Just a short little introspection on Jack, post Boom Town. Bit angsty and a bit fluffy. Probably OOC but I like it. Please read and review, thanks.
You Don't Know What You've Got Until It's Gone
His name is Jack Harkness. He's a captain, former time agent, a lover and a leaver.
At least, he used to be.
Jack watches Rose sleeping at night and wonders what she was like before this happened to her. He knows what she first thought of him. To Rose, he was adventure. He was a link back to humanity. He's real and a man who wanted her for more than just friendship. She doesn't know what he really is, he thinks, but she's coming dangerously close to finding out the truth.
But even Jack doesn't know who he is anymore. He didn't fit in. He likes to dream that maybe he's found his place, with the two of them but knows that's impossible. They haven't even found their own place with each other yet, but Jack Harkness is patient and he waits. Jack has waited for years to find a place.
Rose was naïve, he knows now. Innocent and sweet. Willing to fight for the underdog. She didn't see the bigger picture. Sometimes people die to save that bigger picture. He just hopes that she'll never have to be the one who dies to keep other living, even if she's willing, which he knows she is. He can't lose her, either of them, not now he knows.
He hates the Doctor a little. Loves him, too, but that's just because he's the Doctor. Hates him for making a claim on Rose when she doesn't get to make a claim in return. Rose is the Doctor's but the Doctor doesn't belong to Rose. Jack just doesn't belong yet.
Perhaps, one day, he'll find out whether they love him in return but Jack Harkness is patient and he waits.
He watches the Doctor closely and realises just how dangerous this man is. Jack Harkness knows that he has lived and died and seen the depth of filth and the beauty of life. He knows this man loves Rose. He knows this man loves him. What as, he's not sure but it's love. It's a certainty.
He hopes he won't get ripped away from them. Hopes they stay like this forever. Laughing. Living. Loving in secret. He doesn't deserve this brilliant life.
You don't know what you've got until it's gone. He'll know later. He'll realise he didn't have to wait. One day, he dreams, one day.
A/N: feedback is adored as are requests for sequels! Any takers?