Since you're gone my empty arms have nothing left to hold

This was great! You've really captured how I imagine Boone would feel about the pity everyone shows, and exactly in what ways they'd show it. And of course Jack's the only one who's happy about every little improvement! The last bit was very touching too! Of course he's got to go up to the caves, right? ;-) (and I must say, I'm developing more of a thing for Jack/Boone than I did way back when! Not sure if that's a good thing or not, considering!)