Kate was in her room killing some time before her scheduled run along the Hudson river. She collected her books and stacked them neatly on her desk. Kate padded barefoot over to her closet to gather her sneakers when she caught sight of her reflection in the full-length mirror that hung behind the dorm room's door. She stepped closer to peer at herself. She turned to the side to scrutinize her profile, taking notice of her trim waist, bustline and the firm muscles of her thighs covered by skin-tight running pants. She paused to stare, she felt more aware of herself as a grown woman than she did at any other time. It had been a while, a long while since she actually stopped to look at herself.

The phone rang and Kate walked over to her desk to answer it. Her heartbeat picked up when she saw it was Jack calling.

"Hey you." She said, making a concerted effort to use a breezy tone.

Jack released an earthy chuckle, "Hey."

Kate tucked an errant lock of hair behind her left ear as she moved to take a seat on the edge of her bed, "What's up?"

"Nothing, I just thought I'd give you a call and see how you're doing. What are you up to?"

"Oh, exciting stuff. I was just reviewing a chapter for my Anatomy and Physiology class this afternoon and you actually happened to catch me right before I was heading out for a run."

His voice seemed to rise in pitch, sounding somewhat aroused he asked, "Oh yeah? Are you wearing those little black lycra shorts?"

Kate rolled her eyes, "Jack. It's November … in New York -"

"Okay then, sooooo … are you wearing those tight stretchy pants?"

She giggled, "Yes … pervert." Jack released a small laugh at her comment.

There was a stretch of silence and Kate sensed that Jack wanted to tell her something, "Jack, is everything okay?" She had just been beaming and now her smile faltered. Kate took a breath, then let it out slowly.

He remained quiet for several seconds and finally answered, "Kate, I have some bad news. I won't be able to come to New York tomorrow-"

"What?!" Kate's mouth hung open in confusion, she blinked several times, but no tears had fallen yet, "I don't understand. Jack, it's been nearly three months since we saw each other. This isn't fair-"

"Kate, I'll come for Thanksgiving-"

"That's almost three weeks away." She swiped at her nose that was beginning to feel a little runny, as her eyes slowly welled up from sheer disappointment, "I just can't … wait, okay? Do you understand? I miss you so much." Her heart sunk and she buried her face in her hands momentarily. She had been literally counting down the hours until he would arrive tomorrow and now she would just have to … wait.

It got quiet.

"Kate?"

She lifted her head. "I'm just sad, that's all," she went on, squeezing the words from her chest. Pausing for a moment, Kate swallowed dryly, "Three weeks huh?"

There was a knock at the door but she ignored it. And then another. Irritably, she called out, "Hold on a sec!"

"Kate, three weeks will be here sooner than you think. I promise…."

There was another knock. "I said hold on!" She shouted this time. Kate gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to open up the door and punch the person in the face. Jack's announcement had put her in the foulest of moods.

Another knock. "Jack, can you hold on? There's some impatient asshole that keeps knocking on my door." Without waiting for him to reply she leaped off the bed, walked over to the door and tore it open.

And standing there was Jack, his jeans slightly rumpled, shirt partially untucked and his carry-on baggage resting by his feet. Kate's expression underwent a myriad of changes at seeing him there: irritation, naked surprise, joy and then … desire.

Still holding the phone to his ear, he grinned, needing to bite his lip to keep from laughing, "I'm an asshole, huh?" Without thinking, he then stared at her freckled cheeks and moist green eyes. Oh, how he has missed tracing those freckles.

She caught her breath and the magnetic pull of his gaze drew her. Squealing, with girlish enthusiasm, she flung her body forward to instinctually wrap her arms around his neck and then she quickly followed by clenching her legs around his waist. The force of her excitement nearly knocked him over, but somehow he managed to maintain his balance as she peppered his face and neck with endless kisses.

With her small frame still wrapped tightly around him, he cupped the underside of her taut bottom to hold her up. He used one foot to impatiently swipe his bag into her room, and then with some added flair, he kicked the door closed behind them. Once inside they began to tug at each other's clothes without breaking the searing kiss that seemed to fuse their mouths together. Their movements were jerky, awkward, as if almost weighed down by the much anticipated sexual exploration they were more than ready to engage in. With shaky fingers that fumbled at the buttons, Kate finally managed to rid Jack of his shirt and toss it to the side. Kate sucked at her lower lip and her cheeks burned at the sight of his muscular chest with its spread of dark hair across it and she instinctually drew herself closer so she could breathe in his masculine scent, even if it was slightly tinged with that peculiar airplane smell.

Driven by a craving need to melt into him, Kate quickly undressed down to her panties, her gaze never breaking from his. Caught up by her frenzy, Jack struggled with his jeans and boxers that had pooled around at his ankles while he impatiently worked at the task of unlacing his boots. He cursed under his breath, wishing he had worn loafers or a pair of shoes that were easy to kick off. He then laughed lightly to himself, at the way he reacted to her physical signals and how he unconsciously answered with signals of his own.

Once he managed to shuck off his boots, he anxiously grabbed at her small waist and pushed her onto the mattress. Hovering over her, he felt her hips, her legs and bare breasts pressed against him, the sensation so tantalizing that he had to pause to regain some control. His head was whirling as he looked down at Kate's face that was now flushed and he could swear that her eyes were actually glittering back at him. The feeling of having her finally back in his arms like this, forced him to close his eyes and give her a hard, mouth-bruising kiss that left them soon panting fast and needing to slow down. He kissed her lightly then, reached for her breast and allowed himself to savor the familiar feel of its firm shape as he traced its supple curve and swell. He bent down to drag his tongue along the tip before drawing it into his warm wet mouth. The shivering sensation made Kate jerk her head upward at the tingling waves that stirred a feeling deep inside her

Jack reached for her hand that was resting at her side and drew it above her head. He paused at the wonder of her being there … here with him. He threaded his fingers through hers before moving his lips so close to Kate's, they barely touched and he whispered, "You have no idea how much I've missed you."

With tears of love and need in her eyes, she nodded. She was too overwhelmed by emotion to eke out a coherent thought, her voice rendered useless. Kate smiled, she had waited so long for them to be together like this again - it was all she had been waiting for. She closed her eyes momentarily to allow her body to remember how Jack could make it feel. Smiling, they both recognized that all too familiar feeling, like two puzzle pieces fitting perfectly together.

Eager with anticipation, she adjusted her legs and reached down to help guide him into her. She loved the way he felt in her hands, smooth, but hard - he was amazing. While easing himself into her entrance Jack released a strangled moan and heard her gasp as he sank slowly into her. With both her hands now gripping onto his firm behind she strained upward encouraging him to thrust and enter to fill her fully.

Breathily, she whispered, "I need you to ... move."

He lightly chuckled at her forcefulness, but then quickly obliged her request - or was it a demand? For a while he thrust back and forth allowing the movement of her hips to dictate the pace and motion, while beneath their frantic bodies the cheap springy mattress released creaky sounds. The narrow twin bed, the familiar Columbia dorm setting were a surprising turn on for him. He looked down at her, the way she had her eyes closed and her full lips making an 'o' shape as he pulled out and pushed in. He could only imagine if he had been doing this with her when he was a junior in college, he would have flunked out for sure. She was the most beautiful woman he ever laid eyes on. He found himself steadily drawn into this fantasy, that was in fact his reality. Suddenly sensing that this would be over way too soon, he let out a few uncontrolled breaths and stopped moving. He released a tiny shudder at the overwhelming rush that overcame him.

The side of his mouth quirked, he felt like an amateur, now regretting that he hadn't checked into his hotel room first and perhaps circumvented this potential mishap beforehand. The surreal irony wasn't lost on him, never did he think he would have sex again in a dorm at his alma mater, and years later he was unfortunately demonstrating skills (or lack thereof) that all too much resembled his nineteen year-old self.

He lifted his head from her shoulder and felt her instinctually wrap her long leg around his backside to hold him in place, she had a questioning look on her face that didn't hide her disappointment at his abrupt stop to their pleasant activity. Jack smiled, giving his head a small shake.

Looking almost endearingly bashful, he confessed "Sorry, it's been a while. I guess I'm just a little out of practice and you get me pretty … excited. …" His voice was hoarse with his attempt at control, and a couple of seconds later he slowly nudged himself down, placing open mouth kisses on her chest before nibbling at her breasts. He wanted to be in the driver's seat so he worked his way further down until he was wrapping his arms around her thighs and caressing them. She tilted her head up to look down at him, her eyes slightly unfocused before they latched onto his gaze. She arched her hips up in invitation and he placed a teasing kiss with his tongue at her core. Feeling fidgety and out of control, she placed her hands on his head and began to weave her fingers through his short hair.

Kate moaned as his mouth worked her, his tongue carefully drawing out the wet release that was shortly followed by a shout. "Oh god! '" He nearly laughed then, her scream probably a little too loud for the paper thin dorm walls to muffle. She impatiently reached to him, urging him to climb up, but he didn't budge, he couldn't get enough. He wanted more … he wanted all of her. Feeling her little fingers tugging forcefully at him, a gesture that told him that she had to feel him inside again, he reluctantly slid up. With concerted effort, he rose up between her thighs and drove in again, moving harder and faster until she felt the spurts of his release and the warm wave of exquisite sensation wash over them.

They breathed hard, drained from their efforts, the sounds of their murmuring and rhythmic movements seemed to still echo in the small room. For a long while, he remained sprawled out on top of her .

This part she loved. She relished in the sensation of his weight pressing on her - mostly because she knew that once he was off, his distinct male scent would still linger on her. A smell that she could never describe except to simply say it was … Jack. She let out a long earthy sigh that signaled her satisfaction.

Jack rolled over onto his side, but not without wrapping his arm around her waist and easily scooping her close so he could spoon her against his chest. He nuzzled her neck and nibbled on it before whispering in her ear, "You're amazing, do you know that?"

"Nah, you're the one that went all out." She replied with a grin. Kate moved her face to the side so she could capture his lips and give him a long, lazy kiss.

"Kate?"

"Uh-huh?" She could barely talk, still so light-headed from the sex, she felt almost weightless.

"What time is your class?"

She bolt upright with her hand stretched across her chest. She grabbed for her phone and looked at the time. Anatomy started five minutes ago. "Oh god. I … missed it."

Gingerly, he moved himself onto his elbow and instinctually rubbed her back, "Hey, don't freak out. It's okay to miss a class."

"Jaaaack." She detected that agitating whine in her own voice and it gave a bad taste in her mouth. She never missed class. Kate slapped away at the mop of hair that fell in her face. Letting out a heavy sigh, she flopped back onto the bed, and muttered a 'dammit.'

Jack turned his head to look at her profile, noticing how she scrunched up her nose in irritation with herself. He could tell that her OCD was kicking in, so he decided to try to get her to loosen up. "Well, technically … we were just studying Anatomy … you know, the mammary glands…." Teasingly, he reached out to stroke her breast. Kate swatted his hand and rolled her eyes, "Nice try, Jack."

"Hey, I am serious. Tell me what chapter you're up to. We can go over it together this weekend and if I need to get naked to demonstrate …."

She relaxed on top of him, so her body was flush to his, "So, you think this is funny? I'm not like you Jack. I'm not brilliant, I could never finish med school in three years-"

Jack grinned as he reached around to tuck some curls behind her ears, "You're gonna be fine." He lifted his chin slightly, so he could give her a light peck on her lips. For a moment they looked into each other's eyes, as if trying to read some type of cryptic message that was embedded somewhere. They released tiny puffs of hot air onto each other's cheeks and the sensation made them both smile.

Groaning, Kate fidgeted on top of him and lightly tapped his chest, "Come on. We better get up, my roommate will probably be back soon and I don't think she would be too enthused to walk in on us like this." They both awkwardly sat up, the springs in the bed making wheezing sounds as their weight adjusted on it.

"So now that I'm officially playing hooky, what're we going to do next?" Kate asked while observing that Jack had already put on his jeans. She then watched him start to work on the lowest buttons of his plaid shirt.

"I booked a hotel room at the Smyth in TriBeCa, I figured you might want a change of scenery from uptown. I hope that's okay."

"Of course it is. Is there anything specific I need to pack?"

"Nope. Just yourself." He gave a flash of a smile and walked behind her so he could help her snap the clasp of her bra. His fingers lingered on her soft freckled skin and then he raised his hands so he could cup her shoulders. Jack dipped his head and placed a lingering open-mouthed kiss on her neck. The sensation gave her a shiver, she closed her eyes, took a deep inhale as she leaned back into his tall frame.

That evening they stayed in and didn't bother leaving the hotel room, they fooled around until all hours of the night. They took a breather to order room service and eat. At around 2:00 am, Kate laid in bed with her legs curled up and the soft duvet pulled up to her neck as she watched some ridiculously over-priced bad movies. Jack was snoring lightly next to her.

Instead of immediately rising out of bed the next morning, Jack was intently watching Kate thinking she was still asleep. She felt his gaze through the sheath of her eyelids, so she cracked an eye to look back at him.

"Good morning." He greeted her, his voice slightly hoarse from hours of non-use. She so loved the hell out of his sexy, gruff "morning" voice.

"Hey. Good morning to you too."

They finally managed to haul themselves out of the hotel and begin their walk northward on Greenwich Street. There was a gust of frigid wind that howled from the direction of the Hudson river that took Kate's breath away. She let out a yelp at the way the cold hit her nostrils and lungs. Suddenly her outfit, a trendy silk sheath dress worn with black cable knit tights and suede booties that grazed the bottom of her ankles didn't seem too wise a choice when considering the unusually cold November day they were experiencing.

"Hey, come here." Jack raised his arm to draw her close to his side. He rubbed her upper arm up and down in an attempt to generate some warmth for her. Kate's teeth were chattering uncontrollably, so he guided her to one of the nearest designer stores in SoHo. Inside they looked around, giving her a chance to warm up. He strolled over to a nearby table and found a warm looking wool cardigan sweater that seemed to match her dress.

"Can you try this on?" Kate unbuttoned her peacoat so she could put on the long granny style sweater. She looked at one of the nearby mirrors - the cardigan worked. Jack returned with a hat, scarf and mitten set. "I think this will help you a little Kate."

Once outside, Jack reached into the bag and pulled out the items. He helped her swath the scarf around her neck so it covered the bottom of her face. A smile curled his mouth as he noticed the way the cold had made Kate's cheeks and nose red. And the floppy hand-knit hat added a particular cute quality that he couldn't explain. She studied the way his facial expressions changed as he looked down at her. There was sparkle in his chestnut color eyes that was enough to steal her breath away - enough to steal anyone's breath away, he looked so gorgeous.

Even though, she felt much warmer with the added layers, Kate clung close to him as they made their way to the subway station.

That day they spent the afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kate's favorite art exhibit was the Impressionist wing. As cliche as it may sound, she liked Cezanne and Van Gogh best. While Jack gravitated towards the Medieval and Ancient Egyptian art wing. They eventually went back to the hotel to rest before going to a quaint restaurant in the West Village for dinner. The restaurant was small and tucked away on a narrow cobblestone street, but it was crowded as they had to wedge themselves into their seats. Kate's back was to the room, but out of habit she scanned for familiar faces. While they waited for their entrees, Kate relaxed into her drink, having decided to branch out and experiment by trying a martini. It was slightly medicinal in flavor, yet the feel of the stemmed, cone-shaped glass in her hand made her feel like a real ... grown-up.

When the waiter cleared the dinner plates from their table, Kate ordered her third martini.

They were having so much fun and Jack didn't want to spoil the mood … but…. "Kate, you may want to slow down …."

Granted, she may have drank the second one a little too quickly. But she giggled and laughed too enthusiastically at things that were mildly funny to really heed his warning.

"Last one, I promise."

"Hey, I'm not judging, I just don't want you to get sick and be hungover all day tomorrow." He chuckled.

"You know why I like going to nice restaurants with you?"

Playing along, he smirked, "Okay. Why?"

"I never get proofed for alcohol. Being with an old guy like you gives me street cred."

Releasing a deep laugh, Jack grinned. "Very funny. But you're getting long in the tooth yourself, you'll be twenty-one in a couple of months."

They stepped outside the restaurant, the cold hit their faces almost immediately. Instinctually, Jack lifted back of the collar to his wool coat. Taking her by the hand, Jack led her down to the corner of the block to hail a cab to take them back to their hotel.

They walked in the door of the room, and Kate was all over him in a second. She pushed him backwards until the back of his legs hit the bed. Smiling under her mouth, Jack took her hips in his hands, just a bit below her behind and gave a firm squeeze. Feeling the heat of his body beneath his clothes, Kate pushed forward until they fell onto the mattress and she was now lying on top of him. She felt the wetness pool into her underwear, if she didn't have an orgasm soon, she was convinced she would die.

They fucked each other's brains out all night.

It was the sort of blunt and raw sex that is spurred on by the dizzying effects of alcohol. Their inhibitions loosened, they talked dirty, saying things that they would never think could escape their lips. The types of descriptive words that would make them each blush the next morning in recollection. In a sort of unspoken, mutual agreement, neither brought up the previous evening's antics.

Noticing her distinct, sullen pout, Jack willed Kate to look at him, "Hey."

Slowly, she lifted her eyes from her plate of barely touched strawberry pancakes. She offered him a tight smile in return.

"What's the matter?" He asked wondering why she had been sitting with a sulky face for nearly a half hour and barely talking.

"Nothing."

His eyes softened, letting her know that he was aware that she was withholding the truth from him.

Her eyes glistened, "It's just ... I'm gonna miss you so much when you leave." She was referring to the redeye flight he was taking later that evening. He would make it to LAX early Monday morning and then shoot straight to campus for class.

"Hey. I'm going to miss you too. But soon it will be Christmas break and then we'll spend a few weeks together."

Kate wrestled with her thoughts while she watched him raise a forkful of his asparagus omelet to his mouth. He looked so calm and assured. Why was she feeling so desperate and panicky? Didn't he feel it too? Since their physical separation she had felt like she on the verge of slowly drowning. Jack was her air. Once he got on that plane, she would be treading water and holding her breath again.

Suddenly, the clinking sounds of plates and utensils emanating from the people sitting nearby and enjoying their Sunday brunch became deafening.

"I just don't understand how you are so okay with this, Jack." Her tone had an edge that Jack recognized all too well.

Jack smiled anxiously, forehead creased in confusion, "I don't understand what you're saying, Kate."

"Yes, you do."

"No ... I don't."

"I'm talking about us! You're leaving soon and you're eating your eggs like you don't give a damn!" She then pointed at his plate, as if it had personally offended her.

Jack tipped his head back and released a quiet frustrated groan. Jesus, she must be getting her period any day now. But he was smart enough to never tell her that, because he knew what was quickly unfolding - he had been there plenty of times with her before. Kate was itching to start an argument.

"Kate, of course I care. I hate having to leave." He made sure that his voice sounded calm.

"So stay!" She knew she was behaving irrationally and that her request was ludicrous.

Jack refrained from rolling his eyes, feeling his patience slowly wearing thin. But, instead he said warmly, "You know I can't right now. But I'll move here right after graduation."

"I'll believe it when I see it." Sarcasm dripped unforgivingly from her words.

Jack now leaned back into his chair as he sat facing her, his right ankle balanced on his left knee in a posture that was a mixture of aggressive and relaxation. "Why are you doing this right now? Why are you trying to spoil the rest of our day?" Although deep down he suspected that this was her coping mechanism. It was just easier for her to be angry rather than to miss him.

Trying to not get caught up with her mood, he looked around the restaurant, swallowing hard. He then gave a hard look at the guy sitting nearby who hadn't stopped staring at Kate since they sat down. Jack had ignored the man earlier and had not really cared, but for some reason he now felt incredibly insulted by it. Heat traveled up his neck while recalling how all weekend, men would, with no subtlety whatsoever, look Kate up and down. He shook his head, rubbed the back of his neck and sighed.

"Let's get the check and go."

The door slammed shut, Kate raised her head slightly from her pillow and then she heard the squeaky skin-crawling sound of the old aluminum blinds being raised. Kate opened her eyes and squinted, the bright sunlight now pouring into every corner of their room. She tried to shield her face with her forearm, but the damage was already done, "Hey what the hell is your problem, Nikki?!"

Her roommate's eyes widened in surprise, "You're kidding, right? Kate, it is TUESDAY! You didn't get out of bed all day yesterday. You blew off your classes. What's going on with you?"

Kate groaned and rolled onto her stomach, "Just leave me alone." But Nikki was having none of it, so she yanked Kate's duvet away from her head.

"Kate, you're worrying me! I don't understand … did something happen between you and Jack?"

"No."

"Then what's wrong? You should be basking in the glow of all that hot sex you just had with that hunk of a man." Nikki joked lightly, hoping to draw a smile from Kate.

"I miss him."

"I know you do. But you'll see him soon. And before you know it, he'll be living here." Nikki's voice was soft and empathetic.

With little conviction in her tone, she replied, "Uh-huh."

Kate began to sit up, Nikki was right, she had to go to class. She hadn't left her room, with the exception of using the bathroom, since Sunday night. After she and Jack shared a very tearful goodbye, well, she had been the one bawling her eyes out, Kate immediately collapsed on her bed. She was still wearing the same wrinkled clothes from Sunday. Kate briefly wondered if this is what a heroine addict feels like when going through withdrawal.

A week later, Kate's phone rang. She looked at the unfamiliar number on the screen. She recognized it as a Los Angeles exchange, but had no idea who it could be, but she answered it anyway.

"Hello?"

"Hello Kate."

"Dr. Shephard?"

Author's Note: Hi everyone. I hope there are people still reading this story! I apologize for the delay in updating this. My life has been incredibly busy lately and some bigger changes are afoot for me, so updates will likely be farther in between, I'm afraid.

I am working on TTR and am promising myself to have it updated by this weekend. So, please review or PM me to let me know whether you want me to continue. Things are going to be super hectic for me and I just need to know that my efforts are not being idly spent. I am writing this for those of you that have been kind and generous enough to let me know that you are enjoying this story. Thank you - as always.