A/N – Well, I've got a good plan laid out. Don't know how much ill end up sticking to it, but that's okay! Thanks for all the support :) I wanted this chapter to be a bit lighter, especially considering the way the last 30 odd chapters were in the last story, and the next 30 odd chapters to come too. Enjoy happiness while you can – right?
Chapter 2:
"So mate, when's the big day? I'd better be in the wedding." Bobby said with a smile, his back turned to Sue, so she couldn't tell what was happening. Jack glanced at Sue who was busy working at her desk. He had never seen her face glow as much as it did now. The bruises were going away, and he knew there would be some scars that would never heal, but he couldn't help but think she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
"Bobby – we've only been seeing each other for less than a month. It's still a bit early."
"Come on, don't lie. You know you've been thinking about it. You love her, and the kid too. You're going to get married sooner or later, just make it sooner." He couldn't help but grin. At least Jack wasn't denying his feelings anymore.
"Of course I love her, but she's getting over everything that happened still. She's only about one month along, I want her to have time to deal with what happened. There's plenty of time, she knows I'm not going anywhere." Bobby just rolled his eyes. He knew Jack was dying to marry her, but the fact he was respecting her space and time to heal just showed how deeply he really did care.
----
Sue was nervous, her first day back. She was expecting to be coddled by her co-workers, especially Jack. She knew it would be awhile before she was out and about like the old days, but knew that came with the territory, plus now with her unplanned pregnancy. She walked down the FBI hallways until she reached a familiar office. She knocked and stuck her head in the door.
"Miss Thomas. It's great to see you. How are you feeling?" He said, as he got up from his chair and gave her a small hug.
"I'm doing pretty good, glad to be off the hospital food." She said with a smile.
"How are you dealing with everything that's happened? I just want to let you know that Jack informed me of everything. I know about the pregnancy, and we will definitely take that into consideration with your workload. I hope you don't mind that Jack said something, but he was really concerned that you would be roaming the streets too early, especially now that you're expecting." Sue nodded.
"I understand. As much as I would like to be out there like I used to, I do have someone else to consider now."
"Good, you'll understand why you're just going to be staying in the bullpen most of the time. Paperwork, reviewing tapes etc. You'll still be a valuable asset to the team, don't think otherwise." Sue smiled.
"I would have to be lying to say I didn't expect the desk job to be coming."
"I'm glad you seem to be handling things so well after what happened. Have you been seeing your councillor?" Ted asked gently.
"I have. It is hard to forget what happened, but I'm determined to move on from it, and just be thankful for what I do have. It's not easy but you can't live life looking over your shoulder. I have great friends supporting me too." Ted smiled slightly at her comment.
"There is something else. Jack came to talk to me, and he told me about your new relationship." Sue looked at him with slight apprehension in her eyes. This was it, the excuse her and Jack had been using for years so that they wouldn't have to admit their feelings to each other. Now it was out in the open. They had discussed what they would do about work, and had decided that because with the baby coming and Sue not being at work much longer, she would change positions if Ted wanted. Jack knew it was hard for her, but she was adamant. She took a deep breath, waiting for her supervisor's response.
"Let me just say that I have no problem with you working together. I know you are both professionals, and to say the least, I'm relieved that you have someone to lean on, especially now. You're not an agent so technically; we can bend the rules a little bit. I also have taken into account that you will be leaving on maternity leave eventually, and with you taking a desk job for the next 8 months; there should be no reason to switch around the teams. Unless you and Jack give me reason too." Sue couldn't help but smile.
"Thank you so much." She responded.
"It's no problem. Just know that if there are any problems, your work gets too overwhelming, or you just need to talk, my door is always open. I'm relieved we didn't lose you Thomas."
"Thank you sir." She said, as she got up, relieved that her life was starting to return to normalcy.
---
A week back, and Sue was already drowning in paperwork. It was boring but she knew it was for the best. The thought of being out on the streets again did scare her slightly too. She couldn't help but worry that she would run into James or Greg. She knew it was ridiculous, that they were in jail, but the fear always loomed in the back of her mind. Sue didn't tell Jack. She knew he would worry needlessly. Her therapist said it was completely normal to be scared for now, but that she was making excellent progress. Give it time Sue, you're moving on from it, she thought silently to herself.
She looked up to see Jack and Bobby chatting. Bobby's back was turned to her, and she couldn't quite see Jack's lips so she couldn't read their conversation, but for some reason she had the feeling it was about her.
---
Jack had brought her home the day she was released from the hospital. She opened the door, and was surprised to see all her friends there to welcome her home. Lucy and Tara were in tears within minutes, and it took a few more seconds before Sue was crying too. They hugged and they rejoiced that everyone was safe. Only Jack and Bobby knew about the baby. Sue knew it was only a matter of time before they would find out, so she figured she would tell them the news all together.
Time went on, and Sue had trouble finding a good moment to break the information about her pregnancy. Lucy and Tara were talking with her about all the gossip she had missed while in the hospital. Lucy's father was getting better, thankfully. Lucy felt awful about not being there when Sue needed her most but she assured her that it was all right. They hugged. And they cried some more. The boys chatted in the corner, obviously dumbstruck at the amount of tears at this happy occasion. Lucy and Tara had bought her a new pair of shoes as a welcome home present. Levi was happy, waddling around the apartment, picking up as many scraps of food he could find. As the boy's were busy inhaling the food at the other side of the room, Lucy leaned over so only Sue and Tara could know what she was saying.
"So, what's going on in your love lives now girls? I've heard that there's been a few developments for the both of you since everything happened." Tara and Sue both smiled at each other. They could tell that Lucy had been dying to say something for days but had restrained herself. Tara went first,
"Well. Bobby's been trying to find excuses to stay with me now. It's been a week since I was released and the doctor said I was fine and that my concussion had healed but he still insists that I need supervision. Whatever." She rolled her eyes and the girls all laughed. "I have to admit though, I like the attention." Her eyes sparkled.
"And you Miss Thomas? Do I hear a, Yes Lucy you were right, coming?" Sue chuckled at her comment.
"I never said you weren't right Luce, it was just the timing was always off. Lets just say that the timing is dead on now." Lucy looked at her in shock. She hadn't expected such a blatant response.
"You mean? You've talked about it and things are happening? I was just expecting more denial! Spill girl!" She said excitedly. Sue just grinned.
"He loves me." She said simply, and walked away over to where the boys were talking. Lucy and Tara squealed in happiness and were hugging, just so happy that things were back on track. The boys looked over in astonishment. Jack looked at Sue,
"What's made them so happy?" he asked her with a smile.
"Oh nothing, just the fact that I love you." Jack's cheeks went a little red, but the smile on his face was priceless. He took her hand in his. "Can I talk to you in private for a second, do you boys mind if I steal him away? Its important." Jack looked at her curiously, wondering what it was.
"Of course, we wouldn't want to disturb the two lovebirds." Bobby answered with a smile.
"You're one to talk Bobby" Jack answered. It was Bobby's cheeks that reddened this time. D and Myles just laughed at the two men as Jack and Sue walked into the kitchen.
"Wow, we've become the FBI dating service." Said Myles to D and Bobby. "Jack and Sue, You and Tara. What will be next?" Dimitrius laughed.
""Hey – don't look at me! Married with kids remember?"
"Or maybe the drongo means him and Lucy…again." Myles shot Bobby the look of death. D and Bobby just laughed.
"Very funny," said Myles, as he walked away.
---
"Hey – what did you want to talk about?" Jack asked Sue, his fingers entwined with hers.
"Well, now that our relationship is out in the open, and Bobby and Tara's. Well, I thought that they should maybe know about the baby. They're going to find out sooner or later, and I'd rather them find out before they guess. I don't want Tara or Lucy to feel left out, and I know Bobby is dying to tell her. I'm going to have to tell Ted when I go back to work in a few days." Jack nodded.
"Would it be easier if I told them?" Sue shook her head.
"As much as I want you too, it's something I need to do. Jack – you don't have to do this, you don't have to commit to this baby or me. I don't want you giving up your life just for us." Jack pulled her into a tight hug, and then kissed her lips softly.
"Sue, I was serious when I said I want to be apart of this babies life. I don't care whose genes he or she has. All I know is I want to be this babies father. I'll be here every step of the way, including now. The only thing I want in life is for you and our baby to be healthy and safe" Tears started streaming down Sue's face. He had said our baby. Overcome with emotion, she couldn't find the words she wanted to tell him, but Jack knew from her eyes what she wanted to say. "I'll be right beside you the whole time. If you need help, let me know." Sue nodded.
"I love you." She finally managed to get out.
"I love you too."
---
Sue and Jack walked out of the kitchen hand in hand. Everyone had gathered around the food. Sue cleared her throat. They all turned to look at her and Jack. The happiness on their face was contagious. Sue felt the strength she needed come from her friends, the people who loved her.
"Hey, I just wanted to thank you all for doing this for me and being here to support me. It has been such a blessing having such wonderful friends as you guys. I know it's been a hard few weeks, for me and for all of you but I know we're going to make it through this because we have each other." She turned to look at Jack, the love coming from his eyes made her heart skip a beat. "There is something that I need to tell you all though."
Bobby looked at Jack, his eyes knowing what was coming next. They all looked at Sue, wondering what she had to say.
"I'm pregnant."
Silence rang through the apartment. Jack squeezed Sue's hand. No one else moved until Myles stepped forward and stood in front of a teary eyed Sue. Her reached over and pulled her into a hug. Next thing she knew, Tara and Lucy were all hugging Sue and crying.
Once everyone had hugged Sue, she continued on. "I know it's a bit of a curve but I'm really okay with this. This baby is going to be so loved, it doesn't matter how he or she came into existence." Jack slid his arm around her waist protectively. She looked at him, knowing that his commitment and love for this baby was real. Tara and Lucy nodded, their eyes sodden with tears. Bobby just smiled at her, knowingly. D and Myles were still in shock but eyes couldn't deny the little bit of excitement that they felt. A baby – it definitely wasn't what they were expected but just looking at Jack and Sue, they knew that the little baby would grow up with so much love.
---
Sue was lying in her bed that evening, processing all the thoughts going through her head. She knew her friends would be completely shocked, but through their surprise, they showed their undying support of her and her baby. She knew that they were going to make it through just fine. Sue finally fell asleep, her hand on her belly, grateful that she had such wonderful people supporting her every step of the way.
