Chapter 2: Influenza

A few weeks had passed and Jack and Kate had both grown closer. Kate frowned and sighed at what she was about to do, but she needed that case.

"Jack" she called out when she saw him hunched over in the caves they had found. She had moved in to them with Jack a week ago…finally giving in to his pleas to get her off the beach.

Jack turned around and smiled "hey" he said, trying to push all the voices he was hearing out of his head.

"I need your help" she said, coming to sit next to him.

"With what?" he asked

"Sawyer…he found a Halliburton case. It belonged to the Marshall…" she started "We need to get it back. Luckily he hasn't been able to open it."

Jack raised an eyebrow and shifted closer to her "What's in the case Kate?" he asked

"4 9 Millimeters and 4 boxes of ammo" she said slowly

"Guns" he said with a nod of understanding

"Guns" she repeated 'shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up'

"What else is in the case Kate?" Jack asked, frowning when he heard her

"Nothing" she said 'Just tell him'

Jack took one of her hands in his softly. "Just tell me what else is in the case" he said softly

Kate looked down "Jack…" she said quietly looking down when she saw him looking straight at her "There's…it's…a toy plane. It belonged to Tom" she said softly

Jack nodded "Okay. Let's go get this case" he said

Kate followed him and sighed, letting out a breath when he didn't ask anymore questions.

"Sawyer" Jack called out, standing outside the southerner's tent.

Sawyer emerged minutes later, a smirk planted across his face. "Well if it aint Doctor Giggles, what can I do for ya today" he drawled in his usual southern accent

"The case. I want it" Jack stated

Sawyer chuckled "And what makes ya think I'm just gonna give it to ya?" he asked amused

"Because, right now you're receiving daily doses of antibiotics correct?" Jack stated more than asked "Well, I'm sure your arm feels great right now, but when I stop giving you the antibiotics, lets just say…it wont" he said with a shrug, not waiting for his answer.

"At first you'll probably think everything is fine. After a few hours, it'll start to itch, then it'll start to burn" he said somewhat sinisterly, making Kate shiver "After 2 days, you'll beg me just to cut it off" he said, leaning closer to him each time

Sawyer scowled and looked at Kate who was standing behind him. He let out a breath and plastered a careless smirk on his face as he reached for the case and handed it to Jack.

"However she got you to do this" he said in a low voice, pulling back on the handle at the last minute "she lied" he said

Jack didn't say anything, just threw a menacing look over his shoulder as he and Kate walked off with the case.

"Thanks" Kate said when they were out of ear shot.

"Do you have the key?" Jack asked, knowing that there was no way to open a Halliburton case without one.

Kate nodded and pulled one out of her pocket smiling at his questioning look. "I snagged it before he died…guess I was optimistic" she explained

Jack nodded and held his hand out, waiting for her to place the key in it. Kate handed him the key and sat down next to him, waiting for him to open it.

Jack turned the key and snapped open both sides of the case. He moved aside the guns and ammo before picking up and handing Kate an envelope that said 'personal effects' on it.

He watched curiously as Kate opened it and gently held it up as tears gathered in her green eyes. He shifted closer to her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Who was Tom?" he asked softly

Kate shook her head and let her tears fall at that point. "To…Tom was…he" she choked before she could go on.

Jack pulled her into his arms and rocked her back and forth "Shhh" he whispered

"We were…childhood sweethearts. I…I loved him, but I was no good for him. I left…a few years ago; my mother…was dying of cancer. Tom's a doctor. Oncologist." She said, her voice wavering.

"I'm sorry" Jack said softly

"He…he died." She finished quietly

Jack remained silent, not saying anything. Not knowing what to say.

"I'll leave you alone for a bit" he said softly and got up, slowly walking away.

Kate watched him go and tears filled her eyes again as she looked at the small toy plane that once used to belong to Tom. It was the only thing left of his she had. I'm sorry…I'm sorry she kept repeating over and over in her head.

Later that night she walked back into the caves, smiling when she saw Jack's curtain was pulled closed. The other survivors had given him an area of the caves for some privacy, knowing he would need it after all the hypochondriacs he was probably treating. She walked over and pulled it open, not bothering to shout or call his name………..but now….she wished she had…or hadn't?

Jack turned sharply as he heard his curtain being ripped open. "Hey Kate" he said with a small smile as he stood up and turned around.

Kate's jaw dropped, he was standing before her in just his boxers. And before he had turned around, he was hunched over his suitcase, obviously trying to find something to wear…giving her a great view of his backside. Her eyes slowly traveled up from the waistband of his boxers, skimming over his broad masculine chest up to his amused smile, which finally broke her out of her trance. She blushed and immediately averted her eyes from him.

"Sorry" she mumbled, but made no move to leave. Dammit Kate, you should have left…

"You alright?" Jack asked, trying not to embarrass her any more than she was.

No "Yeah I'm fine" she said

"You sure?" he asked as he slipped some pants on and pulled a shirt over his head

"Mhmm." Shut up…….shut up…….I'm not thinking

Jack couldn't hold back his laughter any longer. He sat down on his bed and began cracking up.

"Shut up" Kate snapped but with a hint of playfulness in it. She bit back a grin and sat next to him on his bed.

"Sorry, I guess I should have knocked…or shouted or something" she said sheepishly

"Its fine…did you need something? You came in sort of quick" he asked

"No…I was just wondering if you wanted dinner" she said

Jack smiled "Sure, let's go" he said, holding out a hand for her

Kate grinned and took it; both of them walked together back to the beach to grab some dinner.

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"So anymore info on…well you know" Kate asked as she picked at her fruit

Jack frowned as he watched her "Kate…aren't you hungry?" he asked

Kate shook her head "No…I don't know. I don't really feel that great" she admitted "But back to you…"

Jack scowled "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked as he brought a hand up to her forehead to feel for a fever

Because I knew you'd worry She thought

"Of course I'd worry. We're in no place for anyone to get sick…" he said

"I guess that still works" she said dryly

Jack chuckled "you should have told me" he said seriously "you have a slight fever" he added

"I'll be fine" she said

"You have a headache? Anything sore?" He asked

Kate hesitated but nodded…what the hell, he would probably find out anyway.

Jack frowned "which one?" he asked

"I have a small headache…and I'm not too sore…but my arms are kind of weak" she said

"You tired?" he asked

Kate nodded "Just a little…"

"Okay come on." He said, gently taking hold of her forearm and lifting her up with him

"Where?" she asked

"We're going back to the caves…I think you might have the flu" he said

Kate groaned fuck shit…why me

Jack looked at her amused "Kate…it's the flu. You'll be okay"

"I know…I hate the flu dammit. I always get a cough…and it takes me weeks to get rid of it…not to mention, it sucks. I can't sit still…" she ranted

"I know" he said teasingly "But come on. Let's make sure before you go off the deep end"

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"Okay Jack, seriously? I feel like I actually am in a doctor's office. And let me tell you, I don't like it!" she said annoyed

Jack chuckled and looked at her sitting on the cot they had set up especially for patients. "Just bare with me Kate. Its not like I'm asking you to lie down or anything…" he tried

You're totally doing this to bug me

"You're right" he said simply, with a grin.

Kate's jaw dropped and she glared as she watched him sit down on the one across from her.

"Okay I don't have a thermometer so I guess I'll have to guess." He mumbled as he brought his hand up to her forehead and cheek, feeling it for a minute.

"Its not too high, but we'll have to monitor that" he told her

"Sore throat?" he asked

Kate shook her head and watched him write something down on the small pad of paper.

"Nausea, dizziness, cold symptoms?" he asked

Kate shook her head again but sneezed as she did so, looking up at him sheepishly.

Jack raised his eyebrows and marked something down.

"Jack…" she protested

"Diarrhea or vomiting?" he asked, interrupting her

Kate shook her head firmly this time "No!" she exclaimed

Jack laughed "Calm down" he said before taking hold of her wrist and feeling for a pulse. After he was done, he took his flashlight and shined it in her eyes, frowning at what he saw.

"Kate you definitely have the flu. Your eyes are extremely red and watery" he said with a sigh

"I don't feel horrible though Jack…" she started

"That's because we caught it early. Now, you are going to go lie down, and we're going to let the flu just run its course…it should be okay Kate. You have to promise to tell me if anything else happens okay?" he said firmly

Kate groaned "Lie down? Are you serious?" she asked, not hearing a word of anything else he said

"Yes Kate, I'm serious!" he exclaimed "We have no meds…I don't want anything to go wrong alright? Just go rest for a bit. I'll try to find you some fever reducers." He said softly

Kate nodded "okay" she said and got up, walking to her cot.

"No…Kate. Go lie down in my bed" he instructed

What! She screeched inside her head he wants me to sleep in his bed!

"I don't want it spreading…and you'll be more comfortable there. Pull the curtain so you won't be bothered" he explained, hearing her shock

Kate nodded "Okay…" she sighed annoyed

"And Kate, any more symptoms. You'll let me know" he stated, waiting for her answer

"I promise" she said

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Jack gently flipped the curtain back enough so he could slip in and smiled when he saw her peacefully sleeping. He noticed she shivered slightly and saw the blankets bunched up at the end of the bed so he pulled them over her, frowning when she moaned and kicked them off again. He kneeled down in front of the bed and felt her forehead, inwardly gasping at how warm it was.

"Kate…Kate!" He frantically said, shaking her gently

"Mmm Jack?" she moaned, not opening her eyes

Jack let out a sigh of relief "Kate, come on, wake up" he coaxed, this time gently

"No" she mumbled carelessly "You're a really nice doctor Jack…" she added deliriously

Jack chuckled "Come on Kate, you're burning up." He tried again

Kate sat up slightly this time, leaning heavily on Jack who helped her up into a standing position. "Where are we going?" she asked tiredly

"No where. I just wanted to make sure you were awake. Sit down" he said softly

"Mmk." She said

"Here, take these" he ordered, handing her a glass of water and two pills

Kate took them wordlessly and gave the glass back to Jack again before she erupted into a fit of coughs. Jack sat down next to her and gently rubbed her back, waiting for it to subside.

Kate panted, hoping they would stop…at least for now and reached for the water again. After taking a sip, she set it back down and looked at Jack who had come around and was kneeling in front of the bed so he was level with her.

"Sore throat?" he asked

Kate nodded grimly

"Open" he instructed, waiting for her to open her mouth.

Kate opened her mouth slightly and groaned when Jack gently took her chin and pulled it down a little, making her open wider. "Doesn't look like Strep…" he said, letting her close her mouth again.

"Mm…my head feels really heavy" she said quietly and let it fall forward, causing it to land on Jack's.

"Ow!" Jack said lightly, then looking up at her.

"You alright?" he asked softly, cupping her head in his hands, checking to make sure she didn't hurt herself.

Kate shook her head and lay back down. "Now I have a headache." She said "did I mention I'm a really annoying sick person"

Jack shook his head "Relax. The Tylenol should kick in, in a bit"

"Its hot" she murmured and toed off her socks god…my head feels like its going to explode. Just kill me now…

"I know I know. I'll be right back" he said

Jack came back 3 minutes later with a bowl of water and a rag. "Kate" he called out to her resting form. She was turned to her side; he could tell she wasn't sleeping from her constant shuffling around.

"Hmm"

"Can you lie on your back?" he asked

Kate lay on her back and moaned happily as the cool rag hit her skin. "Feels good" she mumbled

Jack laughed "Yeah, it should"

Suddenly she began coughing again; she struggled to sit up and with the help of Jack was sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"I wish I had something for his cough Kate, I'm sorry" he said, rubbing her back for her

"I……….told you….you that my ……..cough …..Was the ……….worst" she managed to get out between fits

"Shh don't try and talk. Just let it out" he said, feeling horrible because he couldn't help her

When her fit subsided, he saw her panting for breath as her eyes began drooping shut. He gently laid her down on the bed and she was out like a light. He placed a cool rag on her forehead and left to find Sun…maybe she had something.

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"You….have pretty eyes" Kate said dreamily as Jack rubbed eucalyptus over her chest.

Jack raised an eyebrow and grinned at her current state. She was so delirious from the fever…it was quite amusing actually.

"Do you wear contacts?" she asked, sounding slightly childish

Jack shook his head "No I don't" he answered

"Wow…then they're really pretty" she said

"Thank you" Jack chuckled, happy to finally see her breathing returning to normal.

"I wish I had met you earlier Jack, I like you" she said with a wide smile

"Kate" he said amused "You sound stoned"

"I wish" she mumbled

Jack laughed "You tired?" he asked

Kate shook her head "I have a headache though…but its fine"

Jack nodded and felt her forehead with the back of his hand "Well…you still have a pretty high fever so why don't you go back to sleep"

Kate shook her head "No." she stated

"Kate come on. Don't make me play the doctor card here…" he sighed

"But…cant I just stay up for another hour…seriously Jack, all I've done all day is sleep." She mumbled annoyed

"Alright fine. But just for a bit…maybe I can get you to eat something" he added

Kate shook her head "I can't stomach anything"

"I'll bring you some tea and Sun made some soup. You're eating it." He said, not even waiting for her response as he left to get it.

"Kate, I'll feed you the soup if I have to" Jack said firmly as he watched her stare at the soup.

Kate didn't move, thinking it was an idle threat. She gasped as she felt the spoon at her mouth.

"Jack!" she gasped but jack shoved the spoon into her mouth gently

"You have to eat Kate…I can't give you any more medicine if you don't" he coaxed gently, still feeding her the soup.

"Stop" she said frantically after finishing half. She felt like she was going to throw up. Jack stopped and sat next to her; put an arm behind her as she leaned back on it, taking deep breaths.

"You alright?" he asked softly

Kate shook her head "I feel like I'm going to throw up…"

"Deep breaths. Just relax and breathe" he said

"Here drink some tea" he said, handing her a cup

Kate took a sip and smiled softly "what kind of tea is this?" she asked

"Guava" he replied

"Its great" she said, taking another small sip.

"Okay, I think you had enough. Come on, lay down" he said

"I'll be back later to check on you. If you need anything, I'll be right outside" he said softly

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A/N: There it is guys. Review….please? Maybe if I get enough review's I'll update tomorrow. Half of the next chapter is already written, so yeah…there's some incentive.