Title: Triangulation
Author: ficklemuse
Fandom: Lost
Characters: Sayid/Sawyer
Prompt: 002. Middles
Word Count: 649
Rating: PG
Summary: Triangles are pointy. No wonder someone always gets pricked.
Author's Notes: For slash_100 My Big Damn Table is here: demon_inmy_view

Triangle.

Sayid finds the notion ridiculous and does his best to ignore the subtext swirling around him as he works.

Four months into being stranded and the survivors have cleared a decent sized tract of land between the jungle and the beach and have begun building homes. It is slow, arduous work and Sayid is grateful for every moment of it. The work keeps his mind sharp and focused. He works from sun up to sun down and usually beyond that.

He's sitting near the signal fire working on sewing together some sheets found in the hatch to make a decent bed when a small bottle of whiskey is dropped in the sand to his left, followed closely by Sawyer who sprawls in the sand beside him.

"You're workin' late Sayid."

"There's much to be done." Sayid comments neutrally. He cast a glance at the bottle of whiskey. "I thought your supplies were depleted."

"Oh they are. But I've still got a few tricks left up my sleeve." Sawyer drawls. He fixes Sayid with an appraising look. "I'm full of surprises."

Sayid gives a short bark of laughter. "You are most certainly full of something Sawyer." After a minute he sets aside his work, it's getting too dark even with the firelight to continue anyway. And no matter what the cause, Sayid has to admit he finds the notion of company not entirely unwelcome. Picking up the bottle he rolls it between his hands. "You realize there isn't enough alcohol in this little bottle to effect my judgment."

Sawyer laughs. Laughs hard enough that he's doubled over in the sand. "Jesus you're a prickly one Habib! Can't ever take anythin' at face value can you?"

Sayid can feel his face flush and is grateful for the darkness. "What am I supposed to think Sawyer? You ---" His words trail off. "You announce your intention to 'have' me before Jack does and now you come bearing liquor. What am I to think except that you and Jack have decided to make me the object of your juvenile wagers." At Sawyer's surprised look, Sayid shakes his head. "The two of you are less subtle than a polar bear. Everyone on the island knows about your 'point' system. I am curious though Sawyer. How many points am I worth? And what does the winner of your game receive for their valiant effort?"

"Now Sayid... don't be like that."

"And how should I 'be'? Grateful for your insincerity?" Sayid flung the bottle between Sawyer's feet. "Grateful to be humiliated for your amusement? I think I am well within my rights to be anyway I choose. And at the moment I choose to be done with both you and Jack." Sayid got to his feet and prepared to return to the caves but Sawyer's honeyed voice stopped him before he took his first step.

"Winner tops." Sawyer unfolded himself from the sand and moved behind Sayid.

"Excuse me?"

"Me 'n the Doc have some control issues." Sawyer's dimples came out in full force. "So we're workin' out who gets top billing." He rested a hand on Sayid's shoulder, flicking some hair away from his neck. "Now, if you wanted in on this, I think that could be arranged... In fact, might make things more interestin'."

Sayid shook off Sawyer's touch and whirled around giving him his most vicious glare. "Leave me out of this."

"No such luck. I'm a real sore loser."

Sayid kept up a string of curses all the way back to the caves. Jack raised his hand in greeting as Sayid walked though the opening of the cave.

In return Sayid raised one finger in salute before lying down and turning his back so that he faced the wall.