?" we looked at our choices, then each other. "The big one," we said together. John tossed the largest in the basket.

"Okay. Now... what... Uh--"

"I didn't know--" I paused.

"Didn't know what?"

"Bubble bath. They make bubble bath, too."

"Do you like bubble baths?" he grinned.

"I *prefer* showers. I haven't had a bubble bath since I was a kid."

"I'll bet you used 'Mr. Bubble', didn't you?"

My mouth dropped slightly, and I laughed. "Yeah I did. You, too?" He nodded. "Well, we're both about the same age. I don't even know if they make it anymore. Geez... I think every kid in America must have used 'Mr. Bubble' at some point in their lives."

"I have a feeling though..." and John dropped the bottle in the basket "...that *this* is a hell of an improvement over 'Mr. Bubble'... Okay -- next."

"Candles. They're fifty percent off. We'll need a few of those... for the bathroom, the sitting room... the bedroom." I selected two packages of four quantity votives, and six pillars of both large and medium sizes. "That should be enough. I've got a few others back at the hotel... All right... We've got eau de toilette. We've got... perfume oil... and... okay, body splash. Oh, they call it body spray."

"What's best?"

"Let's go... with... perfume oil most definitely. Like I said before, that's the strongest concentration you can buy... And the spray -- that's real light, like a spritz." He laid both of those in the basket. "We could both use that. The eau de toilette -- nice to layer with the perfume." In went the 1.7 fluid ounce bottle. "You're really in a shopping mode, aren't you?"

"I'm feeling very generous today," he replied, winking.

"John, this place was my idea. I don't expect you to--"

He placed an index finger against my lips. "Sh. Not another word." I resisted running my tongue over it, or giving it a slight nibble although the idea was tempting. After all, we were in public. And besides: we likely would have ended up on the floor, tearing each other's clothes off. "Next?"

"The unscented stuff I guess." I pointed at another display off to our left, just past the 'Vanilla' collection and the 'Lemongrass' stock. We started moving that way when I noticed John's attention shift to a counter with pieces of wood carved into various knobs and curves.

"What the hell are those?"

"Oh... those are massagers. Aren't they cool? They make them for almost every part of the body." John's eyebrows raised, and I smiled. "I said *almost*, Sheriff." He chuckled. "I think... let's see..." I picked up one shaped almost like a flying saucer. "I think this one is for the hand... and this one..." which was a grooved roller attached to a half-moon shape and an approximate five inch long handle, "...is for the muscles."

"I've never seen anything like this stuff. What'll they think of next?" He lifted the muscle roller, allowing the knob of wood to rotate across the area between my wrist and elbow. After only a few moments, I noticed that the kinks in my arm were beginning to vanish. "How's that, darlin'?"

"Nice -- very nice," I softly told him, trying to allow the little instrument to soothe me.

Before I knew it, he had changed the roller's position, this time working his way up toward my right shoulder blade and the nape of my neck. "This is where you complain about being so tense. You *always* have such a damn tightness right..." he let two of his fingers press against the spot, "...there. I can feel it now. That's why you're at the hotel and tavern, Tina. To give you a chance to relax."

"I know. But that's after six straight days of work."

"Just forget work. Relax," he murmured, a discernible amount of yearning drawing my attention. I knewhe was feeling as desirous as I likely was. When I had arrived the day before, I had been so exhausted, we had taken a walk so I could attempt to unwind and we could share some quality time together; had dinner and a drink... and spent the night together, not in a sexual way, but cuddling in one another's arms. Not that it had not been enjoyable. I loved the simplicity of that type of intimacy, with me wrapped not only in one of John's favorite plaid shirts, but feeling those muscular arms embracing me while I slept. But tonight... I wanted something more, and I knew that John did as well. That was why I wanted this evening to be one of the most special we had ever had.

I looked up to see John smiling at me. The massage had stopped as well. "Figured maybe I ought to hold off on this, sweetheart." His cheeks were flushed.

"That might be wise," I responded, hearing a breathlessness in my words.

"Would you like to get one of these? You're right -- they're kind of cool."

"Well... as much as I like them," my voice lowered, "and that felt fantastic... let's pass. Actually... I like the feel of your fingertips better."

"Yeah? Well... God knows I've had years of practice... Mystery... tended to get a tad cold at night, and that's an understatement. You learned other ways to keep warm besides wool socks, more blankets, and cranking up the heat."

"I like your other ways to keep warm." His smile widened.

He returned the test massager to the counter, and we continued to the small area which contained different size bottles of their unscented products. "I'll tell you what... This place has *way* too many distractions. You could get lost in here."

I gently jabbed him in the ribs. "I told you so. And you didn't think men could enjoy it in here."

"I stand corrected. Look at that -- I didn't even know they sold cosmetics. You need any of that... it's on sale, too."

"All stocked up, although..." I pointed one lipstick sampler with a rose tint, "...that is *so* pretty. I love that color, but..." I continued before John could interrupt, "...I've got plenty, thanks. I just bought a brand new stick." He nodded, and I noticed his concentration was briefly focused on my mouth. I couldn't help wondering what was in his thoughts -- and decided it would be best not to ask right now. As amorous as we were getting, it was probably a good idea that I did not.

"Okay...what are we getting in the unscenteds?" I asked him.

"Well... the lotion definitely. The large?" I nodded and he put the bottle alongside the other items in our basket. "Is it *that* good?"

I shook up the small TESTER bottle, squeezed out a few drops, and taking one of his free hands, rubbed some into the back of it. "Well?"

He nodded. "Feels great... Uh... creamy. I think I'll like this."

"Wait until we layer it with the shower gel, the spritz, and the perfume oil. Well, you might not use the perfume." He laughed.  "Regardless John, it'll be great."

"We'll be the best smelling couple at the Tavern, won't we?"

I returned his smile. "We're working on it. And I guess the next thing will be... the... uh... uh..." I didn't know why, after all this, I was becoming inordinately reticent mentioning the next product.

"Ta-Da.. The massage oil?" he softly asked.

I laughed. "Yeah...the massage oil." I reached for a small container, dropping it into the basket -- then saw John remove and replace it. Before I could question him, he chose the 16.9 ounce size -- the largest available.

"Just figured we'll go through a lot of this," he whispered, winking. "This'll be more... cost-effective." I snickered; I already knew I was blushing. "Okay... So... we done?"

I glanced at our intended purchases. "I think so... Geez, have we been in here *that* long?" I was looking at my watch. "We'd better get moving if we're going to still shop for that DVD."

"Absolutely. Aw hell -- we have been in here for a while, haven't we? But I'm not sorry. I've had a good time, Tina."

"So have I. I'm glad you changed your mind about coming in. See -- it *was* fun shopping in here together."

"Much better than doing it alone." He looked at some of the other couples. "I see why you wanted me to come along. Well, we'll just have to do it again sometime, won't we? Okay... guess we'd better get our stuff mixed, right?"

There was only one couple ahead of us at the main counter, where the clerk we had met earlier was checking them out. John and I made small talk while we waited, sorting through our basket as we did. When we were next in line, the woman smiled, but I felt she was still ill at ease due to her earlier faux pas.

"Hello again. How did you do? Find everything you needed?" she asked us.

"I think we did pretty good, thanks," John answered, glancing at me. "We... uh... would like you to mix the 'Oceanus' oil in with these if you don't mind," and he handed her the lotion and massage oil.

"How intense a scent are you looking for?"

"As much as possible so we can know it's there, without it being overwhelming," I explained. "Everything else was okay."

Obviously out to please, the saleswoman carefully went about her specialty as if she was Marie Curie in her laboratory. Bottles of various Body Shop oils were on a table behind the counter. We watched as - first, with the massage oil, then the lotion - she added a few drops at a time, then shook the plastic bottle with the skill of a bartender. Before adding more, she would have John and I take a whiff to see how close she was to achieving success. After a short time, the once unscented oil was satisfactory, and to test it, John took a dab and rubbed it over his forearm.

"Well?" I asked as he inhaled.

"Smells great," he smiled, wiggling his eyebrows at me to make me laugh.

The lotion took longer for as 'Barbara' - according to her name tag - explained, it is so thick, it was often difficult for the oil to work its' way through. But once it was completed, and she proudly held it towards us to sniff, we both grinned, quite pleased with the results. This time, however, John squirted a dab onto one fingertip, and massaged it into the back of one of my hands. We watched it absorb into my normally dry skin, moisturizing each pore it penetrated.

"I really like this stuff," John told me. "I think they've got a lifelong fan now."

Barbara grinned also - - glad to be of assistance and likely hoping this would go far in rectifying her little mistake. When I peeked at her for a second though, I saw that my companion still had her undivided attention. She was doubtlessly wondering how it would be to practice massage techniques on John, as I heard her softly sigh when he sampled the lotion on me. I smiled inwardly.  *That* was one act she would have to leave to her hopefully vivid imagination

Fifteen minutes later, we were inside the electronics department at Target, and fifteen minutes after that, we were in the Express Lane, purchasing a very nice DVD player. John had read some good reports on this particular brand, so I was satisfied. Honestly, I was just thrilled to have the machine -- period!

As we found a seat at a small table in the Food Court area, we situated all our packages so they could be properly accounted for and watched, then breathed a sigh of the "mission accomplished". We had done a great job and were more than ready to head home. We just wondered where the others were.

"Thirsty?" John asked me, nodding towards a fast food restaurant, whose name I recognized from home. The only thing missing in this mall layout was the drive-thru with old-fashioned curbside service.

"Yes! Definitely."

"All this shopping's made me thirsty," he chuckled. "And hungry."

"We'll probably eat after we get back to the Tavern. Don't think you can wait?" I teased.

"I'll just get something to snack on, darlin' -- just to hold me over. You know how I am."

I smiled sweetly, my eyes sparkling. "Yeah, I know. You've said you're always hungry."

"It's a guy thing, I think." We both laughed. "So... what would you like to drink? Chocolate milk shake? They make 'em from real milk and ice cream here."

I winced. "Oh god...You don't know how tempting that is, but... I'm still sort of watching my fat grams and all. After over a year, it's become a habit."

John winked, grinning proudly. "Well even though I didn't know you that far back, knowing what you've said you accomplished... Tina... you look beautiful."

I shyly bowed my head. Not knowing how to respond to that (since no one had ever called me beautiful before), I continued.  "Besides, I still have that lousy gastric reflux. I'm not supposed to eat whipped products if possible. All the air."

"Right -- forgot about that. Sorry... Hey, how about... would you be willing to splurge on one of the lemon slushes?"

I almost caught myself smacking my lips. "Lemon slush? I haven't had one of those in -- forever. Yeah, that sounds great, John. It really does. Very refreshing. Okay, I'll take that."

"Got it. Fresh lemon slush coming up. Be right back."

I observed him as he walked the short distance to the line, and beamed, enjoying watching the way he moved. Propping my arms on top of the DVD box - which was on the table, and feeling the other bags against my legs, I caught myself fantasizing again. My chin rested in my right palm.  I gave a little half-smile. I had an excellent view of John, and I noticed I was paying attention to the area The Body Shop saleswoman had wanted to see so badly. I sighed lustfully, crossing my legs as I shifted in the chair. I was starting to feel a bit-- Well... aroused to put it discreetly. Yes, he did have a *very* nice ass on him. His new Brooks Brothers jeans definitely enhanced that. All the Boyz did, and naturally, I conjured up the notorious 'Virtuosity' "birth scene". (Just wished it had been anyone but psycho Sid involved). Sid might be more 'beautiful' with his perfect... well, everything -- but John... I stopped my musing as he returned.

"Here you are, Mademoiselle. One medium, fresh lemon fruit slush."

"Merci." I ripped the paper from the straw and quickly dove into my drink. "Mmm... this is great. I'd forgotten how much I love these things." I looked at the thick chocolate milk shake he was sipping, soft peaks of whipped topping crowning the concoction. He was barely paying attention to the order of mozzarella sticks beside the cup. "*That* looks fantastic."

"Sure you don't want any, sweetheart?"

"Positive -- thanks anyway."

"Well, we'll get something good for dessert tonight."

I swallowed some of my icy drink, allowing it to coat my throat. "Like?"

"The strawberries are in, so that means shortcakes or cream cakes. We just got a new shipment of peaches... so we're talking pies... And I still remember how much you loved the chocolate mousse and the cheesecake, oh, and that raspberry souffle we split the night we had dinner together. I liked being able to share the stuff that way. Gave us a chance to try a little of everything."

I smiled softly. It had been my second night in Crowes' Nest -- the night the two of us had made love for the first time. "Yeah... those were fantastic. I hadn't eaten a real dessert in weeks. Probably not since my England trip."

John was momentarily silent as he drank, then he quietly said, "You looked great." I glanced at him. "That little black dress. I thought you looked great."

I laughed. "A year ago I wouldn't have put on something that... well that... clingy. Or sleeveless... Or short."

"I'm... I'm glad you did. That... you... uh... felt like you could."

I didn't answer. I smiled my response and returned to my slushy drink. Seconds later, I felt John's hand reach under the table, and I acknowledged by laying my closest hand over his. Our fingertips gently and briefly brushed each other's palms. Honestly, I don't think we said another thing until it was time to leave and find the rest of our group......

AFTER WORD:

Okay, I think all of you know what happened next. Laura recounted the details in her own story. We got back to the Tavern -- and found Sid 6.7 (the little creep) harassing my close friend. Then we - Michelle, Peaches, Laura, Maximus, Cort, Bud, John and me (to be later joined by Wendy and Jeff Wigand) - went down the beach to watch the sunset, but Sid rudely interrupted that. His mistake. He ended up nearly getting himself drowned by the guys; stripped to his underwear by we girls (Liz arrived just in time to join in that little romp); and then buried in the sand for part of the evening. So I'll digress and return to a point during our impromptu beach party. We had been discussing our trip to the mall: shopping for Max; the guys being enamored of some of the stores they found; showing off Max, Bud and John so they were catching the eye of any  interested women (and believe me, *most* of them were interested); and our spending spree.

That was when Michelle - with a gleam in her eyes - said, "You know, Tina, I noticed you and John found time to do a little shopping on your own... When we were in Brooks Brothers... you guys just disappeared for a while. And came back with a bag you kept trying to hide... Where'd you go?"

Talk about not seeing something coming! I had *thought* she might have noticed that distinctive bag; I do remember this little Harrison Ford half-smile on her part when we were all getting ready to leave. John and I had discovered our friends still in the Brooks Brothers vicinity. They were loaded down with bags, not only from that store, but others. Bud looked thrilled with the couple he was holding. Max just appeared overwhelmed by it all... and Peaches and Michelle were delirious.

"We were about ready to call out the search helicopters for you two," Bud had teased, but we didn't say much of anything; just complimented all of them on doing such a great job of shopping. It was only then that I think John and I realized how obvious the green and silver Body Shop bag would be in contrast to all the others... and we started trying to hide it any way we could. That must have been when Michelle noticed.

So back to our beach party. I was floored when she asked, even if I had suspected she had recognized the bag. Geez, it didn't help that I looked as guilty as if... well, as if John and I were teenagers making out on the living room couch and our parents walked in on us. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him grinning -- and getting embarrassed, like me. And John ups where we've shopped when he's asked: Suncoast Video... and The Body Shop. Then Laura makes sure that *everyone* know what the latter is, just in case they were unfamiliar with it. "Isn't that the place with the bath oils and lotions and massage oils?"  Great. And she, Peaches, Michelle and Wendy do their "ooo" routine. By now, my heart is in my throat, and my stomach is burning. I can't look at John, even if my life depended on it, and it doesn't help that after I say that John bought me something, Cort asks, "And *what* would that be...? John?"

I see John look at me briefly before he starts studying his feet. I, meanwhile, am blushing up a storm. "I'm NOT telling!" I firmly announce, and everyone laughs some more. Okay, looking back, it was a sweet, funny episode -- and honestly, if it had been one of the other couples, I would have been laughing and "ooo"-ing myself. But this was John and me, so telling what we purchased... Uh-uh. No way.... The whole world didn't need to know... Well, I guess I have told -- *now*, but writing it and saying it are two different things.

I am still trying to decide whether or not I should let Michelle in on the rest of the story, or perhaps do an Angelina on her.

What do I mean? Well, when Angelina told us about her little experience with Sid the Psycho, she threatened to leave Laura and me out of the loop because she thought we had laughed at her. (I swear Angie -- we were laughing *with* you, not *at* you).  So, remembering that it was Michelle who got the whole conversation about The Body Shop started... I'm deliberating as to whether she hears the *whole* story or not.  See, it didn't all end at the mall. I'm not even at the *really* good part yet. That will give me time to consider if I should keep Michelle in the loop or not. Okay, I probably will, but I want to see her sweat a bit -- especially since I already gave her a little preview. We'll see.....