Title: In The Silence Of The Night
Author: CryssieM
Disclaimer: The show and characters belong to BBC, I just borrowed them for fun.
Rating: PG13
Genre: angst
Summary: Jack finds an expected visitor in the Hub at night.
Pairing: Jack/Gwen

AN: thanks a lot to kateg123 for betaing this. hugs

The work was already done for the day, everyone was off now. The Hub was wrapped in twilight, only the silver lights of the fountain and the standby signals of the computers flickered in the shadows.

Going through the routine check that he did every evening after the team left Jack descended the stairs from the boardroom and headed toward his office, when something unusual caught his glance. Even from far he could tell that something, or rather someone, occupied the sofa opposite Tosh's desk. Striding across the bridge to the working platform, the view became clearer and he could confirm that someone was sleeping on the old sofa indeed. Quietly approaching the furniture, his eyes getting used to the semi-darkness, he could identify the mystery night-guest.

Gwen? His eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the familiar figure. Gwen Cooper was curled up on the sofa, lying on her side, her hair falling over her face.

What the hell, Jack wondered. She had gone home hours ago, and he didn't notice her coming back. Why was she sleeping here in the Hub instead of her bed at home with Rhys?

Grabbing a blanket from beside her, Jack tucked her in gently, not wanting to wake her up. Whatever the reason for coming back was, she needed some undisturbed rest.

Kneeling beside her, he pushed a strain of hair out of her face, and that was when he noticed the puffy, wet eyes and the tears that were still sparkling on her cheeks.

Why was she crying, Jack wondered anxiously, his heart immediately wrenching at the thought that something or someone hurt her. Did the reason have anything to do with the fact that she was spending the night here on this worn sofa? Was it Rhys who made her cry?

Pulling a chair close, he settled beside her, watching her sleep. He wanted to be there for her when she woke up and needed someone.

Just as he would always be there for her.