“Friends and family, will you please join me in greeting our newlyweds for the very first time... Mr. and Mrs. Bobby and Sue Manning.”

A warm smile of appreciation creased her face at his halting attempts to sign the all important phrase for her. Flashing his famous dimples at its conclusion, he reached for her hand. “Ah, I tell you darlin’, the entire congregation surged to their feet, filling the church with thunderous applause.”

Hazel eyes surveyed him with fond amusement over the breakfast table as he recapped the event. “I’ll have to take your word on that.”

Bobby chuckled appreciatively. “I know, you didn’t hear a thing. Have I told you recently how much I admire you... your straightforward, commonsense approach to life?”

“I don’t know, have you?”

“Ah, don’t tease. Don’t you remember last night?”

A slight blush coloured the fair skin as Sue cleared her throat. “I do. Quite well.”

“Then you should remember me expressing my appreciation very clearly. But then I recall you catching me doing so the very first time I laid eyes on you. Ah, such a commonplace beginning to the day that changed my life. There I was, sitting at my desk, chatting with Myles about something or other when bam! My best mate comes strolling into the bullpen, a good looking blonde... sorry Levi, two good looking blondes in tow... and turned the team upside down. My whole world, really.”

“Bobby...”

“You think I’m exaggerating?”

“How about... embellishing?”

“Nah, not a bit. You were like a breath of fresh air as you settled against good old Sparky’s desk. I couldn’t help myself... commenting on your outward appearance.”

“Not a bad looking sheila.”

“Exactly. Little did I know you’d read my every word with those beautiful eagle eyes of yours. Or that my Aussie heritage had been given away by something other than my adorable accent. You were so cute... explaining how my sheila comment let the cat out of the bag while not wanting to embarrass me. Such a sweet, shy lowering of your eyelids... your entire face, I suppose. But not the least bit coquettish. Every action proclaimed you were the genuine article... a real lady.”

“I’m impressed you can actually use that word. I don’t know I’ve ever seen it cross your lips before.”

“And even now you’re going shy on me darlin’, trying to divert my attention. Never mind, it simply endears you to me all the more. It’s certainly a good thing I stopped talking to Myles when I did though. Otherwise I would have embarrassed you even more.”

“Bobby...”

“See? I’m doing it again now.... though I must admit you are bonzer in red. Seriously, I could have commented on how well you carried yourself, your poise... in addition to your beauty. By the time our first encounter had ended you’d given us demonstrations of your wit, your tact, your intelligence and unbeknownst to us at the time, your discretion. And if that wasn’t enough your incredible lip reading skills proceeded to wow us all. You, Susan Marie, changed each and every member of our team that fateful day... though it did take some of us longer than others to display any effects from those changes.”

The small hand captured in his larger one gave an answering squeeze. “Not you. You were friendly and open from the very start. You encouraged me... patiently explained situations to me... helped keep me in the loop... even flirted with me, boosting my confidence. What woman wouldn’t appreciate a handsome Special Agent taking time to make her feel part of the gang... the sparkle in those green eyes as they danced during your smooth talking?”

Her teasing grin gave way to a more sober expression as she glanced away. “You didn’t... look down on me because I was different. You publicly supported your team leader’s decision making me a part of the unit, even if you did question him later in a more private setting.”

It was his turn to flush. “Ah, you caught that too? I should have known that exchange would come back to haunt me. I wasn’t questioning you. The friction being caused with Harvard... pulling team loyalties in different directions... that was my only concern. I didn’t want to see Jack’s leadership questioned or possibly defied. Can you forgive me for being such a drongo?”

“You are not a drongo. Jack is lucky to have such a good, caring friend. And there’s nothing to forgive. If there were... well, I’m sure by now you realize it’s forgiven and forgotten. How else could I have ended up as Mrs. Sue Manning?”

Well, that was definitely a line that catches attention. Before I go into a hissy fit about the thought of Sue and Bobby married, I will take a deep breath and see where you take us with this.

I think I might be having a bad dream. Not that Sue marrying Bobby would be a bad thing. It's just that Sue belongs with Jack.

Cant you just hear my whining tone jump out from your computer screen?

This is certainly an interesting beginning. I'm looking forward to more.

Lindsy

Im with you there Linny Bobby belongs to Tara Sue belongs to Jack not Bobby hes ok As Sues adoptive brother but not her hubby
Lin

Dream sequence . . . has to be . .. RIGHT?

I guess I'm the odd ball out of the bunch, this is a nice pairing.

I LIKE THIS!

interesting... sue and bobby.... at first i thought i was reading the words wrong but this should be very interesting.... i look forward to reading more.

I am SOOOOOOOOO confused! I'm having flashbacks of "Out of the Cold"
Don't get me wrong, I love Bobby. But him and Sue are basically brother and sister, would be like Jack and Tara being married..... And don't you get any ideas there!!!

Karen I'm so tired from this week that if it hadn't been for the comments I would have thought I was dreaming or seeing things...I'm sure you have a plan to get yourself out of this at least I hope you have a plan...

I think I know the plan...if I haven't figured it out then I'm going to have a hissy fit!

kav

Yes, that sure got my attention

Nothing against Bobby, but I agree, he belongs to Tara and Sue belongs to Jack.

I'm hoping this is an undercover


Anne

QUOTE(someone_elses_star @ Mar 12 2010, 05:59 PM)

I am SOOOOOOOOO confused! I'm having flashbacks of "Out of the Cold"
Don't get me wrong, I love Bobby. But him and Sue are basically brother and sister, would be like Jack and Tara being married..... And don't you get any ideas there!!!

I can't write the same thing every single time, can I? So this story is inspired by our wonderful challenge moderators, plus a recent rereading of BarbaraManatee's Trouble In Paradise. The guidelines do say the opening line is supposed to make a memorable first impression...



Pressing a noisy kiss to the back of her hand, Bobby winked. “Very true... Mrs. Manning. One of the many things I love about you is your forgiving heart... along with your rapier wit. So... does this count as our wedding brekkie then?”

An answering twinkle matched his mirth. “I suppose it does.”

“Hmmm. Not exactly the way I’d pictured it. Shouldn’t I be serving you nectar and ambrosia in bed instead of ordering us both Awesome Specials at Gronnigan’s?”

Sue’s laughter belied the lovely flush spreading across her cheeks. “Behave yourself, or you’ll end up eating alone as a lonely bachelor.”

He feigned shock, pressing a hand to his burgundy turtleneck, covering his heart. “You mean you would willingly give up the loving companionship of this charming Aussie? I’m devastated.”

“Poor baby. Levi, give Bobby a kiss to make him feel better.”

An affirmative bark, and he had a lap full over golden retriever, eager to lick his wounds. “Aw, thanks cobber. You’re a good bluey, aren’t you mate?”

“Levi isn’t a cattle dog.”

Eyebrows lifting in appreciation, he flashed his dimples at Sue. “I didn’t know you understood Australian.”

“I don’t... well, not a lot of it. Tara and Lucy gave me a crash course early on. They thought it might be necessary for our working relationship.”


“And they were trying to save your sanity. I’m sorry if I make lip reading harder on you. It’s a testament to how good you are that I forget to keep my Aussie-isms to myself.”

“I like them. And I appreciate the complement. I know you wouldn’t try and make things harder on me.”

“Definitely not. What kind of a husband would I be?”

They shared a chuckle. Turning their attention to the steaming plates of food set before them, eagerly both dug in to the hot meal. Companionable silence reigned at the table as they ate while Washington weekend activities flowed around them.

Polishing off the last morsel on his plate, he glanced hopefully over at the remaining onion rings on Sue’s, grinning when she shook a warning finger at him.

“That hits the spot. Good thing. Seeing as we’re on our honeymoon, best we keep up our strength.”

“Bobby Manning!”

The scarlet flush to her cheeks was irresistible. Cupping her face, heat radiated up his arm from the simple contact. “Don’t go all shy on me darlin’. Such activities are a natural result of...”

The remaining half of her strawberry jam-covered whole wheat toast crammed into his mouth silenced his teasing.

“Quit being such a larrikin.”

Swallowing the last of the tasty gag, he grinned sheepishly. “The sheilas have taught you well.”

“They have. Good thing, seeing this morning you have kangaroos loose in the top paddock.”

“All men have kangaroos loose in the top paddock after their wedding night. And don’t worry about our very public breakfast today. I’ll take great care to make it up to you tomorrow... privately.”

Her exasperated huff and rosy cheeks drew rueful chuckles from him. “Alright, I’ll behave. For now.”

So I wikied BarbaraManatee's Trouble In Paradise and came up with Veggie Tales.....
Confusion ensues....

Normally I wouldn't appreciate a honeymoon being broken up but this time, Bring on Myles leading a brass band of distractions.

And Where is Jack in all this?????? If I could just read his reaction I might get some clue as to what is going on!

yes wheres Jack I sure hope he dosnt strangle Bobby after all Sue belongs to Jack but if its undercover we can live with it I think cant wait for more Karen
Lin

I tried muttering the phrase "first impressions" as I began to read, hoping it would help. It didn't help. It is getting harder and harder not to succumb to that hissy fit I mentioned earlier, but I think this line helped, "Behave yourself, or you’ll end up eating alone as a lonely bachelor.” Bobby couldn't eat alone as a bachelor if he is married to Sue, could he?

I enjoyed the Aussie-isms. Where is Jack?

Amen, sister! And the BarbaraManatee kdm is referring to is one of our rff authors who wrote a fanfic entitled Trouble in Paradise.

kav

I must admit, when I saw the first line, I skipped down to the bottom of the post. (You know I'm a Jack/Sue fan to the fullest - the rest of the team are just supporting characters as far as I'm concerned. ) Then, I went to your second post and skimmed. I then read the challenge guidelines and re-read your first post. I think I know what's going on. For now, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. (I know you're greatly releived. )

Karen, you are doing an excellent job! Keep up the good work!

I love the banter between Bobby and Sue

The Aussie-ism are great!

Even FLIP may be more open-minded that I am . . .

Great story...But Bobby and Sue? That is just so WRONG!

Kim

You really have us going Karen... just not sure where

Love Sue and Bobby's bantering and teasing and the Aussie-ism's, as long as this is not permanent... Bobby really has Sue blushing

I can't wait to see where Jack fits in. I'm still hoping it's an undercover.

Anne

I read this as "I can't wait to see where Jack fits in. I'm still hoping it's undercovers!"

Could you please post more? I made rice krispie treats - I could share...

Aussie-isms are great!

Lindsy

QUOTE(duckfan @ Mar 13 2010, 09:29 PM)

QUOTE(Anne @ Mar 13 2010, 08:03 PM)

I can't wait to see where Jack fits in. I'm still hoping it's an undercover.

I read this as "I can't wait to see where Jack fits in. I'm still hoping it's undercovers!"

Me too.

QUOTE(duckfan @ Mar 13 2010, 09:29 PM)

Could you please post more? I made rice krispie treats - I could share...

I would gladly have complied if the oldest and youngest hadn't both come down with the stomach thing in less than twenty four hours. Hope this makes sense, since most words coming out of my mouth right now surely don't.


“So are you going to share what brought on this... fit of mischief and whimsy?”

“Can’t a bloke share his dream with a special sheila and not be mocked?”

The raised eyebrows and roll of her eyes had him grinning again while searching for the right words to explain. “Truthfully darlin’, I don’t really know what brought the dream on. Maybe it’s a byproduct of the closer relationship we’ve formed in more recent days since you’ve been helping me sort out my mixup over Darcy. Maybe it’s a manifestation of my subconscious searching for ways to keep you in D.C. permanently.”

“That’s sweet. You read like Myles, but it’s still sweet.”

Clearing his throat he reached for her hand again, letting the comparison with his Boston born partner slide for the moment. “Nothing sweet about it. Pure selfishness on my part. You’re the little sister I’ve never had. I meant what I said about how great you’d do and all, but I didn’t want to face saying hooroo... wouldn’t have come in at all yesterday if Lucy hadn’t given me the heads up. We’d have never been the same team again.”

“I think you are overestimating my impact.”

“Trust me, I’m not. You are the glue that binds us together. If you had done a shoot through, the rest of us would still be a close-knit group but our collective heart would have left. And poor Sparky would have been lost.”

“No...”

“Time to stop denying the obvious darlin’. Those eagle eyes must have noticed how devastated he looked at points this week.”

An indecipherable expression crossed her face. “So devastated he hardly said two words to me the rest of the day after my welcome back party. If he would have been so lost, why am I watching you tell me about your dream of our wedding over breakfast...”

And not him? The unspoken finish echoed through Bobby’s mind as surely as if she had uttered it. Her visage may have been a mystery, but her tone wasn’t. Did she have any idea how forlorn she sounded? Probably not. Impulsively he scooted his chair around, draping an arm across trembling shoulders.

“I’ll be the first to admit when it comes to you my best mate doesn’t know Christmas from Bourke Street...”

“Huh?”

“Aha! Finally found one you don’t know. In plain language... don’t laugh... it means Jack is a bit slow in the head around you. But I saw the look on his face yesterday while he watched your every move around the bullpen. He is besotted.”

“Besot... I thought you were going to use plain language.”

“Very funny. Right then, here it is. Jack Hudson is head over heels in love with you. Now... what are you going to do about it?”

*snapping fingers* well rats, too bad it was a dream. they would've made a cute couple.

Wonder if Jack will notice Bobby talking to Sue. His are going to be the thing of the past if doesn't get a move on.

WHAT A RELIEF!!!!

WOW at least I can breath now but wheres Jack is he sulking but Sue Bobbys right Jacks head over heels in love with you so what are you going to do about it or more to the point wonder what Boy Jacks going to do about it cant wait to find out
Lin

Ah, family bonding at its best! Hope the rest of you don't chose to bond as well!

Whoo hoo. Bobby got the sheila to admit that she is in love with his best mate, and that his best mate loves her in return. I do believe that Sue has a question to answer.

It was a dream, it was a dream. Praise be! It was a dream!

First of all: Karen is back!!!
I have to confess that at the first post I was like this , then I think a little more and said it could be a dream, an undercover operation, SOMETHING!....
I'm glad that it was a wonderful conversation between two friends
And Sue, what are you doing about the love of your life??

Tere

Yes Sue, what are you going to do about it?

kav

So it was a dream. I figured it was either that or an undercover operation. And if Sue doesn't know what to do about Jack I have an idea about she and Bobby could really get his goat. All he's gotta do is tell ol' Sparky is that she and Bobby got married last night.

What? It wouldn't exactly be a lie now would it?

Lindsy

QUOTE(duckfan @ Mar 14 2010, 09:36 PM)

Ah, family bonding at its best! Hope the rest of you don't chose to bond as well!

So far so good. I just need to clear my head in the aftermath.

QUOTE(Linny27 @ Mar 15 2010, 07:26 AM)

So it was a dream. I figured it was either that or an undercover operation. And if Sue doesn't know what to do about Jack I have an idea about she and Bobby could really get his goat. All he's gotta do is tell ol' Sparky is that she and Bobby got married last night.

What? It wouldn't exactly be a lie now would it?

Lindsy

You been chatting with Bobby, Lindsy?



Waiting patiently when Sue ducked her head to avoid his penetrating gaze, finally he was rewarded by a soft sigh. “Funny talk from my husband.”

“Only in my dreams darlin’, only in my dreams. I’ll let you off the hook while you finish your tucker. Then we can make plans.”

Caution veiled her normally open face. Come to think of it, in more recent times whenever Jack was around or even mentioned she seemed to draw a cloak around her emotions. When had that started? If he could just figure out that answer...

“Dreaming again? Where are you this time? Post-wedding? Pre-wedding?”

“Nah, definitely not pre-wedding. I’d have never survived a Buck’s party.” At her inquiring look he grinned sheepishly. “Another expression the sheilas haven’t taught you? It’s a stag’s night darlin’.”

“Oh.” The single sound conveyed her embarrassment. “You... think it would have gotten a little wild?”

He snorted. “No... well, yes... in a way. I meant that a little more literally.”

“Now I’m more confused.”

“It’s simple. My best mate would have killed me for trying to marry his sheila.”

“Bobby.”

“It’s true. Don’t believe me? I can prove it to you, if you like.”

Her automatic denial had him sighing in frustration. What would it take for her to acknowledge what was obvious to everyone else? She and Jack were meant to be... if they would both stop hiding behind their friendship.

His frown deepened. Like he was one to talk.

“I... don’t like games. I wouldn’t feel right about... pretending your dream last night had actually happened.”

“Consider it a scientific experiment.”

“And what about Tara’s feelings?”

A jolt shot through him at the mere mention of the computer whiz’s name. Eyes widening, he looked into her knowing face. “What... do...”

Her smile was sympathetic. “It’s okay. I know we’ve spent a lot more time together since... your last relationship ended. But I’m smart enough to realize when it comes to a female companion, I’m your second choice.”

“Ah, sheila, you’re not...”

“Stop right there. You want me to face reality, then you have to do the same. You are in love with Tara. And I won’t be responsible for doing anything to damage your future with her. I don’t want to see the hurt appearing in her eyes as you oh so casually tell about our ‘wedding’ in the bullpen... all so you can get a rise out of Jack... which won’t happen.”

Sidestepping her all too astute personal observation, Bobby focused on the final phrase. “How can you be so sure?”

Did Sue realize how down pat she had that infuriating Hudson shrug? The sadness radiating from her was palpable. “Because... nothing ever has. Not even...”

“You leaving for New York.” If anything, she shrank further into herself as he finished the thought. “Ah, sheila, give Sparky a fair go. He’s a little slow on the uptake, but trust me. He’ll get his rear in gear. Especially if you’ll allow me to...”

“No. It... wouldn’t be right.”

“I promise to do it in a way that won’t affect anyone else. Come on sheila, don’t you want to know? Don’t you deserve to know?”

“Bobby...”

Hope warred with trepidation as she struggled to give another reason not to let him put the plan into action. Tightening his grip, he flashed his dimples in an effort to persuade her. “Trust me darlin’. Everything will be apples. Wait and see.”

I am so scared right now.....
This has so much potenital to blow up in everyones faces.....

I'll be here until the smoke clears.

IM for Sue finding out But Sues right Bobby it could not only Damage Jack and Sue but you could really go and upset Tara and damage what could be with you and Tara so be careful as it could all backfire
Lin

So what seemed to have started off as a lot of fun bantering between Bobby and Sue seems to have mushroomed into something actually quite serious and potentially dangerous to the hearts of four great people. I agree this could backfire.

You girls have some room behind that

What if Bobby tells Tara, he is going to tell Jack he dreamt he married Sue last night, to see his reaction? It's the truth...but Tara will think he's just teasing Jack.

Okay, okay...I know it's a dangerous game, but I still like the plan.
As long as no one gets hurt and Jack gets a fire lit under his...turtle self.

You can have your story back now Karen. Please continue with your plan. I can't wait to find out what it is.

Anne

Can I go too?

Tere

Now I'm terrified!

Bobby has jinxed himself!

Oy!

QUOTE(flip @ Mar 16 2010, 02:03 PM)

Now I'm terrified!

Bobby has jinxed himself!

Oy!

Never mind Bobby jinxing himself, I jinxed myself. Should never have said so far so good when referring to the improving health of the children. Back to the sore throat and fever routine...



“Are you out of your mind?”

Avoiding Sue’s ‘I told you so’ expression, Bobby focused on the irate rotor. “Problem, sheila?”

Lucy snorted. “If you think for one minute that insane scenario will result in anything but disaster, I'd say we have plenty of problems.”

“Why? I’ve already promised not to pretend my dream was real with anyone but Sparky. I don’t think...”

“Bingo. You don’t think. You don’t see the enormous repercussions just waiting to fall on all our heads.”

“You sound like Harvard.”

Her glare would make the most hardened criminal surrender. Sighing, he sank into the couch where Levi padded over to offer consolation. Absently scratching behind the canine’s ears, Bobby waved his free hand. “You have the floor, oh queen of matchmakers. Enlighten me.”

“Now you sound like Harvard.”

At least her exasperated sigh was a step up from the first reaction he’d received. Gracefully Lucy settled herself into the armchair to his left, smoothing the hem of her green wool sweater before fixing a stern schoolmarm expression on her face. Out of the corner of his eye he caught her roommate’s amused grin. Why did it look like this was going to be a long morning?

“It’s not that your heart isn’t in the right place; your method leaves a lot to be desired. Do you really think telling Jack you married Sue last night would miraculously have him declaring his undying love for her? Don’t answer that. Obviously you do, or you wouldn’t be floating this cockamamy plan. Would you agree that Jack is an honourable man?”

“Absolutely. The most honourable bloke I know.”

“So why would expect him to spill his guts to you about Sue after being told she’s now your wife?”

“Well... he wouldn’t. Not right then. He’d be mad as a cut snake. But after being let in on the joke...”

“Pffft. Think again. At that point his sharp special agent mind would recognize the set up. The result? He’ll end up retreating even farther away from his emotions... from Sue. You saw how he’s been this week.”

Opening his mouth to protest, unspoken words were silenced by another glare. Sighing inaudibly, he leaned back against the cushions while Lucy marshaled her thoughts.

“What about Tara?”

Could these women read his mind? “What about her?”

“How do you think it would make her feel to know you dreamed of marrying one of her closest friends?”

“She has a great sense of humour, Luce. I’m sure she’d get a chuckle out of it.” Their incredulous expressions had him faltering quickly. “You... don’t think so?”

Not deigning to answer, Lucy glanced past him at Sue. “Thank goodness you got him here before he could do any damage.”

“I know. I tried to shut him down, but he was determined. So I brought him to you.”

“Smart. Of course it would be harder for you to convince him this was a bad idea, seeing as you’re not impartial on the subject. Part of you wants to know how Jack would react. Would he be jealous? I can tell you the answer is a resounding yes, so let's move on to a better plan... one that will end up with the two of you together as a couple.”

Relieved to see someone else squirming for the moment, Bobby waved a hand to get their attention. “I told Sue in no uncertain terms how much Sparky loves her.”

“Which is the only reason I haven’t hit you over the head for otherwise being a drongo. I know he loves Sue, and you know it, but convincing the two of them is the problem. Like I said before, your heart is in the right place. We simply have to be more resourceful in our planning. And you definitely don’t want to hurt Tara. Best she be involved right from the start. I’ll give her a call. Maybe Myles too, since he is the self proclaimed renaissance man. D’s too close to management level, though I bet Donna would have some good ideas...”

“I’m still in the room Luce. I didn’t leave for New York, though I might regret that before you two are finished.”

Lucy waved off the remark. “Nonsense. Yesterday you said things are even better the second time around. I agree... except in the case of disco balls. As your best friend, roommate, and future maid of honour, it’s my job to ensure a successful outcome to this fresh start. And while I’m at it, I might as well deal with Koala Boy here and his yearning for a certain computer whiz.”

“I’m not yearning...”

“You are. Now be quiet. I’m thinking.”

Oh Lucy! You are a genius amongst us women!
(Guess that makes you a genius too Karen, you just wrote that scene!)

WOW Im so pleased Lucys stopped Bobby from going to far but now what has Lucy got in mind lets hope its safe and does bring Jack and Sue together cant wait to find out Karen

Lin


hope the Little ones are better soon but you try and take care of yourself and rest joke I know

Smart to bring Lucy in on this little operation. She can be excitable . . . OR she can be the voice of reason. Let's hope for the latter?

I'm really loving this story and that was the best post yet! Bobby was so sure of himself and so WRONG, before Lucy got to him!

Lucy you're the best!!

Tere

If I had been, I don't think Jack and Sue would be what we were talking about.

And thank goodness for Lucy intervening. Though I did think of it and it would be quite... interesting to see, Bobby's plan had backfire written all over it. Thank goodness he's so darn adorable or I'd of smacked him upside the head.

Lindsy

Sue was smart to reel Bobby in by bringing him to Lucy so she could help convince him his plan had disaster written all over it. Lucy's reaction was so fun to read. Now they are bringing in Tara and Myles. This should be good.