Disclaimer: I do not own Lost or any of the characters in it.

Notes: Sawyer's POV. There might be a lot of repeated scenes due to his encounters with other characters. I tried to match them as best as I could. I'm putting a language warning on this, just because its Sawyer and I can't do Sawyer without doing some bad words.

Summary: Sawyer came to the island a criminal, and he left as a man in love.

"The Southern Gentleman"

She hadn't said one word to him.

Not since he'd come back to the island and saved her. But he knew that she was happy to see him. He'd seen her eyes when she'd heard his voice, when she looked up and saw him next to her. He saw that she was relieved. She'd given him that smile, the one that he'd come all the way back to that goddamned island just to see. It was all he needed. He didn't need to hear her say anything, he just needed that smile to know that this was the right choice.

But there was a hesitation when it came to them passing the dead girl off as Kate. Not on the rescue workers part, he didn't have any problems convincing the men that this was their criminal. She looked enough like a criminal, at least, in that garb that she'd been wearing. It was Kate who was hesitant. It was almost like she didn't want Sawyer to get her off the hook. It was like, for once, she actually wanted to be arrested and convicted. But Sawyer wouldn't stand for that. That wasn't the Kate he knew. The Kate he knew would do anything to keep her freedom, at any cost. Though he would never say it out loud, she had been somewhat of an inspiration for him. He was the kind to give up at a moments notice, just when things got a little bit hard. Hell, every one of his past, so called, relationships could attest to that. But she had brought out a side of him he never knew about, the side of Sawyer that stood up for something and didn't back down.

When they'd presented the fake passport, the one that identified Kate as Elizabeth Yarding, she had been so close to breaking down and confessing everything. He'd watched her fighting the urge to just give in to the pressure that was surrounding them at that moment. He'd reached out and touched her lightly on the lower back. This, for Sawyer, was a sign of protection and possession. He remembered that his father used to do that to his mother, back before she'd cheated on him. He'd always found it comforting to see him do that. It was like a sign that his father was in control and that he would always take care of him and his mom. He, himself, had never touched a woman in that place. It was a sacred place for him, a place reserved only for those who truly deserved it. And when he touched Kate on her lower back, he knew that he was in for the long haul with this one.

And she knew too. When he'd place his hand there, only until that difficult moment had passed, he was showing her that he was in control of this moment. He was going to take care of this for her, if she would only just submit to his words and go along with him. She'd gotten the message. He'd felt her take a deep relieving breath and glance up at him sideways. It was a quick glance, but it was all the answer he needed.

On the helicopter he'd gotten her a blanket when she was shivering. It was something he could picture Jack doing, but never really himself. It was out of character for him, he realized this. He'd done it mainly because of her constant shivering. He knew that the shivering was more the leftover fear of what had just happened to her then actual chills. He knew that she was in shock. He'd seen it once or twice in his life. Hell, he'd experienced it himself when he was eight years old. And who wouldn't be in shock after experiencing what she had just experienced. He didn't believe in God, but Sawyer did believe in something else. He had thanked whatever that something else was when he'd seen her on that beach, standing and breathing. The message over the radio had said that everyone was dead. He had refused to believe it. Somehow, he knew that if she was truly dead he would feel it inside of him somehow. They'd bonded while on the island, even if it was mainly through sarcastic comments and arguments and bribes. He felt like he knew her, he felt like he would know if she didn't exist in the world anymore.

And here she was, sitting next to him in the helicopter. She wouldn't talk to him, but that's because there was nothing to say. He had a lot to say to her, but there would be a better time and place for that nonsense. Right now his focus was on getting her safely back to the coast and going from there. He'd all but abandoned his own life. His little cottage house back in Alabama was nonexistent to him now. He'd resolved himself to be anywhere but there. The island had been the perfect excuse to not go back home. Now, he had another excuse. No, not an excuse, a reason. She was his reason.

And when they landed she'd jumped like a frightened little kitten. He found it cute, but it also worried him. If she was this jumpy just from a helicopter ride then how was she going to maintain herself inside of that hospital they were destined to go to? She was very much in shock and part of him wanted to take her to the hospital just to make sure that she really hadn't been hurt by the others. But he knew better then that. The hospital was the worse place for them right now.

He stopped when he realized it. He'd used the word them. Like it wasn't just her. Technically he had killed a man in Australia. He should be worried about himself just the same. But it had never really bothered him so much, the idea of getting caught. He figured if he did then he deserved it. But seeing this person next to him, shivering and ready to give up, well it gave him all the motivation he needed to fight for both of their lives. Because they had made mistakes, both of them, but if the island had taught him anything it was that there was always room for redemption. He and Kate could have a second chance. Hell, they deserved a second chance! Everyone screws up at some point after all.

He moved to touch her hand. He wanted to let her know that everything was going to be alright, that she needed to calm down. But the gesture had the opposite effect, causing her to jump in fear. He quickly withdrew and fought to keep himself in check. He hated rejection, that was why he dated the women he dated. They never said no to him and he loved it. But she had just rejected his gesture of comfort and affection. It made him slightly angry inside that she would do that to him after everything they'd been through. He fought to keep focused and to not let his emotions get in the way. But Sawyer was like a small child inside, and when he felt that someone didn't want him around he got pissed and left. He couldn't really leave though. For one, of course, they were in a helicopter. But he also knew that she would fall apart without him here. Sawyer could, at times, have an ego the size of Texas. He never denied this and right now she was making him very aware of his huge ego. She didn't have to reach for his hand or tell him out loud for him to see that she needed him at that moment. She was barely holding herself together and he'd caught her once or twice near tears.

He'd come this far. He wasn't going to give up now. Hell, it was gonna hurt bad whether she rejected him today or tomorrow, when she was somewhere safe.

The next thing he knew the helicopter door was opening and Shannon was being led out first. The poor girl had been devastated by whatever had happened on that island while he was away. He hoped that he could get Kate to tell him the full story later, when she got over the shock of it. He wanted to know not just for his own curiosity but also for her sake. If she was going to recover emotionally then he would need to know how to help her do that. If she even let him that is, he had to keep reminding himself that he might not be with her tomorrow or the next day. She might reject him. The idea made him angry again and he put it out of his mind.

When it came time for Kate to be helped out, Sawyer knew that she wouldn't move if he didn't encourage her to do so. He lightly nudged her back, hoping that she would get the message. He wanted her to think, at least for the moment, that everything would be ok. Hell if he knew what would happen next. Hell if he knew whether there were police officers hiding on the other side of that door waiting to take her away. Maybe even him too. He didn't know anything at all, but they would never know until they stepped out onto that landing pad and back into the world. Their island paradise was gone now. Unfortunately, for Sawyer, they were back in the real world. He hated the very idea of being back here, in a place that he hated with a passion, but it was inevitable.

So then they were led into the hospital and towards the emergency room with the rest of the people they'd been stranded with. He recognized a few of them and realized that if he could recognize them then they certainly would recognize Kate. They needed to get out of there and do it fast.

He watched as Kate panicked and was held down by a doctor and nurse. He tried to get to her and they attempted to hold him back as well. He was angry and upset. This wasn't the plan. He hadn't gone through all of this to let go here. Dammit if he was gonna lose Kate it was going to be by her own choice! He needed to calm her down before they made an even bigger scene then they already had.

He looked over at her, hoping that she would look back at him.

"Hey!" He shouted. It was shouted in the general direction of Kate and was both a plea to the people holding him back and a reason for Kate to look his way. It worked. She turned her head and looked at him, no into him. Their eyes met and he felt a connection for the first time since he'd found her on that island. She was scared and she was ready to give up. He saw it in the way she smiled at him, it was almost like she was apologizing for what she was about to do. He shook his head, trying to convey to her that she didn't have to do this. She could be free.

And she could be with him.

He heard her plead one last time, her voice so low he barely made out the word please. She was broken. He felt his anger rising. No one was allowed to break her. She was his and he wouldn't let them take away that, whatever it was, that resided so stubbornly inside of her.

"Let her go you fucking Aussi retards!" He shouted and fought hard just to get to her. "I swear that if you don't let her go I will personally kick your asses back to…" Then they let him go. He shook off the feeling of being held captive and looked at Kate. She had given up. She hadn't said a word, but her posture said it all. They had let her go, mainly because she wasn't fighting them anymore. He had to do something soon if he wanted her back the way she used to be.

He walked up to her, determined but at the same time slow so as not to frighten her anymore. When she didn't look at him he reached up and put his hands on her shoulders. He turned her to face him and she followed without much resistance. This woman had had enough today and was emotionally drained. He saw it.

"Beth…" He almost whispered the name. He wanted to appear in control. He wanted her to see that she could lean on him and trust him to make things ok again. When she responded and looked up at him, he spoke again. "Don't worry, everything's going to be fine." He nodded, trying to convey to her that he would take care of things and that there was a plan. He watched as the hope returned to her eyes in the form of one tiny sparkle. It was only a fraction of the sparkle that was normally in those eyes, but he would settle for that fraction for right now.

And both of them were startled when Jack's voice appeared out of thin air.

"Hi. Doctor, my name is Dr. Jack Shepherd. Listen, I've been observing them since the crash. I really don't think they need any medical assistance." He looked up and saw Jack standing there. He was talking to the doctors all professional like. Sawyer couldn't help but feel a twang of jealousy at the fact that Jack could do something for her that he couldn't. She turned and looked too.

A moment later they were cleared to go. Sawyer was left with his mouth hanging open. He watched as Kate jumped into the Doc's arms and thanked him. Sawyer felt that jealousy creeping up on him again. Damn that doctor, he always upstaged him no matter what Sawyer did! He was beginning to remember why he hated that guy so much.

And then she was back by his side, and suddenly all of the thoughts of hate and rage disappeared. She had a way of doing that for him. He moved to lead her towards the door, knowing that the very fact that they were standing in a public place was dangerous right now. He stopped when he saw a hand extended in his direction. He looked up at the face and saw the doc holding his hand out to him. Sawyer hesitated, wondering what he was trying to do here.

"I'm not trying to poison you, I promise." The man said with a smile. Sawyer considered this comment and finally rendered his hand. The handshake was strong and just as Sawyer was about to break it off Jack pulled him in closer. This made Sawyer slightly nervous, but by now he knew that this man meant no harm to either of them. Then he said something that made Sawyer nearly get sentimental.

"Take care of her, she needs you." It was the confirmation that he needed. This meant that Jack had given up the fight and was surrendering his hold on Kate. He was telling Sawyer that he trusted him to take care of this person who they both clearly cared about.

"Thanks doc." He said with the first sincere smile he had given to this person ever.

"I owe you one." Was what he said next. Sawyer knew he was talking about their little chat in the jungle before his departure. He saw in Jack's face just how much that information had meant to him. Sawyer wasn't one to help people out very often, but he knew that a man would never reach his full potential without the knowledge of his father's love for him. Sawyer knew this from his own personal experience. No matter how much he had hated the doctor, he could never deny him the right to a full and fulfilled life. It just wouldn't rest well on his conscience, and he had enough regrets in his life.

He watched as Jack walked away. No, he wouldn't turn them in. They had reached a silent agreement. Although the man had put him through hell on the island, he had to admit that he was glad to have known him.

He felt Kate begin to pull away and walk towards the door. He was happy to be following her out of there, but something stopped him in his tracks.

"Wait a minute there." He reached for her hand and stopped her from moving any further.

It was the kid, the one from the island. He was being handled by some asshole of a doctor. Damn if he was gonna let anybody hurt that kid. That was a weak spot with him. He turned to Kate and noticed that she was watching the kid too. She started towards him, intending to stop it on her own. But this wasn't going to happen on Sawyer's watch. He tightened his grip on her hand for a moment. She turned to him and he felt himself smile despite himself. She was back, the girl he knew. Her eyes were sparkling with the determination of saving that child.

"You stay right here." He said with force and pointed to the ground beneath their feet. He knew he had to be rough with her or she would follow him just to spite him. That was her way and that was why he loved her. "I'm gonna go take care of this." He let go of her hand, but with reluctance. He was nervous about leaving her alone here and continued to watch her as he headed down the hallway towards the boy. When he was confident enough that she wasn't going to wander off he turned his attention to the asshole doctor.

"Hey there Dr. Evil!" Sawyer proclaimed proudly. The man turned to look at him. The boy looked up at him too. He smiled at the kid, hoping to not frighten him too much. "Leave the kid alone will ya?"

It was a simple request. Unfortunately the doctor just didn't want to listen to it.

"Are you his daddy?" The doctor asked with attitude. One thing Sawyer hated was when people took an attitude with him. Only he was allowed to do that after all. He moved up real close to the man and allowed his rage to show in his eyes. No one was allowed to hurt a woman or child ever, this was a rule that Sawyer was not reluctant to enforce.

"Maybe I am. Or maybe I'm just a concerned bystander who's looking' for a reason to trek on up to your bosses office." He paused for emphasis. The doctor seemed intimidated enough. "You chose."

Sawyer moved back and leaned against a nearby wall, waiting for his answer. He watched the kid, who seemed to have renewed confidence. He was smiling up at him. Eventually the doctor let the boy go. Sawyer smiled as the kid ran over to him. He was thankful the kid didn't hug him though, that would have been a little too touchy feely for him to handle.

"Thanks doc, I appreciate it." He smiled and flashed his middle finger at the bastard. He dropped it as soon as the kid looked up at him though.

"Thanks Sawyer." The kid said with a grin. Sawyer couldn't help but smile back. There was something about kids, they just got to him. He knelt down in front of the kid and reached his hand out, mirroring Jack's actions from earlier. The kid quickly responded and shook his hand. The hand seemed so tiny in his own.

"Its been a pleasure knowing ya kid, but I have to ask ya to do a favor for me." He watched as the kid nodded his head eagerly. "Me and Kate, well we have to go on a little trip. And we don't want anyone to know who we are when we leave. So if anybody asks about us or if you saw us and where we went, I'm gonna need ya to tell a little fib. Could ya do that for me?"

He knew the kid would say yes.

"Sure I can." Walt nodded. "Where are you going?" Good question, Sawyer thought. Even if he knew he wouldn't tell the kid though.

"Well now, we don't know yet. But its important that you don't call us Kate and Sawyer anymore, ya hear?"

"OK" Walt agreed instantly. He let go of the boys hand and stood.

"Thanks Webster. Have a nice life." He winked at the kid and walked off. That kid had been one of the few people on that island who he trusted. He would miss him.

Sawyer turned back to where he would find Kate and noticed her watching something. She was staring into one of the rooms. He slowly approached her, hoping to all hell that she wasn't getting them into any trouble. When he got closer he saw what she was looking at, it was the pregnant girl and her little runt. By the look on Kate's face he knew that she was feeling better. It was the same expression that she got whenever she would sit on the beach and stare out into the ocean. She never knew it, but he was always watching her. It was the most peaceful he had ever seen her, and she looked the same way now.

He crept up until he was right behind her. He fought the urge to put his arms around her and pull her close. This just wasn't the time to try a move like that, no matter how beautiful she looked.

"Is everything ok?" She asked him, sensing his presence behind her. She turned to face him. It was the first time he'd heard her speak directly to him all day. But it was the Kate that he knew now, he could tell by the way she asked the question. There was so much heart behind it, so much concern for the kid.

"Kids just fine." He replied and took her hand in his. "Come on, we'd better get outta here."

As he led her outside he let himself feel the night air and the feeling of her hand in his. He also felt her completely tense up on him. Oh hell, not again. He thought. He turned to her and saw that she was worried about something. He knew what it was. He was worried too, but he knew that they would make it somehow.

He made a daring move. He lifted her chin so that she would look straight at him for once. He'd always wanted her too but never had the balls to do anything about it. Now he didn't care what she thought, he cared about her and wanted to see her.

"Don't sweat it Freckles." He used the familiar nickname, trying to get her to see that the tragedy of earlier was over now. "I've got us covered." She seemed to loosen up at that moment. Her eyes had their sparkle again and she smiled the smile that made it all worthwhile for him.

And they continued with their familiar banter from there on out. The flirtations were like home for both of them now, and as long as they had their quips and sarcasms they knew that they could go on.

Sawyer felt her becoming more and more loose with him, more and more accepting of the chemistry that existed between them. Her hesitation was gone and she had put her trust completely in him, something he knew was probably the hardest thing she'd ever done. He wasn't exactly the most trustworthy guy ever, but when it came to the people he loved he would give everything up to keep them safe and happy. And she saw that in him, something barely anyone had ever seen.

Sawyer came to the island a criminal. From the start his piss poor attitude had gotten him into trouble with the more optimistic crowd on the island. It wasn't new for him, but it was miserable as usual. Sawyer may have come off as being angry but more then anything he was miserable with himself and the fact that his life had turned out the way it had.

And then she came into his life and the shit had hit the fan. And for awhile he had no idea what to do with this person who could read through his quips and remarks and see him for the person who he was. He'd pushed her away and she'd come back. He'd run away, and then went back to get her.

And now he'd finally let her in and found himself loving every minute he spent with her.

It was the best decision he'd ever made in his life, to get into that bar fight. And then to get on that damn piece of crap airplane. The best decision yet.