evettive

Romantic chemistry is not something that comes easily to everyone. In some cases, it’s instant. In others, it is evolving. However, my overall understanding of romantic chemistry is that it is an evolving thing. A relationship that begins from a “chemical” spark may appear deceiving. That spark may exist for a second, but it could go out just as quickly has it started. This is why so many couples lose interest in each other, because they thought they had that “something” and that that “something” was going to last forever. Often times, this is not the case. I think true romantic chemistry comes over a period of time in which two people get to know each other intimately and deeply. However, this is not to say that romantic chemistry always goes out after a few dates or a few months in a relationship.

There is a difference between romantic chemistry and “love at first sight,” and real, genuine love. Romantic chemistry seems like it’s something that happens like…BAM. It’s there. It’s that attraction, the ooey gooey romantic feelings you have for another person. Now “love at first sight” is just an all around myth to me. True, there are some cases of “LAFS” but really, how many relationships do you know that have started this way, and are still going on at the present time? One relationship I know that has started like that is my parents’. They met over twenty years ago in a bar. My mom says that the moment she saw my dad, she knew she would marry him. She did and they are still together. I wish I had that confidence she has, especially in MANkind. But genuine love, ah, genuine love. This is something comes around once in a lifetime. I wish I knew what it felt like. I won’t go on preaching on genuine love because I know nothing of it.

Believe it or not, I have never given someone a second or third chance. Not romantically and not regularly. I don’t know why, I’ve just never had a problem with anyone that came to the point where they required ME to give them anther chance. Who am I to say whether someone gets another chance at something or not? For me, YOU are the one who has to give yourself another chance, not me. But if you do decide to give yourself another chance, I’m here for you.

Ugh, and this last question. “Have you ever fallen in love with someone you didn’t particularly like or desire at first?” This question makes me think of my FAVORITE book and movie of all time, Pride and Prejudice. Lizzy and Mr. Darcy are the iconic (in my humble opinion) example of a “love-hate relationship.” However, sadly, I have never experience such a love as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's. I have never fallen in love. I've THOUGHT I’ve fallen in love, but then I realized it was just infatuation when I gave up on him and it didn’t affect me. All I can say, is that a love like the one found in Pride and Prejudice is one of the ultimate kinds of love. This love also makes me think of Lois and Clark from Smallville. Their lovey-hatey, bantery relationship makes ME weak in the knees and I’m only watching it on my screen. I wish I could experience love in general. I am currently in a stage of “like,” but I don’t know how things are going to go in the coming days. We shall wait and see. Thank you for reading.

I don't own the songs, just made the cover art.

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1. Electric Twist – A Fine Frenzy

The smells of the city
They ride in your suit

2. Five Minutes to Midnight – Boys Like Girls

Alright, at five minutes to midnight
You see our name in city lights
We'll make the clock stop
Make your heart drop and come alive

3. Reverse This Curse – Escape the Fate

Last night I had the weirdest dream,
That you and I drove off the darkest streets,
Passing through these city lights,
Closure for the kids that died.

4. Gotta Figure This Out – Erin McCarley

Big city streets are calling me loud
The busy keeps me high
Well this quiet town is wearing me down tonight

5. Hometown Glory - Adele

I like it in the city when the air is so thick and opaque
I love it to see everybody in short skirts, shorts and shades
I like it in the city when two worlds collide
You get the people and the government
Everybody taking different sides

6. Unfair – Kate Voegele

The city sleeps
So silently
Wish I could say the same for me
But I've got this dead ended street
To keep searching
For a tunnel underneath the bitter truth
Or a bridge invisible I won't fall through

7. Designer Skyline – Owl City

A city sparkles in the night
How can it glow so bright?
The neighborhoods surround the soft florescent light
Designer skyline in my head
Abstract and still well-read
You went from numbered lines to buildings overhead

8. This City is Contagious – The Cab

Make us; this city's contagious
Caught inside its pages
We are leaving it all
Hate us; it'll only save us
Stronger than we came up
We are leaving it all

9. Look After You – The Fray

When I’m losing my control

The city spins around

You’re the only one who knows

You slow it down

10. Everything’s Ok – The Gabe Dixon Band

The night I climb toward the sky,
above the city lights I'll fly
How can I live without that girl?
I wanted her inside my world.

Title: Things Between People
Author: evettive
Pairing: Jack/Liz
Rating: PG
Word Count: 500
Spoilers: none
Summary: He wants her there?

Disclaimer: I don't own 30 Rock.

When Jack said “until tomorrow Lemon,” he meant exactly that. Liz really wasn’t counting on talking to Jack for a while, but was pleasantly surprised when he popped up on her screen the next night. What shocked her about their Facebook chats so far (all two of them) was how civil Jack was to her. Compared to REAL life when he annoyed her to no end with his pompous-ass wisecracks about her hair and her makeup and her teeth and whatever else he could find to berate her about.

It was almost as if he was attempting chivalry. Although Liz had to admit, sometimes Jack exuded chivalry at the office. Sometimes he’d place a hand on the small of her back or on her elbow when he wanted to talk to her. Other times, he held the door for her. While these every now and then sent a shock up and down her spine, she lived to hear his praise. As strange as it sounded, her heart leaped out of her body when he said, “That’s my girl,” or his usual, “Lemon.” The same thing happened, even when he simply typed out her name. Like now for instance…

Jack: Evening Lemon.
Liz: Hey Jack.
Jack: Liz I need a favor.
Liz: What’s that?
Jack: I need you to come to D.C.
Liz: Whaaaaat???? You’ve been there a few days and you need me already? What happened to summer vacation?
Jack: You won’t be working. It’s a personal favor.
Liz: Can’t someone else do whatever it is you need? Isn’t C.C. down there or something?
Jack: Trust me, what I’m about to ask you to do, you do NOT want me to ask C.C. to do.
Liz: Ugh fine…what is it?
Jack: I need your company for the night.
Liz: What like let’s get drunk and pretend we never screwed up company? Or let’s dress up and go to a fancy event company?
Jack: The second one.
Liz: Damn.
Jack: Well?
Liz: I have no way of getting out of this do I?
Jack: Well Lemon, I’m certainly not going to force you to come down here am I?
Liz: Well I dunno Jack, you’ve done crazier things than that.
Jack: You would fly up tomorrow afternoon, I’d have everything set for you when you arrived and we’d be done by midnight. You can either take the red eye home, or stay overnight. It’s up to you.
Liz: Ugh, I’ll decide after I get done with whatever shindig we’ll be attending.
What kind of shindig are we attending exactly?
Jack: It’s a surprise.
Liz: Oh God, Jack. You know how I feel about surprises…
Jack: Believe me, you’ll feel quite differently about this one, I’m sure.
Liz: Alright Jack, I trust you.
Jack: Your flight information will be in your email inbox within the hour. Thank you for doing this…I know how
you feel about flying.
Liz: Alright, well I’ll see you tomorrow I guess.
Jack: Good night Lemon.
Liz: Night.

Title: Hello Again (Sequel to I Guess This Is Goodbye)
Author: evettive
Pairing: Jack/Liz
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 661
Spoilers: None
Summary: He never said, "I love you."

Disclaimer: I don't own 30 Rock.

As she continued her crying fit, she was interrupted by a knock on the door.

She dried her tears and checked her face in the mirror before answering the door.

It was him.

Of all the times for him to come here, he had to choose now. She was a mess from her head to her feet (although this was not unusual).

“Can I come in?” he asked.

She stared at him, open mouthed, wondering what he was doing in her apartment.

He walked in, shaking the coldness off his body.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

He sat down on the couch and looked up at her.

“I want to know something,” he said ambiguously. “I want to know why you’re afraid.”

“You waited all this time to ask me that? God it’s been a month! You’ve given me nothing but the cold shoulder.”

“I know.”

“Okay, you want to know what I’m afraid of? Yes, I’m afraid of marriage and commitment and all that stuff. But what’s more is I’m afraid of losing you. If I married you, then that would mean I would eventually have to lose you. The same way I lost all the others, and the same way all the others lost you. Don’t you get it? All good things must come to an end, and I couldn’t bear it if we came to an end. That’s why I didn’t, and couldn’t marry you!”

“What did you think we had? Just some passing fling? I don’t call ten months a fling,” he said, avoiding her eyes. “That’s why I proposed in the first place.”

“You just don’t get it do you?”

“No,” he said, almost angrily. “You’re the one who doesn’t seem to get it. I love you. Did I not make that clear enough? I love you more than anyone or anything. I thought you knew that.”

“You never said it,” she said, quietly.

“I thought I made it clear enough. I mean, just look at the ten months we shared. Why did things change?”

“Because I was scared.”

“What were you scared of?” he questioned.

“Like I said, of you losing you…us.”

He stood up and took a step closer to her.

“I love you,” he said.

Step. 

“I never stopped.”

Step.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

Step.

He was directly in front of her, just inches from her body.

“Yeah, well I’m sorry too,” she said, looking away.

He reached for her face, and turned her gaze back toward him. For a few seconds, they glared at each other with fire in their eyes.  

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I…love you too,” she stammered.

And with that, he swept her into his arms and kissed her passionately, very much like their first kiss, only much, much better she decided. Much better. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to her bedroom, where they spent a majority of the night doing what they did best.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window and she awoke with a start.
She found herself alone in bed.

She gazed longingly at the ring on her finger. It sure had been some night. But it wasn’t the sex that made her accept his second proposal. It was the promise of their love, something that neither of them would ever lose, or grow weary from.

It was something that had the potential to last a lifetime and this time, there were no doubts in her mind.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden smell that caught her attention.

As she drifted into the kitchen, she found him humming to himself, making breakfast, much like after their first night together.

She came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him, and he kissed her hair.

“Good morning sunshine,” he said with a grin.

Now was a good time to cry those happy tears she had so longed for.

Yes, now was the time.

Title: So I Guess This is Goodbye
Author: evettive
Pairing: Jack/Liz
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 964
Spoilers: Very minor spoilers for "The Ones," coming later in the month.
Summary: Her worst breakup. By far.

Disclaimer: I don't own 30 Rock.

Crying about this was absolutely out of the question.

After all, who cried about loser boyfriends anyway? Crying was overrated. These days, people just picked up and moved on to the next one after a few days.

Well, she was fairly certain she wasn’t in this select group, but she wanted nothing more than to move on from the disaster that was her last relationship.

It all started after his latest rejection on the proposal of marriage. He had been tossed to the curb, and she had been there to pick things up, in a sense.

As usual, they both had no one but each other. So, they had made the best of it. It started in the cheap bar down the street, where they both drank their way into oblivion. After their fourth round of beer, she decided that alcohol and depression was not the best combination.

It continued when they went into deep conversation late into the night.

They talked about needs and wants and desires. After that, things had been a blur.

She felt his hand on her leg…and then they both knew what would come next.

They hastily got up from the table they were sitting at and headed to his place.

They reached the door and he fumbled for his keys, trying to hurry.

As soon as the door was shut, he attacked her. Literally. He ran his hands through her thick hair and pressed his whole body against her. When his mouth crashed into hers, she knew exactly where this was going, but made no move to stop.

The sex that followed had been amazing. The best sex she had ever had in fact. She was sure of that. And when she awoke in his arms and saw him smiling in his sleep, her heart absolutely melted. When he did wake up, he pulled her a little closer. Even though they were both feeling the massive hangovers, he got up and made her breakfast. She thought he did it to keep things from getting awkward but in reality, it was just who he was.

She was sure this would never happen again. In fact, so sure that she avoided him the next day at work, just to make sure it didn’t happen.

Then came the end of the day. Everyone went home, and she was left in her office alone.

He found her. Their greeting was just like it usually was, casual…generic. Then he came closer to her desk and put a strong hand over hers. He placed a hand on her chin and forced her to look up at him. He stared at her hard in the eyes for a few seconds, and then gave her the most romantic kiss she had ever received. Let’s just say that if she had been standing up, she would have been swept off her feet.

She wondered what that had been for, but he explained before she could ask. He sat down and said he wanted to continue this. He didn’t get to fully enjoy everything about the night before because he had been hammered. And he knew that they were complete opposites and should probably never date. Ever. But he didn’t care, he wanted to continue whatever this was.

She sat in stunned silence for awhile, not sure what to say.

Finally, she looked up at him and agreed. And then they had awesome sex (again) in her office.

The months that followed had been full of pure bliss. There were ten of them before it all went downhill.

On their anniversary, he took her to an elegant restaurant with lobster, Pinot Grigio and cheesecake. As she ate her cheesecake, he looked like he was waiting for something important to happen. She couldn’t help but ask what he was so excited about. Well, she found out in the next bite of cheesecake she took.

She felt something small, cold and hard in her mouth. After swallowing the cheesecake, she took out whatever it was that had nearly choked her to death.

A ring.

She felt her stomach tie in knots as he took the ring from her and knelt down on the floor, proposing that the two of them be bound in holy matrimony for life.

Fear ripped through her and she attempted to get up and head for the door. However, he grabbed her hand just in time.

He wanted to know what was wrong. She told him.

She loved him, but not enough to marry him. So the last ten months had meant absolutely nothing? No, not exactly. He was everything she ever wanted but at the same time, marrying him would be a disaster and they both knew it.

He could never be enough for her, and she was too much for him. They couldn’t handle each other. So right there in the restaurant, he tucked the ring into his jacket pocket and turned away. There were tears threatening to spill down her face as she too started to walk away from the best man she had ever had.

Work was strange. He never called her into his office any more, never said hello to her or made fun of her clothes. When there was a problem, she went to his assistant, and he passed on the message. The next day, or within a few hours, the problem would be taken care of, but she never knew how. She rarely saw him and it hurt like you wouldn’t believe. She missed everything about him, but at the same time, she knew she was better off. Or was she?

And now, when she sat in her small apartment, on her ancient couch recalling everything that had happened, she decided that it was a good time to cry.

Title: Things Between People
Author: evettive
Pairing: Jack/Liz
Rating: PG
Word Count: 400
Spoilers: none
Summary: Boredom leads to curiosity.

Disclaimer: I don't own 30 Rock.

She thought that being away from Tracy, Jenna, Jack and TGS would calm her down. But in fact, her life was way worse without all of the above. Several times, Liz considered her brand new running shoes that had been sitting in the closet for months, but it was useless. Liz had as much desire to go running as she did for doing her taxes (thank God April had come and gone). That’s how bad her laziness got when summertime rolled around. Liz had no motivation, no contact with the outside world and no toilet paper (thank God (again) that the mail came almost every day. She got creative on Sundays).

By the second weekend, Liz was struck with “cabin fever.” One day while watching a Top Chef marathon, Liz glanced over at her computer. She hadn’t turned it on since the day Jenna had come over. Her curiosity was peaked, so she grabbed her laptop and booted it up.

Liz logged into Facebook and began to explore. She noticed a little red box in the lower right-hand corner with the number “14” in it. What the hell was this for? The next page let her know immediately…these had been the notifications or whatever that Jenna had been rambling about. As she scrolled through her notifications, she saw a few friend requests from old boyfriends and college friends, as well as the writers. However, only one of the names stood out to her; Jack’s. She couldn’t believe he had one of these things and was curious about the information it contained. She accepted Jack’s request, then of course Jenna, Tracy and all the writers. Then she scrolled over to Jack’s profile.

 She was shocked to see a young, handsome man staring at her. It was the same picture he had shown her awhile ago. She couldn’t believe how attractive Jack was…is…? It’s not that Jack gotten ugly or anything between the time this picture was taken and now, because he definitely hadn’t. But he was her boss, so it was hard to see him in that kind of light. But then again, why was he any different than any other guy she found attractive? Maybe it was because she knew him so well. Or maybe it was just her natural womanly instincts talking. Either way, she knew Jack was one hell of a guy…in more ways than one.

TBC

Title: Things Between People
Author: evettive
Pairing: Jack/Liz
Rating: PG
Word Count: 400
Spoilers: none
Summary: Jenna brings Liz into the realm of social networking.

Disclaimer: I don't own 30 Rock.

At the moment, there were a few things Liz Lemon couldn’t believe. First of all, there was the fact that Jenna was in Liz’s apartment. However, it wasn’t the fact that Jenna was in the apartment. It’s what she was doing in the apartment that freaked Liz out.

“Well Liz,” Jenna said. “You’re all set. Now we can stay in touch all summer! All you have to do is fill out some of this information and there ya go!”

Liz headed toward the computer and took a look at the screen. “Relationship status? Location? Birthday? Jenna do you have any idea how many creeps are probably going to contact me through this thing? I mean haven’t you seen the preview for He’s Just Not That Into You? They’re saying Myspace is the new booty call or something. Whatever that means.”

“Liz, it’s perfectly safe. Besides, Facebook is on a whole different level than Myspace. I mean, look at how sophisticated it is. It’s almost as sophisticated as I am. Besides, you can reject friend requests from people you don’t know.”

“How do I do that?”

“It’s easy. When someone friends you, you either hit the “accept” or “reject” button.”

“You know, I bet Dennis has one of these things,” Liz said, shuddering. “And maybe even Floyd too. Aw come on Jenna! I don’t have any friends to talk to on this thing. I mean besides you…”

“Actually, Frank, Lutz, Cerie, Toofer, Tracy and Jack have one. Even Kenneth has one! And you know how he is about stuff like this. We convinced him that he could increase attendance at his church through Facebook.”

“And he really fell for that?”

“Yep.”

“Huh…poor kid.”

“Anyway, thanks for setting this up. Um I guess I’ll – wait – did you say Jack has a Facespace?”

 “Facebook Liz. And yes, Jack has one.”

“Oh my bad. Jack Donaghy right?”

“Liz…we only know one Jack. Well unless you count Jack Hanna…and then there’s Jack the Ripper. And then there was Jack from that theater class you took…”

“No Jenna! We don’t talk about that…”

“Well, I guess I’ll see you in a month Liz. Have fun with your Facebook!”

“Have fun in Taiwan!” Liz said, giving Jenna a quick hug.

And with that, Liz was left alone with her Facebook and her Sabor de Soledad.

It was going to be a very long, lonely summer.

“Why I’m Talking to You” by Jon McLaughlin

The stars moved when you walked in the room
That's why I'm talking to you
My heart won't beat in the groove unless I'm talking to you

Let me take a minute to explain myself
Let me say some words that may help
The reason why I've got to be close to you is just that I don't want nobody else
I'm gonna make sure I keep you all to myself

“A Beautiful Mess” by Jason Mraz

And based on your body language,
And shoddy cursive I've been reading
Your style is quite selective,
Though your mind is rather reckless
Well I guess it just suggests
That this is just what happiness is

And don't mind my nerve you could call it fiction
But I like being submerged in your contradictions dear
'Cause here we are, here we are

Although you were biased I love your advice
Your comebacks they're quick
And probably have to do with your insecurities
There's no shame in being crazy,
Depending on how you take these
Words I'm paraphrasing this relationship we're staging

And what a beautiful mess this is
It's like picking up trash in dresses

“Guess It May” by Rosie Thomas

I’m still learning what love is
When I’m walking close to you
The best way to hold your hand in mine
The best way to comfort you

I’m still learning what love is
Every time you look at me that way
I’m still trying to figure out just how
You can still look at me the same

Even though I may not get it right
All the time I will always try
And i will always stand right by your side

“Things Between People” by Holly Throsby

He usually brings the car around and parks it outside our house
And he talks to me of loneliness and the feeling's all 'round
So he takes out all these women but he doesn't feel a thing
And he thinks there's something missing or there's something wrong with him
'Cause he reels them in and he reels them out again

All these old mistakes, they catch us up
The same old patterns form again
Till every day feels the same

I usually bring the car out front and she gathers up and finds her things
While he can't see where his friends stop and his lovers begin
He says 'I cannot be around you because god knows it hurts
But I cannot be without you 'cause it's much, much worse'
So he reels me in and he reels me out again

“Things Don’t Always Turn Out That Way” by The Calling

Well he can’t sleep at night
And he cant do what’s right
It was all because she came into his life
Its a deep obsession, taking up his time

She’s all that he wants, she’s all that he needs
She’s everything he just wont believe
Take away his doubt, turn him inside out
Then she can see what he’s been dying to say

And he must confess
All the impure thoughts of his beautiful temptress
Although he keeps it all bottled up inside
Although he keeps it all safe within his mind

“Ache for You” by Ben Lee

And it's alright if you're undecided or,
If you're scared that you might like it or
If it's true, I ache for you

There's no rhyme and there's no reason
You're the secret in the back of my skull
There's no logic, so please believe me
Our love's confusing, but it never gets dull

And yeah, sometimes it's just desire
Another problem there you really don't want
But anyway, I ache for you

“I Just Think She’s the Best” by Hellogoodbye

Probably thinks that I'm obsessed,
But I just think that she's the best.
She probably thinks that I'm just lonley,
But I've got good friends and she's the only,
One who's made me feel this way.
When she's around I lose my brain.

So what do I do now?
I've got to figure her out...

This means more than I ever-ever thought it might.

“Jack the Ripper” by Morrissey

Crash into my arms
I WANT YOU
You don't agree -
But you don't refuse
I know you

“What I’m Trying to Say” by Stars

I am trying to say
What I want to say
Without having to say
"I love you"

“Hard to Believe” by VOTA

I just can't say no
You're love won't let me go
My shields are defenseless against you

Lost in the dark
Till Your love dawned in my heart
You filled all the hollow
And You freed my pent-up soul

Its so hard to believe
You're here with me now
Make me feel so alive
I've got to let it out

Ex-tra-ord-in-ar-y
You're bringing me out
You filled my heart with Your love
And turned my world around

“I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor” by Arctic Moneys

Stop making the eyes at me,
I'll stop making the eyes at you.
What it is that surprises me is that I don't really you to

“Eric’s Song” by Vienna Teng

Strange how we know each other

Strange how I fit into you
There's a distance erased with the greatest of ease
Strange how you fit into me
A gentle warmth filling the deepest of needs

“Happy Together” by Simple Plan

Me and you, and you and me
No matter how they toss the dice, it has to be
The only one for me is you, and you for me
So happy together

I can't see me lovin' nobody but you
For all my life

“MFEO Pt. 1: Made For Each Other” by Jack’s Mannequin

Oh, Oh maybe, we were made
We were made for each other
Ahh, is it possible for the
World to look this way forever?
Ahhh, Ahhh...

“I’d Come for You” by Nickelback

I was blindfolded
But now I'm seeing
My mind was closing
Now I'm believing

I finally know just
What it means
To let some one in
To see the side of me
That no one does or ever will

“Why Can’t I Be You?” by The Cure

You turn my head when you turn around
You turn the whole world upside down
I'm smitten I'm bitten I'm hooked I'm cooked
I'm stuck like glue!
You make me
Make me hungry for you

“Baby, It’s a Fact” by Hellogoodbye

Just in case they're wondering
They've got us pinned terribly
They don't believe our love is real
Cause they don't know how real love feels

You should know it's true
Just now, the part about my love for you
And how my heart's about burst
Into a thousand pieces
Oh it must be true
And They'll believe us too soon

Baby, it's fact
Our love is true
The way black is black
And blue is just blue
My love is true
It's a matter of fact
Oh, and you love me too
It's as simple as that
Baby, our love is true

“Hold My Heart” by Letter Kills

Think of me when you dream and you know
I'm wide awake and thinkin of you
Cause i swear when you're there alone
Know that I'm wide awake tonight

You could hold my heart
It's all yours if you want

“Calling You” by Blue October

There’s something that i cant quite explain
I'm so in love with you
You'll never take that away

And if i said a hundred times before
Expect a thousand more
You never take that away

Well expect me to be
Calling you to see
If you're ok when I'm not around
Asking if you love me
I love the way you make it sound
Calling you to see
Do I try too hard to make you smile
To make a smile

I can’t believe

You actually picked…me

“Ever Fallen in Love” by Pete Yorn

Ever fallen in love
In love with someone
You shouldn’t’ve fallen in love with

I can’t see much of a future
Unless we find out who’s to blame
What a shame
And we won’t be together much longer
Unless we realize that we are the same

.zip

Title: It’s All in the Numbers
Part 3/3: Just Say What You’re Feeling
Author:evettive
Pairing: Jack/Liz
Rating: PG
Word Count: 770
Spoilers: none
Summary: Things begin to line up for ole Liz Lemon…and Jackie-D.

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything…but you already knew that.

He found her at McDonald’s, of all places. It was the first place he went to look for her. Although he had to admit…it wasn’t his only reason for hitting the “Golden Arches” (he was dying for a McFlurry).

She was sitting in a corner booth, staring at the wall, with an unopened burger and fries sitting in front of her. It was unusual for Lemon to not eat food that was placed in front of her, so Jack knew she was upset.

She hadn’t seen him come in, so he snuck quietly up to her booth and slid in the seat across from her.

She didn’t acknowledge him at first, and only stared at him for a few minutes. After what seemed like an eternity to Jack, she finally spoke. “How long?” she asked him quietly, staring intently at him.

“Excuse me?” Jack asked.

“How long have you known about…this? About how you feel…about me?”

“Well, for a few weeks I suppose.”

“What made you realize how you feel?”

“The fact that you have been one of the most constant people in my life.”

“This isn’t a joke?” Liz asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

“Absolutely not. I care about you Liz. I want to be with you. In the last three years, whenever I’ve needed someone…anyone, you were there. Hell, when I barely even knew you, you gave me a pep talk in the middle of the night. Liz…your jokes are crude at best. Your wardrobe leaves uh…well…” he trailed, looking her up and down, “usually leaves little to be desired, and your manners are obsolete. But for whatever reason, I don’t care. I want you to be my person Elizabeth Lemon. I want to be able to call you in the middle of the night and complain about the inconsistency of those godforsaken infomercials. I want to go get breakfast with you at that little 24-hour diner you adore so much. I want to go to these GE parties you hate so much with you on my arm. I want all the other men in the room to be jealous. But must of all Liz Lemon…most of all, I want you. So there, now that I’ve spilled my soul, I’ll let you decide. If you want to remain strictly platonic, that’s fine. But if you want something more…I’m ready to make that step with you.”
 

“Jack I…I don’t know what to say…” Liz trailed. “I just…”

Jack noticed a hint of apprehension in her voice, and at this point, he expected only rejection.

“I’m sorry Jack.”

Jack’s face fell as he slowly looked up to meet her gaze.

Why was she smiling?

Then he found out.

Liz leapt up, came to his side of the table and tackled him. That’s what she was sorry for.

However, what she (nor he for that matter) was sorry for, was the action that took place next.

After tackling him, Liz brought her face very close to Jack’s and rested her forehead against his. “I care about you too,” she whispered. “I’m ready for the next step.”

And with that, he grabbed her face in his hands, brought her closer and kissed her passionately.

And what a sight they were, making out in the middle of a McDonald’s restaurant, in front of several people. It was something straight out of a Judy Blume novel, but they didn’t care.

After a few seconds, they both came up for air.

“Wow Lemon,” Jack said, almost struggling to catch his breath. “We better get you home.”

Liz agreed and stood up and smoothed out her outfit, looking somewhat flustered. She helped him up, and they slowly headed toward the door, forgetting Liz’s meal.

He placed a hand on the small of her back, and they exited McDonald’s and started off on the walk back to 30 Rock.

“So. How was that for a first date?” he asked, looking down at her with admiration.

“I’d say that was pretty awesome. But…Jack?” Liz paused and stopped walking.

“Yes Lemon,” he said, turning to face her.

“Can I keep my paycheck?”

Jack chuckled lightly and buried his face in her hair. “Of course you can Lemon. Of course you can,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head.

She smiled at him and wrapped an arm around his waist, and they walked off into the night. Together.

Title: It's All in the Numbers
Part 1/3: Hold Your Breath and Count to Nine
Author: evettive
Pairing: Jack/Liz
Rating: PG
Word Count: 617
Spoilers: none
Summary: Jack has the stats, Liz just can't seem to add them up.

Disclaimer: Tina owns, of course.

He had thought about it many times, what it would be like to start an "inter-office relationship."

Even though NBC wasn't really the typical office job, he always fantasized about being the focus of the building's gossip.

He wanted people to talk about him behind his back, he wanted people to know the woman he was with. But must of all, he wanted her.

He had only realized this very recently and started leaving subtle hints around her, hoping she would take notice.

When he needed to talk to her, he’d gently whisk her away into a private room, leading her with his hand on the small of her back, or grabbing her gently by the elbow.

He made sure everyone noticed his public displays of affection, including her.

However, she didn’t say a word, and he was disappointed.

After a few days of unsuccessful attempts at “flirting” as the peasants called it, he decided it was time to kick things up a notch.

He coolly strolled into her tiny office for no reason at all, and sprawled himself out on her old, worn couch.

“Lemon,” he said, prepared to make his opening argument, “Did you know that twenty-four percent of all relationships begin in the workplace?”

“Jack,” she responded. Oh how he loved it when she said his name. She was using her annoyed voice, which he noticed always came out low and sexy. Even though he knew she didn’t mean for it to come out this way, he couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of Lemon, Liz Lemon being sexy to him.

“Jack where are you going with this?”

“Oh nowhere,” he responded nonchalantly. “Just comparing notes, that’s all. You don’t seem to be in that twenty-four percent Lemon.”

“Yeah and last time I checked, I don’t think you do either Jack. I’ve dated plenty of guys here. There was Conan…and uh, Floyd. Oh, oh and there was that one time with Grizz…sort of. I guess I’ll never find successful love in the workplace. But I’m not complaining. I’m perfectly happy.”

“Are you?” Jack retorted. “Because you don’t seem happy. Lemon, I know someone who can make you happy.”

“Oh God Jack, you’re not setting me up with a lesbian again are you? We did that once, and that definitely didn’t work out.”

“No I mean, I know someone here. In the workplace. Who could make you happy.”

“Oh really? And who might that be? I’d say the only guy in this place who could truly make me happy would be Pete. But he’s married and that’s out of the question.”

“What about Tracy?” Jack said with a slight grin.

“Really Jack?” she responded in near disbelief.

“Kenneth? What about little Kenneth Ellen? You two seem to get a long quite nicely,” Jack said jokingly.

Liz shot Jack a blazing look. “I can’t believe I’m even having this conversation with you Jack. There is no one in this building I would date in a million years!”

“Oh really? Would you like to bet your paycheck on that?”

“You’re not serious,” she responded.

“Oh, but I am.”

“I’ll bet you I can find one guy who works in this building who is your perfect match. I’ll find him and bring him to you. We can meet downstairs in the courtyard at seven o’clock tonight, and I’ll introduce you.”

“You’re on!” she responded, a little over-enthusiastically.

Now, his plan was set into motion. He stood up and walked out of her office, only to catch himself before he forgot to remind her; “Make sure you wear something…appropriate,” he said smugly. She rolled her eyes at him, and with that, he went to prepare for the night that lay ahead of him…

TBC...
 

Here you go...ENJOY!




.zip (all songs and covers...everything  is fixed now)

"Strange and Beautiful” by Aqualung

To me, you're strange and you're beautiful,
You'd be so perfect with me but you just can't see,
You turn every head but you don't see me.

“Trouble Sleeping” by The Perishers

I’m having trouble sleeping
You’re jumping in my bed
Twisting in my head

It’s you
Now and always you
but never me
I’ve never dared to
let my feelings free
Why’s it always you
and never me?
I’ve never cared
too much about honesty.

“Wonderwall” by Ryan Adams

I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do
About you now.

“Beautiful Love” by The Afters

Maybe a greater thing will happen
Maybe all will see
Maybe our love will catch like fire.

“Her Eyes” by Pat Monahan

She's a little bit manic, completely organic
Doesn't panic for the most part.

I don't agree with her half the time,
But, damn I'm glad she's mine.

She doesn't know the word 'impossible'
Don't care where I've been and doesn't care where we're goin' to.
She takes me as I am, and that ain't easy.
She's beautiful. So beautiful.

And sometimes I think she's truly crazy.
And I love it.

“Better Than Love” by Griffin House

Save me from myself
You got my back when I need help
It's no one else in the world
You will always be my girl

“Colorful” by Rocco DeLuca and The Burden

You are an enigma walking
make no excuses for the way that you carry on

You’re the most colorful thing that I’ve seen.

“She Is” by The Fray

She is everything I need that I never knew I wanted.
She is everything I want that I never knew I needed.

“Bad Things” by Jace Everett

I'm the kind to sit up in his room.
Heart sick an' eyes filled up with blue.
I don't know what you've done to me,
But I know this much is true:
I wanna do bad things with you.

“Brighter Than Sunshine” by Aqualung

I never understood before
I never knew what love was for.

I didn't have the strength to fight
Suddenly you seemed so right
Me and you
What a feeling.

“La La Land” by Demi Lovato

I am confident, but
I still have my moments
Baby
That’s just me

I’m not a supermodel
I still eat McDonalds
Baby
That’s just me.

“Maneater” by Nelly Furtado

Maneater, make you work hard
Make you spend hard
Make you want all of her love
She's a maneater
make you buy cars
make you cut cards
make you fall real hard in love

And when she walks, she walks with passion
when she talks, she talks like she can handle it
when she asks for something, boy, she means it
even if you never ever seen it

“Red Dress” by Sugababes

A girl's invited to flaunt
to get what she wants
can't say that its wrong ooh baby
a mans world, but boy can't you see
we're pulling the strings
we're taking the lead

Cause I’m cooler than the red dress
I'd rather catch a guy on my own
cause what you see the man gets
and if you don’t I’m better off here alone

“Soulmate” by Natasha Bedingfield

Incompatible, it don't matter though
'cause someone's bound to hear my cry
Speak out if you do
You're not easy to find

Is it possible Mr. Loveable
Is already in my life?
Right in front of me
Or maybe you're in disguise

Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone

“Open Your Eyes” by Snow Patrol

All this feels strange and untrue
And I won't waste a minute without you

“Shesgotstyle” by NeverShoutNever

Your presence isn't what kills me
It's that artistic gleam
That's taking over my scenery
Dream by dream

You might think I'm incapable
Of loving a soul like yours
You might think I'm a fool
For you

“I’ll Be Waiting” by Lenny Kravitz

I realize there's no end in sight
Yet still I wait
For you to see the light

I'm the one who really loves you baby
I can't take it anymore

“All We Are” by The Fray

All we are, all we are, is everything that's right

“Built to Last” by Melee

I've looked for love in stranger places,
but never found someone like you.
Someone whose smile makes me feel I've been holding back,
and now there's nothing I can't do.

“A Day Late” by Anberlin

So let me get this straight
Say now you loved me all along
What made you hesitate
to tell me with words what you really feel?
I can see it in your eyes
you mean all of what you say.

Title: Chocolate-Covered Revelations
Author: evettive 
Prompt: Jack/Liz
Rating: PG
Word Count: 1,467
Spoilers: "The C Word"
Summary: Jack is there for Liz, and he is always there for her.

Disclaimer: Obviously, I own nothing. Maybe someday. But not today.


“Thanks Pete, I’ll take care of her from here,” Jack said, holding the door open for Pete.

“You sure Jack? She can be a pain in the ass when she wakes up. She might say something she’ll regret.”

“Don’t worry, it can’t be anything worse that what she just said to you all.”

“Okay Jack, if you’re sure. Good luck,” Pete said, closing the door to Liz’s office.

Jack decided to have Jonathan clear his schedule, just in case. He couldn’t have Lemon waking up and terrorizing everyone again. He still couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed in the writer’s room. It was unbelievable. Lemon. His Lemon, his mentoree, for perhaps the time in her life had taken charge. And it was all thanks to his mentoring. Not that he was taking all the credit, just most of it. He was quite impressed with the way she had handled the situation, considering she had spent the whole night at the studio.

He couldn’t help but smile at her as she went off on her staff for treating her badly. All of his time with her was now starting to pay off and he was glad. He was beginning to wonder if she would ever show her true colors. At least now he knew to never piss her off like her writers had.

After her tirade against her coworkers, Pete had gently picked Lemon up and carried her into her office so she could sleep. Her eyes were closed before Pete could even place her on the couch. Now, Lemon was sprawled out, sleeping comfortably and quietly. Several curls were swept down around her face, the result of sleepless night and a Designing Women marathon.

Jack had always pictured Lemon as being a sloppy sleeper, the kind who snores and drools and flops around all over the place. However, she was quiet the opposite. Lemon was sleeping peacefully. Little did Jack know that Lemon was just too tired to snore and drool.

After watching her for a few more seconds, Jack sat down behind her desk and called Jonathan. “Jonathan, I need you to clear anything important I might be doing today. What? No I’m not constipated, good God. Can’t I simply take the day off? Why am I asking you this…I’m the boss. Just do it, Jonathan,” he said, clapping his phone shut.

At that point, Jack was feeling rather exhausted himself. He hadn’t been sleeping well lately. For some reason, something was keeping him awake at night. When he got uncontrollably restless, he’d call Lemon and engage in some sort of conversation. Whether it was about politics, the weather, or the latest Yankees/Red Sox game. They had discussed many of life’s little complexities, and she never seemed to mind. She never failed to entertain him with her Democratic ideologies, or her crude “your momma” jokes.

What he liked most about Lemon, besides her shark eyes and new-found assertiveness, was the fact that they could talk about anything, and she never judged him. Even though they had only known each other a few months, there was some part of Jack that trusted Liz enough to confide anything and everything in her. At some point, he was certain that even she felt the same way.

It was strange how whenever either of them had a problem, whether personal or professional, they would always go to the other for advice. It was as Lemon would say, a “weird” relationship. They understood each other, and that’s what was so weird about it. They were complete opposites, and yet, Jack just couldn’t put his finger on what it was that brought the two of them together.

Now as he sat reclined in her chair, he began to realize that he didn’t know that much about her at all. Of course he knew her little quirks, her likes and dislikes. He also knew about her hobbies, her love life, and her attire, none of which were very exciting. But he didn’t know the REAL Liz Lemon. He was tempted to take a look at her computer, to get a better idea. However, he was inclined to avoid this temptation. He wanted to go home with all of his teeth intact.

Jack shot Liz a quick glance when she mumbled something in her sleep and rolled over to face the wall. Had she said something about chocolate covered broccoli?

Jack felt himself nodding off, and he too was succumbed by sleep. He fell asleep dreaming of chocolate covered broccoli…and lemons?

***

She awoke with a start, not knowing where she was at first, or what time it was. Liz tried to stand up, but only succeeded in falling flat on the floor of her office. “Ugh” she moaned, pulling out her cell phone. Oh my God. She had been sleeping at the office all day? She wondered what idiot let her sleep all day when they had a show tomorrow.

It was now 11:00 pm and Liz was sure everyone had forgotten about her and gone home. She slowly stood up and fumbled for the light on her desk.

When she found the switch and turned it on, she let out a strangled yelp. “Oh my God Jack! You nearly scared me shitless,” she said, putting a hand to her heart.

“What apparently my assistant thinks I am…shitless that is. Did you enjoy your beauty sleep Lemon?”

“Yeah thanks. Not that it helped much. I still look as disgusting as I did this morning.”

Truth be told, he hadn’t even noticed her wrinkled clothes and messy hair. Well, actually he had. But it didn’t bother him like it normally would. Even he wasn’t mean enough to make fun of Lemon after the horrible day she had just gone through.

“So Jack, what are you doing here? And why did you let me sleep all day?” she asked, rubbing her forehead.

“Well Lemon, I let you sleep all day because you needed to. And I was here because I was concerned. I can’t have you running around the studio trying to work when you clearly can’t. That could end up very badly for both of us.”

“Uh huh…I see,” said Liz. But she really didn’t.

“That still doesn’t tell my why you’re sitting in my office in the dark while I’m sleeping. I mean don’t you find that a little creepy?”

“I told you Lemon, I was concerned. You seemed overly-emotional and you were obviously sleep deprived.”

“Okay, well I don’t know about you, but I’m going home. You’re more than welcome to chill in my office for the rest of the night, but I’m leaving. Goodnight Jack.”

“Wait Lemon,” Jack said, getting up from behind her desk, “I just wanted to let you know that…I uh...I’m um.” Jesus, why was this so hard for him to say. After pausing for a second, Jack looked up and locked his eyes with hers. “I’m proud of you. I’m proud of what you did today and I’m proud of how you stood up for yourself. You’ve come a long way since the first time we met. I know it’s only been a few months, but I just want you to know that I’m proud of you. And I’m happy for you.”

And I like you way more than I should.

Liz couldn’t believe what she had just heard. This man that she couldn’t stand at first, this man who changed her show, this man who talked down to her all the time had made a complete 180. And it was all because she took charge. She had to learn to take charge more often.

That’s when it hit her…there was something more going on here than the regular employee-employer relationship. They were friends. Good friends. Best friends? Liz had only had a few best friends in her life, but most of them had gone away. She always had Jenna, but she had never had a male best friend. But it was strange how perfectly she and Jack fit together. In an odd way, they balanced each other out.

He’s everything I’m not. Which is perfect.

And now here he was, standing in her office at 11:30 at night because he was concerned about her. Liz couldn’t help but wonder what was really happening, but if she didn’t get some sleep in her own bed soon, she was going to delude herself into thinking she was in love with her boss.

“Jack, I gotta go home. I’ll see you tomorrow ok?”

“Alright Lemon, I’ll see you in the morning.”

When she got downstairs, she expected to see her dark office window. However, she could see the faint yellow glow of her desk lamp still burning. She smiled to herself.

Maybe it wasn’t such a delusion after all.

THE END.