A/N: set at the end of Season 1 Episode 3 ("Ghost Machine").


The day was nearly breaking. Looking out over the bay, Gwen leaned against Jack, her head on his shoulder, his arm around her. For a while they stood silently.

The first glimmers of sunrise appeared on the horizon, and Jack breathed in deeply. "Beautiful, isn't it?" he said as the blue-grey sky started changing colour, pink hues creeping through. "Each new day, full of potential."

Gwen didn't reply, just nestled a little closer to him for comfort. He kissed her forehead without comment, tightening his arm around her.

He'd washed her hands clean as soon as they got back to the Hub, wrapped a blanket around her, poured whisky for everyone. They'd all needed it. But he'd seen that she needed more comforting.

And she had to admit, standing here with him watching the sunrise, the quiet beauty of the new day in the stillness of the dawn, eased some of the horror of the previous night. Just as he'd done, she breathed in deeply, the cleansing salt air overlaid with the warm scent that was uniquely Jack filling her lungs. She gave a soft sigh, and turned further towards him, closing her eyes.

She listened to the soundscape of the early morning, each new sound a melody weaving through the harmony of the dawning day. She allowed the sounds to wash over her, through her, and slowly grasped what Jack had been saying. New life, new potential. Beauty and poignancy. The world still turning, the sun rising and setting.

She slid her arms fully round his waist under the coat, her head tucked under his chin. "Thank you," she murmured softly. "Starting to see it."

He kissed the top of her head. "Keep holding on to that."

She smiled up at him. "I will."