Chapter 79

The sound of the door slamming echoed throughout the apartment, as Jack stood unmoving. He'd never wanted something so much in his life, and been so afraid at the same time. The woman who had become his light, his strength was shutting him out and it scared him.

When Sue left yesterday, Jack had the feeling something was wrong but didn't want to believe it. From the time he woke to find her asleep with Bobby on the couch, he felt her slowly pulling away. After meeting with the others and her declaration, he almost visibly saw her retreat back inside herself. With all the people in the room yesterday, he couldn't talk to her before Lucy took her home.

Watching her while the others talked, Jack thought she seemed different somehow, less confident. Sue showed so much strength in the two years he'd known her, that now she seemed like a different person. Angrily, he knew that person caused this change in her and vowed to help her anyway, he could.

However, he really didn't think it would affect her like this until he talked to Kyle and Kayla Jarrett later that evening. Noticing the way Kyle reassured her that nothing was her fault when Kayla tried to blame herself, Jack asked him about it when she slipped off to sleep.

"The deaf have lived with discrimination from their hearing counterparts all their lives. They are ignored, laughed at, treated differently just because they can't hear," Kyle explained gently, stroking his wife's hair as he spoke. "Many hearing people that take the time to get involved only do so to help, thinking they can FIX the deaf. Well, they don't need 'fixing', like some broken piece of machinery," Kyle snarled his eyes flashing as he looked up at Jack.

"Far from it," Jack said softly, understanding the man's anger.

"After growing up shunned and ridiculed, it takes a while to learn to trust others again," Kyle started sadly.

"Only to realize their trust was placed in someone like Girvan," Jack supplied regretfully.

"I've never seen anyone as bad as her before, but I'm sure Sue, Kayla, or one of their friends have probably run into them more times than we can imagine," Kyle admitted, turning his attention back to his wife. "But I've seen Kayla blame herself too many times when things go wrong, and she's doing it now," Kyle told him.

"But she can't think what happened was her fault," Jack rejected in disbelief.

"She can and she does," Kyle confirmed. "Maybe it's from the rejection she's experienced over the years. I can only speculate and be here for her, support her anyway that I can…that she will let me."

Kyle turned from the woman in the bed, directing his attention towards Jack. The seriousness in man's eyes was daunting as he took a deep breath, shifting in his chair.

"You really care about Sue, don't you?" Kyle asked bluntly, his intense stare causing Jack to look away. "No, you love her. It's written all over your face," he declared smiling. "And you're scared to death!"

"Ah, um,…" Jack stammered, surprised the other man could read him so well.

"No need to deny it, Jack. You have the same look as I did when I first realized I was in love with Kayla," Kyle disclosed, gazing lovingly back at his wife as she slept. "We lived in different worlds, but I can tell you bridging that gap between the two is worth it. I've seen so much through her eyes, and grown so much since I've known her, that I wouldn't give it up for the world," he whispered softly.

"But how did you know you wouldn't hurt her?" Jack questioned hesitantly. "After all the times they've been hurt, how did you know that you wouldn't do it too?"

"I didn't. There are times that I have hurt her. Not intentionally, but I have," Kyle acknowledged ruefully. "You've got to realize things will happen that are beyond your control, but as long as you work hard to let her live in her world, and bridge the gap between the two, you will have a lot more happy times than sad," he professed, lifting his hand to caress Kayla's cheek.

The love shining from the man's eyes for his wife was so bright it could rival sun. Wanting to give them some privacy, Jack stood and silently moved towards the door. He was almost out of the room when Kyle's next words stopped him in his tracks.

"Enjoy each other, cherish each other, love each other, every single moment," Kyle said softly, never taking his eyes off of Kayla's sleeping form. "She's my life, my heart…as Sue is for you, Jack. Don't let her go without a fight," he directed firmly, turning to cast Jack a meaningful glance before returning his attention back to his wife.

As Jack stood in her living room alone after Sue fled the room, he knew he couldn't let her go. Part of him wanted to run after her and force her to listen, but he struggled with the rational part of him that knew that wasn't the answer.

The few days they had together in the mountains were magical, having been built on more than two years of friendship. Jack wanted a chance to develop their relationship farther. Though he knew it wouldn't be easy, he felt the opportunity to be with someone like Sue was more than worth the effort.

More determined than he'd ever been in his life, Jack moved down the hallway toward her bedroom door. Knowing Levi followed him from the other room, Jack wondered how to tell her he was out there. She wouldn't hear it if he knocked, and even if there was some way she could know, he didn't know if she'd even answer it.

"It's now or never, buddy," Jack looked down at Levi beside him as he gripped the door handle.

Opening the door, Jack saw her sitting on the bed, clutching a pillow in front of her. The tears streaming down Sue's face had his resolve weakening, as he hated seeing her hurting. However, he had to tell her how to he felt.

"Get Sue," Jack told Levi, then watched the canine happily to his job. He wished he was as happy as his furry friend was, but he had a heavy burden on him right now.

SORRY, Jack signed when Sue turned in his direction. TALK YOU-ME NOW, PLEASE? he pleaded expecting her to kick him out.

Instead, Sue nodded stiffly, wiping the back of her hands across her cheeks and shifting on the bed to look at him. Jack wanted so much to pull her into his arms and tell her everything was going to be okay, but he knew things were far from all right.

Oh, great, he thought to himself. Now that I have her attention, what do I say that doesn't make me look like a fool? he wondered.

"Sue, I love you," Jack started simply. "You've accepted me without fault, even though I have many," he said, slowly moving forward to kneel on the floor in front of her.

"You're not that bad," Sue grinned weakly, letting him take her hands in his.

"Thank you," Jack smiled. "You've taught me so much about myself by opening my eyes to your world…a world I want to be a part of," he confessed, his dark eyes locking with hers. "I know it won't be easy, but you've been my strength, my light for so long. Everywhere I go you're with me," he told her.

Releasing her hands Jack signed, NOT ALIVE YOU-ME APART. WHOLE YOU-MAKE-ME.

Sue lifted her hands, cupping each side of his face as she searched his eyes. Jack's fingertips brushed her upper arms, taking a deep breath.

"But…" she protested.

"What happened wasn't your fault!" Jack stated firmly, hoping he wasn't going to make things worse. "Girvan is the only one to blame for what happened…for Kayla, you, Bobby, Tracey, me, all of us," he placed his finger under her chin, turning her to back when she tried to look away. "We were just captives in her sick game and I'm sorry," he declared gently, rubbing his thumbs across her cheeks wiping the tears from her face. "But it wasn't your fault!"

"Jack," Sue cried quietly.

"I need you, Sue. I need you show me more of your world, to help me grow," he begged. "I know I have a lot to learn, and there will be times that you'll feel like giving up on me, but I can't live my life without you in it," Jack told her. "Will you take a chance on me? Take a chance on us? Please?"

The next several minutes seemed like the longest of Jack's life as he waited for Sue to respond. His heart pounded heavily in his chest as his breath caught in his throat. Every moment of silence dragged on forever, causing him to begin to believe that he'd already lost her as a wave of sadness washed over him.

Chapter 80

A painful silence hung in the air between the couple as they sat gazing at each other, so much remaining unspoken. His heart breaking, Jack raised his hands to her cheeks, gently brushing the new tears from her face with his thumbs. Sue felt so lost, even though he was right there with her, just as he'd always been since they met.

They'd had their disagreements, both professionally and personally, but his friendship was something she valued so much. Jack supported her coming on the team and stood up for her abilities even when others didn't.

Even her own family had expected her to be something she just wasn't, forcing her to live in the hearing world. Would Jack understand my world…let me live in it…want to live in it with me? Sue wondered, not wanting their relationship to end with them resenting each other because of the sacrifices and frustrations they would no doubt endure.

Sue had seen so many of her friends' relationships end, because one of them couldn't handle the differences between the worlds. She had several to fail, because they couldn't handle the differences between the worlds. Would Jack be able to adjust to her world? she wondered.

"Jack, I want so much to believe you," Sue sighed, unable to control the tears.

"But…"

"But you don't know what you're getting into with me. It's not going to be easy," Sue sobbed. "I'm not the easiest person to live with, and there will be times that you will be frustrated with me," she implored, hoping that he would understand.

"Baby, I know we will have problems, different issues than other couples have," Jack maintained, taking her hands again. "I love you, and I will do whatever I need to so we can be together. I know I have so much to learn, to be what you need from me, and I promise to do my best," he told her. "But I know there will be times that you will be frustrated with me, times I'll forget, times I say something wrong, and I'll need you to be there for me. Correct me, teach me…let me be a part of your life."

"Jack," Sue whispered, feeling her resolve dissolving as he pulled her into his arms. Wrapping her arms tightly around him, she didn't want to let him go, desperately wanting to hold him there forever and block out the world.

A few weeks ago, no one could have told her that she'd be having this conversation with Jack. A few days ago, she never thought she'd doubt her feelings for Jack, or his for her – all because of the actions of one person.

Sue knew for a long time that she felt more for Jack than just friends and co-workers. Admitting it when they were in the mountains was one of the hardest things she'd ever done. She didn't want to lose him, but there was so much more that she needed to consider.

Reluctantly, Jack pulled away to search her tear stained face as he traced her features with his fingertips. He could see the love mirrored in her eyes, but there was something more.

"This is more than just us working through the hardships in our relationship. Sue, what's wrong?" Jack pleaded with her. "Talk to me, please. I want to be here for you."

"You always have been, Jack, just like you've been there for everyone…even people you don't know," Sue agreed with a watery smile, caressing his face with her hands. "That's what makes you a great agent, you're caring and compassion for others, and I don't want to get in the way of that," she admitted sadly.

"What? You would never get in the way, Sue," Jack assured her. "You come first, Sue, you always will. Nothing would ever come between us, and if my job ever does, it's time to give it up," he maintained.

"But I can't risk losing you," Sue confessed, causing Jack to finally realize her true concerns.

"This is because I was shot?" Jack asked her, seeing the answer in her eyes before she spoke. "Sue, you knew my job was dangerous. It's not the first time I've been shot at ,and I can't say it will be the last," he told her.

"Jack," Sue cried, turning her head not wanting to see his response anymore.

"Sue," Jack gently turned her face back to him with his finger under her chin. "I love you, and I know you love me. If it would make you feel better, I'd quit the bureau or request a transfer, but you know that won't help," he asserted. "There will always be something that can happen to put one, or both of us, in danger. We know more about this world than most people do," he maintained.

Realizing he was right, Sue had to smile in agreement, knowing that even if she didn't work for the bureau, she'd always worry. Their knowledge of what the F.B.I. did had changed them in ways they'd never imagined. She knew Jack was right, that something would always be there between them because of their experience.

"But…"

"Sue, I could have as easily died from my heart attack as I could from that gunshot," Jack interrupted. "I know you don't want to hear it, but it's true. Can you continue working with me, knowing that I could drop dead of a heart attack at my desk?" he asked forcefully.

"Don't say that!" Sue exclaimed, shocked at what he was saying.

"Or would you rather transfer somewhere else, where you never have to see me again?" Jack questioned.

"No, no, Jack," Sue cried, trying to pull her hands from his.

"I'm sorry, Sue," Jack apologized, refusing to release her hands. "You once told me that you wanted to be treated like a real person in the real world. Well, in the real world, we don't have any guarantees. We have to take risks…and I want to take these risks with you," he said, searching her face again as she stared at him.

Sue didn't know what to say, as things had gotten so muddled in her mind. She wanted to believe him and take the risks with him, but she was afraid.

"I know better than anyone now that you should be careful about whom you trust, and it's not easy to put your faith in just anything or anybody," Jack continued. "But you've accepted me without fault and all I ask is that you put your faith in me and let us work together. I can't guarantee anything but I will try my best to be by your side always, to support you, to motivate you, to love you…all the days of my life and forever," he promised.

"Oh, Jack, I love you," Sue confessed, pulling him into her arms, her fingers brushing through his hair at the nape of his neck. Holding him tight against her, she could feel the vibrations in his chest as he whispered to her as his hands caressed her back. Not caring, she just wanted to remain engulfed in the love she could feel radiating from him.

Slowly, Sue pulled back slightly just enough to see his face. Running her fingers down the side of his face, she wanted to remember every moment. From the love burning in his dark eyes to the slight tremble of his lips when she ran her thumb across them, she didn't know what she'd do without him.

With a contented sigh, Sue leaned forward, brushing her lips against his, feeling the jolt of electricity she felt every time they kissed. Feeling Jack's arms tighten around her, her eyes fluttered shut as the kiss deepened. This is where I belong, Sue thought, unknowing that Jack was thinking the same thing.

Chapter 81

The parking deck was lively with activity as men and women arrived to start a new day of work. Unnoticed, a couple sat alone in a dark sedan, enjoying just a few more moments together.

"I've really enjoyed these extra two weeks off with you," Sue smiled ,tracing his face with her hand. "Even if it did mean going to the bureau shrink, at least I was able to spend the time with you," she teased.

"I can't believe I'm here with you," Jack whispered disbelievingly as his hand snaked its way into her hair. Cupping her neck, he pulled her closer, leaning forward to brush his lips against hers. "Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked, searching her eyes.

"This is what we've got to do," Sue replied, placing a hand his forearm as he cradled her face in his hands. "You know the rules about dating," she reminded him.

"Yeah, but it doesn't mean I like them," Jack bent his head, deliberately covering her mouth with his own.

Sue hesitated only a moment before responding. Her lips moved tentatively beneath his, and then with growing confidence. Jack deepened the kiss, allowing himself one lingering, appreciative taste of her before he finally, slowly drew away. "You ready to get this over with," he sighed, reluctantly releasing her.

Getting out of the car, Jack walked quickly around to her side to help her out, before letting Levi out of the back seat. Subconsciously, their hands intertwined as they made their way across the garage towards the elevator.

Silence hung in the elevator as it slowly made its climb upwards. Jack and Sue were temporarily lost in thought as they realized there was no going back once they stepped into the bullpen. Things had changed never to be the same again.

"Are you okay?" Jack asked, noticing her distant look.

"Just ready to get back to work," Sue smiled as he lifted their hands to his lips to place a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. "You will have to let me have that back," she mentioned, indicating the way he gripped her hand in his.

"Party pooper," Jack smirked, pressing his lips to her fingers before dropping her hand.

When the elevator door opened on their floor, Jack put his hand on the small of her back, allowing her to precede him out of the elevator. As their shoes echoed on the tile floor bringing them closer to their destination for the morning, a recognizable sense of familiarity washed over the two of them.

Hesitating at the doorway, Sue glanced up at Jack smiling, knowing in some ways, returning to work was a bittersweet homecoming. Things would never be the same again, but at least for them, the case had brought them to a new beginning together. Life was full of chances, and they would be taking that road side by side.

READY, Sue signed, a gleam in her eyes as they locked with his dark ones.

READY, Jack signed back, wanting so much to kiss her again but knowing the middle of the hallway wasn't the place.

As one, Sue, Jack and Levi entered the bullpen taking in the sights of their co-workers and friends bustling about. Sue couldn't believe that just a few short years ago she wasn't a part of this and couldn't imagine herself now if she had never met them.

Lucy and Tara had become the sisters Sue never had, relying on each other for more than just 'girl talk'. From D's fatherly guidance to Bobby's staunch resilience to Myles' sometimes willful determination, they'd all become such an important part of her life. She hoped their friendship would continue long after they left the bureau.

"Hey, there, our favorite couple has returned!" Bobby called, striding across the room to engulf her into a hug before turning to his best friend. The others, hearing his exclaim, quickly gathered around welcoming their co-workers back.

"So Sparky, you ready to get back to work after your vacation," Bobby teased, slapping the dark haired agent on the back.

"Yeah, some vacation," Lucy scoffed after hugging them both. "Glad you're both back," she told them, smiling broadly.

"Ditto," Tara grinned. Stepping back, she tripped over the corner of her desk and fell backwards with a yelp.

Bobby instinctively reached out ,catching her easily in his arms as she regained her footing. The petite agent felt her heart race as soon as his hands touched her and struggled to catch her breath, as she looked over her shoulder his face so close to hers.

"Thanks," Tara whispered breathlessly, pulling out of the tall Aussie's arms. Quickly retreating to her desk, she plopped down in her seat hiding behind her computer monitor.

Ever observation, Sue caught the interplay between Bobby and Tara, wondering what she just witnessed. Pulling Lucy aside, she decided to ask her best friend if she'd seen the same thing as Jack followed D and Bobby over to his desk.

"Luce, what's up with Bobby and Tara?" Sue asked hoping she was whispering quietly.

"What?" Lucy smiled slyly, earning a glare from her blonde roommate. "I don't know. Ever since Bobby came back last week, they've been dodging each other like the plague," she told her.

"But I thought Tara helped Bobby out when he got out of the hospital," Sue questioned, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Yeah, me too," Lucy replied with a shrug. "Something must have happened while they were together."

"What makes you say that?" Sue inquired, wondering what her friend was suggesting.

"Well, all day long they stare at the other when they don't think anyone's looking," Lucy explained. "Kind of like the way Jack is staring at you right now," she smiled broadly, indicating the dark haired agent over Sue's shoulder.

Turning around, Sue's eyes locked with his, a slight smile forming on her lips as she watched him watching her. Every time she looked at Jack, her heart pounded feeling the love radiating from him.

"Have things changed between the two of you?" Lucy asked, grinning broadly when Sue turned back to her. "You have been spending a lot of time together," she mentioned, looking pointedly at her friend, noticing the way the two of them were gazing at each other.

"Ah," Sue started, a faint blush tinting her cheeks. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Garrett enter the bullpen.

"Thomas, Hudson, good to have you back," the burly man stated when he knew he had Sue's attention. "You too, Levi," he smiled at Levi's bark.

"Thank you," Sue grinned, looking over as Jack came up beside her.

"Good to be back," Jack maintained placing his hand on the small of her back.

"If you need anything, let me know," Garrett told them, receiving nods from both of them. "It's really nice to have everything back to normal again," he declared.

"Sir, can I speak to you for a minute?" Sue inquired, biting her bottom lip nervously.

"Sure," Garrett responded, moving towards her desk.

"Ok, people," Jack winked at Sue before looking at the others. "Let's get back to work," he said, leaving her to follow Garrett.

"What is it?" Garrett asked when Sue joined him, seeing the anxiousness in her face.

"Ah, with everything that has gone on with the case, I've really gotten close to the team, especially certain members," Sue started, wringing her hands uncertainly around Levi's leash. "I'm sure you can understand that things have changed, feelings have grown," she continued.

"That's very understandable and what makes this team one of the best in the bureau," Garrett agreed.

"Well, I don't want to do anything that jeopardizes the team in any way…" Sue started only to be interrupted by her boss.

"You are a part of this team, now and forever, Thomas," Garrett affirmed strongly. "You are a very valuable part of this team and it wouldn't be the same without you," he told her.

Tears sprung to her eyes at the big man's conviction in her abilities. Sue was surprised at how close his words were to Jack's when he reassured her of her place at the bureau.

"I understand that you might doubt things after what happened, Thomas," Garrett acknowledged, placing his hand on her shoulder. "But we don't doubt you and we never will," he declared firmly.

"I just wanted to say that I appreciate all the confidence you have in me," Sue blinked. "I won't let you down, sir," she smiled through her tears.

"Good, now get back to work," Garrett grinned. "You don't get paid to stand around and talk, despite what Manning thinks," he stated loudly.

"Hey!" Bobby called from his desk where he was talking to Myles.

Sue grinned as Garrett squeezed her shoulder reassuringly before making his way to the door. Moving behind her desk, she deposited her purse and sat down, looking around the bullpen.

Sue had convinced herself so many times over the passed two weeks her best option would be to request a transfer. Jack had been with the team longer, and therefore it was only right for her to make the move.

However, after spending many days talking with Jack, she'd decided that it would be best if they secretly dated. Until they figured out where their relationship was going, they could still work together.

Looking at Jack as he spoke with D, Sue smiled slightly. They'd agreed that if their relationship got in the way of doing their jobs, or once they saw where it was going, they'd talk to Garrett about the transfer. They'd have to be careful, but since they spent so much time together before, they hoped no one would catch on until they were ready.

With a contented sigh, Sue smiled broadly before leaning back her chair, clicking on her email. Boy, it's good to be home! she thought happily.

FADE OUT

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