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[captainjack]

It had been a good plan at the time. He was hot, he was going home from training, he was filthy, and the waterfall was right there. Yeah, it had been a good plan when he'd thought of it. He'd shamelessly stripped his shirt off and dropped it at the top of the falls, then picked his way carefully down to the ledge that jutted out high above the pool

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[bernicesurprise]

She shouldn't have been surprised. As a point of fact she wasn't surprised. Not much, anyhow. Benny had come back to the waterfall again for her daily PT, bathing suit on, ball in hand. This wasn't the first time she'd run into other people enjoying the spot, but it was the first time she'd found someone skinny dipping, which was probably the most surprising thing of all given what went on on the island. It took her a moment to focus on his face and realize who the naked bloke was. That's when everything made perfect sense.

"How's the water, Jack?"

[captainjack]

Jack turned to look, squinting against the bright sunlight, then he smiled at her. His hand slipped lower to cover up a little, only serving to accentuate the fact that he had nothing on.

"Colder than the ocean," he replied, "but it's not bad. You coming in?"

[bernicesurprise]

Benny's eyes followed Jack's hand and she lifted an eyebrow. "Couldn't have been that cold."

Tossing her towel down next to him she arranged herself on it as comfortably as possible so that she could start her exercises. "Yeah, but not until I'm done with the hand. It's my little reward system," she added with a smile. "How have you been, Jack?"

[captainjack]

"I've been good. Working hard, playing harder. Not much around here really changes. Until, you know, it really changes. What are you doing with your hand?" he asked, twisting a little so the sun was out of his face and he could see her properly. It looked better, of course that might just be the lack of bandaging.

[bernicesurprise]

"Physical therapy. It's fucking primitive if you ask me, but it's working so I suppose I shouldn't complain." Benny started the repetitions, trying not to think too hard about the aching in her muscles. It really was getting better and that made every pain worthwhile. "So, what were you up to before you decided you decided you didn't want any tan lines? Work or play?"

[captainjack]

Jack watched her work for a moment before he answered.

"Work. Task Force training three days a week," he said. "I thought I'd jump in and cool off before I went home." He conveniently left off the part where he'd jumped in and left his pants behind.

[bernicesurprise]

"Ah, so you're one of the ones who's charged with keeping us poor civilians safe from the ravaging dinosaur herds and random nutters? Well done, you." She was rather curious about how he'd gone from training to naked, but she wasn't going to ask. She wasn't quite curious enough to give him that satisfaction. "You're friends with Helen, aren't you?"

[captainjack]

"I am," he confirmed, nothing but affection in his tone. "She's a good friend as well as my boss at the club. We arrived here the same day, almost three years ago now. Why?"

[bernicesurprise]

Benny sighed and bit her lip, reluctant to admit anything but also well aware that if anyone would understand the situation, and possibly have a solution, it would be Jack. "Well, I did something rather stupid. Something elserather stupid," she acknowledged with a sarcastic look. "I got myself kicked out of the club and I was wondering what you think I might do to get myself back in her good graces."

[captainjack]

"Well, that kind of depends on what you did," Jack said, the flirtatiousness vanishing. "And since I'm not the one who bounced you out, you'll have to spell it out."

[bernicesurprise]

"Take it easy, Jack. I didn't beat up anyone or trash the place. Well, I did break a glass, but that wasn't entirely my fault." She hated when he gave her that look. It was impossible not to tell him whatever he asked and that was just bloody annoying. "Fine. I got completely pissed and then caused a bit of a fuss when I didn't want to leave. At least that's what I remember. Lloyd took me home."

[captainjack]

Lloyd was a decent enough guy as far as Jack was concerned and it didn't sound like all that big of a deal...but if Helen had tossed her out, there had to be more to it than simply drunk and disorderly.

"What sort of fuss, Benny?"

[bernicesurprise]

Benny gave him a frustrated groan and rolled her eyes. "Seriously, Jack. I don't remember it being that big of a deal. I think I was just being a bloody stubborn idiot. It's not the first time I've been thrown out of a bar. I usually end up leaving the planet soon after, though. This is a bit more annoying."

She hadn't intended to get him all involved in her mess, she just wanted a little advice but she supposed she should have known better. Not that she minded his concern. Not really. "So, do you think she'll let me back in eventually? She seems a bit...strong-willed."

[captainjack]

Jack shrugged a little and tilted his head. "Maybe. As long as it didn't involve Warrick and you tell her you're sorry...maybe. I can talk to her too, if you want."

[bernicesurprise]

Benny's eyebrows shot up at the mention of Warrick and she started to laugh. "No, I wouldn't dream of making a move on her man. I may be a bloody idiot, but I do generally have a pretty healthy sense of self-preservation." Knowing full well that recent events hadn't exactly proven that point, she held up a hand to forestall any smart arsed remarks. "I said generally. And I am sorry. I'll do whatever she wants me to do, within reason of course, to prove it. But thank you for the offer to speak on my behalf. That's very sweet of you."

[captainjack]

"I didn't figure you would," he grinned. Anyone with half a brain and at least one eye could tell there was something going on with Helen and Warrick that shouldn't be messed with.

"Look, I can't say what she'll do, but it's a business and she runs it like one. Hell, she might charge you double for a while or something. I don't know...but it can't hurt to ask. You want me to escort you? Safety in numbers."