AN: "Where've You Been" was written by J. Vezner and D. Henry, sung by Kathy Mattea. I don't own STFBE or any of its characters. I just enjoy pulling them out from time to time and visit with them.

There are three phases to life.

Phase I – You fall in love

Phase II – Build a life together

Phase III – Even all things must eventually end, even the greatest of love stories

Phase I – You fall in love

Claire had all but given up

When she and Edwin fell in love

She touched his face and shook her head

In disbelief, she sighed and said,

"In many dreams I've held you near

Now, at last, you're really here."

"Where've you been?

I've looked for you forever and a day

Where've you been?

I'm just not myself when you're away."

Had it just been this morning when he had stopped her in the hallway, thinking she was leaving, leaving him, and he told her how much that it meant to him?

Feeling eyes upon her, she lifted her blond head and looked directly into his dark eyes. Smiling shyly, she bent her head back to her work.

Slowly, he stood and walked over to her desk. Looking up to see him standing there, she asked, "Jack? Is something wrong?"

Jack Hudson shook his head no. No, but I would like to ask if you would have dinner with me tonight? I want to finish the "conversation" we started this morning. I don't think this is the place to have it, he signed.

The blond pursed her lips, looking as if she was debating. Ok, she smiled. I agree, too many ears and eyes, her eyes tilted toward her roommate Lucy Dotson, to finish this here.

Jack laughed. "Then it's a date, Sue Thomas."

They placed their orders and waited for their food to arrive. They passed some small talk between them, not really ready to continue the conversation that was started that morning. All Sue could think was, were they ready for this next phase?

Jack played with his water glass, turning it back and forth in his hands as he tried to find the best way to start the conversation. Sue spoke up. "So, the conversation that was interrupted this morning?"

"Yeah," he replied. "About that… I meant every word of it." He reached over for her hand. "Like I said, I would never stand in your way for career advancement. But, I would personally miss you. Miss you a lot." He gripped her hand tighter as if fearing if he let go, she would disappear like a dream.

"And why would you feel that way, Jack? You apparently feel very strongly about this if you were willing to begin this conversation in the hallway this morning."

He took a deep breath, then looked directly into her hazel eyes. "I would miss you, Sue, because you are my best friend, you are my partner, but the biggest reason of all, is because I find myself falling in love with you. I have for a long time, but was afraid to admit it."

Sue raised a hand and captured a tear that had escaped her eye. Finding herself suddenly not able to speak, she gently extracted her hand and began signing. I too have been falling for you. I thought it was just a crush, but the feelings were too strong. When I thought you had been shot, when you helped me overcome my fears of being alone after Simon, I kept thinking "could this be the one?" But then, Jessica came back and for a brief moment in time I truly felt I could never be that one for you. With you hearing and me deaf, how could we hope to have a relationship?

Jack laughed softly, then held up his hands to ward off misunderstanding. I think we've been in a relationship for a long time. Everyone could see it but us!

Sue laughed as well. Then holding his face between her two hands, she whispered, "I dreamt of this day for a long time, Jack. Where have you been? I've been waiting for you forever and a day."

"I've been right here," he whispered back. "I've been right here, and I'm not letting go." And with that, he leaned forward and gave her a kiss that would top any that either could remember every receiving.