This pier has withstood more than it's fair share in it's days.  The dark wood holds host to both the weeds that perilously march between each plank's hold, and the green tinge of algae and mold constantly renewed by the unending sea spray.  Scents of the life of sea, and the caustic singe of salt it caries blankets the coast in which we know so well.
 
Her hand tightens around mine as the soft sand and vegetation turns to the creaking of old wood.  Perhaps the slick footing scared her at one point; however, she never made it a point to show it.  Every break from college we found our pilgrimage away from all we knew here.  Each step careful on this well known ground to avoid the new boards who have succumb to old age, and given way to the glistening bay.
 
I know it's not tactful, but this sight always takes my breath away, "I... really wish you could see it."
 
"You know, it's not healthy to stare at the sun Hisao,"
 
Her laugh as she brushes aside the hair from her face is more than enough to distract me from even the sun.
 
Soon we find ourselves at the end of the pier, feet hanging idly into the cool water, each wave mechanically rocking them back and fourth.  Laying back reveals a black canopy unfurling, soon punctuated with pinpoints of light from an indeterminably far away source.  Our trips here often are quiet.  Just the sound of crashing waves, and distant cicadas.
 
Turning to face Lilly, her long hair matted on each slat of the pier, her eyes wide, and a beautifully tiny smile adorning her lips.  The elegance of such a simple skirt flowing about thin frame, her refined lines that curve against the moon's backlight. Her hand squeezes just a little tighter.
 
"Yes Lilly?"
 
"You were not peeping were you?"  Lilly's voice straddling the line of amused and condescending.
 
"Not at this particular moment."  I laugh in my not exactly untrue reply.
 
She rolls on top of me and graces her lips to mine, her hand drawing temporary safe haven from the rising sea winds on the side of my face.
 
"Good, be a gentleman and save the spying for the swimsuit in private."
 
For a moment I contemplate the value of my life and determine victory goes to the bold, "I'll be sure to take you up on that offer later."
 
I would laugh harder if my cheek was not being pinched so viciously.
 
The sounds of the unbridled waves decrescendos as we make our way back up the beach, replaced by the echoing choir of heat laden insects who inhabit the forest that encircles the sands.
 
As the drive begins the ocean slowly rolls away from the periphery, the must of salt fades, and is soon replaced by the halos of light on this well known road.  The dim chatter of the radio lays a backdrop for my passenger's nap.  Perhaps when we arrive at our still new apartment on campus we could work on our course syllabuses together.  Our first semester starts soon, but maybe we could break out a bottle of wine in the process.  Possibly discuss how it will be on the other side of the classroom, .
 
Or maybe, it can all wait until tomorrow.