Title: Keeping Watch: Flashback
By: Nykky
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Sana Jana Jate Skate (And whoever else I can think of, ;))
Summary: Up to "Hunting Party"
Warnings: Maybe swear words
Status of fic: WIP
Author's Notes/Disclaimer:

#Disclaimer#

I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Lost". They were created by JJ Abrams and Damon Lindelof and they belong to them, Touchstone, and ABC.

Author's note:

This is part One of a longer story. It continues where Trust leaves off.

Before in Trust:

"You'd do the same for me? I mean you'd look out for me if…you know."

His face became instantly serious. He held her in a hot gaze before smirking.

"Don't ever doubt it."

"Ana!" Sawyer screamed with Jack and Eko following soon after. However, Eko moved further into the woods. Moments later he called for the others.

They reached the place where Eko was standing. At first Sawyer didn't understand why Eko called them until he saw the blood pooled against the tree.

Sawyer's face hardened as Jack called for her again. The angst in his voice reflected the pain in Sawyer's chest.

"Ana!" Jack called again.

The silence was deafening.

Keeping Watch: Flashback

Sawyer stared out into the morning light, one knee drawn up, the other leg extended. He leaned back in his self-made lawn chair, relocated to the spot where he sat guard waiting hoping, plotting. Three days. Three days since they took Xena and then Michael. Three days of sitting around this sorry camp waiting for these yahoos to get a clue. Three days of waiting for her to some how miraculously come back. His face twisted in disgust at his burning desire go racing out after them again even as he realized that there was no need to give those sorry Other bastards another catch.

He let his thoughts wonder to the time when she became such an important person in his life. Before he couldn't really stand her. She was a bitch. A hard nose foul expression carrying chick that had no problem with knocking a guy down when he was hurt. Yet even out in the mist of hell he knew there was something about her that he liked. She was brassy, cool and just hard enough not to be helpless. It was there that he first stared into the cool eyes and saw the haunted fear and guilt swirling like a faint cloud of smoke in the depths of her eyes. Yet, despite how they initially met, he liked her even if he wasn't ready to admit it.

But what really changed his mind was what happened in the hatch. He really got to talk with her, got to know her and found that he liked her presence. He found that he enjoyed it more than he realized while she was in it. She was funny, real, and honest. He didn't feel like he had to worry about himself around her. As he sat with her he found that he could trust her in one basic way. She would let him know up front what was up. Hell she didn't even lie to him about herself. She was truthful in her pain and her awareness of it. Sawyer realized he got a precious gift that night. She gave him a glimpse of her soul, a gift that many would never willing share with him. She entrusted him with part of her pain and Sawyer couldn't help but be honored by it.

One thing Sawyer knew was that by the end of the night, though they teased and cut each other up relentlessly, he felt easy around her. Sometimes in the darker recess of his mind, Sawyer believed that he was begging for scraps when dealing with Kate. He had to work too hard to truly get anything out of it. And though at first it was fun, when Kate tried to take his place on the boat, he knew that Kate would burn him off just as quick as kiss him. It was possible that Kate has some feelings for him. But it was true that she has many hang-ups when it comes to him. He heard more than he let on from Kate's little speech. Kate was projecting her daddy issues onto him and until she moved passed them, she was never going to seriously consider him. Further Sawyer knew that unlike him Kate needed and wanted Jack's approval. To her being around him was like being around a bad habit. It was easy, no expectations and there was nothing positive about it. Just two crooks commiserating with one another.

Sawyer wanted more than that much to his chagrin. Though loathe admitting it, he didn't want to spend all his time on the island completely alone. He wanted…needed someone to have his back. He needed someone to give a damn about him in more than 'its really sad that he died but that's island' kind of way. And as much as it hurt him to admit it, Freckles wasn't going to truly be that person. He knew she would sell him out the first chance she got if it advanced her cause with Jack or herself.

So Ana, GI Jane, became the possibility. By the end of the night he knew he wanted her trust more than anyone else on the island. The truth was they had no idea how long they will be on the stink hole and now an enemy that feels like they are trespassers was threatening them. He saw the devotion she had for her crew. And he sensed that once he gained her trust she would defend him tirelessly. But it was the gaining it he had to accomplish and how to do it was the issue.

Flashback One Week

Sawyer woke with a start, a heavy weight resting against his chest. He didn't make any sudden moves, just slowly glancing down at the dark tresses. Ana was knocked out cold, body curled up next to his. Sawyer noted that he had draped his arm around her holding her close to him. Lifting his hand, he moved a few strains out of her face to get a better look at the softened features. Once the perpetual scowl left her face, the unconventional beauty that is Ana shines through. It amazed him how different she looked with her mouth shut and her face calmed. It occurred to him suddenly that in that moment he thought her prettier than Kate.

Her hair against his chest felt like warm silk and when she shifts slightly, pushing her self even closer, Sawyer's breath caught. There was an intimacy to the contact they were sharing whether intentional or not. But more importantly, there was a shared faith that they could safely share a time like this without any consequences to each other. When she finished her shift, the blanket on her shoulder slipped revealing her bare shoulder and the tops of her breast, only clad in a simple black bra. Sawyer had forgotten that they both fell asleep shirtless. He then appreciated the fact that they had been having a lot of skin-to-skin contact and he had a burning desire to have more. His hand slid gently down her back caressing the soft warm skin, letting his hand memorize the contours. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, pressing her close before he decided to try and act respectable.

He snorted. You're turning into a soft ass, Sawyer.

Slowly moving he disengaged himself from her carefully laying her head against the couch as to not wake her. He slid away, making sure that the blanket covered her so that no one would notice her slight state of undress. Sawyer stood, staring down at Ana before grabbing his shirt off the back of a chair. He was about to walk away to relieve himself when he heard her mumbling. She began to toss her words becoming clear.

"I'm not dead…I didn't mean it," she mumbled harshly.

Her face twisted with fear of some unknown demon. He watched her pull the cover closer as she began to shiver. Sawyer observed her almost waiting to see if she'll wake herself. But as the nightmare gripped her, Sawyer felt compelled to help.

Sawyer squatted down next to her. He reached out, touching her face lightly. He felt her tension. Slowly he stroked her face, letting her feel a calming presence. As he did so her tension eased and she began to relax.

"It's okay, Chica. I won't let them demons get you," he whispered.

Why he said that he didn't know. He felt like such as pussycat. But he swallowed that feeling down. He had to accept that there was nothing wrong with helping people and besides he already offered his ear to her why not his comfort.

When he sensed that she was okay, he stood up and left. By the time he got back she was gone. He thought to look for her but let it go instead going to the bunks and crashing there.

Sawyer waited for Ana to come back and visit him be she never did, not that he was in the hatch that much longer. Three days later he was kicked out, deemed well enough to live out in nature with the rest of the tribe. During that time Kate became a fixture by his side. She was his self-appointed nursemaid and she fussed over him at least twice a day.

The whole time he thought about Ana and what happened between them and why she was had not come back to at least talk. That was until he saw her and Jack giggling and walking together along the beach. Sawyer cooled at the thought that Jack holding her attention. Ana implied while they were talking in the hatch that she did find Jack appealing but it still annoyed Sawyer seeing her with him.

As the days passed he was beginning to think that whatever happened in the hatch was a fluke. A moment in time when two people trapped by circumstance bonded but once out of the cage, the bond could not sustain them. To say his was disappointed that Ana's…whatever they formed, didn't last once outside the hatch was an understatement. It angered him that he cared. It angered him that he didn't compare even to the woman who was currently giving him her full attention. He was second fiddle and as a man not use to playing second to anyone especially a woman, his ego was taking a beating.

He would have completely written her off if he hadn't witnessed Ana watching him one day. It wasn't just that she was watching him it was the way she was watching him. There was concern in her eyes, a caring that made him pause. He didn't let on that he noticed her watching or her unguarded expression. He just pondered it wondering about her expression and why?

His opportunity to find out what was really between them came as a result of the conflict about the Other's and Jack's willingness to keep the peace. When Ana stormed away, he made a decision to find out what their relationship could be.

End Flashback

Sawyer slowly stood up. He continued staring at the water as the horizon changed into a bright orange. It was getting late and he knew that they expected him to check in soon. Picking up his gun her turned to pick up his makeshift chair but paused staring out at the woods behind him. Anger glinted in his eyes as he stared at the trees wanting them respond to his unspoken demand. Why her? Why so soon? More importantly, What have they done to her?

Flashback Three Days Ago

Sawyer stared out into the woods, eyes hard cold and calculating. His jaw clenched tightly as the rage built inside him until he internally snapped. With slow steps he started walking in the direction he believed they took her. He faintly heard voices behind him but he tuned them out walked determined that this time somebody who took something from him was going to pay.

Jack watched Sawyer walk letting go of shouting at him when the man didn't respond. He instead checked the guns he had on him. One for himself and one that he planned to give to Ana after he checked up on Sawyer. It was never his intention of not arming her. He just didn't want the static with everyone present and already in a panic. So when the reached the hatch Jack told Locke that Ana would have a gun and that he can just "shut the hell up" about it. The hardness in his voice shocked those who weren't use to it and he and Locke got into a very serious staring contest but in the end Locke relented.

Now Jack regrets not getting the gun sooner for her. Maybe if she was armed she could have stopped what happened. Maybe she would have been able to better protect herself. And maybe the sky is falling tomorrow. Maybe, like what if, doesn't change what happened. And right now she is missing and Sawyer has turned into avenging angel.

Sawyer stormed through the trees, arming the gun to shoot. That was the final straw. They ain't taking her too. His blue eyes were like cold marble, focused on the death of those that possibly harmed Ana. He let his eyes dart looking for any clues as to where they may have taken her.

He was just about to turn left when a hand landed on his shoulder. Sawyer spun around gun pointed at the man who he heard coming up behind him. Eko stared at him calmly waiting for Sawyer to lower his weapon. Sawyer just dipped it slightly.

"You aren't going the right way," Eko said.

"Well where do we go," Sawyer snapped.

Before Eko could speak Jack arrived along with a few other people including Michael who looked out of breath.

"Slow down Sawyer. Let's think this through…"

"You think it through doc. I ain't got time for committee." Sawyer faced Eko again. "Where did they take her?"

They took her to the right, look." He stepped a few feet to the right pointing to the blood on a few leaves of the bushes and broken branches.

Sawyer started forward as did Eko. Jack sighed knowing he would go too but Jin, Michael, and Bobby didn't need to go and then came Kate busting through the brush.

Everyone started talking at once as Sawyer and Eko disappeared further into the woods. Jack swore before following quickly after them. The rest followed hot on his trail. Luckily Eko stopped much to Sawyer annoyance.

"What now!"

Eko stared at the man noting the strained control he was having over his emotions. Tilting his head to the group following behind him he said, "We do not need all these people coming."

Sawyer rolled his eyes. "Look. I don't give a damn about those people. We're wasting time. The longer we stand here the further they get away."

"I know this Sawyer. But we are announcing ourselves to them. Not all us need go just enough to get Ana. The rest need to stay at the camp."

"He's right," said Jack staring coolly at Sawyer.

Growl rumbled in the back of Sawyer's throat. "Fine," he said through his teeth. "Send them back so that I can get on with it."

Jack glared at Sawyer. He didn't like Sawyer's attitude or his assumption that no one else cared about what happened to Ana. Although Sawyer didn't come straight out and say it, Jack understood that Sawyer felt no one really wanted to go after Ana and Jack resented the implied accusation.

Focusing he turned to the other's behind him.

"Look. Sawyer, Eko and I will go after Ana. Kate, Jin, Bobby, tell the other's what happened…"

"Hell no Jack. I'm coming with you," demanded Michael.

Jack let out a deep breath, "Michael. We are going after people who were probably armed when they took Ana…"

"I don't give a damn Jack. They took my son and I'm going with you."

"We don't have a weapon for you," said Jack.

Sawyer tossed the rifle to Michael. Everyone dunk for fear of the gun going off. Michael caught it awkwardly as everyone slowly stood glaring at Sawyer.

"He's armed. Let's go."

Jack sneered holding back a retort. Calming himself he said, "Fine. Kate, take the other's back."

Kate hesitated then stepped close to Jack. "Let me help."

"No!" Jack snapped harshly finally fed up. "Go back and tell the other's what happened."

Kate started to say something but Jack turned away storming into the woods after the other's who had started walking. Wheels turning in her head she beckoned those not with Jack to go back to the camp quickly. She needed to get armed fast as to not loose too much distance from Jack.

They trudged deep into the woods, Eko keeping a deliberate pace, only pausing to verify if he was on the right track. Michael was right on his heels followed by Sawyer and Jack. They men walked in silence, careful not to step on anything that would give them away any more than necessary. When they reached a clearing, Eko paused looking around attempting to find his bearings. It was getting darker making Eko's ability to track harder.

While Eko contemplated the direction, Jack took the opportunity to question Sawyer.

"So now you don't have a gun? They are armed you know. You heard the gunfire and you gave your gun to Michael."

Sawyer glared in Jack's direction before slowly lifting his shirt revealing an automatic.

"That gun you heard doc was Ana's." Sawyer said before walking away.

Jack felt heat rise in his face. He caught up with Sawyer.

"Ana's gun? When did she get a gun?"

Sawyer clenched his jaw. Then turning to Jack he said, "I gave it to her."

The men glowered at each other when Eko shouted Michael's name.

"Michael!"

Sawyer and Jack turned and turned but Michael was nowhere to be seen.

"No. No. No!" Sawyer said in disbelief.

Jack turned himself frustrated. "Michael!" He shouted.

There was a disquieting silence. The men kept looking around to no avail. Then suddenly the whispering began. All around them was the sound of rushing wind and crazed whispers. The men stepped closer to each other making a tight circle. The whispers continued getting louder and more insistent.

"Come get it you bastards!" dared Sawyer.

And as suddenly as it started the whispers stopped. The men grew tension waiting for the unknown to happen. It took a moment for them all to realize that night had finally descended on them. They glanced at each other making a silent decision to move out of the open when Sawyer caught a glimpse of a torch.

"Heads up." He whispered.

The men focused on the figure carrying the torch. The figure slowly came into focus revealing a man. The man; the one that shot Sawyer.

Sawyer's nostril's flared, his hand inching to lift the gun and blow the man's head off but he thought of Ana and of Michael. He needed to know what was done with them.

The man smiled at them before turning his head. Suddenly there was light all around them and a second later Kate was tossed to the ground before them.

"We are giving you this one back plus your lives. But understand. You are on our island. This is our home and you're allowed to live because we let you. We will take what we want and if you think that you can stop us, you find that you'll be very sorry. So why don't you dropped them guns, take the woman and leave."

None of the men acted fast enough for the torch man. A shot rang out missing Kate's head by mere inches. A second later their guns were on the ground. They lost any ability to fight and bargain because of Kate.

"You and me ain't done Zeke," said Sawyer.

The man laughed at him. "You got a lot of guts for a disarmed man. But if you know what's good for you you'd leave before you find the head of that other girl tossed into your lap."

Sawyer froze, the blood running cold in his veins. He felt Eko dragging him away as Jack helped up Kate.

End Flashback

Sawyer could have choked the life out of Kate that day but he understood her need to help. Jack has been giving Kate the silent treatment but Sawyer can't be bothered with punishing the girl. He was too busy keeping watch for her. Hoping against hope that she'll find away from those people or hang on until he figures out a way to take her from them.

Sawyer turned from Ana's old camp location and started walking back towards the tribe. He had cave duty this night. It's the guard he preferred because it allowed him to watch and observe the trees for any movement or indication that she made it back. As he slowly walked he glanced over his shoulder at the spot where he made his promise.

"You'd do the same for me? I mean you'd look out for me if…you know."

"Don't ever doubt it."

"Don't ever doubt it," he whispered again to that empty space before turning heading off to duty.