I was originally going to try to fit this in as a continuation of one of the other things I have written but it just didn't seem to fit. So I've decided to leave it by itself. I hope it flows ok.
I'm a little worried that this would be somewhat out of character for Henry but he does seem to be feeling extra confident at the end of "The Ecstasy of Agony". So maybe, with some alcohol in him, he'd let loose a little.
On another note, anyone else notice that Hanson doesn't have a first name? Also, I kind of chose to ignore the other guy who was at the table at the bar. Not sure who he was.
Rating is just in case for things that might happen in the future if I can actually keep this going. As always, I own nothing.
Henry sat back in his old, creaking chair and looked around him. The pub was dark and though no one was smoking, a slight haze filled the air. The other patrons kept to themselves, involved in their own conversations or focused on their drinks.
He took a moment to survey his companions. They were a somewhat mismatched group. Were it not for their professions, they would likely not keep each others company. But they were uniquely brought together and shared a unique bond.
They took this time to decompress and forget the horrors which greeted them every day. They strengthened the link between them, providing comfort to each other and getting ready for the next gruesome task. Lucas. Hanson. And Jo.
Henry's eyes alighted on Jo last and immediately softened. His partner. He smiled to himself at that thought. He had rarely had a partner. Previous betrayal had taught him to do everything alone. To rely only on himself. And then he had met Abigail and they had adopted and raised Abe. Abe and Abigail had managed to bring Henry back to the present. Abigail had shown him that it was possible to trust again.
After she was gone, Henry was lost. His relationship with Abe had suffered. They had spent many years apart, each trying to cope with the pain of her absence. Unfortunately, Abe had lost both his mother and his father at the time. Finally He and Abe had come back together. Abe had forgiven him and Henry cherished his time with his son. Still, he regretted those lonely years terribly.
That was partly why he had decided that he would not be around once Abe was gone. He wanted nothing more to do with the modern world. He had begun his desperate search for a way to end his long life so that he could grow older with Abe.
As before, just when he tried to cut himself off from the world around him the most, something happened which pulled him back. This time, it was Jo. Lovely Jo Martinez, herself tortured by her past. She challenged him. She kept pace with him. He had long ago learned to use his intellect as a way to put up a barrier around himself. But she wasn't deterred and was able to follow his theories. She fascinated him. His heart ached for her at times, wishing he could help her with her own demons. And still, she cared more about him than herself.
He had come to realize that he would do just about anything for Jo; to protect her. He had begun to care for her deeply; he had just been afraid to face what that might mean. Iona Payne and Henry's subsequent torture by her mad client had begun to bring those feelings to the surface. Now faced with them, he had to decide how to proceed.
Henry mind came back to focus on the pub. He realized that he was staring at Jo, taking in her features. He also realized that she was looking back at him, head cocked to one side in wonderment. Oops. He'd been caught. A timid grin settled on his face. Jo returned it with a blush and looked away. Well, getting caught may not have been all bad. Jo's reaction seemed to be a positive one. Patience was going to be the key.
Henry sighed. He had to admit that he was enjoying himself. Though he couldn't always relate to what the small group around him was talking about, he felt included and accepted. It was a change from his usual routine. But as he had told Iona earlier in the day, he was willing to change. He had forgotten how alive he could feel when surrounded by others. It had been so long since he had really engaged anyone around him.
The case still fresh in their minds, the beautiful Iona Payne of course came up in conversation. The others gathered at the table did not know much about Henry since he kept himself so guarded but they had easily figured out that he had a soft spot for the blond. And any information could be used as ammunition with this crew.
Henry was startled out of his musings. "So Doc, you gonna see your girlfriend again?" Met by a frown, Hanson continued to tease. "Mistress Payne? Our "domineering" suspect?"
Hanson had surprised Henry most of all. So far, his interactions with the detective had been limited and not particularly friendly. He felt that at best, Hanson… tolerated him. But nothing more. And tonight, Hanson went against what Henry expected of the man and was bringing him into the conversation.
Jo seemed to be trying to save Henry from having to answer the question. "Watch yourself, Hanson. I'd hate to see Henry clock you in the face like he did that PI back at the station."
Henry was not proud of that moment. But at this same time, he realized that he did not regret defending Iona's honor.
Hanson brought his hands up in defense. "Hey, I'm not suggesting there's anything wrong with it. Just noticed that she took a shine to Henry. He should go for it."
Attention turned back to Henry. He watched Jo's reaction carefully. He smiled to himself, seeing that she appeared to be solely focused on her drink. Despite her outward appearance, he had a feeling that she would be listening to his response. "While she was very beautiful and intriguing, and while I was flattered by her attentions, I do not think I will be seeing her again."
Jo glanced up to Henry briefly when she heard his answer. His heart skipped a beat or two. He thought he saw some relief reflected in her eyes. "I have had my fill of handcuffs for a while. Present company excluded, of course."
Hanson interrupted their moment. "Well I'm with you, Doc. She came on a little too strong for my liking. A little too… what's the word…"
"You prefer you women a little more surrendered, Hanson?" Jo grinned from ear to ear, turning to Hanson. Henry observed that she didn't let Hanson get away with any nonsense. Though he was her senior, she busted his chops without hesitation.
"Ah come on, Jo. You've met my wife. Is there anything surrendered about her? I have no problem with strong women, but that one? She could be a little too controlling. Why all the intimidation?"
It was Henry's turn to answer again. He still felt compelled to defend Iona. "Iona Payne's methods may be unorthodox but they have their place in the services she provided to others. Those who were used to controlling came to her to be controlled, in a sense. It can be freeing to leave responsibility behind, even if briefly. There are many ways to exert dominance over another. Intimidation is about timing and body language. You can say a lot without words if you know how. You can exert a large amount of control over another person even without physical contact. With one look, you can instill fear or excitement or apprehension. The fight or flight response kicks in. Human behavior and interaction is rather fascinating. She did her job very well. "
Henry noticed a slight eye roll from Jo. "You think you could be intimidating, Henry" Jo asked, full of mirth. The alcohol in her hand was making her slightly bolder.
Eyebrow raised, Henry turned to face Jo. "Are you suggesting that I cannot be?"
"I mean…" Jo leaned back in her chair and lifted her hands up in front of her. "I'm just calling it like it is."
"Woah, Doc. That sounds like a challenge to me!" Hanson was rather amused with the exchange. The Doctor certainly didn't back down from Jo.
"Mmm. Perhaps." Henry turned back to the rest of the table. "Still, intimidation techniques are used in more… traditional professions as well. You all use clear body language every day. You can use your stature or posture or facial expressions to push suspects or comfort families."
"Yes. Our powers can be used for good or evil." A rogue giggle escaped from Jo.
"Laugh all you want, Detective. But there will come a time when someone else has the upper hand and you will be helpless." Henry looked at Jo pointedly. Her smile faltered only for a split second but Henry caught the change.
"Detective, I think Henry just challenged you." Lucas looked on with disbelief. The group had a good laugh about that. The head medical examiner was usually so focused and stoic.
"I'm game." Jo looked defiantly at Henry. His only response was a raised eyebrow. This could get interesting.
Soon the conversation was steered in another direction. The light-hearted hazing continued into the evening as each of them got a few more jabs in. Henry even joined in to the word play. He kept a watchful eye on Jo, bemused.
At some point, Jo stood and wandered to the back of the pub towards the restrooms. Henry watched after her. He couldn't help but appreciate her retreating form. He shook those thoughts away and turned back to the table, catching Lucas, mouth partially open, staring in the same direction.
Looking at him, Henry remembered Lucas' earlier assertion that Jo had challenged him. An idea began to form in his mind.