The LOST Writers' Island

Sawyer opened his eyes and looked over at the other side of the bed. Empty. He turned towards the clock on his side dresser. It read 7am. Where in the hell was Shannon? As in answer, he heard the front door slam. Sawyer sat up shirtless, the blanket falling down to his naked waist. He usually slept naked. It made him feel good. But he wasn't feeling so good now as he watched Shannon stumble in the large room. Her hair was a mess, going this way and that. Her clothes were disheveled and wrinkled. Her makeup was smudged all over her face making her look like she'd been punched in both eyes.

"Dont tell me youre just gettin' in," he said in disbelief.

"Dont fucking start with me. I had a rough night." She said as she threw her purse on the floor.

"Only parents of babies can say they had a rough night. You were out dancin and boozin." He looked at the clock, "Till 7!"

"Yeah well we had fun! The girls thought it'd be a good idea to have some fun at a strip club. And yeah I stripped and yeah it was fun." She crossed her arms.

Sawyer got out of the bed and stormed over to her in all his naked glory. "You stripped in front of men?"

"You're just jealous!"

"This ain't about jealousy goddammit! You couldve been drugged and raped!"

She ignored his last comment, "No surprise there! Youre never jealous!!!"

She was so self-centered, he thought as she walked into the massive master bathroom. He followed.

"Jesus Shannon! Don't forget that youre my woman and I dont want you putting yourself in danger!"

"Fuck off Sawyer! We never do anything fun together! I wanted to live a little."

"By the sounds of it, it was livin a lot." He turned from her and walked over to the window, he placed his hand on it and leaned into it, looking at the breathtaking view of Central Park.

He felt her hands go around his middle and her face on his back.

"I never do anything for myself," she said softly.

"The fuck you dont." He said and then smelled her. The smell was pretty strong, "You smell like Old Spice."

She was silent.

And thats when he knew.

He pushed her away and turned to face her. His jaw clenched, "You fuck him?"

"You gotta understand baby. I was partially drunk. I wasn't in my right mind..I..."

Sawyer clenched his fists and turned around. Of all the things she'd done to him over the last year. Of all the shit he put up with. This was the line she crossed.

She met his icy blue stare and looked away.
 
"We ended up in the mens bathroom."

"How classy." He said with attitude.

"Dont do that! Dont turn this situation against me! I didn't do anything wrong!"

"I guess fucking some random guy behind your boyfriends back aint wrong."

She crossed her arms, "It was only one time! My god! Its not like I do it every night. You can forgive me and we can move on! I'm nursing a bitching hangover and I dont need this."

"Yeah? Well I dont need this either. Get out." His face was worthy of a sculpture, it was so stony.

It was her turn to be shocked. "What??"

"You heard me Shannon. Get your shit and get the fuck out of my place."

"But...But...I have the photoshoot today with Posh Magazine! The biggest magazine in the country!! The interview is about my lovelife and you need to be there!"

"You shouldve thought about that before you went and fucked prince dickhead." He turned from her, went to his closet and put on a white robe from Givenchy. With his muscles potruding this way and that, he looked damn sexy.

"I'll have your shit sent to wherever youre stayin."

"YOU CANT DO THIS TO ME!!!" She exploded. "THIS is the BIGGEST BREAK OF MY LIFE!!!!" She started breathing hard. "YOU'LL RUIN EVERYTHING! HOW CAN YOU BE SO FUCKING SELFISH??!!" She couldn't breathe anylonger and was now gasping for air.

"Jesus." He went into the bathroom and grabbed her asthma thingy and gave it to her. "Relax dammit!" She was making him sympathize for her.

She was sobbing now and looked so pathetic. He rolled his eyes heavenward.

"Fine!!" He shouted as she looked up at him through puppy eyes. "I'll do your fucking interview. But after that, we're through."

Sawyer couldn't believe she got to him again. He wondered if he would slave to her for the rest of his life. It was a disturbing feeling. One that made him unsettled for the rest of the day. He dressed in a sharp, dark blue, Ralph Lauren Outfit, sans tie, opening the first few buttons. Slicked his hair back and shaved just a little. Dabbed a little of that new Antonio Banderas stuff on his neck, grabbed his briefcase and went to work.
 
In a meeting, he was told that 'Sunset', one of the biggest cosmetic lines in the world, were going perfume. And had come up with a great smelling one that they were sure would catapult them into the biggest fragrance company in the world. And they asked Sawyers agency to come up with a slogan. The name of the perfume was 'Sunrise' and Sawyers boss wasted no time in making him in charge. The owner of Sunset, Sun Kwon, would be coming in two weeks to see what they came up with. This could make millions for Sawyers company. It was the biggest job he'd ever had so far. And Sawyer had no idea how to come up with something romantic.
 
He and Shannon hadn't exactly had a romantic relationship. Come to think of it. He'd never been in a romantic relationship period. Before Shannon there wasn't anyone. Just flings, one nighters.

Sawyer had done the interview with Shannon. It was the first time Shannon showed so much affection to him. She did simple things. Touch his hand, smile at him for no reason..well, in her case there was a reason...she'd hug him, give him quick kisses here and there. All throughout the interview. And when it was time for the photoshoot and Sawyer said he had to go, she even kissed him passionately and told him he'd see her later. Like hell, he thought. He never wanted to go back to his relationship with Shannon. That was a mistake from the door. But still, she bothered him. Later that day, she had called him several times. Asking for favors and what not. He knew he had to sever ties with her completely to finally be free.

The night came. And he found himself really looking forward to going to the little cafe and seeing miss shortcake again. He had a shitty day having to deal with Shannon and her facade of happy bliss. He was blessed by a smile from Kate as he walked in. There were only three other customers and he took his usual seat in the corner.

"Hey there." She said. "Same thing as last night?"

"Yeah, minus the cake," he said with a charming smile.

"Right," she drawled out, making him laugh. She smiled again and went to get his mocha. Man did she make him feel good. All thoughts of Shannon were out the window as Kate walked over to him with his drink. "There you are," she said as he pulled out his briefcase. He bought a couple of wedding magazines, hoping for some kind of inspiration. She noted and frowned a bit.

"Planning a wedding?" She had no idea why she would be upset if he was. She hardly knew the man with the dimples and long, silky hair. She sure knew him in her dreams last night. Getting herself all wet. She blushed a little and pointed to the magazine to get his attention off her face.

"What? Oh no..I work for an ad agency. Tryin to come up with some ideas for a girly perfume."

"Oh, youre one of those. Never met one before. Thought you people locked yourselves in a closet somewhere and didnt come out until an idea hit you."

He deepened his dimples, "Well, some of us are like that. But I thought it was a well hidden secret.''

She laughed loudly, god how he loved her laugh.

"Well, if you need any help with that, just let me know. Maybe we can figure it out together sometime."

"I'd like that." He said.

As he went back to his studies, Kate went behind the counter and blushed just a little.

"Is that a blush I see?" Cindy asked in a low and teasing voice.

"Stop it," Kate said, still blushing.

"He's a winner," Cindy whispered.

Kate smacked her arm playfully, "Shut up."

Cindy laughed and went back to work. Kate stole a peek at this familiar stranger, felt flutters and went on to the next table.

Chapter 3

For the next two weeks, Sawyer came back to the small cafe on the corner. He found that he liked being around Kate. Her wit was on fire and her beauty was unprecedented. He came every night without fail. If a meeting was scheduled for late at night, he'd cancel on them just so he could see Kate. They casually flirted and he wanted to learn more about her, but she was so hesitant on revealing anything about herself other than her name. He was fine with that for now, as long as he got to see her. And he hardly saw Shannon. He was never home and he never paid attention to see if she finally moved her stuff out of his place.

The pressure for the ad was becoming too unbearable, the deadline was on Monday and Sun Kwon and her team would be meeting with the firm to make a multi-million dollar deal. He was frustrated beyond frustrated. On Friday night, he went into the cafe and laid out the wedding magazines on his table as she brought him his mocha.

Kate smiled, "Just out of curiosity, whats the name of the perfume?"

He cleared his throat as he looked up, "Xcuse me?"

"The perfume you have to advertise. Whats the name of it?"

"Sunrise."

"Sunrise," she repeated. "Youre in for it," she laughed, "Sounds like a hard one."

"Just need inspiration." Dimples deepening.

She nodded his endless pile of magazines, "Perfectly posed brides?" Shaking her head, "Dont think you'll find it there."

"Oh yeah? Well where'd'you suppose I'd find inspiration?" He asked in an obvious flirtatious voice.

"Central Park river," she said without hesitation. "Look at the couples on the gondola rides." She winked, "Theres your inspiration." She gave him a nod and turned away.

He smiled at her back. That was a great idea. But being around all those smooching people was a big turn off.

Time passed and the cafe was closing down. Kate and the other girl he'd seen a million times before but didnt know her name, were wiping down tables and flipping chairs over. The time got away from Sawyer. He was pouring over magazine after magazine and no ideas came to him. His brain was fried. He pulled a twenty dollar bill out of his pocket and put it on the table. Kate walked over and grabbed the tip, "You sure you know what youve been leaving me?" She asked, already putting the money in her pocket.

"Great service, what can I say?" He smirked. Sawyer left her a twenty every night.

She laughed as she wiped down his table, "Well thanks. Its a real big help. You have no clue."

He could smell her as she wiped the table. All too aware of her body. He swallowed and stood up, putting his suit jacket on.

"Nice suit," she said as she came up.

"Thanks," he answered, liking the compliment.

"Kate," she and Sawyer turned to Cindy.

"Yeah Cindy?"

"I'm headin out. Lockes already gone. Lock up?" She asked in a rush, already taking off her apron.

Kate nodded, "Yeah."

"Have a good night," she sang as she left.

Kate laughed, "Enjoy your date." Kate turned to Sawyer, "She's got a real hot date tonight." She said as she lifted Sawyers chair. Sawyer grabbed the chair away from her, 'Allow me."

Kate smiled at him, "Thanks."

He stuck around as Kate put on her long, lovely black jacket and locked up. It was really dark out and Sawyer found himself hating the fact she walked home everynight by herself.

"So youre not scared out here?"

She laughed at his question, "I'm a big girl. I can handle myself. I get on the subway everynight and head home to Brooklyn."

He let out a breath, "Jesus, you live all the way in Brooklyn? Why'd the hell you get a job in the city?"

She gave him a knowing look, "Tips are better."

He smiled at her as he walked her towards the subway. "So, you just move here?"

She looked ahead, "Yep." She hesitated then looked at Sawyer, her heart beat so loud she was sure he could hear it, but she played it cool and finally answered his question, "Been here for a few months before finally finding the cafe. Good jobs are hard to find round here."

"What kind of job do you want?" He asked, truly curious.

"I have experience at a local magazine, writing collumns and such. I want to work for a big time magazine company."

He smirked, "Well shortcake, you should be working in front of the camera instead of behind."
Kate smiled and looked down, Sawyer loved that smile. And she blushed, he could see it clearly in the city lights.
"Well...thank you," Kate looked up at him and he wanted to be the recipient of that look for the rest of his life. "But I could never..."
"Ah come on," he laughed, "Maybe you could even become the spokesmodel for this perfume...Ive got connections."
She laughed, "Tempting as that sounds, I think I'll stick to waitressing, thanks."
Sawyer shrugged, "The offers still good." He looked at her, "Think about it."
Kate laughed, "Do you always offer your waitresses modeling jobs?"
"Just the ones with freckles," he said with a wink and she found herself blushing and looking down again.
"Its a beautiful night," he looked at her, "What'd'ya say you show me that Gondola ride?"
Kate stopped short, then kept walking, "Are you serious? Its ten at night-"
"Yeah, just when the park comes alive."
He grabbed her hand and they both stopped short in their steps and gave each other a quick look. They'd both felt the magic that raced through them. Kate felt safe with him.
"How bout it freckles?"
Kate beamed at him, "I'd love to."

Sawyer hailed a cab and within minutes they were both walking in central park. Hot dog vendors were still open, the gondola rides were still open. It was as if the city never closed and people never went home. The crowd wasnt thick, but scattered and it was comfortable to walk casually. Sawyer bought her a hot dog and they ate them as they walked slowly along the river. A few couples were in the boats and enjoying the cool New York breeze.

"So, lets see what inspiration I can find." He looked at the couples and said, "Sunrise....Sunrise Sunrise....its a romanticy kinda fluffy thing, I see...so, Making Out with You in the Sunrise," Sawyer chuckled and looked at Kate, "I dont see inspiration anywhere."

Kate laughed, "Come on, you can do much better than that." He laughed and said, "Alright then, lets see what you can come up with somethin better."

Kate bit her bottom lip as she smiled and said, "As tempting as it is, I dont wanna give you ideas so you can plagarize them and have me sue you."

"Oh so youre that good huh?"

Kates eyes sparkled in the light, "Even better." She winked at him and he saw the magic in her eyes.

A few minutes later they found themselves walking across a small and beautiful little brisge, away from the rush of people. Trees hung over it and the river glittered under it. Just beyond the clusters of trees, they could see the castle.

"Ive never been in this spot before," she said softly and leaned her elbows on the stone. He leaned his elbows as well, "Me neither."

Sawyer looked back at her and kept smiling, he'd never smiled so much in his entire life than he did in these last few hours with Kate. His long hair hung down as he watched her. She stared at the river below.

"Youre a really nice guy." She blurted out then looked at him and looked away. The power between them was too strong and they both knew it. And she could feel him looking at her.

"Well then you should see me when Im not drinking mochas."

She finally looked up, "I'd actually like that." Her smile faded slightly and so did his.

"Me too," he admitted to her. He stood up, turned around and leaned back on the stone. She still faced front and they both looked at each other.

Kate laughed and said, "Well, looks like you have to take me out on a date."

Sawyer crossed his arms in front of him and smirked at her, "This aint a date?"

Kate laughed even harder, "Hardly."

"What would make it a date?"

"Your the guy who comes up with ideas," tongue in cheek, "you can figure it out."

"Well then," he reached over and grabbed a white flower growing from the tree and handed it to her, "A flower."

Kate laughed and took the flower, "A flower?" Came her dubious voice.

And while she laughed he took her off guard and kissed her. It was a nice, soft, romantic kiss and Kate immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, it was instinctive, but she couldnt believe it was happening.

Sawyer pulled away softly, his eyes opening slowly, "A first kiss too."

Kate swallowed and looked up at him, "I dont kiss on the first date." She whispered and looked at his lips, then eyes.

"Well now you do," he said and kissed her again, this time holding her back and pulling her close. Kate was all too aware of his body against hers. He was hard and toned and muscled. She could just imagine what he looked like underneath all of those clothes. The kiss went deeper and she felt his tongue sweep in. She nearly passed out from the sheer pleasure of it.

Just then, the nightly fireworks began to shoot into the night sky and they continued kissing, one of his hands held her face as they did so. He felt that this was so right. He'd never felt so much emotion for one woman before and he was glad now that he dared to kiss her. It stirred up so many feelings.

He finally backed away and they turned to the fireworks glittering the sky. "Sunrise," he said softly and looked at her, "Its Forever You."