(lost) temporary leader

[visionplace]

Title: Temporary Leader
Fandom: Lost
Characters: Sawyer
Spoilers: Season 3
Prompt: "Always wondered what this'd be like."
Word Count: 132 words
Summary: Tiny little drabble inspired by a viewing of 3x15 - Left Behind and Hurley's masterful attempt at turning Sawyer into their leader.

I have never actually belonged anywhere. Never stayed in one place long enough to.

But there was something about that day on the beach when everything sunk into place, and I thought for a moment I might have unwittingly stumbled into a situation where I could gain something without stealing it. As I stood there with that baby in my arms, I was foolish enough to think that I could be the person they were looking for, foolish enough to let that show in a smile.

Then I looked over and saw Sun’s face. And that cold stare pierced through the thin skin of comfort I had pulled up over my own coarse, battle-scarred hide and reminded me that it was all a lie.

I could never belong.

My kind never does.

Comments

[elliotsmelliot.livejournal.com]

Very nice. I like the way you put it, him wanting to gain something without stealing it.

I could never belong.

My kind never does.

I don't think Sawyer's realizes the double paradox here. One, he thinks of himself as alone but also part of tribe - "my kind". Two, a lot of that tribe, are right there on the island. If he just opened his eyes some more he would realize he is among a crowd of messed up people, some worse off them him. He's so distracted by Jack's professional status and Claire's sweet looking face he assumes they are better than he is.

[todaysgoneby.livejournal.com]

I don't think Sawyer's realizes the double paradox here.

I have never quite thought of it that way before, but I think you are absolutely right. He just sort of glomped on to Kate when he saw her as like him ("I never cared about getting carte blanche ‘cause I just wanted to spend some time with the only other person on this island who just don’t belong."), but the island is chock full of people with skeleton's in their closets.

Thank you so much for reading!

[aboutbunnies.livejournal.com]

What a great insight into Sawyer. I loved that scene so much, and I can totally see him thinking this. He thinks so little of himself; he's so cautious about feeling like he's worthwhile or part of the group.

I might have unwittingly stumbled into a situation where I could gain something without stealing it
Love that line.

[todaysgoneby.livejournal.com]

When I went back and watched season 3 a second time during the off-season, I realized how much I really love that moment and the whole episode, for that matter. It reveals so much about Sawyer and why he does what he does. I think he really does have such a poor opinion of himself because of who he is and what he's done. Everyone else has seemed to use the island to reinvent themselves, to start clean, but not Sawyer. Whenever it seems like he might be changing, he is always quick to do something to remind himself that "a tiger don't change their stripes." Oh, Sawyer.

Thank you for reading!

[lenina20.livejournal.com]

This was so so good and so much inspiring. Perfect insight into the character, into how he sees himself, his reason for hiding and his reasons for trying.

I might have unwittingly stumbled into a situation where I could gain something without stealing it

That is a perfect Sawyer line if I eve saw one. It's amazing, really. It broke my heart and it was painful but it felt so right. This is great!

Thank you so much for this.

[todaysgoneby.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! You always leave such great comments; I really, truly appreciate it!

[mrslinus17.livejournal.com]

I loved Sawyer being sweet and a leader and this is great, the end is very Lost.

[todaysgoneby.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I like Sawyer the Leader as well. I am hoping the writers will give him a chance to lead again soon.