Missing scene from End of Days
Owen looked up when he sensed something had changed in the hub. And there was his captain. Gwen had been right. He had come back. Owen stopped in his tracks when Tea Boy stepped forward, Jack pulling him close and then kissing him - in public. That was new. Owen fought the urge to close his eyes. Don't let them see. He'd brought on the end of the world, and it had been bad enough for Captain Jack Harkness to admit he didn't know what to do. All of a sudden Owen couldn't avoid it any longer. His eyes closed as he was taken back to fighting Ianto over what to do. The realization that he would do no matter what as long as it got Jack back. 'The rift took my captain'. And now said captain refused to look at him. They were beyond repair.
Owen was about to turn away when he caught Jack's eye. And Jack moved towards him, holding his gaze. Owen felt like begging for forgiveness, but before he could say anything Jack already granted it.
Oh thank God. Jack pulled him close and he buried his face against Jack's chest, feeling his captain's hand on the back of his neck.
"I had to try, Jack. I couldn't lose you."
He felt Jack smile against the top of his head, and then his lips brushed his temple. And he couldn't keep the tears at bay any longer, soundlessly crying on his captain's shoulder, Jack's hands on his back until he calmed down.
By the time he finally did calm down the rest of the team had left. They were alone.
"I'm sorry, Jack."
"Yeah we already established that."
"I shot you."
"I can't die."
"I didn't know that."
"Just don't make a habit of it, OK?"
Owen smiled.
"OK."
"You wanna call it a night?"
Owen pulled away.
"Yeah I better. Get some sleep. See you tomorrow."
Jack held his gaze.
"You don't have to, you know?"
"What are you saying?"
"You could stay. You look exhausted. Don't drive. Just stay here."
For a split second Jack could see something in Owen's eyes he had never seen on him before, and then it was gone. Owen shook his head with a small smile.
"Don't", he said, and a moment later he was gone.
~o0o~
Jack checked the monitors - Owen was lingering.
"Come back in, Owen. I'll make it an order if it makes it easier on you."
A moment later Owen was back, looking lost and hesitant. Jack went over to him and gently put his hand on the side of his neck.
"You don't wanna be alone tonight."
A statement, not a question.
"So why not simply stay with me?"
"What about Ianto?"
"This has nothing to do with Ianto. And it's not about sex, funny as that may sound coming from me. This is me taking care of a team member."
Owen looked up at his captain.
"If it was about sex, what would you do?"
Jack raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Well I'd probably kiss you properly."
"And what would that be like?", Owen breathed, eyes still fixed on Jack's. The captain leaned in.
"Like this."
Owen thought he had never been kissed like that. No. He was sure he'd never been kissed like that. He kept his eyes closed for a moment and then smiled at Jack.
"But it's not. About sex I mean."
Jack returned the smile.
"No."
~o0o~
Jack lay down on his bed, looking up at Owen.
"Come here."
Owen struggled with his emotions for a moment, but then he stepped out of his shoes and sat down. Hesitating for a moment he slipped his shirt over his head. Skin on skin contact, he thought, I need to feel him... Jack reached for his own shirt's top button and looked at Owen. When he gave a small nod Jack smiled and took off his shirt, too.
"Come here", he said again. Owen moved in, laying down on his side with his back to Jack.
"Relax, Owen. I've got you."
Jack's hand on his neck and shoulder, gently stroking him, coming to rest on his hip.
"Go to sleep. It's OK."
And it worked. Owen actually relaxed into Jack's embrace and very soon fell asleep. Jack couldn't believe how fragile he felt in his arms - vulnerable, but safe.
