They lay together as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her legs wrapping around his larger frame as her fingers danced over his chest. Max's eyes were still closed and she was still in some sort of a dream-like state. Alec on the other hand was fully awake, as he watched her touch him, and wished the moment would last forever. But soon he knew she would wake up, and they would be in some awkward place in their friendship once again.

She began to stir and Alec braced himself for whatever mood she may be in. She stretched languidly, aware of Alec's presence. She dare not open her eyes, for fear she would still be blind, but halfway through the morning she had felt the light stream into the room and saw tiny specks of light filter into her once useless eyes.

"Alec!?"

"I'm here."

"I'm going to open my eyes," she announced, and Alec didn't miss the hint of fear in her tone.

"Okay. Whatever happens I'll be here."

"I know you will." She smiled and opened her eyes slowly. The blurred image of Alec's goofy smile was the best sight she had ever remembered seeing.

"Well?"

"It's still a little blurry and the sun kinda hurts, but I can see you." she whispered.

"That's great," he said, quickly, afraid he would give away his emotions.

They got out of bed, and Max dressed herself. She watched Alec through sore eyes, step out the back door and cup his shoulder. It was still bothering him, she could see and sleeping on it all night, with her added weight couldn't have helped much.

They were quiet most of the day, somehow knowing their time there was becoming more limited. Logan would come for them soon and they would have other problems to deal with, mainly White.

The evening breeze was coming in from the open screen door and it felt nice on Max's skin.

Alec paced the tiny house, itching to leave. At least that's what Max had thought.

But Alec was battling with himself and every time he turned to look at Max, his heart beat quickened and he knew his feelings went well beyond friendship.

"I'm am SO bored, why couldn't Logan have hooked us up with a TV or Radio, anything that fries your brain?"

Max looked at Alec, wondering why he constantly brought Logan up. Was it a nervous habit or was he trying to remind himself that she was supposed to be with Logan. Alec didn't even know Max had gotten her memory back and so she could tell he was not comfortable with the things they had done.

"Your brain is already fried enough, I think you can stand to go a little while longer without your precious 'Boob tube', as you so affectionately refer to it."

"I know. Let's go skinny dipping!" Alec announced, wondering what the hell kind of punishment he was getting himself into. He decided long ago he must have masochistic tendencies.

"Alec, you're crazy!"

"And your point is?"

"It's the middle of the night!"

"It's not like there are neighbours around that are going to complain about the noise. There is no one around for miles. It's just you and me."

"I know." Max sighed and that's exactly what scared her.

Alec practically ran out the door, knowing -hoping- Max would follow, and she did.

"Logan said not to go outside," Max whined after Alec, who was already stripping down, and not paying the least bit of attention.

"Logan's not here." Alec smiled, mischievously. "What he doesn't know can't hurt him."

"That's true, but still..."

"You're just afraid. Come now, Max, our bodies are natural, glorious things, and being naked is just as natural. Don't chicken out on me using lame excuses about Logan, who wouldn't know it if we pranced around in our birthday suits morning, noon and night. Be honest with yourself. Can you handle this kind of freedom? Once you've done it, you'll be changed, you'll feel empowered and all other sorts of great shit," Alec informed her taking off his shirt slowly over his head, cautious of his stiff shoulder.

"You just want to ogle me naked," Max told him, yet admired the innocent way he got naked. He was not at the least bit shy about his body and she found herself thinking that it was almost commendable. She studied his body, which was perfection and couldn't seem to grasp the concept of turning her head. No, she was transfixed in the moment, hypnotized by Alec's lean frame.

"Well that too, but I'm not bull-shitting about the freedom."

"Turn around," Max said quietly, deciding she wanted to take this risk.

"What?"

"Just turn around, until I get into the water."

"I never knew you were so shy." He chuckled softly and swam a distance away, deeper into the lake, keeping his back to Max.

Max took off her clothing slowly, watching as he moved through the water. She stepped into the cool water and once she was in knee deep she dipped completely into the shallow water, before moving into the deeper parts near Alec.

"See, isn't that nice?" Alec asked, wading in the water.

Max blushed slightly. "It is actually. I guess you've done this before."

"A few times." He laughed lightly.

"I don't even want to know, do I?"

"Aw Max, I'm not that bad of a guy." He laughed.

She surprised him by touching his bicep and looking him straight in the eyes. "I didn't mean that. You're just always so free, so willing to take risks. I wish I could be more like that." She smiled and removed her hand.

"I'm not always so willing to take risks Max." He turned from her and splashed her as he dove under the water.

Max watched him dip under the cool water and her smile grew as she got a slight glimpse of his ass.

She waited until her surfaced before she splashed him in the face. Alec took off after her as she moved swiftly through the water, darting around lily-pads, finally he caught up to her and grabbed her around the middle. Alec held onto her stomach pulling her close. Their breathing was accelerated as they stared into each other as if it was the first time they were seeing one another.

"It must have killed Logan," Alec said out loud, almost unconsciously, as he caressed her back through the water.

"What?" Max blushed.

"Not being able to touch you." Max, gently swayed in the water, not being able to hide the red hue that flushed her cheeks. "I know it would kill me...I mean, it would have if I was him and you and I were...you know what I mean."

"Yeah, I think I do."

Alec continued to hold her, revelling in the feel of her wet skin under his fingers. There was a chill in the air but neither seemed to notice. It seemed right holding and being held.

"It's getting cold," Alec whispered breaking the silence. He felt Max shiver against him, as he let her go and made his way to the shore.