~Monday~

Jack watched as she slowly struggled out of her slumber, studying the play of emotions on her unguarded features. He noticed a shy smile flit across her face and it turned his heart to putty. The endearing blush that followed had him wondering what was going through her mind, what she was remembering, selfishly hoping it had something to do with him.

Her dreams scattered, replaced by a layer of thick fog as she sought to wake fully. Surprised when the slightest movement sent jolts of pain ricocheting around her head, she lay as still as possible; hoping the events of the previous day would come into focus. She risked opening her eyes, praying it would help and instead found herself peering into all-too-familiar brown eyes.

"J...Jack, what are you doing in here?" she asked in a panic, sitting up and instantly regretting the motion. Feeling her stomach churn in protest, she squeezed her eyes shut and laid back gingerly, moaning in the process. "I feel awful," she allowed unnecessarily. "You probably shouldn't be in here, Jack. What if I have a virus? I don't want you getting sick too."

He moved closer to her, waiting on her to once again open her eyes. When she did, he could clearly see confusion gathered in her hazel depths. Giving her what he hoped was a reassuring smile, he asked, "What do you remember about yesterday?"

She closed her eyes once more and concentrated. "I remember you waking me up early. You were smiling, all excited," she said softly, gingerly turning her head and chancing another glance at him.

"Yeah," he agreed, nodding. "I was smiling and excited," he confirmed, not revealing it was the kiss he sneaked that had set the tone of the day. "What else?"

"Um," she stalled with a sigh, waiting for the fuzziness to dissipate, "I, fire. I remember fire and we walked through Volcano National Park. You held my hand." She paused and then smiled. "We had lunch in town and you took me shopping. You were acting strangely," she giggled, regretting the movement and putting a hand to her head. "You held my hand some more, telling me it was like leashing Levi."

Jack smiled, making a mental note to hold her hand as often as possible. It wasn't something he thought he'd have to try too hard to remember. Reaching out and running a gentle finger along her forehead, he waited for her to once again look his way. "Do you want me to get you something for your headache?"

She started to shake her head but thought better of it. "No," she whispered.

"Sue?" he called, rolling his eyes at his 'rookie' mistake. Once again reaching out, he stroked her cheek, gaining her attention. "We have to meet Lucy and the rest of the wedding party this morning. It's our first day of activities," he reminded her, watching her grimace.

"I can't go like this," she informed him. "What if I give Lucy this bug?" she asked miserably. "It's bad enough I've probably made you sick."

"Sue, sweetheart, you don't have a virus," he gently enlightened her.

She squinted and watched him carefully. "Did you...did you...um...did you just call me sweetheart?" She watched him nod, a mysterious smile forming on his face. "Why?"

"Why what?" he asked, surprised. At her blush, he blurted, "Why did I call you sweetheart?"

She nodded shyly and waited expectantly.

He pursed his lips, his tongue worrying the inside of his cheek while he pondered his response. "I think I'll let you remember on your own," he finally stated, rising to his feet and offering her a hand. "Come on, get out of bed. Fortunately for you I know just what you need this morning to chase away the headache and the upset stomach."

Sitting up carefully, she softly asked, "But what if I don't?"

"Remember?" At her hesitant nod, he shrugged. "Then I'll see if I can't come up with some way to spark your memory."