Me and Steph!

Jack closed his eyes, humming to her a song that was a favorite of hers. He thought this might help with her anxiety.

She smiled slightly, loosening her grip slightly on him. "I love you." she whispered.

"Finally." Jack said, snickering. He took a deep breath, cuddling with Lilli in his arms. Just like old times...

"I've always loved you. The 'finally''s on your part." she smiled, finally feeling good enough to tease.

Jack grunted, nudging her gently against her waist. "Eh, it's on your part too, I bet. We both were sketchy in the love department. I was dumb, I can admit that.." he replied, looking down at Lilli with longing.

She leaned up and kissed his lips softly. "Well, first step to fixing it is admitting you have a problem." she teased.

"What's my problem?" Jack asked, pouting and looking away. At least they were relaxing and not too tense. Tomorrow would be a different story due to the fact that he has to go to work tomorrow.

she shook her head. "nothing, I was teasing." she said softly.

Jack chuckled, sighing. "You could always play along though, Lilli." he said, smiling. He then sat up a bit, biting his lip. "Won't it be easier to lay down on the bed?" he asked, feeling his back starting to get sore. He wasn't in the best positions.

She nodded, slowly getting off of him, but keeping his hand on in hers. she needed the contact.

Jack got up, then leading her to the bed in his room and laying down with her over the covers. He pulled her into an embrace and nuzzled her neck. "So...did you ever even go to college?" he asked, wondering.

She nodded. "Yes, I did. Got my Masters in business."

Jack nodded, thinking. "How about you use that degree here? You could get a job once that wacko is put behind bars.." he said, seeing hope for the two of them. She could even live with him and get an apartment when she can, if she wanted to.

She nodded, smiling. "I'd love that. Even if I didn't have my degree, I'd stay here, with you. I'm not leaving this time... You're not getting rid of me."

Jack smiled widely, sighing. "Good. I'd never want to get rid of you, not again." he said, kissing her cheek and getting the covers over themselves. "Sleep?"

She nodded. "hopefully."

"Are you really so scared? I'm here..." Jack whispered softly, kissing her neck and biting his lip. He hated that she didn't feel safe with him.

She nodded. "I know you're here. That's why I think I might be able to sleep." she said softly.

"Ok then, close your eyes.." Jack whispered, kissing her neck softly out of tenderness and closing his own as he pressed against her, enclosing any gaps between them. He wanted to wake up with her beside him, not in terror.

"I love you." she said softly, her eyes closing as she drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, he heard a thud, a loud one, against the front door. He jumped, gulping and letting go of Lilli. He cursed quietly, thanking god she hadn't woken up yet as he rushed towards the kitchen to grab his gun and looked through the keyhole. Nothing. "What the hell?" he muttered, opening the door and shuddering. There on the porch laid a bloody steak with a knife through it, making it bleed all over and a note.

You're dead, Jack

Lilli slowly walked out of the room, rubbing her eyes. "Jack? Baby what is it?" she asked, still half asleep.

Jack stiffened. "Nothing, just a paperboy throwing paper too hard at the door. Why don't you uh...wait for me in the bathroom? Take a shower together maybe?" he said, smiling over his shoulder. Obviously with his body he covered the bloody threat.

She nodded, knowing something was wrong, she could tell by the way he stiffened. "Alright..." she said softly. "I'll wait for you in the bathroom then..." She nodded then left.

Jack threw the steak away and had ripped up the note along with the knife in the garbage. He was terrified, but he had to keep his composure. He made his way to the bathroom, opening the door and smiling. "Hey, beautiful."