AdventChallenge Bingo - Checking in (Prompt 16 - Naughty or Nice?)

[m_findlow]

Title: Checking in
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters/Pairings: Jack, Ianto, Mica
Word Count: 500 words
Rating: PG
Notes: Written for Prompt 16 - Naught or Nice? at adventchallenge

Mica swung between Jack and Ianto's arms as they lifted her, walking through the masses of Christmas shoppers. She was really getting too heavy to do this anymore, Ianto thought, feeling the strain in his arm at yet another lift and swing. Jack didn't seem to share his weariness, almost as much energy and excitement as Mica.

She spotted the queue of parents and children lining up in front of the magical stage set in the middle of the shopping centre, sleight and glittering reindeer catching in the bright halogen lights.

'I wanna go sit on Santa's knee!' she squealed.

'I thought you already posted your letter to Santa?' Ianto asked. His sister had already provided him with a precis of what was on the list, excluding the extravagant things such as the pony, the magic castle and a rainbow. He couldn't have managed the first two. The last one would prove somewhat tricky, even for a Torchwood agent. He was much better off sticking to the requests for colouring books, glitter crayons and barbie dolls.

'I wanna make sure he got my letter,' Mica replied. 'Can we, Uncle Jack?'

Damn. She was already old enough to have figured out that when you wanted something, ask Jack. He'd say yes before Ianto had a chance say no or make excuses.

'Let's go, then,' Jack said, pulling them forward towards the queue, dragging Ianto by default.

It was at least a twenty minute wait, and Ianto was certain that Jack would be bored before they reached the front of the queue, but somehow he made it.

Santa was sitting in a tall velvet lined chair, surrounded by fake snow and some poor jaded uni student, dressed in an elf costume, responsible for taking the photos of what were sometimes screaming, crying children sat on Santa's knee. And I think my job sucks sometimes, he thought to himself.

'Off you go, then,' he said, watching as Santa was patting his knee indicating for her to join him. 'Has he had a police check, do you think?' Ianto quietly asked. Jack just rolled his eyes.

'Uncle Jack, you're coming too!' Mica said, grabbing his hand and tugging him forward.

Jack half shrugged. 'Looks like I'm seeing Santa, too. Maybe I'll ask for a pony.'

Mica clambered up into his lap whilst the elf sighed audibly, taking the photo, which cost Ianto an obscene ten pounds. Begrudgingly, he paid it. No wonder she was so miffed, dealing with parents feeling utterly swindled out of their hard earned money.

Mica recited off her wish list with practised skill, as if she'd memorised it just in case.

'And have you been a good girl?' Santa asked.

'She's an angel,' Jack replied. 'I think she should get an extra present for being so good this year,' he said, giving her a wink.

'And what about you? Have you been naughty or nice?'

'Oh, Santa,' Jack said. 'That is such a loaded question. I've been very, very naughty.'

Comments

[bk_forever]

And yet, Jack is no doubt proud of how naughty he's been!