They only give him a month to get ready for a major transfer, then they take another week away from him?? I think I need to take a trip to D.C.!!!

I do like the idea of Sue going with him for the week!! Maybe that's what they need to push them in the right direction!!!

Joy

Hey, everyone. Sorry for taking a while! I was gone all day... it was my last chance to see my boyfriend and his family before they leave for two weeks, so I needed this afternoon and evening for that.

Anyways, here's a little snippet. Sorry there isn't more... I've just got to sit down and type like crazy tomorrow... or even tonight, depending on my energy. It's been between 105 and 115 for the past few days, so the heat really zaps my energy.

Well, here you go.

*****

“How come you didn’t say anything, Jack?” D asked the agent beside him, as they walked the short distance to the bullpen.

“I was overwhelmed. I just found out yesterday morning. I told Sue… she got upset, she told Lucy last night, and now things are okay with us… just… a bit tense. I was still trying to figure out how to break it to the whole team. It’s not an easy thing to say, D.”

He nodded. “I know. I had to do it once.”

Jack furrowed his brow. “Really?”

“I’m actually from Nebraska. I got into law enforcement there, and eventually, they transferred me out here. I didn’t like it at the time, but it ended up being a great move. I ended up with you guys, I met my wife out here, and now I have two amazing kids. I really couldn’t ask for a better life.” He looked at Jack, and they stopped walking, almost back to the bullpen. “Selfishly speaking, although I’ve been there, I really hate to see you go.”

“Thanks.” Jack smiled wryly. “I hate to see me go, too, D.”
*****

I really hope that the team doesn't end up having to break up! Even though I hope that Sue and Jack end up together whatever happens, it would be sad to see them have to say goodbye. Looking forward to more whenever you type it up, Lizzy! It's hot here, though not THAT hot, but I can sympathize with the fact that the heat drains you. Hopefully it breaks soon!

I hope that somehow it will work out so the team stays together

Wise words as always from D, but i really hope we don't see the great team being split up...

I've been slowly catching up but shamefully didn't leave any reply. I, too, hope that the team will stay together but I believe there is a lot more to it then meets the eye...great story, Lizzy!

We ALL hate to see you go Jack!

Interesting tidbit about D!! I don't want to see Jack go either, nor do I want the team to split up!!!

Joy

I know we'd all hate to see Jack go but I think that a lot can happen between now and the end of the month

There has to be a way around Jack leaving the team Otherwise I'll be heartbroken...now you don't want that, do you Lizzy? 'Cause I can be ornery when I'm heart broken Just keep that in mind.

kav

As soon as Jack knew Sue was watching, he spoke.

“How would you like to go to California?”

Her eyes widened. Jack was leaning on the front of her desk, with both hands pressed against the surface. Had he just asked…? “Uh, what do you mean, Jack?” Her mind began to travel in an impossible number of directions. She forced herself to focus on his lips.

“I just got out of a meeting. The assistant director thinks I should go there for a week, as sort of an introduction to the real thing. And, he suggested I take you with me,” Jack explained, smiling almost nervously.

“Oh.” Sue forced a smile. For some reason, she felt disappointed… like she’d been expecting more out of his explanation.

As if reading her mind, Jack added, “the A.D. suggested you come, but I would have asked him if I could take you, anyways—even if he hadn’t mentioned it. That is… if you’d agree to join me.” He held his bottom lip between his teeth, as he waited for her answer.

Sue flushed a bit. “Um… okay, Jack. I guess I’ll go.”

Jack’s eyes twinkled. “You guess?”

Sue nodded, hiding a smile. She examined her nails, feigning great interest in her cuticles.

“So, Hudson. When do we leave?”
*****

Good, Sue's going with him!!!

Joy

Yay! Sue's going to go for the week with Jack

I bet I can guess what she had secretly been hoping his explanation would be. But right now I'm just glad they're both going to Cali together.

Can't wait for more!! That was fantastic!

I am sitting here humming the song, California, Here I Come.

I'm Jack cleared that up---I'm sure she was probably assuming he was only asking because he was told to. Can't wait to see what develops on their road-trip, Lizzy!

Oh, the possibilities!!! Let's go!

Jill

WHOOHOOO! 7 days out in sunny California alone with Sue. Jack if don't make a move, I swear I will find a way to crawl into this computer and throttle you one but good!! Seriously.....make a move already!

so when do they leave?????? oh this is exciting....

Nice recovery, Jack...hopefully you'll be more clued in on the trip! Concentrate!!!! (and repeat after me, Lizzy, I will not break up the team, I will not break up the team...let that become your mantra.)

kav

Yes, Jack - do focus on the trip and on Sue!

Hey Lizzy,


I am really enjoying this story, keep it up!!!


Sam

Interesting. Why assistent director want to Sue and Jack go together to California? Who is in the shadows?

Will be this journey crucial for relationship between Sue and Jack?

Who´s know it?

Jack was exhausted, but he couldn’t bear to sleep. The red eye flight was brutal after a long day at work, but sleep wouldn’t come. It was too easy for his gaze to settle on the dozing blonde beside him. She was strikingly beautiful, even in sleep. And in her slumber, he found the chance to indulge.

She was a definite distraction.

He tentatively slipped a finger into her golden hair, ever so lightly stroking the soft strands. It was mesmerizing, how it shimmered in the dim lighting of the plane. Her mouth was partially open, much too tempting for his own good. Her closed eyes created fans of dark lashes, swept across her cheeks, delicate and beautiful. Her hands were crossed gracefully over a knee, and her body was shifted so she faced him.

This breathtaking, sweetly intoxicating woman had stolen his heart, and he had no desire to gain it back. She had seen him at his best, and seen him at his worst, always supporting him, whether it meant agreeing with, or standing up to him. She somehow had an innate sense of what he needed in life, and he longed to claim this amazing woman as his own.

What he needed was Sue.

A small groan escaped her lips, and Jack quickly withdrew his hand. Sue edged her way closer, never once opening her eyes. They had raised the armrest between them at the beginning of the flight, and with the absence of that barrier, Sue continued to move closer.

Taken aback at first, but quickly recovering, Jack raised his arm, and wrapped it around her shoulders. Sue pressed herself into his side, and rested her head against his chest. Her hand cupped his knee, and he was tempted to link his fingers with hers. Instead, he encircled her completely, interweaving his own two hands.

“Good night, Sue,” he whispered.

And the next few hours were spent in peaceful sleep.
*****

What a wonderful start to their week!!!

Joy

Oh, I do think Jack's thoughts are headed in the right direction!

kav

Now, that's a promising way to start off their trip!

so cute!!!

Great description of Jack's thoughts.

I think this is a great start of their week together.

How sweet

audiokim

Now.......maybe they could get the plane stuck in a holding pattern for a few extra hours!

Jill

Aww, what a sweet way to start a trip


Knowing Sue when she wakes up she will probably get embaressed when she finds out she was sleeping in Jack's arms, hope this does not cause any problems and Jack fess's up!!


Sam

Here's a little snippet.



Sue fought consciousness as long as she could, but the intense pressure on her ears won the battle. She longed to return to the perfection of her dream, but the lower and lower the plane traveled, the more the pain grew. For that reason, she’d avoided flying as much as possible. But Jack’s invitation had been too tempting to refuse. She didn’t expect much out of the trip; she wouldn’t have dared to. But having a week somewhat alone with Jack, before he was gone for good, was an opportunity she couldn’t bear to pass up.

She closed her eyes tight, trying to relive the dream that fulfilled her most wanted desires. With most of her dreams, they faded at the first sign of waking… but this one? His arms around her were so real, and she felt them again the moment she shut her eyes.

In sleep, she found a boldness she lacked in waking. She longed to touch him, to run her fingers through his hair, to stroke the light stubble on his jaw. But her hands were held fast, by the solid arms wrapped tightly around her. Craning her neck upwards, she pressed her lips to his chin, opting for the only touch she could initiate. The pain in her ears began to fade, as she trailed her kisses upward, along his jaw.

She could have cried when he didn’t respond, but it didn’t stop her progress. She kissed her way back to his mouth, and paused. Sue felt the talons of consciousness just an eyelid away, but she shut her eyes even harder, as she pressed her lips to Jack’s.
*****

You are a tease Lizzy!!!


Finish it an dmake Jack respond!!!!


Sam

Don'tcha just love that place between sleep and wakefulness, when just about anything is possible? This is wonderful, Lizzy!

Well, that should be a real wake up call! Whoo Hoo!!!

Now Jack.......go ahead and take advantage of this little escapade between dream and reality!

Jill

Lizzyyyyyy???? thatis not funny, go back and post the bit you forgot to post, go make Jack respond to sue....oh great, can
t wait how Sue is going to react when she wake's up and finds out he really is there hahahah

And does Jack wake up? Or blissfully sleep on?

kav

Knowing Jack, I bet he's already awake, not wanting to move, afraid she'll stop!!!

Joy

Your probably right there Joy!!!!!


Sam

nice dream becoming reality....

He's probably counting his blessings that she's being that bold

Great post Lizzy!

Once he realizes he can't breathe.. maybe that will wake him up! This could be a really good push in the right direction!!

That was a great description of being half-way between awake and asleep.
Wonder what will happen next? Please tell us asap.

Well, I've certainly experienced the pain in my ears while flying, but I bet I could have dealt with it better if I'd had a Jack cuddled up next to me. What a way to wake up! Wonderful writing, Lizzy!!

When dreams came true It´s the best thing which can make your life ever better. I love when dreams are going to be reality.
Please, Lizzy, don´t tease us so much and post new soon.

The downward angle of the plane, and an unfamiliar pressure on his cheek, brought Jack out of his slumber. He blinked a few times, wondering if he was still dreaming. Sue… Sue was kissing him, gently but boldly. Her eyes were closed, as though she was still wrapped in sleep’s embrace. His breathing became erratic, as her breath mingled with his own. She was so close. Her lips met his, and after only a moment’s hesitation, he responded.

He knew she was somewhere between dreaming and waking, knowing she would never consciously behave this way, and yet science had proven it impossible to act out dreams. On some level, Sue Thomas had to be aware of him, and her actions. That gave him hope.

Jack kissed her with abandon—a lack of caring, and an abundance of feeling. Every one of his nerves were at attention. Flaming impulses shot through his body, inciting a consuming passion.

Jack removed his arms from around her, hearing a small whimper, as he did so. He swallowed it whole, cradling her face in his hands. “Sue,” he whispered against her lips. She answered him without words.


A muffled voice, his own, tried to cut through the fog surrounding them, but with another kiss, it was obliterated. The enraptured couple was soon shaken out of their world by the jarring of the plane against the tarmac. Eyes wide, they stared at each other, both breathing heavily.

Sue backed away, stopping when she could go no further. A quick glance around her brought on a flood of tears. A mother was removing a protective hand away from her young son’s eyes. Others were diverting their gaze, while more simply stared.

Her eyes returned to Jack. His mouth was red and swollen, and the pulsing in her lips shouted that it had been no dream.

“Sue,” she read on his lips. His eyes were searching and his expression, pained.

She shook her head, turning to look at the window, unable to see through eyes consumed with tears.
*****

awww poor Sue