Extra - Break-up...Make-up?

*This takes place the first time Jack leaves for school. Don't get confused with the other one-shots! haha.*

Jack was too quiet on the phone. It wasn't normally like him because he always had something to say. He would always read me something, or tell me how a class went. But tonight, he was a man of few words.

It's been almost four months since I've seen him and I'm slowly losing my sanity. "Jack." I said softly. "Did I do something?"

He let out a long breath and said, "No."

"I can't tell."

"Juliet." He said sharply, "I just...I'm tired of missing you. I don't know how long I can keep doing this." His tone was hard and held defeat.

I pushed myself up against my pillows and tried to ignore the faint ache in my chest and the twisting of my stomach. "You'll be home in just a few weeks for the holidays."

He sighed loudly again. "For how long, Juliet? Two weeks? That's not what I mean. It doesn't even feel like we're even a couple. I told you this wouldn't work while I'm here and you're there."

Tears burned my eyes. "You never said that, Jack. You said we'd work it out like we always do. You wouldn't let me go this easy."

He was quiet again.

My bottom lip quivered. "You can't do this to me now. You promised—"

"Clearly my promises mean nothing."

I held the phone away from my face and covered my mouth. I choked on a sob and tears cascaded down my cheeks. At least this time I didn't have to worry about Jack seeing me cry. Yeah, because that's exactly what's important while my boyfriend is breaking up with me. "You're such an ass." I muttered through my hand.

"So I've been told."

"Stop acting like this!" I slammed my hand down in my lap, "What the hell did I do to deserve to be treated this way? You want to break up, Jack? Fine. Now that you have your freedom back, I doubt you want someone like me anyway. You're nothing but time wasted, Jack McKinnon." I ended the call before I burst into tears.

I buried my face in pillow and cried.

None of what I said was true. Not a minute with Jack was wasted. But I needed to hurt him just like he hurt me. I didn't deserve to be treated that way. He couldn't even wait to break up with me in person, he had to do it over the phone. Well now he got what he wanted.

As much as I wanted to beg to wait until he got here so we can think about it clearly, I didn't. I was too high on my pride now to even call him again. It's going to be one hell of a disaster when he comes home soon.

Did our time together mean nothing to him?

It all happened so fast and maybe I was overreacting. But all I could feel was this strain on my heart and I couldn't catch a deep breath. I curled my legs up to my chest, let go of a breath held captive, and fell asleep.

* * *

"Earth to Juliet."

James's hand waved in front of my face and I snapped out of my thoughts. "What did you say?"

He smiled sadly. "I was asking if you would like to go to the movies."

"Um, sure."

It's been two weeks and I'm still walking around like a Zombie. I've been a ghost at school, but still managed to get homework in. It wasn't as hard during the day, but when I went to bed at night, thoughts rushed in. Jack's smile, his easy laugh, his voice...but then I thought about our last conversation and how it felt like he literally tore my heart out of my chest.

I feel like it hasn't beaten the same since.

Things felt smaller and no one seemed to exist. When I'd get home from school, I fought through my homework and went to bed. James has been here when he could be and helped me through it. There wasn't anything between James and I, just a mutual friendship since he is dating my best friend.

As many times as I've wanted to call Jack, I didn't. I'd stare at his name in my contact list and last night I finally deleted it. I know he didn't miss me and it was stupid to think he would. He broke up with me.

Instead of waiting, I should move on. It would be pointless to wait for something that wouldn't come.

How could I move on when I didn't get real closure?

That's bullshit. He made it pretty clear.

I closed my thoughts and left with James. He didn't deserve my bad mood. I'm grateful he's stuck around as long as he has because of my constant bad mood.

When we were in the car, James spoke. "When does he come home?"

"Tomorrow." I replied, "I don't want to see him."

"I don't blame you." He reached for my hand, "I'll be here if you need me to be."

I smiled the best I could and squeezed his hand. "Thank you, but I don't need to give you an excuse to kick his ass."

James chuckled softly. "He doesn't need to give me a reason to."

"I'm glad I have my personal ass-kicker if I need one." I snorted.

"I'd do the same for Meredith...I've actually done that for Meredith." He laughed, "I won't stand by and watch girls get treated like shit when they don't deserve it, Juliet. And I know I don't have the best record with girls, but I've never treated them like they're below me."

"You don't have to explain anything to me." I gave him another small smile even though he couldn't see it. "I wish I could say the same for Jack though."

"He doesn't deserve you, Juliet. You don't have time for that pain. Life's too short."

I didn't want to agree, but I did. "I'm just scared to see him. I know I'm going to fall apart again. He doesn't need to know what he's done because he already does. And he doesn't care."

"I wouldn't say he doesn't care, Juliet." James defended, "You were together for over a year. He cared about you a lot and you know that. And I'm sure he still does. You don't fall out of love with someone. If you do, then you didn't love them in the first place."

I felt hallow because everything he's saying is true. "You speak like you've had experience."

He shrugged a shoulder. "Not really. I've just seen it. Like with you and Jack. I know he loves you and he still cares. What he did to you was beyond shitty, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care about you anymore. Just put that idea out of your pretty little head."

I breathed and bobbed my head. "If he cared, he would've tried harder."

"He's just having a hard time—"

"And what about me?" I interrupted, "It's not a one-sided relationship."

"I know. But has he fully recovered from last year? He's used to being alone and you need to make sure he knows he's not."

The guilt set in and I wanted to cry.

"I'm not trying to hurt your feelings or make you upset. But you can't blame the guy. He misses you so much he can't stand it. That doesn't sound like someone who doesn't care. Keep that in mind."

I couldn't talk because I was afraid I'd start crying again. I just nodded my head again and looked out the window before we made it to the movies.

* * *

Jack got home this morning and I have yet to leave my room. My grandparents weren't home so there wasn't anyone to drag me out. James was with Lindy, and that's great because I can now be left alone.

I sat at my window seat with the curtains opened and a book in my hands. Jack was in his room talking to his mom. His back was to me, but his mom was frowning. Jack ran a hand roughly through his hair and his mom left. He closed the door and when he turned, I looked away too quickly, I almost gave myself whiplash.

Maybe I'm trying too hard to get his attention. But I wanted him to know I'm not going to cry over him anymore and that I'm just fine without him. I don't need a guy in my life to make it perfect, I need to do that on my own. But still, I put so much into someone and he just threw it away like it was nothing.

I closed the book and closed the curtains, but I couldn't help but glance up before I closed the curtains completely. Jack wasn't in his room and I let go of the breath I had been holding when I stood.

Then the doorbell rang and I jumped.

Shit, no. I didn't think he'd come over here.

Why? I wasn't ready to actually talk to him.

And how the hell did you get here so fast?

The doorbell rang again, followed by a knock. I walked down the stairs slowly, hoping maybe he didn't see that I was actually home. "Juliet, I know you're home!" The door muffled his voice.

I still continued to walk slowly, thinking maybe he'd realize that I didn't want to talk to him.

But he knocked again.

I reached the landing and walked to the front door. I hesitated a moment, but threw open the front door with a glare on my face. "Can I help you?" I droned.

He looked so good, too. Four months did Jack justice. "Can I stay here for a couple of hours?"

I snorted. "Why?"

"Because my mom is on some kind of rampage and she hasn't left me alone since I got home."

I grinned and leaned against the door panel. "No."

"No?" He repeated slowly.

"That's what I said, Jack." I crossed my arms over my chest, "There are other places you could go for a couple of hours."

"Just two hours and I'll never bother you again."

Ouch. "I didn't know my presence bothered you that much."

"It does, but not for the reason you're thinking."

Double ouch. "Do me a favor then."

"Can I come in?"

I opened the door wider and Jack stepped through. I closed the door behind him and had him follow me into the living room. We stood instead of sitting because hopefully I can have him out of here after this conversation. James's conversation floated back into my mind and now it all sounded like bullshit. Jack didn't care and he just made that clear.

"Two hours and you're out of here." Maybe I was being too harsh, but I was so angry and boiling with pride.

"We should talk."

"There's nothing to talk about, Jack. You made your feelings pretty clear."

"I'm sorry—"

"No." I snapped and took a step closer, "You don't get to apologize."

"Just listen to me, Juliet! For once, just listen to me!" He exploded, but it didn't faze me.

I stood my ground and held my chin up. "I have been listening, Jack." I grounded, "You broke up with me over the phone like a coward."

"I shouldn't have done it like that and I'm sorry. It was a cowardly thing to do and I wish I could take it back. But I can't, and I'm sorry, Juliet. Things are all wrong. Nothing is going right for me and I don't even know how I feel anymore. I'm tired...just so tired. And I didn't have you there and it didn't make it any better."

Tears stung my eyes but I fought them back. "You could've called—"

"It made it worse." He mumbled, "It doesn't matter."

"It doesn't matter?" I repeated, "It matters to me."

"You said I was nothing but time wasted. How do you think that made me feel? That was worse than anything I could've said to you."

I blinked back tears. "I was hurt! You basically ripped my heart out and handed it back to me! What did you expect me to say, Jack? That I was okay? That I'd forgive you like nothing ever happened last summer? It doesn't work like that!"

He clenched his jaw hard.

"You're not the only one in pain." I spoke softly because tears were building up even more, "I didn't mean it. I just wanted to hurt you as much as you hurt me."

"Then you should be happy," He sneered, "because it worked."

"I almost called to apologize." My voice was shaking and I wish it would stop, "But then I remembered how you probably couldn't care less what I had to say."

"That's not true." His voice was strong.

"How long were you planning it? How many times did you tell me you loved me knowing you were going to break up with me? How many plans did we make about our future knowing I wasn't going to be in it?" Now I was crying and I wanted to run to my room. I didn't want him to see me cry. But right then I didn't care. He needed to know what he's done. That his words hurt me more than he could've imagined.

He was quiet.

"You hurt me worse than anything I could've said to you, Jack. And you don't even care. That's the worst part."

Anger flared in his eyes. "Don't you dare say I don't care! Don't think for a second that I never cared! You're all I cared about for over a year and I still care! I love you so much my chest physically hurts when I'm not around you. So don't you dare say that I don't care!"

I swiped angrily at my tears with the palms of my hands. "I want you to leave."

"Juliet," Jack whispered and wrapped his fingers around my wrists. My skin burned under his touch. "Look at me."

"No." I jerked my wrists from his grip and turned my back to him, "I want to be left alone. Please go." I whimpered.

He didn't say anything else and left.

I spent the rest of the night in my room. My chest was tightening and I struggled to breathe properly. But eventually I fell asleep and then I could finally breathe.

* * *

It's been days.

Jack hasn't tried to talk to me again and I haven't tried to talk to him either. The pain is a dull ache behind my heart and I have a feeling it's not going away anytime soon. I've tried going out with James and Lindy but it wasn't helping as much as I hoped it would.

I needed to stop being such a damn baby.

And tonight my grandparents are making me go to the McKinnon's Christmas party. We went every year, but I didn't want to go for obvious reasons. But I was going to go and I was going to have fun. And I'm probably going to stuff my face with cookies until I can't breathe.

I smoothed my palms over my red dress. It was a vintage cocktail dress with a little bit of lace. It stopped a few inches above my knee and I paired it with black flats. I had my hair pinned back out of my face and a light coat of lip gloss coating my lips.

My grandma called me downstairs and I left my room.

We walked across the yard and I had to stand behind my grandparents to fit on the sidewalk. My grandpa rang the doorbell because my grandma was holding a large tray of cookies. I heard the door open and Marie's voice greet them. My grandparents walked inside and Marie saw me. She pulled me into a tight hug and kissed the side of my head. "I'm glad you came, Juliet."

She dropped her arms and I gave her smile. "Thank you for inviting us."

"You're always welcome."

I stepped inside and was hit with the smell of cinnamon. I could hear music playing in the living room, voices talking, and a little bit of laughter. It was Jack's laugh I heard first. A smooth, musical sound that I haven't heard in awhile. Chills coated my arms and sped down my spine.

I followed Marie into the living room where it was crowded. That's a good thing because no one even looked at me twice. But I noticed Jack first. He was talking to his dad and uncle with a giant smile on his face. He was wearing a suit that conformed to him like the suit was made specifically for him alone.

But his smile. I could never get tired of seeing that smile. It didn't even matter how I felt. His smile always did something funny to my heart.

Before he could catch me staring, I walked to the buffet table against the wall. There were different desserts along the table and various savory foods as well. But I skipped the salty and went straight for the sweet.

"That's not good for you."

I swallowed the bite of cookie and turned around to face Jack. "Apparently I like things that are bad for me."

Jack's lips curled into a smirk. "I wasn't all bad."

I raised a brow. "Sure this is the right time for this conversation, Jack?"

"Probably not." He shrugged a shoulder, "We should talk later."

"Why?"

"Because I want to talk to you, Juliet."

I eyed him for a second and sighed. "Meet me at my house in an hour. By that time my grandparents would've had too much wine to notice I'm gone."

"See you then." He nodded once and left.

I turned back to the table and filled a napkin with all things sweet. Jack disappeared from the living room. I found a clear spot on the couch and sat down next to one of Jack's family members. They were talking to the person next to them, so I was thankful I didn't have to engage in any conversation.

We all mingled and talked for a while. I've had my fill of cookies and chocolate covered pretzels. And as expected, I felt like I couldn't move because I was so full. But that didn't stop me from wrapping up a few cookies before leaving.

No one stopped me on my way out. I just smiled at everyone as I walked by and they didn't question anything. I didn't see Jack leave already, but he's also been missing since he cornered me at the refreshment table.

I walked around my lawn, munching on a chocolate chip cookie. It probably wasn't smart because of how full I still felt. But they were so damn good, it was hard to resist. I guess cookies are like Jack in that way. Bad for you, but couldn't resist them.

I entered my house and was swallowed by the darkness. But I managed to make it up the steps and into my room where Jack was already waiting with the light on. He stood when I entered and I keep forgetting how tall he is. And how good he looks. I guess it's easy to look past that when he's a complete ass.

I didn't acknowledge him first off. My mouth was still full for one and I sat down my napkin full of cookies on my dresser. Once I swallowed, I turned around to face him. "You seem happier tonight." I muttered towards him.

"A little, but not really." He raked a hand through his hair, "There's a reason I wanted to talk to you. And I thought this would be a better time than any."

"You trapped me!" I jabbed his chest but it did nothing.

He was fighting a smile and I was fighting the urge to slap him. "Okay, maybe that was wrong. But how else was I going to get you to talk to me? And don't say phone call because you'd just ignore me."

"You know where I live."

"Yeah, because the last time I was here you told me to leave. I wanted to give you space. I knew you didn't want to see me and I understand. But this couldn't wait anymore."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "What couldn't wait?"

"To tell you why I did what I did. And I need you to actually listen and don't get mad, Juliet. Just let me talk."

I relaxed and nodded.

He offered me his hand and I hesitantly placed mine in his. He pulled me back to the bed and we sat down. "I wasn't lying when I said I was tired of missing you. Because I was, Juliet. I thought if I broke up with you, it would make it easier. I didn't...I couldn't keep a smile on my face when I knew I was breaking your heart and you didn't even know it. I wasn't happy and I couldn't tell you that."

"Why, Jack?" I asked softly.

"Because I didn't want to disappoint you." He sucked in a shaky breath, "I let it get out of hand and I'm sorry. That day was just not a good day at all and I only made it worse by how I treated you. And I hate myself for that."

"You could never disappoint me." I reached for his hand again, "I want you to talk to me, Jack. That's what I'm here for. If you weren't happy, you should've told me."

"I know." He answered, "But I didn't want you to think I wasn't happy with you. It was just being apart from you that didn't make me happy and then with the weight of midterms, I just...couldn't do it anymore. And I thought it would help, but it made it so much worse. I had to come home knowing you wouldn't be here waiting for me. And that was all my fault."

My heart stuttered and I squeezed his hand. "I wish you would've talked to me." I whispered, "I would've understood if you wanted to take a break and figure it out when you got home. You want me to listen and now I want you to listen, too. You're not alone, Jack. You'll never be alone. I was there through the hardest part of your life and I'll be with you through anymore hard times. Because I love you."

Jack gripped my face and his lips descended on mine. He poured everything into this kiss and I felt the words he couldn't say. I kissed him back without hesitating, locking a hand on the back of his neck. He tilted his head forward so our lips were less than an inch apart. "I love you so much. And I'm so sorry, Juliet. I'll never hurt you again. That I can promise."

He kissed me several times before I could get a word out. "Your promises do mean something."

"We'll figure it out. I'll call you if I have to, Skype, anything...I won't let you go that easy."

"Good. Because I'm not ready to let you go either."

I kissed him again...and again...and again.

Have to make up for lost time.

* * *

It was Christmas Eve and my grandparents left to do some last minute shopping. That was never smart on their part because it's going to be a mess anywhere they go. But they do this every year.

Jack was coming over soon. We still have things to work out after our talk last night. We've made up, but he still wants to talk about what to do. Just because we've made up, doesn't mean we're back together yet.

I heard the front door open downstairs and Jack's footsteps coming up the stairs. I was currently sitting in my window seat, reading a book. When he stepped in my room, I closed the book and lifted my head to look at him. I smiled at him and he returned it without force.

He walked over to me, lifted my legs, and slid under them. "Did you sleep okay?" He asked and put a hand on my knee.

I nodded. "I slept fine."

"I almost came back last night." He laughed nervously.

"You should've. My grandparents wouldn't have cared as long as the door was opened."

"A lot's changed since I left." He laughed again.

"It has."

"Should we talk about it?"

I shrugged. "We can't avoid it."

"Tell me what you want."

"What I want?" I pointed to myself like I child.

He nodded and bit his bottom lip.

That was a loaded question. What did I want? "I want to be with you." I answered without thinking, "That's what I want."

A smile slid on his lips. "I was hoping you would say that."

"What do you want, Jack?"

He scooted as close as possible with my legs still across his lap. "You're all I want."

"What about when you go back to New York?"

"We'll keep our plans. I want you to come visit for Spring Break, I want to talk on the phone, Skype when you can, and we'll talk. That's what's important. If it gets a little too much, I'll remember this. I'll remember how shitty I've felt and how I treated you, and I never want to feel like that and I don't want you to, either. We'll get through this first year."

I leaned forward slightly and kissed his cheek. "Sounds like a good plan to me, but you're still an idiot."

He laughed and turned his head to catch my lips. "As long as I'm yours." He pressed his lips firmly on mine and pulled back. "I love you."

"I love you the most."

* * *

I couldn't think of a better way to wake up Christmas morning than waking up in Jack's arms. My face was level with the side of his head, my leg was hiked across his lap, and his arm was tight around my shoulders. I brushed a hand across his bare chest and settled on his waist.

He let out a long breath through his nose and I kissed the side of his head.

Jack turned on his side and leaned down to tuck his head under my chin. He snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me taut against his chest. I smiled and weaved my fingers through his messy hair. As I messaged his scalp, he sighed, his hot breath beat against my skin. "We should go downstairs and join my grandparents for breakfast."

He hummed against my neck and his lips brushed over my skin as he spoke. "And we have to join my parents for dinner tonight."

"That's fine."

"I'll get up in five more minutes."

"You always say that and then it turns into five more minutes."

I felt his laugh. "I can't be disturbed."

"Five minutes and I'm moving."

"Fine." He grumbled and held me tighter.

After five minutes, I started to get up. He actually let me get up without protesting too much. I walked into the bathroom and took care of what I had to. That included taming my hair, putting it into a ponytail, and brushing my teeth. When I opened the door, Jack stood from the bed and walked in the bathroom.

While he was in the bathroom, I changed out of my pajamas. I put on a pair of jeans and a cozy navy blue sweater. Just as I slipped the sweater over my head, Jack stepped out. "I'm surprised you kept my tooth brush."

I sucked air in through my teeth. "About that...I only kept it because it's a good toilet scrubber."

"Really?" He stepped closer to me and gripped my chin, "Then I hope you don't mind me kissing you."

I laughed and placed my hands on his arms. "Toilet breath or not, I'd still kiss you, Jack McKinnon."

"Good to know." He pressed a quick kiss to my lips and pulled away. He snatched his shirt from my bed and slipped it over his head.

* * *

After dinner with Jack's parents, they went out with friends so we had the house to ourselves. Once they left, he grabbed my hand and led me up to his room. He kept telling me he had something to give me, but he wanted to wait until we were alone.

Even as cryptic as that is, I followed him anyway.

We walked into his room and he sat me down on the foot of bed. He walked to his desk, opened a drawer, and pulled something out. It was a long rectangular box covered in black velvet. "Jack, I told you not to get me anything."

He shushed me and handed it to me anyway. "I don't care. You got me something too, so I wanted to get you something."

"You didn't have to do this." I brushed the pad of my thumb over the top. I gripped the top and flipped it open. A thin gold bracelet connected by a single pearl lay snug inside the velvet box. "It's stunning." I breathed.

He took the box from my hands and pulled out the bracelet. I held out my wrist and it took him less than five seconds to have it secured. "Then I did well."

I caressed his face and kissed him. "I love it, thank you so much."

He kissed me again. "You're welcome."

"Did you get everything you asked for?" I teased.

"I think I did." He pecked my lips quickly, "I couldn't ask for anything else."

"Me neither." My thumb touched his chin, "You're one of a kind, McKinnon."

He laughed lightly. "So I've been told."

"And I'll keep telling you that."

"As long as you don't get tired of me."

I shook my head. "Not possible."

Our lips reconnected for more than a spare moment this time. Jack slowly leaned me back on the bed until he was hovering over me. The second our lips disconnected, I pushed myself further back on the bed and Jack followed. He wasted no time kissing me again.

My legs fell to his sides and I hooked my fingers through his belt loops in a sad attempt to pull him closer. His lips left mine and hastily kissed down my throat. White-hot chills flooded my body as Jack's fingertips brushed over the skin of my bare hips. I sat up long enough for my sweater to be removed.

I let my fingers work the buttons of his shirt quickly and slip it down his shoulders. I threw it to the side and pushed up on his chest so he could fall to the spot next to me. I wasted no time straddling his hips. Jack hissed in my ear as I kissed his jaw. He placed a hand on the small of my back and pressed my body harder against his.

I took my time kissing down his chest, because his breathing only became rapid the further I went. When I made it to the waistband of his jeans, a growl tore through his throat and he flipped me back over. I laughed, but he didn't look amused. "I thought you liked a girl in control." I panted.

"Only for so long, remember?" He grinned and ducked his head against my neck. His lips glided down the center of my chest, lingering against my stomach. He stopped at the top of my jeans. He popped the button easily and slid them down my legs in a slow, but swift motion.

His lips touched my leg, kissing softly and attentively up. "You're so beautiful." Jack whispered against my skin. His lips made contact with the outer side of my thigh, my hip, my waist, the center of my chest, and finally his lips molded against mine again.

If I wasn't hot before, I definitely am now.

"I've missed you so much." I gasped against his lips.

He smiled and kissed me softly this time. "I missed you too."

* * *

After, we just lay in the silence. I curled against Jack's side with his arm around my shoulders. His other hand twined with mine on his stomach. He kissed the side of my head and pulled me closer. "I can't wait for you to visit me in New York."

I lifted my head and looked up at him. "I can't wait either. I'll be counting the days."

He leaned down and left a kiss on my lips. "Me too."

"I love you."

A smile graced his beautiful lips. "I love you the most."

----------------

This turned out longer than I expected, hahaha. But a few people have requested this and I thought it was a good idea, so I ran with it. I'll work on the PT. 2 for my other one-shot soon, I promise!

Please vote and comment? Let me know what you think? :)

Ugh I've missed them, hahaha. Thank you for reading!