Part VI

"Mind if I join you?" I ask, finding Desmond alone as usual, back against a log, eyes closed and head tilted like he's listening to nature or something.

He cracks one eye open. "Following me again?"

"No," I say. "Well, ok, yes. I like spending time with you." I take a step closer. "Is that so wrong?"

"It's been a long time since I've been anything but alone," Desmond says. "I may be bad company."

"I'll let you know if you are," I promise. I motion at the space in front of him. "Mind if I sit?"

"By all means, do."

I sit cross-legged in front of him, leaning back against his chest though this is probably not what he had in mind when he said it was ok that I join him.

"This is not a smart idea, Claire," Desmond says, arms wrapping around me – right below my breasts – none-the-less. "You're like that apple in Eden. So tempting to taste but best left untouched."

"Do you enjoy being tempted?" I counter, biting my lip to stop a triumphant "I knew you did!" when his body gives me the involuntary answer. I snuggle closer, making sure to rub against parts whose reactions are out of his control. Men are so easy to read sometimes.

Desmond's breath catches, rasping roughly through his teeth. "I really wish you wouldn't do that."

"Sorry. Just trying to get comfortable," I lie.

"You know, you look like an angel but act like a little devil," Desmond says, breath warm in my ear.

"I used to dress Goth," I say. "Mostly just to annoy my Mum. She hated it."

"Why'd you stop?" Desmond asks, lips grazing my ear. I wonder if it's an accident or not.

"It wasn't really me." I shrug. "Just a phase, I suppose. Besides, the dye was killing my hair."

"And how long have you been a forward little minx?"

I laugh at his words. "Around the same time I went Goth. I was pregnant once, before Aaron," I confide. "But I lost it. Again, another 'let's annoy Mum' moments. Not my most shining moment – playing emotional poker with a little being's life – so I'm glad I lost it. I wasn't ready then. I didn't think I was ready for Aaron either but now I can't imagine a life without him."

"He's a sweet boy," Desmond agrees.

I tilt my head back, kissing the underside of his chin, lips tickled by his whiskers. "Thank you. Aaron's the best thing that's happened to me on the island. If we had landed in LA, I was planning to give him up."

"Then it's good for Aaron too," Desmond says. "He gets his Mum."

"Yeah. Even if he doesn't have a Dad," I say. "I suppose having one parent is better than none."

Desmond's arms tighten around me and I close my eyes, allowing myself to enjoy the moment. Enjoy the feeling of being close to him.

"Charlie's looking for you," he says suddenly. "You should head back."

I sigh, regretfully disentangling myself from Desmond and climbing to my feet. "Maybe we can meet again like this?" I say, voice rising hopefully.

Desmond smiles. "Maybe."

That's better than no. I'll take it. "See you, Desmond," I say, waving as I set off toward camp.

"See ya, Claire," he replies.

My steps seem lighter somehow. I even hum the chorus of 'You All Everybody' as I walk.