BEACON HILL - BOSTON, MA

"And that's it?"

No. That wasn't it.

"Yep. That's it." Kate shrugged. She stood up, shaking her flannel covered legs as she walked over to the fireplace and poked at the log, trying to stoke up the flames.

From her curled up position on Kate's sofa, Juliet took a long sip from her wine glass. "I feel like I am officially Down on My Luck. Please don't take this wrong. You're the rising star at the Bureau. You're the lead agent on the New England Serial Killer case. You even got to interview Ed Kemp. And, yes. I am JEALOUS. I graduated number one from the Academy and you are working the biggest case while I am babysitting Miles and … ugh."

Just then Kate's phone rang.

"It's Miles," Kate moaned.

"Don't answer it," Juliet begged.

But Kate picked it up anyway, because that is what she does, "Agent. What's up?" Kate nodded as she listened to him, "I am not up for going out tonight. I'm tired. Raincheck?" A pause as Kate listened to him continue to speak over the receiver, "Juliet?"

Juliet shook her head, gesturing for Kate to not let him know that she was there.

"Uh, I spoke to her earlier, but I don't know where she is tonight." A long pause passed as Kate listened attentively for a minute before rolling her eyes and pulling the phone away from her ear and making a gabby hand gesture.

"Miles, it's getting late. Can we catch up tomorrow?"

Kate hung up, chuckled and took her spot next to Juliet, pulling the wool blanket back on both of them. "What was up with that?"

Juliet sighed, "Since you've been gone, Miles and I have been attached at the hip and I just need a little break from him. I need a girls' night."

Kate giggled, "Me too." Kate would never admit it, but she had enjoyed the emotional roller coaster, the excitement of seeing Jack and the intense way he would look at her at some given moment. And while Kate had enjoyed the proximity to Jack, it was nice to be alone with her friend.

"So, where were we, before Miles called?"

"I was busy whining about the fact that you are working a real serial killer case and I am doing nothing interesting. Basically, feeling sorry for myself because you are the one having all the fun."

"Hey, you've been productive … having fun. Doesn't Special Agent Ford count?"

Juliet gaped and this comment forced her to stare at Kate's face to see if she could be serious, "Whoa, I never mentioned anything about that …."

"You didn't need to. I was your roommate at the Academy, I pay attention. I saw the way you both looked at each other and then there were the secret phone calls."

"God, Kate. You're perceptive - or just plain nosy."

"We're agents, profilers, Juliet. It's our job to observe."

"Then why can't I get a read on you, Kate."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, for starters. You haven't been on a proper date since I met you. And, while, I wholly approve of your one-night stand with sexy mystery man, why haven't you been in any sort of relationship or sought one out since then."

"Jesus Juliet, just get to the point why don't you? That's not fair. Of course, I want a boyfriend. The timing hasn't been good though. I've been working a lot since we left the academy …. The sex part, anyway, I just don't think I could handle that right now. "

Juliet studied Kate carefully, the way her shoulders stiffened and how she seemed to get defensive. Juliet was aware of Kate's soured relationships and, yet, despite their closeness, Kate was very private. Juliet observed these things, Kate wasn't the only one who could profile or read people, after all. But tonight wasn't supposed to be about getting into each other's heads. It was supposed to be fun.

Juliet's voice softened, "Sorry. Yeah, I crossed the line. It's just that I worry about you. But, honestly, this is none of my business. As long as you're happy, I am. And maybe, I am just trying to take it out on you that your career is soaring and I'm jealous. And not only do you get to work on the case that everyone is talking about, you get to do that while working with Shephard. His talent is well regarded and he's really dark and mysterious. Aren't you having any fun?"

"It was definitely an adventure."

Juliet smirked, " 'Was' an adventure? You make it sound past tense. You ARE still in the adventure."

Kate bit her bottom lip and took a gulp from her glass. The truth was she didn't know where she stood in the Bureau right now. Jack had told her she was off the case, but since they returned to Boston, she hadn't received any official notification from him about it. He was in Quantico this week, doing some training and he was away the following week, doing more training with Atlanta and Miami PD. The last and only thing Jack had told her was to take a couple of days off to relax and re-energize. She didn't know what that meant. But then again, trying to understand Jack was like trying to solve a complicated puzzle.

"I guess."

Juliet leaned in, snuggling against Kate, "What's going on, Austen?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. I feel like something is up. For starters, you haven't insulted or made negative comments about Shephard." Juliet giggled. "What's up with that?"

Kate tried to stifle a laugh, recalling all the negative things she had said about Jack to Juliet.

"So, he's not so bad, is he?"

Kate didn't respond, but soon felt a gentle elbow into her ribs.

"Not so bad, right?"

Kate giggled, "Miles is still not a fan though."

Juliet curled her lips, "Oh, so …. Austen. Does that mean you're a fan? "

"Stop it." Kate knew where this conversation was headed and she wasn't up for it. It wasn't as if she hadn't spent a few nights crying over the bitter argument between her and Jack. She knew her words had hurt him. She saw it in the way his eyes lost their spark, the way his face dipped and his shoulders sunk from her words. And then he struck back and Kate didn't blame him. She had pushed him to that point. She knew it. She owned it.

"Stop what?"

Juliet studied Kate's face and noticed how her eyes got watery and the subtle tremble of her lips, "Kate, are you okay?"

Kate pulled away slightly, "Yeah. I'm fine. Just tired, that's all. It's been a lot. A lot of stuff happening the last few weeks. I've been working around the clock. I think it's finally catching up with me."

Juliet looked at her with a hint of skepticism. Something was definitely up with Kate.

Kate could feel the inquisition of Juliet's gaze, even though they were on their second bottle of wine. And the words were on the tip of Kate's tongue, a hint of joy flopped at her heart. She wanted to unburden her secret. I slept with Jack! He is THE mystery man with the tattoos I told you about.

"Kate?"

Kate shook her head, her eyes were closed, her expression deeply reflective and then she smiled, "You were right. Shephard is a decent person. He is smart and he really has supported me. I didn't give him a fair chance."

"That's the spirit!"

They both laughed and Kate wrapped her arm around Juliet, "You're a pain in the butt, but I love you."

"I know that. But seriously, did something happen between you and Jack?" Juliet's eyes were full of mischief.

Kate stiffened, "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. He has a reputation with female agents and you're gorgeous. All those nights alone in hotels. He must have tried something…." Kate pulled away, her protective instincts kicking in. Knowing now what she knew about Jack and Agent Widmore, Jack's reputation seemed unfair and nothing but gossip. Kate so wanted to share the truth about Penny, however, she knew she couldn't.

Kate smiled, awkwardly, her eyes moved all around the living room, "No. It's nothing like that at all. Also, I wouldn't believe those rumors either."

Julie's eyebrows came up quickly. "Really?"

Kate shrugged.

"Did you at least get a chance to talk to him about personal stuff? Is he in a relationship? Does he watch TV? Does he laugh?"

"Sure, we talked. I'm not sure if he is in a relationship, if he is, he didn't mention it. We talked about general stuff, small talk. I don't know what else to say. He's serious, but nice."

Juliet nodded. Clearly there was no information to be dug up here.

A loud whistling wind hit against the glass. They both stood up and walked up to the window and peered outside. The snow was coming down hard. It was a cozy feeling, they were warm and safely nestled in the womb of her apartment.

Juliet broke the spell, "Dammit. It never stops snowing here. I grew up in Florida, I don't think I can ever get used to this."

Kate chuckled.

"You know, Austen, ordinarily, this scenario would be really romantic. We have a burning log in the fireplace, a couple bottles of nice wine, a heavy snowfall."

Kate had already thought about the suggestion and despite everything she had an idea of who she would have liked to have spent an evening like this with. But, right now, that person wasn't even on speaking terms with her.

Juliet studied the view of the back alleyway and the five story building behind it. "Wow, I can totally see into your neighbors' apartments. Remember to pull the drapes, Kate. Otherwise, you may be giving some lucky guys a nice freebie."

SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR PATH - BOSTON, MA

It was cold and early, 6:00 am to be exact. The path was faint, even with the light from the lamp posts. There was an occasional runner or dog-walker, but for the most part he felt surrounded by dark winter solitude.

He enjoyed running in the winter.

Someone was jogging not too far ahead of him. He squinted for a better look, and immediately recognized the small athletic frame accentuated by black running tights, the ponytail of heavy curls bouncing with each step of her gait.

Why was she out at this time? It was way too desolate and dangerous for her to be running alone.

Kate was a fast runner. And that encouraged Jack to pick up his pace.

He must have made some noise because Kate threw a glance over her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed and then soon she was smiling with amused recognition.

She began to sprint.

Jack accepted the challenge and put more speed into his long legs and was now really putting out effort to catch up with her.

She looked over again and saw him approaching fast.

He was right behind her, just about to pass by and leave her behind choking on his dust when he accidentally stepped on a patch of black ice and skidded. He awkwardly lurched forward causing Kate to lose her footing and for him to reach out to keep her steady, but the collision instead caused them both to awkwardly tumble onto a pile of snow on the side of the trail. Lying on her back, Kate looked up to see Jack's face hovering above her, his bottom half resting in between her thighs, and she felt the pressure of his muscular legs bearing down into hers. They were breathing heavily from the sprint and Kate could feel the heat of his heavy gasps for air hitting her face.

His hand gently circled her hip.

Without intending to, Jack's gaze slid across her with an expression that managed to combine amusement, adoration, embarrassment and attraction.

Kate continued to stare up and she noticed that recognizable tiny hint of a wicked grin begin to form on his face.

And, of course, Kate reacted by …. swiftly kneeing him in the groin. Hard.

A deep, very pitiful and painful - sounding moan came from Jack as he rolled into a fetal position next her. His hands, which were too slow to protect himself from the surprise assault, were now cupping the attacked area.

"What the hell, Kate?!"

Kate took a regretful, final quick look at his crotch. She was just as surprised by her action as he was, "Oh Jack. Oh my god, I'm so sorry." Awkwardly, she reached over to the injured area and Jack swiped her hands away, "Jesus Christ, Kate! Are you crazy?! Don't."

Kate's cheeks turned beet red from the hot rush of blood to her face. Knowing that she was blushing only made her blush again. What was she thinking? Was she going to massage the area for him?

Jack's eyes were squeezed shut again as he took a few shallow breaths in an attempt to regulate the pain.

"Jack -"

"Don't."

Kate sat on the back of her calves and …waited in awkward silence.

Finally, and carefully, Jack sat up, wincing, "I know you don't like me, but this is on a whole other extreme level - "

"I didn't mean to … I mean, yes, I kneed you in the privates, but I just reacted. It wasn't intentional -"

Jack gingerly stood up, then wiped the snow off his loose track pants, "Well, you got me good, I'll say that much. I'd hate to see what you would do to me on purpose."

He bent over and extended his hand to help her stand up from the pile of snow.

Kate accepted his palm, but frowned, "Just so you know, that wouldn't have happened if you weren't sneaking up on me like that."

"I wasn't sneaking. You saw it was me, Kate."

"Fine, you were chasing after me -"

Now it was Jack's turn to roll his eyes, "I wasn't chasing … I recognized you and I was just trying to … - you know what? This is ridiculous. Sorry for the misunderstanding." Jack lifted his hand and offered a half wave as he started to back away. "I'll just hobble home now." There was a mirthless chuckle in his voice - a perfect match to the smirk on his face.

In a sudden gesture, Kate reached over and grabbed him by the elbow, "Jack -"

He eyed her carefully, not sure what to expect and completely unable to read her. "Yeah?"

Kate detected the sound of caution in his voice and that made her pause and look down at her sneakers for an awkward moment, "You haven't taken me off the case. Why not?"

Jack's heart sunk a little. She wanted to talk about work. Of course, she did. And why did that bother him? Was he hoping she would say something about their argument? Talk about them?

Jack rubbed the back of his neck, right at the spot where the bottom of his wool-knit hat ended. He wasn't prepared to have this conversation right now. But then again, when would he be up for it?

"I, uhm. I have been thinking about it, and I just believe that it's best to keep things as they are. I don't want to draw unnecessary attention to you. Re-assigning you will only raise more questions internally that I am, frankly, not up for answering. I've been through it before and I'm done with Bureau politics. I just want to do the work and I suspect you want that too."

Kate nodded slowly and looked at the snowflakes falling and then at Jack again.

Jack searched her face, her eyes, her mouth to tell him what she was thinking. He wasn't able to figure that out. Maybe, he was being too presumptuous.

"Unless, of course, you want to be assigned off the case -"

"No! I mean, I want to stay on this case. I'm actually relieved."

Jack exhaled, pleased to hear this reassurance. There was a deep puff of air that fogged the cold air between them. "Okay then. That's settled. We're good."

"Yeah, we're good." The last word dangled on her lips. If it were all 'good', why did she still feel so sad?

The morning sun was coming up now and that was enough of a prompt to remind Jack that it was time to go home, shower, start his day.

Kate sensed him motioning to turn around, but she wasn't ready to see him leave. "So, I guess this means you're done traveling. You will be back in the office today?" Kate asked carefully.

"Yeah, unless something happens between now and 8:00. So, I'll see you then, Austen." Jack nodded and was about to leave when Kate said, - "You know, I was expecting a lecture from you about running alone in the dark."

Jack chuckled, "Well, you can handle yourself. I learned that first-hand." His fingers subconsciously adjusted the groin area of his pants. "Anyway, I'll see you later."

Kate watched him walk away, watching the distance between them slowly grow. She felt the air slowly escape her lungs in a long sigh and she realized that there was nothing else for her to do but walk away too.

BEACON HILL - BOSTON, MA

(a few months ago)

He hadn't been able to see her up close for awhile. Even though the trainees were permitted to leave the Quantico base on a limited basis after a few weeks, Kate never seemed to leave. She was probably staying in and studying. He knew he also had to be careful. There were security cameras everywhere around the facility. It wasn't like he could risk lingering in the area without being noticed by the Feds.

So when he saw her tonight from the darkened, far corner of the crowded bar, that familiar feeling began to stir. She looked fetching and sweet in the green blouse while talking to her two friends. And the blonde she was with was extremely pretty, voluptuous … sexy - definitely his type.

Grudgingly, he ordered another beer. He wasn't much of a drinker, but he didn't want to look like some kind of freak hanging out in a bar and doing nothing. A couple of women tried to strike up a conversation with him. They always did. He was a nice-looking guy with a trustworthy smile. But, the type of woman who approaches a man was a turn-off. They were repulsive. What kind of woman goes home with a stranger? Whores.

He looked at his watch and yawned. Why couldn't Kate just go home already? His hopes brightened when he saw the sexy blonde and the Chinese dude put on their coats.

Finally.

He stood up, stretching out, ready to grab his jacket …. But instead he watched the two women peck featherlight goodbye kisses on one another's cheeks. Kate remained there, standing still, looking on as her friends left through the door before gathering her belongings and making her way to an empty stool at the bar.

What?!

Now he was annoyed and tired. What was she doing? Kate never sat alone in a bar.

He ordered another beer - much to his personal displeasure. He felt his self control wavering as the slight buzz from the booze enveloped him. He hadn't planned for this.

Later on two douchebags hit on Kate. It wasn't the first time he witnessed this and he knew that Kate would send them packing. She ALWAYS did.

Good girl, Katie.

A smile crept across his face as he watched the two losers scurry off with their tails between their legs.

Another impatient glance at his watch. It was time to move things along.

The waitress came by and delivered another drink. He told her that he had decided to change his seat and that he was going to sit at the bar. He grabbed his jacket and began to walk over there, but stopped in his tracks. Kate was now talking to some dude dressed in a suit sitting next to her.

He made his way closer and then slumped into a chair at an empty nearby table. He suddenly felt his shoulders tense up.

And. He watched.

Kate was smiling. The man was smiling. The tip of her tongue snuck out and ran along her upper lip and then along her teeth before she sipped her drink.

He noticed how the brown-haired man would stare at Kate's mouth while they talked. And why was Kate's shoulder always brushing up against the stranger?

What the hell was happening here?

They were laughing now. And Kate would occasionally flip her hair back and the guy would look on while he bit his bottom lip.

Leaning hard against the back of his chair, he felt the heat begin to rise and he scratched at the label on the bottle of beer he was gripping. His knuckles were white.

A million thoughts exploded in his head. He couldn't believe what he was witnessing. Kate was like a stranger to him. There was an imposter in Kate's body. What did the FBI do to her?

The bitch must've actually gotten drunk!

That was the only explanation for this sort of trashy behavior. And that asshole who had been plying her with expensive glasses of wine since they started talking was just making it worse. The guy wore that expensive suit with the same ease he wore his arrogance. The urge to punch him was hard to resist.

For fuck's sake, the guy must have been about 40 - a total cradle-robbing pervert. What was Katie thinking?

While he still watched the pair's flirtation, their mating ritual, he continued to work the wet paper with his fingers until the edge of the label curled up and revealed the glue underneath. It took everything he had to not walk up to the bar and smash the bottle against the back of the prick's head.

He looked down at his hands again and then, to his dismay, as he looked back at the bar, he watched the man help Kate with her coat and then follow her out the bar. He was shocked, almost unable to move. Suddenly, he dropped some money on the table and then scurried out after them.

For the entire walk to her apartment he half-expected Kate to jump into a cab. But she didn't. The guy continued to walk alongside her. His briefcase held in one hand and the other occasionally brushing up against her lower back. And he swore he saw Kate lean into the gesture. She was giggling.

Kate and the stranger walked through the main entrance of her building and then he felt a gust of the upcoming New England winter slap him in the face. He jogged around back and then quietly climbed up the fire escape of a nearby brownstone.

And he waited.

It was cold. Really cold. He regretted not dressing more warmly. But he didn't expect to spend the night sitting on a fire escape and staring into Kate's apartment window either. His fingers suddenly clawed at his skull. He was cursing out loud. But then he forced himself silent. He needed to stay in control.

This was NOT happening.

His hands were numb now. He had no idea how long he had been quietly sitting there. But it had been awhile. A light finally turned on in Kate's living room and he watched Kate prance around in some tiny nightwear while the guy wore nothing but boxer shorts.

He was about to stand up. Blind fury and hatred flowing through his veins. He was ready to storm in there and make them pay contrition. Kill them both. Make them suffer.

A squeaking sound coming from the fifth floor right above startled him and interrupted his murderous fantasies. He watched, stunned, as a young woman stealthily climbed down the metal ladder and then took a spot next to him. She was attractive, with long red wavy hair.

The woman remained quiet, following his gaze into Kate's apartment.

He ordinarily would have jumped down the fire escape and made a run for it. But he didn't. And that puzzled him. He felt her adjust her position beside him, as if trying to find a comfortable spot on a flat baseball stadium bleacher.

Silence.

A while later, Jack and Kate appeared in front of the window. They were facing each other, the fronts of their bodies grazing right before they both began kissing passionately and then frantically removing the little bit of clothing they both had on. The man on the fire escape tried to look away, but found that he couldn't.

"Is she your girlfriend? Your ex, maybe?"

It was a rhetorical question, the girl knew the man sitting next to her and spying was neither.

He looked at her, his eyes bleeding with rage, but also dark with a distinct lust lurking behind them. He turned his attention back to the window.

"No. And no." He grumbled in response to her question.

At that point he gripped the railing. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The easy way Kate allowed him to touch her. The way she seemed to want it and lean into each caress. The way their bodies moved together.

It was vulgar.

Why was Kate allowing this?

"His name is Jack, by the way. Women love him and then he always leaves them. He always gets away with messing up people's lives." The words came out with a perceptible sharp edge.

She stood up then, getting ready to leave. She was tired. Cold. Bored. Jack's antics were nothing new. Although, the handsome stranger sitting here was a welcome surprise. And the obvious creepy interest he had with Jack's bed partner for the evening intrigued her even more than his looks.

"I'll see you around, ay?"

He looked back at her and their gaze hung onto the other's. An understanding. A sense of mutual angry loneliness was heating up the Boston autumnal cold air.

"Yeah."

A connection.

A/N: Oh boy. This is long past due. My sincere apologies for the delay. Life has been a little off for me lately. I hope you guys are still reading. And please believe me when I say, that your reviews prompt me to write and want to continue with this story. Thank you so much for your loyal support. It means the world to me.

I hope the introduction of the new POV was obvious. More on that to follow ;)

Also, do you guys miss LOST and Jack/Kate? I sure do. TV is just not the same since this show ended.

Happy New Year's and I hope you all are having a lovely holiday season.