Thanks to BaskteBall Babe8 and SassyLostie for reviews. You'll see how Skate is involved in the tournament soon enough ... but not in this chapter! And sorry for the long wait for updates. I feel bad for neglecting this fic and I've got so many ideas for upcoming chapters up in the air, but I've also got my GCSE's going on at the moment so I'm busy.

This part's a short 'un. And I've got another chapter ready but it has no Skate in it so I might wait and post it as part of a longer chapter later.

Enjoy!

Chapter 5

Part 2

Scene 4 -

( It's a fresh morning. Early, as the camp is still silent and the only sound is the waves, washing in and out. )

( Interior shot of the tent. Early morning sunlight lights pushes it's way through the gaps in Sawyer's makeshift tent. Sawyer and Kate are in bed, asleep. Sawyer takes up most of the mattress, lying spread eagled on his back. Kate is sleeping on his left, facing outwards and curled into the edge of the mattress. None of Sawyer is touching her, except the arm accidentally pinned beneath her. It had been wrapped around her earlier in the night, but when she rolled over the arm unfolded and had been taken with her, now squashed beneath her torso. Sawyer however isn't awake. )

( Kate then murmurs in her sleep, and rolls her over, her body falling into Sawyer's side and her hand lightly hitting in the face. Sawyer wakes, disturbed and momentarily confused, then notices Kate lying on his chest. And he smiles. )

( Wincing slightly, as his arm has gone to sleep, Sawyer gathers Kate up in his arms more fully, so they are both more comfortably aligned. Kate doesn't wake, just simply moves in closer to Sawyer, her hair falling across her face and her arm flopped over Sawyer's waist. Sawyer lets it rest there, and his head falls back onto his pillow, eyes shut. )

( It's later in the morning. Kate is getting dressed inside the tent. Sawyer is already sat outside. He looks up as Kate exits. )

( Sawyer glances up over the top of his book as Kate walks in front of him. )

Sawyer: Morning.

( Kate glances toward Sawyer who is still reading. )

Kate: You won your bet yet?

Sawyer: Yet to be decided.

( Kate grabs a bottle of water and drinks from it. )

Kate: The tournament's still on?

Sawyer: Sure is. I saw the hobbit and the man o'wisdom talking this morning. Guess they decided another few rounds were necessary.

Kate: ( Strangely curious ) Is that bad?

Sawyer: ( Not picking up on it ) Hell, I don't care, teams are fixed now, and I'm still putting all my money on Locke's side winning.

( A little pause. But then - )

Sawyer: What's got you all interested Freckles?

Kate: ( Shrugging ) I'm not.

( Then changing the topic - )

Kate: Man of wisdom? Is that supposed to be Locke?

Sawyer: ( Returning to his book ) All he needs is a damn beard and a walking stick.

( Sawyer turns another page and Kate disappears inside the tent. She returns a minute later with boots on. )

( Sawyer looks up. )

Sawyer: ( Surprised ) You off already Freckles?

Kate: ( Shrugs ) Might go play.

Sawyer: Soccer?

Kate: Sure.

Sawyer: But they already got the teams fixed, you go mixing them up you're mixing up the odds!

Kate: Well then I'll be a substitute or something. Besides, I want to watch.

( Kate narrows her eyes at Sawyer from where she is standing in front of him. )

Kate: I thought you'd want to too. You know, keep an eye on your bets.

Sawyer: Got me a nice patch of sand warm and ready. Don't you worry Freckles.

( Kate, with a teasing smile, says - )

Kate: You gonna play?

( Sawyer laughs, out of surprise. )

Sawyer: You serious?

( Kate shrugs, as if it isn't such a bad idea - )

Kate: I'm playing.

( Sawyer looks back down at his book and scoffs in his heavy southern accent- )

Sawyer: Well thanks, but no thank-you Freckles.

( Kate points out - )

Kate: You're coming anyway.

Sawyer: Only to collect my winnings.

Kate: ( Ever reasonable ) You haven't won yet.

Sawyer: Yeah, well we'll see about that.

Kate: Fine -

( Kate grabs a full bottle, then stands, facing Sawyer. )

Kate: You ready to go?

Sawyer: ( Eyebrows raised ) Already?!

Kate: ( Looking around ) Yeah, the sun's nearly overhead so it must be nearly noon. And I've already had breakfast.

Sawyer: Yeah and we've only been up for 2 hours. What you in damn rush for?

Kate: Do I have to drag you to the pitch or do you think you can get up by yourself?

Sawyer: I'm coming, don't fret yourself. Just right now I happen to be preoccupied -

( Sawyer waves his book around; )

Sawyer: - I think Miss Marple's onto something.

( Sawyer looks back to his book and adds in a lower tone. )

Sawyer: Besides I got better things to do than watch people run around like little kids jacked up on candy.

( Kate bites her lip and smiles down at Sawyer in an amused way, eyesbrows raised in an expression that clearly finds Sawyer cute when he's being over-dramatic. )

( Sawyer catches this expression and sighes, in an irritated world weary manner that makes Kate grin more. )

Sawyer: Yeah and you can wipe that look off your face too Freckles. You go on ahead. I'll catch up later.

Kate: ( Leaning down ) You sure?

( Sawyer fixes Kate with a glare. )

( Swallowing down a smile she straightens up and grabs her bottle of water. )

Kate: ( Shaking her head in mock regret ) Fine, suit yourself.

( Kate walks across to Sawyer and in a rare public display of affection, bends down to kiss him goodbye. Sawyer holds her there with a hand on the small of her back, then breaks away. )

Sawyer: Knock 'em out shortcake.

( Kate just smiles. )

( Kate then turns and starts to walk away. But then Sawyer, not in jest, realises something. He grabs Kate's wrist, and spins her round, stopping her from leaving. )

Kate: ( Pulled back ) What?

Sawyer: ( Seriously ) You any good at soccer?

Kate: What?

Sawyer: You any good at playing?

Kate: ( Frowning ) Why?

( Sawyer heaves a little sigh, as if in disbelief that he has to spell it out. )

Sawyer: Because I got some money going on Locke's side.

( He narrows his eyes at Kate knowingly. )

Sawyer: And I know you, you're gonna be playing for that other lot, and if you are, you better not be scoring them any points.

( Kate laughs lightly in amused disbelief, and Sawyer tugs on her arm, quite serious. )

Sawyer: Freckles, we got a lot going on this game and you 'aint gonna spoil it. Right?

( Kate smiles, knowingly, and looks Sawyer in the eye to reassure him. )

Kate: Don't worry. I've never even played football.

( Sawyer stares at Kate a moment, dubious, then lets go of her arm. Kate gives one parting smile then walks off. )

( Sawyer returns to his book and resumes reading. Settling back into his reclined position Sawyer tries to find his spot on the page. Glancing up only once, in the direction of Kate's receding back, Sawyer starts to read. One more chapter before he goes.

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