Post by Alexa Raven on Jul 26, 2015 13:18:23 GMT -5
Title: The Time Lord of Earth
Rating: NC-17
Fandom: Torchwood
Pairings: Jack/Ianto,Ten Doctor/Rose, John Smith/Rose Tosh/Owen, Gwen/Rhys
Type: Alternate Universe
Spoilers/Warnings::Slash, same sex pairing. Sexual situations, coarse language. Reader discretion is advised. You have been warned!
Storyline is mine all mine. This story is un betaed so please note that when you read it. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this. All verbal conversation is in Bold text and thoughts are in Italics
Disclaimers: Everything is copyrighted to the BBC. Nothing belongs to me except the situation I put them into. All images used in this fiction, were made by myself, Alexaviera Raven.
Chapter Seven
Cardiff,Wales
Mermaid Quay
January 1st 2009
After having had a nice breakfast at Crema Café, Jack,Ianto and Rose walked along Mermaid Quay to do a bit of shopping. Rose smiled as she window shopped. Rose who had never been in Cardiff before, was intrigued by her surroundings as well as momentarily she was excited to be able to go shopping. Momentarily all her thoughts and stresses were forgotten and she beamed happily with a radiant smile on her face.
Ianto and Jack were walking with her as they held hands, both were enjoying Rose's good mood. Jack smiled as he for a moment lifted Ianto's hand and kissed his knuckles and smiled at his Welshman.
Ianto was in thought as they had walked and he had not noticed at first the gesture. Ianto was trying to figure out how to help Rose. He knew that other than what they were doing at the moment, they did not have too much to work on to help solve her dilemma.
With Tosh out on holiday and Owen with her, they did not at that moment have the computer genius' expertise. It was true, Ianto was a wiz himself on the computer system but he and Jack had discussed that it would give Rose a better chance if they waited for Toshiko to return the next day. Until then he, Ianto and Jack would do their best to help Rose get settled.
Rose didn't mind the fact overly much that she was currently in a pair of Ianto's old jeans and a T shirt of Jacks, however she knew if she was going to be staying for any extended amount of time she would need better clothing then what she now wore. The sun dress she had arrived in was more or less ruined by the journey through the rift. As they were walking along now, they stopped in front of a shop called H Samual Jeweler's Cardiff and Rose smiled as she looked over at Jack and Ianto.
Jack nodded quietly as he reached for the door and allowed Rose to enter as she was the lady of their party and he and Ianto entered together as the door was roomy enough for them both. Rose looked around a bit as Jack and Ianto were being helped with rings by one of the shop keepers.
Unconsciously Rose twisted the engagement ring on her left ring finger and thought about John. She tried to plaster a smile on her lips but ended up frowning as she noticed what she was doing and decided to try and occupy herself a moment with looking at necklaces. As she did her eyes fell upon a simple heart locket and she smiled.
Ianto looked up and over at Rose and then raised an eyebrow at Jack. Jack followed Ianto's gaze a moment as he was paying for the rings and he asked her.
"Find something that caught your eye Rosie?"
Rose turned to look at Jack and Ianto and shook her head a moment. She looked again a moment at the locket and then walked over to where Jack and Ianto were standing and smiled.
It's nothing Jack, just was in thought is all. So have you found the rings you and Ianto wanted?"
Rose asked this as she knew she didn't want to worry Jack or Ianto with her own worries. For a second she had forgotten everything as she had looked and concentrated on the golden filigree heart. Jack nodded as he showed Rose the rings before handing them back to the jewelers to size and inscribe them.
"They will be ready in a day or two Mr Harkness."
The shop keeper assured him and Jack gave him his cellular number to be called when the rings were ready. Jack had not even bothered to correct the shop keeper as he saw through Rose's fake smile. He walked over to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder and asked her quietly.
"Are you sure? I mean it's a pretty locket and how about you try it on? Let's see how it looks on you."
As he said this Jack was handed the locket and Rose grunted unladylike a moment but turned to let Jack clasp it on her and it fell down to rest in the hollow between where she knew her breasts were.
"It's beautiful. No,don't dare remove it Rose. Shop keep we'll also take this necklace. "
It was Ianto who said this as he smiled and Rose felt her eyes despite her trying to keep them at bay, prick with unshed tears.
Ianto just smiled as he paid for the necklace and Rose hugged him. Ianto paused a moment as the feelings again assaulted him. It was as if Rose was familiar, it wasn't a bad feeling but need to comfort her swirled around him.
"Umm should I be worried?"
Jack asked jokingly as Ianto and Rose stood there a moment unmoving in the embrace.
"No, of course not silly Jack! Thank you Ianto. I really do like it. But it's a bit much! You shouldn't have done so!"
Rose began to admonish as she looked down a moment at the necklace then back at the man who was becoming a good friend. Rose found it was true, she was genuinely fond of Ianto and it felt to her that she had known him her whole life.
"It's nothing Rose. If it wasn't for you, I'd never have met Jack and we'd not be here today getting wedding rings. So think of it as a small token of thanks for giving me the best thing I have ever had in my life."
As Ianto said this however, Rose was a little confused but she just smiled despite that and was beaming, grinning ear to ear as they walked onward around the shops.
A few hours later they were having luncheon at a café and the Suv was filled with bags. Rose felt a bit troubled by the amount of things that they had bought her. However Jack and Ianto had insisted and they were waiting now for their food when Jack's cellular phone rang.
"It's Helen, sorry I have to take this. Excuse me Rose."
Jack said as he got up and kissed her cheek and then kissed Ianto gently on the lips.
"I'll just be a minute.
Jack told him as he walked over to stand near the Suv a moment and listened to the woman on the phone. Ianto's eyes followed Jack and he could see the immortal was pacing a moment as he talked and Ianto could see the look on Jack's face clearly. Something was troubling Jack as he saw the immortal run a hand through his hair.
Ianto had talked to Jack the night before about the possibility that Rose's fiancée or baby might be at the Flat Holm facility. Jack had then left a message for Helen as he knew Ianto could be very correct in that estimation. As Jack listened to Helen, he found out indeed a recent new resident was now housed in their facility.
Jack closed his eyes a moment as he was getting the description of the man and then asked for a photo to be sent to his phone. Jack hung up and waited for the photo as he walked back to where Rose and Ianto were sitting. The food had arrived a moment before and so he just for the moment ignored the incoming message and began to eat.
They were finishing their meal and Rose was taking tea, when Jack picked his phone out of the great coat and went to look at the picture. He bit his lip a moment as it indeed was as he had feared. In the photo was the exact likeness of the Doctor, Jack didn't know how to tell Rose that her lover was at Flat Holm.
Helen had told him that this John doe had arrived a week before banged up pretty badly. The only word they could get out of him was Rose. His right arm was gone, clean cut or severed by the looks of it. Jack had feared it, knowing that Rose already had so many worries. If a grown man like John Smith, was messed up like that from the Rift..
Luckily Rose had not noticed this and had excused herself to freshen up a bit. Jack watched her walk to the ladies loo and let out a long held breath and shook his head.
"Jack is it him? "
"Yeah it is. It's John Smith. He's pretty messed up also."
Ianto stood up and walked over and pulled Jack up a moment to hug him. Ianto nor Jack cared at the moment that they were standing there hugging. Ianto who normally was rather shy and private about PDA with Jack went in and kissed Jack gently a moment to calm him.
"She needs to know Ianto. I know it'll be difficult but.."
Ianto grew quiet as he saw Jack was looking behind him and Ianto turned and blushed slightly as Rose stood there behind him now. Her arms crossed over her chest and looked up at both Jack and Ianto with a heavy scowl.
"What do I need to know? And don't tell me nothing. Who was that Jack? Is this about Johnny or John?"
Rose asked as she for a moment just wrapped her arms around her waist and looked at them. Rose told herself she would not cry. She would not lose it in public. Ianto helped her as Jack went to pay for the lunch and they walked over to the SUV.
"They found a man. We aren't completely sure if it is your fiancée. He's at Flat Holm. It's a Torchwood run facility for people who come in from the Rift who need our help and can't be left to survive in society on their own."
Ianto began as Jack paid for the meal and had started to come back over to them. Jack shook his head sadly as the last part of Ianto's explanation had reached his ears.
"We're not 100 percent sure Rose. We won't be until I can go to Flat Holm. Fortunately we are at Mermaid Quay and could quite easily normally take the ferry over there to the island. However the normal ferry isn't running today with it being a holiday. I suppose we could go today if we took the Torchwood Yacht but it's.. he's not in a good way Rose.
Jack said this hugging her with one arm and rubbing circles in her back trying to soothe her with the other hand. Rose tensed up a moment at Jack's words. If John was alive but changed by the Rift in a way that he was placed in a home where he could not function normally in society.. Then what would be the outcome of her baby?
"Just John though not Johnny? Jack you would tell me if my baby.. that is. Jack I have to see John for myself. How bad is it?"
Rose asked this as she pulled back and looked up at Jack with pleading eyes. Jack took a calming breath a moment and shook his head solemnly.
"It's just John, the Doctors double. No baby,and pretty messed up. According to Helen well.."
Jack reluctantly told her everything and then added.
"Helen sent me a picture. It's not pretty. I'm so sorry. I wish there would be more we could do for him. When we go, perhaps we can see if there is. But I trust Helen and the Flat Holm staff. They are the best medical professionals we can afford and believe me, Torchwood can afford the best."
Jack apologized as he handed Rose the phone and tried to look down and not at her, not wanting to see the heartbreak on her face.
Rose looked at the picture and nodded silently.
"Well then, how soon can we go visit? I know it's not pleasant to look at. But if there is a chance he'll be fine Jack. Regardless he is still John Smith. So I'm a big girl Jack I think I can handle it. I've dealt with Daleks and was there at Canary Wharf. I can handle seeing my fiancée with a missing arm and I can even accept that he may not remember who I am."
As she said this, all her pain turned inside to hope and was fueled by the determination that made up this young and small scrap of a girl Rose Tyler. Rose squared her shoulders now as her mind was now made up and she was more than determined to see this through.
At the mention of Canary Wharf, Ianto drew in a breath and he closed his eyes. Rose noticed this and found herself wanting to comfort the young Welshman. Jack was however there already holding his fiancée and Ianto just was silent. However after a moment he just relaxed and looked over at Rose.
"I was at Canary Wharf as well. At the time I was a junior researcher and Lisa she.. She's gone now but I am still only one of the Twenty Seven survivors of the day the Daleks and Cyberman decided to attack. Lisa was my girlfriend.
I've made my peace with Lisa's passing. Because of Jack, I've found meaning and happiness in my life again. I'm alright really. Just mention of that still will always make a part of me upset. I'll never forget that day but I am stronger than to let it control my life.
Jack and I mourned together for a time after it happened, as he though that you had died there too. Your name was on the list of dead persons. However the Doctor told him differently so he told me."
As Ianto told her this Jack released him slowly and Ianto found himself hugged fiercely by Rose and for a moment it took the breath out of him. She hugged him around his middle and lay her head on his chest. Rose hadn't meant to bring up something to hurt Ianto and he knew this as he gently pulled back from her.
"Let me make a few phone calls and I will see if I can get Artie out here to take the yacht out for a bit. Well right then! How about we go back to our flat and you can freshen up a bit while I make those phone calls?"
Ianto said as he opened the car door for Rose and settling her in before he closed the door and looked at his own fiancée a moment. Jack nodded as Ianto kissed him gently and he handed Jack the keys to the SUV as he replied to Jack.
"Let's go home Jack and get Rose settled. I know Artie was out of town visiting his daughter in Edinburgh for Christmas but he might be back now. If not we could take the ferry tomorrow."
Jack nodded and took Ianto's hand in his a moment just letting his fingers linger as Ianto handed him the keys. Jack looked at his lover, fiancée and nodded and wordlessly gave Ianto strength.
"If not I could take her with my Vortex manipulator. I know how to unlock it now thanks to Martha. Speaking of Martha,she and Mickey will be here in a few hours. So let's go home and get the guest room ready to welcome them and ask Martha what she thinks about all this. I mean maybe she's talked to the Doctor and or has gotten through to him by now. Either way she's a doctor as well and might be able to access something the normal Flat Holm staff doesn't about John Smith."
Jack asked and told the Welshman then he kissed Ianto's forehead tenderly a moment and Ianto nodded.
"Okay Cariad, let's go home. We can discuss this further there."
Ianto told him opening his car door and getting into the passenger side door and sitting down. Jack smiled as he knew that Ianto was not one to say, even to him that he needed a cuddle. But Jack would give him one, once they were alone.
Jack knew he sure could use one himself right about now too.
Rating: NC-17
Fandom: Torchwood
Pairings: Jack/Ianto,Ten Doctor/Rose, John Smith/Rose Tosh/Owen, Gwen/Rhys
Type: Alternate Universe
Spoilers/Warnings::Slash, same sex pairing. Sexual situations, coarse language. Reader discretion is advised. You have been warned!
Storyline is mine all mine. This story is un betaed so please note that when you read it. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this. All verbal conversation is in Bold text and thoughts are in Italics
Disclaimers: Everything is copyrighted to the BBC. Nothing belongs to me except the situation I put them into. All images used in this fiction, were made by myself, Alexaviera Raven.
Chapter Seven
Cardiff,Wales
Mermaid Quay
January 1st 2009
After having had a nice breakfast at Crema Café, Jack,Ianto and Rose walked along Mermaid Quay to do a bit of shopping. Rose smiled as she window shopped. Rose who had never been in Cardiff before, was intrigued by her surroundings as well as momentarily she was excited to be able to go shopping. Momentarily all her thoughts and stresses were forgotten and she beamed happily with a radiant smile on her face.
Ianto and Jack were walking with her as they held hands, both were enjoying Rose's good mood. Jack smiled as he for a moment lifted Ianto's hand and kissed his knuckles and smiled at his Welshman.
Ianto was in thought as they had walked and he had not noticed at first the gesture. Ianto was trying to figure out how to help Rose. He knew that other than what they were doing at the moment, they did not have too much to work on to help solve her dilemma.
With Tosh out on holiday and Owen with her, they did not at that moment have the computer genius' expertise. It was true, Ianto was a wiz himself on the computer system but he and Jack had discussed that it would give Rose a better chance if they waited for Toshiko to return the next day. Until then he, Ianto and Jack would do their best to help Rose get settled.
Rose didn't mind the fact overly much that she was currently in a pair of Ianto's old jeans and a T shirt of Jacks, however she knew if she was going to be staying for any extended amount of time she would need better clothing then what she now wore. The sun dress she had arrived in was more or less ruined by the journey through the rift. As they were walking along now, they stopped in front of a shop called H Samual Jeweler's Cardiff and Rose smiled as she looked over at Jack and Ianto.
Jack nodded quietly as he reached for the door and allowed Rose to enter as she was the lady of their party and he and Ianto entered together as the door was roomy enough for them both. Rose looked around a bit as Jack and Ianto were being helped with rings by one of the shop keepers.
Unconsciously Rose twisted the engagement ring on her left ring finger and thought about John. She tried to plaster a smile on her lips but ended up frowning as she noticed what she was doing and decided to try and occupy herself a moment with looking at necklaces. As she did her eyes fell upon a simple heart locket and she smiled.
Ianto looked up and over at Rose and then raised an eyebrow at Jack. Jack followed Ianto's gaze a moment as he was paying for the rings and he asked her.
"Find something that caught your eye Rosie?"
Rose turned to look at Jack and Ianto and shook her head a moment. She looked again a moment at the locket and then walked over to where Jack and Ianto were standing and smiled.
It's nothing Jack, just was in thought is all. So have you found the rings you and Ianto wanted?"
Rose asked this as she knew she didn't want to worry Jack or Ianto with her own worries. For a second she had forgotten everything as she had looked and concentrated on the golden filigree heart. Jack nodded as he showed Rose the rings before handing them back to the jewelers to size and inscribe them.
"They will be ready in a day or two Mr Harkness."
The shop keeper assured him and Jack gave him his cellular number to be called when the rings were ready. Jack had not even bothered to correct the shop keeper as he saw through Rose's fake smile. He walked over to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder and asked her quietly.
"Are you sure? I mean it's a pretty locket and how about you try it on? Let's see how it looks on you."
As he said this Jack was handed the locket and Rose grunted unladylike a moment but turned to let Jack clasp it on her and it fell down to rest in the hollow between where she knew her breasts were.
"It's beautiful. No,don't dare remove it Rose. Shop keep we'll also take this necklace. "
It was Ianto who said this as he smiled and Rose felt her eyes despite her trying to keep them at bay, prick with unshed tears.
Ianto just smiled as he paid for the necklace and Rose hugged him. Ianto paused a moment as the feelings again assaulted him. It was as if Rose was familiar, it wasn't a bad feeling but need to comfort her swirled around him.
"Umm should I be worried?"
Jack asked jokingly as Ianto and Rose stood there a moment unmoving in the embrace.
"No, of course not silly Jack! Thank you Ianto. I really do like it. But it's a bit much! You shouldn't have done so!"
Rose began to admonish as she looked down a moment at the necklace then back at the man who was becoming a good friend. Rose found it was true, she was genuinely fond of Ianto and it felt to her that she had known him her whole life.
"It's nothing Rose. If it wasn't for you, I'd never have met Jack and we'd not be here today getting wedding rings. So think of it as a small token of thanks for giving me the best thing I have ever had in my life."
As Ianto said this however, Rose was a little confused but she just smiled despite that and was beaming, grinning ear to ear as they walked onward around the shops.
A few hours later they were having luncheon at a café and the Suv was filled with bags. Rose felt a bit troubled by the amount of things that they had bought her. However Jack and Ianto had insisted and they were waiting now for their food when Jack's cellular phone rang.
"It's Helen, sorry I have to take this. Excuse me Rose."
Jack said as he got up and kissed her cheek and then kissed Ianto gently on the lips.
"I'll just be a minute.
Jack told him as he walked over to stand near the Suv a moment and listened to the woman on the phone. Ianto's eyes followed Jack and he could see the immortal was pacing a moment as he talked and Ianto could see the look on Jack's face clearly. Something was troubling Jack as he saw the immortal run a hand through his hair.
Ianto had talked to Jack the night before about the possibility that Rose's fiancée or baby might be at the Flat Holm facility. Jack had then left a message for Helen as he knew Ianto could be very correct in that estimation. As Jack listened to Helen, he found out indeed a recent new resident was now housed in their facility.
Jack closed his eyes a moment as he was getting the description of the man and then asked for a photo to be sent to his phone. Jack hung up and waited for the photo as he walked back to where Rose and Ianto were sitting. The food had arrived a moment before and so he just for the moment ignored the incoming message and began to eat.
They were finishing their meal and Rose was taking tea, when Jack picked his phone out of the great coat and went to look at the picture. He bit his lip a moment as it indeed was as he had feared. In the photo was the exact likeness of the Doctor, Jack didn't know how to tell Rose that her lover was at Flat Holm.
Helen had told him that this John doe had arrived a week before banged up pretty badly. The only word they could get out of him was Rose. His right arm was gone, clean cut or severed by the looks of it. Jack had feared it, knowing that Rose already had so many worries. If a grown man like John Smith, was messed up like that from the Rift..
Luckily Rose had not noticed this and had excused herself to freshen up a bit. Jack watched her walk to the ladies loo and let out a long held breath and shook his head.
"Jack is it him? "
"Yeah it is. It's John Smith. He's pretty messed up also."
Ianto stood up and walked over and pulled Jack up a moment to hug him. Ianto nor Jack cared at the moment that they were standing there hugging. Ianto who normally was rather shy and private about PDA with Jack went in and kissed Jack gently a moment to calm him.
"She needs to know Ianto. I know it'll be difficult but.."
Ianto grew quiet as he saw Jack was looking behind him and Ianto turned and blushed slightly as Rose stood there behind him now. Her arms crossed over her chest and looked up at both Jack and Ianto with a heavy scowl.
"What do I need to know? And don't tell me nothing. Who was that Jack? Is this about Johnny or John?"
Rose asked as she for a moment just wrapped her arms around her waist and looked at them. Rose told herself she would not cry. She would not lose it in public. Ianto helped her as Jack went to pay for the lunch and they walked over to the SUV.
"They found a man. We aren't completely sure if it is your fiancée. He's at Flat Holm. It's a Torchwood run facility for people who come in from the Rift who need our help and can't be left to survive in society on their own."
Ianto began as Jack paid for the meal and had started to come back over to them. Jack shook his head sadly as the last part of Ianto's explanation had reached his ears.
"We're not 100 percent sure Rose. We won't be until I can go to Flat Holm. Fortunately we are at Mermaid Quay and could quite easily normally take the ferry over there to the island. However the normal ferry isn't running today with it being a holiday. I suppose we could go today if we took the Torchwood Yacht but it's.. he's not in a good way Rose.
Jack said this hugging her with one arm and rubbing circles in her back trying to soothe her with the other hand. Rose tensed up a moment at Jack's words. If John was alive but changed by the Rift in a way that he was placed in a home where he could not function normally in society.. Then what would be the outcome of her baby?
"Just John though not Johnny? Jack you would tell me if my baby.. that is. Jack I have to see John for myself. How bad is it?"
Rose asked this as she pulled back and looked up at Jack with pleading eyes. Jack took a calming breath a moment and shook his head solemnly.
"It's just John, the Doctors double. No baby,and pretty messed up. According to Helen well.."
Jack reluctantly told her everything and then added.
"Helen sent me a picture. It's not pretty. I'm so sorry. I wish there would be more we could do for him. When we go, perhaps we can see if there is. But I trust Helen and the Flat Holm staff. They are the best medical professionals we can afford and believe me, Torchwood can afford the best."
Jack apologized as he handed Rose the phone and tried to look down and not at her, not wanting to see the heartbreak on her face.
Rose looked at the picture and nodded silently.
"Well then, how soon can we go visit? I know it's not pleasant to look at. But if there is a chance he'll be fine Jack. Regardless he is still John Smith. So I'm a big girl Jack I think I can handle it. I've dealt with Daleks and was there at Canary Wharf. I can handle seeing my fiancée with a missing arm and I can even accept that he may not remember who I am."
As she said this, all her pain turned inside to hope and was fueled by the determination that made up this young and small scrap of a girl Rose Tyler. Rose squared her shoulders now as her mind was now made up and she was more than determined to see this through.
At the mention of Canary Wharf, Ianto drew in a breath and he closed his eyes. Rose noticed this and found herself wanting to comfort the young Welshman. Jack was however there already holding his fiancée and Ianto just was silent. However after a moment he just relaxed and looked over at Rose.
"I was at Canary Wharf as well. At the time I was a junior researcher and Lisa she.. She's gone now but I am still only one of the Twenty Seven survivors of the day the Daleks and Cyberman decided to attack. Lisa was my girlfriend.
I've made my peace with Lisa's passing. Because of Jack, I've found meaning and happiness in my life again. I'm alright really. Just mention of that still will always make a part of me upset. I'll never forget that day but I am stronger than to let it control my life.
Jack and I mourned together for a time after it happened, as he though that you had died there too. Your name was on the list of dead persons. However the Doctor told him differently so he told me."
As Ianto told her this Jack released him slowly and Ianto found himself hugged fiercely by Rose and for a moment it took the breath out of him. She hugged him around his middle and lay her head on his chest. Rose hadn't meant to bring up something to hurt Ianto and he knew this as he gently pulled back from her.
"Let me make a few phone calls and I will see if I can get Artie out here to take the yacht out for a bit. Well right then! How about we go back to our flat and you can freshen up a bit while I make those phone calls?"
Ianto said as he opened the car door for Rose and settling her in before he closed the door and looked at his own fiancée a moment. Jack nodded as Ianto kissed him gently and he handed Jack the keys to the SUV as he replied to Jack.
"Let's go home Jack and get Rose settled. I know Artie was out of town visiting his daughter in Edinburgh for Christmas but he might be back now. If not we could take the ferry tomorrow."
Jack nodded and took Ianto's hand in his a moment just letting his fingers linger as Ianto handed him the keys. Jack looked at his lover, fiancée and nodded and wordlessly gave Ianto strength.
"If not I could take her with my Vortex manipulator. I know how to unlock it now thanks to Martha. Speaking of Martha,she and Mickey will be here in a few hours. So let's go home and get the guest room ready to welcome them and ask Martha what she thinks about all this. I mean maybe she's talked to the Doctor and or has gotten through to him by now. Either way she's a doctor as well and might be able to access something the normal Flat Holm staff doesn't about John Smith."
Jack asked and told the Welshman then he kissed Ianto's forehead tenderly a moment and Ianto nodded.
"Okay Cariad, let's go home. We can discuss this further there."
Ianto told him opening his car door and getting into the passenger side door and sitting down. Jack smiled as he knew that Ianto was not one to say, even to him that he needed a cuddle. But Jack would give him one, once they were alone.
Jack knew he sure could use one himself right about now too.