Writer notes: After seeing the last few minutes of LOST last night, I am utterly disturbed. I think I'm way too attached to Charlie and Claire. Good thing I'm not the only one! Anyroad, the idea for this fanfic was sparked yesterday when I received a package from my Australian friend. It was a canned platypus ( a little stuff animal in a can. I had to open it with a can opener to get it out. It's so cute too!). That's why this piece of fluff was created. And, I needed to have some happy Charlie/Claire fluff after last night's episode! This is also my first LOST fic I'm posting too, though I have so many more I need to type up. Enjoy!
Charlie watched Claire intently as she slept. Her labor had lasted for nearly 24 hours. At one point, she blacked out from exhaustion for several seconds. Charlie was by her side the entire time, letting her squeeze his hand has hard as she needed.
In the end, Claire delivered a healthy baby girl. Charlie's hand was sore, but he didn't complain. Mother and daughter were well, and that's all that mattered.
He peered down into Laila's face – so small and innocent. She gave purpose for living, and he'd do everything in his power to keep that purpose safe. He silently vowed he wouldn't fail Claire ever again.
"She's beautiful, isn't she?"
Charlie looked up. "Never seen anything so lovely in my life, except for maybe her mother." He flicked a grin towards Claire. She giggled.
"How can you say that after 24 hours of labor?" She subconsciously smoothed her hair with the palm of her hand.
"Because, it's true."
He meant it, and she knew he did.
"Listen," Charlie started, finally taking his eyes off Claire. "I brought a present for Laila."
He reached behind his back to reveal a cylinder object. Claire furrowed her brow, taking the present. A bright smile crossed her face when she saw what it was.
"Aussie Can! Where did you find this?"
"In one of the carry-on bags. I thought little Laila would appreciate it, seeing that there really aren't any toys for a baby on this island."
"I'm sure she'll love to cuddle up with it. If only we had a can opener," Claire said, examining the can. "Oh! It's already open at the bottom."
"I got Locke to open it with one of his 400 knives."
Claire laughed at the on going joke that always made her feel better, even if it was old. She pulled out the little stuffed animal that was inside. "A canned platypus! Awww…" Her broad smile softened when she looked at Charlie again. Laila was cradled in the crook of his arm, stirring.
"Look, Laila." She rubbed the smooth fur of the little platypus against her daughter's cheek. "Charlie brought you a platypus."
"Perfect gift for an Aussie" Charlie added, proudly.
Claire pushed herself up on her elbows. Charlie was about to protest that she should stay down and rest, but Claire grasped his hand and he fell silent. There was a gleam in her eyes that he had never seen before, or any woman he had ever been around. He saw pure love and affection.
When she kissed him, not on the cheek like she usually did but on the lips, he wasn't totally surprised – although somewhat shocked. The kiss was brief and innocent, but it meant more than any kiss either of them had ever received.
"Thank you, Charlie. For everything."
"Anything for you, Claire." Laila cooed in his arms. "And for you too, Laila."
Claire giggled, rubbing the platypus on her daughter's cheek again. Her other hand still held Charlie's hand firmly. She would never let him go, and he wouldn't have it any other way.