Author's Note: Better late than never, the usual disclaimer: the characters of Sue Thomas F. B. Eye are not mine but property of Pebblehut and PAX. I'm not making any money with it, merely lending then for a bit of fun. All other characters that appear in this story are mine and fictional, any resemblance with real persons is a coincidence. Geographical places, as streets, buildings and venues are existing and facts presented are genuine and checked thoroughly to the best of my abilities.



Cut To The Chase


The Bullpen, J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building,

935 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, Friday 11.30 AM


It was one of those typical early Autumn days: the golden beams of the sun illuminated the dazzling complexity of Autumn's colors, and although the end of October could be quite chilly from time to time, today wasn't. It took away the dull prospect of gray Midwinter days and, most of all, the cold.

It also made Jack realize he was trapped in the office on this particular fine day, filled with hardly any excitement. Their last case was solved a week ago, and so far, nothing new had emerged.

Not that he minded, though. There was enough to think about, Jack mused mesmerized, about something in particular. No, not something, someone. And his eyes drifted across the room until he met the object of his affection.

Most of the gang were either busy somewhere else, or grabbing some lunch, leaving only Jack, Sue and Levi in the Bullpen. Sue was sitting behind her desk, focused on her computer screen, typing every now and then, and roaming through a stack of files. Levi was, as usual comfortably asleep near her desk. Pretending to read a file of his own, Jack made sure he could peek around the paper to see her. How many time do I spend looking at her during an average working day, he wondered, hours, probably. He turned his attention to the paper he was pretending to read, but only briefly.

Because Sue's desk was near the window, the sun cast its light on her golden hair, illuminating it, revealing her beauty, and made Jack's heart skip a few beats. Sue suddenly looked up and glanced in his direction, their eyes met and she gave him her radiant smile. Jack blushed when their gazes locked, but he managed to smile back. Does she know how I feel for her? Often enough he thought he could read her mind in her hazel eyes, catching a glimpse of what he hoped to see, but still wasn't sure.

A burst of laughter brought Jack back to reality. He looked up and saw Bobby, Tara, Miles and Lucy entering the office. Bobby was cracking one of his famous Aussie jokes and Jack couldn't help but grin at the tall, broad-shouldered Agent. Apparently, Sue couldn't follow the stream of words and looked puzzled in his direction. 'He tell funny story, have lunch I tell you later', he signed. Sue smiled and signed 'O.K.' Jack smiled back

'Why, Sparky, you really live up to your name', said Bobby turning his attention to Jack.

'There is so much electricity in the air, the two of you could easily light up a Christmas tree.' Bobby ignored Jack's menacing look and Sue's reddening cheeks and sat down on the edge of Jack's desk. 'No point in hiding it, mate', he poked Jack on his arm. 'Hey, we even have an office pool', he leaned in closer, grinning mischievously 'and it so happens to be that I have my Smacker's bet on you, mate. So when are you gonna make your move?'

'Knock it off, Bobby', Jack said growing uneasy. Is it just me or is everybody staring?

'Ah, you're no sport, mate.' Bobby stood up and walked towards his desk still smirking.

Jack sighed, hoping Sue didn't catch all the things Bobby said, but he wasn't sure.

Sue, on the other hand, felt like her cheeks were burning, she could see Jack was blushing too, they were caught red-handed like two flirting teenagers and they knew it. She looked at Lucy and Tara, who were laughing. Sue looked at Jack. It was time to get out, her eyes signaled. He immediately took the hint and got up.

'Crash, even though you're ninety percent of the time great company, sometimes one can only have so much', said Jack as he picked up his coat. Bobby watched him amused.

'Think you can handle things all by yourself without running errands? Or worse, into walls... Crash?' He emphasized the last words. Bobby said nothing, but the broad smile and the twinkle in his eyes were enough.

'Glad we got out of there', Sue finally said, when they reached the elevator.

'Yep, but it was a close call', Jack replied smiling, 'When Bobby's on a roll, you better duck and cover, or, when you've grown old and wise, get out entirely.'


oOo


They had lunch in The Caucus Room, just opposite their office on the corner of 9th Street and D. A renowned restaurant within the DC Area, and probably the only place within a stone's throw of Capitol Hill where Republicans and Democrats would meet over dinner and not indulge into partisanship.

Sue enjoyed the environment, a mixture of politicians, businessmen and people with good taste. Although her hometown in Ohio had had some good restaurants, they were no match to the marble and cherry wood interiors, the thick carpets, candles burning and the overall sense of European style. She also liked the exquisite food, but most of all, she liked the company of Jack.

'You like it?', Sue asked him.

'I DO', he signed back, due to the fact he had his mouth full of food.

Sue laughed. 'It's always useful to know ASL when you're not able to talk or devouring food, that way you can still have a conversation.'

Jack chuckled and reached for his glass, but instead tapped on her hand. Sue looked at him.

'How's your veal?'

'Very good, I didn't know meat could taste that good', she said and she laughed 'Better than Sushi, anyway.'

Jack grinned as he thought of their night out in New York when Sue was on her first assignment to help catch the diamond smuggling Russian mobsters Vladimir Solanovich and Alexander Renko. Jack had bought her Japanese and Sue wasn't very impressed by it, calling it overpriced and overrated and blamed her Midwestern childhood for it.

'Raw Fish wasn't exactly big in my neighborhood.'

'So you told me', Jack laughed 'But I'm Midwestern too, yet I happen to like fish', and he looked at his salmon steak.

'Very rare', Sue exclaimed, biting her lip and looking puzzled.

'Actually this steak is done', Jack replied.

Sue furrowed her eyebrows and looked quizzed. Then her face lit up and she laughed.

'Not the fish', she looked at him amused 'I mean you. I haven't met much Midwestern men who would voluntarily eat raw fish.'

Jack gave her his famous boyish smile that always made her heart skip a few beats.

Does he know how much he affects me with that? Sue wondered. From the moment she walked into his office to demand a transfer, only to find out he wasn't with Personnel, and after their later, more 'normal' conversation during lunch, Sue had enjoyed his company. It gradually shifted towards strong feelings for him, during the time of their fake marriage. It was there and then she suddenly was aware that she not only could live together with Jack 24 hours a day, but that she actually wanted it.

It had shocked her, for she knew the regulations at work that wouldn't permit these feelings. But she also had to find a way to cope with these feelings because... well quite frankly, the fact that she loved Jack didn't mean he shared her feelings.

And although she caught him numerous times staring at her in a way that her Training Officers in Quantico would deem highly unprofessional, she wasn't sure where that left him. Until their kiss...

A tap on her hand interrupted her thoughts. 'Sue'.

She looked at him, his face concerned. 'YOU O.K.?', he signed.

'FINE,JUST THINKING', she signed back.

'I hate to break this up', Jack motioned at their table 'but we have to get back, before they are going to ask questions about us.' Not that I mind, he continued inwardly.

'Yeah, maybe you're right, I'll have this one'. Jack looked like he wasn't going to let her. Sue laid her hand over his. Jack felt how an electrical pulse traveled trough his arm by the touch of her hand. Their eyes locked. For what felt like eternity they kept staring at each other, until Sue finally pulled herself together to say something. 'My mind is set, and I don't want to hear any arguments from you'. She wasn't sure if she was still talking about lunch or something else. She could tell Jack wasn't either.

'You're buying?' he verified finally.

Sue nodded, smiling. Most of the time he wouldn't hear of letting her pay the bill, but she was glad he let her this time.

Back in the Bullpen, Bobby continued his teasing from were they had left. But this time neither Jack nor Sue did seem to mind. It left the tall Aussie puzzling what had happened during their lunch. He decided to gather some information, in his usual sort-of-by-the-way interviewing method, and approached Jack who was busy on his cell phone.

As he saw Bobby casually coming in his direction, Jack lifted one eyebrow and looked rather suspiciously at him. What is he up to now? I know this isn't a mere social call between co-workers, he's up to something.

He ended his call and snapped his cell phone shut.

'So lunch was good I presume?', Bobby asked.

'Yep, unlike some of us, I like my food to be freshly prepared, and to be served on a plate. Rather than digging into something, which resembles something you can probably eat, out of a paper bag while trying to work your way trough traffic. Or just roast a Dingo along the way.'

'Why, Jack, I think I'm insulted', Bobby chimed, 'Maybe news hasn't reached this far out corner of the world yet, but even Down Under we do eat normal food every once in a while.'

'I'm sorry, I didn't know I stepped on your toes', Jack raised his hands in self-defense, looking at Sue who had turned to see their conversation and was laughing now.

'What goes around, comes around, Bobby', she said and winked at him.

'Still', Bobby walked back to his desk and turned to face them, 'the two of you have a lot to answer for. Making out during office hours, I don't know what the Bureau will think of that.' He paused to see their reactions, and was pleased with the results. Sue flushed and Jack turned red and suddenly found the tip of his pen worthy of his attention.

At this point Miles, who had been awkwardly silent during the whole event, decided to join in.

'Jack seems to have lost his tongue', he said. 'And FYI, for those of you who with less keen observing abilities, Jack is deprived of his usual Flux de Bouche whenever Miss Thomas is in the same room.'

He stood up to put a file in a drawer. The rest of the team looking amused, except for Sue and Jack, as the Boston bred, Harvard educated Agent continued. 'Ever since they were married, I might add. Of course one cannot rule out the grieving memory of divorce.' He stopped and looked at Jack and then at Sue. 'You were such a lovely couple.'

Jack tried to say something. He glanced at Sue who was becoming a bit uneasy. She bit her lip, trying very hard to fight the urge of getting up and run away. Although she couldn't keep up with the stream of words, she had a pretty fair idea of what was being said.

Jack noticed it. 'Look Miles, the truth...' he couldn't complete his sentence.

'The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature an impossibility.'

The others looked baffled by his punch line. Miles smiled. 'I took the liberty to quote the late Oscar Wilde. And before I will return to work, Jack, a little word of advise.' He returned to his desk an leaned back in his chair. 'I want to remind you the vital importance of being earnest. And with that I will say no more.'

Because both Sue and Jack looked very flushed, the rest of the team decided to give them a break, and stopped teasing. Sue was pleased they did, she couldn't handle much more. Mostly because Miles' words pinpointed exactly what had happened between her and Jack. She had noticed too that Jack sometimes would ramble along without making much sense, and she understood the feeling. Basically, she couldn't always think straight whenever he was around. But Sue was struck most by Miles' last words: being earnest. That would imply that he knew something about the way Jack felt for her. Something Jack hadn't shared with her, yet. And it had to be something important...

She was interrupted in her daydream by Levi's paw on her leg. Her TTY indicated she had someone on the line. She picked up the phone.

Jack was equally affected by Miles' words, because they were true. There were times he couldn't think straight, let alone speak. Sometimes his heart stopped whenever he saw her walking in, her beautiful hair falling over her shoulders, her radiant smile. No matter what she decided to wear, Sue had an excellent choice in wardrobe. Revealing her gracious features, and making her the most stunning and beautiful woman Jack had ever known or seen.

Sue was someone who, whenever she walked into a room, would light it up with her style and grace and her kind nature. She touched people's hearts.

She had touched his heart too. Well, actually, she knocked him off his feet.

From the moment she walked into his office, he was hooked. Growing more fond of her through time, but only realized he was in love with her when they were undercover as a newlywed couple. Yes, he repeated to himself I'm in love with her. There, I've said it, no way back now. He looked at Sue who was busy calling someone. If only I had the guts to tell you how I feel...if it weren't for these stupid, old-fashioned rules... Suddenly he had an idea, and he started to roam through the contents of his drawers, until he finally found what he was looking for. He smiled.


oOo


At the end of the day most of the team had left early, given the fact they had very little to do, except filling in all of the excruciatingly detailed, mind-numbing questionnaires about unimportant events the Bureau could throw at them. The best thing anyone could do under those circumstances was either going home a little early, after all it was Friday, or hope something big and interesting would land on their desk.

Which it did, when Ted Garrett walked in and approached Jack and waved for Sue's attention.

'Something has come up. And it seems the two of you are the only ones around for the job, and you've dealt before with something similar. So consider yourselves lucky.'

'That depends on what it is, Sir', Sue said smiling. 'And on what your opinion of luck is.'

Ted smiled back, he liked Sue, and was always amused with her tongue-in-cheek.

'I have a very broad perspective of luck, Miss Thomas. One of my favorites is the old-fashioned fieldwork, chasing bad guys. This job is all about that.'

He handed out two files.

'Read them carefully, and if you have any questions, my door is always open.'

Garret walked towards the door, but just before he went out he turned round to face them.

'It seems like anything you might have planned for this weekend might have to be postponed. I would suggest you go home and work your way trough this case together.'

Jack looked at his file, paging trough it and frowned slightly. He looked up when Sue came up to his desk, holding her file.

The moment Garrett left, Sue was suddenly prepared to take 'together' literally, so she gathered all her courage and walked over to Jack to invite him to her apartment.

He looked up, a smile on the verge of breaking through.

She inhaled deep, come on, girl, you're just asking him over for dinner to fill each other in on our new case. 'Would you like to come to my place? Around eight?', she asked.

'I'd love to', Jack said a little bit too quickly, sounding somewhat eager. He realized it but he only managed to stammer 'I mean, that's okay, we...eh... should read our files carefully. Your place will be...just fine, I think.' God, why do I sound like such a fool sometimes.

Sue smiled. 'I'm glad, around eight then? And don't eat anything.'

'Sure', he said.

'Good, I'll see you tonight then', she said an walked to her desk. She put on her coat, draped her scarf around her neck and bent over to put Levi on the leash. A strand of hair fell over her face, she stroked it back behind her ear when she got up again, and looked at him and smiled.

Jack couldn't help but to stare at her, even by these simple everyday things she possessed his mind, leaving him bewildered, feeling the attraction she had on him.


Sue and Lucy's apartment,

670 G Street, North-East, 06.55 PM


Back in her own apartment Sue was preparing dinner whilst she had to deal with Lucy whose enthusiasm about their 'Dinner Date' couldn't be tempered by Sue's assurance it was just to prepare for the case. And last but not least she had to decide what to wear.

'You need to put something on that makes you very attractive, so he won't be bothered to discuss work with you', Lucy said grinning, knowing very well what Sue really wanted.

'Luce!', Sue chastised. 'We need to prepare for this case, and why not during dinner. I know I'm starving, and so is Jack.' She looked at the clock. Nearly seven.

'Yeah, right.'

Lucy tapped Sue on her arm, suddenly serious. 'TRUE FRIEND,COMPLETE HONESTY?', she signed.

Sue finally gave up. 'Maybe I want tonight to be more than that.' She stirred in the pan with the Coque au Vin and added a little bit more red wine to it. She turned to face Lucy who was standing in the door, her arms folded across her chest.

'To tell you the truth, Luce, I'm scared', she said.

'What for?', Lucy asked.

'Maybe he doesn't feel the same for me, as I feel for him...', she began, but was interrupted by Lucy who took her friend by her shoulders.

'Sue, trust me. I have known Jack for a long time, and I've seen the women he dated. Sometimes it was more serious, sometimes not', she rolled her eyes and laughed. 'His choice wasn't always good, when it came to that.'

She looked Sue right into the eyes. 'With you it is different. From day one, I've seen the chemistry between the two of you. The sneaky glances during office hours, the more than usual concern he has for you whenever things happen. The lawyers office snug, of course...'

'Lucy!'

'Okay, okay. Serious, the way he looks at you, it gives even me goose-bumps...'

'I'm sorry, I didn't get that', Sue said her brows furrowed as she tried to interpret what Lucy said. 'G-O-O-S-E-B-U-M-P-S', Lucy spelled. 'The times he just rambles along... just because you throw him off balance. I've never seen that before. You affect him, like he said to you that night in hospital when Levi got hurt. Jack isn't always very talkative about his personal feelings, but his eyes can't hide what he is feeling for you.'

Sue eyes were soft, 'You think so?', it was barely more than a whisper.

Lucy nodded smiling. They hugged each other.

The odor of something on the verge of getting roasted faintly began to sting Sue's nostrils. She quickly jumped towards the oven and jerked the door open, and hauled out the lightly colored cornbread. 'That was a close call', she said grinning.

'Like my father would say, that's at least well done.'

'That leaves us to do the last thing before I will go', Lucy said. 'Picking your clothes.'

'I don't have anything suitable', Sue said in a complaining voice.

'Nonsense, we'll pick something that'll knock him right off his feet.'

'Like what? I'm from Ohio, we dress conservative there.'

'You remember that top I gave you? It'll be perfect.'

'You cannot be serious!' Sue remembered how shocked she was when Lucy gave it to her.

'You need to loosen up.' The low cut V-neck soft woolen purple top Lucy showed was definitely living up to it's name. Sue never got the guts to wear it. But maybe tonight.

'It is so...', Sue tried.

'Perfect', Lucy filled in.

Finally when they were done, Sue was pleased with the result. The top was breathtaking, it revealed just enough, accentuating her figure beautifully. With that she had decided to wear a dark blue nearly black skirt, and Lucy managed to talk her into wearing black leather knee boots, which completed the looks. Sue had her hair loose and wore a slim necklace with a crucifix her mother gave her.

'You're dressed to kill, girl!', Lucy exclaimed. 'Do you have any idea how great you look?'

Sue looked into the mirror, and was very pleased, but again slightly nervous. 'I never thought I would actually wear this top, isn't it too much, I mean...'

'NOW-NIGHT YOUR NIGHT, ENJOY' Lucy looked at her watch. 'I GO NOW, DETAILS TELL-ME TOMORROW, O.K.?'

'Okay...Lucy?'

'Yes?'

'THANK YOU', she signed. 'YOU WELCOME', Lucy signed back and got out.


oOo


It was a little after eight when Jack climbed the steps to Sue's apartment. Holding a bottle of 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon in the one hand, the case file in the other. He pressed the buzzer and waited.

Sue saw Levi leaping towards the door and followed him, presuming Jack had rang the doorbell. She opened the door.

'Hi', she said smiling, and she stroked a strand of hair behind her ear.

'Hi', Jack managed to stammer. He was glad he took his medication earlier because his heart stopped when he saw her. She looked breathtaking. He had seen attractive women before, but Sue beat them all. She was stunning, and he couldn't tear away his eyes from her.

Tonight is going to be a very difficult night to stay focused.

Sue noticed his reaction, how he kept staring at her. She smiled inwardly.

'Would you like to come in?'

Jack still hadn't regained his composure to respond. He just stepped into the hall.

Sue took his coat and gestured towards the living room.

He mustered her outfit, the top, skirt, boots, her hair.

'Wow', he finally said. Sue saw in his eyes the raw attraction and she suddenly felt beautiful, attractive and loved. Men had looked at her before but she never felt the way Jack did make her feel.

'You look...beautiful', he said, at the same time signing the last word.

'THANK YOU', Sue signed radiating with his compliment. Lucy had been right, she knocked him off his feet. He couldn't part his eyes away from her.

'I, eh...I brought you this', he held up the bottle of wine. 'And this', he smiled sheepishly while showing the case file.

'Oh, right, the case', Sue said.

Tonight definitely wasn't going to be about work.

He sat down on the couch with Levi right next to him, while Sue took two glasses from the cabinet. He watched every move of her, and she noticed it. She went to the kitchen to open the bottle of wine Jack had brought with him. When she looked back into the living room, she saw Jack playing around with Levi, and suddenly Sue was overcome with warm emotions. It felt so natural, familiar, so good to have him around.

She walked back into the living and poured them two glasses. He took his one while he was still petting Levi. She sat down next to him on the couch.

'Levi, down', Sue ordered him.

'Oh, it's okay I don't mind having him around', Jack said smiling. 'You don't mind either do you, knucklehead?'. Levi barked and waved his tail enthusiastically.

'Well, I can already see his happy tail wreaking havoc on your suit, with that glass of wine', Sue said.

Jack looked down to Levi. 'Yeah, that would involve a lot of dry-cleaning.'

He suddenly grinned, a twinkle in his eyes, which gave Sue goose-bumps. 'Not to mention it would be difficult to discuss serious things partly undressed.'

Sue gave him a nudge, semi-shocked, while Jack was still laughing. 'Jack Hudson', she chastised, 'behave yourself, you're not at home.'

'Well, it does feel that way.' It came out before he knew it and he started to blush slightly.

Sue looked at Jack, her eyes soft. She gave him her radiant smile, while she stroked back a loose strand of hair. She didn't immediately know what to say, so instead she took a sip of wine. She carefully placed it back on the table and laid her hand on his leg. 'I'm glad you think so. That's why I invited you.' Reluctantly she tore herself away from him. 'I've made dinner, it's not good to discuss work on an empty stomach.'

'Yeah, I could do with some food. It certainly smells good', Jack got up too, taking his glass with him. Sue went to the kitchen to get things ready. Meanwhile, Jack slowly walked through Sue's apartment, looking around, sometimes studying things. He picked up a photo from the windowsill. It showed Sue with Levi. They were both looking right into the lens, Sue smiling while she had wrapped her arms around Levi, caressing him.

'Jack?'

'He turned, still holding the photo. 'I, eh... was looking at this photo.'

'That's a picture my dad took when he was in DC with mom.'

'I like it, it's a beautiful picture', he said and placed it back.

'Thanks. Would you come to the kitchen? Dinner has been served.'


oOo


He looked like he was going to lift the lids of the dishes to see what she had prepared.

'Don't even think about it. You'll have to wait and see.'

'If it's tasting as good as it smells, it'll be a meal worthy of kings', Jack said.

'The king part I'm not sure about, but it's definitely better than some of the things you managed to, well... cook. Although the term 'cook' wouldn't be appropriate', she smirked.

'I'm insulted! I may be a bachelor but I do know more than just how to boil an egg.'

They enjoyed the food, each others company, the teasing. People were always amazed about the way Sue and Jack completed each other. They behaved like a couple who was together for years. Sue kept Jack on his toes, and Jack returned her with style and wit.

It was hard to believe they weren't a couple.

When they were done, they went back to the living room. Jack picked up his file and sat down on the couch. 'Duty calls, I'm afraid.'

'Spoil sport', Sue said. 'Well, best get over with it.' She picked her copy and began to read.

It turned out that Vladimir Solanovich' diamond smuggling business was up and running again. He was busted out of a prison van during transportation to the State Penitentiary, in which one of the guards was killed. He disappeared to Russia, but kept running his operations through henchmen in the U.S.

It was up to Jack, Sue and the gang to bring them down again. The Russians had jewelers as a facade in DC. Allegedly, the spin doctor was a Dutchman, Karel Aalbers, who, amongst others, ran a couple of jewelry shops in Amsterdam, Arnhem and Rotterdam. He was linked to various frauds in the former Soviet Union republics of Kazakhstan, Georgia and Armenia.

The Dutch police had been on his tail for years. They believed his shops in Amsterdam, the diamond Capitol of the world, weren't as clean as they appeared. His shop in Arnhem, in the east of the Netherlands close to the German border, was the main eastern European smuggling route, while Rotterdams large Ports enabled Aalbers to distribute his merchandise unchecked.

Solanovich, Aalbers and the other were smuggling 'blood diamonds' from the RUF rebels in Sierra Leone. The notoriously vicious and cruel rebels controlled the diamond fields in the country. Although the distribution, trade and purchase of the diamonds from Sierra Leone was prohibited due to the RUF's gruesome war tactics, which included using drugged child soldiers, and murdering frenzies among civilians, it appeared neither Solanovich nor Aalbers did care how the stones were obtained.

Informants told the FBI, Aalbers would probably be in the U.S. for the next couple of days or weeks. Most likely to discuss business in DC. It was a perfect opportunity to catch them all, perhaps even Solanovich.

Sue laid her file aside and took a sip of wine. 'Not really enjoyable company, these guys.'

'No. They are very dangerous. We have to be very careful', Jack replied.

He looked serious. Sue noticed it and was worried the warm atmosphere of tonight would evaporate.

'I don't want this case to spoil tonight, Jack. Could we discuss this tomorrow', she smiled cautiously, 'please?'

Jack was more than pleased to lay aside the case. Sue was right, tonight was perfect. No need to let it be spoiled by anyone or anything.

'Sure. Let's shut out the world, no matter if it is only for tonight.' He smiled. 'I'm not planning to go away just yet.' He held up his glass, 'At least not until I have had some more refills.'

Sue laughed, and picked up the bottle of wine she took from the kitchen. 'I have some things to accompany the wine. Could you get them for me, they're on the kitchen table.'

'More food, I like that', Jack laughed too.


oOo


When he was away, Sue couldn't help but to smile. This night was going to be just perfect. If only I had the guts to tell him that I love him. Absently she picked up the television guide. Maybe there was something interesting on TV with captions. She didn't see him entering the room again.

Jack was carrying a tray with crackers, cheese and cashew nuts. He could see Sue hadn't noticed him. He looked down at the tray, and again at the scene in front of him. Sue was paging trough a magazine. Levi was comfortably asleep on the rug next to the table, where there were two glasses, his and Sue's. Jack was overcome by the peacefulness of it, it was like it had always been like this. It felt so natural. And at the same time it held a thrilling promise.

He stood there for a while, capturing the moment. He went over to Sue and placed the tray on the table and sat down next to her.

She held up the magazine. 'How does this sound: Sleepless in Seattle. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are starring in this romantic movie about a career woman who finds a young boy's letter in which he wants a woman to marry his father. He is a widower and the boys misses his mother and hopes someone can replace his loss, and cheer up his father.'

She looked at Jack who had lifted his eyebrows somewhat cynically.

'Are you trying to tell me you've never seen that one', she said amazed.

'I can't recall it, no. But it sounds like a heck of fun.'

'I like this movie', she gave him a nudge. 'It just feels good.'

'The suspense is already killing me', Jack grinned.

'There's no suspense, silly. Only romance.'

'Even better.'

'Jack?'

'What?'

'Shut up and just watch it, okay', she said laughing and picked up the remote control.

In turned out not to be so bad after all. Actually, he grew to like it. During the movie Sue had moved closer to him, or did he move closer to her? He wasn't sure, but he liked it. At the final scenes Sue had rested her head against his shoulder and Jack had his arm around her. Absently he stroked her hair. She reacted by taking his other hand in hers resting on his leg. He looked down at her, her eyes were glistening. She looked up and managed to smile. 'It always gets me. I'm sorry.'

He realized suddenly how close she was to him. And now his fingers traveled trough her hair, a thing he had always dreamed about. He loved it when she had her hair down, the way it fell over her shoulders, the way it lit up in the sun. He inhaled her scent, felt the warmth of her body against his. He felt he could drown in her hair, spell-bound by her ravishing beauty, lured in by her perfume, her scent.

They kept sitting like this for another moment.

'You really like that stuff, don't you?', Jack said nodding towards the TV.

'Every girl does. Everyone needs romance, you can't live without it. Life would be less fun. But you liked it too.'

'It wasn't as bad as I feared it would be, yeah', he said grinning.

'I always like stories with happy endings. If two people love each other, they can overcome everything. Like you and me', Sue said. Suddenly she realized what she had said.

Jack said nothing, but stared at their hands tangled together.

Sue felt flushed. It seemed like she had made a mistake judging Jack's lack of response. She grew anxious that she had ruined tonight's perfect atmosphere.

'I, eh...', she began and looked at the clock. Almost eleven forty-five, and she still had to walk Levi. Jack looked at her, lost in his thoughts.

'Levi... I have to take Levi out.' She felt tears stinging behind her eyes. Why were you so stupid! He looks embarrassed.

'I'll walk with you', Jack said smiling again, signing partially. 'If you don't mind of course. But I know Levi doesn't. So that'll leave you outnumbered.' He petted the dog who rose to its feet his tail sweeping happily through the air. He got up to get his coat.

Sue smiled back, feeling relieved. She put on her coat, scarf and gloves and put Levi on the leash. Together they went out.


oOo


It was a crisp, bright, cold night. Temperatures just hovering around freezing. Levi seemed even livelier than usual due to the cold. He kept leaping around them, bringing Jack a ragged-down tennis ball, he found on the baseball pitch across the street from Sue's place. His eager eyes begging Jack to throw it away, than he would chase it down the pavement. Only to start the game again.

'What in the world are you feeding this dog. His stamina seems to last forever with this game', Jack said. 'S-T-A-M-I-N-A', he spelled as she looked confused for just a second.

Sue just smiled. She enjoyed their walk, Levi obviously very happy Jack decided to join. The dog liked him, maybe the smart Golden Retriever was aware of the fact this man made his lady very happy.

Even though it was round midnight, DC still buzzed with activity. People everywhere, traffic nearly as bad as in the midst of rush hour, Coffeehouses still open, restaurants filled. Maybe New York was 'the City that never sleeps', Washington DC came close to that too. To Jack it was quintessential city life.

He decided to have a cup of coffee at the Chew Cafe, on Massachusetts Ave, so he bought a Latté for himself and a Cappuccino for Sue. He looked down at Levi. And rubbed his fist in a circle against his chest.

'Sorry boy.'

They sat down on a bench. The steam of their hot drinks swirling up into the dark night.

He noticed Sue was staring at his lips, her face turned towards him, waiting for him to say something.

'Sue?'

'Yes?'

'I'm really enjoying tonight.'

'Me too. You're great company.'

'I know. I'm irresistible, it's a gift', he grinned.

Sue rolled her eyes.

'After all, you married me, remember?', he continued.

How could she forget? Sue hadn't foreseen those weeks as Mrs. Hudson would change her as much as they did. She had to fight off all the emotions of loving him, wanting him, because she wasn't allowed to. It had cost her a lot of sleep. When they ended their cover, Sue felt empty. Having Jack around had grown very comfortable, going back to their previous lives was a hard thing to do. She had fallen for him, maybe before she wasn't sure how much he affected her, those weeks finally tipped her over. When she was Sue Thomas again it became very clear he had gotten to her in a way that was quite unnerving. During daytime, in her dreams, he was there. Lucy finally made her admit it. She loved Jack.

Unwillingly she had tears in her eyes. One teardrop traveled over her cheek. Jack saw it.

'Sue?'

She looked up to him, her eyes wet and filled with longing, in an intoxicating gracious and fierce way that made him melt and made his heart palpitate.

He gently rubbed the tear away with his thumb, and caressed her face. They kept staring into each others eyes. Sue read the same longing she felt for him. He slowly and cautiously moved in closer. Inhaling her scent once more, enchanted by it, he leaned in. He stopped just inches away from her face, making sure she could read his lips.

'This is the thing I always wanted to do.' He whispered the words.

Finally their lips met. Sue closed her eyes as her heart went wild. Their kiss started softly with their lips meeting, gradually evolving into a passionate kiss. She allowed his tongue to explore hers. She tasted the desire for her in his kiss, the passion and the love she had hoped would be there. Now she knew it was there. And she was tasting it, it was nectar, she needed it and he gave it to her.

Jack had his eyes closed too. He had wanted her so bad, it hurt. He would dream about kissing her, in fact sometimes it was the only thing he was capable to do. This beautiful, warm, intelligent and funny woman was all that he wanted. And now he knew she wanted him too. It had hit him the same moment Sue said 'love would overcome everything.'

Finally they had to break up their kiss. Sue had her eyes still closed and was almost breathless, she felt dizzy, Jack too was breathing heavily. Their heads leaned against each other, noses touching. Sue opened her eyes and looking right into his, filled with love.

'Wow', she said finally, still breathing deeply. 'I must be dreaming, this...'

'Kiss me again, Sue', Jack said his eyes half closed.

Sue leaned forward and her lips met his. This time their kiss was more sedate, more tender, yet very intense. Sue took time to explore him, tasting what she wanted. He was giving her full control.

When their lips finally parted again they were both smiling.

'It may not be Christmas for a while, but I already have one of my wishes fulfilled', Jack said smiling tenderly. He stroked her hair while she leaned her head on his shoulder.

Levi, who had been watching them silently, decided he had seen enough and pawed both Sue and Jack. They looked at him laughing.

'He probably thinks we're mad', Sue said.

'I think he wants to go back. Can't blame him though, attention has shifted.'


oOo


They sat for a while, no need to say anything. Just being together was enough. Finally they walked back to Sue's apartment, holding hands. When they climbed the stairs and reached the door Sue turned round. She grabbed Jack's hands and pulled him closer.

At that time the door was opened by Lucy.

'I thought I heard something. I was worried because you hadn't returned yet.'

She paused an looked at them. 'I'm interrupting something, right?'

Jack smiled, so did Sue. 'Not yet.'

'I want to thank you for tonight, Jack, for everything...', Sue began.

Jack wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. 'I would like to thank you, Sue, for inviting me over.' He paused, and added, 'Will this be enough?'

And he kissed her, long, warm and tenderly. Sue felt her knees wobble and she lost her mind, her heart racing.

Lucy's eyes went wide open, her jaw nearly landing on the threshold. Then she smiled broadly, stepped back inside to give them some privacy. 'Yes!', she said inwardly.

When Sue closed the door behind her she leaned against it. Her eyes closed, smiling. Then Lucy almost flattened her when she hugged Sue.

'I'm so happy for you! Now that was even better than making out in the office.'

Sue laughed, radiating.

Lucy mustered her friend. Sue had red cheeks of the cold, but was glowing with joy, happiness and love. She looked better than ever before and Lucy knew why.

Sue couldn't sleep that night, but then again, neither could Jack