Ian/Alan friendship. Ian reflects on his somewhat-friendship with Alan.

.A.B.C.

Dr. Ian Malcolm sits in the helicopter, leg immobilized in front of him, sandwiched between Ellie and the wall. And speaking of sandwiches, he's tempted to start knowing on his own hand unless he gets some food, soon, but all he can really focus on is the half-asleep figure of Alan.

They didn't get along, at first, because Alan was rather standoffish, and Ian flirted with Ellie, and the only time they connected at all was sitting in Hammond's screwed up version of a theme park talking about dino DNA. Odd to think he'd trust the man with his life, now. Trust his kid's life.

Amusing, how much Alan had disliked the kids at first. And Ian can't help but feel a tad jealous, because he really can be good with kids, but he had to play a bloody hero and spent most of their adventure half-hiding out with Hammond. Odd, too, that he can find it in himself to regret that lost life-and-death opportunity.

To be honest with himself, though, he can admit that Alan probably was the better choice, and looking at him now, kids cuddled up close as if he was the world's biggest stuffed toy, Ian smiles, and promises to himself he'll buy the man a drink. Once he's out of the hospital. Once he has the time to talk the stubborn idiot into a little unhealthy, impractical alcohol-consumption.

Ian has a feeling that Lex and Timmy plan to bury this deeply—deeply—in their minds, and after seeing Ellie's face as she climbed in the jeep Ian knows she's been quite traumatized. Hammond is a little too in the wrong for any commemoration. But Alan—as Alan climbed into the jeep he managed a snarky comment that would have done Ian proud.

Alan is someone he can respect as a fellow scientist—of sorts—and insult as only a somewhat-friend can. Look quickly and they have nothing in common, but while Gennaro ran out of a car full of children, Ian and Alan ran to help. Each in their oh-so-special ways. Plus, Alan needs a little shaking up, and if he manages to ground Ian in any way, shape, or form, so be it.

Somehow, running from T-Rexes and wondering desperately about the fate of two tiny children, Ian has decided to make a friend. Alan will surely resist, at first, but Ian is confident. After all, life find a way.