Destiny

Epilogue

Desmond sat on the beach, watching the wave's crash against the shore. It seemed that he was destined to live out his days on this Island, but right at this moment, he was finding it hard to feel bitter. If he looked to his right, he would see Charlie, standing by the tent he shared with Claire, holding Aaron in his arms.

Only Desmond knew what a hero Charlie truly was. When they returned from their failed mission to turn off the jamming equipment no one had been in the mood to celebrate their safe return, too disappointed by yet another failed rescue attempt. No one felt the need to praise Charlie for his efforts, to thank him for risking his life for them.

Charlie just melted back into the group, his bravery unnoticed by anyone but Desmond.

"Did you have another flash?"

Desmond was shaken from his thoughts by Charlie. The young musician sat down on the sand next to him.

"What?" Desmond asked.

"In the Looking Glass," Charlie elaborated, absentmindedly twirling his DS ring around on his finger, "Did you have a flash? Is that why you stopped me from turning off the jammer? You said that it wouldn't work… Well, that's what I could make out anyway, you were raving like a bloody nutter."

Desmond looked out at the horizon. He imagined Penny out there somewhere, searching for him. He had found that as the days passed it became harder and harder to conjure up the image of his son, as if the universe was course correcting his memories. Maybe one day he would forget everything that had happened in the years after Charlie died in the Looking Glass. The years that he had erased from history.

Desmond was suddenly struck by how unjust this would be, for no one to ever know what Charlie had done for them.

Desmond turned to Charlie.

"It's a long story, brother, and you'll probably think I'm crazy."

Charlie grinned slightly.

"I already think you're crazy," he said cheekily.

Desmond grinned down at the sand, remembering how he had missed Charlies smartarse comments.

"Alright, brother," he said, "I'll tell you everything."

END

A/N: Well, there you go. All finished. I hope the ending didn't disappoint everyone. I tried to write a chapter where Desmond actually saved Charlie in the Looking Glass, but there are so many fics with that in it that I couldn't find a way of doing it originally, so I decided to skip it. So, a few shout outs to reviewers:

BlackWolf1480 – Thanks for all the reviews! I also hate it when people write out of character so I try really hard to actually figure out how a certain character would be reacting in the situations that I put them in. Are you also holding out for a Charlie return in Season Six? I've got my fingers and toes crossed!

WickedGal08 – Your reviews made me feel all fuzzy! I'm glad you liked the story. I love reading yours!

Wicked Glamour – Well, I hope the ending satisfied your addiction! Thanks for R&Ring!

EasyButton, Lin_Hades, Girafe13 and SN=love – Thanks for reviewing! I know it's so easy to just ignore that review button, but I really appreciate reviews so I know what people think of my writing.

And to anyone else who I've missed, or who's been reading this story without reviewing (but you're gonna review now, right? Pretty please?) thanks for sticking with it! You can expect more stories from me in the future. Bye bye for now!