"They gotta know, right?" Sawyer asked Juliet, who leaned back against him. As Sawyer took a swig of his beer, she grabbed it and stole a sip.
"I mean, did you know?" She raised an eyebrow.
"The minute I saw you, Blondie." Sawyer put his fingers under her chin and pulled her into a kiss.
They turned their attention back to the silhouettes in front of them. Jack and Kate sat on the swings near the basketball courts. Even with Kate's long legs steadying her, the swing seemed to move side to side as they spoke. Their words were lost, but Juliet could hear the laughter. "They seem so happy," Juliet admitted. "I'm not used to seeing Kate so relaxed. She's always been so guarded…"
"Jack knows how to get through to her," Sawyer explained. "About the only damn one."
"Tell me about it," Juliet quipped. "Every time I think we're making progress she gets spooked or something. Not that she's a horse," Juliet rolled her eyes.
"Isn't she though?" He chuckled. He knew there was truth in jest. She was easily spooked, wild by nature and hard to tame. And yet Jack had. He watched the two of them, suddenly amazed at the version of Kate she was in front of Jack.
"She did not!" Kate laughed.
"I swear, she asked me if Texas Chainsaw was medically accurate," Jack raised his arms in surrender. "Worst date. You?"
She bit her lip mischievously. "He…he…umm…"
"What is it? You're blushing!"
"He didn't make it to the bed," she offered a sad laugh, her voice dripping with pity. "He couldn't even last until he got his jeans off…"
"What did you do to the guy?" Jack laughed. Kate shrugged, laughing loud enough that their laughter echoed around the compound. Jack stood, grabbing the chains and stopping her suddenly. "I love the sound of your laugh," he whispered.
Kate glanced down nervously, digging her sneakers into the dirt. Jack had made such a big deal out of such a simple compliment. Jack had been so appreciative and sweet lately, it was killing her to go slow. But she had to be sure. She had to be sure it wasn't just an island thing or rushing into a relationship.
"Do you want to do something tomorrow?" Kate finally asked.
"Tonight doesn't have to end…"
"Jack," she breathed. "I just…"
Jack sighed in frustration. "Yeah, you always just…"
"Jack!"
"Kate, we don't need to go slow!" Jack snapped. "What are we doing, Kate? We're just delaying the inevitable."
"I was just trying—"
"I think I promised Hurley a game of frisbee, so it depends what time…" he lied.
"Message received," Kate hopped up, walking back towards her place.