Jack - Christmas

[logan_echolls]

(continued from here)

Sitting in the boarding area, Logan looked out one of the large windows, watching as planes took off and landed. In a way leaving London felt wrong- As though he was taking a time out from serving his sentence. Though working for Torchwood often felt the same way. He'd given up so much when he'd left America, convinced that it was for the greater good, and now- Now it seemed as though it had all been for nothing. Just one more fuck up in a long line of fuck ups.

He took solace in the idea that at least with Torchwood he stood more of a chance accomplishing what he'd come here to do, but that didn't really make it easier.

Glancing over at Jack, he hesitated slightly before speaking up. "What happens if there's no answers. No solutions?" he asked quietly.

Comments

[im_torchwood]

"You're not wrong," he replied. "I've been just about everyplace. Aruba is nice this time of year. Hell, any time of the year."

[logan_echolls]

"I do miss the beach," Logan admitted. "I always felt free in the waves."

[im_torchwood]

"I know," Jack said, then immediately caught himself. "I mean, yeah, sure. Who doesn't? And you, Californian. Beach boy through and through."

[logan_echolls]

"You're coming off like a creeper, Jack. Tone it down, man," Logan snorted. "Just chill, alright? I get it, you're- You're lonely or whatever. Let's just take it easy for now, okay?"

[im_torchwood]

Jack took a sharp breath and sombered up. His biggest fear was happening. He was going to ruin this. It was one thing if Logan just didn't remember. It was another entirely if Jack ruined everything before even trying to jog the other man's memories.

"Yeah, no, it's ok. I'm ok. It's fine," he said, trying to play it cool.

[logan_echolls]

Logan laughed quietly, giving Jack's arm a light smack.

"It's fine, man. It's alright. Just relax."

[im_torchwood]

Jack could turn on the charm like few others. He got away with so much with just a few words and a dazzling smile. The fact that he could, and did, reflected how little most encounters touched him.

The entire opposite of how he'd suddenly become an absolute idiot. the more he tried to make this all seem normal, the more it became obvious that this wasn't 'just' a quick holiday for fun.

[logan_echolls]

Logan let him be for now, sipping his drink and looking out the window. He wasn't sure why Jack seemed so awkward suddenly, but maybe this trip would be good for them both. Jack clearly needed a break.

[im_torchwood]

Jack nodded off not long after, dozing a they crossed the ocean. Ir was about the time they started their descent he woke up and finished his drink.

"Sorry. Not exactly a conversationalist," he said sheepishly.

[logan_echolls]

Logan had drifted off as well, but he was awake now, watching something on his phone.

"No worries," he assured him, offering a small smile.

Once they were landed and their luggage was collected, they made their way to the hotel- Only to find that they'd mistakenly been given a room with only one bed.

"Budget cuts, huh?" Logan joked, though he didn't seem bothered as he popped his suitcase open and started to unpack.

[im_torchwood]

"You know, gotta save the pennies where we can," he said as he brushed off the 'mistake' that was no mistake at all.

Jack thought it was a rather clever detail. He had high hopes it would all work out.

"Want to go get drinks? Walk the beach?" He checked his watch. "The tide is on the way out, probably not best for surfing. Maybe early in the morning for that."

[logan_echolls]

"Sure, yeah, let's have dinner or something," Logan suggested. "Let me just get a quick shower and changed. I'll be quick," he added.

[im_torchwood]

"Go for it," he replied. Jack hoisted his suitcase onto the bed and while Logan cleaned up, Jack found trunks and put them conveniently in the vanity area, then put all the rest of his clothes in the offered closet.

[logan_echolls]

Logan was quick to get showered and changed, and he returned a while later with slightly damp hair.

"It's been a while since I had a few drinks. and just let loose," he admitted.

[im_torchwood]

"What happens in Aruba stays in Aruba," Jack chuckled. "And I think it's about time you let loose."

[logan_echolls]

"Yeah, yeah I could use some chill," Logan said, heading back to the lobby. "What are you in the mood for then?"

[im_torchwood]

"I'm thinking some coconut shrimp and a pina colada to kick this all off," he replied. He'd hung up his coat but somehow he didn't seem dressed down at all.

[logan_echolls]

Logan was dressed down in shorts and a t-shirt, looking a bit more like his Californian self.

"I'll have to pass on the shrimp. I'm allergic to shellfish," he replied.

[im_torchwood]

"I forgot that," he mused under his breath. He began to wonder what else he'd forgotten over all these years.

[logan_echolls]

"Been reading my medical file?" Logan snorted. "It's fine, I'll probably just have a salad."

[im_torchwood]

"Salad works, too," Jack nodded, thinking he'd abandon the shrimp. Just in case. He wouldn't want to poison Logan if he kissed him. If he got that lucky.

[logan_echolls]

"Or pizza. It's been forever since I last had pizza," Logan admitted with a laugh.

[im_torchwood]

"Now you're talking," Jack agreed enthusiastically. "Let's go see what's around. We'll have a good time. Relax."

[logan_echolls]

They walked a ways down the shore, eventually finding a small restaurant with outdoor seating. Beer in hand, Logan looked almost relaxed as he leaned back in his seat and looked out at the waves.

[im_torchwood]

Jack sipped his water and watched Logan.

"How do you feel about the tropics?" he asked.