[Claire]

[plntfood]

Though Mathias doesn't mind caring for Sam at all, has come to love it, in fact, he can't deny that he does enjoy his mornings alone. When Sam wants to stay with Lucy and when the dogs want to stay with Sam, he's able to take his scuba equipment down to the ocean and go diving for as long as it holds his interest. The water is still the most

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[lucked]

She's been looking for ways to occupy herself, ever since the fight. All things considered, it isn't even the worst fight she's had, the friendship still intact afterwards, the kindness and feeling still there. She's had worse with her father, running away from him in every sense of the word, distrusting him, unable to predict a single move of his and feeling her life fall apart, all seemingly a farce. But there are other reasons for a fight to cut deep, and with Chris, it was...

...she shakes her head, not wanting to think about it. All that matters is that she finds ways to occupy herself now, ways to do things for herself, to take advantage of the life that she's allowed to slow all too much. When she sees the man emerge from the water in scuba gear, Claire feels excitement bursting in her chest, cheeks pink in a moment of sheer delight. She doesn't need to think about anything else, just the clear water that pans out in front of them, and the chance to imagine what it might be like to see all of that from below

[plntfood]

"For a wet suit or flippers, I'd suggest the box," Mathias says, which is where he'd found his years earlier. He doesn't use the suit that often, only when he knows he'll be going deep enough for the temperature to change significantly. Smiling, he adds, "But if you mean an extra regulator and mask, I do happen to have another set." He has more than just the regulator and mask, there's the belt, an extra snorkel and all sorts of tools that aren't necessary for beginners.

It's not enough for him to teach any sort of class; the oxygen is still limited and he only has one extra set of most things, but he's given Neil a few initial instructions and he'd be more than happy to help her if she's interested.

"I'm Mathias," he says, offering her the hand not holding any of his equipment. "Have you ever gone diving before?"

[lucked]

"Hey, Mathias," Claire replies with a slight laugh and an eager shake, one no less than giddy at the thought of actually being able to dive deep down, and probably not entirely on her own, which is twice the comfort. After all, without previous experience of her own, and with her newfound mortality, she wouldn't want to end up making a false turn that makes her first adventure also her last- the point isn't to put herself in a great deal of danger, but instead to extend her experiences to where they haven't been before. "I'm Claire. And no, I... haven't gone diving before at all, I'm afraid. Used to live in Texas, so we weren't exactly close to the best diving waters around, if you know what I mean

[plntfood]

As her tone changes, Mathias can't help but smile. There are people on the island who have wanted to learn, but he isn't sure he's met anyone so willing to trade something with him for some diving lessons. And normally he doesn't worry about needing anything in return, but the mention of a camcorder is interesting. There are things he wishes he had on tape already, parts of his life from the island he'd love to remember and if he goes, the one thing he does want is for Sam to have something of his. Something from him.

"I might take you up on the camcorder," he says, but then he shrugs. "But I would be happy to teach you. I love to dive." And more than he loves diving, he loves to share it with others. It's how he'd met Amy and Stacy in the first place, sharing his tank with them so they could see the wrecked ship they'd come for.

"My hut is close," he says. "We can take a look at the equipment if you like, make sure it would fit you." He's almost positive it will, but he'd like to be sure before he promises that he can take her out.