The Other Doctor - Pt. 5
Note: Sorry it took so long for an update. I had major writers block :(
THE AFTERMATH
JULIET
During the quiet moments, in-between the chaos of flashing through time, Juliet found comfort in thinking about Kate.
Occasionally the thoughts transformed into a hollowness - that familiar feeling of being let down by irrational expectation.
But Juliet was a survivor - and as the days went on she went along with them as best she could.
She was glad that Sawyer was there - despite the fact she didn't really know him, at least she trusted him.
And without him knowing it they shared a common interest in the seemingly most unattainable woman to ever cross their paths.
When Sawyer charmed his way into Juliet's interest it wasn't surprising to her.
There was clearly a commonality amongst Kate, Sawyer, Jack, and herself - that drew them to each other.
A year went by, then another, and another - and thinking about Kate felt as unreal as thinking about the world beyond the island.
KATE
Because of Aaron and her court case Kate didn't have a lot of time to digest what exactly happened on the island.
In the first few months she found herself thinking about Juliet while lying in bed - but the memory of the feel of their kiss faded with time.
It certainly wasn't the first time she had 'kissed and ran'.
When Jack finally came around - Kate felt settled for the first time in a very long time.
When Jack fell apart - Kate started to feel that nostalgic uneasiness of staying still too long.
The idea of going back to the island prompted her think about Juliet again.
Was she alive? Was she ok?
She agreed to go back to find Claire - but a part of her believed Jack ... and still believed in Jack. Maybe they weren't supposed to leave.
She slept with him the night before they left because she accepted that home, might again, become just a hope - and Jack was the closest thing to home she had left.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Juliet had let go of the possibility of her friends ever returning - it even felt strange to call them friends.
She needed to see it to believe it.
Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Kate.
She had somehow forgotten how beautiful she was.
It suddenly felt like motion itself wanted Juliet to walk right up to her and hold her.
She fought the urge and instead quickly convinced Phil that Ms. Austen was a last minute recruit.
The only acceptable form of touch for their current situation was a handshake.
Still - the touch made both of them smile as if they had been given the task to light up the room.
NIGHTFALL
Kate went through the motions of the recruitment hoopla wondering when she would get the chance to have a proper reunion with Juliet.
She had just gotten in line for dinner when Juliet came up behind her and quietly teased, "Don't forget to grab a mango. I'm sure you missed them."
Kate smiled and picked up a tray.
She replied in almost a whisper, "Why do you think I came back?"
Later that evening Kate was lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling.
Being back made her feel like she had just left yesterday - and that she was very much alone.
A knock at the door interrupted her musings of circumstance.
"Sorry to bother you, Ms. Austen." Juliet said, trying not to smirk.
She continued, "There's been a change in your work schedule. Can I come in to discuss it?"
Kate nodded, "Of course."
She shut the door and then turned around.
They looked at each other for a second, then Kate said an adorably, almost shy, "Hi."
Juliet sat her bag down, "Hi."
They both appeared to be stalling for some unknown reason.
Kate gave in and stepped toward Juliet - then pulled her into an embrace.
"I thought I'd never see you again." Juliet said as she squeezed tighter.
Kate sighed against her then pulled back and said playfully, "Miss me?"
Juliet shook her head while smiling, "Nope."
Kate smiled back.
Juliet picked her bag back up and pulled out a bottle of Dharma wine, "I'm guessing you could probably use a drink."
They sat down on the couch - Juliet poured the wine.
They talked briefly about what happened to the freighter and about flashing through time.
Neither were inclined to go into details about their personal lives. They both wanted to keep the mood light-hearted.
"So the 70's huh? What's that been like?" Kate asked after Juliet poured the rest of the bottle.
Juliet contemplated out loud, "Well, decently awful clothing with a lot of drugs to make up for it?"
She smiled, shook her head and continued, "I suppose it's the same as it was my first time around, now I'm just older."
Kate smirked, "You do a lot of drugs when you were a kid?"
Juliet nodded playfully, "Tons."
They talked for a little while longer.
Juliet looked at the clock, "It's late. I should go."
Kate said playfully, "Afraid the neighbors will start talking?"
Juliet laughed, "Yes, actually."
MORNING
"So you and Sawyer, huh?" Kate asked while Juliet was showing her around the motor pool.
"Yep." Juliet replied nonchalantly then continued the tour.
Kate followed her - barely listening.
She wanted to know more about their relationship but didn't really want Juliet to know that.
Juliet noticed she wasn't really paying attention.
"We're just dating, Kate. We see other people, well - we would, if there were more options of other people to see."
Kate said softly but assertively. "I don't want you to think that I came back here - for him."
When Juliet didn't say anything Kate started to second guess even bringing him up, "I'm sorry, I - I just don't, I mean because Sawyer and I ..."
Juliet interrupted her, "It's ok, really. He can't even commit to 'boyfriend/girlfriend' .. but hey, it's the 70's ... when in Rome."
Kate felt more comfortable with her inquisition, "You live together?"
Juliet shook her head, "We both need our own space."
They were both silent for a bit.
Juliet was curious, "What about you and Jack?"
Kate put her hands in her pockets, sighed, "We were engaged. But it didn't work out."
Juliet could tell by the look in Kate's eyes that it was a sore subject.
Juliet wanted to lighten the mood, "Well, Phil is single and he wouldn't stop talking about you at dinner last night."
Kate laughed, "Phil? The guy at check-in? I'll pass."
EVENING
Kate caught Juliet as she was leaving the dining hall, "Hey. Want to come over later? I hear the neighbors are getting bored."
Juliet gently smiled, "I would - but I can't. Sawyer and I ..."
Kate interrupted her nonchalantly, "It's fine. I'll see you tomorrow."
On her way back to her house she passed by Jack's.
She paused for a moment - contemplating whether or not it was a good idea to see what he was up to.
When she heard laughing coming from inside she decided to take her chances.
She knocked - Jack answered, "Hi. Everything ok?"
He always seemed to be concerned about her and a very small part of her still found it endearing.
She smiled, "I'm fine Jack. Just seeing what you're doing."
He smiled, "Playing cards with Hurley and Miles." He opened to door wider, motioned with his head, "Come in."
A few beers and a slight buzz later - she said goodnight.
The night was longer than she had intended it to be.
The majority of it was spent lying in bed - thinking ... and then thinking more - and then thinking about Juliet.
She couldn't say that it bothered her that Juliet was with Sawyer.
She cared about both of them - and certainly wanted them to be happy.
But Juliet didn't really seem happy - she seemed ... underwhelmed.
TEST DRIVE
Kate couldn't get to sleep until a few hours before she had to be at the motor pool.
Juliet smiled as Kate approached.
Kate yawned, "Good morning."
Juliet scrunched her brow, "You look tired."
Kate yawned again and nodded, "Couldn't sleep."
"You're going to have to stop being so excited about spending your days with me." Juliet teased and then handed Kate a set of van keys.
Kate smirked then held up the keys and inquired, "Where am I going?"
"We - are going on a test drive."
"Any chance by test drive you mean nap?"
Juliet laughed then took back the keys, "I'll drive - you nap."
They drove in silence.
Surprisingly, viewing the scenery from a mobile perspective kept Kate awake.
The island really was beautiful despite the mostly unseen layers of mysterious and dark happenstance.
It reminded Kate of her first impression of Juliet.
Suddenly she was paying more attention to Juliet's profile than she was anything beyond it.
Juliet kept her eyes straight ahead despite her playful instinct to call Kate out on her ogling.
She liked having Kate's attention. It made her feel ... wanted ... but in a different kind of way from Sawyer.
After Kate looked away Juliet commented, "What happened to the nap?"
Kate yawned and teased, "Since you're not talking enough I'm not bored enough to fall asleep."
WHAT THE NIGHT IS FOR
Juliet stopped by Kate's after dinner to offer her a sleeping pill.
From the doorway Juliet noticed an open bottle of wine on the coffee table, "I see you've already come up with your own sleeping aid."
Kate turned her head toward the bottle, "Oh. Wine doesn't make me tired ... "
She turned back toward Juliet, " ... it makes everything tolerable. I sensed you were going to stop by so I thought I should get a head start."
Juliet smiled. She found Kate's playfulness adorable. "Want to put it to the test?"
Kate smirked, "What about Sawyer? Won't he miss you?"
"He'll live." Juliet said as she stepped inside.
Kate started yawning about an hour later.
Juliet put her hand on Kate's knee, "I should go and you should get some sleep."
Kate nodded then put her hand on top of Juliet's.
Juliet smiled, "Sawyer and I are going swimming at the waterfall tomorrow. You're welcome to join us. Bring Jack if you want."
Kate removed her hand, "That sounds a little complicated for a day off."
Juliet laughed and stood, "You're probably right."
Kate followed her to the doorway, "Thanks for the tolerable company."
Juliet smirked as she opened the door, then turned around, "Keep calling me tolerable and people might think we're friends."
THE DAY OFF
Kate awoke to a knock on her bedroom door.
"Kate?" Juliet called out.
Of all the people that could be knocking on her door - she was glad it was Juliet. "You can come in."
Juliet pushed the door open and stood in the doorway, "Sawyer was called into work. Want to to go swimming?"
Kate wiped her eyes, looked at the clock then looked at Juliet, "If by swimming you mean keep sleeping, yes, I do."
Juliet playfully crossed her arms, "Not into ceasing the day?"
Kate yawned, "It's not day, it's morning. I'm sure Hurley or Miles would be happy to go."
Juliet rolled her eyes, "No thanks and no offense to either."
She approached the bed, sat down close to Kate. "I'd rather go with you."
Kate sat up on her elbow, "Only because Sawyer can't go."
Juliet raised an eyebrow. "Actually it would be my preference to go with somebody who is actually interested in swimming rather than groping me in a swimsuit."
Kate laughed and teased, "Then you definitely don't want me to go. I'm quite the groper."
Juliet gave her a playful slap on the leg, "Please?"
Kate laid back down. "Please grope you?"
Juliet sighed then stood. "Meet me in a couple hours at the cafeteria for lunch?"
Kate yawned again, "Deal."
Juliet smiled then started to leave.
Kate called out softly and nonchalantly, "You can stay. If you want."
Juliet paused, turned around and joked, "I don't know. I mean, you're a self-admitted groper. That might be awkward. I'll see you in a couple hours."
They met for lunch then headed to the waterfall.
After an hour or so of swimming they decided to lay out.
They shared a blanket - both on their backs, eyes closed.
Juliet broke an extended bought of silence and casually inquired, "Why did you kiss me?"
Kate was surprised. Of course she realized it would come up eventually but she hadn't prepared for it yet. It took her a second to respond, "Why did you kiss back?"
Neither responded. Minutes passed.
After mulling it over Kate opened her eyes, turned her head toward Juliet, "I was leaving - and I was curious ... I didn't want to go without knowing what it would be like."
She sighed, turned her head back toward the sky. "I know that sounds selfish - but it's the truth."
Juliet smiled. "First kisses are often selfish, Kate - but it's a mutual selfishness. I kissed back for the same reason."
"Did you tell Sawyer?" Kate wondered.
Juliet laughed, "No way - for the same reason you probably didn't tell Jack. He would still be talking about it."
They were silent for a bit longer then decided to head back.
Before parting ways Kate asked, "Are you and Sawyer going to Miles' thing tonight?"
Juliet nodded, "Might as well. He might be one of the most obnoxious people on this island, but he does throw a good party."
Kate smiled, "Well ... guess I'll see you there."
THE PARTY
Kate was fashionably late. She didn't feel particularly social but she didn't feel like being alone either.
The house was packed. Hurley greeted her and lead her into the kitchen where the various Dharma alcoholic beverages were in abundance.
He snatched a bottle of rum and wandered back into the party.
Jack came up next to her as she grabbed a beer.
"Glad you came." he said as he grabbed a beer for himself.
She glanced around the house, "Yeah. Looks like everyone is having fun."
He smiled. "Maybe a little too much fun." he said as he nodded in Sawyer's direction.
Sawyer was attempting to do something that resembled dancing but was having a hard time not stumbling around.
Jack laughed and quipped, "Pretty sure I'm going to be dragging him home within the hour."
Kate smiled, "Good luck with that." She scanned the "dance floor" area then inquired, "Have you seen Juliet?"
Jack shook his head, "Not in a while. She might be out back." He smiled and started to walk away, "Have fun. Maybe I'll see you later."
Kate got swallowed up by the party and a few beers later sat down on the couch.
She saw Juliet come in through the front door.
They caught eyes. Juliet smiled at her and then headed toward the kitchen.
She grabbed a drink and then joined Kate on the couch.
Kate noticed she looked a little worn out.
"I didn't think you were coming." Juliet said then took a drink.
"I didn't think I'd still be here or that I'd be on my fourth beer."
Juliet smiled, "I didn't think Sawyer would make it to his tenth and I was right."
Kate looked around, "Where is he?"
"Jack and I just took him home."
They were silent or a minute then Kate looked at Juliet, "Want to get out of here?"
Juliet raised an eyebrow, "The 70's or this party?"
Kate laughed, "Either?"
Juliet nodded then stood and held out a hand, "You hungry?"
Kate took her hand and stood. "I've been breathing in second hand pot smoke for a couple hours. I could eat."
They made the short trek to Juliet's house.
Kate sat down on the couch and Juliet disappeared into the kitchen.
She returned with a plate of cookies and two beers.
Kate smirked, "This a normal 70's midnight snack?"
Juliet sat down next to her, "Throw in a joint and a couple quaaludes, and yeah - completely normal."
After they finished the beers Juliet stood to get more and Kate commented, "I'm pretty tipsy. I'm cutting myself off."
Juliet smiled and sat back down, "Well, then I must be overwhelmingly tolerable right now."
Kate playfully rolled her eyes, "You're pushing it with the overwhelmingly."
They talked for a while longer and then Kate began finding it hard to keep her eyes open.
Juliet took a trip to the bathroom and when she returned Kate was asleep.
She looked comfortable so instead of waking her Juliet covered her with a blanket, turned out the lights, and then went to bed.
Kate awoke a few hours later to a crash of thunder.
She got up and looked out the window and decided she'd rather not battle through a tropical storm on her way back home - even if it was close by.
Juliet had also woken up to the storm. She got up to see if Kate was still there.
Kate was standing near the front window. "Hey." Juliet said as she entered the living room.
Kate turned around, "Hi."
"Don't even think about going out in that." Juliet said.
Kate shook her head, "I won't. The couch is fine - if that's ok with you."
"Sure." She paused then continued, "But I don't mind sharing the bed either."
Kate smiled and joked, "You lookin' to get groped?"
Juliet raised an eyebrow, "You wish." She turned and went back inside the bedroom.
Kate followed.
They both tried to fall asleep but the presence of the other made that impossible.
Finally Kate mustered the courage to ask, "Are we past pretending like we'd rather not cuddle?"
Juliet smiled into the darkness, then scooted over and slid behind Kate.
Her mouth was near Kate's ear, "You have no idea how glad I am that you came back."
Kate smiled, "You have no idea how glad I am that you're still here."