Fic : If Mae West You Like (Torchwood)
Title : If Mae West You Like (1/1)
Author : Gunbunny
E-Mail : snapdragon@beeb.net
Fandom : Torchwood
Pairing : Jack/Jack
Rating : No sex and no swearing. am slipping.
Summary : response to the at_the_ritz Jack Harkness singing challenge. Also, blame that extra on the dvd of JB singing.
Disclaimer : Not mine. Russell's and Cole Porter's.
Feedback : I accept burnt offerings and alcohol.
Archive : http://burntcopper.com/fic , anywhere else feel free.
The manager of the dancehall breaks into the hushed atmosphere of the cellar with a lusty "Let the dancing continue!" It's not quiet, more that no-one wants to draw too much attention to themselves, as though the German bombs falling outside could be drawn to them by noise alone. But the manager's cry releases the tension, and everyone breaks off whatever they were engaged in, which includes Hywel over in the corner with that girl - Audrey, he thinks it is - doing what young couples have a tendency to do in dim corners. The murmured, slightly strained conversation changing to cheers and an excited buzz as everyone files out to re-start the dancing.
During one of the band's breaks, Jack notices Captain Harper talking to the singer. She's grinning impishly as they chat, James Harper charming her effortlessly, a world away from the serious, intense side he's been showing for most of tonight underneath the surface pleasant demeanour. Jack knows the pressures of command all too well, but Harper's clearly under far more strain than him. Seen a lot more, too. The charm is ... well, it's a window into what James Harper might be like when unencumbered by wartime cares. Grinning fully rather than using sideways smiles.
Time passes with the sound of conversation and laughter. Jack goes to get another drink from the bar, and when he returns to the floor, the band is starting up again. He's listening to the cheerful joshing his men are engaged in when the next song starts, and then suddenly realises the singer isn't on stage. She's over there, chatting to some of the sailors. Whoever's singing is male, not female.
Turning, he blinks on finding that her replacement is Captain Harper. Clearly enjoying himself, the singing having lifted at least some of his cares as he performs, beautiful voice soaring effortlessly through the song. Maybe it's what he did back home, before he volunteered for this life. From the ease he's displaying on stage, and the way it seems so natural to him, it's clear that this is a man used to performing for others.
"If old hymns you like, if bare limbs you like, if Mae West you like, or me undressed you like -" Harper sings, catching Jack's eye through the crowd and winking. "Why nobody will oppose."
Jack flushes a little, unable to keep himself from fixing on the sudden image that comes to mind of what James Harper would look like out of his clothing. He swallows, looking away from the handsome figure on stage and taking a quick gulp of his drink to steady his nerves a little. Off to one side, Miss Sato's smiling benevolently, watching her guardian. She senses his gaze, looking up, smiling again, then quite clearly inclining her head towards Harper, the gesture unmistakable in its intent. Jack knows encouragement when he sees it, and there's nothing particularly inscrutable about this Jap, that's for sure.
On stage, James launches into another song, eyes flicking across the ballroom before coming to rest on Jack. He's not grinning outright now, but seems quietly content, to fit with the slower pace.
"The night is young, the skies are clear, so if you want to go walking dear..."
Jack smiles quietly to himself. Perhaps. Just perhaps.
END
Author : Gunbunny
E-Mail : snapdragon@beeb.net
Fandom : Torchwood
Pairing : Jack/Jack
Rating : No sex and no swearing. am slipping.
Summary : response to the at_the_ritz Jack Harkness singing challenge. Also, blame that extra on the dvd of JB singing.
Disclaimer : Not mine. Russell's and Cole Porter's.
Feedback : I accept burnt offerings and alcohol.
Archive : http://burntcopper.com/fic , anywhere else feel free.
The manager of the dancehall breaks into the hushed atmosphere of the cellar with a lusty "Let the dancing continue!" It's not quiet, more that no-one wants to draw too much attention to themselves, as though the German bombs falling outside could be drawn to them by noise alone. But the manager's cry releases the tension, and everyone breaks off whatever they were engaged in, which includes Hywel over in the corner with that girl - Audrey, he thinks it is - doing what young couples have a tendency to do in dim corners. The murmured, slightly strained conversation changing to cheers and an excited buzz as everyone files out to re-start the dancing.
During one of the band's breaks, Jack notices Captain Harper talking to the singer. She's grinning impishly as they chat, James Harper charming her effortlessly, a world away from the serious, intense side he's been showing for most of tonight underneath the surface pleasant demeanour. Jack knows the pressures of command all too well, but Harper's clearly under far more strain than him. Seen a lot more, too. The charm is ... well, it's a window into what James Harper might be like when unencumbered by wartime cares. Grinning fully rather than using sideways smiles.
Time passes with the sound of conversation and laughter. Jack goes to get another drink from the bar, and when he returns to the floor, the band is starting up again. He's listening to the cheerful joshing his men are engaged in when the next song starts, and then suddenly realises the singer isn't on stage. She's over there, chatting to some of the sailors. Whoever's singing is male, not female.
Turning, he blinks on finding that her replacement is Captain Harper. Clearly enjoying himself, the singing having lifted at least some of his cares as he performs, beautiful voice soaring effortlessly through the song. Maybe it's what he did back home, before he volunteered for this life. From the ease he's displaying on stage, and the way it seems so natural to him, it's clear that this is a man used to performing for others.
"If old hymns you like, if bare limbs you like, if Mae West you like, or me undressed you like -" Harper sings, catching Jack's eye through the crowd and winking. "Why nobody will oppose."
Jack flushes a little, unable to keep himself from fixing on the sudden image that comes to mind of what James Harper would look like out of his clothing. He swallows, looking away from the handsome figure on stage and taking a quick gulp of his drink to steady his nerves a little. Off to one side, Miss Sato's smiling benevolently, watching her guardian. She senses his gaze, looking up, smiling again, then quite clearly inclining her head towards Harper, the gesture unmistakable in its intent. Jack knows encouragement when he sees it, and there's nothing particularly inscrutable about this Jap, that's for sure.
On stage, James launches into another song, eyes flicking across the ballroom before coming to rest on Jack. He's not grinning outright now, but seems quietly content, to fit with the slower pace.
"The night is young, the skies are clear, so if you want to go walking dear..."
Jack smiles quietly to himself. Perhaps. Just perhaps.
END