A/N – You're right Sharon! I messed it up because I wrote the chapter at two different times, but I'll be sure to fix it in this chapter, since it's a small error. Thanks for pointing it out!

Chapter 32:

Myles ran into Sue and Jack as they were leaving Bobby's hospital room. Tara had just gone in again to say goodnight and goodbye.

"Dimitrius is gone home with Donna. He claims he'll be into work tomorrow, but I'm sure Donna will decide once morning comes. I stopped by in Howie's room on the way to see D." Jack looked at him surprised, as did Sue.

"Seriously?" Myles shrugged.

"He got hurt too. No reason why he should be ignored; after all he led us to Ben French."

"Is he being released today? Doctor said he was fine earlier." Sue asked.

"Actually, they want to keep him overnight now. They think the concussion might have been more serious than originally thought. He's been getting dizzy, so they just want to keep an eye on him. I told D when I saw him afterwards, and about how everyone else is doing. How is Bobby by the way?"

"He's awake, and the doctor said he'll be released in a few days. I'm going to take Sue home. I guess its going to be you and me interrogating French tomorrow then." Jack turned and looked at Sue and knew exactly what she was thinking. Myles decided to quickly pop in and see Bobby, as Sue and Jack made their way out of the hospital.

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The trip home had been quiet, and Jack had figured Sue was just as busy thinking about what had happened that day. When he parked and looked over at her, he smiled to himself, watching her breathe in and out slowly, fast asleep. He closed and locked his door and moved over to the passenger side, letting Levi out, before opening Sue's door. The blast of cold air woke her up, and her eyes quickly focused.

"Where are we?" She asked sleepily.

"Home. Come on, let's get you upstairs and put you to bed." She nodded and slowly walked to her place, Jack with his arm around her.

Once they had locked up the door, and Sue had changed into her pajamas, and settled back on the couch. She stared off into the distance, her mind desperately trying to make sense of her life. Jack sat down next to her and handed her a cup of tea.

"Thank you" She signed. Jack could still tell something was really bothering her.

"You want to talk about it? Or wait until morning? We're all taking the morning off." Jack suggested.

"Can I watch?" She asked quietly. Jack sighed. He knew he had promised her, but now wished he hadn't, since he knew he wouldn't be able to stay with her.

"I have to be in the integration room. I don't want you watching alone. Maybe Tara can stay with you?" He said. Sue nodded in agreement. "We'll figure it out tomorrow." Sue nodded again, and looked away as her eyes flooded with tears. Jack's heart broke and he wished he knew what was wrong. He didn't want to push, so instead he just wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.

"I'm so sorry Jack." She said quietly. He turned so she could see his face. He looked deeply into her tear filled eyes, frowning.

"Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything." Jack couldn't think of what she did. Sue reach over and gently touched one of the cuts above his eye. She quickly withdrew her hand again, after realizing what she had done, avoiding his eyes.

"It's my fault this happened." She tried to hold back the sobs, but barely succeeded. Jack was confused.

"It's not your fault! There's nothing you could have done! I'm just thankful you weren't there. You and I could've been in the café too, reading lips like we always do; I don't know what I would've done if something happened to you."

"If I would have told you sooner about my brother…" Sue started.

"Remember when we first met?" Jack said, Sue gave him a small smile through her teary eyes.

"And I yelled at you, caused all sorts of problems with your team and then got you shot?"

"It was the best thing that ever happened to me Sue." Jack said quietly, his cheeks reddening. "Not everything is your fault – good or bad. Everyone's fine, we caught Ben French, and now we can all move on with our lives. Please don't blame yourself."

"Jack – you don't have to be so nice to me. I don't deserve..." Jack interrupted her. He hated when she talked like that. He decided to make a rash decision, when he leaned forward and kissed her. She didn't pull back, and it wasn't long, but Jack felt his heart jump in his chest, just like the time he had kissed her undercover; only this time she would know it was really want he wanted.

Sue looked at Jack for a few moments. She was still stunned; she had not expected him to kiss her. Jack was watching her, trying to gauge her reaction. She bit her lip, and reached for his hand, just wanting to feel his strength again..

"But why does God let things like this happen? She asked quietly.

"I don't know Sue, but I know He made you who you are – strong, confident, beautiful. He knew you could make it through this, and you will. Just think of how much He has planned for you, and how He's already used you in so many ways. You've touched all our lives, especially mine. I just wish I would've done something sooner, I should've said something."

"You started to, when I almost left." Sue replied.

"But I didn't do anything about it. When the bomb went off, I found myself wishing that I could see you one more time. I'm tired of seeing you everyday but not being able to be more to you than just a friend. I'm tired of pretending when everyone makes jokes about us, that to me it's not really the truth. I know this is going to be a rough patch, but I will do anything to help you get through it."

Sue was touched at what Jack was saying and could see how sincere he was.

"I'm tired of pretending too Jack. Pretending like everything was fine when someone from your past would show up or something would almost happen and I would be so scared, and all I ever wanted was you to tell me it's alright." Jack smiled. It made his heart leap for joy to hear her say things like that. He could tell she was getting very tired, after the day had worn on her, and Jack was feeling the soreness and fatigue as each moment past.

"We should go to bed. Sleep in as long as you want; get a good sleep and things will be better in the morning." Sue agreed, feeling quite sleepy, but also better after having talked to Jack. They got up, turned off the lights and stopped in front of Sue's bedroom door. Sue leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips, before just moving into his arms, willing just to be held. They stood like that for a few moments, Sue feeling so comforted just to be held by Jack. When they finally moved apart, Jack kissed her on the cheek, and said quietly,

"Goodnight Sue." She gave him a small, sad smile back.

"Night Jack." Sue moved reluctantly into her bedroom, and closed the door. She moved towards her bed feeling as though things we're finally going to get better.