John just kept looking at Jack until he closed his eyes and shook his head.
"I can't. I just lost Ianto."
"I know. And I know you well enough to understand that all you want to do right now is curl up and turn your back on the world hoping it will forget about you. But being the man you are you won't do what you want because this planet needs you. So please just take one moment. One minute that's about what you need."
Jack's shoulders sagged.
"It's hardly appropriate..."
John snorted.
"Rules. When have you and I ever played by the rules. Rules are for other people."
He stepped closer, gently tracing Jack's jaw.
"Come on", he breathed as he leaned in. He thought the pain on Jack's face couldn't get more intense. And then it crashed on John, engulfed him and took his breath away as his former partner kissed him, deep and desperate and bordering on physically painful. It had always been like that. Whatever Jack felt, no matter how carefully he masked it, had always become crystal clear the moment they kissed.
John stood, his eyes closed, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the kiss. He wasn't sure what he'd expected, but not this. And he damn sure hadn't expected what came next.
"Stay", Jack breathed.
John's eyes flew open. He thought Jack looked a little lost - and absolutely adorable.
"I'm out of my depths. I could use your brain."
John reacted before he could think, their usual banter kicking into gear like clockwork:
"Sure it's my brain you want?"
Jack huffed out a laugh. God it felt good to hear that. Then he turned serious.
"Really, I need your help."
"You didn't want me on your team."
"I didn't trust you."
"And now you do?"
John was fully aware that Jack hadn't answered the question, but he didn't comment. Instead he looked his former partner straight in the eye.
"One condition."
"What? We're negotiating?"
John simply ignored him.
"When this is over - come with me. There's nothing left here for you, is there?"
Jack closed his eyes. Ianto dead. Tosh, Owen. Gwen living her life with Rhys. His answer was so low John almost didn't catch it:
"OK."
John's eyebrow rose.
"Did you just agree?!"
"Make up your mind. You want me back or not?"
"OK, OK, I do. So, what's this problem the planet is facing?"