Don't Leave With Him

[failegaidin]

            The day finally over, Jack leaned against the wall, closing his eyes as he finally allowed himself to relax a little. Another day from Hell was behind him, and Jack found himself wondering exactly how many Hell had left to throw at him. He opened his eyes again and surveyed the room. Milo was leaning against Nadia's station, obviously flirting with her. Bill was talking to one of the new techs, making sure the poor kid wasn't having a coronary from the events of the day.

            Jack's eyes continued to drift until they rested on Chloe. She was logging out of her station and gathering her things. Morris was with her and they were talking. Milo had told him that they had fought most of the day, but things seemed to be okay now. Jack smiled ruefully to himself. She was finally happy, and in a life that didn't involve him in any way.

            He watched the couple walk off the CTU floor and toward the corridor that would lead them out. Morris had slung an arm around her shoulders, bringing her in closer, but Chloe kept looking around and behind her. They were at the door, and he almost let them go. But as Morris put his hand out to push the door open, Jack's mouth betrayed him.

            "Chloe!"

            She turned as Jack stepped out of the shadows. A small smile grew on her face, and he was suddenly certain that it was him that she had been looking for a moment ago. She moved away from the circle of Morris' arm and walked over to him.

            "Jack," she said. "I thought you had left."

            He shook his head. "Can I talk to you?"

            "Chloe, come on!" Morris called from the door.

            She turned to look back at him, and Jack suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her closer.

            "Please, Chloe," he begged. "Don't leave with him."

            Chloe's eyes were big as she turned to face Jack again. The look in his eyes pleaded with her to understand, to trust him just once more, but this time she needed a reason.

            "Why?" she asked.

            "I…I…" Jack stammered, unable to get the words out.

            Chloe pulled her arm out of his grasp. "I can't, Jack. Not if you can't even bring yourself to say it." She turned to walk back to Morris.

            "I love you," he whispered.

            Chloe stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes locked on Morris'. Her ex-husband saw the way Jack was looking at her, and he saw the expression on her face as Chloe was faced with a difficult decision. He knew who she wanted to be with. He'd known all along. But he was fairly certain that Jack would never say anything or act on his feelings – and as long as that was the case, Chloe could be his. But he saw it all change in her eyes. Even if she chose to stay with him, she would never be his. He bowed his head in defeat. When he looked back up, there were tears streaming down Chloe's cheeks.

            "It's okay, love," he told her. Raising his voice he turned to Jack. "If you hurt her again, Bauer, I will kill you." And with that he walked out alone.

            Chloe's still had her back to him, and Jack walked up behind her. Tentatively he placed his hands on her shoulders to turn her around. Before he had the chance though, Chloe wheeled on him.

            "Took you long enough!" she snapped, punching him in the arm.

            "I'm a little slow," he replied, a smile growing on his face as he rubbed his arm.

            "No, Jack. You're stupid," Chloe corrected him.

            "Can you ever forgive me?"

            Chloe frowned. "That depends."

            Jack raised his eyebrows. "On what?"

            "How good you are in bed."

            Jack nearly choked at her response.

            Seeing the look on his face Chloe sighed. "I've waited a long time, Jack. I've got pretty high expectations."

            Deciding to play her game, Jack said, "You might have to cut me some slack, Chloe. I haven't had sex in…" his voice trailed off as Jack actually realized just how long it had been. "Oh God."

            Chloe smirked as she wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him up against her. "Don't worry, Jack. That just means I'll have to remind you." With a mischievous grin she leaned in to kiss him. Jack's hands came up and tangled in her hair, bringing her even closer. When they pulled apart, Jack placed a quick kiss on her forehead and took her hand.

            "We'd better get going then. Seems I have a lot to catch up on." He smiled at her and they walked out.

Comments

[redlucy07.livejournal.com]

I must agree. The "No, Jack. You're stupid," line was my favourite. You've got Chloe down pat. I also loved Jack realizing exactly how long he'd been celibate. Lovely job!

[failegaidin.livejournal.com]

His celebacy is really sad, when you think about it. And I think Chloe should be the one to help him out :)