author's note This is purely speculation, all 130 words of it. I have no idea whether or not Charlie and Claire will ever end up together, or whether or not her baby will make it (though I have my private hopes for the outcomes of both). It sort of wrote itself, right in the middle of my physics homework in fact. I am not entirely sure what the title means, although the second half of it is taken from Holy Sonnet #6, which is a beautiful poem that can be found in its entirety in my bio. Very slight syntax-related inspiration taken from Gregory Maguire. Enjoy. –Minty

disclaimer I build only castles in the infinite sandbox of Lost, and only they and not it belong to me.

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forever the witness; death thou shalt die

Charlie gazed at her for a long, long time, thinking and thinking. Then he gave a nod and let his fingers touch her cheek, and he leaned down at he kissed her. He kissed her, he kissed her, he kissed her. And slowly, gently, she kissed him.

He stopped after a long time, and he leaned his forehead against hers.

"Charlie…" she murmured, amazed. The pain in her eyes was gone. Losing the baby had been a fatal blow to her soul, but suddenly it was gone. He knew how she felt. His own empty death was only now disappearing.

"I love you," he said softly.

Their fingers laced together across her empty stomach, and she leaned against him. Losses melted away, and only wind and eternity passed between them.