It's a dog's life


Walking in the park, Sue and Levi were taking a break from the noisy bullpen. July was there with his flowers, his bystanders and his heat : almost at the boiling point. For the last three days DC was under the worst wave of heat since the last 20 years. Every one in the bullpen was going crazy : no case in sight, it seems like bad guys were hiding in North Pole.

The fresh droplets splashing from the fountain were more than welcomed by the people and the dogs nearby.

“OK Levi, one more time but then, we got to go back to the office,” Sue said to her golden retriever, throwing his ball away.

Running furiously after his toy to let the stress out of his paws, Levi enjoyed the game. As Sue pause to gather her purse, she stood up and saw that her faithful companion wasn’t back at her feet. It wasn’t like him to stay away from her too long… Anguish started to make his way inside her ; starting to walk in the surroundings calling his name, she finally spotted him running back full force.

“What’s happening, boy? What took you so long?” She couldn’t hear him, although she could tell he was… nervous, almost afraid of something. Levi jumped around her like a ball of nerves, barking and whining.

“Hey Levi! Calm down! I never saw you that way before. What are you trying to tell me?”

He grabbed one of her purse strap and she thought that there might be something wrong, something bad.

“All right boy, I’m coming.” She started to follow the direction he was pulling her ; the barks increased as they reached the edge of the park, near the South West corner.

She attentively scrutinized the scene around her, though she couldn’t see anything in particular that could have made Levi react the way he did. Sitting at her feet, he whined and laid his head on his paws.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t seem to see what you want me to.” She apologized scratching his head tenderly, a confused look on her face. Sighting, she added, “Come on, we got to go,” and she clipped his leash on.

------

I'm quite intrigued, Any. If SUE doesn't see what it is, it must not be there!! Unless, you're going to reveal what Levi's trying to get her to see in your next post? Very interesting . . . .!!

Great start!!

Well, I'm intrigued too. Levi definitely knows something. Hopefully Sue will figure it out eventually. Poor Levi, it's hard when your humans don't speak dog!

kav

I'm hooked , what is Levi trying to show to Sue??!

Tere

Welcome to the challenge, Any!! You have me very interested to see just what Levi has found or seen!! Poor Boy, it's hard when you have to converse with humans who don't understand dog speak!!!

Joy

Hi! Thanks for the great welcome and for reading! Here's the next post, but you'll have to wait for the next one to find out what happened with Levi. Enjoy!

*****

"Hey Sue, wait up!" A voice came from behind her and Levi patted her side, signalling her that someone was there talking to her. Turning around, she saw her roommate Lucy who thanked her for holding the elevator.

"Thanks," she said out of breath. "I didn't want to have to take the stairs : its way to hot for that kind of exercise. You guys had a nice lunch?"

"Yeah, we went for a walk too, but Levi started to act... strangely."

"Strangely, what do you mean? Except of trying to seem more human than a dog, I don't think he's strange at all!" She teased sarcastically with a grin on her face.

At this statement, Levi raised his head and looked at her as to say 'look-who's-talking-I'm-not-the-only-one-who's-strange-over-here'.

Chuckling at the canine's attitude the girls headed out of the elevator when it stopped. Their conversation goes on as Lucy change the subject. "I'm looking forward to meet your niece ; she’s supposed to arrive this evening, right?"

"Afternoon, around 3 p.m. My brother is going to drop her here ; I haven't seen them since a while. I miss them a lot."

"Who’s coming home?" inquired Jack hearing the last part of their conversation.

"Sue's 10 years old niece, Noemie : she'll pass a couple of days with us." Explained Lucy.

"Sue," Tara gestured in her direction, "have you walked Levi today? He seems a bit 'high up', I think." Levi was effectively turning around a desk, he stopped, lay down and started over around the next one. The game was indeed odd, even for a dog... He finally set beside Sue's desk, his bunny by his side as if to comfort him.

*****

Hmmmm . . . . Something's bothering Levi, but we STILL don't know what it is! Maybe he needs to spend some quality time with JACK???? Guy talk, perhaps? We know how devious Levi can be when it comes to his two favorite people . . .

Sorry, I like to read about JACK every chance I get. Comes from hanging around people on this board too much!!

So, Sue's niece is coming for a visit! Should be interesting! We haven't met many of Sue's family members!

It would seem that something has spooked Levi -- but I haven't a clue what! Lucy and Sue hosting Sue's niece sounds interesting. Perhaps Jack will be involved keeping Naomi amused????

kav

I like the idea of Jack and Sue will take care of Sue's niece , but I don't like that we don't know yet what is with Levi , hope you tell us soon

Tere

Great start Any. I'm so curious what's up with Levi? Looking forward to your next post.

Hi there! Thanks again for reading and comments. Here's the next post : we'll have a glimpse on Levi...

Statement in bold are ASL
'Statement in italic and single quote mark are Levi's thoughts.'
Statement in italic are people's thoughts.

*****

"Aunt Sue!" Gestured a small ball of energy coming closer to her desk.

"Hi Sweetheart! Nice to see you!" She replied taking the girl in her arms. "Hi Ben, nice to see you too! I missed both of you."

"I missed you too, Sue." He came closer to give her a big brother's hug. "I can't thank you enough to take care of Noemie while we go on vacation."

"It's our pleasure, we'll have fun," Lucy confirmed smiling broadly at the idea of a girls pyjama party. "Its nice! You taught her ASL?"

"Well it seems Sue have quite an influence on her ; she decided to learn it by herself after one of Sue's visit when she was 4. She can be very convincing sometimes!"

"Talk to me about it! I'm living with her for almost 4 years, now!" Lucy retorted grining at her best friend.

Noemie runned to Levi and stroked his fur gently. "Sue," she gestured to gather her attention, "is he sick? I think he looks a little sad." The girl pointed out.

"Yes, I know... We went on a walk at lunch and he's acting strangely since." She stated a tint of anguish in her tone.

"Maybe you should take him to the vet?" Noemie suggested.

Joining her and Levi, she said, "Don't worry, Honey : we'll take good care of him. You'll help me, will you?"

"Of course I will." Talking she added, "He's so cute and I love him!" She ruffled his ears and earned a bark of agreement from Levi to show her it was duplicate. "Can you show me what the FBI looks like? Please?" Showing her puppy eyes.

"Of course I will. Do you come with us, Levi?" Standing up, he followed the pair out of the bullpen. As they reached the elevator, Levi wanted to go in, though a teenage girl was getting out at the same time and nearly felt on the canine.

Gaining her balance she signed, "I'm sorry Levi! I haven't saw you!"

'Whoa! that was close!'

Unsure if she indeed had 'heard' something, she shook her head and brushed it away...

"Hi Sue! I know I'm kind of last minute for this, but I didn't found anybody else..." Told Patrick, Amanda's father, a bit unease because he didn't even had time to called them to say they were coming.

"What is it?" She said and signed, a puzzle look curious of what he wanted to ask her.

"I have to attempt that conference and... Amanda is not old enough to stay by herself for that long..."

Smiling at him, she asked, "For how long?"

"Two days?" He ventured hesitantly.

"No problem, we'll watch after her. Anyway, we have Noemie over here with us for the next 2 weeks. They'll be good friends, I'm sure." Sue stated with firm conviction.

As the girls meet and made small talk, Amanda asked Noemie about Levi's behavior.

Have I really heard him talk to me when I ran into him or was it just my imagination? Was Amanda's worries, after all, she never heard of any human who could communicate with dogs...

*****

Hope you like it so far!
More to come!

VERY interesting, Any! Amanda "hearing" Levi's thoughts? Can't wait to see where THIS one goes!!

Hi! I'm sorry for the slow start, but after this post, things will shift into second speed.

*****

Coming back in the office with both Noemie and Amanda, Sue saw Lucy's gaze turning to them. "Looks like Noemie already found a friend," she noticed grining at the giggling girls.

"Hope its okay with you, I ran into her dad and he asked if we could take care of her for the next two days and I agreed."

"I intended to suggest a visitor for her anyway, so I take it he reads my mind." She confided folding her arms on her chest, glancing at the girls who were playing with Levi. They seemed to had help him regained his strengh and energy. "Its amazing how quickly kids can get together."

"Yeah, in fact, I think those two look alike a bit : remember when Amanda wanted to help us with the disapearing case? When the terrorists intended to spreed ricin in the metro system?" At her friend's nod she continued. "Well, last year Noemie tried to found out who was steeling all the bicycles at her school. She went into some trouble since it was older kids from high school. She drives Ben crazy because she's always trying to solve mysteries all around the town." She finished her explanation giggling at the memory of some of her brother's stories about her niece.

"Hum, maybe she'll follow you in her need to help people and join the FBI too?" Declared Tara who was listening to their conversation from the beginning. "Apart the fact that she's brown-haired, she does have a lot of you, right Lucy?"

"I think I'll figure it out more over the next weeks!"

-----

"Why did you learned ASL?" Amanda demanded to Noemie while they caressed Levi to his greatest pleasure.

"When I was 4, aunt Sue came home and I got curious when I saw her and dad sign. I think then I realised she was different from us, so I asked her to teach me some signs. I guess I was enjoying it, so I wanted to learned more when she left. Daddy was pleased to see my interest and he agreed to let me take lessons." She explained her signing not quite as fast as Amanda's, though pretty good for someone who used it as second language.

"Would you like to take Levi for a walk with me? I feel like in 'the dog days of summer'." Amanda said, seen the quiz look in Noemie's eyes.

"You feel like what?" She asked curious about what she could have meant by her statement.

"Like been in 'the dogs days of summer'." She repeated. "It mean that we're in a period were there ain't nothing to do, a period of inactivity. I'm sorry,I thought you would know the expression ; our literature's teacher may have a big influence on me these days...!" She cleared out for her new friend, making sure she signed slowly to help her catch what she was saying.

"You thinks its dull?" The youngest offered to simplified things a bit.

"That's it! So you're in?"

"You bet!"

*****

Sue and Lucy thought it was rough when they took care of ONE teenager for a week - what's it going to be like with TWO?? I'm glad Amanda and Noemi seem to have hit it off!! Should be interesting! Now . . . what's going on with Levi?

wow! that's really interesting, can't wait for more!

Tere

This is very very interesting Any! I love the way you are pulling this together!!!!

Sue and Lucy are going to have their hands full with two teens in the house.
I really Levi is OK!

If Amanda can understand Levi's thoughts, then she'll be able to find out what's bothering him! And I like the idea that both girls enjoy solving mysteries....'cause Levi's behaviour certainly is one.

kav

I just caught up and I am thoroughly enjoying this!!!

Oh, oh, I think I might see what's coming - Is Levi going to tell Amanda what is bothering him and the three of them will try and solve a mystery???

Joy

Hi! Thanks for reading and replying! I appreciate it. Here's a bit more on this story.

*****

Happily taking the lead with the teenagers, Levi was running after his favorite toy, which was thrown around the park. Lucy and Sue followed behind, having some chit chat of their own. Walking on the alley they spotted some posters scotched on the garden fence : another dog was missing.

Levi saw one of the picture and stopped directly in front of it.

'Sushi... I knew it was him...'

"What? Have you said something?" Amanda asked to Noemie, already knowing the answer since she was not supposed to 'hear' her friend's voice.

"No," she answered glancing suspiciously at her.

"Haven't you heard Levi?" She wondered tentatively with raised eyesbrows.

"Yes, I did heard him barks. Why do you ask?" Noemie started to ask herself what had happened to Amanda that made her act like she was.

'You hear me...' Levi barked at Amanda half stuned half released that someone will finally understand what he was saying.

Backing off a bit, unsure of what to think or how to react because now, she was absolutely sure that she heard him, Amanda looked intendly at him. "Why do I know what you think when you bark? How is that possible?"

"You know what he's saying?! Really?" At her friend's nod she added, "That's incredible! COOL!!!" With the last word she couldn't restrained a loud shout, which made Sue and Lucy came by their side.

"What is it, girls?" Demanded Sue not aware of the unexpecting turn of events.

"Hum, its nothing hunt Sue, she was startled by a squirrel." Noemie tried not to look so suspicious, putting to profit her acting lessons. Laughing and taking Amanda's hand, she runned a couple of feet away, out of earshot.

"Is it me or do you think that those girls might have a plan in mind?... " Lucy noticed to Sue, turning in her direction.

"Something tell me that you may be right..."

"Levi... if you understand us, bark twice." Demanded Noemie. The canine obeyed.

"Amanda, was did he said?"

"Of course I understand what you're saying, I'm a well trained dog." Tranlated Amanda a small grin on her face at his comment.

"OK, we gotta be sure : Levi if it's what you said, bark four times." Once again, he complained, making the teens to laugh loudly and look at each other in amazement.

*****

Yes you are Levi!!!, wow Amanda, what a gift!!

Poor sushi!

Tere

VERY cool!! Maybe NOW he can get the Jack and Sue ball rolling! At least he'll have someone to talk to!!

Oh I love this!!!!!!! And the fact that it's Amanda who is in on Levi's thoughts. And it looks like they're going to get involved in a dognapping case...or at least a disappearance.

kav

Of course, he's a well trained dog!!!

I think it's great that Amanda can understand Levi!! And, evidently he has some information to impart to the two girls about the missing dog!!!

I'm loving this - it's great to see the world from Levi's point of view!!!

Joy

Hi there! Glag you like this story. Thanks again for sticking around, reading and comments.

*****

Excited at the idea that Amanda was really able to communicate with Levi, they wanted to found out why he was so ... troubled in the afternoon. Each girl taking a sit at one of his side and hiding their signs as much as possible, they started their investigation.

"Levi, what happened with your friend S-U-S-H-I?" Proposed Amanda as a first question.

"Whoaf,-whoaf, whoaf!" Was all that Noemie could comprehened, though Amanda looked at him concern rising in her entire body.

SAID HE WHAT?

"That he was... 'D-O-G-N-A-P-E-D'? Is that the same as kidnaped?" She asked her friend AND the dog.

"Whoaf-whoaf... whoaf." Another set of barks resounded.

"Two guys came in the park at lunch and ... they took him in their car."

Levi was watching Amanda's signs to be sure she was translating his comments properly ; as she finished, he nodded his head as to approuve her choice of words, or in this case, choice of signs.

Lucy and Sue were now sitted on a bench neirby, but didn't want to interrup the girls' game : they seemed so absorbed in their play. Even Levi was enjoying it from their point of view : it was... as if he was 'chating' with them! Chuckling at the thought, Sue shook her head and turned back to Lucy.

"So lets recap," said Noemie in a serious tone. "S-U-S-H-I was dognaped by two men and taken in a black-four-doors car. They headed North and turned left, that's it?" Levi nodded. "You didn't saw their face by any chance?" It was ... awkward to ask something to a dog, but it was even more strange to have a friend who could translate his answers.

When Levi had barked four times, she turned to face Amanda.

"He couldn't see them : they turned back side." She repeated what the canine had told her. Unsure of what to do next, Amanda gestured to Noemie's benefit, "Do you think we should tell Sue and Lucy what's going on? The dognaping and... me 'hearing' Levi's thought?" Levi shook his head in disapproval : how could two 'reasonable adults' believe that a teenage girl could know what he was saying? HE was connected with her and he hardly believe it himself, so...

"No... I think we will be on our onw with this one..." Admitted Noemie ready for the adventure in front of them.

*****

See you tomorrow!

Now I understand, the Sushi's dognap was what is bothering Levi, wow!!

Lets go to the adventure girls! , take care please!

Tere

This is so much fun! And Levi's right . . . Sue and Lucy just WOULDN'T understand . . . they ARE grownups, after all! Looking forward to tomorrow's post!

I so love this...I'm going to have to start reading it to my dogs for a bedtime story! And Amanda is going to get her life long wish to solve mysteries like Nancy Drew!

kav

Hi! Here's the next installment : I'll try to post again tonight, though no promise...
Kav, I hope your dog will like it too! Who knows, maybe he'll get the idea to 'talk' to someone!

*****
Lucy and Sue had planned a special treat for the girls that night : they had rent some girls-movies and had bought chocolates, pop corn and coca. They had all that could give some teens girls’ pleasure, including extra-cheese pizza for dinner. Trying their best not to look too disappointed regarding the plan they already had in mind, they pleaded to be the ones to go walk Levi in the evening. It would give them the occasion to verify if any dog had been dognap in their neighborhood.

While Amanda and Noemie were getting ready, both adults took advantage of the moment to discuss about their not-to-usual behaviour.

“Is it only me or do I sense some trouble ahead with those two around for the next few days?” Wondered Lucy grinning in the room’s direction.

“They certainly are stranger than Levy was. And HE didn’t improve either…” Clarified Sue glancing at her dog fast asleep in front of the couch. “We better keep an eye on the THREE of them. It almost seems… “ she started suddenly whipping it off afraid of her roommate’s reaction if she finished her thought.

“Go, what is it?” Lucy knew Sue too well to ignore the shift of position she made on the couch.

“You won’t laugh at me if I tell you?” Sue reassured herself, perfectly aware that she will at least grin at her thought.

“Promised!” She stated heartedly drawing a cross on her chest.

“I think Levi… may conspire with the girls… “ Hesitantly, she risked a glance at her friend, hoping that her tone didn’t sounded as ridiculous as it felt.

“Levi ‘talk’ with the girls?! Well I knew he was an exceptional dog, but that… goes beyond my expectations!” She said a little grin of amusement shining on her face.

*****

First step in the investigation... to come...!

Hmmmmm . . . . interesting that SUE would think of that. I wonder if she's had similar experiences?

And, so it begins!!!

This is just too, too good!!!

Joy

Tere

Someone is kidnapping doggies...how mean!!!!

Good thing Nancy Drew is on the case....oops I mean Amanda

I'm loving this Any!!!

Hi! I did it! So here's the goodnight post!

*****
After two movies, a big batch of pop corn and plenty of chocolates, Amanda and Noemie asked if they could go for Levi's walk... alone. Since it wasn't dark yet, they wanted to risk their chance. And it worked. Though, it was clearly explained that they should come back at the apartment after thirty minutes. Levi was also warrned to behave himself and to obey what the girls were asking.

Sue and Lucy had agreed after their conversation that it was ridiculous and that their minds were way too inventive, maybe because they were to borned regarding the lack of activity. Amanda wasn't the only one thinking that it was 'the dog days of summer'. Or so she thought...

Walking in the park scrutinizing the threes, the fences or anything that could hold a poster on, the trio was busy : lots of announcements or publications were scotched all over the place. They found two different papers concerning lost dogs, one with an old friend of Levi's picture.

'I was wondering why he wasn't coming playing with us anymore... Think I got my answer.' Levi thought whimpering.

"I'm sorry, poor Levi!" Signed Amanda scraching his head to console the canine sadness. "This was his friend," she explained to Noemie who had raised eyebrows.

"Look over there! I think there's something in the bushes!" Noticed Noemie searching for clues nearby. Abruptly standing up, Levi almost pushed Amanda to the ground. Helping her friend up offering her hand, Noemie followed behind with Amanda.

'I recognize it : it's his! That's his collar!' Barked Levi excitedly jumping around the girls as they joined him.

"I take it it belongs to his friend?..." Ventured Noemie looking at Amanda for approval. She took the proof and gave it to the 'expert', since Amanda had helped solve a mystery in the past--which she had told with all the details she could remember.

Checking each angle attentively, she announced, "Look! There's blood... I think it's blood."

Sniffing the object, Levi confirmed her worse fear : it was blood... but from which species, he couldn't tell.

'We can't keep it for ourselves anymore : we'll have to tell someone else... ask for help. Who do you suggest : Sue... Lucy...or Jack?'

*****

See you tomorrow!

Um . . . I vote JACK!!!!! (but then you probably already figured that out!)

Well, my vote is for Jack too

Tere

Jack!!!! My vote is definitely for Jack!!!!

Hands down - Jack!!!

Joy

HI! Why is it that I kind of knew that some of you (I won't tell who!) were going to choose Jack??? Like lots of people on this fanficworld, , but... We needed.... Oh! Lets find out by yourself ...

*****

"Do we get to vote?" proposed Amanda. "Then I suggest Jack."

"I'll go for Sue : she'll understand. So its up Levi : you get the deciding vote. Who will it be?" She signed and said.

Considering the options Levi made his mind. 'All of the above. We'll need Jack for the resources he can provide us and he also carry a gun, which come to be handy when we're facing criminals. Lucy knows a lot of people around town, so she can help us find the culprits. And finally, Sue will help us convice the other two that we are not all going crazy and losing it big time.'

Ending his plead, Levi watched Amanda's translation and tried to gage what their conclusion would be.

An awkward silence followed. They had to take a decision and fast since they had to return to the apartment soon.

Reluctantly, Amanda declaired, "He's right... Where do we start?"

"Whoaf-Whoaf!" ('Call Jack. Ask him to come home.' )

Noemie attentively looked as Amanda took her Black Berry and signaled the number he had once gave her in case she needed someone to talk to or anything else. He was like family after all... Think of an excuse, girl... Sue...

Typing the message that should send them Jack, she was ashamed to have to lie to him ; well, not exactly lie since they were REALLY needing him because of Levi's behavior... Now she had to pray that he wouldn't call Sue to verify her story before he headed there...

"I'll be there in a minute. We'll find what the problem is, don't worry." Came his respond.

"He's coming," she announced taking the lead back home.

-----

"There you are! So you are two girls who knows how to keep your words." Pointed out Sue as they entered the hallway.

"Did you ever doubt it, aunt Sue?" The small one teased getting some chuckles from both adults.

"No Honey, I trust you. Its our little rascal over here that I'm not sure about!" She replied scrambling Levi's fur.

'Sue, what have I done to you?!' He barked whinning.

Amanda smirked at the canine's disbelief. A knock on the door saved her tearing away the glance she earned from Lucy and Sue.

"Why are the three of you act so strangely today? Is there full moon or something?" Sue commented as she opened the door, gasping in surprise at the sight of who their visitor was.

"Jack! What are you doing here? I thought you were watching the match with Bobby tonight."

Whinking at Amanda who was avoiding his gaze, he simply stated what came into his mind. "Some ... angels sent me here I guess." A smile appeared on each teen's face, brigning suspicion in Sue's mind.

A sight of exasperation came out of her lungs, though a tiny grin was visible at the corner of her lips. "What are you up to? And don't tell me it's just my imagination..."

*****

See you tomorrow!

Any, are you taking cliffie lessons?

As one of your fans who voted for JACK, I have to agree . . . they need all three of them for their different areas of expertise. I'm just anxious to see how they explain what's going on with Levi's and Amanda's "connection!" Looking forward to more tomorrow!

What Amanda told to Jack??!!

Tere

Levi is making a great leader in solving this mystery!!!

I wish an angel would bring me a Jack!!! **sigh**

Joy

Hi! I'm posting a little bit for now. Though it will answer your question, Regina...

QUOTE

I'm just anxious to see how they explain what's going on with Levi's and Amanda's "connection!"

Enjoy!

*****

After they explained all the circumstances that made them to call Jack, an awkward silence standed in the room. No one was certain of how to take the news. It was true that those two teens had an overactive imagination, though too much details bothered the adults to let them think they were fooled. As expected by Levi, Sue had less difficulties to beleive in their story, so Levi decided that he had to take desparate measures...

Several barks could be heard from Jack and Lucy, Sue on her part saw him done as well.

'Okay, since he's not ready to believe us yet, I'll give him a reason to. I'll say something that only Sue and himself should know about, a little secret of their own.' Understood Amanda instead of the noisy sound.

"What did he said?" Wondered Sue her suspicion almost gone.

"He want to tell you something that only both of you should know about, something he witnessed." Amanda felt as she was intruding in their private life. Only right now, they gave them no choice. More barks came from Levi, but this time Jack, Lucy and Sue were paying more attention to the sequence he did. A light blush appeared on her face when she prepared herself to translate the canine's revelation.

"Levi, I can't say that!" She apologized lowering her gaze to the floor. Coming closer to nudge her arm, Levi barked once.
"Right..." She brought back her eyes on Jack and Sue and shyly signed some more. "He said that... when you were on an assigment on the V-A-N-D-E-R... How do you spell it?" At the small whine from Levi she got in answer, she shooked her head and continued. "No matter. Well on that assignment as a married couple you sent him in the bathroom to get Sue while she was in the shower, because Tara had called." Her signs came out faster and faster, trying to let this out once and for all. Seen the bewildered look on Jack's face, Sue knew she had to translate it back for him. It was her turn to turn completely red faced : she never had told it to Lucy and she was aware that she had caught up every single sign from Amanda's little hands. The mischievous sparks in her eyes were speaking mountain...

"Hum... He said that YOU sent HIM to get ME in the SHOWER while we were undercover on the Vanderwylens' case."

"How could she...?" He muttered before realisation sank in. "You ARE connected to each other!" He finished with his jaw wide open in surprise.

*****

See you later!

To great problems great solutions, you're smart Levi!!!



Tere

That's one way to make them believe!!!!!

Levi could have come up with a LOT more incriminating stuff than that, so they shoudl be grateful!! Thanks for that, Any! I guess Jack's a believer, now!!

Hi girls! I intended to do just a snippet for today, but I guess my muse decided it another way! Enjoy!

*****

"WOW!" Was all that came out of Jack's mouth ; it has been harder for him to accept the inevitable truth. His job require a practical state of mind, because chasing terrorists, snippers ans thieves demanded plenty of energy and strategy.

Stealing a glance at Sue he asked, "Did you knew it?"

"I had presumptions, but I wasn't sure : it's all so... surreal..."

Chuckling slightly he agreed. "I know what you mean! In fact, I don't think I would have believe them before you joined the team..." At his confession Sue frowned. "Why do you say that?"

Staring at his hand Jack realized that anwsering her question would imply his coming out, since it was exactly why she had such an effect on him. Here you are Jack... She's waiting for an answer and you can't lie to her. What would she do if I SHOW her instead of TELL her? He mused trying a quick look in her direction.

Lucy had gone to put the girls to sleep so the were alone... closely sat on the couch... nearly touching each other... Only their faithful chaperon was rolled in a ball on the floor, head laying on his paws.

"Hum... Since you first entered the bullpen that day when you came and asked for a transfer, I see life differently. You showed me that things aren't always 'black or white' : that in the middle of it, stand a hole batch of colors... each with their inconvenients, but also with advantanges. And sometimes the advantages took hold over the inconvenients." Trying to gather his thoughts together, he realized that their fingers were entertwined. How does that happened? Gently he started stroking her knuckles ; he felt so comfortable close to her, touching her... He could have stay like this forever...

Clearing his throat he continued. "Through the years and all the cases we worked together I came to two conclusions." Seen him stopped again she questioned encouragingly, "What's that?" She was glad Jack felt enough confidence in her to open up to her. But in another way, she was kind of ... afraid of what he might want to tell her. Her thoughts were on a roller coaster and she couldn't keep them in place : they went through all kind of possible roads, including the one where he tell her that he was in love with her... Unfortunately, she always had a hard time keeping her minds on that road ; they drifted away as quickly as they came...

Focusing once again on Jack's lips, which was already a hard task for her after she had such thoughts about THEM, she read the words they were saying.

"First, you helped me become who I am now." Putting a finger on her lips to let him finish before he change his mind, he hurried on what was harder than chasing some bad guy : facing his feelings for her... and TELLING her. "Don't interrup please 'cause if you do, I'm not sure I will be able to finish what I NEED to say. You showed me that people I wouldn't even suspect of can have good hide deep inside. And you Sue Thomas are one of the best person for letting them show that part of themselves. You make people better... " She tried to take her hands back, though he held them close and came closer to look deeply in her hazel eyes. He looked so confident in what he said that it made her to want to believe him...

"W-what's the second conclusion?" She muttered trying to remember to breath.

"I was kind of a... girls kind of guy, you know what I mean?... I was unable to commit to anybody, in any possible way. Until now..." Taking a deep breath he knew there were no turning aroud this time : the loving in her gaze reassured him and pushed him to go on. "I love you Sue... more than I ever thought possible for the strong bachelor that I am..." She laughed and tears appeared in her eyelashes. Thoses were the words she waited for so long. "I want to be with you Sue... for the rest of our lives..." His words were nearly a whisper but it doesn't matter : the caring and loving was emaning from his whole body and soul.

*****

See you soon!

How I wish there were sound effects on this board, because I just want to say a big "Awwwww!!!"

There is definitely a puddle in Kentucky this morning. Lovely post, Any!! Glad your muse won and made you write more than a snippet!

I'm a puddle also and in shock, so I hava to quote Regina, because can't think properly



Tere

Well, I'm an awing puddle! This is such a fun story to read. And now they know what Levi's thinking...sigh...I wish I knew what my Simba was thinking. I'd like to negotiate squirrel chasing.

kav

I always knew Levi is one smart dog!! Having Amanda tell them something that only they knew was perfect!!!

Your last post, Any, is awesome!! Jack finally did it!! He's made Sue the happiest woman in the world!!!

Joy