Title : Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. Update on 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' - the program is aired on PAX TV - and I still hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you.
Rating : G to PG-13
Author's Notes 1 & 2 : See Default Chapter
Thanks go to Ninjaturtle, Starryeyes10, Another Tracy and Jtbwriter for their reviews so far. I hope you'll all stay with me for the rest of the story.
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Harm's apartment - North of Union Station - Thursday, early morning
"Hi," he murmured, leaning forward to drop a light kiss on her mouth. Mac leaned in to take the offered kiss, and then dropped back on her elbow with a grimace.
"Back in a mo," she muttered, adding "burger breath!" as she climbed out of the bed and into the bathroom. Harm heard the sound of the tap running, the brushing of teeth, and then Mac reappeared.
"I didn't mind, honestly," Harm commented, smiling, pulling the covers back so Mac could rejoin him on the bed.
"You're too much of a gentleman, Harm. Even though I cleaned my teeth last night, I could still taste the food. Better now."
"Good. Does that mean I can have another kiss 'Good Morning'?" he asked, hopefully.
Mac leaned in and kissed him without verbally answering, and Harm wasted no time in joining in. When they broke the kiss, reluctantly, Mac grinned up at Harm. "We gotta go, Flyboy. I need to change, and you're going to be late because you have to get dressed and take me home."
"Late for what?"
"Work, Harm. You know, that little item that takes up your day and pays for your Corvette and this place."
"Guess I forgot to tell you last night, I have a late start this morning." At Mac's raised eyebrow Harm continued. "I have to be down in Norfolk later this morning. I was going to give Jack a call and ask him to meet up with us this evening so you could tell him about Davison."
"We can do that over the phone, Harm," Mac pointed out, and then grinned in jest. "Ah, I get it, you've fallen for the blond!"
"Sue? No!" Harm stated emphatically, dropping a hard kiss on Mac's lips as if to prove his fidelity to her.
"No, I was thinking more of Levi..." Mac retorted, when she could breathe again. That kiss had been unexpected, but promised more, and she had the time to explore. So, it would appear, did Harm. As she watched Harm's features she knew the moment he realised she'd been joking about the Golden Retriever that was Sue's service dog. "Ha, now you get it..." she laughed softly.
"Mmmn, and so do you... " Harm replied before dropping his head again for a softer kiss, that soon deepened. However, a sudden thought hit Harm and he jerked back. Mac looked somewhat disappointed at the interruption, and he smiled to soften his action. "How long can you stay?" he asked, adding as an afterthought, in case she misunderstood him, "... I mean now, do we have time... to take this... " he stopped, lost for words when it came to asking Mac to stay with him. Mac helped him out.
"I have the morning off, since Bud and I were down in Leavenworth yesterday. I gave him the morning off too, I just need to let the Admiral know."
Harm's smile lit his face and made his already darkened eyes even darker. "That's okay, we can do that," he confirmed with a nod of his tousled head. "Right now, though, I have other plans for you and I."
"You do?" Mac asked innocently, but her laughing eyes held his and changed from chocolate to black as her pupils dilated, and without further words they got back to what they had started together, the Admiral and JAG forgotten - until later. Much later.
FBI Headquarters - J Edgar Hoover Building - Washington DC - 1000 Hours local, Same Day
Jack put the handset back down on the telephone cradle and looked across at Sue. Levi, seeing Jack about to call Sue's name, lifted his paw and dropped it on her leg as she sat at her desk. Sue patted Levi, and looked up at Jack.
"You called me?" she asked, smiling. Jack returned the smile but shook his head.
"Levi's starting to read my mind. I was about to call you, but he beat me to it and got your attention. Do you think they taught him that at dog-training?" he joked.
Sue shook her head in response. "No. I just think it's because he's starting to understand you and I."
"That's not such a bad thing." Jack grinned, and then remembered why he wanted Sue's attention. "I've just had Harm on the line. Mac returned from Leavenworth yesterday. She spoke to Davison, and it would seem he is the one Sadiq has been in contact with."
"Leaven... ?" asked Sue.
"Lev-en-worth." Jack signed the letters for Sue as he voiced the syllables. "It's the military prison facility in Kansas. Davison and Graves have been there since their sentencing. Anyhow, Mac wondered if you would like to meet up later to talk about what we do next with their intel. Harm is on his way to Norfolk Naval Station and will be there until late afternoon. He asked if we'd like to meet up with them at Mac's place in Georgetown and have something to eat with them."
"That would be nice," Sue nodded, agreeing to the suggestion. Jack smiled at her.
"Good, because I already said 'yes'."
"What if I had other plans?" Sue asked, pretending to be annoyed at his assumption that she would accept the invitation.
"I... I'm sorry, I didn't think you'd mind me accepting for you," Jack muttered, his smile dropping as he realised his mistake in assuming.
"It's okay, Jack. I'm teasing... I enjoy their company, and yours, and look forward to seeing Sarah's home. Levi will get to see Jingo again, too." Sue bent to stroke Levi's fur and didn't see Jack's easy smile fall back into place.
"Great. I'll let Harm know we'll be there. He said around eight. Is it all right if I pick you up? Seems pointless taking two cars."
Sue smiled softly. "I'd like that. Thank you." As Jack turned his attention back to his work, Sue patted Levi and told him to lie down again.
Mac's Apartment - Georgetown - 1955 Hours local, Same Day
Jingo barked once as the doorbell rang and Mac called out from the kitchen that she was on her way as she closed the oven door and walked out into the hallway. Habit had her check the peephole first, even though she knew it would be Jack and Sue.
"Hey, come in! Welcome to Chez Mackenzie. Sue, Jack, it's lovely to see you both again." Mac's welcome included a hug for the both of them, and a pat for Levi. Jingo stood behind Mac, a little wary of the other canine visitor. Mac reached back and patted Jingo too. "Come on, Jingo, play nice. Say 'hello' to Levi." Levi, after a signal from Sue, walked up to Jingo and sniffed, and then sensing no danger walked over to the window and flopped down, with Jingo following suit shortly after. All three humans laughed.
"I guess that means they're friends," Jack laughed. "Sue told me Jingo was a sniffer for the DEA."
"Yeah, till I ended his career," Mac replied, smiling. At the sound of a key in the lock Mac turned to face the door again, her smile widening as Harm stepped through the door and returned her smile.
"Hey, Sailor. You made it, and almost on time, too! I'm impressed." Mac joked as she looked back at Jack and Sue, explaining that Harm had gone home to change before coming through to Georgetown. The fact that he had let himself in with a key wasn't lost on Jack or Sue, but they chose to keep it to themselves for the time being. Neither Mac nor Harm mentioned the fact, nor did they seem embarrassed by it, so it would appear it was taken as a usual occurrence.
"I said I wouldn't be too late, and I did ring to say I was back from Norfolk, so adding in that I've been home and changed too, I'd say I did pretty well." Harm sniffed the air then. "O-ho, you've been cooking, Marine."
Sue spoke up then. "It smells very good."
"And it's ready. If you'd all like to go sit down, I'll bring it through."
"May I help?" asked Sue.
"Sure, thank you," Mac accepted, and the two women walked into the kitchen while Harm and Jack sat at the table, talking football scores.
During the meal Mac filled Jack and Sue in on her trip to Leavenworth. While they were at stalemate with Davison until he decided to deal with them, it was agreed it was still worth their while involving NCIS now they had at least targeted Sadiq's contact on the previous Stinger consignment.
"I'll get in touch with Gibbs tomorrow. I'm sure he'll be kind enough to buy me a coffee somewhere in town." Harm offered, grinning, and Mac cast him a curious look. "He ordered me a coffee when I was being questioned - I denied him a DNA sample to test against Sergei and Singer, so he was hoping to get something off the cup. I didn't drink it," he explained.
"He still arrested you," said Mac, stating the obvious. It was a time she had put to the back of her mind, feeling guilty that she and the others in JAG had been unable to show support for Harm at a time he most needed it. The Admiral had ordered them to stay away from the investigation, and they had obeyed. Despite Harm having assured he understood, she still felt guilty of her part in the whole episode. It was an issue that would take time to for her to let go of, but she knew Harm was aware of her feelings, and it wasn't doing any harm to their current state of relationship.
Jack glanced at Sue and was amused to see her watching not only Harm and Mac's mouths, but also their eyes. He made a note to ask her about that later, when they left. In the meantime he sat back from his plate and thanked Mac for the tasty meal. Sue did the same. Mac made a mock bow and began clearing the table.
"Go have a comfortable seat, I'll bring out the coffee," she said, as Harm stood to help her clear up. Jack stood up and pulled out Sue's chair for her, guiding her across the lounge to the sofa and the two chairs. They chose to sit together on the sofa, angled to face each other.
Mac loaded the dishwasher as Harm brought in the last of the plates from the table. He had seen Jack and Sue were engrossed in a conversation of their own, and decided to have a little extra 'dessert' for himself, putting his arms around Mac's waist from behind and nuzzling on her neck.
"Harm!" Mac squealed and clamped a hand over her mouth to deaden the sound, giggling as Harm hit the ticklish spot he knew below her ear. "Oh, Flyboy, you're asking for a lot of trouble!"
"That's okay, I'm always getting into 'trouble' with you," Harm whispered against her skin, and she knew he was laughing. "I was just looking for a little extra dessert before we rejoin our guests."
"Dessert, huh? Will this do?" Mac asked, before turning around and leaning in to Harm, raising her mouth for his kiss. "You can have more after our guests leave," she promised. Harm dropped another quick kiss on her nose in agreement and carried the tray of mugs, cream and sugar into the lounge as Mac carried the coffee pot.
"I should warn you," said Harm as he set down the tray, "Mac's coffee is Marine grade - which comes as strong, stronger and 'how long can your spoon stand upright in the cup?'", which earned him baleful glare from Mac.
"Please ignore him, he's a wimp when it comes to drinking 'real' coffee. Besides, I only need the 'spoon in the cup' stuff when we're working on a hard case."
Jack and Sue laughed at their banter, and proceeded to drink, and enjoy, their coffees, while Harm still had a half cup left after everyone had finished.
As their evening came to an end the four of them rose from the sofa and chairs and made their way to the door.
"We had a good time, again. Thank you." Jack spoke, with an acknowledging nod and smile from Sue, who spoke up herself.
"We didn't get to find out about Mattie, though, so maybe next time you could come have a meal with us?" At her words Jack looked surprised, but then nodded and smiled at Mac and Harm.
Calling Levi to her, Sue clipped on his lead and then left the apartment with Jack, making their way to the elevator. Mac and Harm watched them out of sight around the corner, and then returned inside the apartment, closing the door behind them.
"I remember you promised me more dessert, Marine," Harm said softly, pulling Mac into his arms.
"Hmm, so I did... " mused Mac, before she raised her arms around his neck.
Outside Sue's Apartment - Somewhere In Washington DC - Later, Same Night
Sue sat in silence in Jack's car, aware of him being so close, and not sure if he was angry with her. Her comment to Mac about a 'next time' had been said so easily, as though she and Jack were a couple returning the invitation to a meal between friends. Granted, she knew that Jack was her friend, but they were not a 'couple'. Not that she hadn't thought of it before, and Lucy certainly kept trying to make them into one! At that thought she smiled, and it was at that moment that Jack looked over.
"Something funny?" he asked softly, smiling at her.
"Just something Lucy said," she replied, and smiled in return. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you back there, Jack. I didn't mean to be so... presumptuous."
"About what? I'm not embarrassed about anything." Jack responded.
"What I said about the two of us having Sarah and Harm come to eat with us, next time."
"Ah, Sue, it's okay. In fact, I'm looking forward to it. We probably should use my place, though. Lucy might get a bit suspicious if we entertain as a couple."
"You don't mind?" Sue was silent for a moment, and then she smiled. "Thank you, Jack. You know, you keep surprising me."
"That's good then, because you keep surprising me, too."
"I do?" Sue couldn't help the astonishment sounding in her voice, and Jack grinned, leant over the center console and touched her cheek.
"You do," he murmured, and then added "C'mon, Cinderella, I'd better get you in before the stroke of midnight, or I'll have Lucy after me. Sit tight and I'll open your door."
Sue sat, smiling to herself in wonder at his actions, as Jack walked around the car and opened her door for her, putting a hand in to help her out and then moving to open the back door and call Levi out. Levi jumped down from the seat and sat patiently at the kerb while Sue clipped on his lead. Jack waited for her, and then fell into step beside her as she walked towards the glass entrance door to her apartment building. As Jack held the door open for her and followed her in, Sue turned to face him, which brought her up closer than she had expected.
"It's... I can make it safely from here, Jack."
"I know, I just want to make sure." Jack's response was light, teasing, but Sue could see his eyes darken as they looked at each other. Sue nodded in silent response, and lead the way to her apartment door. Before she could place the key into the lock Jack stopped her movement. "I'll say good-night here, Sue. Now I know you're 'home' safe. See you tomorrow, okay?"
"O... okay... " Sue replied, a little bemused at his courtesy, and a lot disappointed that he simply raised her hand to his lips and brushed her knuckles. Jack turned away and started walking back to the elevator. Sue didn't hear his muttered 'damn!', but she saw him turn back towards her, walk straight up to her, take her face in his hands gently and proceed to kiss her senseless.
As they separated for air, their foreheads rested together, and they both said a heart-felt 'wow!'. Jack was the first to really recover his senses, and he lifted his head to look down at Sue. As her lashes fluttered and her eyes opened she returned his gaze.
"Well, that was another surprise... and a wonderful one," Sue murmured, smiling up at him.
"I'd really like to kiss you again, but if I do, I don't think I'd be able to stop with just one kiss, and Lucy might be on the other side of that door waiting for you to tell her all about tonight. I don't think she'd be too pleased to find us making out in the hallway."
"You'd be surprised," admitted Sue, laughing softly. "Lucy has been trying to matchmake us since she first saw us together."
"Is that so? Well, we could consider this our second date, seeing as we've already had one evening with Harm and Mac."
"Do you think we can make it to a third date?" asked Sue, half afraid Jack was only joking.
"And more," Jack responded gently, aware that Sue still had some reservations about her self-worth. "We have at least two more dates to plan, inviting Harm and Mac to join us, and then a few others that include no-one but us," Jack paused and looked down at Levi, who barked once. "And Levi."
"I like the sound of that." Sue reached up and kissed Jack, and then drew back to look up at him again. "See you tomorrow," she whispered, as she opened her door, let Levi in ahead of her, and then closed it on Jack with a wave and a smile. As she leant back against the door with her eyes closed she was assaulted by both Levi jumping up at her, and her room-mate staring at her.
"I don't care what time it is, you have got to tell all!" Lucy squealed in barely-restrained delight.
To be continued
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. Update on 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' - the program is aired on PAX TV - and I still hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you.
Rating : G to PG-13
Author's Notes 1 & 2 : See Default Chapter
Thanks go to Ninjaturtle, Starryeyes10, Another Tracy and Jtbwriter for their reviews so far. I hope you'll all stay with me for the rest of the story.
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Harm's apartment - North of Union Station - Thursday, early morning
"Hi," he murmured, leaning forward to drop a light kiss on her mouth. Mac leaned in to take the offered kiss, and then dropped back on her elbow with a grimace.
"Back in a mo," she muttered, adding "burger breath!" as she climbed out of the bed and into the bathroom. Harm heard the sound of the tap running, the brushing of teeth, and then Mac reappeared.
"I didn't mind, honestly," Harm commented, smiling, pulling the covers back so Mac could rejoin him on the bed.
"You're too much of a gentleman, Harm. Even though I cleaned my teeth last night, I could still taste the food. Better now."
"Good. Does that mean I can have another kiss 'Good Morning'?" he asked, hopefully.
Mac leaned in and kissed him without verbally answering, and Harm wasted no time in joining in. When they broke the kiss, reluctantly, Mac grinned up at Harm. "We gotta go, Flyboy. I need to change, and you're going to be late because you have to get dressed and take me home."
"Late for what?"
"Work, Harm. You know, that little item that takes up your day and pays for your Corvette and this place."
"Guess I forgot to tell you last night, I have a late start this morning." At Mac's raised eyebrow Harm continued. "I have to be down in Norfolk later this morning. I was going to give Jack a call and ask him to meet up with us this evening so you could tell him about Davison."
"We can do that over the phone, Harm," Mac pointed out, and then grinned in jest. "Ah, I get it, you've fallen for the blond!"
"Sue? No!" Harm stated emphatically, dropping a hard kiss on Mac's lips as if to prove his fidelity to her.
"No, I was thinking more of Levi..." Mac retorted, when she could breathe again. That kiss had been unexpected, but promised more, and she had the time to explore. So, it would appear, did Harm. As she watched Harm's features she knew the moment he realised she'd been joking about the Golden Retriever that was Sue's service dog. "Ha, now you get it..." she laughed softly.
"Mmmn, and so do you... " Harm replied before dropping his head again for a softer kiss, that soon deepened. However, a sudden thought hit Harm and he jerked back. Mac looked somewhat disappointed at the interruption, and he smiled to soften his action. "How long can you stay?" he asked, adding as an afterthought, in case she misunderstood him, "... I mean now, do we have time... to take this... " he stopped, lost for words when it came to asking Mac to stay with him. Mac helped him out.
"I have the morning off, since Bud and I were down in Leavenworth yesterday. I gave him the morning off too, I just need to let the Admiral know."
Harm's smile lit his face and made his already darkened eyes even darker. "That's okay, we can do that," he confirmed with a nod of his tousled head. "Right now, though, I have other plans for you and I."
"You do?" Mac asked innocently, but her laughing eyes held his and changed from chocolate to black as her pupils dilated, and without further words they got back to what they had started together, the Admiral and JAG forgotten - until later. Much later.
FBI Headquarters - J Edgar Hoover Building - Washington DC - 1000 Hours local, Same Day
Jack put the handset back down on the telephone cradle and looked across at Sue. Levi, seeing Jack about to call Sue's name, lifted his paw and dropped it on her leg as she sat at her desk. Sue patted Levi, and looked up at Jack.
"You called me?" she asked, smiling. Jack returned the smile but shook his head.
"Levi's starting to read my mind. I was about to call you, but he beat me to it and got your attention. Do you think they taught him that at dog-training?" he joked.
Sue shook her head in response. "No. I just think it's because he's starting to understand you and I."
"That's not such a bad thing." Jack grinned, and then remembered why he wanted Sue's attention. "I've just had Harm on the line. Mac returned from Leavenworth yesterday. She spoke to Davison, and it would seem he is the one Sadiq has been in contact with."
"Leaven... ?" asked Sue.
"Lev-en-worth." Jack signed the letters for Sue as he voiced the syllables. "It's the military prison facility in Kansas. Davison and Graves have been there since their sentencing. Anyhow, Mac wondered if you would like to meet up later to talk about what we do next with their intel. Harm is on his way to Norfolk Naval Station and will be there until late afternoon. He asked if we'd like to meet up with them at Mac's place in Georgetown and have something to eat with them."
"That would be nice," Sue nodded, agreeing to the suggestion. Jack smiled at her.
"Good, because I already said 'yes'."
"What if I had other plans?" Sue asked, pretending to be annoyed at his assumption that she would accept the invitation.
"I... I'm sorry, I didn't think you'd mind me accepting for you," Jack muttered, his smile dropping as he realised his mistake in assuming.
"It's okay, Jack. I'm teasing... I enjoy their company, and yours, and look forward to seeing Sarah's home. Levi will get to see Jingo again, too." Sue bent to stroke Levi's fur and didn't see Jack's easy smile fall back into place.
"Great. I'll let Harm know we'll be there. He said around eight. Is it all right if I pick you up? Seems pointless taking two cars."
Sue smiled softly. "I'd like that. Thank you." As Jack turned his attention back to his work, Sue patted Levi and told him to lie down again.
Mac's Apartment - Georgetown - 1955 Hours local, Same Day
Jingo barked once as the doorbell rang and Mac called out from the kitchen that she was on her way as she closed the oven door and walked out into the hallway. Habit had her check the peephole first, even though she knew it would be Jack and Sue.
"Hey, come in! Welcome to Chez Mackenzie. Sue, Jack, it's lovely to see you both again." Mac's welcome included a hug for the both of them, and a pat for Levi. Jingo stood behind Mac, a little wary of the other canine visitor. Mac reached back and patted Jingo too. "Come on, Jingo, play nice. Say 'hello' to Levi." Levi, after a signal from Sue, walked up to Jingo and sniffed, and then sensing no danger walked over to the window and flopped down, with Jingo following suit shortly after. All three humans laughed.
"I guess that means they're friends," Jack laughed. "Sue told me Jingo was a sniffer for the DEA."
"Yeah, till I ended his career," Mac replied, smiling. At the sound of a key in the lock Mac turned to face the door again, her smile widening as Harm stepped through the door and returned her smile.
"Hey, Sailor. You made it, and almost on time, too! I'm impressed." Mac joked as she looked back at Jack and Sue, explaining that Harm had gone home to change before coming through to Georgetown. The fact that he had let himself in with a key wasn't lost on Jack or Sue, but they chose to keep it to themselves for the time being. Neither Mac nor Harm mentioned the fact, nor did they seem embarrassed by it, so it would appear it was taken as a usual occurrence.
"I said I wouldn't be too late, and I did ring to say I was back from Norfolk, so adding in that I've been home and changed too, I'd say I did pretty well." Harm sniffed the air then. "O-ho, you've been cooking, Marine."
Sue spoke up then. "It smells very good."
"And it's ready. If you'd all like to go sit down, I'll bring it through."
"May I help?" asked Sue.
"Sure, thank you," Mac accepted, and the two women walked into the kitchen while Harm and Jack sat at the table, talking football scores.
During the meal Mac filled Jack and Sue in on her trip to Leavenworth. While they were at stalemate with Davison until he decided to deal with them, it was agreed it was still worth their while involving NCIS now they had at least targeted Sadiq's contact on the previous Stinger consignment.
"I'll get in touch with Gibbs tomorrow. I'm sure he'll be kind enough to buy me a coffee somewhere in town." Harm offered, grinning, and Mac cast him a curious look. "He ordered me a coffee when I was being questioned - I denied him a DNA sample to test against Sergei and Singer, so he was hoping to get something off the cup. I didn't drink it," he explained.
"He still arrested you," said Mac, stating the obvious. It was a time she had put to the back of her mind, feeling guilty that she and the others in JAG had been unable to show support for Harm at a time he most needed it. The Admiral had ordered them to stay away from the investigation, and they had obeyed. Despite Harm having assured he understood, she still felt guilty of her part in the whole episode. It was an issue that would take time to for her to let go of, but she knew Harm was aware of her feelings, and it wasn't doing any harm to their current state of relationship.
Jack glanced at Sue and was amused to see her watching not only Harm and Mac's mouths, but also their eyes. He made a note to ask her about that later, when they left. In the meantime he sat back from his plate and thanked Mac for the tasty meal. Sue did the same. Mac made a mock bow and began clearing the table.
"Go have a comfortable seat, I'll bring out the coffee," she said, as Harm stood to help her clear up. Jack stood up and pulled out Sue's chair for her, guiding her across the lounge to the sofa and the two chairs. They chose to sit together on the sofa, angled to face each other.
Mac loaded the dishwasher as Harm brought in the last of the plates from the table. He had seen Jack and Sue were engrossed in a conversation of their own, and decided to have a little extra 'dessert' for himself, putting his arms around Mac's waist from behind and nuzzling on her neck.
"Harm!" Mac squealed and clamped a hand over her mouth to deaden the sound, giggling as Harm hit the ticklish spot he knew below her ear. "Oh, Flyboy, you're asking for a lot of trouble!"
"That's okay, I'm always getting into 'trouble' with you," Harm whispered against her skin, and she knew he was laughing. "I was just looking for a little extra dessert before we rejoin our guests."
"Dessert, huh? Will this do?" Mac asked, before turning around and leaning in to Harm, raising her mouth for his kiss. "You can have more after our guests leave," she promised. Harm dropped another quick kiss on her nose in agreement and carried the tray of mugs, cream and sugar into the lounge as Mac carried the coffee pot.
"I should warn you," said Harm as he set down the tray, "Mac's coffee is Marine grade - which comes as strong, stronger and 'how long can your spoon stand upright in the cup?'", which earned him baleful glare from Mac.
"Please ignore him, he's a wimp when it comes to drinking 'real' coffee. Besides, I only need the 'spoon in the cup' stuff when we're working on a hard case."
Jack and Sue laughed at their banter, and proceeded to drink, and enjoy, their coffees, while Harm still had a half cup left after everyone had finished.
As their evening came to an end the four of them rose from the sofa and chairs and made their way to the door.
"We had a good time, again. Thank you." Jack spoke, with an acknowledging nod and smile from Sue, who spoke up herself.
"We didn't get to find out about Mattie, though, so maybe next time you could come have a meal with us?" At her words Jack looked surprised, but then nodded and smiled at Mac and Harm.
Calling Levi to her, Sue clipped on his lead and then left the apartment with Jack, making their way to the elevator. Mac and Harm watched them out of sight around the corner, and then returned inside the apartment, closing the door behind them.
"I remember you promised me more dessert, Marine," Harm said softly, pulling Mac into his arms.
"Hmm, so I did... " mused Mac, before she raised her arms around his neck.
Outside Sue's Apartment - Somewhere In Washington DC - Later, Same Night
Sue sat in silence in Jack's car, aware of him being so close, and not sure if he was angry with her. Her comment to Mac about a 'next time' had been said so easily, as though she and Jack were a couple returning the invitation to a meal between friends. Granted, she knew that Jack was her friend, but they were not a 'couple'. Not that she hadn't thought of it before, and Lucy certainly kept trying to make them into one! At that thought she smiled, and it was at that moment that Jack looked over.
"Something funny?" he asked softly, smiling at her.
"Just something Lucy said," she replied, and smiled in return. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you back there, Jack. I didn't mean to be so... presumptuous."
"About what? I'm not embarrassed about anything." Jack responded.
"What I said about the two of us having Sarah and Harm come to eat with us, next time."
"Ah, Sue, it's okay. In fact, I'm looking forward to it. We probably should use my place, though. Lucy might get a bit suspicious if we entertain as a couple."
"You don't mind?" Sue was silent for a moment, and then she smiled. "Thank you, Jack. You know, you keep surprising me."
"That's good then, because you keep surprising me, too."
"I do?" Sue couldn't help the astonishment sounding in her voice, and Jack grinned, leant over the center console and touched her cheek.
"You do," he murmured, and then added "C'mon, Cinderella, I'd better get you in before the stroke of midnight, or I'll have Lucy after me. Sit tight and I'll open your door."
Sue sat, smiling to herself in wonder at his actions, as Jack walked around the car and opened her door for her, putting a hand in to help her out and then moving to open the back door and call Levi out. Levi jumped down from the seat and sat patiently at the kerb while Sue clipped on his lead. Jack waited for her, and then fell into step beside her as she walked towards the glass entrance door to her apartment building. As Jack held the door open for her and followed her in, Sue turned to face him, which brought her up closer than she had expected.
"It's... I can make it safely from here, Jack."
"I know, I just want to make sure." Jack's response was light, teasing, but Sue could see his eyes darken as they looked at each other. Sue nodded in silent response, and lead the way to her apartment door. Before she could place the key into the lock Jack stopped her movement. "I'll say good-night here, Sue. Now I know you're 'home' safe. See you tomorrow, okay?"
"O... okay... " Sue replied, a little bemused at his courtesy, and a lot disappointed that he simply raised her hand to his lips and brushed her knuckles. Jack turned away and started walking back to the elevator. Sue didn't hear his muttered 'damn!', but she saw him turn back towards her, walk straight up to her, take her face in his hands gently and proceed to kiss her senseless.
As they separated for air, their foreheads rested together, and they both said a heart-felt 'wow!'. Jack was the first to really recover his senses, and he lifted his head to look down at Sue. As her lashes fluttered and her eyes opened she returned his gaze.
"Well, that was another surprise... and a wonderful one," Sue murmured, smiling up at him.
"I'd really like to kiss you again, but if I do, I don't think I'd be able to stop with just one kiss, and Lucy might be on the other side of that door waiting for you to tell her all about tonight. I don't think she'd be too pleased to find us making out in the hallway."
"You'd be surprised," admitted Sue, laughing softly. "Lucy has been trying to matchmake us since she first saw us together."
"Is that so? Well, we could consider this our second date, seeing as we've already had one evening with Harm and Mac."
"Do you think we can make it to a third date?" asked Sue, half afraid Jack was only joking.
"And more," Jack responded gently, aware that Sue still had some reservations about her self-worth. "We have at least two more dates to plan, inviting Harm and Mac to join us, and then a few others that include no-one but us," Jack paused and looked down at Levi, who barked once. "And Levi."
"I like the sound of that." Sue reached up and kissed Jack, and then drew back to look up at him again. "See you tomorrow," she whispered, as she opened her door, let Levi in ahead of her, and then closed it on Jack with a wave and a smile. As she leant back against the door with her eyes closed she was assaulted by both Levi jumping up at her, and her room-mate staring at her.
"I don't care what time it is, you have got to tell all!" Lucy squealed in barely-restrained delight.
To be continued
