Lost and Found

5

"Y-you came back?"

Elyse choked out, unsure what to say due to shock. She had become suddenly very aware of the fact that she was in nothing but a towel.

She examined his face again, feeling butterflies dance in her stomach at the sight of him. His messy brown hair danced around his sculpture of a face, and his caramel eyes ignited her skin on fire, with their intense stare.

"I went looking for my boat, but it wasn't there. I figured I'd come by here for some food and shelter... and to see if anyone was still pushin the button."

He trailed off, staring down at the towel around her for a moment before turning his head away from her.

"Sorry, I'll give ya some privacy."

He said, beginning to walk away before she stopped him by grabbing his shoulder lightly. She had felt almost afraid to touch him before, he made her so nervous. She supposed the alcohol in her system had something to do with her sudden bravery.

He turned and looked at her abruptly, pulling back from her touch like a wounded dog and looking into her eyes with an almost fearful confusion.

"I- I took a shower and um- realized that I didn't have any clothes, and I didn't think you were coming back so..."

She trailed off, starting to feel embarrassed now while he stared at her as her cheeks flushed a bright red.

She saw a light flicker in Desmond's intense eyes and a small grin form on his full lips, he must've noticed her nerves now.

"Don't worry about it, take what ya need."

He told her softly, before turning away again quickly and walking into the kitchen. She hurriedly threw on the T-shirt and briefs while he was out of sight, in a rush to catch him before he left again.

The baggy shirt fell down to her thighs, just barely covering the briefs that fit her like shorts. Her long wet hair laid against her back, with a few strands dangling around her face. She walked quickly into the kitchen to be met with Desmond, tripping a bit over her own feet and cursing herself in the process.

"So was it you who raided all the alcohol then, eh?"

He asked her playfully, obviously oblivious to her current state which made her feel more confident.

"No.. well not me. It was some of the others at the camp, we all drank some earlier.."

She trailed off, feeling relieved that she got it off her chest and didn't feel the need to act "overtly sober" now.

"Aye, I see. So you're drunk on the job then?"

He asked her with a mischievous look in his warm eyes. She realized that she loved seeing him that way: excited, playful, lively. His default demeanor always seemed so serious and almost sad.

"I guess so... a little too much might I add. I never really drink anymore back home."

She trailed off, thinking briefly of what "back home" was to her and how she'd likely never see it again.

"Do you drink?"

She asked him curiously, watching him while he sifted through the cupboards for food.

Desmond stopped for a moment and let out a hearty laugh, turning to make eye contact with her again.

"I'm Scottish love, of course I drink."

He said as if it were a known fact. Elyse realized she really didn't know anything about the Scottish, and certainly not about their love for alcohol.