The morning dawned harsh and painful. A hangover lurked inside his head, shoving knifes into the sides of his skull. The throbbing pain was half-welcome.

Sawyer felt as though he deserved it.

He staggered upright from his 'tent', wincing as the sunlight hit his eyes, beating the knives deeper into bone. The remorse had not dulled; the memories had not grown scar tissue. Flickering images like a faulty TV screen burned behind his eyes, blinding him. He grabbed his head and moaned as a jackhammer drilled through his temples.

"Hey!"

Sawyer froze, glancing quickly behind him. It was Sayid, glowering at him. The blond man turned to face him, his usual familiar smirk fading into a grimace as his head twinged.

"Well, if it isn't Ali Baba..." Sawyer found he could not meet Sayids eyes.

"Where did you get the alcohol." It wasn't a question.

"Found it in one of the cases. Not a crime is it?"

"It is if it could be used for medicinal purposes." said Sayid curtly.

Sawyer said nothing. You'll kill me when you find out he thought dully.

Sayid seemed to be waiting for an answer. Sawyer felt his face begin to go red.

"Alright! Next time I find booze, I'll share. Happy?" he snarled.

Sayid left without a word.

Sawyer flopped onto the hot sand, trying to wipe his brain of the pictures that had been tattooed on the back of his eyes. He shivered slightly, even as the sun burned his flesh red.

Still scowling, Sayid glanced around, wondering where Kate had got to…..


Sorry for the EXTREMELY short chapters. The next ones are longer.