Just Imagine...

Sisi Ni Sawa

Martha Jones found Sam sitting at the edge of the tidepool with her tiger, Zephyr, beside her, the two of them staring into the shallow water with nearly the same expression on their faces.
"Jack really does love you, you know." Martha said softly. Sam looked up in surprise and Zephyr flicked an ear.
"Huh?" Sam asked quietly.
"I know you're jealous of my relationship with Jack," Martha said, sitting next to her with a small distance between them, "and I don't appreciate you giving me the cold shoulder but I understand, you feel like I'm closer to Jack than you are and being his renther that makes you defensive."
Sam blinked.
"Shit," she murmured after a moment, "I've never had someone sum me up so well before."
"I don't think that's all there is to you, Sam."
"It's pretty damn close."
Sam let out a long sigh.
"Martha, I'm sorry," she said, "for everything. I'm sorry I've been such a bitch to you. I'm sorry I got jealous. I'm sorry I'm such an overprotective idiot that I couldn't see that your friendship with Jack is important to both of you and I should be happy about that."
"Sam, don't be sorry!" Martha exclaimed, "it was a natural reaction! You feel like Jack shares something with me that you don't have with him."
"Yes." Sam replied, sighing again.
"But like I said, he loves you more than he lets on. He told me a bit about what it's like having a family with you, and Sam, his eyes just sparkled and he couldn't stop smiling. I've never seen him so happy before. Never."
"Really?" Sam asked, looking shocked.
"I think he doesn't tell you this because he's afraid to lose you," Martha explained, "he's afraid to lose all of you. But I'd say you're a little closer to the top of that list."
"And Ianto?"
"And Ianto. I think he's the only person slightly above you."
Sam laughed.
"Well I don't mind that, I love the two of them. They act like it's a secret-"
"But it's so obvious!"
"Yeah! Totally!"
The two of them laughed for a bit before Sam grew serious again.
"I don't mind you either, Martha," she said, "in fact, I think I'm startin' to really like you." Zephyr let out an agreeing rumble and paced up to Martha. At first she was wary of the large cat but she relaxed, giggling a little, as Zephyr nuzzled and licked her face. She put her arms around Zephyr's neck and the golden tiger made a chuffing noise. Sam was beaming, emerald eyes shining.
"So," she said after a moment, "are you and I thinking of the same person when we say 'the Doctor'?"
Martha froze, staring at her in surprise.
"Oh, c'mon," Sam laughed, "you're not the only one who knows things about other people. And I was passing by Jack's office earlier and I just happened to hear you mention the Doc."
Martha gave her a sceptical look.
"Just passing by?" She echoed.
"Okay, maybe I was eavesdropping," Sam murmured, "whatever, same difference. Sorry. But I understand that you travelled with the Doctor as well?"
"Yeah," Martha said, "and Jack too, for a bit. When did you travel with him?"
"A long time ago," Sam said with a wistful expression, gazing up at the ceiling, "I was only sixteen years old, but the Doctor showed me the universe. And God, it was beautiful. I guess from that point it was inevitable that I'd meet Jack and end up here, working for Torchwood, saving the world."
"You like it here?" Martha asked. Sam looked at her.
"It's not home, but yes," she answered, "I do. Even though the air stinks and it's always cold and I can't see the stars at night, and the team here are all fucking idiots! But see, that's just the problem, Martha. I... I think I love them."