Outlaws
Chapter Six

Sawyer didn't say anything as he was the first to step towards the wreckage. The first thing he noticed was the number of dead bodies sprawled about, and the second was the luggage around it that Sawyer found himself soon looking in. Sayid soon followed him, but looking at the bodies.

They're all dead, Sayid said, more to himself, a few minutes later.

The sight of it made him feel sick.

Thanks for the update, Sawyer said, turned as he stole a pack of cigarets from a dead man's luggage.

He continued searching through the luggage as Sayid searched the bodies, until something caught his eye. A bag. A plastic bag. Curious, Sayid picked it up, and surprised at what it was: a bag of peanuts. Airline peanuts. Sayid's face slowly broke out into a smile as he dropped to his knees and searched the area for more.

Why in God's name are you so happy? Sawyer said, noticing Sayid's odd behavior as he began searching a leather jacket.

But Sawyer found out with one glance as he saw what Sayid was looking at.

he muttered.

Sayid laughed a little then, finding it ironic that for the past week they had been killing themselves trying to find so much as a piece of fruit, when all the food was out here with the dead bodies.

Give me one of those, Sawyer said, willing to murder Sayid right then and there for the entire stash if he didn't.

Nonetheless, Sayid through him a pack that Sawyer tore open, not being able but to help to chuckle a little himself as he threw one into his mouth. The taste of something besides meat and fruit was awkward at first, but soon it felt like it was the best thing that had ever been placed in his mouth. He was about to crack open a third when Sayid's hand had stopped searching the suitcases he was looking through and his face turned troubled.

Sayid said suddenly.

Are you serious? Sawyer said, almost laughing.

Sayid said, frantically looking through the suitcases.

And why the hell would I do that? Sawyer said.

These suitcases, Sayid began, they're empty. Someone's been through them.

Sawyer looked down into empty suitcases to see that Sayid was right. And that was when the world went black.
......

Jack and Kate hadn't said much during the trip. Jack had tried a few questions about Sawyer, but Kate had either shaken it off or replied with some sarcastic moment. He hadn't been able to get a straight answer about Sawyer out of her. But that didn't stop her from questioning him.

What's going on between you and Sawyer? She inquired as she moves branches out of her path.

Shouldn't I be the one asking you that? Jack said in a joking manner but completely serious.

I'm serious Jack, Kate said, what was that fight all about.You heard it, Jack said, plainly not wanting to discuss it.

And you seriously believe he killed your father? Kate continued, not letting him off the hook that easily.

Jack didn't answer, but kept walking ahead of Kate. Quickly catching up, Kate spun him around, making him look at her.

Jack, talk to me, she said, looking him in the eye.

he said, you talk to me.

Shaking off her grip, he continued walking.

You can't keep doing this you know, she said, following him again, you're not going to be able to hide forever.Who said anything about hiding? Jack said.

How is it that I have to tell you the truth about every little thing about my past, but you don't about yours? Kate said.

Jack didn't answer.

Kate said, then noticed why he didn't answer.

He was staring at something in the clearing they had just entered. Moving closer, Kate saw what it was. Sawyer.

Oh god, Kate said under her breath.

Sawyer was on his knees, hands tied behind him, much like Sayid had done before. His head was hanging down with his chin brushing against his neck. He looked lifeless as Kate slowly stepped towards him.

Jack warned but Kate just ignored it.

She kneeled in front of Sawyer, looking at him helplessly, not wanting to see why his head was tilted that way. But she knew she had too. Reaching up, Kate slowly raised Sawyer's head, and nearly jumped back at the sight.

I possible, it was worse than when Sayid tortured him. He was bleeding from his nose and mouth, and most of his face was bruised. Someone had tried to kill him, but hadn't bothered finishing the job. Not even checking for a pulse first, Kate frantically moved to untie him. When she did, she lowered his body to the ground, and then checked for a pulse. She sighed in relief when she found one, though not very strong.

Help me, Kate said, turning to Jack who looked unsure of what to make of the scene.

Help me, Kate repeated desperately to Jack.

Jack finally in a dry voice, I can't.

Kate stared at him.

She screamed. What do you mean I can't help'? You're a doctor, that's what you do! Help people!Not him, Jack said, a little shakingly, not again.

Kate stared at him long and hard, her eyes betrayed.

I thought you said that you weren't a murderer, Kate said.

The comment struck Jack like bricks.

All right, he gave in, but you do it.Walk me through it, Kate said, leaning beside Sawyer.

Tilt his head back, Jack instructed.

And he went on. Soon Kate was successfully performing CPR, leaving Jack to not be able to think of it as Kate kissing him, but didn't say anything.

Come on, Kate was muttering to herself. Come on..

And then the most unexpected thing happened. Kate felt herself being drawn into a full out kiss from a very much awaken Sawyer. Unable to pull away, Kate felt Jack's shocked eyes boaring into her. Finally she was able to pull herself off of Sawyer, and just stared at him. She wanted to slap him, but didn't have the heart. Despite his condition, he was smiling.

Well well well Freckles, Sawyer said, keeping his grin, if I could wake up to that every morning I'd never be late from work. Kate said, cocking an eyebrow.

Sawyer just smiled until Kate finally got off of him and helped him sit up.

Do you remember what happened? Kate asked in the process.

Besides someone trying to kill me? Sawyer said. Nah, nothing.

Kate smiled a little at his dry humor.

Did you see anything? She asked, feeling bad for having to question him.

Not a thing, sweetheart, he said, black death.

Nothing else was said, until Jack interrupted the moment.

What did you do with Sayid? He demanded.

Sawyer and Kate both looked up at him, Kate in surprise, Sawyer in anger and annulment.

Excuse me? Sawyer said. What the hell makes you think that I-What did you do? Jack said, louder this time.

Kate said, surprised at his outburst.

I don't trust him, Jack said to her.

Someone just tried to kill him and you're going to say you don't trust what he's saying? Kate said in amazement.

Jack didn't answer.

Let him believe what he wants, Sawyer said, glaring at him.

Kate looked up at the slowly setting sun.

We need to start searching for Sayid, she said and then turned back to Sawyer, can you stand? Sawyer repeated, Sorry sweetheart, but I don't think stand' is part of my vocabulary right now. And don't even think about walking.We can just leave him, Jack said, growing impatient.

Sawyer looked at him.

On the other hand, Sawyer said, I sit any longer and I think I'll need to go find that old wheelchair that ended up in the wreckage.

Kate then put her arm around his shoulder, giving him some support as he stood.

I'm good now, he said.

Kate looked at him, and then reluctantly let go. Sawyer found himself wishing she hadn't, but he wasn't about to show his weakness in front of Jack.

Any idea where he was taken? Kate asked without much hope.

Heard some noises, Sawyer answered, pointing northeast, that way.

Slowly, they started out, Jack leading.

Author's Note: Okay, I really really wanted this to be the last chapter, but there would've been too much to take in. There should be two more, with a possible alternate ending. I'll try and definitely have this done by the weekend.

Working summary for next fic, The Stranger:

Sayid centric that flashes back to his reactions to the resent going ons in the world. In present time, the castaways trust of Sayid lingers as he and Shannon go missing during a search for Ethan lead by Jack and Locke. Meanwhile, Kate and Sawyer search for that harassing boar of his, finding some unusual plane wreckage that leads to some unrevealing of secrets once well hidden by Kate. All from tv-guide spoilers for future eps.

And since we know a little about Hurley, I might just do a fic for him. There will be none for Jin though, sorry, I just don't have it in my heart to insult all the Koreans out there with mistakes about their culture. I'd hate to have some horribly translated fic! (As once done with LOTR!) Oh, and I'll give you a hint to the twist of an ending to my fic: if I were filming this as an ep, I would've opened it on the right eye.

October Sky