OTA

[im_torchwood]

Jack had a very bad habit of letting his guard down. He loved hard and loved well, but in all his long years he was aware that love was brief. Here and there love had lasted for years. Angelo. His wife. Logan. In between there were others, loves great and small. And when love came, even though he knew better, Jack would let his guard down.

Life with Torchwood was all too often painful, bloody, and short. People came and went, but no one retired. No. No one got out so easily.

And the newest, freshest wound was Val. It had all been going so well. Jack's knowledge of tech and Val's understanding of magic had furthered the research into the portal. They were nowhere near being able to pinpoint a time or location, but they'd gotten one to hold steady for a while. It was promising.

Until it all went to hell.

Val went missing right before Jack's eyes. He'd tried desperately to undo what they'd done, but after a while even Jack had to admit he was lost. Gone.

And so Jack threw himself into work. There was no point in drinking- he never got drunk. There was no thirst for companionship- that was just hollow. But work was always there. Work to be done. Aliens to track. Tech to catalogue. A world to keep safe. Jack jumped right back into it and let the satisfaction he found in duty mask the pain of a broken heart.

Tonight he had just confiscated a crate of 'antiquities' and they were loaded in the back of the SUV. He'd let the sellers go since they were just humans who hadn't the first clue about what they were trying to sell. Jack locked the rig up and looked around, trying to decide if he ought to get a bite. He really hadn't been hungry, not since Val vanished, but he knew he needed to eat. He'd died of starvation before and it was a hell of a way to go.

(OTA find him anywhere in London or the outlying towns if you prefer. Jack needs new friends, and old faces will be welcome too!)

Comments

[im_torchwood]

"It is," Jack purred, reaching out to stroke his arm. "I hadn't expected to see anyone tonight. I just finished work and was thinking about food." He paused. "Are you hungry?"

[alcuin]

"Actually yes," said Alcuin. "I'm starving." He hadn't even realized until then, he'd been too preoccupied.

[im_torchwood]

"Then let's find someplace to get a bite. What sounds good? Fish and chips? Something more exotic?" he asked.

[alcuin]

"No that sound nice," Alcuin said. "Someplace with whiskey, I've had a rough night but don't want anymore wine." He smiled, a touch embarrassed.

[im_torchwood]

"You don't want wine...so you're going to ramp it up to the hard stuff?" Jack said, laughing softly. "Alright. Alright, lets go find a pub. We'll get some good grub and have a couple drinks. And you can tell me what's been so rough."

[alcuin]

Alcuin blushed a little. "I'm not a lush, I promise. It's been a rough... year." As they started to walk, he moved. Loser to Jack and took his arm. It really was nice to see a friendly face.

[im_torchwood]

"You trying to turn that around? A rough day, a rough year...that can easily turn into a rough life, you know," Jack said sagely.

[alcuin]

"I'm trying," Alcuin said. "And... I need to. I'm graduating soon. Have no idea what I'm going to do after, though."

[im_torchwood]

"In my experience you either get a job, or go for an advanced degree. Of course some people finish up and decide to be artists," Jack said. "Trust me, anything you choose will be the right choice for you."

[alcuin]

"I suppose I could take my time in deciding," Alcuin said. "I don't actually have to work... I've inherited a lot of money." Then he added glumly, "Twice." Though he'd give it all up to have either Anafiel or Hannibal back.

"But, I don't know, I want something to give my life some meaning. Or... some excitement."

[im_torchwood]

"There's always the military," Jack quipped, not thinking for a second this waif of a boy would gel with any platoon.

[alcuin]

"I'd be a better spy than a soldier," Alcuin said dryly. "Though... I am likely stronger than you think." He knew that it was a quip; no one would think he was suited for the military from his appearance.

[im_torchwood]

"A spy, huh? And what's your degree in?" he asked.

[alcuin]

"Psychology," Alcuin said, then offered a little smile, "It's just, I remember you commenting how observant and perceptive I am, the first time we met."

[im_torchwood]

"Trust me, kid, go into private practice. Don't get involved with spies," Jack said, clapping Alcuin on the back.

[alcuin]

Alcuin turned his head to him and arched an eyebrow. "What would you know about it?"

Though from the moment they'd met he'd thought that Jack was more than an antiques dealer.

[im_torchwood]

"I know things. I read the papers," he dodged.

[alcuin]

Alcuin shrugged. "And how perceptive would I be if I believed that? But it's okay, we all have our secrets." He certainly did.

[im_torchwood]

Jack chuckled a little.

"Everyone does," he said, patting Alcuin's back. "Let's get some food."

[alcuin]

"Fantastic," said Alcuin, as they made their way into the restaurant. He really was hungry; he'd gone out tonight expecting dinner and ended up at a wine bar instead.

"You know, this is the third time we've run into each other now..." he said. "And both other times we were making plans and then you were called away."

[im_torchwood]

"And I can't promise it won't happen again. I'm kind of always on call," he replied. "You never know when a new shipment from Hobby Lobby might be available," Jack joked.

[alcuin]

A surprised little laugh escaped Alcuin. "Okay, good one," he said. "Also way to deflect with humor." Though he didn't sound as if he minded.

They found a booth near the back of the restaurant, and Alcuin slid in.

"The last time we spoke you said you might like to come see my home," Alcuin said, and held his gaze for a moment before adding, "Artwork and rare books."

[im_torchwood]

"I think I still might like that. I'm always up for a little antiquity," Jack smiled. He settled in, never taking off his coat, and he picked up a menu. "What sounds good? I love learning what people like to eat."

[alcuin]

Alcuin opened the menu and was unsurprised to find traditional pub fare. And he really was hungry. "Shepherd's pie, I think," he said after a moment.

[im_torchwood]

Jack had his heart set on fish and chips. When the server came to their table he ordered for both of them. Drinks, as well. And then the woman bustled off and Jack returned his full attention to Alcuin.

"Tell me more about the books you have," he said.