When Jack got home he was surprised and happy to find Kate's letter had arrived.

Dear Jack,

We'll I'm glad you find me beautiful. As you probably know by now.

And yeah, I do know what you mean by that. Sex is better when it not just purely based upon lust. It's meaningless and empty when it is. It's kind of sad really. I feel bad for the people who shy away from romantic relationships. They don't know what they are missing. I'm not saying I'm the queen of the romantic relationships or anything but lately I think I could be…

And I think I will give those Harry Potter books a try. I'm going to get the first one from the library tonight. And I tried your stupid peas and cheese sauce. It is disgusting! Haha, I don't know how you eat that!

Believe me, I know you're cute.

I like late night cause I feel like only me and one other person are wake for some reason. I don't know who, but its just me and them. It's a really cool kind of surreal feeling.

I'd love it if you taught me golf, Jack. That'd be really cool. I guess we'll have to see if the opportunity arises somehow.

Don't insult Lord of the Rings in front of me bucko! I love those books! They are mature and adult like, unlike Harry Potter! Since I'm reading Harry Potter you have to read Lord of the Rings.

So, you think I'm sexy because I have good taste in music? Well, beautiful is one thing Jack, but sexy is a whole other ball game…

And…as for if I want you woe me…I'd have to say…

Yes, I kind of do. But I sort of think you might have already. A little bit.

Sure, like you don't touch yourself. Yeah right. Hahaha, no just kidding. Here are some questions I didn't ask when we were on the phone.

How big is your bed?

Why do you have a big bed?

Or

Why do you have small bed?

What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?

Have you ever used a gun? When? Why?

Do you have a tattoo?

Are you missing someone?

What is the first thing you thought of this morning?

Last time you wet the bed? (either way, Jack, and you know what I mean!)

What were you doing before this?

What shampoo do you use?

Do you pee in the shower?

There, I think those questions are great.

Slightly embarrassed about her confession,

Kate

*

Kate was extremely excited when she got Jack's letter a few weeks later, the envelope decorated with stickers that were taped on for extra measure.

Dear Kate,

Oh, sexy is a whole other ball game that is for sure. Beautiful is timeless, special and hard to achieve. It has class, charm and is always stunning. Sexy, however, is playful, wild and mischievous. You, I'm sure, have both mastered into an art.

Lets not talk about how regularly I touch myself…hahaha…this could lead to some very hilarious information for you, and some very embarrassing story telling on my part.

How big is my bed? It's made for two. You never know right? I guess I have a big bed…well for one, I like big beds, and for two, maybe someday I hope that spot will be filled by a special someone. And till then I'll just have to pretend she's there.

The first thing I notice about the opposite sex…either the body, or the hair. Hair really stands out for me for some reason. And body, I know this sounds shallow but it is important to me. It's not the most important at all, but it is still up there.

Yeah I have tattoos, they are kind of hard to describe…I'll guess I'll just have to show them to you sometime…

I'm not missing someone really. But I suppose…I'm wanting someone to be here who isn't. I can't miss her, cause…I've never met her. But I do wish she was here. One guess who it is?

First thing I thought of this morning was the lyrics of the chours 'Rock You Like A Hurricane.'. Have you heard it? It was on the radio and I heard it and had it stuck in my head the rest of the entire day. It sucked. I was in the grocery store and I started singing it the produce isle and this women gave me the oddest look. Talk about embarrassing…

Last time I wet the bed…I was about 6…nightmares really got me when I was younger. Last time I wet the bed I was about 16…dreams really got to me…yeah, I know you are laughing. Cut it out.

Before I did this…I was using the bathroom. God. Honesty suck…hahaha and I use Irish Spring shampoo. I think it smells fantastic. Yes…on occasion I DO, pee in the shower, but in my defense it saves water. I strongly believe in preserving the environment, it is important. I have about five plants in my bedroom alone.

And I have to say, I'm glad you want me to woe you. Have…my efforts been successful so far?

What's your middle name?

Who's your best friend?

What are your parents named?

Do you have any siblings?

EXTREMELY embarrassed,

Jack Walter Lee Shephard

Dear Jack,

As a matter of fact, I have mastered sexy and beautiful down to an art, baby, how'd you know? *wink wink* Just kidding. I have no idea really; I guess I'd need a guys opinion on it.

Now you cannot dangle how regularly you touch yourself in my face and then snatch it away! That's not fair at all!! Haha.

Ooo, a big bed huh? I bet you put that to use often.

I have a double bed. Same reasons as you I suppose, just to image someone else there. Some you love, or just miss. And, I roll around a lot!

The first thing I notice about the opposite sex is there arms and hands. And I have to say, Jack, you have amazing hands and arms. One of the best I've ever seen. Really well built, big, masculine. Good job.

I bet the women who heard you singing Rock You Like A Hurricane in the grocery store didn't think you were a freak but was actually thinking 'dang, I'd let him rock me aaaallll night long.' Hahaha. Don't deny it! The first thing I thought this morning was 'wow, these sheets are comfortable!' I bought new flannel sheets and they are heaven in a bed.

Last time I wet the bed I was 4. Six? Six? Six, Jack? That's…horrifying but absolutely adorable. It's adorable because well, you had bad dreams. It's cute it picture you as a little boy, getting scared and going to sleep with you parents. But I don't suppose you did.

Before I did this I was eating dinner with Claire. We ate mostly Caesar Salad, our dinner are pathetic. I use Dove shampoo, to moisturize my hair more. I'm not one of those girls who dolls herself up or whatever, I'm a lot more down to earth then that, I like to think.

And…yeah…your efforts to woe me have been successful…surprisingly so.

My middle name is Elizabeth.

My best friends name is Claire. Hehe. You didn't know that?

My moms name is Elizabeth Austen, My step dads name is Sam. For the longest time I thought he was real dad. See, when I was younger he lived with us, so I assumed he was my step dad, because my mom left my real dad Wayne Austen when I was a baby and I couldn't remember him. But then Sam and her got divorced and she remarried Wayne, and then she dropped the bomb one day that Wayne is my real dad. I hate him. He used to… He used to hit around my mom a lot. He never laid a hand on me. But he was a really jerk. One day they decided they should go to therapy and he stopped. I was only in my teens. It was just really hard growing up with that.

No, I don't have any siblings.

Kate Elizabeth Austen

Dear Kate,

No, Kate, trust me on this. You do have it down. It surprises me. A lot of girls cannot do both, but you can.

I will not tell you how often I touch myself! That is waaayyy to personal. I suppose I can give you a ball park number…in one week it is only a single digit number. How's that?

Thanks, I've never thought about my arms and hands before. I guess they are all right, nothing to special, they seem like any old hands to me really.

You do not know what heaven in a bed is. Have you ever slept with me? No. You don't know heaven in a bed. Haha, kidddding. I'm sure they are fantastic.

No I never went and slept with my parent when I had bad dreams. I figured I should man up.

My middle name is Walter Lee. Jack Walter Lee Shephard. That's me. Incase you didn't pick that up from the ending of my last letter.

My best friends name is Hurley. He is fantastic and one of the funniest people I know.

My moms name is Margo and my dads name is Christian. They are…cold people.

Man, I cannot believe what you've been through with your own parents. Kate, that's awful! I'm so sorry. You deserve much better parents then that. If its any help, you've turned out wonderfully considering the kind of rearing you've had.

I don't have any siblings either but I wish I did, maybe a little sister.

Jack Walter Lee Shephard.

Dear Jack,

Oh, so there is a number of how often you touch yourself then? Jaaack Shephard. I'm impressed. I didn't think you had it in you. Just kidding. Considering one a horn dog you are, I'd be disappointed if you didn't. Mr. Random Bone. And no, I will never let you live that down.

But one number, huh? It could be nine. Nine times a week. Mmmmm. That's one a day, plus one two days a week! Wow. Nice stamina, Dr. Shephard!

They are extremely sexy hands, Jack.

Oh boy Jack. Now, I don't mean to insult you or anything, but I'm not entirely sure you say that you are heaven in a bed. I mean, I'm sure you are just a delight. But so are hamburgers. Now chocolate is good way to say that someone is heaven in a bed. You are probably just hamburgers while someone like…Marvin Gay is chocolate. Let's Get It On….

Aw, Jack. If you ever have a really bad dream, you can fly out here and sleep in my bed for the night how does that sound? Hahahaha.

I have a question…are you still depressed or what?

Happily,

Kate Elizabeth Austen

"So..." Lance said nervously looking at Jack from across Lance's desk. "I called you in here…to see if you…ah…how the pen pal thing is going? Still like her?" He asked.

Jack nodded. "Yeah, it is working great…" He grinned. "She's a fantastic girl. Really, really great girl."

"So...no second guessing yourself?" Lance asked hopefully, eye brows scrunched up.

"Ah, no, I'm still depressed." Jack said slowly, not really understanding where Lance was going with this.

"No, no, I meant, you aren't second guessing that you like her?" Lance said quickly fumbling with his tie nervously.

"No. Of course not, why?" Jack said bluntly. Lance blushed. "What's going on?" Jack leaned forward, suddenly concerned. "Lance?" Lance glanced up at Jack and saw the concern written across his face and blushed deeper. "Is there something I should know about? Something about Kate?" He asked.

Lance stood up like he was going to walk around and then sat right back down, looking flushed and alarmed. "No, no it's about…well it's about me." He explained. He looked at Jack and made eye contact but quickly looked away again. "I am…" He got up and looked out of the window. "I don't know if you know this about me, Jack…" He turned around. "I'm gay."

Jack raised his eyebrows and his jaw dropped. He would have never guessed. He knew Lance had never been married but he thought that was because he never found the right girl. Jack was far from a homophobe but he was little uncomfortable with why his supervisor might be telling him this.

"Oh, well, okay." Jack nodded and smiled at him.

"I'm in love with you." Lance said bluntly.

"Oh!" Jack exclaimed and fell back slightly in his chair, caught off guard completely. He started at his supervisor. "Oh!" Jack said again. "Well…I mean…well…that's…" He was extremely uncomfortable now. His supervisor was in love with him. He didn't want to be with a man, but he certainly didn't want to hurt him either. "I'm flattered, really…but I mean, I'm sorry, Lance…but I'm just not…gay." Jack said.

"Are you sure?" Lance asked.

Jack coughed. "Positive. I'm sorry." He offered gently. Lance nodded and Jack felt awful, seeing pain written all over his face. "Any guy would be lucky to have you; I'm just not that guy. I am really, so sorry, Lance." Lance nodded again and Jack hoped against hope he wouldn't cry. Jack got up. "I'll…let you be alone if that's what you want." Jack said and made for the door.

"Wait!" Lance called, hand under nose, voice trembling. "Can I at least…have a hug?" He asked. Jack looked around and then went and hugged the much shorter man. They stood their much longer than normal for two men hugging, especially since one's straight.

"This isn't turning you on, is it?" Jack asked uncertainly as they stood there way longer then Jack had anticipated. Lance pulled his head back and looked up at Jack.

"I'm in love with you, Jack, not lust. It'll take more than a hug if that's what you are after." Lance laughed. Jack felt his heart tremble when he saw tears in Lance's eyes. Jack pulled away and walked a few feet then came back.

"I'm really sorry." He said again. "I don't…I don't…I don't want to hurt you!" Jack defended.

"Just go, okay. It isn't your burden. It was rude of me to tell you this while you are depressed, Jack. Forget it ever even happened."

*

Jack sat in his office in guilt. Once he knew heard it, it made sense. Of course he was gay. It just made sense for him to be. Lance had never been married, Jack remembered now, he had gotten engaged but because he realized he didn't love her. I guess he realized he doesn't love women as a whole. Jack thought. He numbly reached over and picked up the phone, dialing Kate's number.

"Hello?" A voice asked. Jack paused and considered hanging up. It wasn't Kate on the phone.

"Hey…is Kate available?" Jack asked.

"May I ask who's calling?"

"Jack Shephard." There was a pause and lots of screaming. Jack frowned and suddenly a voice grabbed the phone and gasped into it.

"Hey! Shut UP, Claire!" Kate screamed and there was a crash and Kate started to laugh harder. He heard some banging and figured Kate was running up the stairs, there was a bang and Kate was panting. "Hey, Jack, what's up?" She giggled.

"So, that was Claire?" Jack asked, smirking. Kate giggled.

"She gets excited easily." She explained.

"Why is she excited?" Jack asked curiously, still smirking.

"Oh…ah…" Kate said nervously. "I'm not….well…"

"Kate…" Jack said warningly, teasing her.

"Cause its you…." She mumbled.

"What is so special about me?" Jack asked, his heart rate picking up speed, this wasn't so funny anymore.

"I like you, Jack. I mean…I really like like you."

"What?" Jack asking into the phone, but he was smiling. A huge happy smile. Kate liked him? Kate, the girl he had just only realized himself he likes, liked him back? Jack was filled with a euphoric feeling, one he hadn't had in years. "You like like me, Kate?" He teased good heartedly.

"Well…yeah but you don't have to be a jerk about it!" Kate snarled. Jack jumped slightly, surprised by her outburst. What happened?

"I'm not!" He defended. "Kate! I..ah…I like you to." Jack blushed. He felt like he was all the way back in the fifth grade again. He remembered telling Sally Cooper he liked her in the fifth grade, blushing like a fool, and when he tried to kiss her she spilt her chocolate milk all over him.

"You do?" Kate asked, hope ringing in her voice. Jack chuckled.

"Yeah. I have a…" he cleared his throat. "I have a huge crush on you." Kate started laughing.

"I have a huge crush on you to, Jack." Kate said clearly in a fit of giggles. Jack laughed to, his body hot, but in a good way. "How long have you know you like me?"

"I don't know…like a few weeks….what about you?"

"Maybe…three friggin months?" She laughed. Jack laughed to.

"I liked you before just a few weeks ago, I just had difficult admitting it to myself, you know…that I liked someone I'd never met before." Jack confessed. "Actually…now that I mention it…someone admitted something to me recently as well…my supervisor is gay."

"Oh, wow." Kate blurted out. "You aren't homophobic are you?" She sounded weary and somewhat alert.

"No, not at all."

"Oh well, that's good!" Kate laughed. "I bet that was awkward, but it could be worse right? At least he's not in love with you!" Jack chuckled and then was silent. "Right, Jack?"

"Ah..haha…"

Kate burst out laughing.

"What?!" Jack exclaimed. "It isn't funny! I feel really bad I'm not…like…that I'm not gay!"

The two sat around for at least an hour, chatting about Jack's gay friend. Kate stopping to giggle every once and a while, embarrassing Jack. She wasn't sure why, but the idea of a gay Jack was fairly amusing to her, mostly because she couldn't picture it, and it might be silly, but there was something else she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Soon, Jack noticed the time and had to leave, Kate bid him goodbye and happily hung up the phone and flounced down stairs and onto the sofa. Claire raised her eyebrows at Kate from the floor where she was playing with Aaron.

"Love struck?" She laughed.

"He's amazing." Kate sighed. She was suddenly sized with a euphoric feeling of pure giddiness. Kate pulled her knees to her chest and rolled over, her back facing Claire and buried her face in the sofa, grinning like a fool.

"You are so whipped." Claire laughed. Kate let out a squeal of delight and banged her legs against the sofa and thrust her hips into the air. She started laughing and didn't stop.