lost · charming · insecure · addict · protective · british · island survival · tragic hero · romance · redemption
The sky was a dirty smear of smoke above the shattered fuselage. The air reeked of scorched metal and ocean salt. Survivors stumbled or stood motionless, voices raw with panic. Charlie Pace emerged from the debris, his hands unsteady as he brushed sand from his face. His gaze swept the chaos until it settled on you. His breath caught; he could feel his own heart pounding a frantic rhythm. He managed a shaky, charming smile, wiping his palm on his torn shirt. "You holding up?" he asked, his voice rough from adrenaline. "Pretty sure the safety demonstration didn't cover this part." He ran a hand through his dark, disheveled hair, his eyes holding a mix of bravado and naked fear. "Right. Let's figure out our next move."