Scene change in episode 2.5 "The Newlywed Game," starting during the backstory creation, in which Jack realizes that if someone expected to see the newlyweds kiss, they probably shouldn't look like it's their first one ever . . . .

AN: Trying to get the next several chapters posted today before the work week starts again, but I wanted to pause and thank you all for the lovely comments! A few of you I've been messaging in response, but for those who comments as guests and I can't respond, just know that your comments still mean a lot to me and I cherish each and every one!

~0~

"Alright, here's one we should know," Jack said. "What do you like best about me? And, uh, feel free to go into detail."

"I don't think we need to know that," Sue said. "And even if we did, I don't think we have enough time."

"You mean, for you to go into detail about all the things you like about me?" he asked, looking rather inflated at the prospect.

"No, for me to come up with one," she teased. She was about to get up and dart off before he could say anything, when she saw the sadness on his face. "Jack?" She asked. "You do know I'm only teasing, right?"

He smiled, but it didn't quite seem to reach his eyes. "Oh, I know, don't worry. We should probably get ready."

He was about to stand, but she caught his wrist. "Jack."

"Yeah?"

She bit her lip a moment, then said, "I like your eyes."

He smiled a little more genuinely this time. "I like your smile," he responded.

She smiled then too and he couldn't help but tweak her cheek a little to emphasize his point.

"I like your leadership skills."

"And I like your resourcefulness."

"I like your desire to help people."

"I like your love and trust in people."

She hesitated. "Um, not that I couldn't say more, but I feel like if I keep going we might be wandering in . . . dangerous territory."

He shrugged. "Isn't danger what we walk into every day?"

She raised her eyebrows at his challenge. "Fine. I like your chiseled chin." She felt her face heat up but held his gaze with an unspoken challenge of her own.

He jutted the feature out a bit at that. "Really?" he asked somewhat proudly. Now she lost her ability to hold his gaze, and her face was more than a little warm. She turned fully red and laughed a little, hiding her face against his shoulder. He lifted her back to where she could see him and said sincerely, "I like your eyes too. And your high cheekbones. Your whole face is . . . indescribably gorgeous."

She stared at him. "And yours is the most handsome I've ever seen."

They stared a moment longer, then when the draw toward one another was starting to feel a little too much, Sue managed enough rational thought to say, "Uh, I should probably . . . go get dressed for the evening."

"One more thing first? That we should get straight, I mean?"

She nodded, still fixated on his eyes.

"I think . . . don't newlywed couples usually . . . kiss a lot? If . . . if they . . . expected to see us . . . ."

"Kiss," Sue supplied softly.

"Yes," he agreed. "Then we probably shouldn't look like it's a, um . . . new experience between us. Right?"

She shook her head. "No. That . . . would be suspicious."

"Right," he said. "We should probably . . . ."

"Practice."

"Yes. Practice."

They leaned the short remaining distance between them and pressed their lips together, lightly, then pulled back and looked at one another.

"Um, that was good," Sue said, "but . . . well, a bit . . . chaste . . . for newlyweds . . . don't you think?"

"Definitely."

This time they moved a bit more, nipping slightly at one another's lips, before they pulled back.

"You know," Jack said, "I'm thinking that . . . there are . . . a lot of, um . . . different kinds of kisses. And we wouldn't want to seem . . . like we've only . . . um, only kissed with . . . ."

"Right," Sue said, and this time they both leaned forward eagerly, opening their mouths to one another and remaining together for longer.

Much longer.

Much much longer.

Long enough that Sue's sweatshirt had found its way to the floor.

So had Jack's shirt.

And Sue's hairclip.

As Jack's hands were starting to roam further under Sue's t-shirt, and his lips were wandering around her jaw and earlobe and down her neck, Sue happened to open her eyes and catch sight of the clock.

"Oh my gosh! Jack!"

"What?" he asked, sitting up quickly. "Did I hurt you?"

"No," she said, "we're supposed to be at the Vanderwylen's in ten minutes! I have to redo my hair and change my clothes still and—"

"Love," he said softly, "you look absolutely perfect."

She smiled, but shook her head slightly at him. "My hair is a mess."

"A gorgeous mess."

"Okay, it may look good to you, but do you really want to share me looking like this with other people?"

He frowned. "Good point. Get your hair redone, and fix your makeup where I smudged it, and I'll get your makeup off of me and throw a sweater on. I think that will be sufficient—what you're wearing will have to be good enough."

"Good enough? To woo possible terrorists?"

He grinned. "It's certainly good enough to woo me."

She rolled her eyes at him and dashed up the stairs calling over her shoulder, "But Jack!" She turned at the top of the stairs to see him waiting expectantly for her to continue. "Two things. One, I fully intend to pick this up when we get home."

"Count on it," he replied with a wink. "And two?"

"You were right—if you'd kissed me on the first date I would have fallen in love on the first date." Now she winked before darting off and leaving an off-balance Jack trying to pull himself together enough to go have a barbecue with potential terrorists.