Chapter Text
Chapter Twelve
Jack’s POV
Jack was on cloud nine after he left the Constabulary, the man he loved was given this promotion and while part of him was excited to see that they now had more power together he was more proud and happy at the joy it brought Rowaldson. He took a popper back to the Parade, using the special privilege that was given to him to allow him to use such quick transportation. He hummed happily all the way back to his home once he stepped out onto the parade, a small skip to his step as he walked. Once inside the home a thought popped into his head, he had never directly told Rowaldson how he felt, or asked him out. Jack stood with eyes wide at this realization, beginning to panic just a bit. “Have we really never made things official?’ He asked himself as he took his mask off on his way to the kitchen.
Jack just stood staring at his mask in his hand for a few moments at the counter before setting it down, moving to make himself some tea and get some water boiling for when Rowaldson got back. “I have to think of a way to do it. Maybe in a sweet way, maybe something more straight forward?” He brainstormed some ideas as he leaned against the counter waiting for the water to boil. By the time the kettle screeched he had decided on making a small scavenger hunt that would end at the first place they had a real date. He would lay clues around the Parade for Rowaldson to find, that lead to where Jack was waiting. He kept brainstorming as he made his cup of tea and went to take a seat at the table.
Jack lost track of time, not noticing when the front door was opened and Rowaldson had walked into the kitchen. He was still absentmindedly sipping at his tea when he heard Rowaldson clearing his throat. He moved his head to look up and over to him, nearly dropping his cup when he saw the male in the crisp white suit. “My lord, Rowaldson you look so dashing in the new uniform!” Jack exclaimed as he set his cup down before actually dropping it and getting up, moving over to the Constable.
Rowaldson gave a light chuckle as he watched Jack come over to him, gently putting his arms around his waist when he was close enough. “Why thank you Jack, I am quite excited as well about the uniform.” The Constable allowed for his mask to be removed before he leaned down to close the small distance between the two, catching Jack’s lips in a sweet and gentle embrace.
Jack held the mask in his hand as his arms went about Rowaldson’s neck, returning every little peck from his sweet Constable. The man lived for these sweet moments, these small bits of true joy. He never wanted them to end. When he finally pulled away he moved to set the mask upon the table, a warm smile residing on his lips. “So tell me Constable, what are our big plans with this little promotion?” There was a pure curiosity in the man’s voice as he spoke, a hint of mischief mixed in.
“First things first, let us let things boil down for a while. But after that our next step is to divert those away from the broadcast tower’s basement. It is our way out.” Rowaldson informed his partner as he took his helmet off, setting it down next to the mask on the table before shifting to be behind Jack. His hands moved to rest on Jack’s waist, leaning down to press some soft kisses to his neck, gaining a quiet murr from the man in his grasp. The small daydream from earlier flashed in his mind, he wondered if he should tell Jack about it. But he doubted it could become reality, they were both alpha’s afterall, right? Even so, the man he held always had this slight sweet tinge on his skin, so alluring, so intoxicating.
Jack reached a hand up, his fingers lightly lacing through his Constable’s silky locks. He allowed for himself to relax into the man's grasp and hold, each little kiss sending a small shiver down his spine. Such gentleness that was only reserved for him. It made him feel special. He let his eyes close, a content sigh passing his lips as he stayed in this joy for a few minutes more before finally speaking again. “Say Alex, how about we go out for dinner tonight? Celebrate the big promotion?” His voice was soft, smooth as he spoke. A little date, it was a lovely idea.
“That sounds lovely Jack.” The Constable’s voice was a soft coo, content with the idea of a date. They had not been on one for quite a while, so it excited him some for them to finally be going on one again. He placed a few more soft kisses across the nape of Jack’s neck, relishing in that light sweetness that emanated off his skin before he finally pulled away. “Shall I wear the uniform?” He asked as he waited for Jack to turn to him to give a small turn, showing the suit off in a slight playful manner, gaining a small laugh from Jack.
“Please do Constable, let us show the town just how important you are.” Jack replied with a genuine smile, something he seemed to be doing much more often since he had met the constable on that fateful night. The man didn’t even want to think about how his life would have been had he not run into Rowaldson that night, how unhinged he might've been. Alex brought this sense of clarity and calm to him even through the craziness of Foggy jack. With Rowaldson by his side, he truly believed he could overcome this, and he would. “Why don’t you sit and relax for a while Alex while I run upstairs to shower? Have some tea while you wait, then we can head out.” To punctuate his sentence, he leaned up to press a kiss to the Constable’s cheek.
Rowaldson’s smile never did fade, that feeling of pure joy that Jack felt was mirrored exactly to the Constable. “Of course, do take your time Jack.” With that he watched as the man disappeared from the kitchen and out of view. He did as suggested and moved to make himself a glass of tea with the still hot water from the kettle Jack had made earlier. After his glass was done, he held it in his hand while he looked out the kitchen window. Jack’s home was one of the few with a decent view out over the canal.
Rowaldson’s POV
The Constable was still reeling from all the excitement of the day, so being able to just relax with a hot cup of tea and a view was just what he needed. He could hear the faint sound of the shower starting up in the room he now shared with Jack most nights. Lord, if you had asked him months ago if he ever saw himself feeling so genuinely happy with another, he would’ve laughed in that persons face. But now he couldn’t see his life without Jack. He needed him just as much as the man needed him, he needed that sense of pure love that radiated from him, that warmth of his presence. Though he was still a might confused on what his little vision was. It felt so real, so tangible that the Constable didn’t even realize how soon it would actually happen. To him it was just a sweet visage.
Rowaldson seemed to space out as he got lost in that idea once more. God that little girl, the softness in Jack’s face as she had toddled to them with her little gift. He wanted it so badly. He didn’t even notice when the water finally turned off, or when Jack had descended the stairs, nearly jumping from his skin as he heard the man call from behind him. Thankfully nothing remained in his mug, otherwise he’d of already had a stain in the new suit. He turned to see Jack within the archway to the kitchen, setting his glass into the sink as he gave a small glance over of the man before him. Jack was dressed in a light gray suit with a pale blue undershirt and speckled tie. His hair was brushed out neatly, a small strand falling over the man’s forehead. Alex was in absolute awe, lost for words.
“Do I look okay Constable?” Jack asked with a slightly concerned smile, not sure if the Constable’s silence was a good or bad thing. A wave of relief his him as he saw him finally nod his head.
“Lord Jack, you look- you look so amazing.” Rowaldson finally got out. The suit perfectly fit the man before him, cinching in at the waist wonderfully, sat upon his shoulders beautifully. Everything was just amazing.
“You really mean that?” Once more the Constable nodded, confirming Jack’s wishes. “Ready to head on out?” He asked him gently after a few moments, a soft smile coming back to his lips.
“Of course!” Rowaldson replied joyously as he moved to grab both of their masks along with his helmet. Moving over the Jack, he handed the man his mask before replacing his own on his face, carefully fitting the helmet back onto his head. Once Jack had his mask on, Rowaldson led them from the home, out onto the streets, offering his arm up to the man as he normally did, of which the Jack gladly took. He let Jack led him to the diner he had been speaking off, dropping Jack’s hand only for as long as it took to open the door for him, filing in behind him and up to the bar. He was slightly amused by the shocked expression of the storekeep at the sight of his white suit and whom he accompanied. Though it did not take long for him to realize it was the same small pub that he’d brought Jack that first date. Granted they didn’t have all too many options to choose from here in Wellington Wells.
The pair ordered the same things they had the first day, with a few extra’s they hadn’t had just yet. They decided to share a blue currant pie, oh how delicately sweet it was. Jack and Alex conversed throughout their little meal taking their time as they ate. It may not be the exact meal they would’ve wished for, it was what they had here. Rowaldson truly couldn’t wait for them to finally leave these islands, to get real meals at a real restaurant. They could still get meat here, but seeing that whole issue with the former butcher, he couldn't trust it anymore. Overall their little outing lasted just over an hour, the faint darkness starting to settle in. After paying the tab, Rowaldson escorted Jack back to the house, carefully carrying the remainder of the pie in his free hand. “I will meet you upstairs Jack, go on before me.” His tone was a soft and sweet one. He stole a kiss before leaving Jack to head to the kitchen, wrapping the pie and setting it in the fridge.
The Constable did some basic cleaning up in the kitchen before he finally went to make his way upstairs and to their room. He wouldn’t be able to stay the night, but he still wished to lay with Jack until he fell asleep. Foggy was set to come out that night, so it was best for Jack to get as much sleep as he could beforehand. When he entered the bedroom, Jack was just crawling under the covers. As their little routine would consist, the man moved to the center of the bed as Rowaldson moved to lay down over the covers on the edge, propping himself up on his one arm as the other draped over Jack’s side. Rowaldson held him close until he could hear and see his breathing shallowing and evening out, showing he had fallen asleep.
As much as he didn’t wish to leave, he did have to. Afterall, it was the first night after his promotion so he had to be on site overnight, a few different reasons fed into why that was. So once he was sure Jack was fast asleep, he placed a feathered kiss upon his temple, whispering out a quiet. “Sleep well.” Before he moved to get up off thee bed, being very careful as he did. He straightened his clothes out before silently walking from the room, pulling the door closed behind him before he descended the stairs and left the home as quietly as he could. He made his way back to the barracks, the plans of not only that night, but nights to come filling his mind. It was one of the nights Foggy requested they be left alone, and while Rowaldson had obvious hesitance to allow such a thing, he ultimately agreed in the end.
Rowaldson entered the barracks a few minutes later, letting out a quiet sigh as he finally slipped his mask back off, doing as always as he hooked it to his belt while stepping into the elevator. He took it up to the main floor, where the common room was with the rest of his normal platoon. Though when he finally walked into the common room, while he was cheered on by the men he’d spent so many days and nights patrolling with, he noticed a newer face.
“Congrats mate!” Exclaimed Stubbs, this sentiment echoed through the room. “So what do you plan to do now that you’re one of the big bosses? Asked Hunt as they led Rowaldson to sit at one of the tables, Millais going to fetch one of the many bottles of scotch along with some shot glasses, pouring out the shots while Rowaldson answered.
“Well firstly I am going to whip you bunch into shape!” He joked with his team, soft chuckles coming from all of them. “But honestly, i am just going to do my best to help where I can.” This was a truthful answer.
After everyone had a shot poured out in the room, they all rose them up. “A toast to our best mate! Rowaldson!” Hunt cheered out loudly as the entire room cheered in, everyone taking their shots together. Though there was one who hadn’t been involving himself in this all. This mystery man remained in the kitchen area, though his attention didn’t divert from the white suited bobby. There was a familiar scent in the air, faint but he knew just who it was. Waiting until Rowaldson was finally left alone, he finally made his move, making his way to the man. He cleared his throat, though it didn’t do too much for his husky scottish accent. “Sir, could we step away? I need to speak to you.”
Rowaldson enjoyed the time spent with old friends, drinking the. Scotch down as they all reminisced on old times together. It was a while before the crowd dispersed, mainly from those heading off to bed or patrols. To his utter shock, the new face he had seen when he first came in approached him. As the man before him spoke, his eyes shifted up to his heavily bearded face, a slight daze. But he nodded, getting up from his seat and gesturing for the man to follow him to the hall, of which the man complied.
Once they were finally away from the main area, out of ear shot from everyone, the man spoke again before Rowaldson could even ask what it was that he wanted. “You know Jack. Jack Worthing.”
Rowaldson was shocked beyond words, taking a few moments of just staring at the man before him before his eyes finally narrowed. “And if I do? What’s it to you pal?” A bit of annoyance bubbled up as his tone was harsh. No one else knew it was Jack that he was with, so how did this old dude know?
“Woah woah now, no need to be hostile.” The man said as he raised his hands up in a small sign meaning he meant no harm. “Name’s Ollie, Ollie Starkey. I knew Mr. Worthing once upon a time. I just need to see him, i have something I need to tell him.”
The expression on Rowaldson’s face softened slightly, but he was still concerned. “And what makes you believe I will bring you to him?” He wanted to know the true motives of this man before him.
With this Ollie sighed, his eyes downcast as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I need to apologize to ‘im. I did some’hing horrible back- back when the Germans were here. I just want to make it right.” The shame was clear in his voice.
Rowaldson’s expression finally softened fully, something told him the man was telling the truth. With a heavy sigh, he drug his hand down his face. “Okay look, I will see what I can do, okay?” That was all Ollie needed, that small chance to right his wrongs. Ollie nodded and apologized for bothering the man, but thanked him for this potential opportunity, though in the end they would end up meeting on their own.
Rowaldson dismissed the man to his patrols before he finally made his way to the highest floor, to his new room. Once there he let out another heavy sigh. Who the hell does he think he is?! Asking to see Jack! It truly pissed Rowaldson to think about just how forward that man had been, how he’d put them at risk by even confronting him about it. With a few deep breathes he finally calmed down, walking about the room as he took his helmet and shoes off, setting them neatly by the desk before he got changed for the night into some pajamas, getting ready to settle in for the night. He didn’t fret on the matter for long as he let himself relax into the soft bed, allowing himself to be lulled into sweet, sweet dreams of his future family.
This dream was similar to the daydream he’d had much earlier, but the little girl was settled on the blanket with them this time, darkness having settled in around them, a bright and star filled sky above them. There was this sense of fulfillment the dream brought with it, this warmth that the Constable had longed for. They all laid there, laughing and making new constellations in the thousands of stars above them. All was right in this world, all was perfect.