A/N – Well here is the story you've all been waiting for! I'm looking forward to writing again and hearing all your commentaries! Sorry for the little delay, I've been having issues with school… Here we go…
Chapter 1:
Lucy sat and looked at Jack's blank face. As everyone sat working, finishing up the paperwork on the drug bust case they had just finished, Jack sat staring out the window, obviously lost in thought. Lucy hadn't been the only one who had noticed Jack's withdrawal in the last few weeks. The whole team could see how unhappy and miserable he was, and they all knew why.
It had only been three weeks ago, when they had all found out the tragic news about Sue's brother Ben and his family, having been killed by the family serial killer the team had finally caught. Sue had taken the news hard, and had quickly left without a word to anyone, showing up two days later, changed and grieving silently. Everyone had noticed the difference in her, especially when she had passed out suddenly her first day back. After being diagnosed with Hypoglycemia as well, Sue had finally admitted everything to Jack, begging him to not tell anyone so they would catch the man who was on the loose and not get involved personally. It was only until right after they had caught him that the team had found out and Sue had decided to take some time off to heal and grieve with her family.
Though Lucy had been away, she quickly realized how the relationship between Sue and Jack had changed in her absence. Being alone while Lucy was in Arizona for a conference, after Sue had been hospitalized, Jack had decided to move in with her to help take care of her. Through everything that had happened, everyone had realized that they had finally admitted that they cared about each other more than as just coworkers and friends. And now, it was especially evident on Jack's face, everyday since Sue had left.
Sue's empty desk the last three weeks had affected them all. Lucy missed her roommate and best friend, but from talking to her almost everyday, she could hear that the time off was doing her good. She asked a lot about Jack, and though she knew that they talked on the phone probably more often than they did, Lucy knew Sue was worried about him too.
Bobby looked up from his computer, and saw Jack, staring off into the distance again. Looking at his watch, he announced loudly, and watched Jack snap out of his thoughts and listen in,
"Well, I think it's about time we head for lunch; I'm starved. Where to?" He turned to look at Jack, who glanced at his watch, a stunned look on his face, and then quickly grabbed his coat.
"Sorry, but I've got a meeting in about 10 minutes and I don't want to be late. I'll be back in a bit." He hurried out the door, as everyone watched him, wondering where he was going, and worried about how he was handling Sue's absence.
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Jack looked around the park, hoping to see her. Suddenly she appeared in his line of sight, sitting on a bench, looking around, waiting for him. A smile appeared on his face, knowing that this meant a lot to her. A big grin appeared on her face as he sat down next to her.
"I'm so glad you're here Jack!" Amanda signed.
"It's nice to see you too." He signed back. "How is school going?" She shrugged.
"Okay. Do you know when Sue's coming home?" Jack shook his head sadly.
"I don't know, but I know she misses you." Amanda nodded and looked at her feet. Sue had talked to Jack about Amanda a few days ago when she had called to talk to him. Apparently she had talked to her a few times, and Amanda was feeling very lonely. Her dad had been in and out on business the last month, and now with Sue gone, she felt like she had no where to go. Plus, she had been stuck with a sitter who barely paid any attention to her. Sue hadn't asked Jack to meet up with her, it was his idea, but Jack knew how much Amanda would appreciate it.
"I really miss her." Amanda finally signed. Jack gently touched her arm.
"I know you do, but I know she won't be gone that much longer. I also know that I can't replace her, but I'm feeling like an ice cream – what do you think?" Amanda gave him a small smile and nodded, before signing thank you.
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After spending some time with Amanda, Jack walked her back to school, and took a long walk through the park before heading back to the office. He wished he could have given her a more definite answer as to when Sue was returned. Jack missed having her around, especially since they had grown so much closer. She sounded much better, having had time off to heal and spend time with her family, and though she wasn't certain exactly when she would be back, she assured him it would be soon. They talked at least once a day on the phone, sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes for hours. More and more Jack realized that he couldn't live without her anymore. They both had talked about what was going to happen when she got back, and they were both excited to see where their relationship was going to go.
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Sue finished packing up her last suitcase, ready to take an early flight out in the morning. Her mom still wasn't the same, but she was improving since her daughter had been home to help her get over the loss of her son, daughter in law and three young grandchildren. As much as Sue enjoyed her time in Ohio, she missed her life in Washington more than ever, especially her friends. She talked to Lucy at least once a day, and missed her company, and the laughs they would share. Most of all she missed Jack. Some nights they would talk for hours before bed, sometimes laughing, sometimes sharing memories, sometimes just relishing in the silence.
The ache for Ben, Gracie and the kids had lessened in the last few weeks, but Sue still felt different. She didn't see things the same way. Life suddenly felt more precious, and though she didn't want to admit it, work seemed a little more dangerous. Nevertheless, home sounded better than ever, and she couldn't wait to see the look on Jack's face when she finally got to see him again after over three weeks of being apart.