"Who hurt you?" Sayid hadn't meant to ask the question out loud, but now that it was out he couldn't recall it. He had to continue with it, and hope Sawyer would share something with him. In truth he wanted to know, but didn't expect Sawyer to answer him. Why would he, Sayid thought to himself? Who am I to think he should answer me?

"You did."

The answer was simple and quiet. There was something about it that shook Sayid to the core. He had to know more. He didn't know what Sawyer was seeing but Sayid was sure it wasn't what was actually going on in the present. Sayid scooted closer and asked Sawyer again.

"Yes, but who am I?"

Sawyer shuddered. "You know who you are." he said quietly.

Sayid carefully gauged what he was about to do. It had to be just right to work. Too much or too little and it wouldn't work.

Carefully he grabbed Sawyer by the throat. "And what is my name?"

Sawyer struggled briefly before stilling.

"Please."

"Say it. What is my name?"

"George." Sawyer gasped for air.

Sayid pressed harder as he promised to himself to make this George pay. No one deserved to be as scared as Sawyer was right now. He needed to know more.

"That's right," he said to Sawyer, "and you know what I want don't you?"

"Yes."

"And what is that?"

"To hurt me. Please. I'll do whatever you want. Please don't hurt me any more."

Sayid almost jumped backwards to get as far away from Sawyer as he could. Sawyer's plea for mercy was so sincere that Sayid almost couldn't help himself. He had to know more though. Had to know what scared Sawyer. Had to know what to do to protect him. Sayid grabbed Sawyer's arms and pinned them above Sawyer's head. He leaned in close and nuzzled Sawyer's neck. He whispered in Sawyer's ear.

"Tell me, what are you most afraid of me doing?"

Sawyer didn't answer.

"Tell me!" Sayid yelled at Sawyer. He wanted to kill himself for doing this, but he knew this was the only way to understand what Sawyer was going through.

"Please." Sawyer whispered and struggled to get free.

Just then the tarp currently being used as a door opened. Sayid glanced up in surprise. Charlie stood in the door of Sawyer's tent. From the look on his face Sayid knew Charlie would never understand what was going on. He release Sawyer immediately and turned to Charlie.

"It is not as it seems."

"Really? Cause it seems as if he's saying no mate."

Charlie stared him down and Sayid felt his world was caving in. He had to explain to Charlie that he had no intentions of hurting Sawyer. He had to make Charlie understand what was going on. Had to.

"Charlie. "

"I think he said no, mate."

"It is not as it seems."

"Leave. Now."

"Please Charlie. You have to understand-"

"Oh, I understand perfectly mate. He said no and you ain't listening."

Sayid opened his mouth to explain further but shut it just as quickly. There was no way he could explain this. Even if he tried he'd be exposing secrets he wasn't sure Sawyer wanted anyone to know. There was nothing he could do to fix this.

"Charlie."

"I don't wanna hear it man. He said no."

"Listen to me. Please." Sayid shook his head and stood up. "He doesn't know what he's saying. He's not quite here right now. He's-"

"Then all the more reason for you not to be here mate." Charlies tone would brook no argument. Sayid had the sudden realization that as much as he was upset as Charlie right now he was also grateful. Someone else was looking out for Sawyer. Sayid walked over to Charlie and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you."

Sayid walked out of Sawyer's tent genuinely grateful that there was someone watching over him. He still needed answers, but he was grateful to Charlie for making sure nothing happened to Sawyer. Sawyer deserved a good friend.

Sayid waited until he knew Chalie was asleep. He was greatful that Charlie had seen fit to protect Sawyer, but it had been inconvenient.