The wind blew swiftly through the cold streets of Cardiff, river Taff, the Plass. It bit and nipped at the exposed skin of those who dared go outside with less than enough clothes intended for the coldest of days. Jack sat on the bench outside of the Hub. He hadn't been in there since it was recunstructed after the incedent with the 456. He had willed himself not to enter after everything that had happened. Gwen gave him his space kindly and he was thankful to her for it. She had so muh to live for with her baby. He couldn't be a part of her life anymore, of this life, anymore. He needed someone, but that someone was gone. That old phrase popped into his head, 'You don't know how valuable what you have is until it's gone.' He needed him.
"Hello Jack." his greeting was nonchalant but old, as if he knew turned lazily. That same face, voice. Doctor. Jack replied as if he was about to burst into tears.
"I don't know how to go on anymore... Me!"
"I know." he replied, hands in his pockets, face stern but still kind. He was there.
"He told me he loved me, right as he was dying in my arms..." the Doctor gave him a moment as tears began welling up in his eyes and his voice became strained, he continued, "and I told him 'don't'."
Jack brought his hands up to his face and sobbed. The Doctor did what anyone with a heart would do, and they both knew he was good on hearts. He held him, kindly, like a father would. And then the old being spoke,
"Did you love him?"
Jack pondered frantically for a moment. After realizing everything Ianto did for Jack, having it unreciprocated for years, made him realize what he should never realize. He loved him. He forced himself to love no one in his long life. But, Jones was different. He begged him to stay, begged the 456. But one must lose to realize love.
"Yes.." he mouthed. The Doctor nodded timelessly. He stood up, and offered Jack his hand. Just his hand. He didn't judge him or berrate. He didn't joke either. He kindly offered his hand.
"Come with me." And Jack took his Doctor's hand.
The Doctor had posed an idea, he would take Jack back to watch. Just watch Ianto Jones and him. To relive all the love that he previously took for granted, or just didn't catch. It was the Doctor's attempt to soothe the man who would live on forever and ever, until the end of time. In a familiar sound and feeling, they were gone..
"I'm comming," Jack spoke softly. The Doctor saw from the corner of his unimaginablely old eyes and smiled a smile that only a man who had been to hell and back could smile. All to see the captain happy, even if just for a small moment.
You truly don't know what you have 'til it's gone.