Authoress Note: I'm still working on the story, but the updates may be very random.

Jay ended up reading the whole book to Kay. He was fine reading it to her. He really didn't want to read the Hand book.

"That was pretty good." Jay said.

"You haven't read it before?" Kay asked.

"No. I have." Jay replied. "Except...the genders in this book are swapped, like everything else here."

"You mean like, Scrooge was a man in your universe?" Kay asked. Jay nodded. He handed the book back to her.

"So how do you feel now?" Jay asked.

"Still a bit uncomfortable." She replied. "But, my vision isn't blurry anymore. Which is good for you."

Jay was confused and gave her a puzzled look. Kay grabbed the hand book. "I figured since you did me a favor by reading me A Christmas Carol, I could do you a favor by reading the MIB handbook."

"Um...no thanks.." Jay said nervously.

"You'll have to read it someday; Zed's mad you keep putting it off." She said. "She wants agents to be able to actually do their job. She told me you rely on your partner too much. Because, what would you do if you had to go on a solo mission or had to be paired with some one else for a mission?"

"You're saying your partner like he's a completely different person than you." Jay pointed out. " Besides, I was on a solo mission before. Remember, Troy?"

"Who?" Kay asked, clearly puzzled.

"You know, the symbiote." Jay explained to her.

"Oh. Her name's Tara here." She explained. "I don't think it counted much as a solo mission, because I'm the one who saved you."

"Well..." Jay hesitated. She had a point.

"And you almost killed her."

"I didn't know symbiotes had healing powers!" Jay protested.

"If you'd listened to her, or read the handbook, you'd know." Kay said. "Just let me read it to you."

"Fine." Jay sighed. He lay down on his back, hoping it wouldn't take so long. Kay sat up and grabbed the book.

"The Men in Black handbook." Kay read. She opened the book. "Preface: The Men in Black organization was founded by Agent K along with Agent D..."

Jay zoned out as she continued. He started wondering about Alpha; Kay made it seem like there was something else between them. And, that other bruise. She seemed hesitant about, and all she said was she was shot there, years ago. It was obviously before he knew her, since he would of remembered that.

"...Zed is currently in charge of the operation." Kay droned on, like a teacher giving a lecture. " If there are any complications in her leadership, Agent K will be next to take her place. As stated earlier, Agent K is the founder. She is currently partners with Agent J. She didn't want to be leader during the formation, so.."

Jay zoned out again. He found it interesting he was even mentioned in the handbook, but not how brief it was. He would of assumed the book was outdated and that it would list Agent D as her partner. It made sense for it to be updated every year or so though.

Every once in a while, he'd pay attention, but it was so dull. The day was also very active and it was taking it's toll on him: He was tired. He rolled onto his side and closed his eyes as Kay droned on.

…..

"Slick." Kay said, as she nudged him awake. Jay woke up and noticed He was curled against Kay. He pulled away quickly.

Kay seemed a little annoyed, but nothing beyond that. Jay was embarrassed. It was one of the most awkward things ever.

"You fell asleep much faster than I thought you would." She said, clearly annoyed. "I was only on the preface."

"Well, I was tired." Jay explained. "We don't get enough time to sleep."

"I'll be sure to tell the aliens to attack later to fit your sleep schedule better." Kay said dryly, with no humor in her tone at all. She sighed, annoyed. "I'm serious, Slick! You need to read the Handbook!"

"I would if it weren't so dull." Jay explained.

"It has to be professional." Kay explained. "Not a fun fairy tale book."

"I'm even surprised it mentioned me in it: She is currently partners with Agent J."

Kay raised an eyebrow in disapproval that made him feel more uncomfortable.

"So...,uh...how long was I out for?" Jay asked.

"Five minutes, before I realized." Kay said. "You could of probably gotten away with it longer if you hadn't latched on to me in your sleep."

"Uh...sorry about that." Jay apologized. "I didn't know I was doing it."

"Of course you didn't, it's fine." Kay reassured him. She was serious. He couldn't control what he did in his sleep. Although, when he latched on to her, she'd felt an almost light feeling. She couldn't describe it and she didn't think she wanted to embrace it,...whatever it was. She brushed it off as being awkward and uncomfortable.

They were both silent.

"I still think you should read the handbook." Kay said after a moment, no longer giving thought to the situation. " Or I'll read it to you again if you promise not to fall asleep again."

"No. It's fine." Jay said, still a bit uncomfortable. He found it odd she had a lack of feeling about it. He hesitated for a moment. "I..I can read it on my own.."

Kay nodded. She handed him the handbook and she started reading A Christmas Carol again. Jay sighed as he opened it. He started reading through the preface.

He noticed they didn't make any references to Alpha, or references to past leadership for that matter. Alpha was still a touchy subject for the agency. Even though Jay had some insistences dealing with him, Kay didn't want him to know about the past; when Alpha was still in charge.

Jay got bored and decided to look Kay over again as she was reading. He couldn't help staring at the other bruise on the opposite side of her abdomen. She seemed hesitant when he'd asked her about it and gave little explanation.

That was one of the things hidden in her. Jay sometimes felt bad for her for all the stuff she had to go through. She was as strong woman and deserved the respect the agency gave her. However, respect alone couldn't always make some one forget. Sometimes the problem had to be addressed head on.

"Kay." He said. Kay lowered her book and looked at him. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Slick." She said and returned to her book.

"No. How are you really feeling?" Jay asked gently. Kay put her book down.

"What do you mean?" She asked, puzzled.

"I never know what you're actually feeling." Jay commented. "You've got a hard exterior."

"It's easier that way, Ace." Kay said. "Trust me."

"Easier for what exactly?" Jay asked.

"Everything." Kay said.

"Why don't you talk to me?" Jay asked. Kay was about to speak, but he interrupted her. "And I want to know the real reason: Tell me the truth."

Kay looked angrily at him. "Listen, Sparky.."

Jay remembered that nickname. It was from when he really messed up and Kay claimed "He had to earn his way back up to, 'Slick' "

Kay took a moment to collect her thoughts. She rubbed her hand through her hair. "Why...why do you care so much?"

This caught Jay off guard. He'd always wanted to know about him...her...He genuinely wanted to know about Kay. Her past was interesting and she didn't want to share it.

He looked at her. There were dark marks under her eyes from being tired. Her hair was also rustled and her suit torn. This was the first time he'd ever seen Kay in true pain. He actually felt pity for her.

He stared into her eyes. She looked at him, puzzled and angry at the same time.

"Well, you don't ever tell me how you feel.." Jay explained. "I want to know if you're okay."

Kay looked away for a second. "Life, isn't exactly easy, Ace. At least, not for me. It's not like I can talk to any one about it. I've talked to Zed about it, but..I don't know...Actually, I'm kind of glad you care."

She actually smiled a bit. Jay looked at her; "But, I still can't tell y-"

Before she could finish, Jay pressed his lips against hers.