A/N: Sept 16, 2012: Here is, once again, the updated, edited chapter. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lost World.
Chapter 7:
"What are we looking for again, Challenger?"
Challenger turned from his frenetic search to stare back at a bored looking Malone. The two of them, plus Marguerite, were out in the midst of the jungle on yet another insect hunt and so far they hadn't any luck at it.
"It's called Flatrophia perihia. It looks like a butterfly, only about two centimeters bigger and the wings are doubled on each side; so it has two sets of wings," Challenger replied impatiently; this was the third time he had explained all this to them.
"Challenger," Marguerite groaned out, "This is the bloody jungle, it's full of insects. How do you expect us to find a specific one?"
"Simple, keep your eyes open," the man intoned simply, widening his eyes, seemingly for effect, as he was once again on his way.
"Oh that man can be so infuriating sometimes. What's so important about a bug anyways?" Marguerite was a combination of hot, tired and hungry; all in all, just not in the bug-hunt kind of mood.
Her mood was the result of dream she'd had that night. Roxton coming to her rescue, getting her off the damned plateau. It had been such a vivid dream that when she'd awoken and figured out that it was all a dream, well her disposition became the opposite of sunny.
"All in the name of science," Malone quoted.
"I never liked science much," she muttered, sitting down on a log to sulk.
Malone laughed at her little revelation. Surprised that he was amused, she looked up at Malone and realized that he believed her demeanor just to be a result of their current outing. And why would he think anything else about it… She had decided not to reveal the dream to her friend. It was, after all, nothing more than a dream, not worth bothering anyone with it. Besides things were going so well these days she didn't want things to get messed up because of a little dream.
"How about you tell Challenger that we're going to take a little break and that he can join us if he wants," Marguerite suggested suddenly, needing a moment alone to compose herself.
Malone ran the distance ahead, as eager as her to get a break. A few moments later, he was rushing back, alone.
"Science never rests," Malone told her.
"I'll take that as he won't be joining us," Marguerite added unnecessarily.
"Nope, he says he's not going to rest until he finds that bug," he informed. "So, I say we eat, no need in all of us starving…"
"All right." Marguerite opened her pack and handed him a sandwich that she'd made and packed.
Malone quickly bit into it, mumbling, "Delicious… thanks!"
They ate the rest in silence. It had been about a week since they had revealed to each other that they made each other happy to be alive. And since then they hadn't really talked about it. They kept their kisses to a minimum, making them all the more special. It was like they suddenly knew that they had each other and that no one was going anywhere, so they could take things a slow. They had time to build on their relationship.
Marguerite watched Malone as he finished off the food. He reached for his canteen and took a sip of water. He finally noticed Marguerite's curious eyes on him.
"Something wrong?"
"Sorry. I was just thinking," she replied in a quiet voice.
"About what?"
She bit at her lip, debating if she should voice her thoughts or not. The dream was in the front of her mind, making concentrating on anything else very difficult. "I was wondering… if we're ever going to make it home…"
"I think we will," he said firmly. "You just have to have faith in it. Someday, somehow we will get back to London."
"I wish I felt as sure as you sound," she said unsurely. "I guess I'll just take your word for it."
He gave her a quizzical look. "Is that all you were thinking about?" He didn't know why, but it felt like she was holding something back.
She smiled suddenly. "I was also thinking about how funny you looked when you were drinking water with it all dribbling down the side of your face, just like a little baby," Marguerite joked.
Her smile infectious he claimed, "You're going to pay for that little comment."
Malone lunged for her, tickling furiously once he had a hold of her. They toppled backwards, off the log, Marguerite underneath him. He was still tickling her, but she wouldn't go out without a fight; she began to tickle him back.
The pair of them laughed so hard until their sides hurt, eventually tiring themselves out. Both relenting, they stopped, still in the same position.
Malone's fingers reached up to trail the contours of her cheek. She's so beautiful, he thought wondrously. And then, almost unconsciously, he leaned forward, closing the distance between them and began to kiss her.
The kiss was slow and sensual and had the potential to intensify. Unfortunately, at that exact moment, a loud noise pulled them apart.
They soon found out that the noise had come from Challenger, stepping on some branches.
Malone stood up first, reaching a hand out to help Marguerite up. As Challenger looked on, they quickly tidied themselves up and then apologized to the older man for their off-task-ness.
"No need to apologize. I was young once too, you know," he let them know, awkwardly. "And, besides, it's none of my business, not at all…"
He gave them a funny look; they could tell that Challenger was trying hard to hold back his lecture. And they were glad for the effort he was putting in.
They grinned at each other and began to walk after Challenger.
"Summerlee?" Roxton's mother echoed. "Why, yes, Arthur Summerlee is most certainly alive. Why in heavens name wouldn't he be?"
"Mother, you mean to tell us you've known he was alive and well all this time and didn't tell us?" Roxton questioned insufferably.
His mother continued to look at them with a perplexed look. It did not seem like she had the faintest idea why they were so upset.
"Lady Roxton," Veronica began patiently. "The last time we saw Summerlee he'd been shot with an arrow. And then he fell over a waterfall. We thought he'd died!" She tried her hardest to contain her upset, but was failing miserably.
"Good heavens! I did not know that?"
They sat there in silence, no one really knowing what exactly to say. Summerlee was alive and well. It was like a weight that had been sitting on their shoulders was suddenly lifted. A weight they hadn't really known to be there until now. This was a good thing.
"Wait a minute," Roxton suddenly broke the silence. "Veronica, we went down the same way Arthur did; we survived… so it's logical to assume that he did as well."
"I guess you're right," she said in awe. "Wow… I can't wait to see him. I've missed him so much. I wonder if he can explain that little episode we had when we all saw him?"
"I don't know if he can. But, I missed the old man too!" Roxton replied heartily.
-Ding-dong- The sound of the doorbell broke into their conversation, pausing it momentarily. The three of them all spared each other a glance wondering if someone was expected.
"Emily, please get the door!" Lady Roxton finally called.
A few moments later, Emily appeared in the sitting room doorway. "There is a man here that says he would like a moment of Lord Roxton and his wife's time. He would not give his name. Shall I send him in?"
"Oh no, not Thomas Calaway again. He's probably here to tell us that now we have to have children too!" Veronica exclaimed.
Roxton laughed. "Let's not get that far ahead of ourselves, now!"
Lady Roxton, with an excited gleam in her eye, probably at the prospect of grandchildren suddenly exclaimed, "Send him in right away!"
"Yes, Lady Roxton," the maid replied demurely.
All eyes on the entranceway, each one was anxious to see who this unexpected guest was.
The second the man stepped into the room it was to the sounds of excited gasps.
"Summerlee!" Veronica shouted, getting to her feet quickly. She rushed the older man, hugging him fiercely.
Summerlee chuckled good-naturedly, patting her blonde head affectionately.
Roxton approached the pair, taking in the older man. He looked very much like he did that day he disappeared from their lives. "Good to see you, old boy." He, too, gave Summerlee a big bear hug.
"I told you I'd see you soon!" Summerlee replied, with a knowing smile.
Well that's it for this chapter. Reviews of any sort are much appreciated. Thx!