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Chapter 7 – Rattled Nerves

True to what he had offered, Lance had drawn Jane a deep bath with lavender bubbles to relax her. She had nearly fallen asleep in the tub, lying against his strong chest with his arms wrapped around her. He had taken her back to his bedroom downstairs, and now lay in his bed watching her sleep. She wore one of his t-shirts and he rubbed her back. She had slept peacefully for several hours.

Legate had brought Arles back to him, and he now slept in his cot next to Lance. He had only woken up once, needing a new nappy and went right back to sleep.

Lance checked in with all of the Quauthin as he lay there. Aemilius and Legate were playing cards at the Tyler mansion. Lance told Aemilius that he would help him if Legate couldn't. 'Peducko just isn't that hard, man.'

'To you!' He complained.

Jane took a deep breath and rolled over on her back. Lance quickly leaned down to kiss her neck. He told her quietly, "It's still early. Go on back to sleep."

She held him and snuggled into his chest. "Have you slept Lance?"

"I don't sleep much."

"I believe Arles sleeps more than you do."

He chuckled, "Arles sleeps more than all of us do. Is that normal?"

She sat up and rubbed her eyes, "I have no idea."

He lay propped up on the pillows, watching her stretch. He wore a grey t-shirt and his boxers. The duvet was only on half of him.

She smiled at him, leaned down and started to kiss his neck. He rose his eyebrows in surprise, "You're rested enough for this?"

She giggled at him and continued to kiss his neck. She ran her hands inside of his shirt, feeling of his chest.

He smiled and stretched his hand out to his bedside table. He opened the drawer and took out a box of condoms. "How is there only one left?"

She continued to kiss him. "I suppose someone needs to do some shopping."

He smiled at her beautiful face. "I guess I do."

She caught his lips and snogged him. He held her tightly as she climbed on top of him. Then, he heard Aemillius' voice in his head.

He stopped and looked concerned. Jane rose up and looked at him. "Lance? What is it?"

He quickly got out of the bed and slipped on his jeans. "Something has happened. Get dressed."

He ran out of the room. Jane sat in the bed in surprise. How did he know something had happened?

Lance rushed into the sitting room where Aemillus had just arrived with Legate. Friday had turned the lights on in the flat as soon as they had arrived. Lying on the sofa, Legate was awake and covered in sweat. He got me in my damn leg."

Lance looked around and pointed at Aemillius who was taking off his coat. He handed it to Lance who slipped it under Legate's injured leg. "I need your tie."

Legate closed his eyes in pain and slapped the sofa. His jeans were covered in blood. He appeared to be shot right above his knee. "Oh, this hurts."

Aemillius took off the tie and Lance pulled the jeans apart to expose the wound more. The blood gushed out. "Exton is there with Arcite and Bassanio."

Lance nodded, turned his head and shouted, "Jane! Bring towels." He put his hand over the wound and whispered, "Damn, Legate."

Aemillus wrapped his tie around Legate's thigh to help stop the bleeding. "Gosh, there's blood everywhere. He must have hit a vein."

Jane rushed into the room with the towels. She handed them to Aemillus. He wrapped them around Legate's leg and took off his shoe.

"We can take him to Torchwood-"

Legate sat up, "Like Hell! No way! John will be back in just a few minutes."

Lance put his hand on Legate's head. "Yes. Relax. It's alright."

Pete Tyler popped into the room wearing a pair of trousers and an oxford. One look at Legate and he quickly rushed to him. "Jesus. Legate."

Legate shook his head. "It's not bad, Pete."

Pete knelt beside of the sofa and took Legate's hand. "Looks bad. We should take him to Torchwood."

Legate shook his head. "No. John will be back in just a bit."

Lance continued to hold pressure to Legate's leg. "He's just rounding the belt. He'll be close enough to transport him in seventeen minutes."

Pete groaned. "Damn. Seventeen minutes. That's a long ass time to bleed Legate. Where's Tony and Lewis?"

Lance shook his head. "They don't have anything to help him. They're nearly an hour out."

Pete groaned. "Damn."

Legate rose up again on the sofa and pointed at them, "If I pass out, do NOT take me to Torchwood."

To everyone's surprise, Jane suddenly sat down on the sofa and put Legate's head in her lap. She had put on her jeans and still had on Lance's t-shirt she had slept in. She took Legate's hand and held his head with her other one, forcing him to lie back down. "Legate. Shhhh…..you need to stay calm."

He groaned in pain. "Okay."

"Your heart pumps the blood faster when you are wound up. Calm down. It will help. We're all here. You're going to be fine. I won't let them send you to Torchwood. We'll wait for John." She smiled at him.

He smiled at her with his eyes closed and held her hand tighter. "Thank you, Jane."

Lance pointed with his eyes. "Pete. Lewis' has an injector of pain medication just over there in front of the telly. Grab that and give him an injection in the neck."

Pete looked around and saw the odd, small, black injector. He brought it back over and gave Legate a dose.

Legate didn't open his eyes. "Really didn't think I would be happy that Lewis needs pain medication."

Lance smiled. "Me too. Is it helping?"

"Little bit."

Lance pointed to Aemillius with his eyes. He still held pressure on Legate's leg. "He's already bled through that towel. Get another one and wrap it on top of this one. This has to be a vein. Stay calm, Legate."

Legate slowly exhaled. The color was draining from his face, "Calm. Trying to stay calm."

Aemillius added, "And try not to bleed."

Legate grinned, "Trying not to bleed. Check."

Pete nodded his head. "Damn. What's happening now, Lance?"

Lance sat on the coffee table, holding Legate's leg. "Exton has him. He was trying to get in to get something from your safe."

Pete groaned and shook his head. "Another nutter. Jacks and Tony aren't awake are they?"

Lance shook his head. "No. I've sent Mortimer, Chiron and Aaron to help. They are all fine. They don't know anything has happened. They are taking the intruder to Torchwood. Jake has been notified and will meet them there."

Pete nodded. "Good. What did he want from my safe?"

Legate, had his eyes closed tightly. "He said something about a list."

"List. What list?"

Legate didn't open his eyes. "I have no idea."

Jane wiped the sweat from Legate's head with her hand.

Pete mumbled. "Nutters. Lance, what do you need me to do?"

Lance shook his head. "Make fifteen minutes fly by."

Pete sighed, "If only." He knelt back next to the sofa and put his hand on Legate's shoulder. The color continued to drain from his face. "Legate? You're still awake, right?"

Legate hadn't opened his eyes. He groaned. "I'm here."

Aemillius sat on the coffee table next to Lance. "Let me take over that. You have to be getting tired."

Lance nodded and let him take over keeping pressure on Legate's wound. Lance sighed and looked up at Jane who ran her hand through Legate's hair. He seemed to have calmed down and lay still on the sofa.

Lance looked up at Pete. "Why are you already dressed Pete? It's early."

Pete sighed, "I don't sleep well. I was getting some work done."

Lance nodded his head.

Legate exhaled slowly. "Oh, this hurts."

Lance pat Legate's chest. "Makes you wish you never left Kaitos?"

Legate didn't open his eyes. "Let's, not lose our heads here."

Lance and Aemillius grinned at one another.

Legate groaned, "What a time to tease a guy."

Lance grinned, "It's in love. Hang on."

Legate took a deep breath. Jane continued to run her fingertips through his hair. "Pain medication working?"

"It's strong." Legate groaned.

Lance looked at Aemillius and smiled. "You're alright. John says to hang on. Stay calm."

Lance met Jane's eyes. She mumbled, "Longest seventeen minutes of my life."

Legate didn't open his eyes. "Me too. He's sped up. Is he mad?"

He nodded. "Oh yes."

"That lane is too narrow for that-"

"John knows what he's doing. Timon is at the helm."

Legate exhaled slowly again. "Timon is not Poltious."

Lance sighed, "No, he's not. Although, I think Poltious is drunk."

Legate grinned. The color continued to drain from his face. "Yes. He has mended his friendship with the king. They were up all night. He is playing Mario Brothers, and beating my score."

Jane continued to run her hand through his hair. She looked concerned back at Lance and mouthed, "Is he okay?"

Pete noticed, too. "Legate. Where did you play Mario Brothers?"

Legate groaned. "Damn, this hurts."

Lance grinned at Pete. "Tony has it. All of us played it when we sat out that storm at Lenox's."

Pete looked relieved. "Oh! Frightened me for a second there, kid."

Legate grinned and started to relax more than Lance liked.

"Legate! Stay with us. Talk to me." Lance shook Legate.

Legate opened his eyes and looked at Lance. "What?"

Lance looked at him. "Keep your eyes on me, kid. Tell me about this game. How far did you get?"

"I don't know. There was….pipes. And odd plants that ate you. How did you do, Lance?"

Lance smiled, "Level three for me. And that's as far as I could go."

"It's not cards."

Lance nodded, "That's what I would rather play. Anytime."

The Doctor and Jack materialized into the room. As soon as they were solid, they rushed to Legate. The Doctor scanned him with his screwdriver. "Yep. Bullet still in there. It's hit the bone. We'll take him up and get this sorted."

Jack took over holding the tie to keep pressure on Legate's leg. "Got cha, Legate. Lewis is going to be pissed with all of this blood on his sofa."

Legate closed his eyes and then relaxed.

The Doctor put his hand on Legate's chest. "He passed out. Transport us up, Jack."

Jack looked down at the remote transport trigger, "Me, Doc', Legate and Aemillius. And go."

The four of them disappeared, leaving Lance, Pete and Jane alone.

Pete threw his hand up and walked into the kitchen. "I'm making tea."

Lance looked down at his blood covered hands. "Damn. I know that has to hurt. Poor guy."

"Do you think he'll be alright?"

Lance shook his head. "I don't know. But, John's the best with stuff like that."

Jane sat back and took a deep breath. Lance rested his head on his fists. He reached out to Lewis.

'Lewis. How close are you lot?'

'About an hour. I suppose.'

'Inform Poltious that Legate has been injured. John has him now. And there's blood all over your sofa-'

'Hell with the sofa. I'll copy another one. What happened with Legate?'

Lance explained what had happened to his brother through their telepathic connection.

Jane breathed out a sigh of relief. "At least he's with someone who can help now. Why does his bracelet make him appear differently?"

Lance looked back up at her. "I'm sorry. What did you ask?"

"You should really try to sleep at night, Lance."

He smiled at her, "I really don't sleep that much."

She grinned at him. "I asked why John's bracelet made him appear differently? Yours' just….makes you appear someplace."

"He's using something else."

Pete called from the kitchen. "And I have tea if anyone else's nerves are rattled."

Jane stood up and put her hand on Lance's shoulder. "I could probably use a cup. If not something stronger. " She started towards the kitchen. Noticing that Lance wasn't with her, she stopped and looked back at him. He sat on the table and took a deep breath. She walked back over and put her hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"

He nodded. "Yes. I'm sorry about that."

Jane shook her head. "I don't know how you deal with this all of the time."

He looked longingly at her. "Thank you for your help, Jane."

She kissed his forehead and walked away.

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The Doctor had returned to Lance's flat after about an hour. He sat at the bar, having a cup of tea. Pete Tyler sat next to him. Lance leaned on the counter with his arms crossed. He had changed into one of his suits.

"What list is he talking about?" Lance asked.

The Doctor shook his head. "Jake can't get any answer out of him. He's sitting there like a….Sphinx now. Not a word."

Pete groaned. "Damn it. Do you remember the old days? When bad guys would just tell you what they wanted?"

The Doctor chuckled. "You forget who you are talking to, mate. They never did that."

Jane carried Arles into the kitchen. She had changed into her brown tank top and blouse. Lance held out his hands and she put Arles in his arms. "Finished his bottle already?"

Jane smiled at the baby. "He did. I think he might need a taller bottle. I've seen that they make those."

Lance kissed Arles' face. "Where do you put all of that milk?"

The Doctor smiled, "Ask for one of Samuel's bottles next time. She's probably right."

Lance nodded his head and pat Arles' back. He asked, "Do you need me to take you back, Jane?"

She shook her head. "Not right away. You're busy here still. Don't worry about me."

Pete smiled at her. "Thank you for your help earlier."

She sipped her tea. "It was my pleasure. Is he alright?"

The Doctor smiled, "Oh, he'll be fine. Probably want to play football tomorrow."

Lance pat Arles' back and asked, "Poltious?"

The Doctor nodded. "He's with him. Legate will probably be asleep for a few more hours."

They heard Tony's booming voice from the sitting room. "And Lewis is home! Bring this man his baby!"

The Doctor laughed. Lance handed Arles to Pete.

Pete laughed as he walked out of the room, "I have your baby here." He passed Tony in the doorway.

"And I need a cup of tea. Or coffee. Just…caffeine." Tony insisted and rubbed his face.

Lance smiled and turned to get one for Tony. "I'll get you some tea."

The Doctor smiled and Tony sat at the bar next to him, "Good trip back?"

Tony nodded as he rubbed his face with both hands, "Yep. I was the designated driver. How about that? Pepper is still laughing about it. A first for me."

Lance handed him his tea. "You look tired. Stay up all night?"

Tony sipped it and nodded. "Most of it."

The Doctor looked concerned, "Trouble? Need some-"

Tony shook his head. "Nope. Everything is fine. It was a great night."

Lance rose his eyebrows. "Oh! Well done then."

Tony groaned and rubbed his face again. "If I fall out of this stool snoring, just step over me. Let me sleep. Oh my God. Totally worth it."

Lance laughed and looked back at Jane.

Jane grinned, "Maybe we'll go ahead and get you another cup ready."

Tony sat up straight and seemed startled that she was there. "Oh! Jane's here."

Jane smiled, "I'm helping Lance take care of his nephew."

Tony pointed at Lance. "I'd watch out for Lance-"

Lance quickly rose his finger and pointed at Tony. "Ah!"

Jane laughed, "Say whatever you like Mr. Stark-"

"Tony!"

"And Doctor Smith-"

"John! Geez."

"Lance has warned me about you two. I refuse to believe anything you tell me about him."

Tony looked back at the Doctor. "We need to up our game."

The Doctor nodded, "Noted."

Tony grinned, "See, I didn't know Lance was such a trouble maker. Arrested? What did you do, man?"

Lance smiled at Tony. "Which time?"

Tony laughed.

The Doctor grabbed Tony's hand.

Tony looked surprised back at him. "What? Are we holding hands now? You're not my type. Freak."

"What are you wearing here? Is this a ring?"

Tony nodded, "Pepper had me try it on and it's stuck. I didn't have any lotion or anything to get it off."

Jane smiled, "I know what will get that off. Come over here."

Tony walked over to Jane. She put dishwashing soap on his finger and massaged it. She stroked his finger, making sure it was completely covered with the soap. Tony turned to Lance, made a face, and mouthed, "Oh my God."

Lance laughed under his breath and rolled his eyes.

Jane stopped and stood in front of him. His face quickly returned to normal. "Alright. Now, you should be able to take it off."

He slipped it off of his finger with ease. He grinned, "Thank you. Saved me from a press blood bath."

She grinned, "Don't mention it. Tony."

The Doctor rested his head on his fist, "Why are you trying on a ring?"

Tony looked at it again, "Pepper gave it to me. It was….for a thing."

The Doctor narrowed his eyes at him. "What sort of thing?"

Tony put the ring on his right hand and washed the dishwashing soap off of his hands. "A thing, John."

Lance stood next to Jane and smiled at Tony. "A thing that involves a ring, usually involves a promise."

The Doctor smiled, "And ten men."

"And suspicion." Tony added.

The Doctor sat up and crossed his arms. "What did you take her down to the castle for?"

Lance smiled, "There's that room there."

Tony turned off the tap. "I can have a secret. Noisy…..freaks."

Soli ran into the room. "Tony!"

Tony mocked his voice. "Sparky!"

Tony knelt down and caught him as he ran and threw his arms around him. He sat the boy on the cabinet. He pat Soli's face with his wet hands. "How did you know I needed a towel?"

Soli laughed and rubbed his wet face, "Where is Pepper?"

"Pepper is back at home. Well, at work. She told me to tell you that she missed you, and she'll see you tonight."

Lance smiled at Soli. "I hear you were extremely helpful."

The Doctor nodded, "He really was. We kept him busy."

Soli pointed proudly at himself. "And I have a title now. It's about…." He held his hands apart. "This long!"

Tony grinned at him. "And I bet I can guess it. 'Soler the Skinny kid running around here at Lance and Lewis' flat'."

Soli laughed as Tony tickled him.

Jane looked curiously, "Who is this little boy?"

Tony pointed at Soli, sitting on the cabinet. "Ummm…that's Soli. He's my shortest bodyguard."

Soli smiled. "I live with Tony. He keeps me safe."

Tony pointed. "Yes. And he keeps me and Pepper safe. That's it."

Jane smiled, "I didn't know you had a child."

Tony nodded, picked back up his tea and leaned against the cabinet next to where Soli sat.

The Doctor asked, "And what's your level at?"

Tony sipped his tea. "I've not checked. I don't want to know."

The Doctor dropped his hand on the bar. "Damn it, Tony. We need to know if-"

Tony held his hand out at him. "Don't yell at me, man. I simply….don't want to know. I feel it's reasonable. Call Pepper. She's all over my case about this, too. She's threatened to hold me down and check it herself."

Lance chuckled, "I believe she would do it."

Tony grinned, "I hope she does."

The Doctor asked, "How's Pepper?"

"Tired. But, she had a meeting to get to. So, I dropped her off in New York." He turned back to Soli. "John feed you?"

Soli nodded, "Yes. And I got to meet Lenox."

Tony smiled, "Lenox and his millions of children. Did you play until you passed out?"

Soli laughed, "Genie is still sleeping. We learned a lot of new games."

Tony sipped his tea and nodded. "Sounds fun. What do you want to do today?"

"I don't know. Maybe practice. Or you can show me about the pinao."

"Piano." Tony corrected him. "Yes. We can do that."

The Doctor groaned, "I need to go see Jake Simmons at Torchwood. Deal with this. Ugh."

Tony's phone beeped in his pocket. He took it out and read a message from Pepper. "Uh-oh. Jake Simmons is going to get his nose broken by the good Doctor."

"I'm not going to hit him."

Tony dialed a number and put the phone to his ear, "Says you. My money is you will. Lance?"

Lance smiled, "Oh yes. At least once."

The Doctor smiled at Jane. "Do you see this?"

Jane shook her head. "I don't even know who this guy is. I'm out of it."

Tony spoke on the phone to someone. "Hey. This is Stark. I need you to do something. Send….hmm…. like a really big ass bowl of grapes and some sparkling water to Pepper Potts' office. She's stuck in meetings all afternoon and missed lunch." Tony nodded his head and looked back at the Doctor, "Yeah. That will work. Just take them to her office. Satan….I mean, Ummmm…"

The Doctor helped, "Natasha-"

Tony nodded, "Natasha will take them right in. Yes. Alright." He ended the phone call and put the phone back in his pocket. "Comfort food for Pepper."

Jane shook her head. "I've never heard grapes referred to as that."

Tony sipped his tea, "Pepper is weird. That's why we get along so well."

Jane laughed under her breath.

The Doctor asked, "Too many meetings?"

Tony sipped his tea, "The woman is a workaholic. She won't stop and eat anything if it's not just…there in front of her. Although, she loved those little cakes we had last night."

The Doctor smiled and told Lance something in Quauthin.

Lance looked surprised, "You had those?"

The Doctor added, "And he's wearing a ring."

"And she's tired." Lance counted on his hand.

"Slept terrible." The Doctor teased.

"But, he has a smile on his face." Lance teased.

The Doctor grinned and nodded, "A bit of a glow to himself, too."

Tony groaned. "Don't listen to this Sparky."

Soli laughed at him.

Tony sipped his tea, "She's lost her assistant. That…Satan woman."

Lance looked at Jane and shook his head. Jane smiled.

The Doctor corrected him. "She was recalled to another job. She has to go."

Tony looked surprised, "How do you know that?"

"Ummm…. Pepper told me."

Tony groaned, "Yeah. Must be the season for losing good assistants. If you know of any….send them Pepper's way."

"But, you don't have an assistant anymore." Lance told him.

"I'm going to be fine without one."

The Doctor chuckled, "I give that two days."

"Hell, you don't have one."

The Doctor grinned, "Michelle. How soon you forget."

"Damn it. That's right. Well, I'm going to try life without one. I think I can do it."

The Doctor laughed under his breath. "Nah. I've changed my mind. I give that a matter of hours."

Tony pointed at Jane, "Well, unless….Jane…."

Jane rose her eyebrow at him, "What?"

"Ever thought about being an assistant? For Pepper?"

She laughed and shook her head. "No way. I'm happy with the job I have. Thank you, though."

Tony groaned. "Damn. Well. Alright. Actually, I needed to ask you something about that. Lance, can I talk to her? Just…us?"

Lance looked back at Jane. "Is that okay?"

She smiled. "I'll be fine."

Lance pointed at her, "She sent a guy to the hospital yesterday. Just so you know."

Tony put his hands in his pockets. "Five minutes. Just a quick word. Business stuff. You know."

Jane smiled, "Let's go in here."

Tony followed her into Lance's bedroom and closed the door.

The Doctor looked back at Lance and spoke in Quauthin. 'I bet you that him and Pepper visited The Room of the Life Promise on the Quauhtin homeworld.'

Lance shook his head. "Nah."

The Doctor continued to speak in Quauthin, 'The cakes? The ring?'

Lance shook his head. "Nah. He would be….bubbling over about that."

'Unless Pepper asked him not to.'

"Why would she be like that?"

'Would you be? He is her boss. Everyone in this world knows him.'

Lance rose his eyebrows. "Huh. I'll keep an eye out. But, I think you're wrong."

The Doctor shook his head. "I'm never wrong."

Lance rolled his eyes.

Meanwhile, Tony closed the door to the bedroom. He turned around and grinned at Jane. "Ummm…I don't know how to ask you this."

She crossed her arms. "I don't want to be an assistant-"

"No. Not that. Your photography. What kind of pictures do you take?"

"Any sort. Why? What kind to you need?"

"Ummm…just…some pictures of me and Pepper."

She nodded, "And Soli?"

"Yeah. How would you do that?" He crossed his arms and looked at her.

"Well. Hypothetically. If it was for a high profile client….such as yourself….."

He nodded, "Yes. Hypothetically."

"I'd ask you, and who ever, to go someplace where you are comfortable. No crowds. Someplace you can relax. That's what I would capture. I took Rose and John's in their home. But, it's completely up to you."

"Maybe like a beach? Here? We have a small place on the other side of this island."

She shrugged her shoulders. "Sure. Where ever you would be the most at ease. And I don't release any photos or information to the press without your written permission."

Tony nodded, "Yes. That's what Rose has told me. That's why I asked. Ummm…. my family situation is…."

"Private?"

"I grew up with everyone in my business, and I prefer no one to know what I'm up to now."

She smiled, "Like your son."

"He's….well…..not really my son."

"Listen. I understand. It's like I told Lance, you, Rose and John didn't ask for this sort of life. I'm sure it's hard. I would love to take some photos for you…..and Soli?"

He smiled proudly. "Yes. That's his name."

"And whoever you would like in the photos. I will keep it private and just for your eyes. Your situation is just that. I don't need to know. Alright? I'm not a 'shoot and tell'."

Tony nodded, "Cool. Alright. Umm… let me talk to her about it. We'll get Lance to bring you….. when are you available?"

She smiled, "My schedule is probably more open than yours. I know you are a busy person. Just have Lance come to get me. If it works at the time, I'll come. How does that sound?"

He nodded, "Casual. Perfect. Alright. Ummmm…right."

He turned and opened the door for her. She smiled at him as she walked back towards the kitchen.

The Doctor smiled as he watched Jane walk back to Lance. "I need to go back home in a bit, if you have a minute."

Lance smiled, "Sure."

Tony walked back into the kitchen. "And Soli and I are going home to box! How does that sound?"

Soli laughed. "I hope you are ready. I've been training."

"Yeah?" He playfully punched at the boy who was still sitting on the cabinet.

The Doctor laughed, "He's going to clean your clock, man."

Lance sat his tea glass in the sink.

The Doctor pointed at Jane. "Ummm… tomorrow night. Howie is having his re-election dinner thing…something….it's not a tux thing. Want to go?"

Jane asked, "As a …."

The Doctor smiled, "A guest. Lance's date. Take a few days off, man. Show the lady a good time. You've kept this lot out of trouble while we've been gone."

She smiled at Lance, "Sure. That sounds fun."

Tony groaned, "Sounds stuffy. I'm not going."

"You never go to stuff like this." The Doctor complained.

Tony put his tea glass in the sink. "I don't like crowds and people…..'Oh, look it's Tony Stark.' 'Let's ask him something for our magazine.' 'Let's get an interview.' 'Let's get a grant.' Honestly. It's a pain in the ass. No, thank you."

Lance pointed at the Doctor. "Jake Simmons is back in his office."

The Doctor groaned, "Might as well get this over with." He handed Tony his tea glass and popped away.

Tony sat the glass in the sink. "Not going. Nope."

Lance smiled, "He's gone now. It's not a re-election dinner. It's John's birthday party. It's a surprise. Rose has been planning it for months."

Tony groaned and dropped his head dramatically. "Damn it. I have to go then. Don't I?"

Jane smiled and rose her eyebrows at him. "It would seem so."

Tony leaned against the cabinet, crossed his arms and looked back at Soli. "What do you think, man? Ever been to a birthday party?"

"No. What's it like?"

Lance smiled, "Rose has a band-"

Tony shook his head. "It's loud."

"Pete has asked the family and the entire Guard to attend."

Tony looked back at Soli. "Crowded."

Jane smiled, "There will be cake. Probably ice cream."

Tony shook his head. "A bunch of little food like things. John calls them nibbles. You go home hungry and have to eat again."

Jane giggled, "And you get to dress up. You would probably wear a suit, with a tie. Like Lance does when he's working."

Soli smiled and nodded his head. "I'd like a suit! That sounds fun!"

Tony groaned, "Stuffy. We'll have to get you measured for a suit today if we have a hope in Hell it will be ready by tomorrow. But, you can't grow any until tomorrow night. Alright?"

Soli laughed. "We should get the same color tie! What color tie will you wear, Lance?"

Lance smiled, "You pick, Soli. I'll wear whatever."

Soli looked back at Tony. "What color should we wear?"

Tony shook his head. "You pick. You, me and Lance will all have the same tie. If that's what you want."

The little boy hugged Tony's shoulders. "This will be fun, Tony. I'll keep you safe from the annoying people."

Tony nodded his head. "You're going to be a very busy guy."

Jane laughed at his grumbling. "You really don't like this sort of thing."

Tony rubbed his beard. "Maybe I'll shave. It will make them wonder a bit. What do you think, Soli?"

Soli smiled, "Pepper liked it when you shaved."

Tony looked surprised, "She didn't tell me that."

"That's what she told me."

Tony helped Soli off of the cabinet and held his hand. "I'm going home to shave, and order a new suit for me and the short Quauhtin Warrior. See you later. Don't forget to check on your project."

Soli rose his hand and waved as Tony and him disappeared. Lance ran his hand through his hair. "So, I'll take you back, Jane. Lewis!"

Lewis called from the sitting room. "Yeah?"

"I'm taking Jane back home. Then I need to go check on some stuff. Ring me if you need-"

"I'll be fine."

"Stay off of that leg."

Lewis groaned.

Lance put his jacket on with the suit he was wearing. "And take your pain medication."

Lewis groaned again, "Yes, Mum."

Jane giggled at them.

Lance turned around and nodded. "Alright. Aemillus can come stay with Lewis for a while."

Jane crossed her arms and looked at him. "Hang on a bit."

He stopped and looked at her. "What?"

"Tony called Soli a…. something."

Lance rose his eyebrows at her. "When?"

"When he left. He said…it was a strange word. A something warrior-"

"Quauthin Warrior. Yes."

She pointed at him, "That's from your story. I remember that was such a strange word. Is that what you call the type of bodyguard you are?"

He rubbed his face. He hadn't thought he would have this conversation at this moment with her. He held up his finger to ask her to wait a second, held her hand, and then popped her back to her flat in a flash of light.

He stood in front of her and nodded his head. "Yes. I'm called a Quauthin Warrior. That's….what…..ummm…"

She smiled at him, "That's the strangest thing I've ever heard." She turned and threw her hand up at him as she walked away.

He stood with his hands on his hips, watching her. Did she understand? He was completely confused.

"Well, yeah. A Quauhtin Warrior." He nodded. "Ummm… yes. All of the guys are called that."

She turned and looked back at him. She was smiling. That was a good sign. Wasn't it?

"Is that alright?" He asked.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't mind what you lot call yourselves. Doesn't every unit have a name they adopt?"

He sighed and dropped his head. She didn't get it.

"Hmmm….Jane…?" He started.

She walked back towards her bedroom. "Lance. You need to go. You told me you had a full day to deal with."

He shook his head. "Nevermind that. I'll get to it. Umm…"

She stopped in the doorway and looked back at him. "What is it?"

The way the light shone around her form, left him speechless. He held his hand out and tried to get his mouth to work. It failed him. "Ugh." Was all he could muster.

She laughed and rushed back over to him. She held him around his neck, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. He smiled down at her beautiful face. "Are you working today?" He asked her.

She smiled, "Of course. I have a few appointments, and a million images to edit. But, I'm realizing we didn't get to study geography last night."

He smiled at her, "That's true. What are you doing later?"

"Text me. When you get finished today. If Lewis has help…"

He rose his eyebrows. "He does…."

"Maybe, you can stay here."

He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. "Oh, yes. I love that plan."

She smiled up at him, and he caressed her face with his fingertips. He looked deep into her eyes and kissed her. She held him tightly and snogged him.

"Wine. I'll bring wine." He told her.

She smiled, "And you need to go shopping for-"

He smiled, "Yes. I'll go shopping for that, too."

She giggled, "I'll see you tonight, then. Be careful."

He kissed her again. "I always am."

He stood up and nodded his head. "Yes. Right. Umm… Got to go. You. And ummm…"

She laughed, "I'll get a dress."

He bit his lip and typed in something on his arm. He winked at her, and popped away.

Jane stood there and brought her hand to her mouth. "Where am I going to get a dress for this thing?"

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