Title: Floating by the Ocean
Author: MelWil
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own them. I make no money.
Archive: Just let me know where.
Feedback: Is kalos - [email protected]
Summary: "I thought you didn't like me."
Author's note: So I get this CD from Christine, and I owe her a number of stories. This story belongs to track 9, "Ocean Beast" by Felt.

~*~

Toby on the beach was a conundrum. It just wasn't him, even without his tie and jacket. Even with his shoes dangling from his hands.

"You look uncomfortable." CJ needed to say something.

"I am uncomfortable." He kicked some sand ahead of him. "This was your idea, your chance to clear your mind."

"Where do you think, Toby?"

"In a bar. Dark and quiet." He squinted into the sunlight. "None of this . . . brightness."

"You're drinking again?"

"I never stopped."

She bent down, picking up a small white shell. "If I just started swimming, where would I end up?"

"Asia." Toby watched as she knelt into the sand. "You don't want me to join you down there, do you?"

"Well you could stay there, standing." CJ said. "But you look like one of those pale, uptight Yankees."

"Good." He sat next to her. She knew he would.

"I can't come with you, Toby." She said.

"Why not?"

"I haven't the experience, or the national exposure. Hell, I don't even know if I have the ability to handle a job as big as this."

"I think you do."

"Okay." She lay her head on his shoulder. "What took you so long to get out here?"

"I don't like L.A."

"I thought you didn't like me."

"I do." His finger traced a line across her hand. "I like you CJ Cregg."

"I know."

"Are you coming to New Hampshire with me?"

She sighed. And she nodded.