An Understanding

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Jack smiled happily, holding Rose tighter. Since that night a week ago, it seemed they had spent ever moment together. Jack couldn't have been happier.

Rose, was happy with Jack; there was no denying that. She was however, worried.

She had saw the way Jack reacted whenever Cal was mentioned. He was usually so positive and happy, but if Cal was in the conversation at all, he became silent and withdrawn………….

Rose was unsure of how to change that, how to let Jack know that she loved him no matter what happened.

Over the past few weeks, she had come to care about Cal, but she didn't love him, well not the way she loved Jack. She doubted if she could ever love anyone the way she loved him.

"What're you thinking about?" Jack's voice broke through her thoughts. Rose turned to face him. "Us." Jack grinned. "And Cal." "Rose," Jack's mouth refused to cooperate. "If you want to be with Cal, I won't stop you."

Rose's mouth flew open. "Jack Dawson!" she screeched. "How could you, ever, ever, think such!! After all we've been through together, you think I want Cal!"

Jack sighed. "Rose, honey, I'm sorry, ok? I wasn't sure if you really wanted to be with me, or…….." He didn't finish.

"Jack, I love you; I'll always love you. I was just trying to show Cal some of the happiness that we have."

Jack's eyes lit up. "I love you too, Rose. More than anything. I shouldn't have said that." He hugged her tightly. "You're my Rose and I need you."

Rose buried her face in his chest. "And you're my Artist."

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The next day.

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Cal took one last look in the mirror, checking for any flaws. Satisfied with his appearance, he headed out the door.

Strolling down the street, he hummed a tune. Cal wasn't sure what it was, but he had heard it sang before. That he was sure of.

A moment later, he reached his destination.

Jack and Rose no longer occupied the bungalow that he had first found them in. Since getting a job doing illustrations for the local paper, Jack had managed to secure a house.

It was a neat two-story affair. Nice, but not first class material.

Stepping through the gate, Cal silently prayed that the night would go well. It was his birthday, and Rose had invited him to dinner. He wondered how Jack had reacted when she told him.

Cal lightly knocked on the door. It was immediately opened by none other than Jack himself.

Both regarded the other. Cal began the talk. "I know you and I don't exactly have the best of relationships, well more like the best of pasts, but-"

Jack cut off. "Look, I'm willing to forget all that if you are." Cal stared at him in amazement. Jack was a little amazed himself; he couldn't believe he had said that to Cal of all people.

"Of course I am." "Good. But if you ever hurt Rose in any way, I'll kill you."

Cal wondered if he was serious. Upon seeing the look in his eyes, he decided he was. "Oh, I'm very serious." Cal started. It was if Jack could read his thoughts.

"I never joke when it comes to Rose." "I can see that. It's obvious you love her a lot." Jack smiled. "I do." "I do too." Jack looked at Cal. "I know you do, it's not hard to love Rose."

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