Disclaimer: Still don't own Lost.

Author's Note: Hey all! Thanks to all my reviewers—and for those who didn't; Off with your heads! Kidding. Okay, so here's another chapter—(By the way, sorry I haven't updated in forever)—that centers around Kate & Sawyer; and its absolutely—Okay. I'll just let you read.

Chapter One

The first morning light of dawn broke over the horizon.

Kate opened her eyes slowly. Everything was quiet, and for a split-second time seemed to stand still. Then gradually, the first sounds of the day came to her ears. Getting up slowly, she reached for a water bottle in her pack and splashed the cool water onto her face.

Jack approached, with some fresh fruit. "Breakfast?" he tossed her a mango and sat down next to her. "Somebody looks worn out."

She gave him a tired smile, and took a bite.

"You know, you should give it a rest. I know your trying to do everything you can to keep this place going, but if you overexhaust yourself, you won't be helping anyone." His worried look made her break into a smile, this time genuine.

"I know. It's just, with the bore running out and Locke saying there might not be enough food to last very long, I guess I'm just working triple time." She took another bite of mango, then began pulling on her boots.

"Yeah, but Gin is catching plenty of fish. And your not the only one that can pick fruit, you know," he said and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"Yea, I know." She finished tying her laces and rose. Jack swung his pack over one shoulder and handed her a water bottle.

"Well, I better get going. Sayid already has a head start, and Locke will be wanting to get out there soon. You coming?"

"No, I think I'll stick around here," she said nonchalantly, not wanting to seem like she was up to anything. "You know, maybe bring back some water from the caves."

"Okay. Take it easy, alright?" he turned to go. Kate waited until he reached the other side of the beach, then turned and headed for the jungle.

Making her way towards the trees, she stopped suddenly and reached in her pack. Feeling around, she felt an extra tank top and towel. Satisfied, she continued on.

Finally, she reached a denser part of the jungle and felt around some ivy. Her hands brushed something hard and cool. Aha, she thought, smiling to herself. She stepped onto the rock and parted some leaves and branches. Stepping through, she paused, taking in her breath slightly.

The waterfall tumbling into a vibrant clear pool was a sight she had seen many times before, but it never failed to take her breath away.

Climbing down towards the water, she dropped her pack on the ground and pulled off her shirt and jeans, leaving only her underclothes as she dove in. The cool water closed over her, surrounding her with refreshing pleasure. She dove deeper and opened her eyes. As she reached the sandy bottom, she saw luminescent shells embedded in the sand. Reaching for one, she kicked off the bottom and spiraled upward. The sun sent streaks of light through the water making rainbow bubbles as she broke the surface.

Climbing onto a nearby rock, she sat, ringing out her hair.

"Well, look who came to see me."

Kate jumped, looking up. Sawyer sat on a higher rock, gazing down on her.

"Sawyer, what are you doing here?" Kate asked in an annoyed tone.

"Same reason you did, freckles. You seem to forget we found this place together. I have just as much right to be here as you." He climbed down to her rock, pulling off his shirt. "What, you gonna sit there and mope?"He grinned and dove in. His head popped above the surface. "Watcha waitin' for, freckles? Come on!"

She rolled her eyes, smiling. She jumped off the edge, crashing into the water. Coming up, she splashed him andwent back under, kicking away. Suddenly he was right below her, tickling her side. She laughed, bubbles streaming from her mouth and broke the surface. He came up after her.

"Whew!" Sawyer laughed.

Kate treaded water, grinning. "So, why did you really come here?" she asked.

"Well, aren't we nosy?" Sawyer drifted back towards the falls. Kate swam after him.

"You'll have to catch me first, freckles," he grinned mischieviously and disappeared under the surface.

She dove in after him, swimming quickly. Opening her eyes, she saw him just disappear behind the cascading waterfalls. She closed her eyes, diving deeper under the waterfall, then coming up on the other side, swimming towards the surface. Coming up, she gasped for breath and looked around for Sawyer, blinking water from her eyes.

"Peek-a-boo."

Kate spun around, into the laughing face of Sawyer.

"Well, freckles, fair's fair. You found me." He pulled himself up out of the water and onto the rock ground behind the falls. She pulled herself up after him.

"Now," he said, still smiling. "You asked me why I really came here." He paused, and Kate suddenly noticed how his hair fell in front of his face, and how his muscles glistened. Before she could stop herself, she reached forward and pulled him towards her, her lips meeting his. He reached his arm around her waist, returning the kiss, slowly at first, then passionately. She broke away first, breathing quickly. He chuckled softly,brushing her hair from her eyes.

"Well."He spoke softly. "You answered your question."