Disclaimer: Alas, I do not own Lost or any of the characters that you recognize. No copyright infringement is intended. All plots and subplots are original. (The following scene may seem slightly familiar, because a similar situation was seen on the show. However, I wrote this scene before the episode aired. It's up to you whether you believe me or not, but I'm telling the truth.)

Author's Note: Just a cute scene between Jack and Kate. The next chapter is going to be pretty heavy, so I thought it would be good to have a more light-toned chapter now. (It might get a little cheesy, but I love cheesy scenes! I can't help it.) Enjoy!
Chapter 10: A Temptation

The following morning Kate woke up feeling somewhat better. Her entire body felt like a huge bruise, but as she stretched out the soreness subsided a little. She had thought about everything Jack had said and knew that he was right about almost everything. She wanted to tell him about her past, but she didn't know if she could open up that much yet. Jack, she noticed, was watching her.

"Hi," she said.

"Hi," was his response.

Okay Kate, you can do this. "Jack, about last night. You were right about a lot of things…"

"Kate, you don't have to bring that up. Let's just put it behind us."

She shook her head. "No," she said firmly. "I need to get this off my chest." He didn't argue any further.

"You were right. I do run away from my problems. I've been running all my life really. I'm ashamed of my past and my family. I tried so hard not to be like them, especially my father, Wayne."

"I'm sure you're nothing like him," Jack offered.

She laughed bitterly. "You're right. I'm worse."

"How?"

"For starters, I killed him."

"Wayne?"

"Yes."

Jack didn't have anything to say about that, and Kate couldn't manage to look at the disgust she was sure was in his eyes.

"I'm not proud of who I am Jack. I've done a lot of horrible things. I really am a terrible person," her voice shook with emotion.

"No you're not."

The conviction in his voice made her glance up. He was shaking his head at her.

"You're not a terrible person. Whatever happened in your past doesn't matter anymore. The only thing that matters is who you are right now. And I think you're a good person Kate."

"I'm glad you think so, but I don't see it. I'll always remember the horrible things I've done."

"Certainly they were justified?"

"Justified or not, it doesn't make a difference. They were horrendous actions. I caused everyone I ever loved a great deal of pain."

"There you go blaming yourself again," he sighed.

"I do blame myself for a lot. Sometimes for good reasons, but other times I don't have a reason." She paused then decided to turn the conversation back to the previous night's discussion. "But, you're right. I couldn't do anything about the predicament that we're in right now. I didn't cause the plane crash, and I didn't come willingly to the Others. It's no one's fault. It was just meant to happen I guess. But you know what…I'm glad you're here with me."

She smiled at him, and he grinned back. "I'm glad to hear that."

Kate sat up and stretched, reaching her hands high over her head. Jack sat up too.

"Looks like you have a delivery," he remarked, nodding at the floor.

Kate noticed the bundle on the floor for the first time. She smiled as she unfolded a small Red Sox t-shirt and a pair of gently used jeans. Clean underwear was also provided. Underneath the clothes was the pillow she had requested.

"I can't believe this. They actually gave me what I asked for. Why would they do that?" she asked as she rubbed the clean, starched fabric of the jeans between her fingers.

"Maybe they want you to be happy so you will agree with whatever it is they want from you."

"Hmm…maybe. But I can't say I'm really complaining."

She jumped up and began to untie the hospital gown strings at the back of her neck. When she realized Jack was staring at her with a huge grin, she turned crimson and stopped what she was doing.

"A gentleman would turn around," she stated, implying what he should do.

"Yes, I suppose a gentleman would do something like that," Jack mused, remaining motionless. "On the other hand, it's a lady that should be modest and turn her back."

Kate hummed her amusement. "Yes, a lady should be modest," she said emphasizing the word. Jack's grin widened at her statement. "I have a resolution. We'll both turn around. Deal?"

He took his time thinking it over, but he eventually conceded. He turned around first and Kate followed suit.

She quickly stripped off the gown, and pulled on the provided panties. As she was reaching for the bra, she felt Jack's gaze on her back. She coyly looked over her shoulder, clearing her throat as she did so.

His gaze shifted from were it had been fixated on her lower back. He doesn't even have the decency to look ashamed, the knave. Jack smiled at her before turning his head back to the wall.

"I never said I was a saint."

Kate smiled at his comment and quickly finished dressing. The jeans fit well, but the shirt was a bit snug. She didn't mind. She was happy to feel refreshed and clean. She turned around gaily, and asked, "So how do I look?"

"I think you look positively ravishing Kate. Simply to die for."

Her happy expression turned to a fearful one as Ben commented on her new attire, a vengeful looking Jeremy holding Jack at taserpoint.