lavinia_fics: The Tears of a Clown (Doctor/Jack) [K]

[lavinia-fics.livejournal.com]

Title: The Tears of a Clown
Author/Artist/Vidder/...: lavinia_fics 
Challenge: 2011 Doctor/Jack Bingo Fest
Prompt used:  Sadness (N-1)
Rating:  K
Pairing:  10th Doctor/Jack (But could also fit 11)
Spoilers/warnings:  Very Slightly pre-slash. Spoiler free.
Summary:  Jack finds the Doctor alone in the TARDIS and watches him.

Jack didn't expect to see him. He'd never met up with the Doctor through his nighttime ramblings around the TARDIS as everyone else slept. But here the Doctor was, leaning against a strut, his head against the wall, tears streaming down his face.

He cried silently. Of course he did.  And Jack remained hidden, not wanting to disturb him.  He'd seen the shadows, of course.  The moments when the Doctor's cheerful silliness would suddenly disappear, and he'd turn away, quiet, expression shuttered.  Then, just as suddenly, he'd turn back to them with one of his huge smiles, and all was right with the universe again.

Except that it wasn't. The shadows were still there, no matter how much the Doctor might try to hide them from his companions. No matter what happy face he might be wearing.

Jack knew, because he did it too.

After a few minutes, the Doctor wiped his eyes and smiled brightly in Jack's direction. 

"You can come out now," he said.

Jack stepped forward and slid to the floor beside the Doctor. "You knew I was there?"

"The TARDIS did," the Doctor said. "Same thing, in the end, really."

"Couldn't sleep," Jack shrugged. "Are you okay?"

The Doctor shrugged. "Go to bed, Jack."

"Only if you come with me."

The Doctor rolled his eyes.

"Seriously," Jack said, reaching over and clasping the Doctor's hand. "I don't want to leave you alone if you're hurting."

The Doctor squeezed his hand. "I'll be fine, Jack. It's just the same old hurts. They'll be all gone by morning."

"They're never all gone," Jack ran a thumb over the hand in his. "Do you want to talk about it?"

The Doctor hesitated, then shook his head. "No. Not now. Not yet."

"I guess I should go to bed, then," Jack smiled. "The offer stands, if you don't want to be alone."

"Not now, Jack."

"You can't turn me down forever, you know."

The Doctor gave him one of his lopsided grins. "Maybe not forever.  Just one more time."

Comments

[gaia-lulia.livejournal.com]

I liked the Doctor turning Jack down. It was so beautifully in both their characters!

[trobadora]

"Maybe not forever. Just one more time."

Hee! I like that. :)

Btw, could you please include which Doctor this is into your header info? Thank you!

[dshael.livejournal.com]

I liked the way you set up that image -- the Doctor standing there, and Jack finding him -- kind of pretty. I could see that! *g* Very sweet and sad and in-character!

[wendymr.livejournal.com]

This is nice, and I do like Jack being there for the Doctor. But which Doctor is this? It's obviously not Nine - doesn't sound at all like him, and I can't imagine Nine not giving Jack a cutting comment in that situation, however much he knew Jack cared. Ten? Eleven?

[scifiangel.livejournal.com]

I can see Jack understanding the pain the Docotr feels. Beautiful.

[beachy-geek.livejournal.com]

I loved this sweet story! I saw Ten with his grin and his quicksilver changes--was that him? And Jack was perfect, so in character. Thanks for this!

[lavinia-fics.livejournal.com]

Thanks for all of the feedback! I actually intended it to be a nonspecific Doctor, but as it does seem to fit 10 best, I changed the header to be specific.