Torchwood: Divergence
Book Two: Adferiad
Chapter 27
Jack was actually the first to emerge from the office, hair slightly damp, fully dressed, and once more looking his normal devil-may-care self. He smiled at Gwen, let her come put her arms around him and give him a hug. The obviously fairly well recovered immortal returned the embrace and planted a kiss on top of his team member's head.
"Good morning to you too," he chuckled. "Ianto said you brought breakfast."
"Yeah," Cooper smiled as she stepped back. "I left it covered up by the coffee. You look so much better than you did last night."
"I actually got about six straight hours of real sleep," Harkness admitted, his expression mirroring honest surprise. "I haven't done that in decades. It's usually just an hour or two here and there if I'm lucky, so the long stretch was kind of nice. And it wasn't filled with bad dreams for a change."
"How's Ianto doing?" the former PC queried politely. "He was so miserable when I left, and seemed half asleep when he came out to put the coffee on."
"He settled well enough once the lights were out," the Captain reassured. "Still a little tired this morning I think, but feeling a lot better. He is such a trooper. I've known grizzled war veterans who'd be blubbering like babies if they had to handhold their lover during a nightmare even half as bad as the one he got me through yesterday, let alone try to handle it worn out and injured. I keep forgetting what he endured for two years in Hell and came out sane on the other side of. My Barista Boy is one tough kid. But I'm still gonna try to get him to take it easy today. I think he's more than due some Hub puttering time."
"Does that mean I get an afternoon nap, so I won't be cranky waiting up for Father Christmas?" Ianto asked from behind his two friends, having come out of the office without them hearing him.
"Absolutely," Jack grinned, turning to offer the younger man his right hand as had become his new habit. "You look festive."
His partner smiled, slipping his left hand into the one the American held out to him. He'd chosen black corduroy trousers, a red silk dress shirt, white and silver striped tie, and his nearly black green field jacket with the brown flecking in its weave. His hair was now perfectly combed and it looked like he'd even shined up his boots.
"I was always told that if you're feeling down or a bit peaky, the best pick-me-up is to do a little extra with your appearance," Ianto explained simply. "And Holidays are the perfect excuse anyhow."
"I have to admit," Gwen nodded. "If I hadn't already known you were feeling pretty rough last night, seeing you in a fraying waffle weave and worn blue jeans definitely got the point across. Though it's frustrating that you look so damn good like that or in jeans and a faded flannel shirt, when Rhys just looks grubby."
"Tell him to push up the sleeves on the thermal so the ratty cuffs are hidden, tuck in any shirt and belt the jeans," the young Welshman advised sagely, he and Jack wandering toward the kitchenette. "You two settle in, I'll get the coffee poured and bring things down to the table by the couch."
"Actually," Harkness countered evenly. "Gwen's on for grabbing breakfast, I'll get plates and napkins, and all you need to worry about is that wonderful smelling coffee. We promise not to start without you."
"You'll spoil me," Ianto sighed, shaking his head. "Next thing you know I'll be expecting you to fetch your own coat when you go out… it'll result in total anarchy."
"I'll risk it," the older immortal smirked, only releasing his lover's hand when they were actually in the kitchenette.
"You don't fetch my coat," Cooper complained with a pout, hoping the twenty-six-year-old was up to a little teasing.
Her friend paused in front of the coffee machine, turned to face her with a thoughtful expression, then put out one hand palm down about even with his chest.
"Command capable co-worker," the Scieron Changeling stated, then put his other hand at eye level. "Actual boss. Sorry… Jack's a lot higher on the food chain, so no valet service for you."
He shrugged and gave her a tiny, not really apologetic smile before turning back to the coffee. Gwen laughed, glad to see him in such good spirits after the trials of the previous night. She headed downstairs with the baked goods she'd brought in, placed them on the low table by the couch, and glanced back the way she'd come. Jack had been right behind her with the tableware, clotted cream and lemon curd, but had obviously gotten side-tracked, having paused to whisper something in his partner's ear and kiss the back of the younger man's neck. Ianto chuckled and shook his head, then half-heartedly shooed the Captain toward the stairs. Harkness was looking inordinately pleased with himself when he finally made it to the couch and flopped down on the cushions after putting the items he'd brought with him on the table.
As the three friends prepared to sit down for a bit of breakfast, the whole atmosphere of the Hub seemed to grow a little lighter and more cheerful somehow. Today was shaping up to be a good day.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
AN: The day is definitely looking to be a better one so far. Hopefully the Rift won't ruin it for them.
Posting Saturday and Sunday until New Year's Day… And I'll be doubling up as well as posting when I can during the week, because I really want to at least get through Christmas Eve by our own Christmas Day. Happy Holidays…
Thank you to those reading the story. And thank you to those who have followed, favourited, and reviewed. NM