Title : Where The Sea Meets The Sky
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV - and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you. (Here's the disclaimer for NCIS, as above...I'll leave it in for the rest of the story; makes life easier when I need to 'borrow' Gibbs and his team!)
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw, jtbwriter, beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4, carol, eliv.thade, alicia5, fragmentpieces, kesh, claysmvl, chicmns, skyefire, tammy-jet, abigaile, kjflygirl87, anna7, nikki, jbird7986, angelab, pineapplehead, rosa, manda and rinkrat for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
Replies to previous chapter reviews :
jtbwriter Hiya! I like the way you think; life is too short, so maybe Jack should do something about it! Still working on the 'hots', more to follow! I'm flattered so many of your colleagues/friends like to hear what I've written - please tell them 'thank you'! Hope I can keep up the good work! Sorry to hear about your job xfer and fingers crossed it will all go well. Talking about old phrases - 'when one door closes another one opens...' Thanks as always.
jbird7986 Tension is good sometimes - keeps people on their toes! Thanks for your support!
abigaile Thanks for your support! Please keep reading!
nikki It's great to be back! Glad you like my Sue/Jack relationship - works for me!
ninjaturtle Into everything a little rain must fall! Remember, though, how fresh everything looks after a little rain! Thanks for your support!
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SUE'S APARTMENT
WASHINGTON DC
SATURDAY, MID-MORNING
The telephone rang, and Levi raised a paw to Sue's knee, attracting her attention before moving his head in the direction of the noise. Sue got to her feet and walked across to check the name on the caller display. It was Lucy, and Sue switched on the speakerphone button, not bothering to hold the handset.
"Hello Lucy, how are you?"
"I'm fine, Sue, but you sound awful. Do you have a cold?"
Sue could have used Lucy's own words to excuse the thickness in her voice, but she had answered before she could think of that, and Lucy's next words were right on the button.
"You've been crying! Sue, what's happened? Is it Levi?"
"Levi is fine, Lucy. I'll tell you when you get back. By the way, what time are you getting back?"
"Well, actually, that's why I'm calling. My mom and I met up with some friends of hers and we've been invited to spend the day with them, so I'll be staying an extra day, and getting back to DC tomorrow. Is that going to be okay with you?"
"Oh, of course! Have a great time. We'll see you tomorrow, then," Sue replied, hoping she sounded more enthusiastic than she felt.
"We?" Lucy questioned, hoping for a different answer to the one she got.
"Levi and me," Sue answered, knowing exactly who Lucy had been thinking of. It didn't help Sue that when she thought of the same person as Lucy, the tears started again. Sue wiped her nose and fielded the rest of Lucy's conversation, until her friend and roommate ended the call with the promise to enjoy herself and to travel safely on her way back to DC the next day.
Once the call had finished and Sue had turned off the speakerphone, she slumped back against the couch and pulled up the blanket she had been laid under. Levi came back to her and laid his head on her arm, blinking silently at her. Sue put her hand out and stroked his golden fur.
"Oh, Levi, what have I done?" Sue murmured, knowing she wouldn't get an answer, but needing to ask the question anyway. Levi continued to look at her, until Sue pushed herself into a sitting position again.
"Come on, Levi. Time for some fresh air." Getting to her feet Sue managed a laugh as Levi barked and headed off to the kitchen where his leash was kept.
LOCAL PARK
GEORGETOWN
SATURDAY, MID-MORNING
Sue had slipped Levi's leash and was throwing a ball for him to retrieve. As she lobbed the soggy tennis ball one more time it was caught, before Sue could warn the catcher that the ball was wet.
"I should know better," laughed Bobby, wiping his hand on the paper towel Sue offered.
"Hi, Bobby," Sue managed a wobbly smile, and Bobby smiled back, choosing not to comment on the obvious distress on Sue's face. Even out in the open with Levi, her thoughts were straying to her conversation in the apartment. "What brings you round this end of town?"
"I was actually on the hunt for Jack. He's not answering at his apartment, and his cell phone seems to be switched off. I just wondered if you might have seen him, so I was on my way to the apartment when I saw Levi. I thought Luce was back today, too."
"I got a call from her. Some friends of her mom's invited she and Lucy to stay over an extra day, so she'll be back tomorrow."
"So, you've got an extra day on your own. Even more reason for Jack to spend more time with his favorite girl..." Bobby stopped talking as he saw the tears well up in Sue's eyes. "Hey, hey! What's this?" Bobby put his arm around Sue in a hug as she sniffled and wiped her eyes.
"I'm sorry, this is so silly."
"You two had an argument, I take it?"
Sue nodded, not trusting her voice.
"About...?" Bobby asked, waiting for Sue to tell him. "Sue, I can't offer my well-timed advice to give my best friend another chance when you won't tell me what the problem is, now can I?"
"We were talking about Gibbs, and he left..."
"Ah, Agent Gibbs. Now I understand," Bobby tapped the side of his head as though all had become surprisingly clear to him. Sue managed a smile again, and spoke up, her voice husky.
"What do you understand?" she asked, curious to know what Bobby thought of the NCIS special agent.
"I understand that Jack is crazy about you, Sue, and yes, he's a little jealous of Gibbs."
"I asked him if he was jealous, and he said no."
"Professionally, absolutely not, I agree! But personally, when it comes to you, Jack's even jealous of Levi!"
"He is not!" Sue protested, and Bobby stepped back from her slightly, still with his arm around her shoulder.
"Well, maybe not Levi, and hopefully not even of me, but I can guarantee you that Jack Hudson is in love with you, and he's not sure of anything right now. That's how love gets you sometimes, you know?"
"I know he loves me, and I love him, Bobby. But I have a job to do, too, and I can't be worrying about whether I should be talking to another man in case 'Jack doesn't approve'. Besides, I thought we had cleared this up before, when I misunderstood him talking to you."
"What can I say? Us guys, we're hopeless most of the time. We know how to trap us a female, but once we have 'em, we don't know what to do with 'em!"
Sue couldn't help it, and laughed out loud. "Does Jennifer know you have this caveman philosophy, Bobby?"
"Okay...you know what I'm trying to say here. Jack knows how beautiful you are, how talented, and how vulnerable. He's afraid he's not going to be able to protect you from everything and everyone, and in Gibbs he sees someone who will use your talents and not think twice about your safety, as long as he gets what he wants."
Sue nodded. "I've had a glimpse of that already. I don't think Gibbs is deliberately callous, I just think he's so fixed on getting rid of terrorists that he sometimes crosses the line between acceptable and unacceptable limits."
"We're all out to rid the modern world of the threat of terrorism, Sue, but I think you understand what Jack is really trying to get at with Gibbs."
Sue nodded. "I guess I do. So, what's your advice now?"
"Give my best friend another chance?" Bobby reiterated what he had said earlier, and Sue smiled.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt. I do have some time on my hands today."
"Good. Well, you get back to your apartment, and wait for him. Give me a call later and let me know if my theory was correct?"
"Deal! Bobby, one thing, you seem quite confident he'll come by. Do you know where he is?"
Bobby shook his head. "I haven't a clue, but I do know Jack, and he'll stew for a while and then get his thinking hat back on. He'll be round."
"I hope so."
"I know so." Bobby dropped a kiss on Sue's cheek, waved a cheery 'goodbye' and threw the soggy ball once more for Levi. Sue waited while Levi returned with the ball, and then she put it in the plastic bag she carried (having learned from past experience that a soggy ball equals a soggy, and distinctly smelly pocket!). With that done she clipped the leash back on the golden retriever and the pair made their way back to the apartment.
SUE'S APARTMENT
WASHINGTON DC
SATURDAY LUNCHTIME
As Sue opened the door to the apartment her stomach was rumbling and she spoke to Levi as she announced that they ought to get something to eat. It was the scent of the flowers that assailed her first, followed by the sight of them strewn around the lounge in every possible corner and on every possible surface. On the refrigerator door there was an envelope with her name written on it, the handwriting familiar.
Sue pulled out the piece of paper inside, and read the words written there.
'Flowers mean forgiveness, I heard a poet say,
When you need forgiveness, you give her a bouquet,
Flowers mean forgiveness, my darling, here I stand,
Asking your forgiveness, with flowers in my hand.
As sure as I was wrong when I made you cry,
I know that you'd be wrong if you say goodbye.
Take these lovely flowers, or they'll be lonely too.
Flowers mean forgiveness, forgive me, say you do.'
'I heard the words in a song. After I left here this morning I went out for a walk, and I remembered those words. What I said was so out of line, that even an apology was out of order. I needed to beg.' These words came after the lyrics, and Sue read them through twice before she looked up from reading the words on the paper to see Jack standing in front of her, another bouquet, this time of red roses, held in his hands. From the base of the bouquet there hung a small box tied with the ribbon of the bow.
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To be continued
A/N :
1. The words are lyrics from a song sung by Frank Sinatra. I went online looking for which particular flower signified forgiveness, and found the song as well, and the fact that flowers in general signify forgiveness. Put the two together, and voila! A perfect end to this chapter, I think!
2. (Disclaimer : Written by: Edward R. White / Written by: Al Frisch / Written by: Mack Wolfson / Arranged By: Nelson Riddle / Label: Capitol Records / Recorded: January 12, 1956. I hope that the owners of the song/lyrics really don't mind me using their words in such an ideal setting! I promise to treat them respectfully!)
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV - and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you. (Here's the disclaimer for NCIS, as above...I'll leave it in for the rest of the story; makes life easier when I need to 'borrow' Gibbs and his team!)
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw, jtbwriter, beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4, carol, eliv.thade, alicia5, fragmentpieces, kesh, claysmvl, chicmns, skyefire, tammy-jet, abigaile, kjflygirl87, anna7, nikki, jbird7986, angelab, pineapplehead, rosa, manda and rinkrat for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
Replies to previous chapter reviews :
jtbwriter Hiya! I like the way you think; life is too short, so maybe Jack should do something about it! Still working on the 'hots', more to follow! I'm flattered so many of your colleagues/friends like to hear what I've written - please tell them 'thank you'! Hope I can keep up the good work! Sorry to hear about your job xfer and fingers crossed it will all go well. Talking about old phrases - 'when one door closes another one opens...' Thanks as always.
jbird7986 Tension is good sometimes - keeps people on their toes! Thanks for your support!
abigaile Thanks for your support! Please keep reading!
nikki It's great to be back! Glad you like my Sue/Jack relationship - works for me!
ninjaturtle Into everything a little rain must fall! Remember, though, how fresh everything looks after a little rain! Thanks for your support!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUE'S APARTMENT
WASHINGTON DC
SATURDAY, MID-MORNING
The telephone rang, and Levi raised a paw to Sue's knee, attracting her attention before moving his head in the direction of the noise. Sue got to her feet and walked across to check the name on the caller display. It was Lucy, and Sue switched on the speakerphone button, not bothering to hold the handset.
"Hello Lucy, how are you?"
"I'm fine, Sue, but you sound awful. Do you have a cold?"
Sue could have used Lucy's own words to excuse the thickness in her voice, but she had answered before she could think of that, and Lucy's next words were right on the button.
"You've been crying! Sue, what's happened? Is it Levi?"
"Levi is fine, Lucy. I'll tell you when you get back. By the way, what time are you getting back?"
"Well, actually, that's why I'm calling. My mom and I met up with some friends of hers and we've been invited to spend the day with them, so I'll be staying an extra day, and getting back to DC tomorrow. Is that going to be okay with you?"
"Oh, of course! Have a great time. We'll see you tomorrow, then," Sue replied, hoping she sounded more enthusiastic than she felt.
"We?" Lucy questioned, hoping for a different answer to the one she got.
"Levi and me," Sue answered, knowing exactly who Lucy had been thinking of. It didn't help Sue that when she thought of the same person as Lucy, the tears started again. Sue wiped her nose and fielded the rest of Lucy's conversation, until her friend and roommate ended the call with the promise to enjoy herself and to travel safely on her way back to DC the next day.
Once the call had finished and Sue had turned off the speakerphone, she slumped back against the couch and pulled up the blanket she had been laid under. Levi came back to her and laid his head on her arm, blinking silently at her. Sue put her hand out and stroked his golden fur.
"Oh, Levi, what have I done?" Sue murmured, knowing she wouldn't get an answer, but needing to ask the question anyway. Levi continued to look at her, until Sue pushed herself into a sitting position again.
"Come on, Levi. Time for some fresh air." Getting to her feet Sue managed a laugh as Levi barked and headed off to the kitchen where his leash was kept.
LOCAL PARK
GEORGETOWN
SATURDAY, MID-MORNING
Sue had slipped Levi's leash and was throwing a ball for him to retrieve. As she lobbed the soggy tennis ball one more time it was caught, before Sue could warn the catcher that the ball was wet.
"I should know better," laughed Bobby, wiping his hand on the paper towel Sue offered.
"Hi, Bobby," Sue managed a wobbly smile, and Bobby smiled back, choosing not to comment on the obvious distress on Sue's face. Even out in the open with Levi, her thoughts were straying to her conversation in the apartment. "What brings you round this end of town?"
"I was actually on the hunt for Jack. He's not answering at his apartment, and his cell phone seems to be switched off. I just wondered if you might have seen him, so I was on my way to the apartment when I saw Levi. I thought Luce was back today, too."
"I got a call from her. Some friends of her mom's invited she and Lucy to stay over an extra day, so she'll be back tomorrow."
"So, you've got an extra day on your own. Even more reason for Jack to spend more time with his favorite girl..." Bobby stopped talking as he saw the tears well up in Sue's eyes. "Hey, hey! What's this?" Bobby put his arm around Sue in a hug as she sniffled and wiped her eyes.
"I'm sorry, this is so silly."
"You two had an argument, I take it?"
Sue nodded, not trusting her voice.
"About...?" Bobby asked, waiting for Sue to tell him. "Sue, I can't offer my well-timed advice to give my best friend another chance when you won't tell me what the problem is, now can I?"
"We were talking about Gibbs, and he left..."
"Ah, Agent Gibbs. Now I understand," Bobby tapped the side of his head as though all had become surprisingly clear to him. Sue managed a smile again, and spoke up, her voice husky.
"What do you understand?" she asked, curious to know what Bobby thought of the NCIS special agent.
"I understand that Jack is crazy about you, Sue, and yes, he's a little jealous of Gibbs."
"I asked him if he was jealous, and he said no."
"Professionally, absolutely not, I agree! But personally, when it comes to you, Jack's even jealous of Levi!"
"He is not!" Sue protested, and Bobby stepped back from her slightly, still with his arm around her shoulder.
"Well, maybe not Levi, and hopefully not even of me, but I can guarantee you that Jack Hudson is in love with you, and he's not sure of anything right now. That's how love gets you sometimes, you know?"
"I know he loves me, and I love him, Bobby. But I have a job to do, too, and I can't be worrying about whether I should be talking to another man in case 'Jack doesn't approve'. Besides, I thought we had cleared this up before, when I misunderstood him talking to you."
"What can I say? Us guys, we're hopeless most of the time. We know how to trap us a female, but once we have 'em, we don't know what to do with 'em!"
Sue couldn't help it, and laughed out loud. "Does Jennifer know you have this caveman philosophy, Bobby?"
"Okay...you know what I'm trying to say here. Jack knows how beautiful you are, how talented, and how vulnerable. He's afraid he's not going to be able to protect you from everything and everyone, and in Gibbs he sees someone who will use your talents and not think twice about your safety, as long as he gets what he wants."
Sue nodded. "I've had a glimpse of that already. I don't think Gibbs is deliberately callous, I just think he's so fixed on getting rid of terrorists that he sometimes crosses the line between acceptable and unacceptable limits."
"We're all out to rid the modern world of the threat of terrorism, Sue, but I think you understand what Jack is really trying to get at with Gibbs."
Sue nodded. "I guess I do. So, what's your advice now?"
"Give my best friend another chance?" Bobby reiterated what he had said earlier, and Sue smiled.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt. I do have some time on my hands today."
"Good. Well, you get back to your apartment, and wait for him. Give me a call later and let me know if my theory was correct?"
"Deal! Bobby, one thing, you seem quite confident he'll come by. Do you know where he is?"
Bobby shook his head. "I haven't a clue, but I do know Jack, and he'll stew for a while and then get his thinking hat back on. He'll be round."
"I hope so."
"I know so." Bobby dropped a kiss on Sue's cheek, waved a cheery 'goodbye' and threw the soggy ball once more for Levi. Sue waited while Levi returned with the ball, and then she put it in the plastic bag she carried (having learned from past experience that a soggy ball equals a soggy, and distinctly smelly pocket!). With that done she clipped the leash back on the golden retriever and the pair made their way back to the apartment.
SUE'S APARTMENT
WASHINGTON DC
SATURDAY LUNCHTIME
As Sue opened the door to the apartment her stomach was rumbling and she spoke to Levi as she announced that they ought to get something to eat. It was the scent of the flowers that assailed her first, followed by the sight of them strewn around the lounge in every possible corner and on every possible surface. On the refrigerator door there was an envelope with her name written on it, the handwriting familiar.
Sue pulled out the piece of paper inside, and read the words written there.
'Flowers mean forgiveness, I heard a poet say,
When you need forgiveness, you give her a bouquet,
Flowers mean forgiveness, my darling, here I stand,
Asking your forgiveness, with flowers in my hand.
As sure as I was wrong when I made you cry,
I know that you'd be wrong if you say goodbye.
Take these lovely flowers, or they'll be lonely too.
Flowers mean forgiveness, forgive me, say you do.'
'I heard the words in a song. After I left here this morning I went out for a walk, and I remembered those words. What I said was so out of line, that even an apology was out of order. I needed to beg.' These words came after the lyrics, and Sue read them through twice before she looked up from reading the words on the paper to see Jack standing in front of her, another bouquet, this time of red roses, held in his hands. From the base of the bouquet there hung a small box tied with the ribbon of the bow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued
A/N :
1. The words are lyrics from a song sung by Frank Sinatra. I went online looking for which particular flower signified forgiveness, and found the song as well, and the fact that flowers in general signify forgiveness. Put the two together, and voila! A perfect end to this chapter, I think!
2. (Disclaimer : Written by: Edward R. White / Written by: Al Frisch / Written by: Mack Wolfson / Arranged By: Nelson Riddle / Label: Capitol Records / Recorded: January 12, 1956. I hope that the owners of the song/lyrics really don't mind me using their words in such an ideal setting! I promise to treat them respectfully!)