The Elements and Workings of Mother Nature

Seeing Clearly

Summary: Jethro and Amirah get caught in the rain.

"...Many a man curses the rain that falls upon his head, and knows not that it brings abundance to drive away the hunger ."- Saint Basil

Every once in a while, Leroy Jethro Gibbs had a romantic thought that would cross his mind. Well, a thought that a woman would consider romantic anyway. It was a nice day and he decided that maybe he and Amirah could go on a picnic. But where to? The park was obvious. And since it was such a nice day, it would be crowded. Can't be romantic around all those people. So he decided on the lake. Yeah, that would do it. Nice quiet lakefront, maybe a romantic boat ride.

When he called about their date, he told her to dress comfortably and warm. She didn't ask why and he didn't offer. He was hoping this date would impress her a little. Sure, he could take Amirah to fancy restaurants, plays and movies but many times Jethro felt out of his elements. He liked the outdoors and although she was a city girl, he thought she might like them too. Not sure she would go camping with him, but this would be a start.

"Jethro, this is a beautiful area. Do you come here often?"

"Not as often as I'd like. It's very peaceful." He was taking their items out of the trunk.

"So what do you usually do when you come out here?"

"Sometimes I fish, hike. Most times, I just sit and think. I've had a couple of great naps out here."

"Ha, yeah I can imagine. This would be an excellent place to read. The air is so nice and crisp."

"Yeah, it's the pine trees fault." They laughed. "Come on. I thought we'd take a boat ride to the other side of the lake, hike a little then eat lunch."

"Sounds good." Amirah said. They started walking towards the boathouse. Without thinking, Jethro slipped his hand around hers and she didn't resist. It made her smile, made them both smile actually. "The lake is larger than I imaged."

"Yeah, it's a pretty good size. Maybe we can go fishing sometime."

"Fishing?" Amirah turned up her nose. "With worms? Ewww!"

"Well, I usually like to fish with grasshoppers but if you want to use worms we can."

"Grasshoppers?!" She said shivering at the thought of touching either of those things. Jethro laughed at her. "You're laughing?" She stopped walking and placed her hands on her hips. "What's so funny?" Jethro took her hand and kissed it.

"You are; you're such a girl."

"Hmm, yes and we wouldn't be going out if I wasn't."

They reached the boathouse and he selected a sturdy rowboat for them. Jethro assisted Amirah with getting into the boat. She was nervous because she had never done this before. He assured her everything would be ok. He placed the basket and blanket between them then handed her an oar. After showing her how to use it, (so they wouldn't be going in circles) they were off to the other side of the lake.

After about twenty minutes, they reached the other side of the lake. Jethro slung the rope out, tied the boat to the dock and assisted Amirah out of the boat. Amirah shook out her arms; they hadn't had a workout like that in a long time. Jethro shook his head and laughed.

"What's funny now?"

"You teach a dance class but you wouldn't last a day in boot camp."

"It's a different type of exercise, I grant you that. But you're probably right; I wouldn't last long in boot camp."

"Let's see how you do with a hike."

"There's no snakes up there, right?" She asked as she looked around to the wooded area. Jethro looked up and shrugged.