Summary: He had a small smile on his lips and a slice of passionfruit cradled in his hands.
Characters: Claire, Boone.
Pairings: Claire/Boone friendship.
Distribution: lost-forum
Disclaimer: Don't own them, don't sue.
Feedback: Completely necessary if you want the next part.
Note: I'm sorry I kept you all waiting for so long, but I had lots of computer issues and lost all my work. And it took me a while to feel like writing again. I hope you all enjoy this chapter, I promise to update as soon as I get three reviews.
Claire watched Charlie wander away, a dejected look on her face. She swallowed deeply and stared at her hands, wondering what had just happened. Things had been fine the night before, and she contemplated exactly how strong their friendship had been. She had assumed from her journal entries, and Charlie eagerness to help, that he had been one of her best friends on the island, after Boone, but she was suddenly unsure.
"Don't take it personally."
Claire started and glanced up to see Boone taking Charlie's vacated seat. He had a small smile on his lips and a slice of passionfruit cradled in his hands. He offered it to her, and she gratefully accepted.
"What do you mean?" she asked curiously as she nibbled on the fruit. Boone sighed, remembering to his own conversation with the musician the night before.
I think it'd be best for everyone involved if Claire and I spent as little time together as possible. I'm not a good man.
Boone shrugged noncommittally and started tracing patterns on his jeans.
"Oh, he just seems a bit off-kilter today, not that I blame him," he murmured. Claire shuddered, remembering the awful confrontation with Ethan the day before. "Just, give him some time." Claire nodded mutely and stared away. An awkward silence descended upon them that Boone was deeply ashamed of. He had thought that once Claire came back, things could return to the way they had been, but he was extremely wrong. He had never experienced an awkward silence with her before, things used to be so open and friendly between them. Deciding to take the first step, he took her hand in his and entwined her fingers in his own. "How are you today?"
Claire glanced at their hands, then up at his face and met his concerned features with a relaxed smile.
"Better. I'm starting to remember bits and pieces, not much really," Claire explained. Boone nodded and smiled encouragingly at her.
"That's excellent. You have to start small to-"
"-move fast," Claire finished, the two sharing a small grin. She gently rubbed her thumb under his palm in a soothing manner, much like his mother used to do to him when he was young. "Yeah, sounds about right, in a twisted way." Silence hung over them again, but this time it was soothing, and felt oddly right. Claire leant against Boone's shoulder and his arm reached around to wrap around her waist. "I remember you." Boone stiffened slightly, but she didn't seem to notice.
"Oh. What, uh, do you remember?" Boone asked slowly, praying she didn't remember how they'd met. She didn't reply for a moment.
"I remember your warmth. I remember your smile. And I remember the twinkle in your eye," Claire whispered, snuggling deeper into his embrace. Boone felt hot tears prickle his eyes, and cursed the fact that this small, blonde girl could break down his defences to easily. He swallowed deeply and nestled his head in her hair, silently vowing to never let her go.