So, here we go, the first (oh yes, I have more ideas...) sequel to 'Of Aliens and Daemons'. I really should be paying more attention to other WIPs though, so I'm going to look at them before I get into any more of this. Usual disclaimers and stuff, don't own the characters etc. And yes, the title is a movie reference. ;-)
Not long after his employment by Torchwood, came that time of year. Will made sure to be free many weeks in advance, conscious all the while he hadn't been there long and it was a request entirely likely to be denied. In any case, the Rift was quiet, and Jack easily let him go for a few days.
Midsummer's Day. It sounded like the perfect day, and in situations such as these, one would perhaps want the day to be perfect but when it came, the heavens opened over the city of Oxford. Will sat on the bench in the Botanical Garden, gradually getting wetter and being dripped on by the tree swaying overhead. He ignored it, hoping if Lyra were sat here too, and wondering if it were raining in her Oxford. Kirjava, distasteful of the water, huddled on his lap.
"Who did you lose?" The voice broke suddenly into his reverie that Kirjava leapt to the ground, bristling, as Will shot up and spun defensively.
It was Jack.
He was every bit as wet through as Will, despite having to all appearances just arrived. Will briefly wondered how Jack had followed him here, but then again, Torchwood could do that easily. He sat back down on the bench, Kirjava gracefully jumping up beside him, fixing her golden eyes on their visitor. Jack, hands in his military coat's pockets, joined them.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, until Will spoke. "How did you know?"
Jack attempted a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "'Cause I've lost people myself. Because I can tell when someone else has because of it and because I know when someone pretends, but doesn't really want to be alone."
This was perhaps the most Jack had ever gone into about himself to Will's knowledge. Jack was a loner – everyone in Torchwood knew it, and near enough left him to it.
"Is that why you stand on rooftops?"
Jack looked surprised for a moment, as though the question threw him off guard, then made another attempt at a smile as he looked away again.
They continued to sit in silence for a few minutes, watching the few people stubborn enough to visit on a day like this jog past, umbrellas bouncing in the downpour.
"Her name was Lyra." Will said, breath clouding in the air. Pausing, and then turning to look at Jack.
"Rose." Jack offered in kind, staring at the raindrops splashing on the ground.
- - -
Doctor, went Jack's thoughts, unsaid.