AN: The song I used at the end of this chapter is "Sleep Together" by Garbage. A great T/J song, I think. :)
"Hey Jack," the barman flashed him a wide, welcoming smile as they stopped at the counter. "Long time no see."
"I've been busy."
The barman nodded. "I'm sure you had your reasons," he glanced at Tru, and then winked at Jack with a knowing smirk.
"Bernie, this is Tru – she's a ... " he looked at her, wondering how to label her, then averted his look back to Bernie. "Business-partner."
"I see," the barman smiled, and shook hands with her. "Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy your time here. If you need anything just ask. Jack is kinda like the VIP guest here."
She smiled politely. "Thanks."
"So what would you like, Jack? The usual?"
"Yes."
"And for the lady?"
"The same for her too," Jack interjected before Tru could reply.
She shot him a disapproving look, but he just smiled.
"You're gonna like it," he reassured her.
A few minutes later they were sitting in a booth, with their drinks on the table.
"It's good, " Tru stated after the first sip of the deep-red liquid, "What is it?"
"A cocktail called Spring Punch – raspberry and blackberry mixed with vodka."
"I thought you were a beer or whiskey person."
"Remember the bar where we shared our secrets and played darts? I drank cocktail with you there, too."
She thought back, and realized he was right. Strange what he remembered.
"For the truce," he toasted.
"For the new day," she countered with a smile.
He smirked, and clinked his glass to hers.
"So this is where you hang out after your victory days," she noted.
"Victory has nothing to do with it. I come here whenever I feel like it. To celebrate, forget, anything. People here see me just as a guy, and not fate's ambassador, or Death as you kindly call me."
She wasn't sure if it was the lights, but she saw some sad spark in his blue eyes. Damn if he didn't have this mission he had, they could get along well. He's a nice guy, they could be friends, too. Or maybe even more...?
"Jack..." she sighed.
"Let's not talk about that again," he asked. "We're here to have fun, right?"
She nodded concedingly.
"How about a dance?" he emerged from the booth as a cool party song followed. "You're not allowed to say no," he added with his trademark grin, which Tru found irresistable, so she couldn't refuse his offer. With a broad smile on her face, she joined him, and they found themselves on the dance floor almost immediately.
Tru didn't remember the last time she danced disco. It felt like being in high school again. The music dragged her away, engulfing her, so she didn't care about anything, just moved to the rhythm. Jack enjoyed seeing her so free and relaxed. It was a secret side of her that he hadn't experienced yet, but definitely would have liked to see more of.
The speedy party song was followed by a slower melody, and Jack automatically pulled her close, sliding his arm around her waist.
Tru's eyes widened in surprise. "What the hell are you doing?"
"What does it look like?" he smiled calmly.
His easy manner annoyed her. She wanted to break out of his hold, snap at him, or just give him some witty, sneery remark, reminding them who they were, but her body didn't obey. The athmosphere, and his different attitude had an affect on her that she couldn't deny.
She was dancing with Jack Harper, her enemy – this was insane. Her hand in his, his arm around her waist, their bodies so dangerously close... – this was a new experience. Yet it felt so good.
She should have done this with Luc or Jensen, not with him. What's wrong with you, Tru?? This guy killed your lover! And you spent the day with him, chatting and laughing, and now you're dancing with him, letting him embrace you... This isn't you! This is not right!
She was stunned and confused, couldn't utter a word.
"Relax," he whispered into her ear, pulling her even closer, so that their bodies touched. "Let me lead you."
His soothing voice made her tension lessen. She couldn't explain the reason, but she felt safe in his arms, and suddenly forgot all of her worries. Just like that. It was almost eerily magical.
They were swaying to the music, neither of them saying a word.
Jack didn't remember the last time he felt so good with anyone. None of the girls he had met made him forget about the world like Tru did. Ironic, as she was his opponent. Maybe that was the reason after all – they shared something, even if they stood on opposite ends. With her, he didn't have to play hide-and-seek, and pretend he was something he wasn't. She knew him better than anyone – although she might not like what she saw.
The song ended, and puzzled, Tru broke away from his embrace. "I...I have to go to the bathroom," she stuttered slowly.
"Okay, I'll be back to our table," Jack said, noticing her uneasiness. He knew very well what bothered her. Something changed between them this afternoon. And she must have not liked it.
Tru was searching her features in the bathroom's mirror. Her brown eyes stared back at her, asking for help. What is going on?
What am I doing, she questioned her reflection.
She sighed.
Tru, get yourself together, and act rational. What you're doing is not right. He can't be your friend, you're two worlds apart. You can't hang out with him. Remember, he's your enemy; his duty is to kill people. The image of Luc in the coffin flashed through her mind, then another of a moment of her and Jack sitting on the rollercoaster laughing this afternoon. Two different images, two totally opposite feelings. Past and present. Sadness and fun. And the two didn't agree with each other. You can't forget those memories just for a pretty smile. Jack is like a chameleon, who knows if he's fooling you right now as well? Don't fall for it!
"I already thought that you had hopped off," Jack noted when she got back.
"You aren't far from the truth, because that's what I'm doing," she replied, and turned to leave. Her determined, cold voice sent chills up his spine. But no matter how she tried to be the old Tru again, under the surface he could see the girl he had danced with, and how these two selves were battling in her. He liked the snappy Tru Davies, yet wouldn't have minded if the softer one had prevailed.
"Okay with me," he took a last sip of his drink, and followed her.
"No, I'm going alone now," she declared. "I've had enough of your company for today."
"Ouch, that hurts," he said, as caught up with her outside. It was raining heavily. "I had the feeling that you had fun today."
"It could have been worse," she shrugged.
Not caring about the downpour, he grabbed her arm, and made her face him.
"I see what you're attempting to do to me," Jack looked into her eyes, smirking, "but all your efforts are in vain. We both know the truth."
Her big eyes stared at him innocently. She didn't expect him to make her face the reality.
He laughed at her stunned expression. "You thought you could fool me? We're too much alike, that would never work."
They both were almost completely soaked by now. The raindrops rolled down past their cheeks.
"Actually, you know what I think?" he continued, teasing her. Her behaviour amused him. "That you enjoyed my company more than you ever thought, and it scares you. You'd rather lie, because you don't want to admit the truth."
Damn, Jack, how can you see through me so much?
"You're insane," she shrugged his hand off, and walked on.
He laughed. "You're so sexy when you're angry."
"Go to hell," she muttered, though his remark awoke the butterflies in her stomach..
"I meant it," he shouted after her, but she didn't stop.
He grimaced, and looked around for a cab. Luck was with him because the yellow car approached him within seconds. He hailed it, and got in.
Tru couldn't get Jack's last words out of her head. I meant it. She wished it was just a joke, but as she knew him, she had to concede that he really had meant it. And it wasn't good news.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice when a car stopped beside her. She realized who it was as the familiar voice called her name.
"Hey Tru, want a lift?"
She turned her head toward the voice, just to see Jack smiling at her from inside of a taxi.
Hell, why is that I can't get rid of him, she sighed.
"C'mon, you don't want to get completely soaked while you get home, do you?" he nudged her, seeing her pondering his question.
"He's right, Miss," the driver chimed in, "this weather is dangerous for your health."
Great, what's this, a conspiracy? On the other hand, they had the point. Truth to be told, she wasn't too keen on walking home in such a downpour. Sighing, she walked to the cab. Jack grinned in satisfaction, and opened the door for her.
"Thanks," she reluctantly muttered, climbing in next to him.
"No problem, we live almost in the same building after all."
After about 15 minute ride, they ended up in Jack's apartment. When he had offered a cup of hot coffee, no matter how much she disliked the thought of spending more time with him, she couldn't help but accept his generous offer.
So having discarded her wet jacket and shoes, she now sat in his living room, cuddling a cushion in her lap. Looking around, her glance froze on a framed picture on one of the shelves. She got up, and walked over to see the picture. It was a photo of Jack embracing a brown-haired girl, both of them having a broad, happy smile on their faces. Tru gulped. She hadn't seen Jack smiling like that. It was so different from him now. Maybe he had a hint of that smile this afternoon, but nothing like that.
She got startled when Jack entered the room, bringing in their coffees on a tray. He had changed his wet clothes, and now he had a pair of torn jeans and a gray t-shirt on.
"I see you've found it," he noted bittersweetly, referring to the picture, while placing the tray on the coffee table.
"I've just..." she was about to explain her curiousity, but he cut her off.
"It's okay. I don't need to hide anything," he sat down onto the couch, and began stirring his coffee.
Tru joined him, enjoying the warm feeling of the cup in her hands.
"She's beautiful," she stated in the silence.
"Yes," he sighed with sorrow in his voice, averting his look to the photo. "She was."
Was? Tru suspected that she entered a topic that brought him pain. That girl must have meant a lot to him. She wanted to know more about her, but didn't dare to ask.
"Until the cancer ruined her beauty and she went on to suffer terribly," he added quietly.
That was when it dawned on Tru: she was his sister! She remembered him having mentioned her during one of their first talks. The girl had died years ago.
"I'm sorry," she said. "But she doesn't suffer anymore."
"That's it," he turned his look at her. "See? That's what I've been trying to explain to you all along. And now you said it yourself. Death can be a release. There are people who shouldn't be 'saved', because prolonging their lives only means prolonging their battle with death."
Tru had to admit, she really trapped herself in an uneasy predicament. There were aspects that verified his theory.
"My sister always reminds me of that, and she keeps me believing in my mission," he said, as he sipped his coffee.
Now Tru got another glimpse of his motives, and could understand him better. On the other hand this revelation made her a bit anxious concerning their future-battles – how will she fight him with the same determination? It was said that the more you knew about your enemy, the better you could fight them, so you had the greater chance of victory. But in this case, Tru felt that knowing more about Jack actually would just aggravate her.
The rain hit the window heavily, and Tru was glad she wasn't outside now. She took a large sip of the hot coffee, which warmed up her whole body.
"I'd better go now," she put the cup onto the tray, and stood up. If she had stayed longer, she would just have to see more of him, which would have made her situation even more difficult.
"You can have my couch for the night if you want."
She jerked up her head at the unexpected offer. What?
"What are you doing? Trying to seduce me?" she tilted her head suspiciously.
He chuckled. "You're paranoid. I'm just thoughtful, and don't want you to get a nasty cold in this weather. Competing with someone who is sick, is boring. Too easy," he shrugged.
"Thanks for caring," she sneered. "But I beat you even if I had the flu."
"We'll see," he grinned.
She turned to leave the room, but Jack grabbed her arm, and made her stop.
"I was right, wasn't I?" he looked into her eyes.
She gave him an inquiring glance, not knowing what was he referring to.
"You liked my company today, didn't you?" the smug smile played in the corner of his mouth.
"I'd rather say you weren't as annoying an asshole as usual," she grinned.
"Would your world collapse if you admitted it?"
"There's nothing to admit."
"You're the most stubborn girl I have ever met," he claimed. "But I like challenges," he raised a brow with a smile.
"You can do whatever you want, my opinion about you will never change."
He didn't reply, which surprised her. She was prepared for another witty remark, but she got only a long stare instead.
"What's it now?" she frowned.
"Have I already mentioned that you're damn sexy when you're angry?" he smirked, touching her wet locks. "And soaked."
"Jack?!" she reprimanded, and took a step back. "What the hell are you doing?"
"You keep saying that over and over and over again," he sighed.."It doesn't bore you?" he caressed her wet hair, while his other hand slid around her waist.
She couldn't avoid his look. His amazing blue eyes locked within hers, and she felt the magic falling over her all over again.
"Let me go," she intended to sound furious, but it came out sounding more like a plea.
"Answer me," he demanded quietly, searching her brown orbs.
"Go to hell!" she snapped, wanting to break free of his hold.
He smirked, not taking his eyes off of her.
"I'm patient," he whispered, and brushed his lips on hers.
His move startled her, she couldn't even flinch in shock.
His kiss was hard and fierce. Her senses got filled with his presence immediately – the world seemed to fade in that very moment. He had the power to distract her. And he happened to know how to use it. Jack Harper was dangerous – and not only during their fight on those rewind days.
He acted on instinct, in the heat of the moment. Not only did he want to annoy her by doing something unexpected, but he was drawn to her by some invisible force. Her wet hair framing her beautiful face turned him on. She was damn sexy.
He knew what he was doing was wrong, but he couldn't resist. She was too alluring and convenient. He craved her kiss. And her resistance was just fuel on burning fire.
Tru had never thought this would happen. Jack Harper was kissing her. That was insane!! And she was more insane to let him, instead of slapping him right there. For she didn't do that. She knew she should have, but...
She was gasping heavily as she finally broke away from him. His sparkling eyes immediately met her glare. He suspected she wasn't much delighted at the turn of the events, so her reaction didn't surprise him. He was prepared for her extreme fury, and he was quite astonished when it failed to come.
The only sound in the room, apart from the rain hitting the windows, was their ragged breaths.
Tru could hear her heart throbbing in her ears, and the voice in her mind claiming what she was about to do was more than insane. She hadn't been kissed with such fervor for a long time. Not even Luc had kissed her like this. Jack's kiss was strong, powerful, and impied intoxicating danger. This combination enticed ad excied her. She knew it was wrong and forbidden to think of him like this, but his kiss had awoken her desires– she had been longing for someone to care about her like this for too long. And she couldn't just act like nothing had happened.
Because it had happened. He had kissed her. And she had kissed him.
Jack was pleasantly surprised when she covered his mouth with hers in a likewise passionate kiss, her arms snaking around his neck. His fingers roamed through her hair, enjoying the feeling of her wet locks.
Two elemental forces met in their union, generating unimaginable heat and never known passion. This battle between life and fate ended with a draw, a sweet surrender.
"The emptiness, the crazyness
Satisfy this hungriness
Darling, how would it feel?
If we sleep together
Will you like me better?
If we come together
We'll go down forever
If we sleep together
Will I like you better?
If we come together
Prove it now or never"
AN: SAAF-Y and cherrygurl, thank you very much for the reviews. Hope you liked this chappie too.