An Apple A Day…
It had been an unusually quiet week at Torchwood headquarters. There had been no explosions, no alien races popping up and threatening humanity. There hadn't even been anything trying to open the rift. That was why everyone was on edge, and why everyone jumped when, as Gwen came in, the alarm went off.
As everyone else rushed to their stations, confused because the alarm was unfamiliar, Jack jumped out of his chair and jogged up to Gwen, then stood, hands on hips, in front of her. "Do you, by any chance, have an apple with you?" The team relaxed, looking at each other knowingly.
"Yeah, sure." Gwen reached into her bag and pulled out a red apple. "It's part of my lunch. An apple a day-"
"Keeps the doctor away, yes, I know." Jack was leaning back slightly, as if the apple were infectious. "We don't allow apples in Torchwood."
"Why?" she asked, shaking her head in confusion. "Because they keep the doctor away?"
"Yes."
There could be no doubt about how serious he was. Gwen glanced at Owen, who rolled his eyes. They had all learned to go along with Jack. She should, too, but she didn't want to give up her apple. "How long have you been doing this?"
"More years than I would care to count."
"And it's not working, is it?" Jack's silence and slightly uncomfortable posture gave her her answer. "Have you ever tried reverse psychology?"
"Reverse psy…" Jack shook his head, but his eyes were gleaming. "Okay, team, since it's so quiet this week, I don't see any point in us hanging around here. Take the day off." He disappeared into a back room. Yanto glanced around, then followed.
The next day, everyone was surprised to notice Jack wasn't there. Eventually, when there was no chance of him coming, they went and asked Yanto. Yanto shrugged. "He's off sick." A smile turned into a quiet laugh. "He ate too many apples."