Elijah and Kate stepped back as the big cat began circling Claire, growling and appearing rather intimidating. It was unknown to Kate what fear this was, or why there were two tigers instead of just one. However, it made sense to her that it involved a version of Solomon. Claire's life revolved around those beautiful creatures, and without them she wouldn't be the same. 

When the big cat grew more aggressive and bit Claire's leg, Kate instinctively took a step forward. Eli grabbed her arm and shook his head, pulling her back towards him. 

"She needs to do this."

The pair watched nervously as the whole scene played out. Something as simple as striking the tiger with a tamer's whip ended the gruesome event and Claire fell to comfort the now tamed beast, which soon disappeared. All that was left of the ordeal was the charming baby tiger, as if it were the reward and symbol of a fear overcome. 

Claire and Elijah were now fear-free, or at least of one of their fears. It all fell to Kate now, who looked nervously from Claire to Eli as she questioned what she was supposed to do. 

"Well, uh..." 

It occurred to her that she didn't really know exactly what she was afraid of. Was she afraid of Claire finding out about her feelings? No, not really. She had pondered the idea of telling her before. Was she afraid of herself? Of others finding out? No, and no. Kate wasn't one to entertain the opinions of others, nor was she uncomfortable in her own skin. 

Thinking back to the events of when she first woke up in this horror-ridden wasteland, she remembered how her arm had decided to take it upon itself to feel up Claire. Recalling that she was unable to move her arm, she thought that may have something to do with it. Why would a part of her body fall under something else's control?

Kate would never imagine touching Claire while she was asleep or unknowing of it, and she was certain that she wouldn't subconsciously do it. The reaction though... the reaction that Claire had at the discovery was of pure disgust and broken trust. That was what had gotten to Kate so badly, it had shaken her to the core. 

Kate realized she wasn't afraid of Claire finding out her feelings, she was afraid of losing Claire over them. That was the reason she had never decided to tell her, because having her as her friend was invaluable compared to driving her away over some silly emotions. That was what scared her the most, not having Claire in her life because she didn't feel the same way. 

"Claire..." Kate turned to her and scratched at her neck nervously. 

Yet she still didn't know how she was supposed to face this fear. She supposed the only way would be to fess up and face the consequences, no matter what they were. 

"First of all, I swear that I had no control over what happened earlier. But, if I'm being honest..." her feet shifted nervously under her, afraid that all Claire will be able to do is giggle at her. 

"There is something I've been needing to tell you. I don't remember when I started thinking of you differently, but, I uh... I need you to know that I think of you as more than a friend." She winced at the sound of her words, knowing how silly it must sound. "I fancy you, Claire. There, I said it." 

But she didn't feel any different, the words that she spoke were true and yet she still felt afraid. Nervously, she swallowed and looked at Claire. 

"Oh, for God's sake. Screw it."

Kate stepped towards Claire and pressed her lips against hers in a gentle kiss, closing her eyes and praying that when she opened them, it would all be over with. Elijah stood off to the side, trying to contain the smile and chuckle that was threatening to burst out.