Juliet opened her eyes and brought her hand up to hold the crease in her forehead that was pounding. She quickly realized her upper body was sweaty and sticking to... another body. She rolled her head up and found James underneath her. One arm tucked behind his head and the other protectively draped across her.

What the hell had happened last night?

The sun was beginning to shine brightly through the crack in the curtains behind the couch. She held her breath as she scanned the room, refocusing on James's arm lying across her chest, she shifted up a bit. Juliet's eyes stopped on Miles and Jin both leaning against the counter- facing the couch. The look on Miles's face was a classic cocky teenager's expression. He was quite entertained. Jin sipped his coffee, not giving anything away. Juliet began to meekly untangle the rest of her body from James.

"Jin found your shoes!" Miles said louder than necessary as Juliet moved to grab her head again and sighed from the pain rattling in it.

"...and you owe us a new trash can!"

Jin looked over at Miles shaking his head. Just as Juliet slid upright, she felt Sawyer begin to stir.

"Well, ain't this awkward...Morn~in' boys." Sawyer cleared his throat and sighing in a singsong manner. He stretched his legs and groaned as he turned to sit vertically.
Juliet looked at James and then the floor. Her hair had come officially undone from the day before and she was glancing around in search of the shirt she was certain she was wearing over her tank top last night.

Sawyer grinned understanding what she was looking for as he pulled her shirt off the chair and passed it her.

"Some night eh Barbie? How you feelin'?"

She closed her eyes and shook her head at his choice of nicknames this morning. Jin left and returned with 2 aspirin and a Dixie cup of water from the bathroom.

"You take." he said handing them to Juliet. She looked up at him tipping her as a silent thank you and he smiled gently as he returned to his coffee.

"Soooo- anyone feel like talking about last night? I know I do!" Miles said winking at Juliet.

"O God, I should go." Juliet said hoarsely. She stood too fast and instantly wavered.

Sawyer was on his feet instantly steadying her with a dimpled grin.

"I got ya".

Juliet closed her eyes as Sawyer held on to her- refusing to look at him. Sawyer let her go with a furrowed look of concern as the three guys watched her move silently towards the door-picking up her shoes and bundling them into her shirt to carry them. Sawyer could see the wheels spinning in her mind but as usual Juliet was not willing to elaborate on the battle was raging in her head. She paused before she left, blinking thoughtfully.

"Sorry about...Thank you." She said softly as she stepped outside.

"Next time, maybe let us in on the fun!?" Miles blurted out loudly as the screen door clicked shut.

"Ya know since we're kinda limited on entertainment here and everything?" Miles said to Jin and Sawyer gesturing around at the 70's decor whilst attempting to save face.

Miles shrugged at Jin.

Sawyer gave him a "really? c'mon you dumbass!" look and then followed Juliet, catching up to her half way back to her house. She was twisting a few tendrils of her hair back and tying them together, with her things awkwardly tucked under one arm as she walked.

"Hey!" he said touching on her arm before rounding her to block her path. Juliet's eyes were still focus'd on the ground, she was fidgeting unconsciously which was not a behavior he was used to from her.

"You gunna tell me what the hell happened last night?"

She took a deep breath. "Did I say anything? Last night? I mean." she inquired without looking at him.

"No"

"Then, No." She was trying to sound cold but nose flared ever so slightly and he could see that she was actually close to tears.

"No? That's it? You disappear for hours, no word to anyone, show up drunk as a skunk and you have nothing to say about what made you wanna find the bottom of the bottle?"

Her eyebrows angled sadly. "I..." she stopped and just shook her head from side to side slowly.

Sawyer sighed heavily. "Ok, Fine. Listen, we gotta talk."

"I have to go to work." Juliet attempted as she cut passed him continuing to her house.

"No, you don't. Call in sick. "

"James, I'm fine"

"Well, I ain't. C'mon, twinkle-toes" he pulled her by her elbow back to her place and she followed obediently, her head pounding too much to argue.

He picked up the mat and grabbed her spare key as she raised her eyebrow at him curiously.

"Yeh- you need a new hiding spot for this Sherlock." he said as the key sparkled in the morning sunlight.

He led her inside and took a nervous glance around the courtyard before following her in and closing the door.

"What are you doing?" she said - her voice questioned as she moved to the kitchen starting a pot of coffee.

"We have a problem." James replied leaning on the back of a chair.

"Do we? James really. It was nothing, I had a bad day-that's all." Juliet said as she made her way down the hall and came back out with her toothbrush in her mouth.

"No- not that. Well, yeh that, but not just that. Jin and I ran into Richard out on patrol yesterday."

Juliet had moved back to the kitchen. She stopped at his words, turned to hold onto the counter behind herself- eyes wide, toothbrush in her hand. She took a moment to spit in the sink before slowly coming back around.
"What did he want?" Her curiosity peaked with unease as James moved to sit at the kitchen table.

"He knows Danny Boy left - He also knows our names. But I'm pretty sure that's all- he was fishin for information-..."

"What? How?" Juliet said.

"I dunno alright, I'm workin' on it. Seein' as how yer so surprised by my story- I'm guessin' yer "situation" is somethin' different."

"James, he brought me here. If he knows who I am - it's already too late." Juliet said evenly with a sad look in her eye.

Sawyer drug his fingers through his hair and bent forward leaning on his knees.

"I'm endangering you all." she said blankly.

"No- you ain't! Look- I know, whatever happened... Yadda yadda. At this point, I just wanna make sure we stay as far away from them as we can until Locke comes back."

"If... Locke comes back.." Juliet went back to brushing her teeth- staring at the floor then paused in thought and stopped brushing.

"What?" Sawyer said after a prolonged silence.

Juliet twisted and spit in the kitchen sink again before turning on the faucet and rinsing out her brush.

"Richard knows how to leave the island. Maybe he knows how we get back?" Juliet said keeping her back to Sawyer, blinking in serious consideration.

Sawyer furrowed his brow and stood up "No, no, no- I don't know what yer thinkin' Blondie-but we are not gunna tell them anything, you hear me?"

"Juliet?" He said crossing to her and turning her to face him.

She looked up but her mind was somewhere else.

"Hey! C'mon- we gotta stick together. You know these guys- it ain't safe." He reached out pulling her hands away from the counter trying to regain her attention.

" It ain't safe." he repeated for effect. "You gotta let me in. "

He was dangerously close as his fingers traced circles lightly over her the tops of her hands.
Juliet tipped her head with a pained defeated expression and staggered a tiny breath.

Sawyer sighed "I'm not the enemy here. I know- Maybe~ I was- but I ain't anymore."

The coffee maker beeped, Juliet leaned over and Sawyer released her as she began pouring two cups. She paused a moment then turned back- handing one to Sawyer and clutching the other before breathing in the scent and taking a sip.

"You're right, it was a stupid idea." Juliet said flatly- holding her cup close to her lips -ending her side of the conversation.

"Thank you." Sawyer huffed gratefully as he took a drink of his coffee and moved to the couch. After a few moments of extended silence Juliet continued.

"...and thank you for worrying about me last night but... I really do need to get ready for work." Juliet took her coffee and moved towards the hallway.
Sawyer tipped his head, sighing with a grin, knowing she was about to get her way.

"I'll see you tonight." She smiled convincingly knowing if she didn't play off the events of last night that he wouldn't leave.

"Promise?" Sawyer said sarcastically as he caught himself staring at her legs.

Juliet beamed sweetly tipping her chin up "Yes, it's sushi night, Jin's cooking. Could you lock the door on your way out?"

Sawyer nodded once trying unsuccessfully to hide his dimples as he watched her glide into the bathroom. You're killin me Blondie!

"Don't think I don't know what just happened here!"

Sawyer called out to the closed door as he heard the shower turn on. He shook his head-and sat a few minutes finishing his coffee then made his way outside. Sawyer locked the door with Juliet's spare key, closed his eyes and tucked it into his pocket. She'd probably ask him about it later but he wasn't about to leave it under the mat- not after yesterday.

...

Juliet was definitely more nervous and clumsy at work and Bill had noticed her uncertainty. He had tried to be casual but she still caught him staring at her with a look that was far more serious than it had been before. It was outright awkward and they avoided one another most of the day. She had to find a way to tell James and now she had to worry about "the hostiles" possibly looking for them. Anxiety was on the rise.

...

Sawyer sat in the control room, watching Dharmaville move through another day. He watched the Motor Pool monitor most of the day- Even "hung over" Juliet was beautiful to look at. He wondered what they talked about. He was jealous whenever he saw her smile or laugh. Things seemed normal from his view sans the fact that she didn't work on one vehicle during the course of the day, at least Billy Boy or Cowboy as Sawyer had taken to calling him had been keeping his distance today. He decided that Juliet having a bad day was acceptable - Yeh, she had a way of keeping the full truth from people but hell knows they had all had a few pretty rough days since they'd arrived.

...

"...It's like a bonfire. I mean- one spark flies in the wrong direction and we're screwed. I like a barbecue as much as the next guy I just don't want to be the pig tied to a stake in the middle of the damn thing." Miles said straight faced as he started setting out plates.
Juliet picked up her chopsticks and took a few pieces of sushi off the center plate, she still hadn't found a good opportunity to bring up what had happened with Bill. She realized she was being distant but couldn't help it.

"Another day in hippieville... We got jobs, a roof over our heads and food in our bellies. We just gotta stick to our story and sit tight. Nothin' happened today- so that's a good thing, maybe Ricardo got the message that we ain't interested "

Sawyer fumbled with his chopsticks before setting them down in exchange for using his fingers.

"If Richard did not get what he wanted. He will attempt again." Jin said as he picked up a bottle of Dharma Soy Sauce.

"I mean we have to consider the possibility that he will try another angle right? Hell, Locke stuck a grenade in my mouth when I first met him and he claimed to be their "leader" I'm not going anywhere near Alpert if I can help it. The guy walked through the fence like it was nothing. Are we even safe here? Don't you think we should be a little concerned?" he narrowed his eyes and turned aiming the question at Juliet.

"Well of course we should-Enos just the fact that you read our files should tell you that. What you wanna do? Go out into the jungle and have a picnic with them? The man has been here for decades and not aged a damn day- I don't know about you but I prefer not picking a fight with someone who can't lose." Sawyer replied.

"I didn't read her file." Miles said still watching Juliet.

"Think about it. She knows the most about them and she isn't saying anything. I mean, technically she is one of them. Right? And while we're talking about it. How come she ended up flashing through time with us and the other Others didn't?!"

Juliet dropped her hands into her lap and sat calmly with her eyes focused on the cheesy flowered tablecloth as Miles vocalized his worries. He had a valid point and she had lay awake thinking about it herself.

"Hey now, Benedict Arnold~ What the hell is your problem tonight? Your parents fightin' or somethin'? I trust her to have my back a hellavalot more than I trust you to- you half hazard squirrel. Stop lookin' for nuts where there ain't any!" Sawyer said warning Miles.

"Sawyer is right Miles. Juliet helped Sun. She saved Sun and Sawyer- more than one time." Jin interjected.

"Juliet is a good person"

"All I'm saying is that we have been here for like 2 months and she's the only one that none of us really knows."

Juliet stood up carefully avoiding eye contact and cleared her barely touched plate.
She paused at the sink then spoke calmly as she turned to face the men at the dinner table, her fingers nervously playing with her earlobe.

"I didn't stay with them through the flashes because... I'm not "protected"... anymore, I think." She said as her eyes glazed over.

Juliet was in shock, Jack was at the door with Alex, handing a note over to Isobel. Then the door closed and he was gone. Jack had already lied for her. How had he gotten out? Was Ben dead? At this point everything she heard was hollow, like an echo, as though someone were talking through a tunnel to her. She was stood up and escorted back outside-past Jack, who had returned to the cages.

"Where are you taking her!? Juliet!"

Isobel and Tom brought her down to the beach followed by a small crowd of Others who had come to see her fate. Juliet saw the blue fire burning as she was turned to face a single large wooden beam that had been pounded into the sand. She remembered the sound of her cuffs clinking onto a metal hook above her. The sun was setting and her feet were sinking, making it hard to keep herself standing with her arms pulled above her. She could hear her own breathing quicken in fear. The booming sound of Isabel's voice overtook the beach.

"Juliet Burke, for the murder of Danny Pickett, under the order of Benjamin Linus -your death sentence has been commuted. You are however condemned to be "marked" and will no longer be under the protection of Jacob. Hold tightly child."

She remembered telling herself that she would not scream as she tightened her grip. Tom lifted her shirt high on her back carefully tucked under her bra clasp. Her muscles flexed involuntarily as the scorching metal connected with her flesh. She tried to hold her breath but instead let out an animalistic sob, her body arching. Tears fell and her knees gave out as Isobel removed the brand- ripping her skin off with it as she placed it back in the fire. Juliet could smell the burning as her head bobbed forward. "Julie?" Tom whispered as he caught her shaking body after releasing her from the hook. "Juliet?".

"Juliet?" Jin whispered questioningly.

"What are you talkin' about? "pro-tect-ed?" Sawyer said in confusion attempting to bring Juliet back from the recesses of her mind.

They all sat quietly waiting for her to continue. When she didn't, Sawyer stood up and moved into her space-The sound of this chair screeching across the floor caught her attention.
She blinked a few times looking Sawyer very matter-of -factly and continued.

"I killed Danny. I should have been executed. Jack saved me, but Ben knew that I had asked Jack to kill him. My punishment was to be marked as a traitor. It's a mark that Richard would recognize. I'm sorry I should've said something when the flashes stopped. I didn't think we'd still be here." She blinked slowly and looked at each of the men apologetically, waiting for their responses.

Sawyer closed his eyes and lowered his head knowingly as he turned to stand next to Juliet leaning against the counter one hand locked to his jaw. All of the sudden, little things started falling into place. Her being abandoned. Jack protecting her. Her betrayal of Ben. Her wanting to get off the island enough to kill someone.

Miles interjected "Who's Danny?"

Sawyer then turned to Miles with a not now look.

"What?"

"It's ok James, Danny was an "Other"." Juliet informed them.

"So you killed one of your own people?"

Juliet arched a brow and tipped her head - half nodding.

"Damn" Miles said.

"You have to understand Miles, Since I have been here everyone I've trusted has either betrayed me or... died. I've been trying to get home for a long time and Ben promised..."

Jin leaned forward nodding to Juliet to continue.

"Welllll-Can we see it? Or is it someplace naughty?" Miles interrupted blatantly.

Sawyer reached over and smacked him upside the head.

"What's wrong with you!?"

Juliet looked at Miles solidly then obediently turned away from them. Taking a deep breath, she pulled her shirt up away from her lower back and waited.
Sawyer's eyes were glued to her waist as she revealed her scar fully to them. He found himself entranced by the raised reddish white mark. It was an 8 prong star with a serpent shooting out of the northern most line. He wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch her but his thoughts were quickly interrupted yet again.

"That is not a "mark". They branded you- like piece of their property. This is not good." Miles said rubbing his hands on his knees.

"Calm down Chicken Little the sky ain't fallin' just yet"

Juliet pulled her shirt back down with a shaky hand and turned back around, suddenly uncomfortable- staring out the window.

"Sorry." Miles said evenly with a keen lack of feeling that wasn't overlooked.

Juliet 's blue eyes locked on Miles's and she replied with a slightly hurt pitch to her voice. "Me too, Miles."

Jin finally spoke as well. " I am sorry also" He said sincerely.

Juliet's face softened "Thank you Jin, it was my choice. What's done is done right?" She said arching a look over to James to check his expression. His face was that of a concentrated scowl - his dark blue eyes squinted in deliberation.
Juliet released sigh after a moment of awkward silence bringing them back on task.

"Miles is right- I am an "other". If Richard finds out... It could ruin everything we've worked for here."

"I'm not gunna tell him so as long as you don't tell him..." Miles voice faded to a mumble under his breath.

At that moment, Juliet was done and couldn't tell them about Bill. They had had enough to digest for tonight.
Sawyer saw Juliet nod once deliberately and flip her switch "off" after Miles's comment.

"I understand. I'm going to head home. I'll do whatever the group decides" Juliet said abruptly as she locked her jaw then headed for the living room.

Sawyer gave Miles a scolding look and pointing at him not to say another word before turning to Juliet.

"Wait a second... Ughh. We all know you didn't choose this anymore than we did.. we ain't "Others" or "Hostiles" or damn "Dharmaville hippies". We're US, so -we stick to the plan. Got it?! Or do I need to draw you a picture?" he said condescendingly towards Miles.
Juliet looked to Sawyer evenly without comment and then turned and nodded to Jin, silently thanking him for his support as she picked up her shoes and headed for the door.

"Hang on-I'll walk you back" Sawyer huffed standing with his half eaten plate.

"No, James. I've had about as much as I can swallow tonight. Finish your dinners." Juliet was pissed, her face flushed pink. She let the screen door bounce dramatically as she left..
Sawyer sighed heavily.

"Well that went great, who's hungry for dessert?" he said sarcastically as he slammed the remaining food from his plate onto the counter and headed to the fridge- grabbing a beer.

Jin moved to the window to watch Juliet enter her house.
Miles groaned dropping his head into his hands and rubbing his temples.

"Way to throttle back there Turbo, she was tryin!." Sawyer said as his eyes darted around trying to figure out what to do next.

"How was I suppose to know! It isn't my fault...Don't tell me you hadn't at least thought about it. I know she's not "one of them." I'm just freakin out man- did you see that "mark"? Damn. Those people are crazy! And the way she doesn't talk about herself? How many women you know that don't talk about themselves?"

"Hey, Blowhard..Shut the hell up! She just told you what you wanted to know and you treated her like the enemy. It ain't no wonder she don't wanna talk. Look- We'll figure somethin' out." Sawyer aimed his comment at Miles who held the look of a guilty kid that had just kicked a puppy.

"I'm gunna head over to the recruiting offices tomorrow- find out what I can about "the hostiles" and start researching people we see on a regular basis. The more we know the safer we are. And... I want someone watching a damn camera on the Motor Pool whenever she's workin- we got each other while she's flyin' solo over there. Capiche?"

Miles closed his eyes and nodded. "I'll talk to Juliet tomorrow, unless you want to put another restraining order out on me." He continued sarcastically.

"I might if you don't learn how to keep your damn mouth shut."

Sawyer finished his beer then another before puffing his chest and dropping down on the couch to pull on his boots.

"Screw this. I'm going over there to try n salvage this mess."

Two minutes later Sawyer was at Juliet's door. He knocked hesitantly. There was no answer so he knocked again more purposefully- noting that the lamp in the living room was on.

"Juliet? Open the damn door."

Nothing. He shook his head, stuffed his hand into his pocket and fished out her key.

"Well, I'm comin' in anyways!" Just don't shoot me! he thought.

Sawyer opened the door and walked in. He could hear the water running in the bathroom. Well, at least she ain't tryin to ignore me. he thought as he moved towards the hallway. Before he had a chance to announce his presence the bathroom door opened and Juliet took a step out looking back to flip the light off.

"Hey." Sawyer started.

Her eyes widened in the dimly lit hallway as she instinctively threw a right hook up into Sawyer's jaw. His hands flew up defensively as he stumbled into the wall.

"Wait! Owww. It's me!" he said- moving out of range.

"James!" She said shaking out the pain in her hand.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"I just came over to check on ya." He said, taking care to notice that she looked like she had been crying.

"No. What are you doing standing outside my bathroom! How'd you get in?"

Sawyer reached in his pocket and pulled out her key.

"I was worried."

Her nostrils flared a bit as she took the key from his grasp.

"Really?" she said curtly.

"Yeh, really. " he said approaching her.

Juliet slipped passed him back towards the front door then turned to face him, arms crossed.

"You can tell Miles - not to worry. I don't plan on switching sides." she said flatly.

She was dressed in silky shorts and a thin white tank top. Her pajamas. Her hair was pulled up as though she'd just taken a shower and not wanted to wash it. She was gorgeous- her clothes we hugging her in all the right places. Sawyer swallowed hard as she stepped into the glow of the lamp.

"Really James, I'm fine."

"Maybe... but what about me?" Sawyer said lightening the mood and rubbing his jaw as he walked up to her.

"You'll be ok." She said apologetically tipping her head relaxing her features as she reached to open the door for him.

"Yeh? Cus I got this situation... I was hoping to get your medical opinion on- if it's not too much to ask."

"Is that so?" Juliet said catching on and arching a brow at him- releasing the knob.

Sawyer grinned. "Yeh, see- there's this woman, she's a knockout- I mean really" He said loosening his jaw on purpose.

" ...and I can't stop thinking about her when she's not around - and worse yet when I'm standin' in front of her all I want to do is kiss her. It's like my chest gets all tight, and I can't breathe."

"Uh huh" Juliet said with a sultry tone , her eyes blinking at him softly as she allowed him into her personal space.

"Have you tried?... kissing her?"

"Once, and it was amazing but I didn't wanna ruin everyhing so I let go and when I think back on it maybe I may have ruined things when I did let go? You know?"

She squinted her eyes with a smile and whispered "I see."

Juliet reached up to brush his hair from his face and he sighed, pulling her into an embrace. Her blue eyes looked up at him in her arms dropped down onto his shoulders.

"You can kiss me, James"

And he did, fiercely. Sawyer let out a light groan, his hands gripping her hips gently and sliding up her sides. His mouth capturing hers then leaving her already swollen lips - to press along the arch of her throat. She whimpered slightly, heat rising through her belly. Juliet released a soothing breath as he moved her backwards until she hit the armchair locking onto him for balance. Sawyer grinned as he went back to explore her mouth with his. They separated briefly, both breathing heavily. Juliet's eyes were darkly searching his as her hands silently groped at the buttons of his shirt. Sawyer's hands were entwined around her ribs under her tank top as he brushed the sides of her breasts with his arms causing her to arch into him. Heavy lidded, Juliet's fingers gently stroked his chest as she began pushing his shirt off of his shoulders. His hands made their way down to her ass, and then traced around to the front of her waist . Sawyer's hands slowed , his finger tips curved around the waistband on her shorts tightly. His eyes scrunched tightly then opened narrowing as they met hers. Was she shaking? Her head nodded nervously for him to continue as her hand moved down to his waist but it was too late. He sighed in frustration and released her hips moving his hands to each side of her face, pressing his forehead to hers, halting her; a look of anxiety on her face.

Sawyer shook his head. Juliet flashed a pained, but accepting expression as she reluctantly nodded in agreement moving her hands around his hips and resting her wrists the back of his waist

"I know...We... can't, yet..." she whispered with her eyes closed. Sawyer nodded as he let out a frustrated sigh lifting his chin up to rest it atop her head.

"Yeh, we can't." Did she say "yet?"

He spoke softly into her hair "God, I want to, I realllly do- but if we did...we ain't got no, I ain't got no way of ... " protecting you. Sawyer thought.

"I don't know... what I was thinking. I shouldn't have.. I know better than anyone what happens on this island." Juliet said sadly pulling away- looking past him her lips still puffy.

Juliet no sooner released him when she found him moving towards her. Silencing her. Her eyes widened in surprise. The look on James face was turning to anger.

"Don't. Don't you do that! Don't you pretend that this ain't real. That our feelings ain't real. I wanted this too so don't you go apologizing. We both know there's something more than friendship here- but we gotta be smart. I won't risk this .. or you, Alright?"

He stopped and took a breath- smoothing out his expression as if he was almost relieved to have all that off his chest. He drug his fingers down his face and continued in a softer tone.

"I've kinda gotten used to having you around and for me~ that's sayin' somethin'. You got it?"

Juliet's eyes began to water. Sawyer reach over and brushed a runaway tear from her cheek with his thumb.

"This ain't easy for anyone darlin'- least of all you, but you gotta understand, you ain't alone anymore."

She brought her eyes back to his with a weak smile doing that slow blink that drove him crazy. She nodded at him and took a long breath allowing him to pull her back into a hug.

"I got you."

"James?"

"Yeh?" he replied into the side of her head.

"For the record, you aren't alone anymore either."

Juliet closed her eyes and took in the warm feel of his body. He squeezed her little tighter to make sure she was real and decided at that moment, he was happy.

"I'm glad we agree." He replied with a wolfish grin.

"James?" she began again as she began to laugh through her tears a bit.

"Yeh?"

"You can let go now... and... if you need to use my shower...you know where it is."

Suddenly Sawyer sighed, he was all too aware that she could feel him hard against her and it wasn't gunna fix itself. He let out a dimpled sigh and let go as he walked backwards towards the bathroom arms open wide.

"Look what have you done to me, woman!" looking down "trouble, you.. are.. trouble." he said arrogantly.

Juliet smiled widely as she nodded in agreement. Her features drained as soon as he disappeared and she heard the water running. She dropped down onto the couch as she let her eyes wander out the window and her mind begin to sort out some sort of plan. The only thing she was certain of was that she wanted this. She wanted him.

As Sawyer rocked on his heels stiffly under the cold shower spray, his eyebrows furrowed in frustration. He could still smell her and he was trying to distract himself from the sound of her breath hitching as he rubbed her body- the taste of her: sweet like honey, the heat that was radiating when he pressed against her. He spun the faucet all the way to its coldest setting. Breathing through his teeth.

Jeeeez .. that's cold! He grimaced and shook his head. His world had rapidly shifted. It wasn't about him anymore. He wanted her. He needed her.

"Damn, I'm gunna have to talk to Horace about some condoms or.. there... we... go- " He looked down and made a mental note to think of Horace anytime he needed to calm his member. His body's reaction was almost instant. He laughed at himself then shook his head in an attempt to clear his mind completely.

Sawyer got dressed and turned the knob to the bathroom his happiness turned to panic. How was he gunna keep everyone safe? He was a goddamn conman not a hero. Why did they all trust him so completely. He was no leader.
He poked his head out of the bathroom and caught sight of Juliet curled up form on the couch with a book lying across her chest. She had fallen sleep. He let out a small laugh as he approached her. He bent down and brushed his lips against her forehead.

"Gunna head out. You got a bed now you know? It's down the hall?. You never use it?" He teased in a hushed voice

Juliet stirred and her eyes fluttered open. "Yeh. Just wanted you to lock the door behind you." she said lazily sliding upright and reaching to the side table. She closed her eyes and put her hand out to him- opening her fist and handing him back her spare key.
Sawyer's eyebrows waggled and his dimples deepened.

"You got it, Blondie"
...