Title: To Keep You
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: J/K
Set up: After Kate and Jack's fight about Sawyer in their living room, starts right after the scene ends.

Notes: This was a storyline that has been rolling around in my head and I had to write it out. Please let me know what you think.

Warning: Not that I can think of.
Status of Fic: One-shot but I will continue if people want.
A/N – I do not own LOST, Kate, Jack, Aaron, or any other characters.

"Shhh, it's ok, baby," Kate shuttered against the little boy in her arms as she walked slowly back toward the stairs to his room. Tears rolled down her face as she replayed the scene that had just played out in her living. Her heart hurt with the pain she knew she had just caused Jack by not being able to tell him the truth but she was a woman of her word. But he had hurt her as well, and she ached from that too.

Kate slightly closed Aaron's door and walked to the bed, sitting down on the edge of it. She rubbed his back a while, the little boy not making a sound, simply laying his blonde head on her shoulder, his eyes closed. He was too young to understand what had just taken place, and she was grateful for that. She was doing her best by him and the last thing she wanted was for him to be upset. She could hear rustling in the other room and she knew it was Jack, but she couldn't bring herself to move. Her priority was Aaron, and he needed her warmth. And she needed the silent, dark room to gather herself before she even tried to approach the intoxicated man in the other room.

She rocked Aaron back and forth slowly, cooing a small "Shh" every now and again, urging him back to sleep. His breathing slowed, and he snuggled himself so close to her it felt as though he would melt into her. It broke her heart. She didn't want Jack to walk out of Aaron's life, for she knew how much Aaron adored him, and how great Jack was with him, even though he didn't believe he could do it.

She waited until Aaron was fast asleep and then settled him back in his bed with his plush Killer Whale, kissing his small forehead, and tucking him tightly in. She stood for a moment and took in the adorable bundle in front of her and never knew she could care about something so much. But then again she never knew she could love a man as much as she loved the one in the other room.

Kate shut the door behind her and began toward the bedroom she had shared with Jack. He was packing a small suitcase, and Kate could tell by the movements he was angered.

"Where are you going?" She asked quietly, standing behind him in the doorway, he arms crossed in physical protection of the emotional distress she felt.

"I'm leaving, Kate. I can't do this..," he trailed off, zipping the bag. She moved forward, placing a hand on his strong arm.

"Please, Jack, let me explain. I need you to understand-"

"I need you to be honest, Kate." Jack cooly took a step back, holding the suitcase by the handle. In his rage, and intoxication, he was unable to feel pain about the situation, knowing what he needed was out. He was tired of being betrayed. Since they'd left the island, his old demons had come back to haunt him. He knew he was no good at being a father and in no emotional shape to do so. He had been damaged by Sarah, his ex-wife, and that pain was real to him. He wouldn't let Kate drag him down like that again. "I need out, Kate. I need to think." He headed for the stairs and she moved quickly after him.

"Jack, please..." Kate pleaded, more tears slipping from her saddened eyes. She was desperate. "We can make this work, I can help you." She never realized he had had a substance problem until now but she loved him enough to help him.

Jack didn't answer, he simply kept on down the stairs, reaching for his car keys off the desk next to the door, and opening the door. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, in a sob now. "Jack, wait...," her voice shook as the small works escaped her lips. He looked at her, his face overcome with pain, his eyes watery.

"I can't, Kate. I'm sorry. I need to go." He dropped his head and walked out the door, leaving it open behind him, as if he was looking for her to try one more time to get him to stay. But she didn't move from her place at the stairs. She simply sank to the floor, her tears flowing freely, as she watched his truck pull out of the drive. Her heart ached more than she could have ever thought possible. The only man she'd love since Tom had just walked out her door, and she knew Jack Shepard. There was a chance he wouldn't come back for her.