A/N:

I watched Cyberwoman today, ie: properly watched it, not just the Best Bits Clips, for the first time in months; and it occured to me that Jack kept pushing Tosh so she was out of the Hub and away from the action (or danger, depends how you look at it) First he sends her to switch off the power (I suppose she was closest) and then when CyberLisa is wandering around he sends Tosh to the reception area. So, why Tosh? Yes, she has the skills, but wouldn't the others have at least basic training? He seemed pretty set on getting her, specifically, out of the Hub. So with all this mulling around in my head I decided to sit down with my shiny new laptop, at 3am and this is what happened. Tada!

As a result I have aliens (delightful little floompets. (Well thats what it sounds like when they say their name) doing the conga line in my head. Now, if this is due to lack of coffee, over thinking or it being party season for the floopets, I dunno. But it sounds like fun for them. I, on the otherhand have a headache. and no chance of a coffee for another 2 's 6am and our kettle sounds like a weevil. I named it Janet. My parents are still wondering why I named it and why i giggle everytime I'm near it. And why I pat it fondly sometimes.

I'm lucky that my parents are Torchwood lovers, (by Torchwood lovers, I mean they sit down to watch it with me, complain until it actually starts: at which point I get "ssshh"ed. They also deny knowing the characters names, (pfft yeah right! "So Owen is dead? Damn I liked him." "Do you think Tosh could fix our computer?")

Basically what I'm getting at is: as great as my parents are, I cant really Nerd-out with them. So if anyone would like to squeal and discuss and chat and moan about the lovely Torchwood, drop me a line. Because I really, really would love someone to talk to about it :)

Ok, monologue over. Enjoy!

"It's so bright! And so big!" She leaned on the railing looking out onto the bay.

He laughed, tipping his head back as the breeze swirled around them. His coat billowed around him, as she glanced at him coyly from under her long eyelashes.

Her hero. Her saviour. She was still waiting for him to disappear and for UNIT to turn up and arrest her, accusing her of escaping.

"Why," he asked hands deep in his pockets, "Did you think Wales was made up of fields and sheep?"

"No, I've just never been here before. I knew that it was more advanced than fields and sheep, way more advanced than that. I mean Wales is the number one -"

"I was teasing, Toshiko" he said cutting off her babbling, with a patient grin. "I was teasing."

"Of course you were." she sighed.

"You'll get the hang of it again." he said joining her at the railings.

"I was never very good at it, even before...that." she said miserably.

"Then, you'll get the hang of it!"

"Why me? Why save me?" she asked suddenly.

"You're brilliant. Exactly what we need."

"Right." She nodded. "Five years. That's what you said, isn't it? I work for you and TouchWood for five years, and then what? I'm free?"

"Torchwood. And yes. Five years service with me and then you're as free as a bird! Live your life, choose as you wish," he smiled a knowing smile.

"What?

"Hmm?

"That smile. You're - there's a catch. Damn it! I knew it was too good to be true! What's the catch." she stepped back away from him, hand out, a barrier keeping the mysterious man away from her. "What haven't you told me?"

"Nothing. I've been completely honest. Told you everything you need to know. Told you more than I tell most people actually."

"Then why are you smiling like that?"

He grabbed her hand and pulled her close. She didn't struggle. Much.

"It's been my experience, that once you join Torchwood: seen all we have to offer, it's pretty hard to quit. But I hope you do. I hope you get to make the choice when the day comes."

His eyes were distant, sad.

"That's it?" She asked warily. "You think I might like the job enough to stay on past my compulsory time? That's the catch"

"Yeah, if you can call it a catch. I suppose once you settle in you'll see it as a catch. Maybe."

"No hidden agenda?"

"Nope", he popped. He pulled her away from the bay to walk with him along the embankment. Jack linked his fingers with hers, rubbing his thumb absentmindedly against her fingers.

"Sir?" she asked slowly.

"Jack."

"Jack. Right. Umm... where am I going to stay, while I'm working for you?"

"I was thinking here in Cardiff. Bit of a commute if your coming from London everyday." he said with a chuckle. She was silent. He glanced over to her, "It's entirely up to you though."

"You'd let me live in London?"

"If that's what you wanted, yes. We'll find you some place nice. Here, London, wherever! Why, what were you expecting," he asked dryly," a cell next to the office?"

She stared determinedly at the ground.

"Oh God, you were, weren't you?"

He stopped and pulled the shaking woman in for a hug. "You're my employee now, my colleague, not my prisioner!

"I promise. Never again will you be locked up." he held her tightly, pressing his cheek against her hair. "Never again Toshiko."

She clung to his shirt, trying desperately to believe the strange man before her, but she couldn't. She had believed that following the orders she had been given would keep her mother safe. It hadn't.

"Sir, you - you can't promise that..."

He pulled back to look at her sternly.

Well done, she thought to herself, the one person that's been nice to you in months and you managed to piss him off, within four hours of him actually freeing you from that damp cell.

"I'm Jack Harkness, Toshiko. I can promise that. I can promise anything" He reached out to stroke her hair. "You work for me and I'll protect you."

She nodded and returned his smile. "I'll hold you to that, Captain."

She cringed at her pathetic attempt at flirting, covering her face with her hands as she groaned.

"I can't believe I said that. I'm so sorry! You must think I'm - and of all the pathetic flirty things to say I use that! I-"

He chuckled, leaning forward to whisper in her ear, "I can help you get back into the swing of things, Tosh. You can hold me to that too."

She lowered her hands and stared up at him, mouth agape.

He tapped her jaw shut and grinned. "C'mon, we're gonna go splurge your first year's wages on a gorgeous flat I saw close to the bay. Open plan, light and airy. You'll love it!" he caught her hand, before setting off full pelt down the street, a stunned and squealing Toshiko close behind.

Five years working for this man? Bring it on.