This is a revised version of my story. I think it turned out better than the last. Enjoy and review!

Battle of the Sexes

Chapter One: The Deal

Charlie sat in his hut on the beach daydreaming of his previous life off the island as a rock god, slowly strumming his guitar and staring at an open hole where he could see Claire bent over, doing the laundry by the beach, and wearing a conveniently short skirt, I wonder if the band is back together…and my family…do they all think I'm dead? I wonder who Claire has watchin' the baby. If only she would bend a little lower to reach that sock,he thought to himself when a moment later, Sawyer poked his head inside, wearing his large reading glasses and holding a thick worn book in his hand.

"Hey! Well if it ain't Charlie!" he tried to sound friendly and enthusiastic.

Shaking away his wonderful daydreams Charlie came back to reality, "Who else would it be in my own sodding shack, Sawyer?" Charlie asked, disgruntled and annoyed by the sudden intrusion on his dream. He pushed his guitar aside and stepped out of his tent, stretching his cramped muscles.

Sawyer gave Charlie a quick glare but kept his cool and began in a calm voice, "I was jus' wonderin', Kate has been givin' me the silent treatment ever since some petty little argument about something stupid and I, well, I need your help, Charlie," Sawyer gazed down at his book and fiddled with his glasses, nervously. He hated asking for help from someone for two reasons. For one, he always felt like he was degrading himself since he was so independent and liked taking charge of everything. Second, because he knew if he asked something from someone on this damned island he or she would demand some sort of payment in return.

Charlie glanced at Sawyer with a smirk then over to Kate, who appeared to be hiding the irritation, brought upon by Sawyer, by politely helping Claire with the clothes. She didn't seem to notice Charlie and Sawyer talking and neither did Claire. Sun must have Aaron, the Brit thought. "All right, I'll help you out, but under two conditions." He waved two fingers in Sawyer's face to taunt him.

After grabbing Charlie's hand and threatening to break it, he sighed, "Fine. What are they?"

"You tell me what happened that has her looking like she's ready to stab someone's eyes out, that someone being you of course…" he snickered, "…and then, I'll need you to do something for me, as well. Shake on it," Charlie held out his hand with the Drive Shaft ring.

"No, not until you tell me what the Hell it is you want me to do for you, first," replied Sawyer. He was growing impatient.

"Fair enough. You have to help me convince Claire to do it with me," Charlie responded casually and looking quite satisfied with himself.

"You want me to what?" Sawyer could not believe what he had got himself into.

"You heard me. Claire keeps refusing 'cause she's uncomf'table with her body, now that she's had Aaron. You know how women are," Charlie rolled his eyes.

Sawyer contemplated what he would have to do, then grumbled curses under his breath and shook Charlie's hand roughly.

Little did the two men realize that a large man with large hair had accidently eavesdropped on almost the entire conversation. He had been coming back from the jungle, where he had gone to relieve himself, and headed towards Charlie's tent to see if he was up for a game of gulf. When he heard raised voices he decided not to get involved and wait behind the tent to talk to Charlie. Eavesdropping was not Hurley's intention. He was a peaceful, laidback guy who enjoyed the simple pleasure of friends, but he also had a large mouth.