Title: Jack's Return
Author: CosmicalMadison
Summary: For once, the Doctor returns to find the TARDIS not empty. Post-JE. Light Jack/Ten.
Rating: K+
Pairing: Light Jack/Ten
Genre: Hurt/comfort, romance
AN: The saddest part of the series for me is always when the Doctor ends up alone. Tears... So this time, it's different. Also, my first attempt at non-canon slash. Hope you like.
The Doctor stands at the TARDIS console, tears mixing with the raindrops sliding down his cheeks. The ship is on autopilot, flying aimlessly through the void, also grieving.
Alone. He should be used to the word by now, the way it inevitably ends up describing him once again. He should know better than to grow so attached to companions and friends who must inevitably move on.
He's wet and cold, but can't bring himself to go and change. It seems pointless. Where will he go, now that he's all alone? Will he find another companion? He doesn't know. He doesn't think he can bear to loose someone else.
Lost in these thoughts, the Time Lord doesn't notice as a warm coat is slipped over his shoulders. Then strong arms wrap around his waste, pull him close to a hard body, and he jumps. The grip doesn't slacken.
He registers the breathing of another person close behind his ear and is ashamed at himself for not noticing that someone was there with him. His hearts skitter frantically, and he is about to say something when the other speaks first.
"Shh. It's only me," a familiar voice whispers in his ear, and the Doctor feels like he is melting.
"Jack." He looks down to see a familiar blue-grey greatcoat wrapped around his shivering form, realizes that the chill is slowly seeping away. "How did you get on board?"
He can hear the smile in Jack's voice as he answers. "I still have that key you gave me, Doctor. You didn't think I would throw something that important away, did you?" He gently turns the man in arms around and smiles at him gently, his voice growing more serious with his next words. "I remembered you explaining what had happened to Rose on the Game Station, and I figured out what was going to happen to Donna. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you alone, so I came back. I'm gonna stay with you."
More tears, of relief and gratitude if not genuine happiness, cascade down the Doctor's face, and Jack pulls him closer, his strong arms circling the Time Lord's skinny form and pressing his face into his shoulder. "But your team-" the Doctor asks when he can manage again.
"They can handle themselves," Jack says decisively, with a shake of his head. "Gwen and Ianto are grown adults. They'll be all right on their own for a while." He pauses, one hand rising to tenderly stroke the Doctor's face as his voice drops again. "Right now it's you I'm concerned about."
The Doctor manages a watery smile as he snuggles closer to Jack and answers, "I'm already feeling better with you here."
Jack's lips brush his hair oh-so-softly and he whispers, "I'm glad. Now, let's go get you some dry clothes."
The Doctor nodds and lets the other man lead him away toward the wardrobe.