Just outside the dorms, early Thursday morning

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

Jack had woken up early, feeling restless, and had slipped quietly out of bed - not wanting to wake his guest - intending to go for a run.

That had lasted about two seconds after he set foot outside and felt how warm it was already. So instead of running, he was lounging lazily under a tree, watching the sky lighten, and contemplating whether the reward of caffeine was worth the effort of walking into town.

[Open! But I'm going to bed in about three hours.]

Comments

[kawalsky.livejournal.com]

"To a bloody nose," Charlie retorted. "And I'm not talking about mine."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"A bloody nose? That's the best you can come up with? I'm disappointed." And he was, you could tell by the very sad look on his face. "I would have expected something more imaginative from one of Sam's old friends."

[kawalsky.livejournal.com]

"I don't like to waste my good material."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I guess that's the difference between you and me." Jack laughed, genuinely amused. "I give everyone my best, doesn't matter who they are."

[kawalsky.livejournal.com]

"There are plenty of differences between us and most of them aren't in your favor."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"And what would they be? Enlighten me, Kawalsky." Jack grinned and spread his hands wide in invitation. "Grace me with your wisdom, your no doubt scintillating insights into my personality. Please."

[kawalsky.livejournal.com]

"How can I? All you ever do is act. You're a 24/7 performer. Always playing the part. Always got your 'best' face on. I dunno why. Don't care enough to find out." His hands went back to his hips as he shrugged. "But whatever's underneath must be in pretty poor shape if you've gotta keep it hidden behind a quick wink and a cheesy grin all the time."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

Jack blinked at him for a moment, then a grin slowly spread across his face. Flopping onto his back, he started to laugh. "I was right. Scintillating." Still laughing, he rolled onto his side so he could see Kawalsky. "And my grin is not cheesy. It's stunning."

[kawalsky.livejournal.com]

Kawalsky shook his head. "Keep telling yourself that." He gave a weak mock-salute and started walking towards the dorms.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I don't have to," Jack called after him. "Plenty of people are happy to do that for me."

He shifted onto his back and folded his hands under his head, gazing up into the sky. An occasional chuckle may have escaped as he lay there, enjoying the morning.