| Disclaimer: I don�t own these characters, I don�t pretend to know all the ins and outs of Law & Order � I�ve just started watching it & I�m picking it up as I go. But the story & ideas are mine� please don�t sue! [email protected] I W a n t L o v e A Jack/Nora story by Rhonda* I want love, but it's impossible A man like me, so irresponsible A man like me is dead in places Other men feel liberated I can't love, shot full of holes Don't feel nothing, I just feel cold Don't feel nothing, just old scars Toughening up around my heart But I want love, just a different kind I want love, won't break me down Won't brick me up, won't fence me in I want a love, that don't mean a thing That's the love I want, I want love. I want love on my own terms After everything I've ever learned Me, I carry too much baggage Oh man I've seen so much traffic But I want love, just a different kind I want love, won't break me down Won't brick me up, won't fence me in I want a love, that don't mean a thing That's the love I want, I want love So bring it on, I've been bruised Don't give me love that's clean and smooth, I'm ready for the rougher stuff No sweet romance, I've had enough Part 2 � The Old Feelings Thursday 17th January Jack pushed the files into his desk drawer and drained the last of his coffee. It was late, he was tired and in need of a good brandy. He pushed back his chair and stretched his legs, it had been a strange week, one thing and one thing only had been on his mind and that was Nora. Although they�d hardly spoken this week, casually anyway, he�d found himself entering a room and seeking her out. Listening for her voice, staring at her, smiling to himself when he thought about her, those old feelings were coming back again. Things he thought he�d never feel again, not after all the failed relationships he�d been through. He couldn�t even pinpoint where or when or why he�d started to feel this way about her, it wasn�t just last Friday that had done it, although that night had sealed it for him. It started long before that, perhaps the first day she�d come to Hogan place, back into his life, and suddenly he�d remembered all the guilt that was there over hurting her and letting her slip away. Why the hell would she even consider dating him anyway? And why the hell was he fantasizing like some school kid, surely he�d grown old enough to get over all that. He didn�t even know exactly what he wanted from her, was it simply a matter of winning her over, getting her into bed, and having some company for a while? He jumped when his office door opened. �Hey, what�s this, you�re not thinking are you?� �Hi Lennie.� �Hi. Come on then.� Jack stared at him. �Drinks, game of pool, its Thursday night and I�m starving so hurry up, get your coat, let�s go.� �Alright, alright.� He pulled on his grey coat and they made their way from his office to the elevator �What�s wrong with you anyway?� Lennie asked as they stood waiting for it. �Nothing, well I�ll tell you later.� The doors opened and a few people stepped out, including Nora, Jack felt his throat tighten. �Hi pretty lady.� Lennie said kissing her cheek. �Only you could get away with that Lennie.� She laughed. �Working late aren�t we.� �Forgot something, its always the same, just as I reach the car.� �Have a good evening.� �You too, bye Jack.� She called as she walked away. �Bye.� He replied to her back. �I swear that woman gets better looking every time I see her. I mean Adam was a hell of a good District Attorney but not much to look at.� He nudged Jack as he laughed. �Hey come on, what�s wrong with you. A smile would be nice.� �Sorry.� He rubbed his forehead. �I need a drink.� ***** Jack sat at a table in the corner of the bar, away from the crowd, listening to the young man that was singing in the corner. �There you go.� Lennie placed a drink in front of him. �That kid�s got a damn good voice.� �Yeah, I was just thinking that.� �So are you gonna tell me what�s going on with you and Nora?� Lennie sipped his club soda. Jack�s head shot up. �Nothing, what do you mean?� �Come on, did you think I wouldn�t notice how you look at her, I know that look!� �What look?� Jack took a drink and Lennie just stared at him waiting for the truth. �Ok, alright, perhaps there is something � I mean for me anyway.� �For you. You mean you haven�t asked her out or anything?� �No.� �Why the hell not? It�s not like you to wait around, with women anyway. Unless this one is serious, is it?� �I don�t know, it could be, those feelings Lennie, remember them?� �Sure do, the ones that always end up causing you trouble.� �Exactly, that�s why I�m not sure what to do. She seems high maintenance.� �You mean you can�t just sleep with her for a while then walk away like you usually do.� �Hey that�s not fair.� �Ok I�m sorry, but perhaps the others weren�t serious enough. I mean god Jack you�ve been through a few women, maybe its time you found one who went through you instead.� �Never was any good at relationships.� �Why don�t you stop worrying about what could go wrong and just ask her out and enjoy it. Now come on, lets have a game before the table is taken, I�ll beat you and take your money and that will take your mind off the lovely Nora for a while.� ***** Friday 18th January The snow whistled around Jack�s face and he pulled his hood closer round his face, trying to hide it from the cold. The wind sure was strong this morning. He tapped his boots on the sidewalk before pushing open the door to Hogan place, and he spotted Nora battling with her briefcase and a box of files, her hair was whipping about her face and her scarf almost strangling her. He rushed towards her taking the box and helping her inside. She put down her briefcase shaking her head and untangling her scarf. �Thanks. I really should have been sensible enough to make two trips.� �It�s ok, weather�s pretty bad this morning.� They made their way to the elevator, Jack still carrying the box for her. �Did you have a good time last night?� �Yes thanks, Lennie still beat me at pool though, years of practice and I still can�t work out his tricks.� �Oh dear, perhaps you should pick a new game, you�re very good at cards.� She looked sideways at him smiling. �That�s only after a drink or two.� �Ah, I see.� �Look I was wondering if you�d like to go out for dinner or something tonight, I mean if you�re not busy.� �No I�m not busy, I�d love to. But do you think we could go somewhere other than a restaurant. It was my niece�s birthday meal last night and I�m afraid I indulged rather too much.� Jack laughed, �Sure, so where would you like to go?� �I heard there�s a good film on, if you�d like that.� �A film! I haven�t been to the movies in years, but ok we�ll go there, if that�s what you want.� The elevator doors opened and Nora stepped out, lifting the box from Jack�s arms. �I do, oh and I expect popcorn too.� �Alright it�s a date.� ***** Part 1 Stories Part 3 |