AN: Thankyou for the reviews, they inspired to draw a little more angst between our two lovebirds. For all Sana fans. I hope that you like the final chapter.
Chapter2
For a whole week he seethed. The caramel dark witch caused more drama than was humanly possible, yet, here he was - worried about her. Of all people.
Ana bloody Lucia Cortez.
Staring at the empty spot where her campsite had once been and was no more since a week ago, knotted his belly inside out. Damned if he wasn't privileged to know where she'd got too.
His mind plunged back to a week before.
Hope had flickered through him at their last meeting that day gathering firewood on the beach. She'd flirted with him, taking the sting out of her replies enough to sound almost playful.
A burgeoning interest in his fierce diva spoke to his male ego. Wanted to be the reason she smiled, laughed and opened up to.
She posed an impossible mystery to him. Something intriguing and defiant to wile away his hours - unraveling. When she had become more, he couldn't say.
At the bunker, he'd waited through the torturous checkup with Jackfrosty fingers. The blasted doctor taking his sweet time - didn't want his rival to get back to Ana as quick, did he? Then it was too late to make the trip back to the beach. Endured the night at the caves, only to be delayed by Claires baby, Aaron, who couldn't be consoled by anyone until he read something.
By the time he made it to the beach again, it was well into evening. Her fire was burning down the way, but he was too knackered to make the walk.
By morning, he decided to play it cool. Didn't want to seem too eager - like some half-wit anxious to get laid. No. He was suave - a player. Women came to him. Not the other way around. When she failed to do so, his confidence in knocking the ice-queens chip off kilter, sank to an all time low.
Her avoidance had altered the script.
Was she trying to taunt him with the hope she had unintentionally sparked in him, and found reciprocated, in her dark and now deceptive eyes?
For damned sure, she had been cagey enough to skip off hunter-stylin' with baldly. No chance of him getting his hands on a straight answer. Or her.
He wanted an explanation, but hell if she was giving him one. Giving him anything, since she wasn't around to give it. Having tossed a turned the fourth night in a row, with no sign of her, he'd had enough. Stomped down to the end of the beach, had a belly full of insults and raging hormones to let loose -
Camp gone and the nymph who once occupied it. And this is where he'd been positioned since. A daily ritual of scowling and teeth-grinding awaiting her return. Like some lovesick puppy...
Sawyer growled under his breath, staring daggers at the empty spot. What trouble had she gotten her pretty little neck up into?
A gentle voice pulled him from wayward thoughts.
"You're worried about her."
Kate. He raised an impervious eyebrow, accompanied by a tempting smile that for a moment, erased any leftover tension since her defection to the Doctor-do-right.
"She owes me, Freckles." he stated, trying to diffuse the insinuation of her previous statement. "I collect my debts."
"Hmpf." The brunette snorted, drawing his blue eyes to sapphire pins.
"You don't like her, do you, kitten?"
She shrugged, not sure of the answer. "She's bossy, patronizing and reckless. What's not to love?"
Sawyer chuckled at her dry sarcasm with his own. "Ain't she just?"
Kate turned her widened gaze on him. He was impressed? "You care what happens to her."
What a question. Just two weeks, and he'd become stricken by the obstinant beauty. Her quiet rage and sullen mood swings, and such a sadness in her that pulled at him - did he care for her, the way Kate meant it?
"Why Sweetheart," his sexy, easy grin slid into place, mostly to ward off Kates tenacious curiosity, "You gettin' a might envious?"
She avoided the question like a detested relative. "Didn't think you'd notice with all the drama.."
She motioned with one hand to the semi disarray of the beach, and those few who struggled to clean up the strewn belongings left along the beach.
Ah, the piglet boars. They'd been coming into camp more of late and wrecking merry havoc. Locke had volunteered to do some hunting and trapping, and for reasons no one could fathom, had taken Ana with him. Not only had she accepted this, - she who got lost on their second day trekking through the jungle to the camp - but left without saying nary a word to anyone about it. The rest of the camp found out, when they woke to find them both gone.
He lifted his shoulders in a bare shrug. "Ain't as wild as some creatures here, curls." He reached over and gently placed an errant lock of brunette behind her ear. Smiling at their shared memory of the rampaging Polar Bear and a vengeful boar.
She smiled invitingly up at him, adopting their friendly banter once again. Almost. Jack and Ana swung between them like an axe, a path not taken.
"Sun got some new greens for the beach to try this evening, if you want to come with." Kate offered, trying to cull the emotion of regret.
Invitation open, he cast a final glance at the empty spot once more, before turning back to the brunette. A dimpled grin in place that could melt butter. He'd eat, flirt, and get as much information as he could get.
"Neveh turned down a beautiful womans invite," he salaciously grinned, throwing a friendly arm about her shoulder as they made their way towards the camp. Whatever happened now was not entirely up to fate or the islands mysterious shenanigans - this time his fingerprints were gonna be all over it.
Cause all in all, he wasn't through with Miss Cortez by a long shot.
Early morning primordial light spilled down through ancient jungle canopy into the thick fern and brush, slivers of light falling on them like a soft rain.
John Locke stretched from his crouching position near the fire, easing out sore muscles and tendons from the long nights sleep on rough ground. Taking in their surroundings with a keen eye.
They'd made camp on the summit of a mountain almost a few miles from the rest of the 815 survivors, setting traps and deterrents for the marauding boars in the valley below. Miss Cortez had proved herself able, regardless of her insistence otherwise. Together they found flint stones in the rock face, and climbing higher, had discovered new bush vegetables, a wealth of unusually large game birds, roots and berries to replenish their dwindling hatch stocks as well as Suns growing garden. A productive venture to be sure.
He looked to his quiet companion, gathering the containers used for preserving, ready for transport. In just a week she had began to transform. Of course most of that change was due to the greater distance they got from camp, from the accusing glares and whispers, the lighter and more agile she became. Her eyes no longer held the frantic look of the hunted. Defiance, yes. Determination, always. But her body lean and taut, no longer held the jarringly mechanical movements of a battle traumatized leader. She still had the look of a woman possessed when it came to trap building - seeing as she dug a pit on her own on the other side of the island - and the fundamentals of tracking which he took pleasure in teaching her. Reluctantly, his memory called up Boone. He'd made many mistakes with his young charge. Mistakes he regretted. But one thing about this island was, there was always a chance for redemption. She'd had enough course in learning that since her return.
The Island would take no more from her, he was sure. It was time for her to get something in return, and he hoped it would be soon.
"We should be able to clear and pack up the traps this morning, and return to the others this afternoon."
Ana hesitated in her actions of packing, contemplating what he had said. They were returning to Jack.. and Sayid. Two men she owed through the tragic killing. Jack seeing her with damned pity and disappointment. Sayid with loss and longing. And Sawyer. The look he gave scared her the most. It spoke of hope, and something that could unravel the pain and loss.
She didn't glance up at Locke, but rather nodded once in agreement, setting about her work again. Heart aching.
Locke secured the hunting belt about his waist, abruptly becoming still, his senses on alert. From the dark cover of shadows, his eagle eyes picked out a crouched form. Human. Male.
Blond.
He watched her and was torn. Wondered what he could say to persuade her from this solitary and familiar destructive path, or ask in return that he could hold fast too other than past regret or the strange yearning kinship to her, that had grown in her absence.
But his anger at having her abandon whatever they had begun stung him. The feelings pushed each other around vying for top billing.
In the midst of it all, John Locke stood like a sentinel. Brooding. Diligent. Eyes fixed on him like a spotlight. Should have known he couldn't hide from the hunter. Ana had yet to notice their impasse - the challenge. Better that way, Sawyer wasn't sure he could handle them both.
Right. John could veto this unexpected quest of his. Deny him any chance - and he'd have the right, 'cause Sawyer was known for doing a lot of harm - but he'd hoped that the hunter had seen in her the same heart he; himself, had denied he'd had. Before someone cared to dig deeper. He'd always owe freckles for that. He wanted to be that for Ana. He respected her for surviving all this time, for enduring, and she deserved a home with them. Shoring up his resolve, he stood up and faced Johns unwavering, suspicious glare.
Johns eyes constricted in the light. Sawyer could have been a statue if not for the latent energy he emanated. The two mens gazes locked, held fast. Each man taking the measure of the other.
Locke was a man not to be trifled with, on any occasion, but least of all when it came to those he considered friends. Which apparently, included Ana. Sawyer stood straighter then, elevated his chin ready for whatever happened. He'd not humped it up this hill to turn tail and slink off. The hunter silently questioned the young mans motives.
Why? Why now?
Sawyer couldn't answer yet. He hardly knew himself. But he was here, for the fierce Ana. Was that enough?
Locke seemed to accept it. Gave a cursory nod, before turning his attention back to Ana.
"Right," John broke their companionable silence, her dark eyes peering up at him as he spoke. "Won't be a moment. Nature calls."
She seemed hesitant at first, forehead corrugated as if she had sensed something questionable about the statement. Finally she conceded, giving the man trust enough to allow him whatever space he needed.
"Four minutes," she managed to put authority in her requirement. "Then I'm coming in after you."
John actually flushed at her candor. His grin wide and bright.
"I'll try and remember that," he laughed quietly, turning and heading into the forest without acknowledging either one of his new charges. She watched him go, mentally counting the minutes. Something in his manner and tone alerting her to a inexplicable change - but what?
"Now yo' Daddy gone," a deep southern voice growled so close to her, she jumped in surprise. ".. wanna fool around?"
She shot up from her crouch like a rocket, rigid back, breathing fire. His belly tightened, drove a hunger into his blood and bone and quivering flesh. God he missed her.
"Sawyer," she exclaimed, swallowing obscenities left right and center, "What are you doin' here--" Wide eyes narrow suspiciously. "Are you out of your mind followin' me?"
"Maybe," He met her fire with calculated defiance. "We need to talk."
"Not the place or time, Blondie." She growled admonishing, how many times did she have to repeat herself that the jungle ain't a place for a chat. "Haven't you learnt that yet?"
"You'd be surprised what I've learnt since meeting you, kitten." The gently harassing smile was familiar, but his serious tone spoke of something else. "You don't have to be here."
Yeh, right.
"Never mind why I'm here! How did you get here?"
"Walked."
Smart ass. "Who brought you here, because you sure as hell can't track..."
"--Says the girl who got lost on our second day back..."
Patience vanished. "Who. Sawyer!"
He remained infuriatingly silent, that knowitall smirk making her fists itch. From the corner of her eye, she caught movement, head swinging to the left and saw the mahogany dark hunter. His eyes meeting hers across the distance, a sort of apologetic grin warring bright in the darkness. Her glower hardened further, mouth curling into a snarl, as he soon disappeared into the forest again, interrupting the oncoming tirade she had more than ready.
"This ain't over Ecko," she hissed after him. "I'll deal with you later."
Sawyer jumped into her personal space. "Better deal with me first, Chica."
Oh. That flipped her switch. She turned on him in a heartbeat. He wasn't surprised.
"You," she railed angrily poking a finger in his chest. "You get your arrogant ass down.."
".. in the nicest of ways, ahm sure."
Teeth gritted at his insolence. ".. down.. this.. mountain, before I chuck it down."
That smirk was back, ready to take the offer. But Ana's rigid back and cold scowl told him he walked precarious ground. He changed tactic.
"So," he stalled, leaning into the trunk of a tree with his shoulder, eyes hooded. Unreadable. "You and Elmer?"
She ignored his statement, since he obviously ignored hers.
"Did you hear what I just said, hustler?" she demanded, hands balled at her sides. "By the way - you call Locke that again and I'll bust you in the mouth so hard, it'll wake your dentist."
He didn't doubt it. "I recall you making the same threat before, Rambina." he faked a meancing grin. "Remember mine?"
Her eyes clouded. Knew he could make good on it, if he wanted. If she let him. Ana looked as though she seriously considered it.
"You got something to say, hotblooded?"
Plenty. But he chose his words carefully.
"Had himself another prodigy," he ventured. "Got him killed."
"Told me," she frostily informed him. "Accident. Don't need your take on things."
Eyes that knew her drilled past her defenses. Reaching stone walled silence.
"Do yourself a favor then," he elaborated, sarcasm laced ire. "Don't go into any drug planes."
A muscle kicked at her jaw to yet another slur to the hunter, but she held her tongue between sharp teeth. Willing to bite it clean off, rather than give him the satisfaction of rooting under her skin.
For a long awkward moment they stared at each other, trying to discern the strange twist to their stand off. It almost sounded he was concerned for her safety. Did he come out here to save her? Or gloat she was out of her depth again? She took a step back, uncomfortable with her thoughts.
She dismissed him with a scowl, projecting to shift him down the same route he'd come up. "Ecko went that way..so move your ass.."
For the first time he complied willingly to her orders - in an instant was so close to her, that she felt his heat envelope her. Challenged her on all levels as a woman.
"Don't have ta tell me twice." Dimples in both cheeks winking at her in the sun.
Awareness of him sizzled through her. He was doing it again - offering her something tangible to hold to, like he did back on the beach so many days ago. And she had been afraid then, as now, when he hadn't come to her the next day, or the days after that. Had he realized she wasn't worth the hope he'd so charmingly given her? She couldn't risk getting involved in someone else's life on this island. She'd failed so many it would be better if she disappeared. This opportunity with Locke could let her slip away. As it turned out, he was about as cunning as Ecko. Her plans for complete exile, axed by the ever vigilant hunter. As time went on, they'd shared knowledge of the 'others' and discovered some interesting correlation's to help them in their rescue. Ana found her feet.
Great lotta good it would do, if Blondie here could sweep her off them.
She stared past his shoulder, reminding them both of not being alone. "Locke should be back soon."
Was the arrogant bastard squelching a smile?
Adroitly, he shifted into her view. "Never mind about Poppa Bear, Chica. Why are you running from us?"
She shored up her resistance, the need to flee or fight like hell.
"Back off, Sawyer," He was too close, and instinct took over. "There is no 'us'," she growled warningly, shoving him.
Big Mistake. The instant they touched it was like electricity. instantaneous. The wanton ache that flowed from him to her and back again. Shocked by the intensity,the incrediable pull drawing hersmack right into Sawyers broad chest. She reared back as if burnt. His muscled arms shot out to grip her forearms to stop her stumbling backward.
"Easy chere," he drew her closer to him, not sure of what excuse he could use that would require doing so. "I've got you."
He stared down into her eyes, mouth dry with the same reaction as she was, apparently. There was no use in denying it any longer.
"Can't do that, Rambina," he whispered, referring back to her previous request. "I reckon we both know that now."
He surprised her then, backing her up against the coiling trunk of a large tree, pressed into her tight. eyes peering into hers, interrogation style.
"What are you afraid of?"
She groped for an answer that would satisfy them both. Came with nothing that mattered a damn when he was looking at her, like no man had ever looked at her like that before. Even when she was madly in love, had she ever looked at him like he was looking at her right now.
Suddenly, it seemed as if the entire universe had narrowed to just his intense, bright blue eyes, and Ana caught her breath. A depth to drown in, she struggled to remember to take another breath. And another.
Done with denying himself any longer, he lent down and in. Blond locks falling around them like a curtain, brushing against her face, the round of her cheek and exposed nape of her neck. She had time to move, if she wanted too. She didn't.
One hand at the small of her back, the other cupping her chin, tilting it upwards, Sawyer claimed her mouth with his whisker-bitten own, hard and male, and very adept. Gentle and soft, in its plea and breathy benediction, she found herself clinging to him out of need. Her legs would not hold her. He gladly took the slight weight, pressed her further, closer. Grew enamoured, tasting her bottom lip, full and berry ripe, with the tip of his ardent tongue. Smoothing the seam of her mouth, testing. Making his purpose known. Only when she went rigid, began to squirm free, dispute it and him, did his kiss go deeper, his hand at the back of her head, mastering her. His tongue pushing past the barrier of her denial. Her hands; unusually still in this battle of wills, caught in his shirt, an acrimonious fist to push him away. But intimacy had a way of disclaiming all she fought to enforce. The other, reaching for his hand at her back, to rent it from warming her skin, evoking a tremble in her that he relished. Craved. Suddenly, she found her body lifted, pressed to the unyielding surface of the tree, placed and held there by the strong body of this fascinating male.
Her hand trapped over his. The moan she had been resisting, rumbling from her throat in a hungry desperation. His reaction was immediate.
Sawyers kiss became passionate, desperate - basking in her warmth, her heat and desire. Words and breath denied to them, for actions and want and need to touch and be touched.
The moment she gave, the fight went out of her, accepting what he said was true, knew it as such, he reluctantly released her. Frightened himself, how easily he could get lost. Stepped back, breathing heavily for someone who hadn't meant to do that.. but dreamt it more than he'd ever admit too. Helplessly he ran his tongue over his lips, tasting the sharp spice of her.
Wanting to taste her again. He willed himself to let her come to him.
"There's everything in life - but hope." she responded regretfully, thinking of her unborn baby. What could have been if not for actions of fear and desperation. Had seen it reflected in Sayids face the night she killed Shannon. She looked back up into Sawyers eyes, had to warn him - people like her and Sayid grieved because of love.
"We're alive, Ana." He murmured, held her gaze. "After all they tried to do. We've survived." He leaned into her, jaw caressing her soft cheek, imprinting himself there - with touch. "Seems to me, that's hope enough."
And she wasn't ready for him. Not for his words and the depth of sincerity - said without sarcasm, rebuke or bitterness. Said simply, honestly and with knowing it, heartbreakingly, himself.
He brought his hands up slowly, and she felt a warm tingle indent itself through her skin as his hands cupped her face. Drew her closer. She could not look away.
"Whadd'ya say Ana? Is this enough to hope for?"
Ana tried not to think of hope and Sawyer in one breath, but it was hard. He'd come all this way - for her. Had endured the same isolation and now offered her something possible. Hopeful. For her. She closed her eyes, relinquishing her answer with a sigh against his lips.
Two days later.
He hadn't been able to keep his eyes off the far end of the beach for two days straight. Hurley and Charlie had exchanged knowing glances, not daring to share their humor with the rest of the group, though to be sure - they were well aware of the Southern mans longing.
He flipped over, pounded the airline pillow scavenged long ago, like most of his possessions in his tent, and tried to get to comfy. Nothing.
Sighing frustratedly, he levered himself up on his elbow glared at nothing in particular as his two companions gossiped about the latest goings-on since he and Ecko had returned - without the other MIAs.
Locke had returned on his own, Ana and Ecko had been at the hatch in talks with Jack and Michael in rescuing Walter day and night. A hunting party was to be organized soon. Since then, he'd not seen hide nor hair of her.
He pitted his powers of persuasion against her guilt-resistance and come up flailing. Had he crossed the line by kissing her? He placed his fingertips against his lips, pressing the memory of her there. Yes, most likely. Did he regret it?
Not one bit. He wasn't gonna beg though. He'd given her the chance.. with him.. with coming home.. and now it was up to her. He made it clear that if she accepted one, she accepted them both.
"Libby!" A shrieking growl pierced the usual morning calm. "If you say one. more. word..."
"Wot the 'ell was that!" Charlie hissed, all immediately on edge and anxious, turning towards the voices.
His head snapped up. Their eyes met. Sawyers jaw hit the sand. Ana emerged a few meters down the beach. Intent on him. Libbys voice startled her back to her bullish companion but not before his eyes burned with male satisfaction.
"Jus' saying," Libby responded huffily, somewhat amused. "You wanna share my tent since you're moving back, or do you got another one in mind?"
The therapists gaze flickered along to him, suggestively, before returning to the fuming Latino female trying to out stride her. Leave her behind.
"That, kids, is the delicate sound of thunder." Sawyer favored his companions with a killer grin. Stood, then, shaking off the sand and ambled slowly to meetRambina half way.
Sawyer dared to chuckle as Analucias voice, escalated towards Libbys insinuations. Fed up, Ana shoved her tarp and meager possessions into Libbys arms, swiveled back and marched towards him, a knowing smile forming his lips. It struck him so completely, that he nearly gaped openly at her. He knew what she intended, and to hell with the stares - she was amped to get it.
He wasn't about to tell her no.
Charlie looked at him like he was mad.
"Where are you going?"
"Got me some pressing matters, boys." Sawyer smirked at his companions, winking over his shoulder. Hope and joy reaching his eyes in a long time, taking her in with everything he allowed himself to be. Because as he knew from the first time they kissed... and the second one, darn near barreling its fiery way towards him now...
"Lots of pressing. Matters."
And welcomed his Ana home.
The End.