Kate stood in the kitchen, cooking spaghetti with James. It was late, and Claire and Aaron still hadn't come below decks. Kate was concerned, of course she was. Aaron was still her son. Kate smiled to herself; she was glad that Claire had allowed her to be a part of Aaron's life. She had been so sure that Claire would resent her. Suddenly, Kate heard a whooshing sound and she was pulled from her thoughts. She turned abruptly to the sight of Sawyer patting the flames out with a towel.
"James!" Kate yelled laughing, "You'll ruin the sauce!" Sawyer turned to her and smiled smugly. Behind him, the sauce came dangerously close to bubbling over into the flames again.
"Freckles, I know how to cook pasta." he said, exasperated. "Juliet taught..." At this, Sawyer paused for a moment. No matter how he tried to hide it, Kate could see the pain in his eyes. He sighed and put his attention back to his cooking.
"Anyway, I know how. Now will you pass the tomatoes." Sawyer turned back to the stove and stirred absentmindedly.
"You still miss her." Kate said quietly. It wasn't a question. She passed the can over to Sawyer; he dumped in the contents and stirred.
"It doesn't matter now." He said gruffly after an awkward silence. Kate got the message; Talking about Juliet was off limits. "Don't beat yourself up." he said aloud, with mock cheer. Kate smiled at his back and left him alone.
"Here, taste." Sawyer help up the spoon to Kate's mouth. Sawyer's hand moved quickly, and before she knew it, Kate's whole chin was running in sauce. Sawyer grinned. "Oops." he said. Kate smiled, then licked her lips and considered the taste.
"Could use some salt."
"Everyone's a critic." Sawyer said, more to himself. Out of the corner of her eye, Kate noticed Sawyer reaching for the salt. Kate laughed and wiped away the sauce. It was nice to be able to spend time with Sawyer. Sawyer laughed back, and before they knew it they were both laughing hysterically. Kate reached over and dumped sauce on Sawyer's shirt.
"You've done it now." Sawyer said, grinning. He dumped sauce all over Kate's clothes.
"Do you two need any help?" came Claire's voice through the door. Kate and Sawyer froze and turned. Penny was right behind Claire, taking in her destroyed kitchen. Kate imagined what it must have looked like. Sawyer's shirt was covered in red sauce, his hand frozen in mid air clutching a glob of noodles. Kate herself was holding a bowl of vegetables aloft, some of them already on the floor.
Sawyer looked around at the mess. "No," he said, barely able to contain his laughter, "I think we're fine. If we need anything, we'll holler." He said kindly.
"Okay." Claire said quietly and turned to leave. Aaron wasn't with. Then, Kate heard the boys laughing from the bunks and let out a sigh of relief. Claire must have just put him down for a nap. she thought to herself. Penny stayed behind and grabbed some glasses from the cupboard.
"You two had better clean this mess up." she said sternly. Sawyer chuckled. Penny grabbed a few plates, and told them it was alright.
"Will do," he said apologetically, "Sorry about the mess." As soon as Claire's footsteps were gone, Kate turned to Penny.
"I saw you two talking together," she started casually, "Is she doing alright?" Penny set down the plate she had been holding and leaned back against the table. She crossed her arms before starting.
"She seemed fine. A little upset, but who can blame her." Penny stopped as if recalling something, but then shook her head. "She seemed happy." she finished. Sawyer gave Penny a suspicious look that Kate caught before grabbing some spices.
For a few moments, they worked in silence. Kate stirred the noodles, Sawyer the sauce. Kate heard the sound of footsteps, and a few seconds later, Desmond emerged, looking uncomfortable. He ran a hand through his hair before leaning against the wall and crossing his arms.
"I'm afraid I've just upset your friend." He said, nodding his head towards the stairs. "She's up there now."
"What happened?" Sawyer asked angrily in his southern accent, "what did you say to get her riled up?" Kate was surprised to see concern etched into his features. Sawyer had become very protective of Claire before she disappeared. And then, she remembered that he had been the one leading Claire when she went missing. He feels guilty, she thought to herself.
"I was talking to her about Charlie." he looked at them, as if expecting a negative response.
"I'm sorry" he added. Then, Desmond noticed Penny and he smiled warmly, walking over to her. In the process, he fell to his knees and hit the table with his arm.
"Help!" Penny cried. Kate rushed over and helped Penny prop him up. Desmond's eyes were fluttering, and he was muttering to himself. Claire burst through the door and took in the scene, her eyes wide with shock.
"Get a first aid kit! It's in the bunk room!" Kate yelled. Claire ran off as Desmond began to wake.