AN: Thank you so much for the reviews, it really makes a girl want to keep writing to make the story work! It's so thrilling to have people review my little piece. So thank you to Sasori and Jcal4evr! I guess my words of the wise are these: every writer loves reviews; the big, the small, the in-between; to know someone out there appreciates his/her work is a lovely gift. To the point--a thousand thanks for your thoughts!

IAWL is one of those Christmas films that I always end up watching at some point during the holiday season; I suppose it's one of those silly little traditions that you keep from your youth. It's quaint and sappy. And yes, I'll admit, at times, it wears on me and my patience. But I figured it'd make a nice Christmas story base that I could rewrite for Jack. Oh yes, and the song in this chapter was inspired by a version of it sung by Victor Garber that I just listened to (just to let you all know!).

Seems as though I've had Milo stuck watching All in the [Bristow] Family reruns for quite a while now...but after this chapter and maybe two or three more (at least one of which will be posted tomorrow), Jack's more recent experiences and troubles will be revealed. Then, finally, the angel Rambaldi (haha!) will be booted from heaven to save our beloved hero.

Enough babbling--here's the next part; enjoy!

Chapter Five:

The two men entered the undergraduate center, juggling a couple pies and stacks of plates between them. Arvin and Jack crossed the floor, weaving between dancing couples, to where the refreshments were sitting.

Here you are, Jack said to the older woman who was overseeing the food. He turned around, studying the room; a DJ was spinning records on the stage, and people were milling about; some dancing, some talking, some just sitting at tables with friends. Several men were approaching a group of young women, giggling and laughing as they found a partner with whom to twirl around the floor. Jack shifted his weight from one leg to the other, feeling uncomfortable and out of place; women made him nervous--they always seemed to be whispering at one another, giving you funny looks, and getting upset about one thing or the other. Of course, he thought to himself, it could just be that I haven't really opened up to any of the girls I know because I'm too afraid that they'll reject me. Shaking his head, Jack looked behind him where Arvin was entertaining a small group.

You all know my best buddy, Jack Bristow, Arvin said to a couple guys who were standing around the food. You'd swear I had tortured him; he looks like being here causes him so much pain, he joked, and added in a stage whisper, he's dreadfully scared and intimidated by women, poking Jack in the ribs with his elbow and shooting him a grin.

Ben Devlin snuck up behind Jack, startling him when he put his hands on the other man's shoulders, saying jovially, Looks like our wallflower has finally got himself out into the sun!

Losing his calm for a second, Jack swung around, and was delighted to finally hear a voice he recognized.

Oh, oh! Ben Devlin! How are you? When did you get here? asked Jack, excited to see a familiar man's face.

Oh, this afternoon. I thought I'd give the chicks a special treat--'Ben the Sex Machine' is back on the scene! Ben responded, a cheeky grin accompanying the words.

How was your mission? Jack asked in a low voice, resisting the temptations to roll his eyes and smack his friend upside the head.

Pretty good--old Ben the shadow Devlin is what they call me, after all, he winked. It was relatively simple; I just had to follow some Soviet diplomat around New York City.

Glad to hear it, Jack smiled. But I thought they called you, Ben Lead foot Devlin, or Big Mouth, or The Joker, or The Yo-yo, or...

Okay, I get the point! Ben sighed as Jack and Arvin cracked up. The three men had all joined the agency together, and Ben had been the token new guy for what seemed like decades in his department, ending up the butt of every joke. The nicknames the other agents gave him spreading amongst the younger men like wildfire. Even now, months later, after Ben had proven him self time and time again, the names stuck.

An elderly professor walked up to Jack, his excitement at seeing his favourite pupil relaxing for once apparent on his face; laugh-lines crinkling around his smiling blue eyes and his bushy white hair sticking up wildly.

Jack, I'm so glad to see you here; you don't come to these things often, do you? asked Professor Carmichael.

Hello, sir. No, I don't usually, but Arvin tricked me into it tonight, Jack admitted. How are you, sir?

Putting a pool under this floor was a great idea, Jack, said Carmichael. I was pretty impressed by the idea--best one we had in the contest, but of course you already knew that, he winked at Jack.

Jack remembered entering the contest that the college had held, asking students for ideas and designs for the new rec building. He had figured it'd be a good thing to waste time on during his spring holiday last year, since he was the only one in his dorm staying not going away on some outrageous trip. After spending long hours in the library researching varying ideas he'd developed, he came upon an interesting solution; build the pool under the gymnasium floor.

Saved us another building, continued Carmichael oblivious to Jack's wandering thoughts. Turning his attention to the other boys, he added, Now, Arvin, Ben, have a lot of fun. There's a lot of stuff to eat and drink. Lots of pretty girls around. Grinning, he excused himself and went over to speak to other professors who were in attendance.

Judy Barnett comes into the scene and turns to face Jack. She is waving her dance program at him.

Hey, Jack... she said, a saucy look in her eyes.

Hello, Judy, Jack looked down at his shoes and started to count the seconds until she left him alone.

Can't you even look me in the eyes when you speak to me? Judy mock-pouted, batting her eyes flirtatiously.

I swear that girl put a transmitter or some kind of tracking device on him, muttered Ben under his breath, rolling his eyes at the scene in front of him.

Arvin interrupted, trying to get his attention.

Jack let out a breath of relief at the distraction, and turned to face his friend.

Can you me a favor, Jack? asked Arvin.

What's that?

Well, you remember my girlfriend, Emily? he started.

Oh, yeah, yeah, Jack nodded, thinking of the pretty young woman with the curly blonde hair.

Well, she has this roommate, Laura, who doesn't have a date tonight, and Emily's been after me to find someone for her to dance with. You'll dance with her, won't you? Arvin pleaded.

Jack blanched. Oh, well, I feel funny enough already, with all these people, he mumbled, searching for an excuse.

Aw, come on. Be a sport. Just dance with her one time and you'll give her the thrill of her life.

Aw, go on, Ben nudged him on the shoulder.

Hey, Emily! called Arvin as he walked over to his girlfriend.

Well, excuse me, Judy, he apologized, thankful in the least that he had escaped the woman whose sole goal in life was to seduce him. Don't be long, Arvin. I don't want to be stuck with some dreadful... he trailed off suddenly as he saw Emily's roommate; Laura Brown, the woman from the coffee shop.

Laura was standing, talking to another boy, Bob, a glass of punch in her hand. For the first time that Jack has seen, she is wearing something other than the jeans and sweaters that she typically wore in the café. Instead, she was wearing a long white evening gown, her chestnut hair pulled up in a french twist, small tendrils of hair curling around her face. Jack watched her closely, noticing the long legs that peeked out from underneath the silk, privately wondering if they ever ended, and swallowing as he followed the dip of the low-cut neckline that gave him enough of a view that his imagination didn't need to work hard to...he pinched his arm, remembering where he was. Blinking several times, Jack tried to look at her in a more professional way, noting the assurance she seemed to gain from the open admiration of the boy with her. Then she turned.

Caught in the act, Jack said to himself.

As she turned, she noticed Jack's eyes for the first time. Her hand shook slightly, her poise abandoning her for a moment, as she starred at him.

And the next thing I know, some guy came up and tripped me. That's the reason why I came in fourth. If it hadn't been for that... babbled the boy next to her, oblivious to the fact that her attention was not with him.

Arvin poked his friend, who had stopped in the middle of the floor and was openly staring at the girl he had hoped to get him to notice. He grinned seeing the look in Jack's eyes--at least now he wouldn't have to keep an eye on him all night to make sure he didn't escape with the car. Arvin took Jack's arm and dragged him over in the direction of Laura.

...that race would have been a cinch. I tried to find out who it was later, but I couldn't find out. Nobody'd ever tell you whoever it was because they'd be scared. They know... continued Laura's admirer, Bob.

By the time Jack and Arvin reached Laura, Jack had finally snapped out of his trance.

You remember Jack? Arvin asked Laura. Without waiting for a response, he turned to Jack, he continued, This is Laura. Well, I'll be seeing you then. And with that, Arvin, taking Emily by the arm, wandered off.

stumbled Jack, feeling both incredibly nervous and stupid.

Now, to get back to my story, see... Bob started again, attempting to steal back her attention.

Without even looking at him, Laura handed her punch cup to Bob, and took Jack's arm as he led her out onto the dance floor.

Hey, this is my dance! yelled Bob, indignantly, realizing that he was being ditched.

Oh, why don't you stop annoying people? Jack shot him a dark look.

Well, I'm sorry, apologized Bob. Then he realized what he was saying, and helplessly watched as the couple started to dance.

Well, hello, said Jack, looking at her intently as he guided her in little circles.

Hello again, Jack, she said, his name rolling off of her tongue. You're looking at me as if you didn't know me, Laura added, a small frown on her face.

Well, I don't, not really.

You've served me coffee hundreds of times, and Emily's told me about you at least a thousand more, not to mention all of the times you've absent-mindedly bumped into me in the library as you wandered around reading some book, she said without stopping for a breath.

asked Jack, still staring at her.

she confirmed, starting to smile at the man's obvious distraction.

Uh-uh. That was a studious girl named Laura Brown who drank her coffee without sugar. That wasn't you, Jack mentally smacked his head. he thought. I sound really stupid. Bet she can't wait to get rid of me...this always happens to me with girls... he continued, when a whistle was blown and the music stopped, interrupting his fretful thoughts.

The lights focused on Arvin, who was standing next to the DJ, microphone in hand, blatantly loving the authority and attention.

Attention--attention--attention...and now the big swing dance contest! The prize, you ask? The new Rolling Stones album! Those not tapped by the judges will remain on the floor. Let's go!

A trumpet trilled on the record, and a quick, light beat started as the music started and couples began dancing once more, Jack and Laura staring at each other.

I'm not very good at this, warned Jack.

Taking his hands, she said, Neither am I.

Okay--what can we lose? he took her right hand and put his left hand lightly on her waist, smiling at her, albeit a bit nervously.

They started to dance, slowly at first, then speeding up. As they became more confident together, Jack spun Laura out, letting her twirl back in, and tried different complex moves, clearly enjoying one another's company.

Leaning against the railing around the dance floor, Bob stood, looking daggers at Jack. Gerard, a young man who was slowly puffing at a hand-rolled cigarette, wandered over towards him. Bringing with him a cloud of sickly-sweet smoke, he nodded at Bob, saying, What's the matter, man--jealous? Don't be down, man. Chill, peace.

Bob looked around, unsure of who the other man was speaking to, finally realizing it was him.

Yeah, you man. Did you know there's a swimming pool under this floor? And did you know that button behind you causes this floor to open up?
Bob shook his head.

Well, now you do. And did you further know that Jack Bristow is dancing right over that crack? And I've got the key?

Staring at the silver key, Bob didn't give it a second thought, and took the key, turning the switch. The floor began to part in the middle, each half sliding under the bleacher seats, revealing a lighted swimming pool.

Pandemonium erupted: dancers began to scream as they tried to get off, others were so engrossed in dancing that they continued at top speed, while the professors started to scurry off.

Jack and Laura were so busy dancing and talking to one another that they didn't notice the floor opening. The spotlight from the stage focused on them, and mistook the screams they heard for cheers.

They're cheering us, laughs Jack. We must be good.

The crowd watched closely as Jack and Laura continued to dance, moving backwards and backwards until finally, they reached the edge of the floor and fell into the pool below.

Spluttering, Jack surfaced, and took Laura and they tried to continue their dance. Laura laughed hysterically, and Jack put on a mock-serious look, pretending to be focused on their dance. The crowd went wild--cheering them, clapping, whistling--some of the crowd even leapt into the pool. Professor Carmichael shook his head in amusement at his student, and took off his shoes, diving in and joining in the fun.



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



Jack and Laura walked down a tree-lined residential street, the stars twinkling in the moonlight of the unusually warm winter night. The two of them made quite the odd couple; Jack dressed in a jersey sweater and oversize football pants that kept sliding down his hips, Laura in an old white bath robe. Each of them carried their wet clothes in a bundle, a trail of dripping water following behind them. Despite the awkward clothes, the two of them were glowing, happiness on their faces as they sung together:

I'll be home for Christmas; you can count on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the the tree. Christmas Eve will find me, where the love-lights gleam. I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.

Perfect harmony, Jack took her hand without thinking at the end of the song.

she said, looking down at their interlocked hands.

And I told Arvin I thought I'd be bored to death, Jack laughed at the thought, swinging their hands. You should have seen the commotion in that locker room. I had to knock down three people to get this stuff we're wearing here. Here, let me hold your dress for you.

He took the bundle of clothes from Laura, carrying it for her, and they stopped and looked at each other, their eyes roaming freely.

Do I look as funny as you do? asked Laura, giggling.

I guess I'm not quite the football type, Jack smiled sheepishly. You, though...look wonderful. You know, if it wasn't me talking I'd say you were the prettiest girl in town.

The corners of Laura's mouth turned up, Well, why don't you say it?

I don't know, Jack said quietly, looking down at his feet. Maybe I will say it.

The two of them walked in silence for a minute, when Jack changed the subject.

How old are you anyway? he asked.





What? Am I too young or too old? she asked worriedly.

Oh no. Same age as me. Just right. Your age fits you. Yes, sir, you look a little older without your clothes on, Jack said.

Laura stopped suddenly and looked at him curiously.

Jack's face turned red, and started talking quickly to cover his embarrassment, I mean, without a dress. He sped up, trying to work his way out of the hole he was digging, You look older...I mean, younger. You look just...

In his confusion, Jack stepped on the end of the belt of Laura's bath robe, which was trailing along behind her. She gathered the robe around her, and looked pointedly at him.

stuttered Jack.

Holding out her hand, she stuck up her nose, pretending to be royalty, her twinkling eyes the only sign that she wasn't upset, Sir, my train, please.

Jack let out a sigh of relief, glad that she wasn't angry with him for his clumsiness and stupid words.

A pox upon me for a clumsy lout, Jack slipped into character, bowing lowly.

He picked up the belt and threw it over her arm.

he grinned, your caboose, my lady.

You may kiss my hand, Laura said with a little smile.



He looked down at the hand he was holding, and knelt down, placing a light feathery kiss upon her knuckle.

The two of them stared at each other, Jack started, Hey--hey, Laura...

A worried look passed over her features, and she turned away from him, once again singing I'll be Home for Christmas.

I'm dreaming tonight, of a place I love, even more than I usually do... she started.

Jack looks after her, then up at the sky, catching a streak of light pass across the heavens.

Hey, wait up, Laura! he called, watching as she walked back towards him. I just saw a shooting star!

Oh, did you?

Yeah. Now, you're supposed to make a wish; whatever you want the most, and it'll come true.

Make a wish Jack.

He closes his eyes tightly, his lips barely moving, then opens them again, smiling.

Okay, done.

Curious, Laura asked, What'd you wish, Jack?

Well, if I told you, it might not come true, he teased. Then, I guess there's no harm in telling you; I wished that tonight wouldn't end, he said, looking at her tenderly, his brown eyes soft.

As he spoke, Laura listened intently. With the revelation of his wish, she watched the skies, waiting for her chance at a wish, feeling Jack's eyes on her. A falling star passes above her, a tail of light shinning behind it. She smiled, and closed her eyes, making a wish much like she watched Jack do.

Hey, you saw one, Jack said softly. What'd you wish, Laura?

Laura looked at him, desire in her eyes, and stood gazing at him hungrily. Then she turned, suddenly and shuffled off down the street, once again picking up the song as she went, leaving Jack to hurry after her.

Together they went back to singing, I'll be home for Christmas, with Jack ending the chorus with the question, What'd you wish for when you saw that star?

Oh, no, she shook her head stubbornly.

Come on, tell me, begged Jack.

If I told you it might not come true, Laura said quietly.

What is it you want, Laura? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey, that's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Laura.

I'll take it. And then what? she whispered, her eyes becoming lost in his.

Well, then you could swallow it and it'd all dissolve, see? And the moonbeams'd shoot out of your fingers and your toes, and the ends of your hair, he paused, noticing how close their faces were, and started to turn faintly pink. Am I talking too much? he asked, smiling shyly at her, looking her straight in the eyes.

A voice shouted down at them, Yes!! Why don't you kiss her instead of talking her to death?

Startled, Laura and Jack looked up at her building; Laura's roommate, Emily, had her head stuck out the window and was watching them. Other heads popped out of the windows; revealing the fact that all of the girls on Laura's hall were watching them.

I'm sorry about the audience, Jack, Laura said quietly.

Smiling, Jack yelled up to Emily, How's that?

Why don't you kiss her instead of talking her to death? she shouted back, joined by a chorus of agreeing girls.

Want me to kiss her, huh? he asked.

said one girl, rolling her eyes. The girls closed their windows and left Laura and Jack alone outside.

Hey, hey, hold on, Jack yelled. Hey ladies, come on back out here and I'll show you some kissing that'll make you want to leave your boyfriends! What are you... he continued, realizing that he was making a scene, but strangely not caring.

As Jack shouted up at her roommate and friends, Laura, feeling a little embarrassed that her friends were spying on them, attempted to dash to the door before things got any worse. However, she didn't realize that Jack was once again standing on the belt of her bath robe, and so as she ran, her robe slipped off.

This got Jack's attention.

Jack looked around anxiously.

He dropped his bundle of clothes and picked up Laura's robe, studying it, then scanned the area for any sign of her. Jack's forehead wrinkled, his worry showing on his face that he couldn't see her anywhere.

Okay, I give up. Where are you? asked Jack.

Laura poked her head out of the nearby bushes, crouching down with her arms wrapped around her, shivering amongst the leaves.

Over here in the bushes, came a voice.

Jack walked over to the bush. Here you are, he said. Just as he was about to throw the robe, he was struck by a thought, Wait a minute. What am I doing? This is a very interesting situation.

Please give me my robe, she said.

Hmm...A man doesn't get in a situation like this every day, Jack mused.

I'd like to have my robe, said Laura impatiently.

Not me, anyway, continued Jack.

Laura rustled and thrashed around in the bushes, she squeaked.

said Jack, not missing a beat. This requires a little thought here.

Jonathan Bristow! Give me my robe right this instance! Laura yelled, traces of anger appearing in her voice.

I've heard about things like this, but I've never...

Interrupting his thoughts, Laura scolded him, Shame on you. I'm going to tell your mother on you.

Oh, my mother's way up the corner there, a grin finding its way on Jack's face.

I'll call the police, Laura said desperately.

They're way downtown. They'd be on my side, too.

I'm going to scream! threatened Laura.

Maybe I could sell tickets. Let's see. No, the point is, in order to get this robe...I've got it! I'll make a deal with you, Laura, said Jack excitedly, a wicked glint in his eyes.

Suddenly, headlights flashed nearby on the street, a car driving at breakneck speeds pulling up next to them, Arvin at the wheel, and Ben beside him.

Jack! Jack! Come on, quick! Your father's been shot! shouted Ben.

Jack's eyes instantaneously widened. Laying Laura's robe over the bush, he absently said, Laura...Laura, I'm sorry, I've got to go, and walked over towards the car in a daze.

Come on, Jack, let's hurry, called Arvin.

As the car drove off, Laura, now wearing the robe, rose up from the bush and followed the car with her eyes.

TBC