AN: I was going to wait until tomorrow at least to post this, I really was, but I came up with the title and the cover photo tonight and I'm really excited for this one so I couldn't wait! Beware, this one will have a lot of angst in it.

These types of nights were Jack and Katherine's favorite. It was well past midnight, the other boys were all asleep, and the two of them were cuddled up under a blanket on the roof. They weren't really talking, every so often one of them would make a remark about something, but after a few minutes they would fall back into a comfortable silence. This usually happened after both of them had had a very long day and just needed to enjoy each other's company, as was the case this time. After over an hour of this, Katherine, noticing that Jack seemed to be only half awake, spoke again, nudging him gently.

"Jack." He looked at her, looking more alert.

"Yeah?"

"It's getting pretty late; I think I should head back."

"What? No, c'mon Ace, just a few more minutes?" He took her hand, giving her the most innocent look he could muster.

"I really have to go."

"Five more minutes?" Katherine laughed softly.

"If I stay five more minutes, I get the feeling you'll be using me as a human pillow."

"What do you mean?"

"You can't fool me; I saw you starting to fall asleep just now."

"I dunno what you're talking about..." Jack's eyes slowly drifted shut again. "Just stay a little while longer?" She smiled, taking her hand out of his and gently kissing him. He smiled into the kiss, opening his eyes as they broke apart. "That means yes, right?" She lightly slapped him on the arm.

"No, it doesn't mean yes. It means I have to go." She ignored his disappointed look. "Get some rest, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Fine." Jack tossed the blanket aside and stood up, helping Katherine to her feet. He kissed her again, drawing it out for as long as possible before she pulled away.

"Goodnight, Jack."

"Night, Ace." She flashed him one last grin before disappearing down the fire escape. Jack sighed happily. He was so lucky to have her. He didn't know what he would ever do if he lost her.

oOo

Katherine was smiling as she climbed down the lodging house fire escape. She knew how lucky she was to have Jack, no matter how insufferable he could be at times. She became lost in thought on her way home, and she was so deep into her own mind, she didn't even notice the darkly dressed man quietly following her in the shadows.