Sorry it took so long. I was on temporary punishent.

Disclaimer: I don't own Lost or any of the characters.

Jack's cave

"So, Freckles. What's been happening since I left? Did you miss me?" Sawyer said with a sly grin.

"Well the survivors from the tail side of the plane found us and one of them accidentally killed Shannon. I think her name was Ana-Lucia." Sawyer's eyes widened with surprise.

"She killed Shannon! First she knocks me around then she kills Sticks! Man she's out of control." Sawyer's eyes were wide with surprise.

"You let a girl beat you up? You're slipping Sawyer." When he looked at her there was humor in her eyes. "So how are you and the Doc progressing? Since I've been gone I couldn't have monitored you two." Sawyer noticed the blush creeping up her face so he continued. "Did y'all kiss yet?" She was fully blushing right now.

"Who kissed who?" Ana-Lucia asked as she walked in with Jack. Kate looked at the two as they entered. So it's true. Jack was hanging out with Ana-Lucia, she thought to herself. She was close to tears. She pushed the two.

"I'm going to go get some fruit for Sawyer," she said and exited the cave. Jack realized that she was hurt that he went to Ana-Lucia instead of talking things out with Kate.

"I gotta go talk to her for a second," Jack said and followed Kate. "Kate!"

"Jack, don't! You've clearly made your choice."

The tears were spilling over. She leaned against a tree and wiped the tears away. Jack approached her and pulled her into his arms. She struggled to get out of his embrace. She succeeded and tried to get away from him. He grabbed her arm before she could run away. She finally had to face him.

"You can't run away from everything, Kate. Especially not me." Kate collapsed in his embrace and cried. Jack kissed the top of forehead, her eyes, and her nose. She looked up at him and he kissed her on the lips. It was soft and passionate, and told Kate everything she needed to know.

"Jack, I don't deserve you. She does. I've done horrible things in the past, and if we ever get rescued off of the island, I'm going to jail. Why should we start something we might not be able to continue? I have past issues that continue to haunt me. You don't want to have to deal with me." She tried pulling away but he held her more tightly.

"Kate, I love you. I know the things you did in your past weren't great things, but on this island we get a new life and a fresh start. You get one too. You do deserve me. You've been a great help around the island. You're like my partner. When I was tired, you made sure I got some sleep. Granted, the way you made me get some sleep wasn't the best, but it helped. I love you, and we do deserve each other." Kate held on to him tightly kissing him passionately.

Back at the caves, Ana-Lucia and Sawyer were watching the whole thing.