No person left behind ((tag fractured_agent))

[slayers_desire]

April was a little nervous, truth be told. She wasn't nervous about spending time with Jack Harkness again, as she considered him a good friend.

She was more nervous about bringing him to the Vampire Village to talk to Spike.

So much time had passed for Jack, since he last saw Spike. But it was a completely different story for Spike. And so much could go wrong.

April just hoped that things worked out...

Comments

[fractured_agent]

"Was? So he's turned his life around?" Familiar story, one Jack's heard dozens of times. Sometimes it's even true. It was for him.

[buffyverse_npcs]

"I never socialized with the man. He stole my girl. Twice. Was a pest, but a lonely man."

[fractured_agent]

"That's too bad." Doesn't sound like someone he'll be able to get advice from, then. Finding a listening ear isn't difficult, but finding someone who knows exactly what it's like... that's a whole lot harder. "My universe boasts dozens of long-lived species, but the oldest ones I know of only make it to a few thousand or so years."

[buffyverse_npcs]

"You seeking someone to talk to?"

[fractured_agent]

"Not actively... but I wouldn't turn down the chance. It's... difficult, living amongst ordinary human beings." He's sure Spike will understand. Their natures aren't the same, but there are enough similarities that this is something they share.

[buffyverse_npcs]

"I am not the same as you, I know that. But I am still here, if you need."

[fractured_agent]

"Thanks. I'll probably take you up on that sometime."

[buffyverse_npcs]

"Good. Shasta and I were going to dance for Solace tonight. Want to join?"

[fractured_agent]

"Sure. I love dancing." Jack's always up for a party. That's one of the things he liked about wartime so much. "You inviting April along too?"

[buffyverse_npcs]

"I am sure Shasta already had..." April had left the area a long time ago, to give them privacy. "But let's go find her."

[fractured_agent]

Jack nods, and gives Spike a hand up. "Is it a whole community thing?" he asks as they walk back towards the house.

[buffyverse_npcs]

"Usually is... especially here."

((another couple hours away from computer))

[fractured_agent]

"Excellent. Whole-town parties are the best kind. More people to meet and dance with."

((No probs))

[slayers_desire]

They move back inside, where Shasta has April on a massage bed. Shasta is working on some knots on April's back. She glances up at the sound of Jack and Spike entering the house.

"Welcome back..." Shasta.

[fractured_agent]

Jack smiles at her. "Spike tells me you folks are going to a dance tonight."

[slayers_desire]

"The Solace dance. Are you going to join us?" Shasta would of course welcome him, just like any other visitor who wanted to join.

[fractured_agent]

"Definitely. I love a good party." Jack grins and looks at April. "How about you? You coming?"

[slayers_desire]

April looks up with a soft smile. "In the Sacred circle, there is no material belongings. No clothing."

"I am a little hestitant..."

[fractured_agent]

Jack's smile gets even bigger, if that's even possible. "A naked party? This is sounding better and better. I had to spend some time on a nudist planet once. Great place, highly recommend it."

[slayers_desire]

"I am glad you are pleased about it. Spike and Shasta are excited too."

[fractured_agent]

Jack gives Spike a sly look. "Were you going to let it be a surprise?"

[slayers_desire]

"Was going to wait and strip you down when it was time..." Spike chuckled.

April groans softly. Shasta comes to sit at her side, a small smile of understanding. "It's okay not to come, if you don't feel comfortable."

[fractured_agent]

Oh, those twenty-first century taboos. Jack never fails to be amused by how old-fashioned they are. But he also understands that if you're not comfortable doing something, you shouldn't be forced to do it. "If it's not your thing, it's not your thing."

[slayers_desire]

"She has only been nude around her husband." Shasta has no judgement in her voice. Just an understanding for her 'daughter'.

"You go have fun Jack. I will just stay here."

[fractured_agent]

Jack nods in understanding, not bothered by it.

Besides... her staying behind has an unexpected upside for him. "Can I ask you a favor, then?"