Title: How Do You Cope?

Author: CryssieM
Disclaimer: The show and characters belong to BBC, I just borrowed them for fun.
Fandom: Torchwood
Pairing: Jack/Gwen
Rating: PG-13
Genre: angst
Word count: 562
Spoilers / Timeline: 1x10 Out Of Time.
Summary: Jack leaves John's body in the car, but he can't go back to the Hub yet. Who helps him to ease the pain?
AN: Unbetaed, so be warned. Jack's teary expression couldn't let my muse rest.
Italics are thoughts or emphasis.

"Who are you?"

"A man, like you, out of his time, alone and scared."

"How do you cope?"

"It's just bearable. It has to be. I don't have a choice."

Their conversation was echoing in his mind as he was walking toward the bay. The sky was getting darker and streetlamps lit up as night-time was slowly approaching. The wind was getting up, ruffling his hair. But he didn't even notice. His hands in the pockets of his coat, he strode to the dock.

He couldn't get back to the Hub. Not yet. He needed time to get in terms with what he had done. Again.

John was dead. He, Jack Harkness, killed him.

He could still feel John's lifeless hand in his. Tears gathered in his eyes.

John could do what he can't. With his help, but anyway. Could someone help him, he wouldn't refuse the chance either.

He stopped and looked at the sea in front of him, so dark and mysterious.

He wished the waves would have consumed him. For all those deaths he will have to answer for, he'd deserve it. Also it would be a releiving escape.

A teardrop rolled down on his cheek. He didn't bother to wipe it. Not even when he heard some tiny noise from behind.

He didn't need to turn around to know who was standing behind him.

"Don't even ask me to go home," Gwen noted firmly, folding her arms.

He took a glimpse at her, but didn't reply. She always knew when did he need someone.

"Care to share?" she asked, staring at the water too.

"It's the weight of my life, you'd rather stay in your safe haven," he replied in a tired tone.

"Haven't you heard the saying that sharing makes the weight easier to carry?" she countered softly, the wind playing with her hair.

His eyes filled with tears again. Here was this woman, having enough issues in her life, yet she offered listening to his own problems. The demons and ghosts he had to deal with through a whole life and some. Who was her after all? An angel from above?

"Why do you care so much?" he forced the words, while blinking a tear away.

Gwen faced him, placing a hand on his arm.

"For the same reason you do," she looked into his teary eyes.

He returned her gaze, reading her compassionate, warm, hazel pools like opened book.

Perceiving his emotional pain, her eyes offered comfort and strength. Smiling softly, she pulled him into a hug.

Wrapping his arms around her, he buried his head into her shoulder.

"I've killed him...", he sobbed, desperately holding onto her. "I didn't want to, but..."

She felt his body shaking against hers. Tightening her hold around his waist, she pulled him closer.

They were standing there in the twilight for a while, holding each other in silence.

When they finally broke apart, Jack gently caressed her cheek and placed a soft, little kiss on her lips.

"Thank you," he murmured with a tiny smile.

Returning the smile, Gwen nodded. "Anytime."

"I guess I'd just waste time if I told you to go home?" he smirked, putting an arm around her as they were heading back to the base.

She grinned in approval.

Smiling back at her, he pulled her closer, and they left the dock.