A/N – I hope you guys like it so far! Please review and let me know!

Chapter 2:

"Where's Sue?" Dimitrius asked, striding into the bullpen.

"She's taking Lucy to the airport. Lucy thought it was a good idea, without letting Sue know, to let her sleep in a bit more than normal." Jack announced. Bobby frowned.

"What's going on mate? Is she okay?"

"She's fine; I just think she's run down from the last case." Jack answered; trying to sound not too worried.

"Maybe she should take the day off? She has been looking really tired…" Dimitrius suggested. Jack sighed,

"I already tried that, didn't work. We'll just keep an eye her. I'm sure in a couple of days she will be fine." On cue, Sue walked in the door, as everyone looked at her. She smiled, but froze and looked around the room at the stares.

"Am I missing something?" She glanced around curiously. Everyone shook their heads 'no', but Sue had the feeling they had just been talking about her. She decided to change the subject. "So, I got Lucy to the airport just now. She's gone to Arizona for the next two weeks…"

"Are you going to be okay alone?" Tara asked kindly, "Want me to stay with you?" Sue smiled at her friend.

"Thanks Tara, but I'll be fine. I'm a big girl." Jack just raised his eyebrows and gave Tara a look, as if she should push it. She shook her head no, and he sighed in resignation. Sue sat at her desk, trying to ignore the odd stares. When she finally noticed the boy's attention was diverted, she tried to get Tara's attention and she started signing,

'What was that all about?' Tara signed back,

'They're just worried about you. You sure you don't want me to stay?'

'I'm all right, thanks. But I'll let you know if I'm lonely.' They both smiled at each other and returned to their massive amounts of paperwork that always seemed to loom over them.

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The sun had long past set, and Sue could feel her eyes burning from the unrelenting computer work she had done that day. She just wanted to get this report for Randy finished. It was completely pointless, and she knew he was just making her do it for her own displeasure. She cradled her head in her hands, massaging her temples, closing her eyes and taking a break, hoping that she could just go home soon and have a nice bath, hoping the pounded headache she had would go away.

Jack was kicking himself for forgetting that file at work. It surprised him to see a faint light coming from the bullpen as he walked down the deserted hallways. As he entered the door, he could see Sue's blond hair rest on her shoulders. He frowned to see her head, obviously lowered in exhaustion, cradled between her hands. Worried, he walked forward to beside her. As Levi recognized him, he reached up and put his paws up on her lap. She lifted up her head,

"Jack? What are you doing here?" He knelt down beside her desk.

"I think the more important question is, what are you doing here?" She gave him a half-hearted attempt at a smile.

"Just finishing Randy's report before I go home…" She could feel herself getting faint and her eyes unfocus slightly. She swayed every so slightly, as Jack held onto her shoulder.

"Sue?" He said, concerned.

"I'm fine." She said quickly, as the room stopped spinning and rested on Jack's worried face.

"You told me you were going to take better care of yourself." He frowned, thinking back over the day. "When's the last time you've eaten?" Sue looked away.

"It's been a bit of a hectic day. I slept in this morning too late, then we rushed Lucy to the airport, so I guess I skipped lunch too…" She could feel Jack's gaze intent on hers.

"Come on. We're leaving." He grabbed her coat and handed it to her.

"But Jack! I'm not done this yet…" Jack turned to look at her.

"Randy can go through me if he wants to. You haven't eaten in about 24 hours, you're about ready to faint and you're so tired, you're having trouble staying awake. I'm taking you to go get something to eat, and then I'm taking you home and you're going to bed." Sue rolled her eyes, but smiled gratefully.

"Okay mom." Jack gave her a small grin back.

"And tomorrow you're taking it easy. You are taking the day off, especially considering it's a Saturday." Sue grabbed the rest of her things and walked out the door with Jack.

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"Honestly Jack, it's alright. I'll make it to my door." Sue said, even though she was grateful that he had offered. "You want to come in for a cup of tea?" Jack smiled, and agreed and within 20 minutes they were sitting on the couch, laughing about funny memories.

"Then pen on Myles's face…" Sue said laughing. A few moments of silence passed, and Jack found himself finally working up the courage to ask her a question he had been dying to for the past month.

"Do you ever regret that you chose not to go to New York?" She looked at him intently for a few moments, as if pondering the question.

"I won't lie and say it didn't seem exciting, but no. I'm happy where I am." She grinned mischievously. "However, if I do recall, you never finished what you were saying in the hallway that day…" Her smile widened, as Jack's cheeks got redder. Sue tried to stifle a yawn.

"That's a conversation for another time; you need to go to bed. Are you sure you're okay here alone?" She seemed much better since she had eaten, and she had promised Jack over and over again that she would make a more conscious effort to take better care of herself, but he still noticed how tired she was. He could only hope that with some good sleep, she would become her old vibrant self again.

"I'll be fine. Thanks for bringing me home Jack, and worrying about me. Give me a few days, and I'll be back to normal." He pulled her into a quick hug. Jack couldn't help but remember the hugs they had shared before and how awkward they used to be. As the years had developed, it had become more natural, and he was glad.

"I'll show myself out. Get a good sleep; call me if you need me – promise?" She nodded and smiled.

"Goodnight Jack." She turned and headed to her room. Jack heard the door shut and sighed, before heading back to his own place again.