Title: Present Tense
Author: Kmoaton
Rating: PG
Pairing: Jack/Nathan
Written for smallfandomfest . Prompt: They met before.

A/N: The idea of past Nathan was the Ketel One ads that have been running on TV. Check out youtube if you haven't seen them! In the present part of this, Nathan and Allison are divorced before Nathan returns to Eureka. I know it was supposed to be a one-shot but it's massive! I hope you enjoy!

One year before Eureka…

Jack was not sure how he let the other marshals convince him that he needed a night out on the town. True, his marriage had imploded and he had a juvenile delinquent for a daughter but things weren't completely shot to hell…were they?

Now, sitting alone in a banquette of the Rumba Room, Jack watched as his fellow agents got drunk and made mad grabs for the hot twenty-year-olds that filled the place. The loud thump of the Latin music pounded in time with his pulse and the only thing he wanted to do was go back to his lonely but quiet apartment. Realizing the people he had come with had long forgotten his presence, Jack began to dig in his pockets for his wallet. Signaling the waiter, Jack wasn't paying attention when someone slid in the banquette next to him. Assuming it was one of his co-workers, he was startled to look up into piercing green eyes.

"Uh…hi?"

The stranger smiled and a warm feeling slid down Jack's spine. He blushed as he realized he was staring at the man but he couldn't help but notice he was handsome with emerald eyes and almost shoulder length wavy black hair. Shaking his head, Jack attempted to focus on what the man was saying.

"Are you leaving?"

Nodding, Jack moved closer to speak over the music. "I am. This is really not my scene." Smiling apologetically, Jack turned his attention to the waiting server and settled his bill. The stranger continued to sit there and waited until Jack finished his business before speaking again.

"I understand this might not be your type of place but it's too early to head in and I know somewhere you might actually enjoy."

Jack chuckled. "I don't know what impression you got but I really don't swing that way."

The stranger continued to smile but his gaze suddenly became more intense. Jack resisted the sudden urge to squirm.

"I'm not exactly sure what I just offered. I noticed you were in the same situation that I've found myself in and I thought maybe we could just hang out."

Blushing, Jack's mind ran thought exactly what he thought. "I'm sorry, my mistake. So your friends dragged you out too?"

Looking back into the crowd, the stranger gave a half-smile. "In a manner of speaking, yes. This really is not my type of place either. As I was saying before, I know somewhere that I think you'll like, no strings attached."

Jack looked back at his companions. It was obvious that he wouldn't be missed. Looking back at his new acquaintance, he finally gave a friendly smile.

"Ok, I'll bite. By the way, I'm Jack."

The stranger gave a huge smile. "I'm Nathan. Let's get out of here."

ooOOoo

Nathan led the way to a place Jack had seen but had never entered. Jack couldn't hold back the smile as they walked in the Molly Malones. It was a traditional Irish pub and Jack felt like he was home. They found a cozy table near the stage. Jack ordered traditional ale and raised a brow at Nathan's Guinness. Over burgers and beer, Jack and Nathan talked and found out about each other. They discovered they both worked for the government, Jack, of course, as a marshal and Nathan, as a researcher and scientist. Jack shared about his ex and the problems with Zoe. Nathan, in turn, discussed his split from his wife and they both talked about the regrets that lingered from the failed relationships.

Jack had to admit to himself this evening turned out a lot better than it started and as closing time at Molly's approached, found himself hating that the evening was ending. Several times, Jack found himself mesmerized by Nathan's eyes or wondering if his coal black curls were as soft as if looked. Giving himself a shake mentally, Jack couldn't understand where this sudden attraction to Nathan. He had never given any type of relationship with a man a second thought but something about Nathan was really starting to affect him. Nathan interrupted any further thoughts.

"I called for my car. I'll give you a ride home."

The ride was quiet. Jack was struggling with the realization of how alone he truly was. Even though he and Abby hadn't been happy, at least he wasn't by himself. Tonight was the first time he had really connected with someone and it was enough to make him realize how empty his life had become. All he had in his life was work. As he gave his address to the driver, Jack couldn't help but wonder what he really had to look forward to for the remainder of his days.

"Penny for your thoughts, Jack."

A weary grin graced Jack's face, barely visible by the passing streetlights. "You know, I don't think they are worth that much."

Nathan watched Jack's face. "I could hear you thinking. Want to share?"

Signing, Jack turned his gaze out the window of the car. "Nah. We'd be talking all night."

To Jack's surprise, Nathan touched his leg. "Sometimes you need to get it all out. Look, I'm staying at the Shutters out near the Santa Monica Pier. I have room."

Jack gave a strangled laugh. The Shutters was an exclusive beachfront hotel. Whoever was sponsoring Nathan's business in LA had to be loaded.

"I appreciate the offer but…"

Nathan raised his hand, stopping Jack's weak excuse. "First of all, I know you don't have work. You and the other marshals wouldn't have been out partying like that. You also said that you were given a five-day furlough before your next assignment. You also told me that your daughter has gone with your ex on one of her business trips. So the only thing I should be hearing from you is yes."

Jack sighed. Knowing he was defeated, he finally said yes. Pleased, Nathan gave the driver his new orders.

They spent the remainder of the night, sitting on the balcony of the suite, talking. As the sun rose, turning the Pacific orange with its rays, Nathan leaned over and kissed Jack. Jack surprised himself by responding to it. The kiss was soft and gentle. It didn't last very long but as Nathan pulled back, Jack didn't want it to end. They stared at each other for a moment longer, Nathan being the one to break the silence.

"It's up to you, Jack. I won't force anything."

Jack tore his gaze away from the hypnotizing green eyes and focused on the ocean instead. He could only focus on the feel of Nathan's lips against his and realized he wanted that and more of whatever Nathan had to offer. At least for a little while, maybe he could forget the aching loneliness that seemed to have taken over his life.

ooOOoo

Over the next five days, Jack couldn't remember having a life of such freedom. He and Nathan rose early, enjoyed breakfast in the hotel and spent their days either at the beach or on the pier. Nights were spent in bed, with Nathan as the willing teacher and Jack as an eager student. Jack didn't know if he had fallen in love in such a short time but he wished they could remain in this moment in time for eternity. It felt like a lifetime but too soon, it ended.

Nathan returned to Washington and Jack returned to his life as a federal agent. The time with Nathan only served to remind Jack what he was missing from his life and in response; he buried himself in his work. Nathan had promised to call but Jack really didn't hold out hope for that. After all, how many times had he used the same line? After not hearing from him, Jack allowed his pride to prevent him from calling. Days soon turned into weeks and, while he never forgot that one glorious week, he closed his heart to the pain and made his resolution to keep everyone arm's length away.