There isn't much drama in this, but i hope you guys still enjoy. As always thank you! Enjoy!

Rumors

"I'm fine Sawyer!" Kate huffed as she stopped walking.

She was on her way to the caves to see Jack for a checkup. It had been nearly two weeks since the "gas ordeal" and since she had seen him. Now she was on her way for that checkup she had promised to go to that night.

Looking back over her shoulder she saw him come out from behind the brush. She knew he had been following her. He had been like her shadow every since what happened.

"I know you are, but-"

"But what Sawyer?" She asked as he walked up to her.

"You've been following me for the last two weeks. Everywhere I go you're there. I can't even go pee without you peering over my shoulder.' Kate continued slowly putting herself into a rant.

"I'm just watching out for you and the baby. With the doc being all tied up at cave town someone has to do it." Sawyer explained trying his hardest to justify himself.

Rolling her eyes, she walked past him. She knew he was trying to help, but it was slightly annoying. It was really beginning to get on her nerves. Him thinking he had to follow her. Still she continued on the trail with him of course right behind her.

"Why are you out here anyways?" He asked hurrying up to her side.

"A checkup."

Sawyer became silent. She looked over to see his face distorted. He was thinking.

"What kind of checkup?" He asked with uncertainty.

"A baby checkup." Kate answered with a tone of obvious.

Sawyer didn't retort with another question like Kate expected. Instead he remained quiet as they walked along the path. The caves weren't any more then 200 yards in front of them. They could almost make out the tree-canopied entrance.

Still Kate's mind was on Sawyer's odd silence. She looked over to see that look again on his face. That look of thought. He was going to say something and soon, but for once he was thinking about it. Thinking about how to say or what to say for that matter.

It enthralled Kate that he was thinking about his words for once. She really didn't know why all the sudden he cared what came out of his mouth. He never had before. Never even considered it. Looking down to her stomach she had a good idea about the reason why.

"What does the doc exactly do at these checkups?"

Finally he spoke. She knew he was going to say something. With his words she began to question his motive instead of thought. Why did he care so much about her going to see Jack?

"He checks…things. To make sure everything is going ok." Kate answered gazing over to him.

"Like how?" He asked not quite satisfied with her plain answer.

She looked to him somewhat confused about where he was heading with this.

"I mean last week he said without machines and shiny gizmos he couldn't tell anything."

She had to chuckle at his "shiny gizmos" comment. He always had a way to make something simple Jack had said and turn into something out of a sci-fi story.

"Just tell me if it's like on TV where you put your legs up on something and he stares…. down there and come up with some weird thing off the top of his head?"

Was he serious?

"It's exactly like that Sawyer." Kate answered narrowing her eyes as she looked over her shoulder to him.

He gave her a look of disbelief. She knew he was starting to question her rather then her him.

"Are you serious?" He questioned.

"Yeah." She said nodding her head as she pursed her lips.

His face changed to a look of worry and then mixed with disgust.

"Everything?" He asked as his eyes became wide.

"Everything." Kate answered her face so compelled by her acting that he wouldn't second-guess her.

"Just peachy." He exclaimed sucking air through his gritting teeth.

Kate had to giggle at how this was affecting him. He was getting all bent out of shape about something he had no clue about.

"Well you asked." Kate pointed out.

"Asked about what?"

A new voice entered the tormented conversation. Both of them turned to see Jack standing in front of them. Looking back and forth between the two wondering what they were talking about. Kate questioned the same thing.

"Nothing." Kate smiled throwing Jack a look to tell him everything he needed to know.

"O…k." Jack said letting it go for the moment.

It became silent.

"Well she's all yours doc." Sawyer spoke up as if he were giving Kate away to Jack.

Kate looked back to him with a furrowed brow wondering what he had gotten into that had made him this way. Was there some magical bush she didn't know about?

"Thanks." Jack chuckled seeing Kate's reaction to the comment.

"Uhhh… See ya later Freckles." Sawyer stammered trying to find the right words to leave her with.

With that he turned around and began down the trail back towards the beach.

"Thanks for stalking me." She hollered after him.

For a second she stood and watched him walk away. She had to chuckle at how odd he was being over all this and how sudden it all came on. Maybe the scare of losing it turned something in him. Turning she came to see Jack with that same confused face Sawyer had had.

"What was that about?" He questioned as he unconsciously began to lead her through the caves.

"Oh he's all worried-"

"I'm worried too." Jack interrupted.

Kate glanced up to him herself now confused.

"When I said I wanted you to see me in a few days I didn't mean two weeks." He explained as a smile parted his lips.

Kate turned with a laugh. She knew she should have come earlier, but considering Walt being sick and probably taking up most of Jack's time she thought it best to wait. So she did.

"I promise it won't happen again." Kate jokingly sighed as they stepped into the dressing cave to do the checkup.

Pulling back the privacy tarp he led her to a stack of suitcases. Sitting down he helped her take off her shirt. As it fell to the ground he came around and knelt before her. She sat perfectly still as his eyes wondered over her stomach and soon the rest of her body. She just sat there watching him.

"How far along do you think I am?"

"Bout four months. Give or take a day." He answered looking up to her.

She suddenly felt nervous with his eyes.

"When do you think I'll have it?"

Slowly he got off his knees and stood before her. His face turned from assessment to thought.

"Seeing as how I don't have a calendar and time doesn't matter anyway. I'd say and this is just a guess. Five months." He smiled trying his hardest to be cute.

Kate couldn't help but smile at him making fun of her.

"Ha ha." She shot back rolling her eyes.

He continued laughing as he came and sat next to her. Turning he looked her strait in the eyes.

"The hormones kicked in yet?"

"Nope. Not that I know of."

"They will.' He assured her.

"Any swelling?"

"Not really, but my feet hurt a lot." She pointed out as her hand wondered down to her foot.

"And my chest is sore a lot and I've noticed they've gotten bigger."

"Well your feet are going to hurt. Your chest his hurting cause your breasts are getting bigger. Readying themselves to breast feed." He began to explain.

"Oh yeah forgot about that." Kate said in sarcasm as she rolled her eyes.

"Yeah. Unfortunately it's a choice you can't get out of here." Jack sighed remembering how Claire complained when she had nurse Aaron.

He stared off for a second thinking of Claire. How worn out and weak she was when she wondered back into the caves that night. She didn't remember a thing. None of them or what had happened. It was all a blank. She never did get her memory back.

"Where do they hurt?" He asked pulling from his thought.

"Right here." Kate pointed.

Jack looked to Kate for acceptance to touch her. Like he really needed it. She really didn't care. She liked when her touched. For medical reasons or not. His hands made her feel safe. As she nodded her head he raised his hand to touch her breast where she pointed that she had felt pain.

"Right here?" Jack asked applying pressure with his thumb.

"No here." Kate said putting her hand over Jack's.

As she did he glanced up to her. The look he gave her sent chills down her spine. He hadn't look to her like that since the night they had sex. Such a powerful gaze. Slowly she moved their hands down her breast to where she had pointed never breaking their stare.

"There?" He asked applying pressure to her skin causing her to jump.

Kate nodded as she swallowed hard. She didn't trust herself to form words. Still knowing where the pain was neither moved. She kept her hand on his as he kept his on her breast. Both staring intensely into each other's eyes.

"What in the hell…." A voice exclaimed and then suddenly went out.

They looked back to see Charlie standing there with his jaw to the floor. Neither had noticed him standing there. Dropping Jack's hand, Kate picked her shirt up off the floor and covered herself. Jack instantly stood up and walked in front of her. Charlie just stood there staring.

"It's not what it looks like." Jack exclaimed.

Charlie said nothing at first. Just stood there looking to Kate getting dressed and then back to Jack.

"Yeah it's not you two in the middle of foreplay.' Charlie stated as he began to head out.

Jack would've let him go, but knew it was time to let this cat out of the bag.

"Charlie wait."

"No you guys are making up. And I'm happy for the two of you." He quickly spat out trying his hardest just to leave.

"I was examining her." Jack proclaim with heavy exhale.

Charlie stopped and turned around. He and Kate both looked to Jack with curiosity of where he was heading. Charlie had no idea, but Kate did.

"Really didn't look like and exam. If they were like that I suppose more people would go to the doctor." Charlie joked stepping back into the caves.

"What's wrong with her?"

Kate held her breath waiting for Jack's answer as Charlie stared down to her. Jack looked back to her and signaled for her to come to him. She knew what he was going to do and she really didn't want to stop him.

"She's pregnant."

Charlie's eyes became wide as Kate walked up and stood by Jack's side. Then he burst into nervous laughter.

"Yeah ok."

"No I'm serious Charlie." Jack assured him.

He went silent again as he looked down to her stomach. Still she didn't show that much, but enough to tell him that his and Hurley's speculation was true.

"So the rumors are true?"

"What rumors?" Kate asked becoming defensive.

"People have been talking about how you've put on some weight and how odd you two and Sawyer have been for the past few months.'

"What peop-" Kate began before Jack stepped in.

"Look if anyone has any questions or anything else tell them to come to me." Jack instructed.

"So you're not gonna make me swear on my mothers life to keep this a secret?" Charlie asked seeing the look of Kate's face.

"Well it's time to get it out in the open." Jack sighed.

"Ok then." Charlie said.

With that he turned to spread the word.

"So you're just gonna let it out like that?" Kate asked as Jack turned back into the cave.

"You really think if I would have told him not to tell that he would've?" Jack asked gathering his things.

"I mean its Charlie. Just look at how fast us sleeping together spread."

After that Kate retreated back to the beach. And like Jack said words spread. Everybody knew, but no one said anything. They all looked down upon like she was poison. The same way Sawyer had in the beginning. Like she had all done something to them. Even now he looked to her with question.

The sun fell and the moon came up. The survivors all gathered around the bon fire. Some eating. Others talking. All of them looked to her for some explanation, but she had none to give. She just turned upon their stares and ate in silence as she watched the flames dance before her.

A sudden commotion caught her attention. She looked up to see if they had drawn their torches. Instead she saw Jack and a few others from the caves. Of course like he had said everyone came up asking questions. Kate couldn't hear all of them, but she knew they were all about her.

Watching him an odd feeling of nervousness came over her. She went back to the caves and how they had gotten so into the moment that they didn't even notice Charlie watching them. Why had something so innocent as a checkup turn into a circus of feelings between the two? Would they have gone further if Charlie hadn't entered? It was too late to tell. Now she'd never know.

More staring pulled her away from her daze with Jack. They all had looks of disgust as they walked past her. They whispered to each other gossiping. Some even talked of Claire. Kate turned back to the fire with her name. Worry soon came over her. She thought back to when they had first crashed and how no one wanted to be around Claire, but Charlie. He didn't care. He loved her.

Soon her thoughts turned to Jack and how he was sort of like Charlie to her. He didn't care what the others thought. Then she thought to how he was on the edge the whole time Claire was still pregnant. Watching over her. Making sure she was all right and comfortable. Then that fateful day came when she was kidnapped. They had all feared the worst. But as Charlie said she would come back and she did.

She was only back a week before she had given birth. A beautiful baby boy named Aaron. Nothing was the same after that. If you even consider the day-to-day living on an island the same as any other day.

She died from exhaustion early after giving birth to Aaron. The kidnapping put a strain on her body and mind. She wouldn't let the child out of her sight for a second. That poor child screamed for his mother until he just gave up. And Charlie left that on his shoulders for weeks. He begged her to sleep. Her body was just too weak.

Everybody changed after that. They started thinking. Why hadn't she? Why hadn't Jack? They had sex completely unprotected. She would've thought herself to be wiser. And she knew Jack should've said something. Were they that caught up in the moment? Then there was Sawyer. There was no doubt in her mind that protection never even popped into his mind.

Lowering her head she looked to her stomach now in plan view and thought to all around her. She thought to herself as she gazed over it.

How could she have been so stupid to of let this happen?

Quickly a shadow came over her and she became sick to her stomach. She looked up thinking someone had the guts to talk to her. Instead there was Jack with his warming smile. That feeling came about again. He sat as she turned her stare to the others and then the fire again. He remained quiet.

"They're staring." She announced in a hushed tone turning to him.

He turned to her with furrowed brow.

"Of course they're going to stare." He said glancing down to her stomach she ceased to hide.

"Yeah word spread fast." She said placing her hand over her stomach.

As she did everyone seemed to look to her. Watching her like hawks.

"I feel so bad."

"Why?" He questioned.

"I'm now this burden to the-"

"You're not a burden to anyone.'

"Sure Jack." She said shaking her head in sarcasm.

"That's all I've ever been since we found out. A burden."

"Not to me." He said.

"You can't honestly look at me and tell me that you've never felt burdened by this.' Kate challenged pointing to her stomach.

Jack looked away telling Kate all she needed to know. She was a burden. Even to him.

"You're not a burden." He said turning back to her.

"You never have been and never will be. You might be to Sawyer and them…" Jack continued glanced to Sawyer watching with the others across the way.

"But not to me. I'm with you 100 whether you like it or not." He finished.

She sat there in silence staring at him.

"You mean that?" She questioned.

"Every word." He assured her.

He was telling her the truth. He meant what he said. She could see it in his eyes as they glittered with the firelight. He was with her more then anyone else on this island. More then any one else had been.

"Thank you." She smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Your welcome." He muttered against her shoulder as he pulled her close.

Holding onto him Kate closed her eyes as he rubbed his hand over her back. His hands made her feel safe. Being in his arms made her forget about the others around them and all their questioning stares. She just wanted to sit there as long as possible without anyone interrupting them.

"Jack." Michael voice came from behind him.

Unwillingly the two pulled apart. Both had smiles on their faces as they looked to each other. They turned and looked to see Michael waiting for Jack. Charlie stood in front of him with an uneasy smile on his face. The words had spread further.

"I guess I have to go and explain." Jack sighed rolling his eyes.

"I'll see you later."

Leaning in he left a kiss on her cheek. Pulling back he flashed her a smile causing her heart to flutter. Then he got up and walked off towards Michael leaving her in a daze. She just sat there watching him walk off not caring of the others staring. She felt so much better after what he had said. He was behind her no matter what.

Soon her daze broke as Charlie came walking up. His smile had dropped. Instead he tried his best to look at her, but it seemed hard. She turned and tired to make it easy for him to walk over. He was a silent as Jack was as he sat down next to her.

"So…"

She looked over to him seeing that it was again hard for him to look at her. He glanced between her and the fire.

"Charlie.' She smiled hoping to make him comfortable.

"Kate." He smiled back.

She could see her smile had lightened him up and bit, but he was still holding back.

"How many people did you actually tell?" Kate asked her smile still played on her lips.

He looked away with a chuckle.

"Well there was Sayid and he told Shannon. Sun and she told Jin. And then…" He continued counting all he told and their confidants on his fingers.

Kate had to laugh at his honesty. She didn't mind him telling anyone. It really didn't bother her. It was the way those he told acted to the news. He turned to see her laughing and he had to laugh. The awkward feeling he had had only moments ago faded.

"I'm really happy for you and Jack.' He said becoming serious.

Kate lowered her head blushing. It wasn't the heat. It was again his honesty.

"Thank you Charlie."

"You're quite welcome." He smiled.

"I want you to know I'm here for you."

Kate again began to blush. He was being too sweet to her.

"And if I tell you to sleep you're going to sleep." He warned her pointing his finger in her face.

"I will." She smiled.

Kate looked away as thoughts of Claire reentered her mind. She thought he too would start thinking. Instead he looked over her shoulder to see Hurley emerge with Jin. Hands full of fish. Kate turned seeing Charlie stare.

"Best go tell him. He's been with Jin all day so he has no clue." Charlie joked getting up.

"Good night."

"Good night Charlie."

With a wink he headed off after Hurley. Kate watched him like she had Jack, feeling the same sort of comfort, but to a different degree. He trotted up to Hurley and began to talk. Soon Hurley's eyes became wide. Laughing, Kate just simply waved telling him it was ok. He left her with a thumbs up as he and Charlie walked off to situate themselves among the group.

Turning she searched to the crowd for Jack. As she scanned the faces she realized everyone was there. Every survivor sat there that night all together on the beach like they had the first night they crashed. They hadn't all been together like this in more then six months. Seeing this brought a smile to her lips. It was an unofficial celebration of finding out she was pregnant.

Coming to the end of the crowd there he stood talking. Quickly Kate realized he was talking to Sawyer. Her face dropped as she watched them. Waiting for punches to be thrown or yells to break everyone's stare with her. Instead they stood calmly talking to each other. Kate even saw smiles. This slightly scared her. The two fathers of her child standing there having a normal conversation. There had to be something in the boar. Still it being odd it gave Kate a sense of relief knowing they could stand next to each other and talk without a fight. Maybe if they could do that they could raise a child.

Again her daze was broke as Sayid and Shannon came walking up. He seemed more willing as she looked like she was being drug to her death. But they both came walking over to her with smiles on their faces.

"Kate…" He began pulling Shannon to his side.

"We want to be the first to congratulate you." Sayid smiled.

"Sorry, but you're the second." Kate announced.

His face dropped. He quickly furrowed his brow in a question of whom.

"Well the third actually. Charlie came over here and Hurley gave me a thumbs up."

"Whatever number in line I wanted to say I'm happy for you." He smiled again.

"Thank you." Kate smiled back looking to Shannon.

She waited for her to say something, but doubted it would happen. It became awkward as she waited. They just stood there. Obviously Sayid was waiting too. Kate saw that she seemed to be entranced with her stomach. Her eyes never moved from it. She was thinking of something to say.

"Whose the father?" She asked.

Sayid was the one to become offended. He looked back to her cursing her under her breath. She fought him back wining under hers.

Kate looked away and over to Jack and Sawyer who still held a non-violent conversation. That was a question Kate didn't have the answer to. She didn't know if she ever would. Maybe once the child grew up they could tell from looks. Still it was a good question that even boggled Kate's mind.

Who was the father?

Claire did die, but Boone is still alive. I killed her off to add the scared feeling to everone.