Odd Socks
Daniel practically through himself out of his bunk on board the Kahaha. The freighter swayed, and he stumbled to one side grabbing onto the door-handle to steady himself. He glanced fleetingly at the cheap, plastic clock that ticked brusquely on the wall. Barely legible in the darkness of Daniel's cabin, the dark green figures read 8: 56.
"Eight fifty…" Daniel squinted in the dim light. With a jolt of dawning comprehension, he leapt for the scruffy suitcase that lay open at the foot of the rickety little bed. He couldn't be late.
He had changed within a minute, and finished doing his tie within two. Dragging a comb through his hair (he was fully aware that it would be untidy anyway, but he knew he should make the effort), he scooped up two socks floating around at the bottom of his suitcase.
The ship rocked again, and he hopped on one foot as he tugged on socks and shoes, fighting to keep his balance. He had never really gotten his sea legs- it didn't take much to make him seasick.
Finally, with about thirty seconds to spare, he hurtled out the door of the cabin.
"And there I was thinking you weren't coming," smiled Charlotte as he approached her. She looked tired, yet, as always, effortlessly pretty. Her red waves were pulled back into a messy ponytail, though a considerable quantity of hair had escaped at and was hanging loose by her neck.
"Do you, uh, want to go in…?" he asked.
"Sure."
They made their way into the depressing canteen, from where the smell of grease and coffee was already seeping into the other areas of the ship. It was almost empty at this in-between time. The early-birds of the Kahana had already left, and the mid-morning stragglers wouldn't arrive until nearly eleven.
"Thanks for coming down with me." Charlotte smiled. "I came down on my own yesterday, and just got flirted with by Jeff. You know, the mechanic working with Johnson. He's a little cocky for my taste."
Daniel felt a sinking sensation in his stomach. He mouth went dry, and he was even more lost for words than usual.
They walked to the empty serving-counter and picked up a tray each. Charlotte grabbed a plate of toast and a green apple, but Daniel just took a bowl of cereal. She made him feel to jumpy to eat properly.
They sat near the back of the canteen.
"You okay, Dan? You look shattered."
"Hmm, yeah, I didn't sleep much."
"I know what you mean. I don't think Widmore's really all that concerned with making his employees comfortable. A few days ago I was so tired I nearly put my top on backwards."
"I know what you mean," Daniel murmured, mirroring her words.
"Hmm. I'm sure you do…" Charlotte smirked, though not in a cruel way, and leaned over the table, looking down.
Daniel followed her gaze, and blushed.
Somehow he had managed to end up with his pant legs tucked into his socks.
His blush deepened to dark scarlet. Adding to the ridiculousness of it all, one sock was mustard yellow, the other sky blue.
Charlotte laughed and took a sip of tea. "Stylish, Dan. Really classy."
He half-grinned as she continued to chuckle, and they locked eyes for a moment. Maybe he should wear odd socks more often.