Chapter 13- Everybody wants Kate
"Hey Freckles!" Sawyer yelled obnoxiously.
Kate looked out towards Sawyer. Somehow he looked like he was having more luck than Jack. She had been fighting the instinct to take the "fishing pole" from Jack and do it herself. Kate wanted to kiss Jack. She shook her head as Sawyer screamed for her again.
"Yes Sawyer!" Kate screamed back. She had no idea what he wanted.
"These damn fish ain't biting!" He yelled.
Kate crossed her arm, "What exactly are they supposed to be biting Sawyer, Your hand?"
Jack chuckled to himself.
Kate smiled back at him.
"Maybe you could come out here, and lure em' out."
"And how am I supposed to do that?" Kate asked sarcastically.
"Take off your clothes and do a little dance for me, and then jump in the water, and believe me babycakes the fish will come in flocks."
"Hey Sawyer!" Kate yelled back.
Sawyer swam closer to her. A suave smile crossed his face, and he gazed back at her with an intense need. "What suga?"
Jack placed down his "fishing pole" he was fighting the urge to go over to Kate, and Sawyer.
"If you keep on talking to me like I'm some sex object then you're going to be sorry."
Sawyer grinned, "Is that a threat or a promise?"
"It's both,"
Sawyer reached out his hand.
Kate didn't trust him.
"What are you going to leave me hangin' precious?"
"I know what you're going to do, it's so obvious."
"You think I'm gonna pull you in?" Sawyer teased.
"Hey, do you want to just call it a night?" Jack asked walked over to Kate.
Sawyer didn't like how close the Doc was standing to her. "So you're quitting?"
Jack shook his head, "I'm not quitting. But this is getting ridiculous, I think we should get moving."
Sawyer glanced at Kate. All he needed was one kiss. "So you're giving up Doc?"
Kate sighed. Maybe it was for the best, Her feelings for Jack had a mind of their own. And besides if she kissed him, she feared she would forget about Tom. He just died, and here she was thinking about Jack. Kate closed her eyes, why was she so confused.
Jack placed down his stick, with a string attached on the grass. "We got to go. The fire has been burning for a while, and anyone passing by can see it."
"So, if we die then we die." Sawyer replied nonchalantly.
"Nobody is going to die." Jack said with tenacity.
"How you know that?" Sawyer growled making a sudden grab at a fish that swam by his leg.
"Give it up Sawyer," Kate said tiredly.
"What, this ain't about you. I just wanna eat tonight." Sawyer snapped.
"Okay so all bets are off," Kate was drained of energy and she just wanted to go to sleep.
"Hold on there, I didn't say nuthin' about this bet being off, we still got a ways to go, ain't that right Jack."
"I'm with Kate, we're wasting time, why don't you get out so we can leave?" Jack advised.
"Don't tell me what to do. What the hell are we supposed to eat then tonight?"
"We'll figure it out," Jack said coolly.
"I'm a gambling man, and if there is one thing I don't do is let a gamble slip through the cracks. I'm gonna get me some fish, and I'm gonna get that kiss."
Kate leaned against Jack, "I thought you said you didn't care,"
Jack looked down at Kate's body resting against his. He was through playing games with Sawyer, they had different approaches. Jack was straight forward and goal oriented while Sawyer didn't seem to have any goals but instead motives.
Kate stood up, and then stared back at Sawyer expectantly waiting for an answer.
"I don't care," He growled. Sawyer turned around and started to swim out once again.
"Do you want to look for a convenience store?" Kate asked.
"There might not be one for miles," Jack replied.
Kate shrugged, "I need to get away from him,"
"Me too," Jack said.
The thought of being alone with Jack excited her. They were depending on each other, to stay alive. Kate glanced away from Jack for a second. Why was Jack waking so many feelings deep inside of her? Was it possible that Sawyer was right, and it did have to do with stress?
"Kate, what's bothering you?" Jack asked.
"Huh?"
"You do that a lot you know, you get this far away worried look, and then you zone off."
Kate pulled her hair out of her face, "I have a lot of things to worry about."
"Is there anything I can help you with?" Jack asked.
"Are you a psychologist too Doctor Jack?" Kate said with a smile.
Jack grinned, "No, I'm just a medical doctor, but I have flirted with psychology."
"You have?"
"Yeah, I didn't originally want to be a doctor, I wanted to be everything but, because my dad was one. I always thought I would never be as good as him…" Jack's voice trailed off. He looked towards the moon.
Kate stared at Jack for a while longer.
Jack forced the thoughts out of his mind, and then exhaled. He was letting go.
"Now what's wrong with you?"
Jack shook his head, "Reminiscing about the past doesn't do me much good."
"Me either," Kate whispered placing her hand on Jack's shoulder.
Jack smiled back at her in appreciation.
"Do you want to talk about it on the way to wherever we are going?"
Jack took the keys out of his pocket and then jingled them in front of Kate.
Kate tilted her head to the side. "Do you want me to drive."
"As a fugitive… if we get stopped."
Kate thought it over, and then smiled, "Your right Jack. Your always right you know that."
Jack slightly raised his chin, "Not really, I have a tendency to overreact."
Kate placed her hand on Jack's, "Should we tell Sawyer we're leaving?"
"Aahah!" Sawyer yelled.
Both Kate and Jack turned to Sawyer as if he was stark raving mad.
"What's going on Sawyer?" Jack asked.
"I done caught a fish, and I done caught a kiss too."
Kate rolled her eyes. For some reason she knew Sawyer was going to catch at least one fish with his unconventional method. Sawyer swam over to them, and then came out of the water.
He tossed the fish carelessly onto the ground. And then placed his hands on the wet soil so he could hoist himself up. Sawyer used his hand to pull his damp hair out of his eyes, and then looked back at Kate with sex in his eyes.
Kate stepped back.
Jack didn't want Sawyer to kiss her. It was a stupid bet, and if she didn't want to kiss Sawyer then she didn't have too. "Kate, you don't have to do this,"
"What the hell you talkin' about Doc, we made a damn bet, and I'm gonna get that kiss." Sawyer reached for Kate's arm.
"This doesn't change anything." She growled.
Jack wrapped his arm around Kate's waist. "Why don't you let her go?"
Sawyer clenched his jaw. He was going to ignore Jacko until he got to taste Kate's lips. "What you talkin' about precious,"
"Just because your going to kiss me doesn't mean anything."
"I didn't say it did. What are you trying to prove freckles?" Sawyer asked bringing his face closer to Kate's.
Kate turned away from Sawyer, and his lips brushed against her cheek.
Sawyer placed his hand under Kate's chin, and steadied her face in front of him. "The bet was a kiss on the lips, not on the cheek."
Jack's arm was still around Kate's slender waist, he gave her another gentle tug.
Sawyer dropped his hands from Kate's face, and then turned to Jack with a murderous glare. "Step back Boy,"
Jack stared back at Sawyer with undying determination, "If she doesn't want to kiss you, then she doesn't have too."
Sawyer balled his fists. "I said step back."
Kate looked down at Sawyer's fists. "Jack…it's okay."
Jack looked back at Kate in shock. He looked away in anger, and then tried to appear unaffected.
Sawyer chuckled, "It's okay Jacko, calm your nerves, if you wanna you can wait in the car until we're done."
"What the hell are you talking about Sawyer?" Kate snapped.
"I'm talking about you baby," He said taking her by surprise and then bringing her close to him.
Jack turned away and walked away from them. Usually he was in control, but when he was thrown for surprises he had a tendency to behave irrational, and uncontrollably. Jack clenched his fists. Damn Sawyer for making that bet. Jack tapped his foot angrily on the ground. He was trying to let Kate off of the hook, but she agreed to kiss Sawyer anyways. Jack turned around, and watched Sawyer slowly bring his mouth to Kate's.
Jack watched painfully as Kate turned to look at him with guilt in her eyes.
(Break)
Sawyer could feel Jack's eyes burning into him and Kate, but he didn't care. Sawyer stroked Kate's soft cheek.
"Can we just get this over with?" She growled.
"So your that type of girl huh, I always knew it." He said breathing heavy.
Kate rolled her eyes, "Don't make me slap you."
"I might like it,"
Kate looked at Jack once more. In his eyes she could see the disappointment and let down. She didn't want to kiss Sawyer, she wanted to kiss Jack. Before Kate could think anymore Sawyer's lips were on hers silencing her thoughts.
(Break)
Sawyer allowed his lips to dance with Kate's. Her lips were soft, and sweet. With his free hand he pulled Kate closer to him, and gently squeezed her lower back. He was surprised to see that she hadn't pulled away yet. Sawyer let out a low groan as he pressed his lips harder against her. She had a spell on him, he didn't want to care about her, but he was starting to get attached, no matter what she thought of him.
Kate slowly tried to pull away. Her lips were still moving with his, but she was trying to push him away with her hand.
Don't stop if you still want me. Sawyer thought reaching for Kate's hand with his. Kate tried to push him away again, but he kissed her harder, and with more intensity.
"Get off of her!" Jack yelled coming from no where.
Sawyer ignored Jack up until the point Jack pushed him away from Kate. Sawyer went stumbling back. He glared back at Jack with his nostrils flared and rage in his eyes. "What the hell did you attack me for!" Sawyer lunged forward and wrapped his hands around Jack's neck.
Taken by surprise Jack slugged Sawyer in the stomach.
"Stop!" Kate yelled.
Sawyer doubled over, Jack pushed Sawyer away from him.
Sawyer didn't take anytime to relax. He recovered quickly and then slammed his fist into Jack's jaw. Jack fell onto the ground with sudden force.
"Son of a bitch!" Sawyer yelled. He got on top of Jack and started to punch him repeatedly in the face.
Jack reached out and wrapped his hands around Sawyer's neck.
Kate ran over to Sawyer and tried to pry him off of Jack. "Get off of him!"
"Shutup!" Sawyer ordered.
"I said get off of him!" Taking quick action Kate pulled the gun out of her coat pocket , she brought the cold metal to Sawyer's back, "Get off of him."
Sawyer stopped. He turned around to look at Kate at first with animosity, and then his blue eyes traveled down to the gun she was pointing at him.
"Get off of him Sawyer,"
Jack pushed Sawyer off of him aggressively, "You're a crazy son of a bitch!"
"Shut the hell up, you attacked me first!" Sawyer wiped at a trail of blood that was trickling down from his lips. He stared back at Kate for a couple of seconds with a wounded expression, and then gingerly reached in his pocket for a cigarette. Damn her.
Kate slowly brought the gun down to her side.
Sawyer glanced at her once again, and then laid down on his back, as he started to light his cigarette.
Kate closed her eyes. She sighed and then glanced between Jack and Sawyer. Jack was the first one to attack Sawyer, but she knew he had done it because he thought Sawyer was being too aggressive. She thought it was sweet that Jack wanted to protect her, but she could protect herself.
"Are you guys okay?" She asked somewhat timidly.
"Just fine sweetheart, just damn fine," Sawyer growled taking a puff of his cigarette, and then blowing the smoke into the air.
Jack sat up and then walked away from them.
Kate watched after him. Poor Jack, all he was trying to do was the right thing. "Are you happy Sawyer?"
Sawyer forced himself up, and then rested his arms against his knees. "Happy about what? Getting attacked by Jacko, or getting held at gun point by you?"
Kate winced, "I had to stop you two before one of you got…"
"Don't give me that shit, you just didn't want him to get roughed up by me."
Kate scowled, "Jack can take care of himself,"
"But he doesn't think you can." Sawyer delivered with a wicked smile. He was hurt by Kate, and he wanted to get back at her.
"I'm going to go after Jack, why don't you get yourself together, and then we're going to leave."
"You're taking charge now huh? Where are you going to lead us too? The cops."
"You're not the only one running here. I've been on the run as long as you, so don't act like I don't know what I'm doing!"
Sawyer stood up, "Well I don't see you comin up with any ideas,"
"Just smoke your cigarette and shut up, I'm gonna go find Jack."
"And when you do why don't ya give him a kiss and tell em' I'm sorry," Sawyer carelessly tossed his cigarette on the ground, and the snuffed it out with his boots. He bent down to pick up something, and then stormed away.
Kate looked after him for a couple of seconds, and then focused on finding Jack. She took off in his direction using the moon to light her way.
(Break)
Sawyer stormed towards the car. He threw the door open, and then lowered himself in. Kate and Jack could make it on their own. He stuck the key in the ignition and then sat back, as depressing 80's soft rock started to filter throughout his car. Sawyer placed his hands over his eyes. He hated Kate for messing with him like this. Shifting the car into gear, he placed his arm on the back of his chair as he reversed wildly. The car wheels spun helplessly as Sawyer shifted the car back into drive, and then slammed his foot on the gas pedal leaving behind a trail of smoke.
(Break)
Sawyer stepped into the ballroom. He chuckled to himself. People shouldn't be allowed to have all this money. He glanced down at the expensive carpet underneath his shoes, and then up at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. He could get used to this.
"Sawyer, just the man I was looking for," Julian said coming over to him with a warm smile.
Sawyer gave Julian a firm handshake, and then grabbed a glass of wine from a waiter passing by.
"Welcome to the family Sawyer,"
Sawyer scowled. What a stupid bastard. Welcome to the family, what the hell did he think this was "The Godfather"
"I want you to meet some of my friends, the people that you will be working very closely with."
Sawyer nodded. He brought the glass to his lips once again, and then surveyed the spacious room for any females he could take home with him for the night. Someone patted him on the back.
Sawyer stopped searching momentarily and turned to face a group of men. They stared back at him with wide smiles, but underneath their fake smiles he could see anger. Sawyer wasn't scared of these guys because he had dealt with their type often. "Howdy,"
They laughed.
"I have a feeling he is going to fit in just fine." Julian said watching a woman in the corner.
Sawyer's eyes drifted over to the woman he was watching. A smile crossed his face. This woman was beautiful. She had beautiful olive skin, dark brown hair which hung down her back, and the deepest brown doe eyes he had seen in his life.
"That's my wife…her name is Molly," Julian said.
Molly. Maybe Sawyer could get to know Molly a little better because she looked just like his type. Young and in need of saving. Sawyer brought the wine to his lips once again, he had no problem leading women on, and then throwing them away.
"Julian, we're gonna go and take care of the business." One of the guys said.
Julian nodded with a stone cold expression. "Leave no traces, and if you suspect there is a setup get the hell out of there."
Sawyer raised an eyebrow. It sounded like they were on a mission to take someone out. Probably someone like him, someone that had stole the big ol' bosses money, and made a clean escape. However, as soon as Sawyer got what he wanted he was going to getaway, and they wouldn't be able to find him.
"Watch her," Julian said to Sawyer.
"Whatcha say?" Sawyer asked.
"I need to talk with the guys, Molly looks bored and when she's bored…just watch her."
Sawyer watched as Julian walked off, and then focused back on Molly. She looked at him, and then smiled.
Wrong move Julian.
(Break)
"Jack, where are you?" Kate asked. She stepped out of the woods, and then looked back around the river.
"I'm right here, you didn't have to come out here and find me Kate," Jack pulled off his shirt, and the dipped it in the river.
Kate slowly walked over to him. "Yeah, I did."
Jack squeezed the damp shirt in his hand and then placed it to his face.
Kate knelt down next to him.
"I can't believe I fought him like that, I'm too old to be getting in childish fights."
Kate gently reached for Jack's shirt.
"K…Kate," Jack said trying to take his shirt back.
"Shh," Kate said tilting Jack's head back with her hand and then applying pressure to his cuts and bruises. "I would like it better if we had alcohol."
"I would too," Jack said wincing as Kate's pinkie ran along a bruise on his cheek.
"I'm sorry, but you know it's not your fault. Sawyer is the one that was acting like a big kid."
"I guess I was out of control too, from where I was standing it looked like you were trying to push him away."
"I was, if you didn't tackle him when you did, then he would have been in the ground in seconds in extreme pain." Kate lied.
Jack reached for Kate's hand, and led her small hand towards a bruise right underneath his lip. "You missed that spot."
Kate's eyes traveled down to Jack's lips. A smile crossed her face as she brought his wet shirt right below the bruise. She was so fixated on his lips, and thoughts about kissing them that she wasn't paying attention to the actual bruise.
Jack opened his mouth to speak, and Kate accidentally put the shirt in his mouth. "Umm…Kate,"
Kate snapped out of it, and then applied pressure to the bloody bruise right underneath his lip. "I'm sorry about that, I was just thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
Kate felt her cheeks grow warm. "Just…um…"
"You're all tongue tied, are you still thinking about that kiss with Sawyer?"
Kate frowned and then slowly brought the wet towel down to her lap, "Of course not,"
"You sure about that?"
"I just fulfilled the stupid bet, and that is all there is to it. I knew Sawyer was going to rant and rave until I followed through, so I kissed him." Kate said.
Jack seemed to be searching for something in her tone or in her eyes. Kate assumed he was trying to see if she was lying about not liking her kiss with Sawyer. Kate looked away from his persistent gaze. "How does your face feel, does it still hurt as much?"
"Well yeah, but I'll be okay."
Kate smiled at him, "I just wanted to say thanks,"
"For what?" Jack asked.
"Even though I can protect myself, I just wanted to thank you for trying to help me."
Jack opened his mouth to tell Kate she didn't have to thank him, and then closed his mouth. "Your welcome,"
Kate used Jack's shirt once again to nurse his bruises. "So what are you going to wear now Jack?"
"We need new clothes,"
Kate smiled, "We do, but just in case it gets a little chilly do you want my jacket…I mean I have this tee-shirt underneath and…"
"It's okay, thanks though Kate." Jack gently took his shirt back from Kate and then balled it in his fist. "Maybe we should go and find Sawyer,"
Kate remained silent.
Jack turned to her, and then waved his hand in front of her face. Kate was staring back at him with a smile. "Kate," He whispered.
"Yeah Jack?"
"I want to read your mind, but I can't. So tell me what you're thinking."
Kate stretched her arms out in front of her, and then sighed. "I'm thinking crazy things, I think we need to start moving again."
Jack stood up, and then held out his hands for Kate.
Kate took his hand and he pulled her up. Kate placed her hand against Jack's chest as she stared up at him. Jack leaned closer to Kate, her eyes started to flutter closed.
Tom was in the back of her mind, but she didn't want to think about him now. How could she push him so far away, but then again how could she resist Jack.
Jack's nose rubbed against Kate's as he drew closer.
Kate took action. She didn't care anymore. She wrapped her arms around Jack, and then stood on her tippee toes to kiss him.
Jack seemed taken by surprise at first but he gave in quickly. He wrapped his arms around her small waist, and then tilted his head to the side so he could get better access to Kate's lips.
The moon disappeared behind a mass of clouds, and Kate and Jack continued to give into temptation as the crickets chirped, and the gently rolling waters of the river lapped onto the banks.
(Hey guys working on the shipper moments…way more is to come, remember though that they are still in danger even though things are calm for now…Thanks for the reviews, you guys are awesome. Peace.)