69 Memory Lane - Monday

[time_watcher]

As soon as Ianto had gotten done laughing at Jack for falling out of a tree he'd helped the older man get out of his clothes and into a hot shower. Jack's back had looked like some sort of goth patchwork quilt with his black and blue marks and Ianto had merely rolled his eyes and shoved the older man towards a fluffy towel when Jack had tried to

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[ditheringangel]

Aziraphale had watched the news last night, and although he knew Jack was capable of recovering quickly from his injuries, the angel still felt compelled to stop and check on him.

Also, he may have been feeling a bit mischievous, and inclined to a little teasing as well.

So he made his way down to Memory Lane, and rapped politely at the door.

[ditheringangel]

"Quiet," the angel replied, wondering why Jack had become so solemn. "I made dinner for James yesterday, and I think he's adjusting to the shark pond. Marie and I have made plans to visit New Orleans for a shopping trip sometime soon. And really, I suppose that's all."

[time_watcher]

"Of course, now you're making me fear about quiet before storms and all that," Jack said and then he thought about Thelma and the 200 fallen angels and quirked his lips slightly.

"That's unfortunate."

[ditheringangel]

Aziraphale didn't know that Jack was thinking specifically about the fallen angels, but he had the same subject on his mind, and nodded with a suddenly serious expression of his own.

"Quite. I rather imagine that's exactly what this is, sadly," he murmured. Then he cocked his head and asked, "What's unfortunate?"

[time_watcher]

"That there have to be storms," Jack said simply and shrugged with a slight wince.

[ditheringangel]

"Yes," Aziraphale agreed hesitantly. "But in the end, it's what makes everything else worthwhile. I think that HE knew what he was doing when he set Man up for the Fall. The things in the world that are beautiful to us wouldn't be as sweet if there weren't a little bitterness to offset it."

Nonetheless, there was a difference between abstract philosophy and the reality of danger to your loved ones, and the angel smiled wryly and mimicked Jack's shrug. "I do, however, wish that the storm would happen someplace else."

[time_watcher]

Jack might have given Aziraphale a bit of a look, as if he wasn't entirely convinced about the Plan and it's wisdom but he didn't say anything, merely sipped his water.

"Shark pond?"

[ditheringangel]

If there was one thing Aziraphale was very good at, it was picking up on the subtle cues a person gave when they were ready to move off a certain topic. And so he smiled a little over his teacup and nodded.

"I'd had the thought to put in a koi pond, but Deputy Winchester suggested sharks would be more interesting."

[time_watcher]

That got a chuff of laughter out of Jack, his expression affectionate.

"Sounds about right for Dean."

[ditheringangel]

The angel nodded, chuckling softly himself. "I've come to believe that perhaps a shark pond is not as common as I was given to believe, but I rather like the little fellows. You'll have to come by and visit them sometime."

He finished the tea Ianto had brought, and smiled at Jack. "You look as though you've been working on something, perhaps I ought to be on my way."

[time_watcher]

He'd probably give it a few more months, let things get settled with the mate being back in town and all that.

Wincing, Jack moved to pry himself up to a standing position. It was only bad when he sat for awhile and the muscles stiffened up.

"Thank you for stopping by, Aziraphale. It was good to see you."

[ditheringangel]

Frowning at the wincing and stiffness, Aziraphale nodded, setting aside his teacup and standing as well.

"Are you sure you're quite all right?" he asked softly, laying his hand gently on Jack's arm.

[time_watcher]

"30 feet outtah a tree," Jack said with a pointed little smile. "I'm frekkin peachy."

[ditheringangel]

The angel's eyes widened. "I had no idea, my dear," he murmured. "You shouldn't up and about, you ought to be resting in bed. As I expect you've probably already been told."

At least this time he knew better than to offer to help.

[time_watcher]

"A couple of times," Jack said with what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "Have a good day, Aziraphale."

[ditheringangel]

Aziraphale nodded. "All right then, Captain Harkness. You have a good afternoon, and please tell Mr Jones I said thank you for the tea."

He smiled a little sadly at Jack, and then quietly showed himself out.