Here it is- sorry I'm updating later than I had promised!! To all the loyal readers from my first story I hope that you enjoy this slightly different take. This will be a series of missing scenes/moments between Bill and Karen. It will take place before, during, and after Day 6. To any new readers please review and let me know what you think. Thanks!!

BREAKFAST

Bill Buchanan sat in the booth of the small diner what for what felt like hours playing with napkin that was placed in front of him. He was tearing it into smaller and smaller pieces. Bill glanced around briefly taking note of the other patrons. A few workers were sitting at the counter, a family at a booth at the far end, and an older couple just a few seats away from him. He went back to ripping up the napkin as he looked down at his watch. It was only three minutes later than the last time he had looked. Bill was nervous and he knew exactly why. He was about to meet Karen Hayes from Homeland Security for breakfast. Although it seemed innocent he knew that they weren't meeting in an official capacity therefore making their rendezvous a date.

Earlier that week when Karen was just about to leave CTU for good he asked her to breakfast without even thinking. He wasn't sure if it was because they had worked so closely that he didn't want her to leave or if it was something more. When she first declined his heart sank but it was when she asked for a rain check that Bill knew his feelings were for more than just a colleague. Both knew that he intended to take her up on that offer. When news of Jack's disappearance spread Karen had called Bill to see how he was doing. After he had updated her on the situation and informed her that there was virtually nothing they could do Karen asked if he was still interested in meeting for breakfast. She said that if he felt like talking about all that had happened she would be glad to listen. Bill agreed to this and two days later here he was.

The sound of the bell above the door rang and in walked Karen. She quickly scanned the diner before spotting Bill. She smiled as she walked across the diner and Bill stood to greet her. He took her hand as he said hello and led her into the booth. Two hours and six cups of coffee later they were still there. They had made idle chat throughout the entire morning. They talked about nothing of grand importance and especially not about work. It was only as they were leaving that Karen leaned in closer to Bill and gently asked him about Jack. Bill began playing with his keys avoiding eye contact with her. Karen placed her hand on his and squeezed it lightly.

"I'm very concerned for Audrey," he stated looking back up at her. "She's back at CTU despite my orders for at home rest. I think the only reason she's there is so she can use our resources to help him. You should see her-she looks exhausted and worn out. I've tried contacting Heller but he seems to have less control than me. I'm also worried about Chloe because it's also affected her but at least she has Morris to help her through it."

"Well I'm worried about you. I know that you and Jack were close and I also know that you've been trying to bury yourself in work so that you don't have to think about what happened." Bill gave Karen a questioning look and she gave him half a smile.

"I still have connections in CTU. Its not your fault Bill, the Chinese have been after Jack for a long time and they would have stopped at nothing to get him. There is nothing any of us could have done." Bill gave a short nod and before Karen continued. "I don't want to see you get consumed by work."

"In fact I think you need a change of pace," she said changing her tone from one of seriousness to light-hearted.

"Oh, really? Is that in your professional or personal opinion?" He asked deciding to humour her. Karen shrugged before replying "Maybe a little of both."

"Do you know of someone who can help me?"

"I do," said Karen smiling, glad they were playing this game.

"What would this person say?"

"She would say that you are in some desperate need of fun. And this woman just happens to know how to have a little fun."

"Do you think she would be up to the challenge? I can be quite difficult."

Karen raised an eyebrow before responding. "I like a challenge." Bill moved in closer backing Karen up against her car.

"So this woman would accept a dinner invitation for Friday night?" He asked in a low voice.

"You should most definitely ask her out."

"Will you have dinner with me on Friday night?"

Karen broke out into a smile for the first time since stepping outside. "I'd love to." Bill smiled at her answer and squeezed her shoulder gently before opening her car door for her.

"I'll call you this week to arrange a time." He said as she got into the car.

"I look forward to it," she said still smiling.

"Me too," he winked. As he watched her drive away Bill knew that the wait until Friday would nearly kill him. He was already drawn to Karen, her caring concern, swift intellect, and sharp wit. For the first time in his life Bill could feel himself actually falling in love.