A/N: Hello!!! Yes it's saturday and I'm acutally updating!!! That it because of you lovely people who've sent reviews over the last week! Really cheered me up, so as a thank you here is the next chapter and it's a bit of a long one. And for all those who caught up with Torchwood this week, how sad was that?!!!!!!!! Wait til you see next weeks though. Jack is a very bad boy!!! Just the way we like him! Anywho...

Chapter 14

Rose watched from the doorway as the Doctor moved from bed to bed, sipping his tea. He checked everyone's vitals and draped a blanket around Jack's shoulders as he dozed. Even in his pyjamas he still looked like the Doctor, all business like. Well, as business like as anyone could wearing jims jams, bare feet, with his hair sticking out at all angles and a mug that had Kermit the Frog on it.

She loved watching him work, being all scientific. There was something reassuring about it and it was more than a little sexy.

He looked over at her and smiled. "Are you going to drink that coffee or just let it brew a bit longer until its cold? Eugh, nothing worse than over brewed, cold coffee." He gave a mock shudder and grimaced before taking another sip of his tea.

"Just watching you work," she told him, moving into the room and waving one of the mugs she held near Jack's nose.

Jack moaned and pulled himself upright.

"Morning Captain. Well, we think its morning, haven't actually checked but seeing as we've all been sleeping, 'good morning' is as good a statement as any," the Doctor said, leaning against the bed.

"You're rambling so I assume you're feeling better," Jack smirked.

"Oh yes!" the Doctor grinned, his gaze flicking to Rose with a satisfied gleam.

Rose felt herself blush slightly but Jack was too busy studying the Doctor to look at her.

"Well, judging by the look in your eye I'd say you were feeling a lot better to manage that!"

"Didn't take much effort on my part." The Time Lord, turned and went back to check the monitors.

Jack found himself stuck for words for a moment and swung round to look at Rose behind him. "You're bedside manner obviously does wonders," he said finally.

"Oh shut up and drink your coffee," Rose giggled, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "So, how are you feeling anyway? Killed twice and beaten up; that's one hell of a bad day."

"I've felt worse." He stood, gulped his coffee and stretched. "I could murder a shower though so I'll see you in a while."

Rose watched him leave and frowned. She felt the Doctor step up behind her. "Something's wrong with Jack," she said quietly.

"I know. Want to talk to him?"

"I don't think he wants to. He couldn't get away fast enough when I asked."

"Unlike you to give a fellow a choice in the matter." He dropped a kiss to her neck. "I'll go after him. This lot are going to be under a while longer so why don't you entertain yourself for a bit and I'll come and find you."

"I'm going to go watch some telly or something."

"Okay. Don't worry. Whatever it is, we'll sort it. He might just be having a bad day."

"I hope so."

"Go on, go and rot your brain."

Rose turned to face the Doctor and kissed him before disappearing down the corridor.

The Doctor sighed and ran his fingers through his hair before heading for the Time Agent's room.

XxXxX

Jack stepped out of his bathroom rubbing his hair with a towel to find the Doctor browsing his bookshelf.

"Looking for something in particular?" he asked, buttoning his shirt.

"You actually. I'm not going to beat about the bush… I've never really understood that saying…..oh I see, why go round it when you can go…," his voice trailed off as realisation crossed his face. "Never mind, I get it. Anyway. Where was I? Oh yes. What's going on?"

"At this precise moment? You're rambling and I'm confused."

"Jack. Something's on your mind and its upsetting Rose." He just about managed to hide the satisfaction as his last comment pierced through Jack's facade. "So, why don't you take a seat and tell Uncle Theta all about it?"

"Uncle Theta?"

"Well, Uncle Doctor just sounds stupid."

"You think?"

"Stop stalling and talk."

Jack sighed. "I don't know what I'm looking for."

The Doctor said nothing.

"I told them and myself that I'd stay with you and Rose until I find what I'm looking for but the reality is I don't know what I'm looking for. I'm just floating through time and space with you and whatever it is I'm supposed to find is avoiding me."

"Can I ask, what brought this on?"

"They're waiting for me to come home permanently and I know I should, I just don't know when."
"You say you know you 'should' go home to him but I don't hear the word 'want'. Are you scared of going home?"

"I don't know. They seem to be getting on just fine without me; I suppose I don't really see where I fit in."

"In what way?"

"I'm not like them. They'll live their lives to the end and all I'll do is watch, never changing. I haven't aged in centuries, Doc."

"When you say 'they' you really mean Ianto."

Jack looked at him and the Doctor smiled, moving to sit beside him on the bed. "I recognise that look Jack. I used to own that look. It's the look of loving someone you don't think you can ever have because one day you'll have to watch them die and you'll live on, alone."

"How did you get passed it?"

"I didn't really have much of a choice. I was either going to lose her back to the other universe or she would be stuck her with no one else. I could never have left her on her own in the universe. So giving her a home and telling her how I felt just kind of went hand in hand. It got to the point where I didn't care anymore. I had to tell her I loved her, that's all there was too it. Sometimes it gets to a point where you can't hide it any more."

"I've never told Ianto that. I couldn't."

"Why?"

"It never felt right. I mean I miss him, and I do love him, I just don't know if I love him love him."

"Well only you can answer that one Jack. Just remember to do one thing. Regardless of what you think you might be looking for, work out what you want. If you want Ianto then you'll have to spend more time on earth. You'll always be welcome on the TARDIS, Jack. You'll never be without a home but you have to decide what makes you happy."

The Doctor didn't say anything else as he stood. Patting Jack on the shoulder he left the Time Agent to his own thoughts and headed to his bedroom for a shower and a change of clothes.

XxXxX

"Right then," the Doctor rubbed his hands together as he looked at the occupants of the med-bay. "Time to wake up my sleeping beauties….and Owen."

"Making fun of a man when he's down? That's hardly fair," Rose giggled from the doorway.

"Well it is Owen. Although he might be the best person to wake up first. He might actually be useful."

"In that case I'm off to put some proper clothes on."

The Doctor looked her up and down. Her robe had fallen open and her pyjamas weren't exactly created for much coverage judging by the size of the scant top and shorts. "Good idea."

"Did you speak to Jack?"

He looked at her for a moment. "Later. Don't worry about him, hell be fine."

Rose nodded and left, not feeling reassured by his words.

The Doctor sighed and wearily made his way over to the beds. Reaching out he pressed his fingers to Owen's temples. "Wakey, wakey Doctor Harper. Time to be useful."

The man began to stir.

"That's it, follow the soothing voice." The Doctor chuckled lightly to himself.

Owen's eyelids flickered open.

"Welcome back," the Time Lord greeted.

"What happened?"

"Give it a moment and it will all come back to you. Mind control isn't a smooth journey. How are you feeling, other than confused?"

"Alright I think."

"Feeling up to doing a bit of work?"

Owen sat up. "What do you need?"

"Easy stuff really, just need you to check them over once I bring them round."

"No problem. Who we starting with first?"

"Martha, she can give you a hand."

"Right…..erm, any chance of some water? I'm gasping."

The Doctor smirked. "Water cooler's in the corner."

"Water cooler? Not very high tech for a space ship."

"Why waste the energy creating something else when a water cooler is a brilliant invention. Although I have modified it a little." He started towards the sleeping form of Martha.

"Modified?" Owen wasn't sure he liked the sound of that.

"Well, normal water can be so boring. It just gives it a shot of flavouring if you want it."

"Riiight, and what flavour might that be?"

"Anything you like. TARDIS can do it all."

Owen shook his head and rubbed his eyes clear as he retrieved his glass of water, all the while watching the Doctor.

He was speaking quietly to Martha with his finger tips pressed to her temples. Owen found it quite an odd sight seeing the Doctor stood hunched over his friends in his pyjamas. Sure he'd seen him almost naked before but he was unconscious for most of it. Now though, the Doctor was being as efficient as always but without the suit.

"Hello Doctor Jones. How are you feeling?"

"All the better for seeing you. Everyone okay?"

"Oh yes, thanks to Rose and you. I don't know whether to yell at you or kiss you."

"I'd rather not the yelling if it's all the same."

The Doctor smiled and pressed a light kiss to her forehead.

"You sure you're okay? You look a little pale."

"Rough night," he told her and turned to switch off her monitors.

"Morning." Owen's quiet voice stopped her from asking any more questions. "Thought you could do with one of these." He held out a plastic beaker of water.

"Ooo, what favour?"

"Lemon and Lime I think."

"Brilliant, I'm parched. So what's the plan?" she gulped down the offering and sighed happily.

"Well, hopefully you and Mr Harper can give this lot a once over as I bring them round," the Doctor told her walking to Gwen's bedside.

"How are Rose and Jack?" Martha called after him as Owen checked her eyes and blood pressure.

"They're fine," he answered absently as he closed his eyes, reaching out for Gwen.

"What's he doing?" Owen whispered, glancing over at the Time Lord then back at Martha.

"You know that little glimmer of light your mind latched onto just before you woke up? That was him, guiding you out safely."

"So he can get inside our heads?"

"Yep. The TARDIS is in there permanently."

"What?"

"The Doctor's an alien, how else do you think you can understand him? The TARDIS is alive remember? She translates languages in your head so you can understand them, whether it's alien or from earth. When you speak he hears his language."

"Which is…?"

"Gallifreyan," the Doctor answered. "Are you two going to help or just stand there gazing into each other's eyes all day?"

The pair looked over at him and Gwen. The Doctor was barely holding in a smile and Gwen was just grinning at them, one eyebrow raised.

"A patient to see you Dr Harper."

Owen grunted as his ears turned pink with embarrassment and walked over to his friend as the Doctor moved onto Donna, Martha followed.

"So who's this?"

"This is Donna Nobel. After Rose, before you. Beware; she is a big mouth Londoner." He grinned.

"And that's why you like her?"

"Yup, never been one for the shy retiring types."

"I noticed," she giggled.

"Well, they're not as much fun to get into trouble with," he flashed her one of his trademark grins as Donna came round.

"Blimey, could you get your face any closer while you were doing whatever you were doing? I thought you were gona give me the kiss of life then!" Donna croaked.

The Doctor blinked and held back a heave.

"I was only joking! No need to be sarky about it. Besides the heaving was going to be my joke!" she smiled.

The Doctor shook his head and swallowed heavily.

"You sure you're okay?" Martha asked him. "You've gone a funny colour."

He closed his eyes, took a few deep breaths and nodded. "Told you, rough night," he said finally.

"What's going on?" Rose's voice floated through the air. She saw Donna and Martha looking concerned as the Doctor braced himself on the side of the bed.

"He's not looking good," Donna told her.

Gwen and Owen joined them as Rose moved to his side.

"Stop fussing all of you. I'm fine."

"You said you were feeling better," Rose told him irritably.

"And I am. Just a bit off colour that's all."

"You're not kidding. I know you're usually pale but there isn't usually a hint of green. Or is that your actual colour?"

The Doctor looked up at Donna and gave her a half smile. "Donna Nobel, meet Martha Jones, Owen Harper and Gwen Cooper. Owen, I'm heading for Ianto."

"Right behind you."

Rose watched the Doctor as he moved to the last three patients. He and Sarah-Jane shared a few smiles and laughs and Keisha seemed more reassured after a few moments talking quietly with the Time Lord. Everyone seemed fine and unharmed, expect for Jack. He was absent and Rose began to worry. Obviously there was something to tell otherwise the Doctor wouldn't have said he'd tell her later.

"Hey Rosie," Jack's voice greeted her as he stepped into the room.

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern plain on her face.

"I need to talk to you and the Doc."

"What's going on Jack? You're starting to worry me."

"That's what I need to talk to you about."

"Ah Captain!" the Doctor greeted. "Just in time. I was about to set co-ordinates to take this rabble back home."

"One thing," Martha asked. "You and Jack were missing for three days real time when for you it was just a few minutes, so how long have we all been gone?"

The Doctor sighed. "Martha Jones, you don't think I've thought of that do you? As long as none of you plan on going near St James's palace in the near future then I shall be dropping you off about an hour after you left."

"Know it all," she grumbled good-naturedly.

"Doc? A word?" Jack asked, nodding to the corridor.

"Let's get the Londoner's home first shall we?" the Doctor suggested, sure that he and Rose weren't going to like what Jack had to say.

"Sure."

"Right then, time for another set of goodbyes. First stop, London."

XxXxX

With most of their visitors dispatched with promises to visit and call often Jack, Rose and the Doctor retired to the living room.

"I'm going back to Cardiff."

The Doctor just nodded.

"But this is your home!" Rose told him.

"Rosie, until I know where I belong I don't have a home."

"That's not true. You belong here with us! Tell him," she looked at the Doctor and he took hold of her hand.

"Jack will always be welcome here but he has to follow his heart. Remember Mickey? I couldn't tell him he had to stay with us and this is no different."

"Rose, listen to me. I love you both and I love being with you but something isn't right and until I found out what that is I'm never going to feel like I belong anywhere and it's not like you'll never see me again. I'm only in Cardiff."

"But it won't be the same." Her voice cracked as tear began to roll down her cheeks.

"I'm at the end of the phone and you've got the TARDIS and the Doctor."

"But I don't want you to go!" she whimpered.

"I know honey. And believe me part of me wants to stay put but I can't. I was only staying until the Doctor was mended and then I was trying to find what I was looking for, but I don't know what that is anymore."

"I'm going to miss you."

"Oh believe me, you wont even notice I'm not here. The whole TARDIS to yourselves and I'll be there are hundreds of rooms you have christened yet!"

Rose giggled a little through her tears.

"Honestly, you can call whenever you want."

"But it won't be the same." Rose began to cry.

Jack gathered her into his arms and held her tightly as the Doctor stroked his thumb across her hand.

Kissing the top of her head, the Time Agent, bundled her into the Doctor's waiting arms. "I've got to go and talk to the team," Jack said hoarsely before making a quick exit.

"I'm sorry," the Doctor whispered, feeling his own eyes tear up at the thought of losing another friend.

XxXxX

Next time:

"You killed people looking for it and that pisses me off. You don't kill on my patch, got it?!" his fist flew again and again. He didn't even hear his team yelling at him to stop.

Suddenly he felt himself hit a wall. Somehow Owen and Ianto managed to get close enough to throw him off his victim.

He looked down at his blood soaked hands and then at his team. Gwen and Tosh just stared at him like he was a stranger while the boys checked for life signs on the creature.

Coming soon:

"If I could see you naked, I'd die happy."
"If I could see you naked, I'd die laughing."

A/N: Please don't kill me, I won't be able to finish the story if you do!!!! So...how ya doin'? Please stop crying, pleeeeease? Hang on...wait...no...put the pitch forks down...cyber murder is not the answer...it really isn't...please...I have to see the next season of Doctor who and I can't post extra chapters from beyond the cyber-grave! Becks ducks for cover. Um...please review?!