Ok so this next story is written for Sunniva who requested a post island fic. This one will be a lot tamer than the last one ;). I didn't kill Libby just because I didn't want to so Michael never turned bad. There is a bit of background information at the beginning but please bear with it.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION (WE'LL SAY K+ JUST IN CASE)

It had been three months since the rescue of the survivors of Flight 815. Everyone had slowly gotten their lives back in order though for those months it had been a little hard with all the media attention and the basic news of being alive for when two years everyone thought they were dead. There were joyous reunions and some sad ones for people who came back to find loved ones had passed on or perhaps had even moved on. Charlie had returned to find his brother trying to restart the band. Two years ago Charlie would have jumped at the chance but things change and people grow up. Charlie considered himself a family man now with his son Aaron and unborn baby on the way. He and Claire were going to make a go at it and figured they'd stay in LA for awhile until they got their bearings straight and could move on from that. Jin and Sun had also decided to stay on in LA with their little daughter. Jin didn't go back to work for Sun's father and she couldn't be more pleased. Hurley had come home to be greeted by his mother where he introduced her to the love of his life Libby. They bought their own house and were deciding what to do with their lives as well. Sawyer had become the island's spokesperson though no one of the group ever recalled electing him that position. He had shown up on every television show flashing his dimples and recalling the horrific events on the island that most would think only happened to him. There was a large settlement split amongst the survivors and Sawyer was enjoying it immensely with his flashy car and even more flashier women. Michael and Walt were found as were some of the Tailies by the government officials who raided the beach. Many of the Others were put under arrest for acts of terrorism and what not.

Sadly not everyone made it off the island, Boone, Shannon, Joanna, and Scott had all perished. The government was working on a way to excavate the graves so the remains could be brought home to be buried properly. Locke, Eko, Rose, Bernard and a couple other people chose to stay on the island and there wasn't much anyone could say to change their minds.

Now the person who got the most attention though unwanted was the island leader Jack. When the survivors returned though they all had different emotions and feelings toward their experiences they all had one thing in common. Everyone talked highly of a doctor named Jack Shephard. Even Sawyer had begrudgingly praised Jack for saving his life after Sawyer had been gravely injured when he had courageously taken a bullet in trying to save the young boy Walt. Those were Sawyer's exact words when asked about the incident. Jack Shephard had become a household name and then when it was discovered that the heroic doctor had fallen in love with Kate Austen the fugitive, the media was sent into a frenzy. Kate Austen had been wanted for the murder of her father Wayne; she had been cleared of all charges in her friend Tom's death and the bank robbery being she had saved the bank manager's life. She hadn't been sent to jail due to the fact a judge said the ordeal on the island was punishment enough so she was put on probation and was living with Jack. Neither two would give interviews, Kate because she didn't want to talk about her past and Jack because he was just too shy around all the reporters. When he had been voted People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive their second month back he had just replied with a modest thank you and gave no interview.

Jack also had a large female gathering which made him blush and Kate chuckle. She wasn't worried about him straying. They had survived way too much to be broken up now. When the Others had taken them they had eventually let her and Sawyer go but they kept Jack. It had taken months but eventually they managed to get Jack back. Since that moment Kate had been at his side as his best friend and lover. When they came back neither on expected the attention they would get especially Jack. Reporters wanted to talk to him, doctors wanted to see how he practiced medicine under such bad conditions, and the women usually hung around for a glimpse of the handsome man as they waved signs proposing marriage. Kate just smiled and shook her head, if anyone was going to get a ring it would be her first.

Finally as the third month hit, Kate and Jack managed to get into a routine and life settled. Jack was working at his old hospital but he required his hours from before to be cut in half. No more ninety hour weeks for him. He had a new life and was going to live it not work it. He also had Kate to come home to and that was more than enough encouragement he needed to punch out at the end of the day. Kate was working at a quaint little antique shop down the road. Jack had told her if she wanted to go to school and get a degree in something he would gladly help her out. Kate had smiled and said she wanted a job where she could make a little money but stay home in case it was ever needed. She had been dropping hints all over to Jack that she wanted to start a family but being Jack he didn't seem to pick it up. She smiled it was ok she would just have to find more intriguing ways to tell him she wanted a baby.

It was a colder night for the LA area with rain and cooling temperatures. Kate had gotten home and started on a pot of spaghetti. Jack was due home any minute and Kate was looking forward to a quiet evening with just the two of them. She turned on the television in the kitchen and listened to the news as she readied dinner. She was stirring the pasta when she heard Jack's name from the reporter. She glanced up wondering what the media was up to now.

"This is Gayle Highland at Channel 4 news. We just got a report that a car accident happened on Route 53 and sent another car spiraling into the Parkway Reservoir. We're sending you out to Kathy Wilson who is live at the scene."

"Thanks Gayle, the accident happened about half an hour ago here on the bust Route 53 when the accident occurred. Witnesses say that Jack Shephard, known from the Oceanic flight 815 crash was on the highway, jumped out of his car, leapt into the reservoir and rescued a young mother and her son from drowning. An ambulance not far from here arrived just as Dr. Shephard was pulling them ashore. Dr. Shephard got the woman and her child into the ambulance and sent them to Mercy Hospital. Hospital administration says both people are in stable condition and will probably be kept over night for observation. They also said they'd like to thank Dr. Shephard for his heroic act because without him these two people might not have been so lucky. This is Kathy Wilson and let's head back to the studio"

"Kathy, Dr. Shephard has become a bit of a celebrity since his return from the crash of Oceanic 815 and has been notoriously shy around the media. Did he give any kind of statement?"

"No Gayle he didn't he got in his car immediately after the ambulance was loaded and followed it to the hospital. You are right about his celebrity status. People were seen taking his picture here at the site and a couple even called out for his autograph."

"Amazing" Gayle said shaking her head. "That was Kathy Wilson on scene of a car crash that ended with Jack Shephard jumping into the water and rescuing two people from drowning. We wish those two people a healthy recovery and our wishes go out to Dr. Shephard as well for his heroic act.

Kate turned off the television feeling completely stunned. The phone rang and Kate grabbed it hoping it was Jack.

"Hello" she answered in a rush.

"Is Jack there?" she heard a female voice out of breath, before she could answer the voice squealed. "Tell him we love him. Go Jack!" She heard other voices squeal and scream his name in the background and Kate hung up the phone rubbing her forehead. Maybe Jack was right it was time to change the phone number again. Kate was used to reporters calling, and though she trusted Jack completely the women calling all the time was very annoying. Especially the ones who would talk filthy the minute the phone was answered which was usually by Kate. Listening to some woman describe kinky acts she wanted to do to Kate's man was not something she was fond of.

The phone rang again and Kate answered it annoyed, "Listen Jack isn't here and even if he was he would have no interest in talking to you because I keep him satisfied enough all right?" she barked.

"Uh Kate? I have no interest in my brother that way I promise" Kate heard a snicker and she sighed.

"Hi Claire, I'm sorry." She chuckled at what Claire's expression must have been like when Kate answered the phone. Claire and Jack discovered through the Others they were siblings and had become close immediately. Claire always joked she had a soft spot for Jack before then and thank god she didn't interpret her affection for him as romantic feelings.

"Crazy fan girls?" Claire asked.

"Yeah, I guess you heard?" Kate asked.

"Oh you mean how Aaron came toddling in to tell me Uncle Jack Jack was on the television? I swear my brother is a good man but he's going to give me a heart attack if he keeps pulling this stuff." Claire said.

Kate chuckled, "You're telling me, I better go my pasta is about to run over. I'll have Jack give you a call when he gets home." Kate said.

"Ok talk to you later hun" Claire said and Kate hung up the phone.

Kate finished the pasta and glanced at the clock, if Jack had gone back to the hospital she wasn't sure when he'd be home. As she debated putting the food away for later she heard the front door open. She turned and watched as Jack came in through the hallway throwing his keys on the table and setting his briefcase down. He was wearing scrubs and Kate wondered what had come of the clothes he had jumped into the reservoir in. He glanced up and saw her and he gave her one of his smiles that always makes her knees go week.

"Hi" he said. "I'm sorry I'm late I got caught up in traffic and…mphf" he was cut off as Kate leapt into his arms and kissed him hungrily. Jack returned the kiss happily as he squeezed her tight. When they broke away for air Jack smiled at her.

"Wow, if I come through the door again can I have another welcome like that?" Jack asked stroking her cheek.

Kate brushed her lips across his nose. "Nice scrubs" she said with a flirty smile.

Jack watched her suspiciously and then chuckled, "So I guess you heard huh?"

"Heard what, oh I know when you jumped into the reservoir to save a family?" Kate asked putting plates out on the table. "Yeah I saw it on the news, are you ok?" she asked walking back to him.

"Perfect besides ruining a nice suit" Jack said.

"It's cold out today and you jumping into the reservoir probably didn't help. Why don't you go change and we can have dinner and curl up and watch a movie under some blankets." She said stroking his hair.

"Sounds excellent to me." Jack said leaning in and kissing her gently.

"Excellent enough for a hero?" she asked teasing him, knowing how much he hated being called that. His answer was to lightly swat her on the behind and give her a dark look which only made her giggle.

They ate dinner and talked about their day besides the reservoir incident and then went into the family room and curled up with a bowl of popcorn and watched a movie. Kate was wrapped in his embrace and sighed and decided she should just tell Jack how she was feeling. Knowing blunt was best with Jack she went for it.

"Jack I want a baby. I know we really haven't talked about it but I want to settle down and start a family." She said playing with fringe of the blanket. He didn't say anything so she turned to see his reaction and a small smile appeared on her face. Jack was sound asleep. She sighed and rolled her eyes and focused on the movie. He had a good excuse today for being tired but tomorrow was a whole other day.

The next day

Kate walked down the hallway of Jack's hospital; he had called and asked her to pick him up because he forgot he had to drop his car off in the shop. She came around the corner and saw him shamelessly flirting with the receptionist Elaine. Kate smiled because Elaine had to be about seventy years old. She approached and caught Elaine's eye and winked.

"Come on Elaine." Jack poured on the charm. "When are just going to give in and run away with me?"

Elaine grinned at the handsome doctor, "And what about that lovely girl of yours now Jack?"

"Who Kate? She won't even know I'm gone" he said waving his hand in the air.

"Oh I won't will I?" Kate asked wrapping her arms around him from behind. Jack chuckled and turned to look at Kate pretending to look uncomfortable.

"Whatever you think you just heard wasn't right" Jack said and Kate grinned as he started walking them down the hall. He turned to Elaine and held his finger and thumb to his head and mouthed the words 'call me' which made both Elaine and Kate giggle.

Kate slipped her arm though his and smiled up at him shaking her head at his little antics. She looked up and she sighed unhappily. Up ahead was a nurse named Becky Stevenson. She and Jack had been good friends before the crash and Kate always had the impression that Becky had been waiting for Jack to come home from Australia to start a relationship. Needless to say when he miraculously showed up alive Becky was thrilled until she saw Kate on his arm. Since then things had been awkward. Becky made no point in hiding her hatred for Kate and Kate did her best to avoid Becky. It had been hard for Jack at first; he had really wanted Becky and Kate to get along. He had considered Becky to be one of his closest friends before the fateful crash. Unfortunately Becky didn't make it easy on him to try to stay neutral and he chose Kate easily. Becky had become manipulative since then always finding ways to be alone with Jack where she would try to talk him into leaving Kate for her. She also found it necessary to rub against him every time they stood near each other. Jack didn't even recognize his old friend anymore and he didn't want to. The last straw for him had been when he had been sleeping in the on-call room and Becky had snuck into the bed with him naked. He woke up and leapt out of the bed yelling at her and when people heard the commotion and came in Becky tried to say she and Jack slept together. Lucky for him another nurse named Ronnie had heard Becky tell someone over the phone what she was planning on doing. She called Becky out in front of everyone. It was even more sad when word got out that Becky was pregnant and had been hoping to seduce Jack and make him believe he was the father while she fudged her pregnancy months a bit.

Jack had no secrets from Kate so he had told her everything and then practically had to sit on her to keep her from driving to the hospital and killing Becky with a bed pan. Since then Jack had made formal complaints about the nurse's behavior and found out she was being transferred at the end of the month. She still hounded Jack but he had a solution to everyone's problems. He looked over to see his buddy Mark wheeling a box of medical supplies.

"Hi guys" Mark said stopping to talk to them. He got paged and swore under his breath. "Hey Jack can you do me a favor I'm looking for the new oxygen mask for OR 3 and Sandra said it was in one of these boxes, could you find it and put this stuff at the front desk. Just leave the box and the mask with Elaine. Thanks" he yelled running down the hall. Jack chuckled. He grabbed two boxes about the size of shoeboxes and handed one to Kate.

"Here if we both look this will go quicker. It's just a plastic mask like you see on television." Said Jack opening his box.

Kate nodded in understanding and opened her box. That was when Jack heard a gasp and a sputter. He turned to see Kate looking stunned into the box.

"Sweetheart what's wrong?" he asked concerned.

Kate reached in and pulled out a long stemmed red rose with a tiny card tied to it with her name on it. She looked at Jack and then at the rose when she let out a tiny squeak. Also tied to the rose was a beautiful diamond engagement ring.

Jack looked at it curiously, "Now I wonder how that got in there" he said and Kate looked up to see him with a smirk. She opened her mouth but couldn't get any words out.

Jack wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. "Kate? Will you do me the honor of marrying me? Starting a family with me? Living the rest of your life with me?" he asked as his pulse raced in nerves and anticipation.

Kate nodded and gave a choked up yes over and over again. Jack grabbed her and hugged her tight swinging her around. She felt tears of happiness stream down her face and when he set her down she kissed him hungrily. It was the sound of applause from the spectators around that reminded them they weren't alone. She looked at the rose and back at him she was shaking so hard as the emotions ran through her body. She held the rose up to him.

"Help me" she asked trying to control her tears of joy. Jack grinned and began to untie the ring.

"You know I'd love to say your little hints you've been dropping around the house inspired me to buy this ring and pop the question. However, I already had the ring and the plan before you even started dropping clues all over. It was so hard to hear you say things about starting a family and settling down and pretending I didn't understand what you were talking about." He finally got the ring loose and gently took her hand in his and slid the ring on. Kate let out a little sob and hugged him tight kissing his cheeks, lips, jaw and neck all over. She didn't think it was possible to love him more than she always had but right now she was proving herself wrong. People were smiling all around except for Becky who had stormed off in a huff. Another person who happened to be in the hospital was a reporter covering a stabbing incident. He walked out of the room and saw a commotion. He walked to see what was going on and was surprised to see the elusive Dr. Jack Shephard and Kate Austen engaged in a deep and passionate kiss and he noticed the sparkling ring on her left hand. He raised his camera and took as many pictures as he could.

The next day all of the Jack Shephard fan girls awoke to have their hearts broken when they were greeted with the front page picture of the doctor kissing the fugitive with a headline that said Sorry Ladies, This One Is Taken.

Jack and Kate were awoken from their blissful slumber after a night of passion and love making by the ringing of the phone. It was Claire wondering why it was she didn't hear about any engagement until Aaron dragged in the newspaper saying Uncle Jack Jack and Auntie Katie were on it. Jack had told her he'd call her back in which she had threatened him if he didn't. He hung up and turned to his beautiful fiancée and moments later they were making love once again.

Ok so there it is please review. On a personal note I don't live anywhere near LA so the highway and reservoir in this story are completely made up. I have no clue if reservoirs even exist in California ;)