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wintercompanion2012-07-07 11:00 pm
trobadora) wrote in wintercompanion2012-07-07 11:00 pm
scifiangel: Caring For A Drunken Time Lord (Jack/10, Jack/11) [PG-13] - SUMMER HOLIDAYS, PROMPT 4
Title: Caring For A Drunken Time Lord
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
scifiangel
Pairing: Jack/Ten, Jack/Eleven
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers/warnings: This story takes place in that time after Waters of Mars and before End of Time.
A/N: Thanks to my beta,jer832.
Summary: Something is wrong with the Doctor, but he won't talk to Jack about it. The Captain forms a plan to loosen his tongue.
Prompt: Sabjan, Era of the Seventh Matriarch, Joyful Alley, distilleries
DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental. This is a work of parody, as defined by the Fair Use Doctrine. Any similarities, without satirical intent, to copyrighted characters, or individuals living or dead, are purely coincidental. This work has not been endorsed by Russell T. Davies, the BBC, or any of the others holding copyrights or licensed books or movies. No connection is implied or should be inferred. This is not a commercial work. The authors receive no financial gain from its production or distribution. It is available without charge. Distribution is limited. The distribution of this story is for personal use only. Any other form of distribution is prohibited without the consent of the author.
Caring for a Drunken Time Lord
Jack knew that something was bothering the Doctor. The Time Lord had always been a bit manic, but ever since Jack had started travelling with him again his moods had swung from giddy to brooding in seconds. He was also very jumpy.
One time when the Doctor was tinkering with the time rotor, Jack had tapped lightly on the console to get his attention. Jack thought the Time Lord was going to jump out of his skin. Then, once the Doctor had caught his breath, he yelled at Jack and stormed out of the room.
Jack didn't see him again for three days. When the Doctor finally did show up, he acted as if nothing unusual had happened.
The Captain had tried several times to get the Doctor to talk to him, but the stubborn Time Lord insisted that there was nothing wrong or that he was "always alright."
Jack decided to try a different tack. He talked the Doctor into going to a festival the Captain knew about on Sabjan in the Era of the Seventh Matriarch. He would make sure they went on the tour of the distilleries and try to get the Doctor drunk enough to loosen his tongue.
********
The planet Sabjan was much warmer than Jack was used to. Its three suns cast a greenish glow to the shadows and made the air stifling hot.
Jack had gone without his great coat and had rolled up his sleeves. Even the Doctor had gone without his tan long coat.
Jack hoped the heat would make the Doctor thirstier and so drink more. He felt a little bad about his plan, but he couldn’t think of another way and he was getting desperate. Things couldn’t go on the way they were.
They were on their fifth distillery when the Doctor warned Jack to go easy on the wine.
“You’re not a Time Lord like me,” the Doctor said. “You can get drunk and I don’t want to have to carry you back to the TARDIS.”
Jack groaned. “Are you saying that Time Lords can’t get drunk?”
“Of course I can’t get drunk,” the Doctor answered as if Jack should have known. “Why else would I have agreed to go on the tour with you?”
Jack just rubbed his face with his palm and sighed.
“Maybe we should get some food in you, Captain. I think you’re already being affected by the alcohol.” The Doctor asked the locals to recommend somewhere, and that’s how they ended up at a little restaurant at the end of a colourful street called Joyful Alley.
The food was wonderful and despite being sober the Doctor was delightful company. At the end of the meal they were given golden goblets filled with fruit juice made from one of the local berries called Canton berries. The waitress had told them that it was a tradition of the festival to toast the Matriarch’s good health with the drink.
‘When in Rome,’ Jack thought as he raised his glass then took a sip.
The Doctor seemed to inhale his drink, pausing only to comment on how delicious it was before stealing Jack’s drink as well.
When the Doctor was nearly finished with his second glass, Jack noticed the Time Lord’s eyes had glazed over. He seemed to sway a bit, and then he hiccupped. The Doctor began to giggle and Jack wasn’t sure if he should laugh or panic. Never in a million years did he think he would ever hear the Doctor giggle.
“Doc?” Jack asked as he got up to stand beside his Time Lord and put his hand on his shoulder. “What’s happening?”
“Oh, nothing serious,” the Doctor replied laughing harder. “I must just be allergic to the Canton berries.” The Doctor shook his head and snorted. “Must just,” the Doctor repeated giggling again. “I said must just.”
“We need to get you back to the TARDIS now!” Jack put his arm around the Doctor and helped him to his feet. “Can you walk?”
“Of course I can walk,” the Doctor sniffed indignantly. “I’ve been walking for over nine hundred years.” The Doctor lurched towards the door before Jack could react. The Captain soon caught up and helped the Time Lord out of the door, down the stairs, and out into the alley.
“My, it’s hot today isn’t it?” the Doctor commented as he loosened his tie and tried to pull it off. He only succeeded in pulling it up onto his forehead like a bandana. “And so bright too.”
The Doctor reached into his front jacket pocket, pulled out a pair of sunglasses, and put them on.
“Where did you get those?” Jack asked trying to distract him as he led the Doctor down the alley.
“Oh, they’ve been there for ages,” the Doctor informed Jack, trying to pronounce his words carefully. “Stevie Wonder gave them to me. Well… I say gave. More like I borrowed them. Well… stole, but he had plenty of others.”
“Doctor, what’s happening to you?” Jack asked more than a little worried. “Is this allergy dangerous?”
“Oh no,” the Doctor assured, “It’s just affecting my speech and motor skills a bit.” The Doctor frowned. “Or is that effecting?” The Time Lord shook his head. “It also seems to have lowered my inhububs. My inhorbations. My inhabertations.” The Doctor paused and took a deep breath. “I wouldn’t be such a stick-in-the-mud for a while.” The Doctor smiled his megawatt smile at Jack and the Captain couldn’t help but smile back.
“So, basically you’re drunk?” Jack asked with a laugh.
“Yep,” the Doctor answered popping the P sound. “I might have a hell of a headache in the morning, but otherwise I’ll be fine.”
Jack helped his drunken Time Lord down the alley laughing to himself at having succeeded in getting the Doctor drunk.
“I love the green colour the sunlight gives your face, Jack.” The Doctor reached up, pulled off his glasses, and stared into Jack’s eyes. He cupped Jack’s cheek, and then ran his finger-tips down Jack’s face, sending shivers through the Captain’s body. “It reminds me of how you look when you’re working on the console.”
“You’re so handsome.” The Doctor slid his hand back down to his side and looked away. “For a stupid ape.” The Doctor frowned and shook his head. “Oh, that was rude,” the Doctor shouted and slapped his own hand spilling the last of the drink onto the brightly coloured pavement. Jack took the goblet from him and set it down on the pavement.
“Besides, you’re not stupid.” The Doctor put his free hand on Jack’s shoulder to steady himself. “You’re very smart.” He nodded at Jack, as if agreeing with himself. “You’re smart and capable, brave and loyal, handsome and so caring.” The Doctor turned and started down the alley again.
“Why haven’t I told you this before?” he asked Jack over his shoulder.
“I don’t know, Doc.” Jack had to swallow hard at the lump in his throat. So long he had waited to hear such words from the Doctor. He just wished they had come under better circumstances.
“You’re one of the finest beings in the whole universe, Jack.” The Doctor said this as if it were the greatest of revelations that he had only just discovered. “I’m glad I got the chance to tell you before the end.”
The last statement brought Jack up short.
“The end of what?” Jack asked in a panic, but the Time Lord seemed not to have heard him; instead the Doctor started singing the words to the poem ‘Oh, Captain, My Captain’ and kept walking.
“O CAPTAIN! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.”
The Doctor stopped and looked up at Jack. “I’m glad you didn’t stay dead, my Captain.” The warm, tender smile he gave Jack made the Captain’s heart skip a beat.
Jack was very glad the TARDIS was with in sight. He wasn’t sure how much more he could take without grabbing the Doctor, pushing him up against the nearest wall, and kissing him senseless.
Jack hoped to hell the Doctor didn’t remember any of this in the morning.
The Doctor was mercifully silent as Jack helped him into the ship, up the ramp, and into his bedroom. He set the Doctor down on his bed and finished pulling his tie the rest of the way off. Next Jack knelt down and took the Doctor’s shoes and socks off.
When Jack looked up the Doctor was looking at him intently.
“Jack?” the Doctor started to ask, but never finished the question.
“What, Doc?” Jack asked back with a smile.
“I’m going to die soon,” he answered then looked away.
“What?”
“I’m going to die.” The Doctor patted the bed next to him silently asking Jack to sit beside him, Jack gladly complied. “The prophecy says ‘my song is ending’ and I know that means I’ll die.”
The Doctor took Jack’s hand in his, lacing their fingers, and then put his other hand over them both. The intimate touch sent heat through Jack’s body, pooling in his groin. ‘Not now,’ he silently scolded his body.
“Maybe you just regenerate.” Jack stated hopefully.
“Maybe,” The Doctor looked down at their hands. “I’ve been running from it for a long time now.” Doctor absentmindedly stroked the back of Jack’s hand with his thumb, sending electricity running through Jack’s arm.
“I’m good at running,” he said smiling up at Jack, “But I’m going to have to stop soon. The Ood calling me in my dreams are growing rather persistent.” He giggled at that. “I’ve had Ood dreams.” He giggled again then hiccupped.
“Funny thing – hiccups. It’s just a spasm of the diaphragm when...”
“Doctor!” Jack said more sharply than he had intended. He was so worried and he didn’t want the Time Lord to start babbling off topic.
“I’m so glad you agreed to travel with me again, Jack.” The Doctor took his hand off the top of Jack’s hand and reached up to cup the Captain’s cheek again. “I’ve missed you.”
The Doctor’s eyes had gone dark and the pupils wide as he stared at Jack’s lips. The Time Lord started to lean forward and it was almost more than Jack could take. He knew that in another moment the Doctor would be kissing him if he didn’t stop it. The Captain wanted that kiss so badly, but not like this.
“Sleep with me,” the Doctor whispered as he leaned even closer.
Jack quickly stood up off the bed and pulled his hand away from the Doctor.
“No,” Jack said gently. He wondered if he was saying it more to himself than to the Time Lord. The Doctor looked down at the floor and sighed.
“I’m sorry,” the Doctor said in a sad voice. “I shouldn’t have assumed and after the way I’ve treated you…” He sighed again and Jack thought the Doctor might start crying. “Of course you wouldn’t want me.”
“Doctor, look at me,” Jack ordered as he cupped the Time Lord’s cheek and tilted his head up. “I want you. I want you so badly it hurts.” Jack stared into the Doctor’s eyes hoping he could see the truth. “But I don’t just want to sleep with you. I want to make love to you. Do you understand?”
The Doctor just nodded his head and swallowed hard.
“You can never be a casual one-off.” Jack pulled the Doctor into his arms, tucked the Time Lord’s head under his chin, and kissed the top of his hair. “I’ve loved you too long for that.” Jack heard the Doctor’s breath hitch at that last admission and once again he hoped the Doctor wouldn’t remember any of this in the morning.
Jack pulled back again and looked the Doctor in the eyes. “Get some sleep and if you still feel this way when the berries’ affect wears off, ask me again. Okay?”
The Doctor nodded again and lay down on the bed. Jack tucked him in and brushed a stay lock of his hair off his forehead before turning around and walking quickly for the door. When Jack closed it behind him he thought he heard the Doctor whisper, “Thank you.”
Jack leaned his forehead against the cool wood of the door and sighed. ‘Have I just blown the only chance I’ll ever have with him?’
“Goddess, please don’t let him die,” Jack whispered in prayer to a deity he really didn’t believe in. “I don’t care what his face looks like, just don’t let him die.”
********
Jack couldn’t sleep at all. After several hours of tossing and turning with worry, he gave up and went to the kitchen to make some tea. He made some toast as well and grabbed a couple of bananas, laying them on the tea tray next to the tea.
Jack had a feeling that the Doctor was waking up and suspected that the TARDIS might be putting that thought in his head. Almost as an answer, two white pills appeared on the tray next to the Doctor’s teacup.
Jack hoped the effects of the berries had worn off by the time he got to the Doctor’s bedroom. At the same time he was dreading the Doctor’s reaction to the events of last night.
Based on past experience Jack knew he would most likely act as if nothing had happened. Jack braced himself for what he assumed would be an inevitable heartbreak.
The Doctor’s eyes were already open when Jack came into the bedroom with the tray of food. The Time Lord sat up, leaned against the headboard, and looked down at his hands that were in his lap.
“Good morning,” Jack said as cheerfully as he could. “I’ve brought tea and toast. And the TARDIS had me bring these.” Jack handed the pills over to the Doctor. “Are they aspirin?”
“No, I’m allergic to aspirin,” the Doctor informed Jack as he took the pills and swallowed them dry. “They’re panadol.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Embarrassed,” the Doctor replied, not looking up, “but otherwise back to normal.”
Jack turned his back to the Doctor and put the tray down on the night stand. He was afraid to see the Doctor’s face. “How much do you remember?”
“Everything,” the Doctor replied with a sigh. Jack held his breath. “Unfortunately.”
The Captain’s heart clenched painfully in his chest. He had expected this, but the rejection he had known was coming still hurt as if a knife had been thrust in and twisted.
“Did I really start singing, Oh, Captain?” The Doctor asked with an embarrassed groan.
‘So that’s how he wants to play it.’ Jack thought. ‘Focus on the silliness. I can do that.’ The Captain took a deep breath, bracing himself again, and turned around.
“I thought you had a lovely voice.” Jack smiled his best smile and prayed the Doctor didn’t notice that it didn’t reach his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Jack,” the Doctor said apologetically. “I shouldn’t have tried to seduce you last night.” Jack’s heart broke again, but he refused to let the tears that were threatening, start falling. He took another deep breath and forced the smile to stay on his face.
“That’s okay, Doctor,” Jack said cheerfully trying to make it sound as if it was no-big-deal. “You weren’t yourself.”
“No, and thank you for being such a gentleman about it.” The Doctor smiled at Jack, then reached out and took Jack’s hand in his.
“You were right last night.” The Doctor pulled Jack down to sit on the bed beside him. “Our first time together, we should both be clear-headed.”
“What?” Jack couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“The first time we make love,” the Doctor clarified as he cupped Jack’s cheek like he had last night. “We should both be fully aware.” The Doctor’s eyes had dilated as he said the word fully with as much innuendo as Jack had ever heard. The Captain grabbed the Doctor’s wrists and pulled them away from him.
“Are you sure you’re yourself again?” Jack asked as his subconscious screamed at him to shut up and just take what was offered.
“I’m sure, Captain.” The Doctor looked down at his lap again. “I’ve always wanted you, Jack,” the Doctor confessed. “Even back when I had big ears, but I was such a coward.” The Doctor swallowed hard before looking up into Jack’s eyes again. “I don’t want to miss my chance at happiness with you again. Please, let me make love to you.”
Jack needed no more encouragement. His arms were around the Doctor in the next moment and his lips devoured the Time Lord’s mouth.
*********
As the waves of pleasure began to subside they both collapsed onto the bed. The Doctor was spooned into Jack’s back with his arms around the Captain’s waist. Jack sighed contentedly and whispered his feelings without thinking.
“I love you, Doctor.” The Time Lord’s body tensed against his back and Jack was sorry he had said anything. Then, in a voice so soft Jack had to strain to hear it, the Doctor whispered back.
“I love you, too.”
********
The sunlight of morning was streaming in through the windows slowly waking Jack up. He was warm, and contented, and ached in all the right places. He didn’t want to wake up, but maybe he could wake the Doctor up too and make love to him again.
‘Fifth times the charm,’ Jack thought with a smile. Without opening his eyes he reached over to the other side of the beds, but found it empty.
‘Wait a minute,’ Jack thought as he sat bolt upright in a panic. ‘There’s no sunlight on the TARDIS.’
The Captain was in the bed of the dingy hotel room he was staying in when he first started traveling with the Doctor again.
‘Has it all been a dream?’ Jack asked himself with increasing dread. He looked over at the other side of the bed and on the pillow lay a folded piece of paper with his name on it.
Jack opened it with shaking hands and read.
My Dearest Jack,
I know I’m being a coward again, but I don’t want you to have to watch me die.
I can’t promise you’ll ever see me again, not with this daft old face, but if you do, know it’s to say good-bye to someone I love.
Please don’t make a fuss as it would be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Your Doctor
Jack clutched the paper to his chest and sobbed for his lost love.
********
Jack sat in a bar in some far-off corner of the galaxy, nursing his drink. Alonso had been dead for a couple of years now and it no longer gave Jack a sharp pain to think about his beautiful sailor.
The Captain hoped he never got used to losing the one’s he loved, but it was time to move on. Maybe he should return to Earth or maybe the Vegas galaxy.
Suddenly a man flopped down on the stool next to Jack’s and nudged the Captain’s arm, startling him out of his thoughts. The odd young man was dressed in a tweed jacket, striped shirt, and a blue bowtie. His hair seemed to defy gravity and his grey-blue eyes sparkled with mischief.
Jack looked deep into those eyes and recognised the ancient swirl of Time.
“So, Captain,” the Doctor said. “Your place or mine? Or are you going to buy me a drink first?”
Jack smiled as his heart soared. “As long as there are no Canton berries in it.”
~Fin~
Complete Master List
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Author:
scifiangelPairing: Jack/Ten, Jack/Eleven
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers/warnings: This story takes place in that time after Waters of Mars and before End of Time.
A/N: Thanks to my beta,
jer832.Summary: Something is wrong with the Doctor, but he won't talk to Jack about it. The Captain forms a plan to loosen his tongue.
Prompt: Sabjan, Era of the Seventh Matriarch, Joyful Alley, distilleries
DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental. This is a work of parody, as defined by the Fair Use Doctrine. Any similarities, without satirical intent, to copyrighted characters, or individuals living or dead, are purely coincidental. This work has not been endorsed by Russell T. Davies, the BBC, or any of the others holding copyrights or licensed books or movies. No connection is implied or should be inferred. This is not a commercial work. The authors receive no financial gain from its production or distribution. It is available without charge. Distribution is limited. The distribution of this story is for personal use only. Any other form of distribution is prohibited without the consent of the author.
Caring for a Drunken Time Lord
Jack knew that something was bothering the Doctor. The Time Lord had always been a bit manic, but ever since Jack had started travelling with him again his moods had swung from giddy to brooding in seconds. He was also very jumpy.
One time when the Doctor was tinkering with the time rotor, Jack had tapped lightly on the console to get his attention. Jack thought the Time Lord was going to jump out of his skin. Then, once the Doctor had caught his breath, he yelled at Jack and stormed out of the room.
Jack didn't see him again for three days. When the Doctor finally did show up, he acted as if nothing unusual had happened.
The Captain had tried several times to get the Doctor to talk to him, but the stubborn Time Lord insisted that there was nothing wrong or that he was "always alright."
Jack decided to try a different tack. He talked the Doctor into going to a festival the Captain knew about on Sabjan in the Era of the Seventh Matriarch. He would make sure they went on the tour of the distilleries and try to get the Doctor drunk enough to loosen his tongue.
********
The planet Sabjan was much warmer than Jack was used to. Its three suns cast a greenish glow to the shadows and made the air stifling hot.
Jack had gone without his great coat and had rolled up his sleeves. Even the Doctor had gone without his tan long coat.
Jack hoped the heat would make the Doctor thirstier and so drink more. He felt a little bad about his plan, but he couldn’t think of another way and he was getting desperate. Things couldn’t go on the way they were.
They were on their fifth distillery when the Doctor warned Jack to go easy on the wine.
“You’re not a Time Lord like me,” the Doctor said. “You can get drunk and I don’t want to have to carry you back to the TARDIS.”
Jack groaned. “Are you saying that Time Lords can’t get drunk?”
“Of course I can’t get drunk,” the Doctor answered as if Jack should have known. “Why else would I have agreed to go on the tour with you?”
Jack just rubbed his face with his palm and sighed.
“Maybe we should get some food in you, Captain. I think you’re already being affected by the alcohol.” The Doctor asked the locals to recommend somewhere, and that’s how they ended up at a little restaurant at the end of a colourful street called Joyful Alley.
The food was wonderful and despite being sober the Doctor was delightful company. At the end of the meal they were given golden goblets filled with fruit juice made from one of the local berries called Canton berries. The waitress had told them that it was a tradition of the festival to toast the Matriarch’s good health with the drink.
‘When in Rome,’ Jack thought as he raised his glass then took a sip.
The Doctor seemed to inhale his drink, pausing only to comment on how delicious it was before stealing Jack’s drink as well.
When the Doctor was nearly finished with his second glass, Jack noticed the Time Lord’s eyes had glazed over. He seemed to sway a bit, and then he hiccupped. The Doctor began to giggle and Jack wasn’t sure if he should laugh or panic. Never in a million years did he think he would ever hear the Doctor giggle.
“Doc?” Jack asked as he got up to stand beside his Time Lord and put his hand on his shoulder. “What’s happening?”
“Oh, nothing serious,” the Doctor replied laughing harder. “I must just be allergic to the Canton berries.” The Doctor shook his head and snorted. “Must just,” the Doctor repeated giggling again. “I said must just.”
“We need to get you back to the TARDIS now!” Jack put his arm around the Doctor and helped him to his feet. “Can you walk?”
“Of course I can walk,” the Doctor sniffed indignantly. “I’ve been walking for over nine hundred years.” The Doctor lurched towards the door before Jack could react. The Captain soon caught up and helped the Time Lord out of the door, down the stairs, and out into the alley.
“My, it’s hot today isn’t it?” the Doctor commented as he loosened his tie and tried to pull it off. He only succeeded in pulling it up onto his forehead like a bandana. “And so bright too.”
The Doctor reached into his front jacket pocket, pulled out a pair of sunglasses, and put them on.
“Where did you get those?” Jack asked trying to distract him as he led the Doctor down the alley.
“Oh, they’ve been there for ages,” the Doctor informed Jack, trying to pronounce his words carefully. “Stevie Wonder gave them to me. Well… I say gave. More like I borrowed them. Well… stole, but he had plenty of others.”
“Doctor, what’s happening to you?” Jack asked more than a little worried. “Is this allergy dangerous?”
“Oh no,” the Doctor assured, “It’s just affecting my speech and motor skills a bit.” The Doctor frowned. “Or is that effecting?” The Time Lord shook his head. “It also seems to have lowered my inhububs. My inhorbations. My inhabertations.” The Doctor paused and took a deep breath. “I wouldn’t be such a stick-in-the-mud for a while.” The Doctor smiled his megawatt smile at Jack and the Captain couldn’t help but smile back.
“So, basically you’re drunk?” Jack asked with a laugh.
“Yep,” the Doctor answered popping the P sound. “I might have a hell of a headache in the morning, but otherwise I’ll be fine.”
Jack helped his drunken Time Lord down the alley laughing to himself at having succeeded in getting the Doctor drunk.
“I love the green colour the sunlight gives your face, Jack.” The Doctor reached up, pulled off his glasses, and stared into Jack’s eyes. He cupped Jack’s cheek, and then ran his finger-tips down Jack’s face, sending shivers through the Captain’s body. “It reminds me of how you look when you’re working on the console.”
“You’re so handsome.” The Doctor slid his hand back down to his side and looked away. “For a stupid ape.” The Doctor frowned and shook his head. “Oh, that was rude,” the Doctor shouted and slapped his own hand spilling the last of the drink onto the brightly coloured pavement. Jack took the goblet from him and set it down on the pavement.
“Besides, you’re not stupid.” The Doctor put his free hand on Jack’s shoulder to steady himself. “You’re very smart.” He nodded at Jack, as if agreeing with himself. “You’re smart and capable, brave and loyal, handsome and so caring.” The Doctor turned and started down the alley again.
“Why haven’t I told you this before?” he asked Jack over his shoulder.
“I don’t know, Doc.” Jack had to swallow hard at the lump in his throat. So long he had waited to hear such words from the Doctor. He just wished they had come under better circumstances.
“You’re one of the finest beings in the whole universe, Jack.” The Doctor said this as if it were the greatest of revelations that he had only just discovered. “I’m glad I got the chance to tell you before the end.”
The last statement brought Jack up short.
“The end of what?” Jack asked in a panic, but the Time Lord seemed not to have heard him; instead the Doctor started singing the words to the poem ‘Oh, Captain, My Captain’ and kept walking.
“O CAPTAIN! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.”
The Doctor stopped and looked up at Jack. “I’m glad you didn’t stay dead, my Captain.” The warm, tender smile he gave Jack made the Captain’s heart skip a beat.
Jack was very glad the TARDIS was with in sight. He wasn’t sure how much more he could take without grabbing the Doctor, pushing him up against the nearest wall, and kissing him senseless.
Jack hoped to hell the Doctor didn’t remember any of this in the morning.
The Doctor was mercifully silent as Jack helped him into the ship, up the ramp, and into his bedroom. He set the Doctor down on his bed and finished pulling his tie the rest of the way off. Next Jack knelt down and took the Doctor’s shoes and socks off.
When Jack looked up the Doctor was looking at him intently.
“Jack?” the Doctor started to ask, but never finished the question.
“What, Doc?” Jack asked back with a smile.
“I’m going to die soon,” he answered then looked away.
“What?”
“I’m going to die.” The Doctor patted the bed next to him silently asking Jack to sit beside him, Jack gladly complied. “The prophecy says ‘my song is ending’ and I know that means I’ll die.”
The Doctor took Jack’s hand in his, lacing their fingers, and then put his other hand over them both. The intimate touch sent heat through Jack’s body, pooling in his groin. ‘Not now,’ he silently scolded his body.
“Maybe you just regenerate.” Jack stated hopefully.
“Maybe,” The Doctor looked down at their hands. “I’ve been running from it for a long time now.” Doctor absentmindedly stroked the back of Jack’s hand with his thumb, sending electricity running through Jack’s arm.
“I’m good at running,” he said smiling up at Jack, “But I’m going to have to stop soon. The Ood calling me in my dreams are growing rather persistent.” He giggled at that. “I’ve had Ood dreams.” He giggled again then hiccupped.
“Funny thing – hiccups. It’s just a spasm of the diaphragm when...”
“Doctor!” Jack said more sharply than he had intended. He was so worried and he didn’t want the Time Lord to start babbling off topic.
“I’m so glad you agreed to travel with me again, Jack.” The Doctor took his hand off the top of Jack’s hand and reached up to cup the Captain’s cheek again. “I’ve missed you.”
The Doctor’s eyes had gone dark and the pupils wide as he stared at Jack’s lips. The Time Lord started to lean forward and it was almost more than Jack could take. He knew that in another moment the Doctor would be kissing him if he didn’t stop it. The Captain wanted that kiss so badly, but not like this.
“Sleep with me,” the Doctor whispered as he leaned even closer.
Jack quickly stood up off the bed and pulled his hand away from the Doctor.
“No,” Jack said gently. He wondered if he was saying it more to himself than to the Time Lord. The Doctor looked down at the floor and sighed.
“I’m sorry,” the Doctor said in a sad voice. “I shouldn’t have assumed and after the way I’ve treated you…” He sighed again and Jack thought the Doctor might start crying. “Of course you wouldn’t want me.”
“Doctor, look at me,” Jack ordered as he cupped the Time Lord’s cheek and tilted his head up. “I want you. I want you so badly it hurts.” Jack stared into the Doctor’s eyes hoping he could see the truth. “But I don’t just want to sleep with you. I want to make love to you. Do you understand?”
The Doctor just nodded his head and swallowed hard.
“You can never be a casual one-off.” Jack pulled the Doctor into his arms, tucked the Time Lord’s head under his chin, and kissed the top of his hair. “I’ve loved you too long for that.” Jack heard the Doctor’s breath hitch at that last admission and once again he hoped the Doctor wouldn’t remember any of this in the morning.
Jack pulled back again and looked the Doctor in the eyes. “Get some sleep and if you still feel this way when the berries’ affect wears off, ask me again. Okay?”
The Doctor nodded again and lay down on the bed. Jack tucked him in and brushed a stay lock of his hair off his forehead before turning around and walking quickly for the door. When Jack closed it behind him he thought he heard the Doctor whisper, “Thank you.”
Jack leaned his forehead against the cool wood of the door and sighed. ‘Have I just blown the only chance I’ll ever have with him?’
“Goddess, please don’t let him die,” Jack whispered in prayer to a deity he really didn’t believe in. “I don’t care what his face looks like, just don’t let him die.”
********
Jack couldn’t sleep at all. After several hours of tossing and turning with worry, he gave up and went to the kitchen to make some tea. He made some toast as well and grabbed a couple of bananas, laying them on the tea tray next to the tea.
Jack had a feeling that the Doctor was waking up and suspected that the TARDIS might be putting that thought in his head. Almost as an answer, two white pills appeared on the tray next to the Doctor’s teacup.
Jack hoped the effects of the berries had worn off by the time he got to the Doctor’s bedroom. At the same time he was dreading the Doctor’s reaction to the events of last night.
Based on past experience Jack knew he would most likely act as if nothing had happened. Jack braced himself for what he assumed would be an inevitable heartbreak.
The Doctor’s eyes were already open when Jack came into the bedroom with the tray of food. The Time Lord sat up, leaned against the headboard, and looked down at his hands that were in his lap.
“Good morning,” Jack said as cheerfully as he could. “I’ve brought tea and toast. And the TARDIS had me bring these.” Jack handed the pills over to the Doctor. “Are they aspirin?”
“No, I’m allergic to aspirin,” the Doctor informed Jack as he took the pills and swallowed them dry. “They’re panadol.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Embarrassed,” the Doctor replied, not looking up, “but otherwise back to normal.”
Jack turned his back to the Doctor and put the tray down on the night stand. He was afraid to see the Doctor’s face. “How much do you remember?”
“Everything,” the Doctor replied with a sigh. Jack held his breath. “Unfortunately.”
The Captain’s heart clenched painfully in his chest. He had expected this, but the rejection he had known was coming still hurt as if a knife had been thrust in and twisted.
“Did I really start singing, Oh, Captain?” The Doctor asked with an embarrassed groan.
‘So that’s how he wants to play it.’ Jack thought. ‘Focus on the silliness. I can do that.’ The Captain took a deep breath, bracing himself again, and turned around.
“I thought you had a lovely voice.” Jack smiled his best smile and prayed the Doctor didn’t notice that it didn’t reach his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Jack,” the Doctor said apologetically. “I shouldn’t have tried to seduce you last night.” Jack’s heart broke again, but he refused to let the tears that were threatening, start falling. He took another deep breath and forced the smile to stay on his face.
“That’s okay, Doctor,” Jack said cheerfully trying to make it sound as if it was no-big-deal. “You weren’t yourself.”
“No, and thank you for being such a gentleman about it.” The Doctor smiled at Jack, then reached out and took Jack’s hand in his.
“You were right last night.” The Doctor pulled Jack down to sit on the bed beside him. “Our first time together, we should both be clear-headed.”
“What?” Jack couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“The first time we make love,” the Doctor clarified as he cupped Jack’s cheek like he had last night. “We should both be fully aware.” The Doctor’s eyes had dilated as he said the word fully with as much innuendo as Jack had ever heard. The Captain grabbed the Doctor’s wrists and pulled them away from him.
“Are you sure you’re yourself again?” Jack asked as his subconscious screamed at him to shut up and just take what was offered.
“I’m sure, Captain.” The Doctor looked down at his lap again. “I’ve always wanted you, Jack,” the Doctor confessed. “Even back when I had big ears, but I was such a coward.” The Doctor swallowed hard before looking up into Jack’s eyes again. “I don’t want to miss my chance at happiness with you again. Please, let me make love to you.”
Jack needed no more encouragement. His arms were around the Doctor in the next moment and his lips devoured the Time Lord’s mouth.
*********
As the waves of pleasure began to subside they both collapsed onto the bed. The Doctor was spooned into Jack’s back with his arms around the Captain’s waist. Jack sighed contentedly and whispered his feelings without thinking.
“I love you, Doctor.” The Time Lord’s body tensed against his back and Jack was sorry he had said anything. Then, in a voice so soft Jack had to strain to hear it, the Doctor whispered back.
“I love you, too.”
********
The sunlight of morning was streaming in through the windows slowly waking Jack up. He was warm, and contented, and ached in all the right places. He didn’t want to wake up, but maybe he could wake the Doctor up too and make love to him again.
‘Fifth times the charm,’ Jack thought with a smile. Without opening his eyes he reached over to the other side of the beds, but found it empty.
‘Wait a minute,’ Jack thought as he sat bolt upright in a panic. ‘There’s no sunlight on the TARDIS.’
The Captain was in the bed of the dingy hotel room he was staying in when he first started traveling with the Doctor again.
‘Has it all been a dream?’ Jack asked himself with increasing dread. He looked over at the other side of the bed and on the pillow lay a folded piece of paper with his name on it.
Jack opened it with shaking hands and read.
My Dearest Jack,
I know I’m being a coward again, but I don’t want you to have to watch me die.
I can’t promise you’ll ever see me again, not with this daft old face, but if you do, know it’s to say good-bye to someone I love.
Please don’t make a fuss as it would be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Your Doctor
Jack clutched the paper to his chest and sobbed for his lost love.
********
Jack sat in a bar in some far-off corner of the galaxy, nursing his drink. Alonso had been dead for a couple of years now and it no longer gave Jack a sharp pain to think about his beautiful sailor.
The Captain hoped he never got used to losing the one’s he loved, but it was time to move on. Maybe he should return to Earth or maybe the Vegas galaxy.
Suddenly a man flopped down on the stool next to Jack’s and nudged the Captain’s arm, startling him out of his thoughts. The odd young man was dressed in a tweed jacket, striped shirt, and a blue bowtie. His hair seemed to defy gravity and his grey-blue eyes sparkled with mischief.
Jack looked deep into those eyes and recognised the ancient swirl of Time.
“So, Captain,” the Doctor said. “Your place or mine? Or are you going to buy me a drink first?”
Jack smiled as his heart soared. “As long as there are no Canton berries in it.”
~Fin~
Complete Master List
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And very sweet ending!
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Poor Ten, he was so sad and distraught, not being able to tell his Jack that he was dying, and being so snarky about it. He just couldn't bring himself to tell his love that he would lose him in that body. I loved Jack's idea to bring him to that place and try to get him drunk. I giggled at Jack's attempts and he did his best, poor Jack, how was he to know Time Lords don't get drunk unless they let their bodies be taken over by the alcohol. I loved the part where they ended up in Joyful Alley and the woman gave them the Canter berry wine that finally made the Doctor drunk and legless. Ten is definitely so cute and adorable when he is drunk, and it was so sweet when Jack was trying to get him back to the TARDIS and the Doctor started singing O Captain to him.
Oh, but then you really had me crying when Ten finally told his Jack he was dying. That part was so sad, but so well written and so poignant. I must say that your descriptions of the planet and everything around them were so vivid. I felt as if I were right there with our lovely boys, getting drunk and enjoying all the lovely things the planet had to offer to them. Their sweet love making was just so perfect and so wonderful, it warmed my heart. Poor Doctor, not being able to face Jack during his regeneration and running away again. Oh, but it was so sweet of him to leave his love that letter. Especially after they shared their special moment and finally declared their love for one another. More tears fell during that part, but they were happy tears and tears of joy. Because I love our boys and the way you write them is gorgeous too! Poor Jack, he finally got his Doctor and thought he would be there for him, but he leaves again. Oh, how I love our boys so much.
I was so happy and so relieved when Eleven showed up there at the end and teased his love about getting him that drink, and the two of them ending up together. That was my Yay moment. That was a perfect ending to a brilliant fic, and made me smile once again.
Thank you so much for this fic, sweetie, I loved it to pieces and I loved the picture in the middle of Ten with his tie on his head and Jack trying to keep his love steady and help him to walk. I've saved this fic to my memories, of course, so I can always enjoy it. Once again, you have outdone yourself, my dear. Thanks again. You are amazing! *hugs*
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Ten is definitely so cute and adorable when he is drunk, and it was so sweet when Jack was trying to get him back to the TARDIS and the Doctor started singing O Captain to him.
I laughed my way through writing the drunk scene. It was so much fun.
Oh, but then you really had me crying when Ten finally told his Jack he was dying.
This part made me cry too while writing it.
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As to one other thing you are genius at: OMG the face on Ten! (Stevie Wonder gave them to me. Well… I say gave. More like I borrowed them. Well… stole, but he had plenty of others.”)
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The "this daft old face" and "buy me a drink first" tie Nine, Ten, and Eleven to the same person.
That was very intentional. I thought long and hard on how I could tie them all together and have it make sense.
"Stevie Wonder gave them to me. Well… I say gave. More like I borrowed them. Well… stole, but he had plenty of others."
Thank you for mentioning that. I worked very hard on that line. I tried different artists, musicians, and actors till I settled on Stevie Wonder. (The coat was from Janis Joplin, if you remember.)
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You put it so well here:
“Besides, you’re not stupid.” The Doctor put his free hand on Jack’s shoulder to steady himself. “You’re very smart.” He nodded at Jack, as if agreeing with himself. “You’re smart and capable, brave and loyal, handsome and so caring.” The Doctor turned and started down the alley again.
“Why haven’t I told you this before?” he asked Jack over his shoulder.
“I don’t know, Doc.” Jack had to swallow hard at the lump in his throat. So long he had waited to hear such words from the Doctor. He just wished they had come under better circumstances.
I loved the ending! Thanks for posting!
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