A/N: I was going to finish this in one chapter but decided at the last minute to split it into two. Thank you for all the reviews, I really love hearing from you.

o-xxx-o

January 3rd:

Sue wandered into the kitchen rubbing her eyes tiredly. "You're up early."

"Couldn't sleep"

"I know, you were tossing and turning most of the night."

"Sorry."

"I forgive you. Not more bad dreams?"

"No nothing like that..."

"Good." She sat down at the table with him.

"All packed?"

"Just about, I'll have to add Levi's stuff later."

Jack sighed. "It's funny. I thought if we were married, this would be easier." He raised a hand to cup the side of her face and she leaned into it.

"But it isn't, is it?"

"No."

Feeling as though she might cry, Sue hastily stood again. "I'm going to take a shower." Receiving only a nod, she pressed on. "You can join me if you want."

He smiled sadly. "Now that could be the best offer I'll have for a long time." He got to his feet but Levi appeared beside them carrying his leash.

"Oh, Levi..."

"You know something, Knucklehead? Sometimes your timing's really lousy." He bent down and gave the dog a scratch. "You go and have your shower, I'll take him out."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah, I could do with the fresh air anyway." He kissed her tenderly and went to fetch his jacket.

o-xxx-o

Almost an hour later he came back to find her sitting on the couch. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be out so long but Levi decided to dawdle his way around the park."

"That's okay, he's not going to get much more exercise today, so it's probably a good thing."

"Depends on your point of view," Jack muttered miserably.

"You said you needed some fresh air."

"Yes, but I needed other things too."

"In that case, it's a good job I waited before I had that shower." As soon as she saw the expression on his face she knew she'd made the right decision. "I'll feed the vicious beast first, that should give us some peace and quiet."

o-xxx-o

Rolling over onto his back, Jack let out a contented sigh and breathed deeply. "That was..."

"What?" She propped herself up on one elbow so she could watch his lips.

"Incredible." He replied, speaking and signing at the same time for emphasis.

"Really..?" She asked happily.

"...Really." Their lovemaking had never been dull but since their wedding night, it had moved to a whole new level. His body shuddered again and he pulled her against him, holding her close. "How much time do we have left?"

She arched up to look at the clock. "About two hours..."

"Oh..." he groaned miserably, "Why are you leaving so early?"

"No choice. I have to get Levi checked in and settled."

Jack swung his legs out from under the covers and sat on the edge of the bed but when he didn't move any further she scooted across, got to her knees and slid her arms around his chest, hugging him tightly and kissing his back. He turned slightly so she could see his face in profile.

"Sorry," he apologised. "You'd think I'd be used to this by now."

"I don't think it's something you ever get used to."

"Maybe, its better that you shouldn't, that would be too chilling. Have you called the cab company yet?"

"No."

"Then don't, I'll take you."

"But Jack, you hate airport goodbyes."

"I know, but if it means I get to spend a while longer with my wife, I'll brave it."

"In that case, I can rearrange things a little and we'll eat here before we go." She kissed his shoulder, scrambled off the bed and made her way into the bathroom, returning to find him still sitting in the same place. "You okay?"

"Not really."

She gave him a sympathetic smile, ruffled his hair and crossed the room, slipping out of her robe and flushing slightly when she saw him watching her.

He managed a grin when he noticed her discomfort. "We're married, remember? I'm allowed to look. And who knows how long it will be until I see such a beautiful sight again?"

Sue pulled up the zipper on her jeans, buttoned her blouse and then settled down comfortably in the chair.

"What?"

"It works both ways you know."

o-xxx-o

They'd half-heartedly nibbled on the sandwiches she'd made for brunch but ended up feeding them to a very grateful Levi and they'd made small talk about subjects that were instantly forgotten before the conversation dried up altogether. Sue stood unenthusiastically.

"We have to go."

"I know" Jack sighed and got to his feet, pulling her into his arms. "But first..."

The kiss was deep and loving but laced with sadness.

"I'll get my bags."

"Okay." At that moment he found signing far easier than speaking.

She brought them from the bedroom and put them by the front door.

"My sweater hasn't 'accidentally' finished up in there by any chance?"

"No," she protested a little too vehemently. "It's in the wardrobe where it lives."

"Uh-huh," he watched suspiciously as she nibbled on her bottom lip. "So, what have I lost this time?"

"How do you know you've lost anything?"

"...Because, I know you." He replied, waiting patiently.

Sue pouted. "Your white pyjamas." she confessed reluctantly.

"And..?"

"Your blue shirt"

"I like that shirt," he protested.

"So do I... and think of it this way... Now you have something nice to change into the next time you come to New York and take me out to dinner." She gave him her best pleading smile.

Jack shook his head in disbelief. "Alright, you can have it. I'll take these down to the car and wait for you."

"I won't be a minute."

"You'd better not be." He stated firmly after checking his watch.

o-xxx-o

The drive had taken less time than they'd anticipated and the journey was made in virtual silence, neither of them knowing what to say that wouldn't cause upset. They were seated in a café on the airport concourse looking out of the window with Jack absently stroking the back of her hand.

"It's time," she sighed and they both got to their feet. "Come on Levi." The dog seemed as reluctant to leave as they were.

Arms around each other's waists, they made their way to the appropriate security checkpoint and Sue took out her boarding pass, presenting it to the woman behind the desk. After emptying her pockets and putting her bag on the conveyor she stepped with Levi through the metal detector without a hitch. She'd learned a while ago that wearing sneakers with no eyelets was the only way to travel if you didn't want to have to stop and remove your shoes.

"Are you travelling too, Sir?"

"No, I'm just escorting Ms Thomas to the plane."

Sue regarded him curiously but didn't speak.

"I'm sorry but if you're not flying, you're not allowed past this point. Homeland Security, you know?"

"Just a moment..." He searched his pockets and pulled out his ID.

"F.B.I..? I'm sorry, Sir, I had no way of knowing."

"That's okay."

"Are you carrying?"

"No."

"Then please step through." The alarm went off instantly and two additional security personnel approached but the woman waved them away. "It's okay, he's on our side."

Once they were safely through and Levi was transferred to the airline's care Sue turned to him. "I wish my ID had that affect but I suppose an Agent has more clout than a lowly Analyst."

"You'd better believe it..." He replied smugly earning himself a smack. His face turned serious. "Call me when you get home."

"Don't I always? And you get some more rest, okay."

"I'll try."

"If you have any more nightmares call and let me know. I promise I'll listen this time."

"Stay safe for me. No volunteering for dangerous assignments." He blew out a ragged breath. "God, I hate goodbyes."

"Me too..." The tears she'd managed to hold back for so long glistened in her eyes.

Jack looked around and spotting a Security Guard, went over to talk to him. Sue watched but couldn't see what was being said and when he returned he signed for her to be quiet while the stranger led them into a small unoccupied office and closed the door.

"Is something wrong?" She asked worriedly.

"No, everything's fine. I just wanted to be alone with you for a few minutes."

"Why?"

"So I could do this..." He pulled her tightly against him, kissing her tenderly at first and then more passionately when she responded.

"I'm sure that's not what you told him," she teased once she'd got her breath back.

"No, I said that I was an F.B.I Agent and I needed somewhere private to question you before you boarded your flight."

Sue smiled lovingly and straightened the lapel of his coat. "I've said it before and I'll say it again... You are a sly and devious man, Jackson Hudson."

"And don't you ever forget it." His mouth found hers again only this time the contact was much gentler but just as long. "I love you, Sue."

"I love you too." A knock on the door had him moving away. "What?"

"Your flight's been called." He swallowed hard. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be..." They vacated the room and she kissed his cheek. "I'll call."

"I'll be waiting."

Jack watched her walk away and wiped his hand over his face to hide the emotions that were threatening to spill over. She waved as she went through the door and he moved to the window, staring out as her plane taxied and then took off, waiting until it was out of sight.

o-xxx-o

He'd driven straight back to the apartment from the airport but, although he'd lived there for almost ten years, it had suddenly seemed lifeless and far too big so he'd only stopped long enough to change into his tracksuit and then gone for a long run, hoping to wear himself out sufficiently that he'd sleep the night through and be alert for the next day. Returning home he'd made his way to the bathroom and taken a quick shower and now he was looking for something to wear.

His eyes widened in surprise when he saw the cashmere sweater on the shelf. Pressing it to his face he breathed in the scent of her perfume, which lingered in the fibres, before slipping it over his head. He'd never understood until that moment why it was she kept 'borrowing' his clothes but now it was obvious. It was almost like having her there, her arms wrapped around him and keeping him warm, at least on the outside.

After setting up his laptop on the kitchen table, Jack checked the cupboards and opened the refrigerator to see if he could find something to tempt him but was interrupted when his computer bleeped to let him know he was wanted.

JackH: Hi!

SueT: Hi yourself.

JackH: You know you're going to have to change that ID.

SueT: I know, and a hundred other things. I'll have to make a list.

JackH: Safely home?

SueT: Yes.

JackH: Levi okay?

SueT: He will be.

JackH: That's good.

SueT: What are you doing?

JackH: Besides missing you? :-( Trying to find something to eat

SueT: I didn't think you were hungry.

JackH: I wasn't but I went for a run.

SueT: Oh... If you look in the bottom of the refrigerator, you'll see a couple of airtight containers. There's leftover meatloaf in one, all you have to do is pop it in the microwave for a few minutes... and chocolate cake in the other.

JackH: You're too good to me.

SueT: Don't I know it. :-D

JackH: What are you doing?

SueT: Working my way through a pile of mail. Mainly bills, junk and Christmas cards...

JackH: The price you pay for being away from home for a week.

SueT: Tell me, I could barely get through the door. Did you find your sweater? :-D

JackH: Sweater? What sweater?

SueT: Jack Hudson, if I were there I'd hit you!

JackH: If you were here then I wouldn't be wearing it.

SueT: You are?

JackH: Yes, at last. Now I know why you persist in taking my clothes back to NY with you.

SueT: They make me feel safe and loved.

Jack swallowed hard and then blew out a calming breath.

SueT: It's not quite the same as the real thing though.

JackH: But it helps.

He waited impatiently for a reply but none came.

JackH: Are you still there?

JackH: Sue, you're scaring me.

SueT: Sorry, I'm still here. I was just reading an email.

JackH: Am I that boring?

SueT: Of course not! I've got a wedding present for you.

JackH: You didn't have to do that, especially since I didn't get you one.

SueT: The wedding itself cost you enough. Okay... then let's say it's that more interesting Christmas present I was looking for.

JackH: I'm not following.

SueT: Check your inbox.

JackH: Why?

SueT: I've just forwarded something to you.

JackH: I'll do it later.

SueT: No, now.

JackH: Okay, okay, I'm checking.

SueT: Have you got it?

SueT: Jack?

She was about to ping him again when Levi came running over to tell her that she had a phone-call. Checking the ID she smiled happily but before she could speak his words began to appear on the screen.

"This isn't a joke?"

"No Sweetheart, it's no joke.

"Really..?"

"Yes."

"Really, truly..?"

This had to be one of the only times in her life she regretted being deaf, frustrated that she could only imagine his excitement and not hear it.

"Would I lie to you about something this important?"

"I guess not. When? How..?"

"I'll tell you when I see you next. When will that be, by the way?"

"I'll try and get to you next weekend. It sounds as though you're going to need me."

"Promise..?"

"...Even if I have to bribe Myles to fill in for me."

Sue laughed. "Are you sure about that? It could cost you a fortune."

Jack considered it for a moment. "Maybe not, but I'll sort something out, don't worry."

"I won't."

"God, I love you."

"I love you too but if I don't get unpacked and go to bed soon, I'm going to be useless at work tomorrow. Oh, are you going to tell the rest of the team?"

"I thought I'd wait so we could do it together."

"Okay, then I won't mention anything to Lucy when I speak to her. Good night."

"Good night. By the way, did I happen to mention that I love you a lot?"

"I think you might have but it never hurts to see it again."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Sleep well."

"And you. No more nightmares. Levi says good night."

"Good night, Buddy. Take care of her for me."

o-xxx-o