Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. I just wish I did.

Jack was exhausted, but he couldn't sleep. He decided to take a walk since this had helped to clear his head before the crash. The walk didn't help though, and instead of clearing her from his mind, he thought about her more. He gave up and changed directions towards the beach, secretly hoping that he would see her there.

As he emerged from the trees he slowed his pace, and then stopped. He watched her gazing into the dwindling fire from a distance. She sat curled with her legs hugged to her chest. The wind whipped her dark curls against her slightly sun-burned cheeks, and Jack could tell that she was thinking about something painful to her.

So as not to disturb her, but to save her from her memories, Jack silently walked over and sat by her side. Kate spoke softly at first: "What are you doing this far from the caves?"

"I couldn't sleep," he replied.

"Oh, okay." –she tried to hide her disappointment.

"And," Jack hesitated, "I wanted to check on you. You seemed upset earlier."

A sad smile formed on Kate's lips. "I'm okay, Jack," she whispered with tears in her eyes.

Needing to comfort her, Jack reached down and slipped his hand into hers. He gave a gentle squeeze, urging Kate to explain.

"Sawyer told them; everyone," she began. "They all know." She let out a sob that was muffled by her unoccupied hand.

"Oh, Kate- I'm so sorry," Jack said, glad that Sawyer would be leaving on the raft soon. "Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?"

"I don't know," she stated. "All I want is to be loved."

"Kate, don't you see? You already are," he whispered. She looked up from the fire into Jack's chocolate eyes. "Please let me show you," he begged.

Kate was quiet for a while, and Jack patiently let her think. "I- Okay," she agreed.

His hand trembling, Jack tucked a loose curl behind Kate's ear. He inched his face closer, and lightly brushed his lips against hers, waiting for her reaction.

Kate closed her eyes, and suddenly smiled. "Jack" –she pulled away, but before she could finish, his mouth was locked with hers. The kiss was fiery and forceful. Kate gave in to all of her fears and kissed him back hungrily, letting him chase her worries away.

When they both were desperate for air, they reluctantly pulled away to catch their breath. Kate leaned forward and rested her forehead against Jack's. Before she leaned in for another kiss, she smiled and whispered, "I love you, too."

The End