Keep Off The Grass

Some more Lucas and Claire. I really like this pairing, if you can't tell yet.

"Come on, we'll be late for Trent's presentation if we don't hurry," Lucas extended one hand and stepped out on to the lawn.

Claire started after him, then paused, one foot floating over the soft, verdent grass as though testing hot water. Her eyes flitted to a "Keep Off The Grass" sign glaring up at her with silent reproach from the ground a few feet to the left. Her bottom lip curled beneath clean white teeth, and she wrung her hands tensely. Lucas regarded her with a soft smile, trying to meet her lowered gaze.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Claire pushed her short blonde hair behind her ears as she always did when she was nervous. It had become a familiar gesture to Lucas.

"I don't feel right, walking on the grass, I mean."

Lucas considered her for a moment, then errupted into a burst of laughter that startled the woman.

"Well isn't that just civilization in a nutshell?"

Claire met his comment with a perplexed frown. He reached out and gently tilted her chin with one hand so that their eyes met.

"How can you possibly feel guilty about something as simple and natural as walking on grass? I feel guilty about walking on pavement - it doesn't belong there."

Claire laughed too then, her brilliant smile flashing before her hands hid it as always. Lucas offered the crook of his elbow.

"Shall we, then?"

She nodded quickly, looping her arm through his, and they set off across the lawn together. Even with her graceful strides contrasted to his hobbling lean against the cane, it was obvious who was actually supporting who.