Hally's morning progressed fairly uneventfully. They hadn't had any rift activity that day, just a small spike the day before, but nothing seemed to have appeared. Just a small wooden box that Ianto had picked up for them. She'd managed to get through quite a lot of the paperwork Jack liked to hand over to her. She was categorising species, adding to the Torchwood files with any additional useful information. Hally liked feeling useful. It was nice, being a part of a team.
Jack, Hally, Adam, Gwen, Owen, Tosh and Ianto.
Like home.
Hally felt a dull ache just underneath her clavicle. It was a strange feeling. Almost a physical response to an emotion. It was somewhere along the lines of longing, perhaps nostalgia. Missing something that was lost.
There was a soft cough from behind her.
Hally tilted her head and gave Owen a charming smile. He blushed, readjusting his glasses as his Adam's apple bobbed nervously. "Hey… sorry, it's that time again." An apologetic smile crept onto his face. She sent him a lopsided grin, letting him know that he was forgiven. She rose to her feet and followed him down into the medical station.
"It's alright, I won't tell Jack that you lure me into your office on a weekly basis to take my top off." She quipped.
Owen's face paled and for a moment he looked as though he was going to sink into the ground. Hally hummed softly and took pity on the awkward Doctor. She pulled her T-shirt up over her head and leaned against the table. Owen cleared his throat and got to work. It was fascinating to her how he could switch from bubbling, awkward Owen into professional, medic Owen. As he worked on her shoulder, checking the external wound and getting her to stretch her arm in multiple directions before taking a look at the tissue damage on the internal scanner, his awkwardness seemed to disappear, his mind focused on the task at hand.
"It's healing nicely on the outside." He mumbled, more to himself than to her. "It's getting better, although not as quickly as I'd like. Are you doing the physio I gave you?"
Their eyes locked, and Hally pouted, both acknowledging that she had not been diligent in adhering to his recommended course of physiotherapy. In truth, she had likely stretched her arm only once.
He exhaled, a look of knowing on his face. "Well, I can't force you but it will help the healing. The worst damage is always what you can't see."
"Yes, I know Dr Owen, you tell me every time." Hally shot him a coy smile, his eyes dropping from hers as he shook his head.
"Ok, you can…" He waved his hand at her top and she grinned, pulling it over her head. Thanking him, as she always did, Hally returned to her desk.
Just past lunchtime, she paid a visit to Jack, carrying a few files as a pretence to enter his office. Placing the stack she needed him to review on his desk, she leaned across him, planting a swift peck on his cheek.
Leaning back in his chair, Jack fixed her with an intense gaze. "Excuse me, Ms.?" His raised eyebrow brimmed with expectation. A smile curved Hally's lips, her eyes sparkling as she leaned down once more, capturing his lips with her own. He welcomed the kiss, his fingers tracing a path up her arm before settling on her waist. "That's better," he remarked, releasing her from the embrace with a devilish wink. "Anything interesting?" He inquired, gesturing toward the now stacked files on his desk.
Hally leaned back against his desk, slipping in between his knees. "Not really, most of the information you have on Hoix is accurate, I've just added in a few extra details. But they're not a complicated species."
Jack pushed himself to his feet, eyes never leaving hers. A wicked smile was flirting with the corner of his mouth. "And what about you, are you a complicated species?" The way his voice dipped left no room to misinterpret his desire.
She halted the shy giggle by biting her lower lip, cheeks warming. "Mmhmm, most definitely. There's quite a lot missing in your files about me."
His eyes darkened, and he held his gaze just above her lips. "Oh, really? I suppose I should increase my research efforts."
"I think you better had," she replied in a low, sultry tone.
"So much to learn... so little time." Their lips collided in a passionate kiss, igniting a fiery intensity between them. They pressed against each other, the heat rising within their embrace.
Suddenly, a knock at the door shattered the moment. "I hope I'm not interrupting..." Adam's voice carried a hint of amusement, he knew precisely what he was interrupting.
Jack smirked and rolled his eyes. "Not at all. Just engaged in some cross-species examination."
Hally snorted, shaking her head in amusement. Adam grinned at the both of them, walking over to the desk and lightly touching their arms. "So, date night tonight? As per usual?"
Jack hummed with a hint of anticipation. "Of course." He lowered his gaze to Hally, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Any excuse to take out the most beautiful woman on this planet."
"You're so charming, it's disgusting." She retorted, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips.
Jack's laughter filled the room, a rich and vibrant sound that echoed with his amusement. Adam couldn't help but chuckle in response. "Oh, I did actually come in here for a reason," he said, his voice laced with a teasing tone. "Toshiko needs you to examine some readings she picked up on one of our artefacts. If you're not too busy?" He arched an eyebrow suggestively.
Jack's smirk deepened, and a soft chuckle escaped him as his eyes met hers, a fond look passing across his features. With a nod, he headed out of the room. She watched him go, Jack—predictable, reliable, and well, safe. But there was something else, a lingering thought that danced at the edge of her mind. Something was missing.
Adam was watching her, examining her face as her thoughts flickered across it. "Are you alright?" He approached her slowly, concern written on his features.
"Mm?" Hally blinked, refocusing her gaze on him. "Oh, yeah," she replied, trying to shake off whatever had clouded her thoughts.
Adam pressed further, his worry evident. "Are you sure? You look a little pale..."
Hally furrowed her brow, suddenly aware of a growing sense of unease that she couldn't quite shake. Her mind felt sluggish, and a familiar yet unwelcome sensation crept in. "I think I'm alright," she mumbled, but the uneasiness lingered. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "Just feeling a little strange. I'm sure it'll pass."
"In what way?" Adam's concern seemed to deepen, although for a brief second, she swore she saw a flicker of fear behind his eyes. "Are you sick? Do Time Lords even get sick?" His hand gently pressed against her forehead, checking her temperature.
Hally considered his words. "Maybe... It's like... being in a fog, you know? Have you ever experienced that sensation when you wake up and it feels like you're still dreaming for a few hours? It's like that, but... off. Like something isn't quite right."
Adam observed her closely. "Hmm... Perhaps you should try to sleep it off?"
She nodded, the notion of rest sounding appealing. "Maybe. I'm sure it'll go away. Anyway, let's get back to work."
Adam offered her a reassuring smile, with a nod of agreement Hally slipped from Jack's office, followed closely by Adam. She took her seat at her desk and tried to refocus herself on the next species to log. She didn't notice Adam's gaze lingering.
As the afternoon progressed into the evening, the Hub grew steadily quieter as the others began heading home. Hally's chair turned, forcing her away from her desk into the awaiting gaze of Captain Jack Harkness. "Working hours are over, young lady," he declared with a playful tone, extending his hand towards her. She gladly accepted, allowing him to pull her to her feet. "I'm all yours, Captain." She responded, her eyes sparkling.
"Music to my ears." Jack replied, his voice laced with anticipation, as a warm smile spread across his face. Their eyes locked in a moment of shared desire, and the electric tension between them seemed to hum in the air. He tenderly brushed her lips with a soft kiss before taking her hand and leading her out of the now-empty Hub.
They arrived at a charming Italian restaurant, a hidden gem they had discovered and frequented on previous occasions. Nestled near the bay, it exuded a sense of romantic allure. As they entered, the soft glow of candlelight enveloped the space, casting flickering shadows that danced upon the walls.
A poised waiter approached their table, ready to attend them. Jack confidently placed an order for his drink, his gaze shifting towards Hally, silently indicating for her to do the same. For a brief moment, the simple gesture felt odd to Hally. She caught herself, puzzled by her own reaction. Why would that be odd? Of course, she was more than capable of selecting her own drink. Shaking off the fleeting confusion, she placed her order— A Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac Red—and returned her attention to Jack. He quirked an eyebrow. "I didn't know you knew about wine?" He teased playfully. For a moment Hally's mind slowed as she considered her choice. Because in truth, she knew nothing about wine, and yet somehow she knew that she liked that one. She distracted him with a winning smile and they fell into an easy conversation about work, amusing each other with stories about the team. A small smile teased the edge of Hally's lips as she watched Jack pop an olive into his mouth.
"What are you smirking at, little Lady?" A lilt of flirtatious curiosity in his voice.
She grinned, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "I wasn't smirking, it's called a smile, Captain," she replied, tilting her head to one side, letting herself stare at him. "I was just thinking about my ridiculously handsome boyfriend, and it made me smile."
He caught her hand, bringing it to his lips, and planted a gentle kiss on her skin. "I love you." He whispered, the glimmer of mischief had disappeared from his gaze.
Her eyes widened, surprised by the sentiment, though they had exchanged those words countless times before, she could remember it. Hally found herself momentarily taken aback, frozen, the words hung heavily in the air. Luckily their food arrived and diverted both of their attention. As they tucked into their meal, Jack discreetly pressed his leg against hers under the table, a pleasant connection between them.
As time passed, Hally found herself becoming more and more aware of how unnatural the situation felt. She found herself searching frantically for topics of conversation. It was strange, she could remember their previous dates. There had been quite a few. But for the life of her, she couldn't remember what they'd spoken about. She couldn't recall any of their usual discussions, no specific memories surfaced at all. Had they talked about The Doctor before? They must have. Her stomach knotted.
"Have you heard from The Doctor lately?" She voiced, tilting her head to the side, her gaze fixed on Jack.
He frowned and shook his head. "No," he responded, his attention focused on her. "Are you alright?" he asked, his hand gently caressing hers.
She nodded, attempting to dismiss her unease with a smile. "Yeah... just... I've had this weird feeling all day," she admitted. "Like something is missing or I've forgotten something, but I can't for the life of me remember what it is."
Jack chuckled, lightly touching her cheek. "Did you leave the hob on again?" He teased, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.
She laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "That was one time!" She retorted, rolling her eyes playfully. Chuckling, she continued, "Maybe I'm just missing Gwen." She grinned, her face lighting up with mischief.
Jack joined in her laughter, his eyes sparkling. "I'm wounded. Well, she'll be back tomorrow." He assured her, pouting.
"Thank God!" Hally exclaimed, laughing wholeheartedly.
Jack settled the bill and hand in hand they exited the restaurant. The gentle breeze of the bay brushed against her face as they strolled along the shoreline. The expanse of darkness captured Hally's attention. Flickering lights danced upon the water's surface, casting a mesmerising glow that mirrored the twinkling stars above.
Hally's eyes lifted, drawn to the celestial canvas above them. The shimmering constellations painted a breathtaking backdrop against the night sky. Thoughts swirled within her, a complex tapestry of emotions and contemplation. She understood her place by Jack's side, a pillar of support as he was for his team. They were meant to be here, and yet, an unshakeable feeling nagged at her core. One she couldn't put her finger on.
Jack wrapped her up in his arms and she leant back into him. His lips found hers, it was tender, the way he kissed her. Balanced. There was a give and take.
Hmm.
It was nice, she supposed.
Comforting, like a warm blanket.
"So, your place or mine?" Jack's voice, deep and husky, sent shivers down her spine as their breaths mingled in the air.
A playful smile tugged at her lips, and her voice carried a hint of mischief. "Mine, definitely, mine."
Jack's expression transformed into a mock pout, his gaze wandering longingly towards the Hub, just a stone's throw away. "But mine is closer."
A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as she squeezed his waist. "Yes, but your bedroom is literally a hole in the floor. Mine is much comfier."
He relented, his grip tightening on her waist, before his lips crashed against hers. "Fine, you win," he murmured between kisses. "Plus, you need to check on that hob..." A wink punctuated his sentence, eliciting a playful groan from her as she playfully hit his chest.
"It was one time!" Hally squealed as Jack's hands attacked her sides, tickling mercilessly. She darted away from him, giggling, while he playfully patted her backside and gave chase.
The moment the door of her flat closed behind them, Jack's lips reclaimed hers in a passionate kiss. Their bodies moved deeper into the flat, fuelled by desire. Against the kitchen counter, he pressed her, their mouths parting momentarily as his eyes dropped to a sight that made him chuckle.
"Well, would you look at that," he remarked, his gaze fixated on the hob.
Following his line of sight, she rolled her eyes and seized him by his coat, yanking his mouth back down to hers. "Shut up," she breathed, the words vibrating against his lips. She caught his chuckle in her mouth, forcing him closer to her. Heat shot through her and she impatiently pushed his coat from his shoulders, not that he was complaining. Jack's hands gripped her waist, bunching her blouse underneath his fingers. They migrated swiftly to the bedroom, shedding each other's clothes along the way. Jack's scent hit her, it was intoxicating, the heat between them ramped up as she pressed her body into him, letting him infect her senses.
"It's not fair for you to smell so good." She whined. His mouth curved into a smug smile against hers. Jack's hands left a pleasant trail of heat over her body, a tingling just underneath her skin that ran straight between her legs. A soft moan fell from her lips.
A loud knock reverberated through the apartment. She furrowed her brow, but she ignored it, wrapping her arms around Jack's neck to pull him in closer. The knock came again, louder. It sounded oddly familiar.
"Expecting someone?" Jack raised an eyebrow, his breath coming out in short pants, however, she saw the spark of awareness return to his wide pupils. Her mind felt fuzzy, struggling to make sense of the interruption.
"No... I don't think so," she replied, throwing a robe over herself before leaving Jack in the bedroom. She approached the front door, opening it to find no one on the other side.
Perplexed, Hally closed the door, only to be confronted by a sight that stopped her in her tracks.
There, hanging on the back of the door, was a black coat. Her gaze fixated on it, a surge of conflicting emotions flooding her. Why did she have it? She vaguely remembered its significance.
It was The Master's coat.
But why would she have it?
She was relieved that he was gone… wasn't she?
Something inside her constricted painfully. The offending object sat, hanging on the back of her door. Now that she could see it, she couldn't unsee it. It stuck out like a sore thumb. It shouldn't have been there.
"Are you okay?" Jack's voice, filled with concern, broke through her thoughts. He approached her, gently enveloping her with his arms. "You look pale..." he observed tilting her face towards his. "You're warm." The back of his hand pressed against her forehead.
His touch lingered on her skin, and she mustered a small smile. "That might be your fault," she teased, attempting to inject some levity into the situation.
His low chuckle reverberated in his chest. "Hmm... straight to bed for you, I think."
Her body tingled with disappointment but her conflicted and confused mind yearned for the solace of sleep. Jack led the way back to her room and they slipped beneath the covers. She nestled herself against his chest, and he placed a tender kiss on her forehead as he held her.
As Hally stirred from her slumber, she found herself greeted by the gentle morning light cascading through the windows. Stretching her limbs, she yawned and blinked away the remnants of sleep. A soft smile curved her lips as her gaze landed on the empty space beside her. Jack was already up, his absence evident.
With a rumble of hunger in her belly, she padded into the kitchen, the cool tiles tickling the soles of her feet. Grabbing a slice of bread, she popped it into the toaster.
Moments later, Jack emerged from the bedroom, his lean frame wrapped in a towel. She couldn't help but admire the droplets of water clinging to his skin, glistening like diamonds under the morning sun. He took a large bite out of the slice she offered him.
"Mm." His voice rumbled as he pressed his lips to hers. She tugged at the edge of his towel playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes. A low chuckle escaped him. "You're going to make me late," he teased.
"Perhaps that's the goal?" she retorted, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.
"Troublesome woman," he quipped, capturing her lips. She barked a laugh when he stole her last piece of toast, slipping away into the safety of her bedroom to dress.
"Once a con man, always a con man." Her voice lilted with teasing. Hally jumped into the shower, the warm droplets cascaded over her body, soothing her senses and washing away the remnants of sleep. Just as she began to lather her hair with shampoo, Jack appeared in the doorway, already dressed and ready. He always had to be in the Hub before everyone else. His voice carried a mix of amusement and sternness as he reminded her, "Don't be late."
A mischievous smile played on her lips as she responded, "Yes, Sir," her tone tinted with rebellion.
When Hally turned up at the Hub, most of the team were already at their desks, Jack handing out orders as per usual. "Class D artefacts. Tosh, I need you to run a full check."
"Sure." Toshiko responded, shooting Jack a smile.
"Owen, you can help." Jack pointed to Owen, who blushed furiously at the idea of working with Toshiko.
"Happy to." Owen swallowed, his voice wavering. His cosy cardigan and glasses combo making him look like an adorable old man.
"Adam, I know how much you love audits." Jack hovered by Adam's desk.
"It's got to be done." Adam acknowledged, a knowing smile gracing his mouth.
"If you could -" Jack started, but Adam cut in, already guessing what Jack was going to ask.
"Go through the investigation reports, find out when they might have come through the Rift." He wiggled his eyebrows.
Jack chuckled, lowering his chin in agreement. "You okay with that?"
"I have been for the last three years."
Jack turned to acknowledge Hally, bringing his wrist up to check his watch. "Ooh, 08:59, cutting it fine."
"Yes, yes, I'm the worst employee." She quipped back at him, eyes flashing with mirth.
"Can you take a look at the next extra-terrestrial files on the list for me? Your insight is invaluable." He cocked his head, pandering to her.
The side of her mouth quirked into a smirk. "Of course, it is. I'm brilliant."
Jack rolled his eyes. "You know, I think I remember a time when you were modest."
Hally pouted, pretending to consider his words. "Definitely not, that doesn't sound like me at all." She countered, her words laced with playful defiance
The Hub door sirened and Hally turned in time to see Gwen entering, at least Hally hadn't been the last to arrive for once.
"You're late." Jack remarked, his tone hinting at irritation but his eyes sparkled with jest.
"Yes, Paris was lovely, thank you." Gwen muttered back at him. Then she stopped, her eyes stuck on Adam. "Who the hell is this?"
There was an awkward moment of silence as the team paused, looking from Gwen to Adam in confusion. However, it didn't seem to faze Adam, who confidently strode forward with a friendly grin plastered on his face. He touched Gwen's shoulders, eyes twinkling. "Just because that's what I said to you on your first day. Remember."
Gwen's face split into a grin, almost childlike, having been caught in her prank. Then she pulled Adam into a tight hug.
The team settled down and Jack left them to their tasks, Hally nibbled on the edge of her thumb as he marched back up into his office.
Dating the boss.
That was kind of sexy.
Caught in her musing, Hally's gaze inadvertently wandered towards Jack's office. At that moment, Adam, always perceptive, locked eyes with her and flashed a knowing smile. Embarrassment tinged her cheeks as she realized she had been caught ogling Jack so blatantly. Hally tried to clear her throat and get her mind focused on the task at hand.
The physical appearance of the Sycorax.
Right.
Yes.
Easy peasy.
The team settled into easy work chatter around her. Adam asked Gwen about her trip to Paris, Ianto kept the rest of them fuelled with coffee and Owen even tried to charm Toshiko once or twice.
"He's like a puppy bringing her sticks. When's he going to realise he's got no chance?" Gwen muttered softly, as Owen skulked back to his medical station after another failed attempt at flirting.
"Love's blind, apparently. He's idolised her for years now." Ianto mused.
Adam chuckled lowly. "Oh, leave him alone. I think it's sweet. He's happy."
Hally hummed in amusement, looking over her shoulder at Owen's retreating form. "I think he's cute."
Ianto chuckled softly. "Well there we go, problem solved. Hally can date Owen."
Adam snorted, leaning back in his chair. "Jack might have a few words to say about that."
Gwen hummed knowingly. "Well, Jack always does say, the more the merrier!"
"I said he was cute! Not that I wanted to marry him!" Hally rolled her eyes, laughing along with the others. "You know, cute, like a pet." A coy smile curved her mouth. Ianto frowned and paused.
"Do your species do that…?"
Hally cocked an eyebrow at him, willing him to elaborate.
"Could a human be a pet?" Ianto was looking at her with light suspicion.
She laughed and shook her head. "No, of course not." However, the possibility ran through her mind, she wouldn't have necessarily put it past the old councils of Gallifrey to do something so abhorrent. Plus, The Doctor did love to have humans around…
She cleared her throat. "Let's stick with no."
Gwen chuckled softly and they settled back into their work. The rest of the day was bordering on mundane. Mainly paperwork and office chit chat. As Hally headed into Jack's office at the end of the day she was feeling restless and ever so slightly grouchy. Gwen had already gone home and Hally was hoping she could coerce Jack into an early night too. She could go home without him of course, but he was an excellent cuddle. Owen and Toshiko were working late on the artefact cataloguing Jack had given them, they'd hit a snag. But that didn't mean Jack had to stay late too, right?
She sidled her way into the office, already schooling her face into her most charming smile. "Harkneeeess?" She lilted. It got his attention immediately, his eyes finding hers with a twinkle of mirth.
"What do you want?" The cocked eyebrow and curved mouth told her that he was instantly onto her ploy.
She widened her eyes innocently. "Who says I want something? Maybe I just miss you?"
He snorted and leant his elbows on his desk, observing her. Happy to force her to play out her planned intrusion. "Well, here I am."
She pouted at him and tried a different angle. "You look tired."
The glint in his eye told her he was well aware of what she was trying to do. "Oh, do I? I don't feel tired. In fact, I think I might go for a run."
Hally huffed and pressed her hands against his desk, leaning over him. "You're impossible."
His face split into a winning smile. "I've got a few things I need to finish up with. Give me an hour and I'm all yours?" He compromised.
She rolled her eyes and pretended to think about it. "I suppose I can survive without you for an hour."
Their eyes were drawn to his desk when Jack's phone started to vibrate. Gwen's name lit up the screen. Jack answered it instantly, a deep frown creased his forehead as he heard Gwen's panicked voice on the other end. He rose to his feet, already shrugging on his coat as he strode around his desk.
"Ok, wait there. We're coming!"
His hand ghosted Hally's waist. "Someone's in Gwen's flat. Wait here." Then he was moving swiftly towards the exit. "Adam, with me!" Jack barked, the younger man jumped up from his desk and ran out of the Hub with Jack.
Hally sighed softly, leaning against the doorframe of Jack's, now empty, office.
There went her early night.
Adam had returned to the Hub with Gwen not too long after. It turned out there was no intruder in her flat, as she'd believed. The intruder was Rhys, her Fiancé. However, Gwen couldn't remember a thing about him. So while Jack tried to figure out what to do to jog her memory back, Owen gave Gwen a once-over down in the medical station.
"Right. Well, no signs of long-term damage, as far as I can see. Or alien intervention. But, I must be missing something. I'm sorry, but it's a mystery to me why you can't remember Rhys." Owen shrugged at Gwen, who looked completely baffled by the whole situation. The brunette turned and looked up at Hally, her face a mirror of confusion. Hally shook her head and offered Gwen an apologetic shrug.
"I think Jack is setting up a link with Rhys… maybe it'll help jog your memory?" Hally cocked her head towards Gwen's desk. Hally, Gwen and Adam watched the screen as Jack started to question Rhys, things about their relationship to help Gwen remember.
"Tell me about your first kiss." Jack's voice rumbled off the screen. The camera was focused only on Rhys, he shook his head in exasperation.
Hally's eyes floated over to Gwen, watching her face. There was barely even a hint of recognition for the man she'd been dating for years. It was worrying and bizarre, they could only hope that it was temporary. But Hally couldn't help but focus inwards, on that nagging feeling that she'd forgotten something too. The feeling of wrongness that had traipsed after her these past two days.
If Gwen had forgotten Rhys, what could Hally have forgotten?
Rhys was trying to find his way through the story. "Er, in the supermarket. I was going to make her spag bol, and then I realised, didn't I? It's got bloody garlic. Can't kiss a girl with garlic breath. No, we were in the queue."
Adam studied Gwen's reaction. "Do you remember that?"
"Sort of. It's like… like I'm seeing what he's saying, but I don't remember how I felt."
Hally's eyes narrowed as Gwen continued to watch the screen. The human's words struck something inside her, 'I'm seeing what he's saying, but I don't remember how I felt'. Hally had felt something similar the evening before with Jack, as she'd struggled to remember their previous topics of conversation on their many dates. She could see the memories as clearly as if she was watching them on a cinema screen, but they were hollow somehow, empty.
What about their first kiss?
It had been on the TARDIS, sneaking around hoping The Doctor wouldn't find out, right?
Again, the memory was clear but there was nothing attached to it. That wasn't right.
There were other memories she had with Jack where she could feel something. They'd kissed on Malcassairo, she could feel that. But the connected emotions didn't make sense. That had felt like a first kiss, but not one given in love or romance…
It was…
Difficult to pinpoint.
The memory seemed shrouded more in friendly amusement than anything else.
Kissing The Master for the first time.
That she could feel.
And every time since.
In the moonlight on Mount Cadon.
His hands digging painfully into her hips on the S-55.
Those memories were so full.
Adam had his hand on the side of Gwen's head, a look of encouragement on his face. "Believe me when I tell you that that is your fiancé. Your memory's just playing tricks on you, that's all."
Gwen's eyes softened. "Okay." Her voice trailed off as Rhys finished his story, his face lighting up into a smile. "She starts to laugh. She calls me Rhys the Rant. And then she kissed me, right there in the queue. And I thought then, Jack. I thought, I'm going to marry this bloody mad woman even if it kills me."
Hally stood in front of the open refrigerator, she hoped to ease some of her tension with a snack. As she rummaged through its contents, Adam entered the kitchen, his eyes lighting up with warmth at the sight of her.
"How was date night?" He asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity, a kind smile placed on his face.
Hally turned toward him, her lips curling into a smile that mirrored his. "Nice, it was good." She replied, a hint of playful laughter escaping her. "It's always good."
Adam's nod was accompanied by a soft, knowing expression. "You make each other happy." He affirmed, his voice carrying an undertone of reassurance.
Hally's smile wavered slightly, and she paused, her eyes searching Adam's face for answers. "Yeah," she responded, her tone tinged with uncertainty. "We do…"
"But something's wrong?" Adam guessed. "What is it?" His voice was gentle yet pressing.
Running a hand through her tousled hair, Hally struggled to find the words to express the heavy feeling she'd been carrying. "I don't know," she confessed, her voice tinged with frustration. "I still feel weird. Something isn't right... it's hard to explain, it's more of a feeling."
Adam hummed thoughtfully. Her hand instinctively moved to her chest, her fingers pressing against her ribcage trying to relieve the pain residing within. "There's a heavy feeling in my chest," she continued. "It's like… I don't know what it is. But it hurts."
"It could be your gunshot wound acting up. Would you like me to get Owen to check on you?" He cocked his head to one side, eyes never leaving her face.
Shaking her head, Hally frowned. "No, it's something else. I'm sure it'll come to me." She offered him a small smile, it was supposed to placate him, she didn't want to keep talking about it.
"Love can be tricky." He mused softly out loud.
Hally's brow furrowed. The comment seemed to drift outside the context of their current conversation, almost as if he hadn't been saying it for her. "Right." She replied, eyes narrowing.
As if sensing her confusion, Adam reached out, his hand gently touching her arm. "You once told me you struggle with a lot of guilt." He stated, his voice gentle yet direct.
In an instant, Hally's mind flashed with memories, vivid images that played before her eyes. She nodded slowly, her gaze locked on Adam's, the gravity of his words settling upon her. "Mmhmm... yeah." She murmured, her voice heavy with acknowledgement.
Adam's voice grew softer, his gaze unwavering. "Perhaps it's that." He suggested.
A flicker of bewilderment danced in Hally's eyes, her lips parting as she struggled to make sense of his implication. "But why can't I remember what I'm feeling guilty about?" Her expression darkened.
With gentle determination, Adam pressed on, his face falling into one of sympathy. "You couldn't save him, Hally. Your husband."
Hally's brow furrowed deeper, her eyes searching Adam's face for answers. "Save him from dying?" Her voice wavered.
"No... you couldn't save him from himself." He clarified.
Staring at Adam, tears welled up in Hally's eyes, her hearts pounding heavily within her chest. The weight of his statement crashed over her like a tidal wave.
Why?
She could feel herself shaking.
She swallowed, trying to compose herself from the onslaught of unwelcome emotion. A maelstrom of something inside her that she couldn't name.
She cleared her throat and straightened up, needing to put distance between herself and Adam. He called after her as she left the kitchen, but she was already gone.
Hally left the Hub, hoping the chill of the night air might help disperse the unease within her. She took herself on a long walk around the bay to clear her head, or to try to anyway. Her phone vibrated in her pocket, Jack.
"Hey, sorry I went AWOL. Are you still at the Hub?"
There was a hint of tiredness to his voice. "I'm just outside. Is everything ok? With Gwen and Rhys?"
"Oh, yeah, I think so. I had a run-in with a Weevil and Adam gave me a hand."
A frown creased her brow, she could definitely hear something in his voice, a sadness. "Are you alright?"
Jack exhaled. "Mmm… I'm not sure."
"Meet you in your office?"
There was a soft breath from Jack. "Yeah. I'll see you soon."
Hally rushed back to the Hub, whatever was bothering Jack it had really thrown him off, she could hear it in his voice. She didn't have to wait long. He offered her a small smile when he entered his office, shrugging off his coat.
"What happened, Jack?"
He shook his head, the muscle in his jaw tightening. Something dark lay behind his eyes. Hally stepped into him, capturing his face in her hands. "Hey… you don't have to tell me if you can't. But I'm here."
Wordlessly, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close, just content to hold her. She could feel the conflict rolling off him.
What had happened?
"Memories I thought I'd buried." His voice was a low rumble, pressed against her ear. Hally pulled back just enough so that she could look up at him, their eyes connecting.
He looked scared.
Vulnerable.
Her hearts twinged for him. "I'm here."
His fingers brushed her cheek and a frown pulled between his brows. "Are you ok? Adam said you felt strange again earlier?"
"Mmm… yeah. Just…" Her face pulled into a pained expression. "The Master." She exhaled his name heavily.
Jack's face instantly flickered into one of protective concern. "He's gone. He can't hurt you anymore." His thumb rubbed across her cheek.
Hally nodded, her eyes slipping from his as she bowed her head. "I know… but he said something about my needing to save him. I think he's right. I think I'm blaming myself for all of it. That's how it feels anyway. There's just a massive black hole of shame sitting on me."
Jack kissed the top of her head softly. "None of it was your fault. You're not responsible for what he did. You tried to change him. You tried… but in the end he made his choice."
A breath caught in her throat, one she had to swallow. Her head tilted in a small nod but her stomach tightened.
Wrongness.
She looked back up into the piercing blue of Jack's eyes.
It stirred something.
All this wrongness.
She hated feeling it.
Jack was so solid in front of her. Always so solid, sturdy and safe.
A rope in a storm.
Hally grabbed hold of the rope.
She leant forwards and pressed her lips to his, her need pouring over him.
Need.
For something.
She wasn't sure what, but it needed to be quashed.
Perhaps he felt something similar, or perhaps he simply responded in kind because his mouth replied to hers with equal heat. Very quickly his hands were on her, palming at her through her clothes. Her own fingers wasted no time, reaching straight for the buttons of his shirt.
"My place this time. It's definitely closer." He murmured against her mouth, catching her soft rumble of agreement. They had to untangle themselves for a short moment for Jack to open the manhole cover that lead down into his bedroom. Once inside, he closed them in and returned his attention to her. Hally pulled his mouth to hers, pushing his shirt off his torso. Jack hummed appreciatively as her hands ran down his abdomen, happily allowing her to take the lead. The more skin she exposed, the more the need to touch it, to press her body against him and revel in the warmth of his body.
He pulled her T-shirt up over her head, her bra following suit. Jack's hands palmed at her breasts as her tongue danced with his just past his lips. Jack worshipped her skin as he removed the remainder of her clothes, her mouth curved into a satisfied grin when she pulled him free of his trousers. They moved to the bed, lying side by side, taking their time to touch and explore. His mouth moved to her neck, pressing soft open kisses down to her shoulder. Hally's leg curved over his hip, pulling him closer, her hand found its way in between his legs as his ghosted across her back, kneading at the curves of her body.
Warmth thrummed inside her, it was pleasant, eliciting a soft sigh of a moan from her lips.
Her body wanted him.
Of course, she wanted him, it was Jack?
Hally rocked her hand over him, earning her a low groan from his throat.
It was good to be able to touch him.
A small frown creased her forehead at the rogue thought.
Huh?
However, the warmth of Jack's hand pressing between her thighs swept the confusion away. Hally exhaled as desire pooled inside her lower abdomen, a gentle buzz. His fingers brushed over her receptively, spreading her desire. His mouth returned to hers and he rolled on top of her. She smiled into the kiss, moving to wrap her arms around him while shifting to accommodate him between her thighs. His hands were still exploring, leaving happy warm trails on her skin. She gripped his shoulders, nails digging in.
She wondered if he liked that.
Shouldn't she know what he likes?
His hips rocked against hers, soon, he'd be inside her.
What would that feel like?
Her brain stuttered to a halt.
What would that feel like?
She should know. Shouldn't she? They'd had sex before?
Jack's mouth trailed across her chest, humming softly with anticipation.
He wanted her.
And she wanted him.
Right?
The feeling was back.
Heavy.
Wrong.
Something was wrong.
Trying to ignore the pleasurable heat of Jack's mouth on her chest, Hally thought back to the previous times they'd had sex. She could see them, so clearly, the memories were so easily accessible.
But she couldn't feel a thing.
Right now, right now was real. She could feel that. His hands, the warmth, her desire and the pleasing throb of want.
But all the other times.
She can't really remember coming with him.
Not really.
She can see it, again the memories are crystal clear.
But she can't remember how it felt.
Not the same way she could currently feel her body responding to his hands, his mouth.
Even now, her hands still digging into his shoulder.
That wasn't right.
Hands.
She could touch him.
Why didn't that feel right?
"Jack, wait…" It fell from her lips breathlessly and barely audible.
But Jack stopped immediately, his eyes coming to her face. "Are you ok?"
Her first reaction was to nod, but it slowly turned into a shake of her head. "I'm not sure…"
He moved his weight off her, still above her but far enough away that she could think again. "What's wrong?"
Hally swallowed as she tried to formulate an answer.
What was wrong?
She had no idea.
A slither of guilt slipped through as she looked up at him. She felt bad for stopping him.
She did want this, didn't she?
Her body definitely did, but there was something in her mind that was getting in the way.
It didn't feel right.
It was simply warm…
And her hands…
Her hands should be…
Her gaze trailed to her wrists, her palms still on his shoulders.
Did Jack usually restrain her?
No… not in her memories.
A different kind of need shot through her, deep and untampered. She took in a shaky breath.
"Hey… talk to me." Jack urged gently, his eyes scanning her face.
"Does this…? Have we done this before?" Her brow furrowed.
For a moment his expression matched hers, before his mouth curved into a smile unsure smile. "Of course, we've done this before, Hal…"
She shook her head quickly. "No, but think about it. Because I can remember them too… but I don't feel anything." An unimpressed eyebrow cocked back at her and she couldn't help the soft laugh that fell from her lips. "No… I mean… can you remember how you felt? What it felt like? I can see your body but I don't know your body… does that make sense?"
Thoughts were racing behind his eyes, a flash of recognition. Jack hummed lowly, considering her words.
"I don't know where to touch you…" Her eyebrows arched up at him, hoping he was beginning to understand what she was trying to say. "I don't have a clue what makes you moan, what makes you come… don't you think I should know that if we've done this before?"
He was staring at her, realisation slowly creeping across his features. He felt the same.
"I don't understand." He moved backwards, fully off her this time, kneeling at the end of the bed. Hally scooted herself up, sitting opposite him.
"I…" She shook her head, not having an explanation for him. Because if she was right… and they'd never done this before, then why in hell did she have countless memories of them doing it?
"Something is wrong." She whispered. Jack looked at her and it was as if he finally heard her. He finally heard what she'd been saying for the last two days.
"Something is wrong." He repeated, eyes widening.
He pushed himself off the bed and started pulling on his trousers. "Shit." Jack ran a hand through his hair, thoughts flicking across his face as he slowed his breathing. Hally slipped off the bed, also grabbing her clothes and throwing them back on. The pair straightened up and stared at one another.
He narrowed his eyes. "It's like my mind is telling me a different thing to the rest of my body."
She nodded. "I know… I know I like you… I know some things are true but I can't quite see past what's in my memories."
He hummed, his eyes wide in alarm. "I know I like you… I know I want you. My body wants you. But I…" Something passed over his face, certainty. "I've never touched you…" Jack let out a sharp exhale. "Fuck…" Jack rubbed a hand over his face, his turmoil obvious. "I'm… so sorry…" He took another step away from her.
Hally shook her head, holding her hands up to him. "It's not you… something has happened… you don't have to be sorry." She still knew that he was her friend. He hadn't hurt her. "I touched you too… I consented." Her eyebrows twitched with a wince. "I think… I honestly have no idea what's happening but I trust you, Jack." She took one of his hands in hers, giving it a squeeze. "I trust you."
His face relaxed slightly and he took in a deep breath. "I trust you too." Then anger flickered behind his eyes. "What the fuck has happened to us?"
"I don't know. But I'm going to find out." She set her jaw in determination. Jack helped her out of his room heading to the central Hub while she checked his office for anything out of place. She also took the moment to try and slow her racing hearts, pressing her hands on either side of her head as she grounded herself in the moment. She couldn't trust her memories, so she would start from scratch. Here and now, what was there?
She could hear voices coming from the Hub, they weren't alone. Moments later, Jack re-entered practically carrying Ianto. "It's not just us." He gave her a grave look as he moved Ianto into the seat opposite his across the desk. He was muttering under his breath, his face pulled into a look of deranged agony. Jack moved away and came back with a rectangular device which he wasted no time in wiring up to Ianto.
"Ianto it's ok… something has happened to us, maybe all of us, we're going to work out what it was and reverse it. Something is playing with our memories." Hally explained to him quickly, but her words didn't seem to reassure him.
Jack took a seat opposite him, flicking the machine to life. "Best lie detector on the planet. If something's untrue, the light turns red. Go."
Ianto ground his jaw. "My hands on her throat. And it felt so good. Squeezing the life out of her."
Hally and Jack stared at the machine, the light obnoxiously green.
"I don't believe it. Okay, tell me about the second girl." Jack snipped.
"She tried to get away, but I was too quick. Pleading, and I, I didn't care. Something in me wants to kill." Ianto's face broke and a hopeless sob wrenched from his throat.
Jack got to his feet, switching off the machine in protest. "No. This is not you. Something's changed you. You're not a murderer. I'm certain of it."
Hally followed Jack as he jogged down into the central Hub, bringing up the CCTV on Toshiko's computer. Ianto trailed after them both, slumping into a chair. Jack made quick work searching through the recent footage. It didn't take him long to find what they were looking for.
Adam.
On the screen, he had his hands on Ianto's head as Ianto screamed. Adam's face curled into a sneer. "All human record is a lie. You crave flesh. Remember this."
Jack flicked through recordings from earlier that day.
Adam.
Adam touching Toshiko. "A year ago today. You remembered. Do you remember that?" Then he leant in and pulled her into a kiss which she passionately returned.
Even that morning.
Gwen had asked when she'd first arrived. "Who the hell is this?"
And then…
Adam.
Touching Hally and Jack. "And this constant flirting is why you're my favourite immortal couple."
They shared a look of understanding before Jack motioned for Ianto to come closer. "Come here, come here. Just look, look."
He forced Ianto to watch as Adam forced the memories into his mind. "Remember it." Ianto was screaming on the recording, thrashing. "Remember it. Remember it. Remember it. Remember it."
"He infiltrated our memories. Changed us… but since when?" Hally looked between Jack and Ianto. Jack moved away to the medical station.
"Where's Adam's blood sample?!" He called loudly over to them.
Ianto pulled up Adam's personnel file, checking over it swiftly. "Everything's in order here."
"When was it last updated?" Jack bounded back over, evidently unable to find Adam's blood.
Ianto cocked his head to one side. "Er, twenty-four hours ago."
"Check the CCTV, when was the first time it captured Adam?" Hally offered and Ianto rewound their recordings, 24 hours, then 36, and finally 48.
There was silence for a moment as the knowledge settled on the trio.
Adam had appeared two days ago.
Only two days.
Ianto turned to Jack. "What do we do?"
They were ready.
Hally and Jack watched as the rest of the team filtered into the Hub the following morning. Not that the three of them had left, having spent most of the night formulating a plan. They didn't want to give Adam a chance to arrive before them.
Adam settled into his chair at his desk and Jack moved. His revolver cocked and aimed at the back of his head.
"Talk to me, Adam. If that's even your name." Jack's voice was cold, it got the immediate attention of the rest of the team.
"What?" Adam tried to laugh.
Gwen frowned, looking between the two men as if she wasn't sure if they were witnessing a prank. "What are you doing, Jack?"
"He's not who you think he is. He's been feeding himself into our memories by touch." Hally announced.
"Is this some kind of sick joke?" Toshiko voiced her confusion, a flicker of fear running over her face.
"He didn't exist until two days ago," Jack growled, his aim never wavering.
Adam raised his hands in mock surrender. "Can somebody tell me what's going on, please?" He was trying to call Jack's bluff but Hally could hear the fear trickling into his voice.
Owen crossed his arms. "Jack, we've known him for years. He is part of the team."
"He's been here two days," Hally repeated Jack's point.
"He just gave us false memories."
Adam tried to turn in his chair. "Come on, Jack." His hand moved, going to hold Jack's arm.
He flinched away. "Ah, ah. You don't get to me like that."
"Jack, you know me. You recruited me three years ago." Adam insisted.
"All I know is, when I think of my team, I see you there. But I don't feel anything for you. No pride, no warmth. You, the one who I can confide in, the one who unburied the dead." Jack quipped, jaw clenching.
Gwen frowned, looking apologetically to Adam. "Jack, maybe you've just forgotten him, like I did with Rhys, yeah?"
Jack shook his head, scoffing. "I should have spotted it then. That wasn't stress, that was him. By making us think we know him, he disturbs our real memories."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Adam tried to laugh away Jack's words.
"Sure you don't." Hally bit back at him.
Jack motioned for Adam to stand. "I'm taking him to the Vaults."
"Jack, this is ridiculous." He whined, slowly getting to his feet.
"Move!"
Toshiko rushed in front of Jack, pointing her own weapon at him. "No!"
"Tosh, that's not gonna help…" Owen groaned.
"I'm just going to lock him up." Jack reasoned, his gun never lowering from Adam.
"Why should I believe you?" Toshiko's voice wavered with emotion, Hally sent a dark scowl towards the intruder, he had manipulated Toshiko into loving him.
"Tosh, Tosh, we can talk about this." Owen tried to calm her but Tosh shook him off.
"Drop the gun, Jack!"
Ianto grabbed her and taking the opportunity, Jack shoved Adam away. "This is what you've done to us. Move!"
Hally and Jack took Adam down into the holding cells, where he locked him behind one of the glass doors. Adam, realising that playing dumb was getting him nowhere, was trying another tactic.
"Don't kill me. I had to become part of your memories in order to survive. I didn't mean any harm." He begged, hands pressed against the glass, eyes flitting between both of them searching for an empathetic face.
"You changed us." Jack growled.
"For the better. You didn't remember who you were. I helped you. Look at Owen, all his cynicism gone. He's a different man now. Selfless, happier. And Toshiko, too. She's never been this confident. You two, meant to be together. I've been inside your head Jack, I know she makes you happy." Adam looked from Jack to Hally and back again.
"You didn't give us a choice." Her voice was low and dangerous.
His pale blue eyes met hers. "You're better like this… I promise. All that pain and guilt… you could be happy with him." He reasoned.
Jack cut across him. "How did you come here? Why us?"
Adam turned up the charm, practically keening to Jack. "All of you have such unique memories, so many… and you, Jack. All those extraordinary memories you hold. Some hidden, some absent. Your singular mind. That's what drew me here."
Jack huffed in sarcastic amusement. "Good job. It's what we do best. Wipe out aliens."
Adam snarled and bared his teeth. "You can't shoot me. You made me live. And you always remember what you killed don't you, Jack?"
Hally touched Jack's arm and they moved away from Adam's cell much to his protest. They hovered just outside the vaults, her voice lowered. "If he lives inside our memories, then we have to wipe him out. He's right. We can't kill him… he never physically existed in the first place. He'd just come back."
"But if we wipe our memories… of the last two days, could that work?" Jack narrowed his eyes.
She nodded. "I think it might."
Hally gathered the whole team in the conference room while Jack acquired enough Retcon for everyone. Then he joined them, motioning for Hally to take a seat along with the others. "Our memories define us. Adam changed those memories. Changed who we are. Now I have to help you all go back, find a memory that defines you. Rediscover who you are. If I'm wrong, he'll still be here when we've done this. Let me take you back to before we all met."
He lowered the lights and flicked on the TV screen, a heavy hum buzzed through the room. "Feel around for anything that makes you what you are. The hidden and the forgotten. Tell me where you are."
Toshiko spoke up first, her voice shaky. "Maths club. Something so reliable about maths. Always the right answer."
Owen followed her lead. Thoughts passed across his face before he finally spoke. "That is the nicest thing you've done for me in years, Mother."
"The look on his face." Gwen murmured.
Hally thought back, to before Torchwood. The TARDIS. The Doctor. Gallifrey. The Master. Thinking of him caused her hearts to tug painfully in her chest. His eyes, she could see them. So deep, so full.
"I don't have a flat warming." Tosh whispered to herself.
"Like the world had ended." Ianto swallowed.
Hally took in a breath. "The way you laugh. Like nothing could ever get in your way."
"I love him. But not in the way I love you." Gwen turned her head towards Jack, accepting the pill he dropped into her palm.
"Take this." He moved slowly around the table.
"Waiting for someone to see it." Toshiko turned to look up at Jack as he touched her hand.
"I saw it."
"You save one life, a hundred lives, but it's never enough. Who'll save me?"
Jack squeezed Owen's shoulder. "I will."
"It gave me meaning again. You." Ianto looked up at Jack, hope on his face.
Jack brushed his thumb gently over his temple, handing him a pill as he had done the rest of them. "You each have a short-term amnesia pill. It'll make you forget Adam. We have to wipe out the last forty-eight hours from our memories. Go back to who we were."
Ianto took the pill straight away, his face set in determination.
Hally could see Toshiko's conflict, she switched the screen over to the view of the vault.
"I'm going to lose so much." Tosh shook her head, but even as she watched Adam began to flicker.
Jack sighed, shaking his head. "None of it was real."
"He loved me and I loved him. It's no different from real memory." Tosh's voice broke as tears threatened to overcome her.
"He forced it on you. You have to let it go." Jack's voice was low and calm, urging her to see what the screen was showing her. Lowering her head and wiping her eyes, Tosh placed the pill in her mouth.
"Goodbye, Adam."
Hally watched as Gwen, Tosh, Ianto and Owen faded out of consciousness. Then, Jack was beside her, she took the pill from his outstretched hand and her eyes connected with his.
"He saw me. Beautiful chaos." The words slipped from her lips in a hushed whisper. An inkling of pain passed over his face. She pressed the pill into her mouth, swallowing it down with a large gulp of water. Hally took Jack's hand and pulled him closer, pressing her lips to his. It wasn't a romantic kiss.
Perhaps more like a goodbye.
The world began to blur and his hands helped her rest her head on the table as sleep dragged her under.
Hally woke up and jerked awake.
She was in the conference room.
She'd fallen asleep in the conference room.
With the rest of the team apparently.
In confusion, the team traipsed into the central Hub and Gwen checked her computer.
"Jack, how have we lost two days?" She threw over her shoulder, seeing him ascending the stairs.
"What do you mean?" Jack cocked his head to one side, moving closer to see what Gwen was reading on the screen.
"The last forty-eight hours. None of us can remember a thing." Ianto chimed in.
"The system's blank, the CCTV's been wiped. What's been going on? What have we been doing?" Toshiko flicked through the empty CCTV entries.
Jack pulled a face and shrugged. "I don't know."
Owen scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Great. That's two days of my life that I'll never get back."
Hally frowned, pulling a face. "Does this happen often?"
Jack chuckled softly. "Not that I'm aware of."
No one had been able to work out what had happened in the missing days, so in true Torchwood style, they just carried on working. Later that evening Hally popped her head into Jack's office, to say goodnight. He was staring at his desk a pensive look stuck on his face.
"Hey, you ok?" His eyes jumped to her face and he gave her a smile.
"I think so."
She bit the inside of her mouth, eyebrows arching. "How do you think we lost our memories? Doesn't it worry you?"
Jack exhaled and shook his head. "I have no idea… but I'm not ruling out that we did it to ourselves, I'm hoping not by accident. But I'll keep an eye out."
Jack was looking at her, a strange expression on his face. He inhaled and opened his mouth before closing it again.
"What is it?" She pressed.
"I… I'm not sure. But… my bedroom… smells like you." His eyes narrowed.
She cocked an eyebrow and her mouth curved into a smirk. "Maybe in your dreams, Harkness." She shot back with a grin.
Jack chuckled and shook his head. "Goodnight."
"Night." She sent him a smile and left him to his musings.
When Hally got back to her apartment she checked The Master's phone, if she'd lost 2 days, she might have forgotten something important. However, she remembered the last few text exchanges with Armitage, so perhaps nothing had moved since their call. She'd call him in the morning to be sure.
Hally flopped down onto her bed, after having apparently slept in the conference room for who knew how long, she wasn't feeling tired yet, so she pulled her laptop out from under the bed. She could at least be productive if she couldn't sleep.
She paused a crease appearing on her forehead.
Her bed smelt… different.
She pressed her face closer, inhaling deeply.
A heavy confusion settled in her stomach.
Her bed smelt like Jack.