Somewhere · in · My · Youth..

Continuing on with my Season 2/3 fic.  Some swearing..Enjoy!

Disclaimer:  I don't own the characters of 24, but am so grateful they were created! Thanks Fox!
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 The black Explorer drove along the gravel road, pulled beside the building and turned off its headlights.  Sitting in his car, Jack checked his watch, it was eight o’clock in the evening, the exact time he was instructed.  He felt his stomach start to knot, and a slight dizziness in his head.  Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes in an attempt to center his thoughts.  This was not the time to feel nervous.  The sound of an oncoming vehicle, alerted him. He narrowed his eyes, and reached for his Glock. He placed it on his lap, his fingers prepared in the event of trouble.

As the dilapidated vehicle pulled alongside the Explorer, the blackened passenger window lowered halfway. Jack reciprocated.

“Hey man.. you all set.” a voice called out.

“I am.  It’s all here.” Jack informed, his breathing started to quicken.  He shook his head in an effort to refocus.

The passenger window lowered down to reveal the body behind the voice.  His face was pock-marked, hair out of place and his eyes were swollen.  “Good.. give it to me..we’ll be done here.”  His arm reached out, a black case was clutched in his hand.  Jack stared at the case.

“Hurry up man.. let’s go” demanded the driver, “do you want to do this or not?”

Jack exhaled. He pressed the button to lower his window. Fuck this.  Offering an envelope and he snatched the case.    

“Hey man… we need to count it first!” the passenger shouted as Jack raised his window.

“It’s all there.” he growled, his foot hitting the accelerator, with the black case sitting on the passenger seat.

**

“Are you ready now?  Let’s go!” Chase was standing at Chloe’s station, his patience starting to wear thin.  He had been waiting an extra thirty minutes past his shift and he was running out of ideas to keep himself busy. 

She stared at the screen, typing frantically at the keys, “Yeh yeh,.. hold on.. one sec.  I promised Jack I’d finish these for the next shift. They’re just not right.”

The files were stacked an inch high on her desk. As hard as she tried, it seemed that she just couldn’t complete them fast enough.  Chase reached over and opened one of the files. Sifting through the paper, he looked up at her “Chloe, this is really something that the next shift can do.  You don’t have to be the one to finish them, no matter what Jack says.” He tossed the file back down to the pile. “What is this really about?”

Chloe stopped typing, her eyes lowered to her fingers. She thought back to Jack’s earlier behaviour of the day—he was so distant and ill at ease, hiding in his office for most of the day.  She was becoming used to his constant visits to her station, instead of calling her over the phone, he would walk over to her desk.  Now, he was calling the other analysts instead of her. Had she upset him?  Lord knows she annoyed many people on the team, especially Tony. She racked her brain, going through all her actions she had done in the past week, and all that stood out was the incident when Chase was hurt.  Jack had been so kind with her.  Although she was upset, she couldn’t help herself but savor his closeness.  Could that be why he is avoiding her?  She glanced up at Chase.

“I think I upset Jack.” she whispered.

“What?  How?”

“When you got hurt last week, he comforted me.” her fingers started to twist together. She released them and sighed.

“You think he’s upset with you because he comforted you?  No.. that’s not why he’s upset. “ Chase lowered himself towards his friend, “He’s got a lot going on in his head.  His wife was murdered.  He was betrayed.  That kinda messes you up a bit.  He needs to get help. Comforting you, did not piss him off.”  He reached over and took her hand.  “What you need is to stop working. Stop thinking. Come with me and let’s go out for a drink!”

Chloe smiled, “You’re right.  I’ll give some of the files to Kim. There’s a drink with my name on it, getting lonely!”

**

“Alright, the first round of shot are on me, ” Chloe informed her friend as they were seated at the table, “as an apology for being silly.  You’re right.” 

When the shots arrived, they clinked their glasses and threw the liquid down their throats.

“Holy crap, Chase!  This burns! Why do we order this stuff?” she coughed. 

“Because it feels so darn good, baby!” he laughed. “Have another!” She rolled her eyes as she flicked back the drink. “And the look on your face is priceless!” 

Sitting in a dark corner across the bar, Jack slumped in his chair, with a glass of whiskey in his hand.  I have to do this.  I’ll start tomorrow.  I can handle it. It’s the only way to get prepared. He leaned forward in his chair, and placed his head into his hands.

Rubbing his eyes, he looked up and gasped at the sight of Chloe and Chase, drinking shots at the other end of the bar.  His heart began to race, and he quickly surveyed the area. He was hidden enough, that if he chose to stay, he was sure she wouldn’t notice him.  Jack clutched the car keys in his hand.  It was either return to the car or stay.  As she threw back another shot, her lips pursed together, her forehead wrinkled and her eyelids squeezed shut.   Jack chuckled at the show, tossing the keys back down to the table.

He motioned to the waitress to come over. 

“You want another?” she inquired.

“Actually, do you see those people sitting by the window” he pointed over to Chloe and Chase.  “I want you to give her another round of whatever shots they’re having. Tell them they’re on the house.  You know what I mean.. make something up. Oh, and just give the guy a glass of water. He’s done for the night.”  He handed her the money, “this should be enough for a few rounds.”

“Sure thing.”

**

“What’s that old drinkin’ game we used to play?” Chloe, feeling light-headed, she leaned against the table. “Come on.. you know with the shot glasses and the coin..” Her head shot up at the waitress placed a drink in front of her. “Oh my.. I don’t remember.. did we order another round?”

“No.. if we did, I didn’t ask for water.” Chase looked confused at the waitress

The waitress nervously looked around, “Umm.. The shot is on the house,  it’s ladies night, and I’m assuming you’re the designated driver.  Am I right?”

“Actually, you’re right. Drink as much as you like, I’ll make sure you return to the proper home.” Chase winked at Chloe.

“Oh, I like this place!” Chloe reached for the filled glass, took a deep breath and sucked it back

**

Jack held his stomach, and covered his mouth in an effort to stifle his laughter. As Chloe drank each shot, her face would squish together.  Her voice started to get loud enough that he, and the surrounding patrons, could hear.  Not only was he getting a laugh out of watching her, some other people were amused. 

“Ready Chase.. On the count of three.. you drink your water and I flip this baby back! One.. Two.. Three!” She drank the shot, while Chase sighed at his dismal glass of water.

“You know.. Chase.. this is so much fun!  You’re right. It’s better to be sitting in here, drinking.. than back at work, sulking over that Jack Bauer!” Chloe shouted out.  Chase reached over, and placed his finger over his mouth, in an effort to tell her to be quiet.

Jack’s eyes widened. What was that?! He motioned the waitress to come over.

“She’s done for the night.” He directed her.

The waitress walked over to Chase and Chloe, and leaned in to speak to them.

“What? Ladies night is over?! That’s no fun!” Chloe exclaimed!  Chase stood up from his chair, and reached for her arm.

“Time to leave? Oh Chase!” she whined as he lead her towards the door.  She yanked back her arm, accidentally flinging her purse onto the floor, spilling the contents.  As she reached down to pick them up, her head began to spin.

“Here, sit down you drunk. Let me pick it up.” Chase advised her.  Placing the contents back into the purse, he looked up to check on Chloe.  Her body was slumped over the table. He grinned and continued to pick up her purse. As he stood up, he surveyed the room, and locked his eyes on Jack.  Tucking her purse under his arm, he charged across the room, towards him.

Jack stood up from his table. His face grew hot.

“You ordered those drinks?”, accused Chase.

Current Mood:

tired

The crackle of gunfire rang through Chloe’s comm unit.  Standing beside Jack, her shoulders were tense and for a moment, the only thing moving was the quickened beat of her heart. By now, she should be used to hearing gunfire over the comm. unit, but when it was Chase out in the field, her fears would overcome her.  She shook her head in order to regain focus.  Now was not the time to be bowled over by worries and doubt.

“Agent Edmunds, Agent Smith, we’re counting seven hostels coming in from the south, with one coming in from the east.” She instructed. 

“This is Agent Smith, copy that.”

“I hear you Chloe.” Chase responded.

The sound of gunfire started to diminish.  On the screen, images of the hostels ceased to move. The only movement belonged to the agents.  Only a scatter of shots remained, with a lengthening of time between each crack.  Chloe’s breathing slowed, her shoulders lowered and relaxed.  Silence was heard over the comm.

“All hostels down.”

“Agent Edmunds, continue to investigate and we’ll keep you advised if anything comes up.”  Jack commanded.  He looked over at Chloe, and offered her a knowing smile. Pulling her chair closer to her, Jack nodded to her, motioning for her to sit.

As she settled in her chair, a lone crack resonated over their comm. units, followed by an immediate shot. Her body jarred to a halt.

“Oh God.. We have an Agent down,” a breathy Agent Smith advised the team, “We thought everyone was dead.. Chase is hurt, send back-up.”

“Copy that.” Jack grabbed the phone to contact medical.  He glanced over to Chloe, her shoulders started to shake and her eyes downward. He placed his hand over hers, and motioned for Adam and Tony. “Adam, take over comms. Tony cover for me.” 

He reached over, removed her comm. unit, and leaned closer to whisper. “Come with me.”

She nodded as she stood up from her chair, keeping her head down in order to avoid eye contact with the other analysts. Oh dear god, please, she thought to herself, don’t take Chase away from me. He’s my only friend.  She could feel the gradual sting of tears in her eyes. Not now. Don’t lose it in front of everyone.  He’s going to be okay.  Jack squeezed her hand, as he placed his other hand on the middle of her back.  He guided her out of the bull pen, and towards the stairs to the Field Ops section.  Climbing the stairs in front of her, he continued to hold her hand. 

Upon entering his office, he turned on the privacy setting for the glass walls and led Chloe to the couch. Automatically, she sat down, still staring downwards.  Jack knelt down in front of her, to meet her unfocussed appearance.

“Hey.” he spoke softly.

She looked up and met his eyes.  Her breathing became erratic, she broke his gaze by returning to her previous stare.  A tear escaped, she wiped it away in haste, and shut her eyes.

“He’s going to be okay.”  Jack moved beside her, pulling her back onto the couch and wrapped his arm around her.  She gripped his hand, in an effort to control her breathing. Don’t cry.  Oh please, whatever you do, don’t lose it in front of him. Just breathe.  A quiet sob broke away from her. She clamped her hand over her mouth. 

“It’s alright to be upset, “he whispered as he squeezed her hand. She shook her head. It’s not okay.  I should have been watching the screen.  I should have been paying attention. If I didn’t come here.. if I never took the position.. if I.. oh God! It was too late.  No matter how tight she squeezed her eyes, a steady stream of tears flowed from under her eyelids.  Heavy sobs followed and she rested her head on his shoulder. Their bodies started to move in a soft rocking motion, as he wrapped his other arm across her, his hand stroking the side of her face. The minutes passed into the next.

As a knock on the door broke the silence, his body stiffened and he quickly dropped his arms.  He shifted over, creating a small gap between them.  Chloe rapidly wiped the tears from her eyes, and turned away from the door.  It was Tony.

“Oh sorry.. but thought you should know.. Chase is in medical.. the bullet entered and exited his shoulder cleanly.  They’re taking care of him now.”  He looked away as he closed the door.

Chloe stood up, and straightened her skirt. “I have to go see him, “she sniffed. Jack lifted himself off the couch to follow her, his eyes staring at the ground.   “Thank you.” she softly offered. 

He looked up at her, with a tender smile, “Not a problem, go see him.” She nodded and briskly opened the door to his office and descended the stairway to medical.  Jack watched her leave, and for a split second, wished it was him she was racing to see.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a piece of paper.  A phone number was scrawled across it.  With a deep breath, he took out his cell and entered the numbers. 

"It's me... do you have the stuff? .. when do you want to meet?.. I'll be there."  He shut off the cell, and walked over to his desk.  Slumping down in his chair, he placed his head into his hands. I have to do it this way, he reassured himself.

Current Mood:

calm

I think I have caught "the bug".  I thought of this last night, and put it together as my baby napped.  

Continuing on from my last fic.. between season 2/3. Jack, Chloe and Chase have been called into the situation room by Tony, about a possible lead. 

Still a friendship fic.. and there is swear words.

Thanks for reading! I enjoyed writing it!

Disclaimer: I don't own Jack/Chloe and characters of 24. 

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Her First Time

Chloe shot up straight in her chair. Are they referring to me going into the field? She could feel a lump in the pit of her stomach start to get bigger.  Her greatest CTU fear was about to be realized.  She could feel a slight tremble in her hand.

“We received information, about a possible lead. We need to send an analyst into the field. Chloe you’re going in, we need you to retrieve the data off a hard drive.” Tony informed the group.  “We’ll send an agent with you.  Should be an easy retrieval mission.”

Chloe was silent, looking forward yet with an unfocused gaze.  Heat started to rise to her face, and she felt all eyes were on her.  No way, it’s too early.  I don’t have enough training for this.  Under the table, her hand continued to tremble. She grabbed it with her other hand in order to hold it steady. Just breathe.

Jack could feel the anxiety emitting from the petite blonde beside him.  He stroked his jaw. Out of all the analysts, he knew she could complete this task with ease, if she was in the safety of CTU. However, out in the field, she was unproven.

“No Tony. She’s not going out there.  Get someone else.” Chase insisted. When she was hired, he assured her that she wouldn’t go out in the field. Deep down he knew it was a hard promise to keep, but he wanted her to come work with him. He felt it was best for his friend.

Leaning forward, Tony narrowed his eyes at Chase.  “Excuse me?”

Fumbling with her shirt, Chloe’s stared downward.  No Chase. Don’t start this now. Just let me think about this.

Chase pressed, “You heard me.  Come on Tony, we have other analyst.  Adam could do this.”  Sitting back in his chair, Adam swiveled and squinted at Chloe. 

Chloe’s head snapped up, her eyes glared and focused. Pardon me, Chase? Did I actually hear you correctly on that!  As she leaned forward, her hands returned to the top of the table.

Through the corner of Jack’s eyes, he noticed an immediate change in her demeanor. He smirked as he thought about the competitiveness between Chloe and Adam.  Chase should have known better to remotely suggest Adam as an alternate.  He was sure Chloe will make him pay for that one!

“Adam’s already been in the field today.  We don’t send out analysts twice…”Tony began.

“No no.. it’s okay Tony.  I can go out again.  Not a problem” Adam waved his hand.

A voice of determination shot out in the group, making everyone jump. “No! I can do this.”  Chloe was sitting forward, gripping the edge of the table.  She was glaring at Adam. Chase nearly choked as he sipped his drink.

“You’re sure about this?” Tony studied her.  He was shocked at her out of the blue response.  To be honest, he preferred to send Adam, if it wasn’t for CTU procedures.

“Absolutely.” Chloe assured, standing up.

“I’ll take her out. This is under Field Ops, my decision to make.” Jack stood up beside her. 

“Alright, you coordinate this,” Tony rolled his eyes upwards, “Let’s go.”

As the team was exiting, Chase caught Chloe’s arm. “I knew you would do it...”

Chloe interrupted, “Uh, don’t even go there, buddy.  What the hell?”

“Come on, the fire under your ass was starting to fizzle.. I’m just adding some fuel!” Chase grinned.

“Oh, you’ll pay. When you least expect it.” Chloe elbowed Chase in the ribs, as they were walking out the door.

Exiting the building, she caught her breath as she saw Jack leaning up against the CTU vehicle, wearing a flack jacket.  His eyes were focused on the ground, as though he was deep in thought. She felt her heart quicken its beat.  She looked down as she slowed her pace towards him, thankfully he hadn’t noticed her yet. Absentmindedly, she ran her fingers through her hair, to smooth out the ends.  Of all days, why did I choose to wear this vest?!  Must burn it when I get home.  With a shake of her head, she swallowed and pulled back her shoulders. She lengthened her stride and approached Jack.  Upon hearing the footsteps, Jack shot up and away from the vehicle.  His eyes caught Chloe’s, he cocked his head to one side and a soft smile appeared.

“May aren’t we a bit competitive with Adam?”

“Oh no, not you too! Come on, let’s get this done.” Chloe rolled her eyes as she opened the door and climbed into the passenger seat.

Jack chuckled as he climbed into the driver’s seat, and started the car.  Chloe huffed, and looked out the window. 

Pulling away from the building, Jack glanced over at Chloe. She stared out the window, lost in thought, chewing the inside of her thumb.  Jack could tell her anxiety was starting to reappear.

“Don’t overthink it, Chloe.  Just stay behind me, do everything I tell you to do.  I’ll get you in, you retrieve the data, and then I’ll get you out.  Your job’s the computer, leave everything else to me. Okay?”

Chloe continued to stare out the window.

“Chloe!”

Chloe jolted forward, and gave him a side-glance. “Sorry, I heard you.” Looking down, Chloe spoke softly, “I’m just…”

“I know.. it’s okay.  Just think of this as routine.”

An amused look appeared on Chloe’s face. Yeh, maybe for you! 

Jack looked at the address, and drove slowly as they approached the home. It was a typical California home, but a few things were noticeable: the newspapers were stacking up on the porch, grass was in desperate need of cutting and weeds were sprouting through the paving stones. No vehicles could be found in the driveway.

Driving past the home, Jack pulled the car over to the shoulder, behind some bushes. He pulled out the comm unit and handed one over to Chloe.  She drew in a breath, and reached over to retrieve it.

Jack peered into her eyes. “You can do this,” and released the unit.  Chloe huffed as she placed the unit into her ear, “This is all Chase’s fault”

“I heard that!” a familiar voice transmitted through the unit.

“Well, at least we know it works.” Chloe sighed.  Secretly she was grateful that Chase was on the other end. 

Leading the way to the door, Chloe followed closely to Jack. Using his lock pick, he opened the door, did a sweep of the room, and motioned for her to come in.  They located the computer in a far room.

As Chloe booted up the computer, a soft beeping sound started to emit from within a filing cabinet, making the hairs on Jack’s neck rise.  Oh shit.  He approached the filing cabinet, opening the drawer a crack and peering inside.  His suspicions were correct and lying on top of the files was a bomb, with its counter ticking away.  3 minutes, 40 seconds and descending. 

“CTU, we got a bomb here. We have three minutes. Chloe get the hell out of here.”

“Holy shit! I’m almost done, can’t you defuse it?”

Jack shot her a glare, “Defuse it? Get the hell out of here!”

Chloe continued to work.  “Listen, you defuse it.. I’m almost done.”

“For crissake Chloe, listen to Jack!” Chase demanded over the comm unit.  Jack scanned the bomb.  It was professionally done, and continuing to count down.

“There’s not enough time! Damnit Chloe!” Jack reached over to grab Chloe’s arm, she dodged his movement, furiously typing away as the data filled onto the flash drive.

“I got it! Let’s go!” she triumphantly exclaimed, yanked the flash drive out of the port and handed it over to Jack.

With their hearts racing, Jack and Chloe sped out of the home and towards their vehicle. Grabbing her around the waist, he tossed her to the ground and protected her with his body.  Seconds later, a deafening explosion was released.

“Chloe! Jack!” screamed a panic-stricken Chase, over the comm unit.

Lying on the ground, Chloe wasn’t sure how long she had been there.  She felt a heavy object on her back. Chloe looked up to determine the source. On the back of her neck, she felt his steady breath and the pound of his heart. Jack reached over to smooth her hair behind her ears.  She could feel him lean in towards her, and she quietly gasped.

“Are you okay?” he whispered in her ear.  He lightened his weight but continued to hover over her.

Like an automatic reflex, at the sound of his voice, Chloe’s closed her eyes. Exhaling her breath, she blurted out, “I am now.”  She could feel heat, but was unsure if it was from the building or somewhere closer.  “How about you?”

Jack relaxed and shifted his body to her side, “Same here.” She glanced up at him, and he softly smiled.  His hand reached over to smooth the stray hairs from her face. Unlike the day he interviewed her, he decided to hold her gaze.

Off in the distance, sirens could be heard wailing.  A black vehicle rushed in and came to an abrupt stop, as Chase jumped out of the vehicle. The flurry of activity, snapped Chloe and Jack to attention and made them jump off the ground. 

“Holy shit! What the fuck!” Chase yelled. “What part of ‘listen to Jack’ did you not understand?! That better not had been payback for my crack about Adam!”

Chloe grabbed her friend and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to..” she choked back her tears.  Chase rubbed her back.

Jack quietly excused himself to speak to an arriving field agent.

“I promise you that will be the last time you go out in the field.  I won’t pressure you ever again. No tricks! We’ll talk to Tony when we get back and move you to a different section.” Chase planned.

Chloe released herself from his protective embrace.  She picked some dirt from her shirt, raised her eyebrows and glanced across to Jack. She bit the bottom of her lip, as she watched him discuss the events with the agents. Chase led her by the hand to his vehicle and opened the passenger door for her.

“It wasn’t so bad. Don’t worry about it Chase.”  She quietly chuckled to herself, as she climbed inside. 

Jack glanced up at the vehicle, and rubbed the back of his neck. The agents continued to talk to him, as his gaze followed the departing vehicle. His stomach twisted and he felt his chest heavy. Don’t get personal. That was too close.  He shook his head and refocused on the agents’ discussion.

The information on the hard drive revealed the location of Hector and Ramon Salazar.

Okay, I have to start with a huge disclaimer.. this is the first fanfic.. short story.. piece of writing that I have ever done that was not assigned by a teacher!  However, I have been reading the excellent work you all have presented, completely blown away by your talents.  Each time I finished reading, I would say to myself, "if only I could do that." Then I realized, the only way to learn is to try.

This is set between season 2 and 3.  I figured to start at the beginning. It's a friendship fic.. and there is a swear word or two. So here it is, my first Chloe and Jack fan fiction.  I don't own them.. they belong to the wonderful folks at Fox Network. Thank heavens for the creaters of 24! 

Please be kind with your comments!! And as many of you have written before.. feedback is love!

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A quiet day is rare at CTU.  Normally, the team would be working through protocols, feeling pressure and anxiety of the events, and trying their best to remain level headed.  Strangely, today was rare.  Chloe reminded herself to be thankful. Lord knows they needed it.

 Chloe had been working at CTU for three months.  Her best friend Chase was relentless in encouraging her to apply. 

“You need to do this Chloe.  You’re the best hacker—and I know you have been playing around the files at that Security Company..”               
“Chase!  Shut up!  Here, have another drink and shut the hell up!”

“Oh come now.. I know you’ve been checking out the staff files and programs.. admit it you’re bored. There’s no challenge!”

“Oh yeah.. and signing up to be shot at, to go out in the field.. yeh that’ll solve all my problems!  No thanks.. I had enough drama when Morris was in my life, screwing around.  My quiet little desk job is fine by me.”

“Now first off, you would be an analyst—they rarely go in..”

“.. Rarely means sometimes!”

 “Not very often.. Chloe listen, you are the best at what you do.  Why waste your talent in a go-no-where-fast J.O.B, where you can make a difference.  Just think about it” He put the application information in her hand, and poured her another shot of whiskey “here, drink this and stop cheating yourself”

 It was late when Chloe returned home—her head was already starting to spin from shots of whiskey. How many did they have? Why is it she always ends up like this after a night out with Chase?  She turned on her lamp, and tossed her purse onto the chair.  The application information flew out.  Chloe picked it up to examine.  “I could really do this, but what’s holding me back?” Chloe asked herself.

The flashing light on her answering machine caught her eye.  Chloe pressed the button.

“Chloe.. stop it darling and just do it!”  Damnit Chase, even drunk that boy is still relentless!

 
Chewing the end of her pen, Chloe watched Chase.  She had to admit he was right.  She did feel better about herself—she had purpose in life.  At her old job, she dreaded going in the morning and couldn’t get home fast enough. Now, she had this drive.. this force inside of her to perfect the systems and support the field agents as best as she could. 

Chloe smiled to herself—yes that relentless friend of hers was right.  She returned to her files with pride in her heart.

Jack had been watching his new analyst from his desk.  She was an odd one that was for sure.  She had this way of saying things, which got his back up.  At first, he was tempted to fire her, but then he realized that she was right.  Jack smiled at how she held her own when he lost his patience with her.  Now he was grateful that he hired her.

After Mason had died, and the national crisis averted,  Ryan Chapelle placed Tony in charge of the office.  What a mess. They lost 40 percent of their staff when the bombs exploded. Tony demanded to have Jack in charge of Field Ops.  Jack agreed to the responsibility—with one expectation, that he had joint decision-making with hiring.

Chase had been raving about his friend, Chloe O’Brian, for weeks. “I’m telling you man, she’s the best.  I wouldn’t want anyone else guiding me in the field.  Give her a chance.”

Tony and Jack were in the situation room, getting ready to conduct the next interview.  Out of the corner of Jack’s eye, he noticed a small, nervous woman, waiting for her turn.  Jack looked at his list of applicants, and noticed Chase’s “ Chloe O’Brian” was next to interview.

“No way, that can’t possibly be the great computer genius Chase has been glowing about. She wouldn’t last an hour here.” Jack sighed, how in the hell will he break it to Chase that he wasn’t going to hire his friend.

Tony opened the door.  “Chloe OBrian?”

“That’s me.”  Chloe strained a smile, drew in a big breath, and stood up to straighten her skirt.  Okay Chloe, it’s now or never, and you know you can do this.  If they don’t like you, fuck ‘em, she thoughtfully reassured herself.

Jack looked up as Chloe entered the room.  He stood up to shake her hand.

“Chloe, this is Jack Bauer, Head of Field Operations.  I’m Tony Almeida, Deputy Director.”

It was one of those rare moments for Jack, when she shook his hand and she looked him right in the eye, holding his gaze.  Jack caught his breath, and looked down. “What the hell?” he thought to himself, “where did that come from?”

After the interview, candidates were selected for the second round.  They were to perform various tasks, in order to display their computer skills.  Not only was Chloe fastest, she had completed them with an air of calm and deep concentration.  She had ability to focus her attention on the task, in order to get it done to perfection.  Jack was impressed, he turned to Tony ” I want her hired. She’s exactly what we need here.”  and walked out.

***

“I’m taking you out for dinner. We’re celebrating! You got the position.” Chase informed her on her cell.

“Are you serious? The positions mine? Oh dear lord, what have I done?!”  Chloe started to chew the inside of her cheek.

“Come now.. I heard about how you smoked the other candidates.  You impressed the hell out of Jack.”

“Jack?  He’s the intense one, right?”  Chloe remembered how when she shook his hand and instantly felt a jolt.

As she completed the tasks, she noticed him watching her with an unshakable intensity.  She couldn’t believe the look in his eye—like he was reading her, trying to figure her out.  At first, she found it unnerving, but then she forced herself to zone him out—if she wanted to complete the tasks properly, she had to focus.  The tasks were tough, really tested her computer skills—she felt exhilarated when she finished first “Ha!” she caught herself quietly exclaiming.   Looking up, embarrassed and hoping nobody heard her, she made eye contact with Jack, who smirked.  He turned and muttered something to Tony, looked back at her and walked out of the room. Oh crap, what was that all about, she thought to herself.

“I don’t know if intense best describes Jack, but yes, that would be Jack.  Anyway, I’m so proud of you.  And you will be working in Field Ops, so we’ll be working together. How perfect is that?!”

Chloe had the feeling that she was being watched.  She looked up from her files, and noticed Jack watching her.  Quickly, he looked away and back to his computer.  Jack hadn’t realized that he was staring at her for so long.  Chloe smiled to herself, he really keeps to himself, she noticed.  During her first month, every time he spoke to her, it was work related and when he needed something immediately. The other analysts felt intimidated by him, not Chloe.  He was definitely intense, but she understood that a person in his position, would have to be strong and concentrated.  Chloe admired his fortitude. She had heard about the loss of his wife, Terri and the struggles that he had been through.

“God, he’s so guarded, poor guy needs to get out for some fun.” Chloe thought to herself and with a deep inhale picked up the phone.

“Bauer”

“It’s Chloe..Is there anything that you need?”

“Uh.. no.. sorry.. I was just thinking...”

“It’s quiet today, isn’t it?  Unbelievably quiet.”

“Yeh.. let’s take it when we can get it, right?”

Chloe laughed, “So true.  Hey.. Chase and I are going out for drinks later. Uh.. do you wanna join us?”

"Um.. I’m not sure.. I have a lot of work here.. I don’t know..”

“Oh that’s okay.. don’t worry about it.. just thought.. never mind.  Maybe another time?” A crimson flush started to spread across Chloe’s face.

“Yeh, sure.  Thanks for the offer.”

“No problem. I better get back to these files.” Chloe hung up the phone and let a sigh.  Nice try O’Brian.

Leaving his hand on the phone, Jack bit his lip.  Damnit! It's just a drink. Where's the harm? His hand picked up the phone. 

Tony came quickly up the stairs, into Jack’s office and closed the door.  From the look on his face, and Jack’s reaction, Chloe could tell that something was up.  Tony quickly left  and walked towards the situation room.  Jack followed, turned and looked at Chloe.

“Chloe get Chase, looks like our moment of peace and quiet is up.” 

“It was nice while it lasted.’ Chloe muttered to herself as she got up and realized that Jack was still standing there.

Jack cocked his head slightly to one side, and nodded “Yeh.. come on, let’s go.”.

Chloe followed Jack, and noticed that the bull pen was starting to buzz with activity. Senior analyst quickly moved across the floor to gather with Tony and Michelle in the situation room.  Chloe felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach, she always felt like this before a crisis. She sat down in her chair, and noticed Jack had moved beside her.

Chase was the last to enter the room, sat on the other side of Chloe and smiled to her.  He leaned over to her and whispered in her ear “Looks like the three of us are a team.” 

“Chase! Shh.. shut up!” Chloe kicked him under the table.  Nervously she glanced over to Jack.  Jack’s eyes met hers and he smirked. Chloe quickly looked away, bit her bottom lip and muttered “Damnit Chase”

Jack looked down and smiled.  Yes, Chase was right. He had been right from the start.