burntcopper: (jacks kissing)
[personal profile] burntcopper
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 [livejournal.com profile] 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

Date: 2007-05-11 09:51 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] flatlanddan.livejournal.com
That was just lovely! That extra is one of my favorites and this is such a plausible thing for Jack to do.

Date: 2007-05-11 10:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] taffimai.livejournal.com
Oh, I like the way you managed to get Jack performing without it seeming forced. And you managed to deal with the what-to-call-them issues inherent in Jack/Jack!

Date: 2007-05-11 10:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
:g: it's also known as the 'bloody impossible to stop John bursting into song' clause.

Date: 2007-05-11 10:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] flatlanddan.livejournal.com
You just know that he went "While we're here and we have the cameras set up, wouldn't it be great..."

Oh John Barrowman, what did we do to deserve you in our fandom?

Date: 2007-05-11 10:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hellenebright.livejournal.com
Very excellent fic, captured them very well.

Typo catch in second sentence. It's should be its

Date: 2007-05-12 12:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buckbeakbabie.livejournal.com
Squee!

I like to think of that bit with John singing as a deleted scene, not an extra, hee. The song fits perfectly with what's happening in the episode, it's absolutely wonderful. Well done!

Date: 2007-05-12 01:24 am (UTC)
misslucyjane: poetry by hafiz (captains jack)
From: [personal profile] misslucyjane
Yay! Jack singing is a wonderful image.

Date: 2007-05-12 07:58 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] evilgeniuslady.livejournal.com
Oh how lovely. Jack should be singing more often.

Date: 2007-05-12 08:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] celievamp.livejournal.com
fantastic addition to the episode

Date: 2007-05-12 09:12 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fatchickengirl.livejournal.com
this was lovely and Tosh 'hinting' was so sweet....

Date: 2007-05-12 10:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mondeo.livejournal.com
Aw, this is lovely. It would have been a great scene to have had in the episode.

Date: 2007-05-12 06:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
hee. thankyou.

Date: 2007-05-12 06:40 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
yay!

huh? contraction of 'it is', not a possessive.

Date: 2007-05-12 06:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
:stares at Russell: the power of John bursting into song every two minutes compels you. (though personally I can find an excuse to fit 'anything goes' into any situation...)

Date: 2007-05-12 06:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
:sighs happily: it so is.

Date: 2007-05-12 06:43 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
ooo yes. You know he's done it at least a few times to get out of something during his conman days.

Date: 2007-05-12 06:43 pm (UTC)

Date: 2007-05-12 06:45 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
Tosh : complete romantic. :g:

Date: 2007-05-12 06:47 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
:sighs: wouldn't it just?

Date: 2007-05-12 08:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hellenebright.livejournal.com
You are right - I was half asleep at the time. Deep apologies. Did I say this was an excellent fic already?

Date: 2007-05-13 06:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cs-whitewolf.livejournal.com
Oh brilliantly done! I'd have loved for the scene of Jack singing to have actually been a part of the episode (especially with him looking towards the real Jack as he does so), but I think you've done a wonderful job making this almost of a 'missing scene'.

Thanks for writing!
Peace,
CS WhiteWolf

Date: 2007-05-21 12:51 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] laurab1.livejournal.com
Oh, lovely :)

Date: 2007-05-21 09:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
glad you liked.

Date: 2007-05-28 01:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] gauky-1976.livejournal.com
Adore anything Jack/Jack so this was just perfect...

Great job!!

Date: 2007-06-03 02:19 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] nitesh-update.livejournal.com
Eee whatup Anything Goes. :D :D :D

I love this fic. Nice one!

Date: 2007-06-06 12:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
glad you liked.

Date: 2007-06-06 12:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
:basks in the praise:

Date: 2007-06-06 12:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] burntcopper.livejournal.com
:jabs uncle rusty with stick to get the musical ep:

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