Filler, filler, filler..... (But no angst!)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sue returned, a little harried, and disappointed to find Jack gone. Making her way to her desk, she was surprised to find a gift wrapped box awaiting her. Quickly looking around, she tried to slide it into her lap, but was too slow, feeling a hand clamp down on her shoulder. Looking up, she encountered the over-eager eyes of her captor. “Lucy, you scared me,” she said, hoping to distract her.

“Is that another gift? What is it?”

Glancing down, she nodded her head. “Yes, it seems to be a gift and I don’t know what it is. I haven’t opened it yet.” She glanced at the card, feeling a little shiver of anticipation race through her at his words. To my all-day date, Your Valentine, Jack.

“Well, open it,” Lucy encouraged. “Let’s see what he’s done now.”

Sue looked up to find three pairs of eyes on her. “Does anyone know where Jack went? Myles, you were in here with him. Where’d he go?”

“I don’t know. We were talking about our separate dinner plans and he jumped up, mumbling something about fruit and dip. He said he’d be back soon. If you ask me, the man has gone completely loco.”

“We didn’t ask you,” Lucy growled through her smile. “Now run along like a good little agent. I’m sure you have work to do.”

Myles stood to his full height, looking down his nose at the sporadically irritating rotor. “I could say the same for you, Miss Dotson. I haven’t seen you do any work today. You’ve been scurrying around in a tizzy over this nonsensical day. Besides,” he added conspiratorially, “I, too, want to see what Prince Jack has gone and done now.” He gave an encouraging nod to Sue.

Sue chewed her lip thoughtfully before giving in to curiosity and opening the package. Pulling out the date book, she looked up to see Lucy’s disappointed expression.

“A date book? What kind of present is that?”

“I can always use another calendar, Lucy. And it’s the thought that counts.”

“And they call me slow in the love lane,” Myles droned, snatching the object out of Sue’s hands and holding it up for display. “Have any of you given an ounce of assiduity to the implied significance of this particular gift?” When they simply stared at him in silence, he rolled his eyes. “It’s a date book. A book for making dates. Maybe Jack intends for it to be a chronicle of their future outings.”

“Very perceptive Myles,” a voice inflected from the doorway. Seeing their focus shift all at once, Sue turned to find Jack strolling towards her. “I’m GLAD you SURVIVED your trip to the RESTROOM,” he said with a wink.

“I see you ran when you got the chance,” she challenged good-naturedly. “I don’t blame you. I would have done the same thing. The next time we have a witness that doesn’t want to talk, I think you should leave him alone in a room with Lucy.” They shared a smile before Sue nervously shifted her attention. “Thank you for the gift. Myles was just giving us his take on its meaning.”

“And doing a very good job,” Jack agreed. “He was almost right on the money.”

“He was?” she said with surprise. “What do you mean?”

Without taking his eyes off of her lovely face, he asked, “Would you guys mind going back to your desks? We’d like a little privacy here.”

Sue grinned and darted her eyes to see the thwarted faces as they turned away.

“Myles? The gift please,” Jack demanded, holding out his hand, his eyes still on Sue. Once in his possession, he held it toward her. “Open it and read.”

A Date Book!!! Very appropriate!! Does this mean Jack plans on filling it full of dates?? What is Sue supposed to read???

Joy

What can say??? This story is absolutely fabulous! There's too much to quote! I've been laughing hysterical and have had several silly grins that I've had a hard time getting to leave my face! You will not be able to post fast enough!

OHHHH what does it say??! I wanna know!!

Of course you now have us wondering what Jack wrote in the book.

Awwww...Jack is so thoughtful....Where do you come up with all these romantic notions?...I still say you need to publish a book on romantic dates and gifts

I'm guessing you come up with this stuff from personal experience? Is hubby really that romantic? Does he have an older brother? LOL

This is an absolutely lovely story.

You're showing us yet again how incredibly talented you are.

Please post again soon.


gracie

Amen to that -- the world's men need a gentle prodding from the likes of flip. And I love the banter and light-heartedness of this story...and of course, the fuzzies!

kav

Love the team's bantering around our lovely couple! I think that the date book is filled on every day with JACK JACK and more JACK!!

Hey,
Just caught up! Love the banter and fuzzies ! More soon please.

Take care,
Kristen

Hey, Flip, if you do end up publishing your book of romantic date and gift suggestions for guys, I'll bet you could double your money, no make that triple...no....quadruple.... if you managed to pair it with available single guys!

*sigh* he's such a romantic

I think Jack filled the book with all the "dates" they had and the dates that are about to come (till the rest of their life...)

He might even already set a date for their wedding in there " who knows....

Sue dragged her eyes away from his face and opened the front cover of the spiral bound book. Written in Jack’s bold script was the date followed by a message to her.

Dear Sue,

In case you haven’t realized it yet, I consider this day to be the first of many we spend together. I’ve penciled in every meeting and obligation that I know about from work to family. The rest of my time, the remaining days belong to you, if you want them. Let’s explore this phenomenon between us and let it take us to our heart’s desire.

Happy Valentine’s Day, my Valentine,
Jack

She looked up when his hand covered hers, his thumb caressing her palm tenderly. “All you have to do is fill in the pages.”

She could feel the tears threatening to spill over and could do nothing about them. Nodding her head and clutching the book to her chest, trying to verbalize an answer but finally giving up. “THANK YOU. THIS SPECIAL. ME CHERISH.”

Noticing the way she kept her eyes downcast, he knelt before her chair, his heart swelling when he saw her tears. “GOOD, but will YOU USE it?” he asked earnestly, gently reaching up to wipe a tear that had escaped and was winding its way down her cheek.

“YES,” she signed, missing Lucy’s sudden shriek.

Jack’s hand slid to hers and gripped it as he turned to the spastic rotor. She was grinning widely, her face alight with exhilaration. “Did you just propose? You were down on one knee and Sue was all teary. It sure looked like you did. And I know that Sue said yes!”

Jack and Sue looked at each other uncomfortably before Jack stood and corrected her. “Lucy, I wasn’t proposing,” he said, absently pulling on his collar. “When I propose to Su...whoever, I will certainly do it in a more private setting. And I would hope I could do it with a little more flare than in the middle of the office. I’m already regretting letting you all be privy to my coming out, so to speak.”

“Who’s coming out?” Bobby asked as he sauntered into the bullpen.

“Jack is,” Myles stated perfunctorily.

“Jack is gay?”

“Did you just say that Jack is gay?” Dimitrius stopped in his tracks and looked toward the younger agent, but his attention was snagged by Bobby.

“Heard him with my own ears, otherwise would have never believed it. Myles, there, confirmed it.”

“I guess you never do really know everything about a person,” the supervisor stated, turning back to Jack.

“Not today,” Jack stated, giving them his trademark grin. “You all aren’t going to draw me into any kind of argument. It’s too perfect of a day. So you all just go on and joke all you want. I’ve got better things to do with my time and a better person to do them with.”

“I do believe he’s finally seen the light that’s been glaring in our eyes for years,” Myles muttered, turning back to his desk.

You always know how to through in a great line to make melaugh.

Rebecca

a slip of tongue, Jack!! I kinda feel sorry for Lucy, she had all her hopes up!

You are soooooooooo naughty, Flip! Jack coming out!!

Sue.....get out a pencil and start filling in those dates!!!!

Jill

Great job!

Sue, I would start by filling in every space that Jack left empty!!

Bobby, you are a riot!!! Lucy, you need to pay attention to your own life!!!

Jack, that was quite a slip of the tongue - I'm surprised Lucy seems to have missed it!!!

Flip - when you're writing my day is always happier!!!

Joy

“Jack is gay?”

I thought I'd fall off the chair laughing when I read that! I knew it was coming, but I still found myself busting up!

I loved this! Soooooo, Myles! I also love the whole 'worm' issue between JAck and Sue! That's cute!


As always, I love your stories, Flip!

How many pages did he fill in exactly??? Hope not too many...cos that would mean more days for him and Sue.

Luce...you only see / hear what you wanna

OOPS...tiny slip of the tongue there...hehehhe ... So you already thought this thru Jack "

yeah right *raises eyebrow*

Jack gay? PLEASE I don't think SO!

MAAANNNNNN! I wish I could write like this!!!!!


You're good!

Every character is so true to the show!!!!

Love it!


Gay?

Lucy! They haven't even gone on an official date yet and you think he's proposing! don't get ahead of yourself girl!!

Jack gay?!? Now, I know he'd be a catch for ANYONE but I truly prefer him with our Sue!! LOL!!

I know you will bless us with one more post before school starts won't you?
PPPLLLEEAASSSSEE!

What a misunderstanding!!

Can we have one final weekend post before we start the week?

The date book was such a perfect gift! I love the bantering in the office! This story is so wonderful!

Jack...gay!!!!!!!!

Had me on the floor with that one!

Nishita

Priceless banter....

Jack is so sweet....

as usual....We love you Flip....Can you tell?

Gay does mean happy, doesn't it??


Here ya go, Becka. One more post before the weekend is over.


*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sue looked up when her lamp flashed and turned her attention to her computer. Noticing the email and the address of the sender, she smiled and opened her message.

Hey!

I’ve secured an early day for you.

As soon as you are ready, I’ll drive you home for
some well-deserved down time.

Our dinner reservations are for 7:00 PM.


Jack

Glancing around, noticing everyone was either absorbed in their work or not at their desk, she replied;

Jack,

An early day? I’m ready now! LOL

It looks like the coast is clear. Should we make a
run for it now?

Sue

She pushed the send button and immediately began to straighten the things on her desk. Looking up moments later, she found Jack waiting, his hand extended. “Come on,” he whispered conspiratorially, “Let’s blow this joint.”

“Wait,” she giggled, pulling on her hand but finding he was unwilling to release it. “I need to get my flowers and my date book.”

“Why don’t you leave the flowers here for now? Take them home when you have a free hand.”

“What are you talking about? I have a free hand now.”

“No you don’t. I’m not letting go of this one.”

“But Jack, I want to enjoy the flowers at home.”

“Then I’ll buy you some more. Come on,” he urged, pulling on her hand. “I’m ready to have you to myself.”

He could feel her staring at him as he drove. “WHAT?” he finally signed when he had stopped at a traffic light. “I know this is a silly question, seeing as how I am so devilishly handsome, but why are you staring?”

“You just don’t seem like yourself. I can’t quite get a handle on what’s going on.”

Sighing, he looked around, finding a place to pull over so he could give her his full attention. When he had parked, he turned, reaching yet again for one of her hands. Pulling it to his lap, he examined it thoroughly, choosing his words carefully. “Am I making you nervous?”

She squeezed his hand, answering quickly, “No, not nervous. I’d use the word off-balance. You always seemed so reserved in your private life and you’ve been far from that today. Instead you seem almost, almost...,”

“Giddy? Excited? Wound up?”

“Yes, exactly. All of those.”

“It’s a mixture of relief and extreme nervousness. I’m relieved to finally be able to move our friendship into something more. I’ve wanted to for a very long time,” he confessed seriously. “And you are the first woman who has been able to tie me up in knots. I’ve never had a hard time expressing my interest in someone, until you.”

“I scare you?”

“You don’t know the half of it,” he admitted, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “When I look at you, I see things I’ve never seen before...possibilities that I never dreamed existed. And I guess I’ve been overcompensating for my anxiety when it comes to your feelings for me. I didn’t know if you felt the same way.”

“I’m pretty sure I can guarantee you that your feelings are returned. I know I’m not very experienced, but somehow I don’t think any amount of knowledge would have prepared me for you. You make me want to cling to you and run away at the same time.”

“Tell you what,” he murmured, lifting her hand to his lips and peppering soft kisses there, “when you feel like clinging, go ahead. But when you feel like running, tell me? I don’t want anything to jeopardize our blossoming relationship, especially me.”

“D-E-A-L,” she agreed, nodding.

“Good,” Jack smiled, giving her hand one last squeeze before relinquishing his grip and returning to the task of driving. “I’m gonna hold you to it when I pull the fruit tray back out tonight,” he added with a flirtatious wink, laughing outright when her face exploded in color.

Flip, I LOVE your story!!!! I love the way you write Sue and Jack together, the bantering, the flirting, the down-right pursuit!!! I LOVE IT ALL!!!!

Joy

Fruit tray ... Sue won't be running, she will be melting

WoW!

I just love it all!

Very profound!

Fruit Tray

I better quit watching the Super Bowl and start gathering my supplies....Thank goodness for Kav's helpful lists in other threads....I think we are all going to need them very soon....

Wow Flip! You always amaze me with your talent. I cant wait for more.

I have laughed long and hard at some of these stories...but ohmygosh, I NEVER have laughed so hard, as I did today! I very nearly DID REALLY fall out of my chair!!!

we need a day dreaming smiley Web... like this one --> because that is all I'm doing since I started reading Flips story

Oh goodie...there I go again

Tat must've been a long traffic light!


Golly gee, I feel like I'm in the back seat! Now what about this fruit tray! Does it have lots of dip!!!!!!! My hubby and I lOOOVVVEEEEEEE strawberries and chocolate dip!

Matalyn

Not quite Jack does know to give her his full attention when the situation warrants! And I think there will be more than enough dip for later on.... (If my muse agrees)

*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sue returned his smile as he turned and exited the car, shivering in anticipation of his appearance on her side. When he failed to materialize after several seconds, she turned to peer out the back window, noticing the open trunk lid. Curiosity getting the better of her, she grabbed her purse and opened her own door, jumping when Jack’s face suddenly appeared in front of her.

“And just where do you think you are going?” he asked with mock sternness. “I thought I told you to wait, that I’d be around to help.”

She gave him a slight pout, tingles rushing through her when his eyes darkened, focusing on her protruding lip. “You took too long,” she managed to say. “I was coming to check on you.”

Dragging his eyes back to her face, he gave her a knowing smirk. “I think you were coming to spy. Were you trying to mess up your next surprise?”

“You have another surprise for me?” she asked excitedly, her eyes bubbling with excitement. “You do know you are spoiling me, don’t you? How can another Valentine’s Day ever compare with this one?”

He gave her a wink. “I’ll work something out. After all, I’ve got a whole year to plan the next one.”

Her breath caught at his words, her gaze fastening on his. “Next year?” she breathed, afraid to say anything else, her face relaying her unspoken question.

He leaned over and ran the gentlest of touches along her cheek. “Yes, you read me right. I said next year. Shall I claim you now for then?”

“What if you change your mind between now and then?”

“I’m not going to change my mind, Sue. My heart won’t let me,” he added mysteriously before straightening up and offering her his hand. Pulling her out of the car, he kept one hand behind his back. “Come on, I’ll walk you upstairs.”

She didn’t budge. “What’s behind your back?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“So, surprise me!” she said flirtatiously, batting her eyelashes at him.

“I will,” he nodded. “I’d just rather do it inside, out of the path of all these people,” he said, glancing around uncomfortably.

“Jack Hudson!” she exclaimed with a laugh, “Is that a blush I see? Are you embarrassed?”

“Men do not blush!” he responded indignantly. “I think I got a little too much sun this afternoon in the park. Come on, I need to get out of the sun.”

Too much sun!!! What a hoot!

Great job, Flip! What's the surprise????

Jill

Yeah, what is it that you're hider for us...uhm...I mean...her???



LOL...come on...admit it...YOU my man are blushing

jack don't be embarrassed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




good job flip !!!!!!!!!!i can see in the near future sue blusing!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is soooooo much fun.

Terrific stuff!

I can't wait to see the surprise...



gracie

Wait, what sun? Aren't they in snow?

Jack ... flustered ???? ... That has to be quite a surprise !!!!

Jack is so cute!! Men don't blush indeed!! I've seen him blush and I'm seeing it now in my mind's eye!! I wonder what he has?? Is it going to make Sue blush???

Joy

*can't breathe, can't breathe*

Nice try, Jack!! Somehow I think that a little February sun won't do much damage. Loving this, flip!!

something tells me it isnt nachos and cheese he's hiding.... "