The Doctor slept uneasily in Jack's arms as nightmares plagued him once more. Over and over in his dreams, Jack had walked away from him after agreeing that he was tainted. He had called out for Jack to stop, trying to go after him but he couldn't as he was forced onto his hands and knees as an unknown man used his body. He didn't fight the man but just let it happen, knowing in the end, he would be paid with the drugs that would allow him to forget. He finally woke with a start crying out and trying to sit up before he was able to stop himself. He felt Jack's arms tighten around him for just a moment before a soft snore escaped from Jack. He laid back down unable to sleep again, but not wanting to be awake.

His craving for the drug was strong once more and he was desperate for just a small taste of it. He licked his lips tasting imaging the bitter taste upon his tongue. A thought crossed his mind that with Jack asleep, he could take his vortex manipulator and leave. Jack wouldn't be able to find him and he could finally be free of the humans who held him hostage claiming they were trying to help him. Rather than reaching for the manipulator, though, he turned over in Jack's arms pressing his face into his chest breathing in Jack's scent. If he left he would be even lonelier as he had pushed away everyone who had ever cared for him except for Jack. He didn't deserve Jack's love even if he desperately wanted it.

*How could he ever love a whore?* A small voice taunted him. The voice was right even if he didn't want it to be. Reaching up he wiped the tears from his eyes. Though he was still safe in Jack's arms he felt lonely. He was probably the only man to have ever been rejected by the famous Captain, but who could blame him. Jack didn't deserve someone that was weak enough to sell his body for a small bag of drugs. The tears were forming faster now and he pressed his face harder against Jack's chest as a sob escaped his throat. In the dark quiet of his hospital room, he wondered if he ever deserved to be loved again.

-DW-

Jack didn't think he would sleep that night but he was awoken early in the morning by Martha bringing their breakfast. The Doctor was already awake, still curled against him seeking the warmth Jack provided. Though Jack had fallen asleep with the Doctor's back against his chest, he had somehow managed to turn over in the night to press himself against him. Jack could feel the Doctor's cool breath on his neck and see that the Doctor's eyes were red from crying. He pulled the Doctor closer, shaking his head as Martha went to check his vitals. Martha thankfully understood. *Is he alright?* She mouthed. Jack shrugged. Martha checked the monitors and then turned to leave. Jack waited until she was out of the room before speaking to the Doctor.

"What's wrong sweetheart?" Jack questioned softly.

"N-n-nothing," The Doctor stuttered in reply. Jack sighed.

"Is this about what you said last night?" Jack wondered. The Doctor didn't answer him which was answer enough. "Why do you think you are tainted?"

"Because I am," The Doctor whispered trying to bury his face further into Jack's chest. Jack wasn't about to let him hide again, though. He didn't want to push the Doctor back again and ruin his trust, but he needed to talk to him. He very carefully untangled himself from the Doctor's arms rolling onto his back. He saw the rejection in the Doctor's eyes as he pulled the Doctor to him again settling him so that he was pressed against his side. The Doctor lay stiffly against obviously upset about being moved.

"I know you are hurting still due to the decisions that you made. Not remembering has to be the worst part of it all. I have been there myself and woken up in a strange bed not remember who I slept with or if we bothered to use protection. It is a horrible feeling but I can assure you, sweetheart, I don't think nor will I ever believe you are tainted due to the fact you slept with a few men," Jack informed the Doctor causing him to wince.

"I sold my body for payment," The Doctor argued. Neither one of them noticed that the door opened a crack as Daniel arrived to discuss the possibility of continuing to treat the Doctor. He stopped with the door barely open as he heard the Doctor talking with Jack.

"The men who took advantage of you in a moment of weakness are the ones who are tainted, not you," Jack responded.

"Is that why you don't love me anymore?" The Doctor questioned. Daniel closed the door before he heard Jack's answer. He didn't need to hear any more in order to know that he would never be able to treat the Doctor. The Doctor needed someone who could argue him back, not just listen and discuss what he was saying. Daniel didn't know the Doctor well enough to be that person.

"I do love you," Jack replied.

"Then kiss me," The Doctor told him. He leaned up to kiss Jack on the lips but Jack once more pulled away. "See," the Doctor pouted hiding his head.

"I love you enough that I am not going to be like those men and take advantage of you while you are healing," Jack told him. The Doctor started to speak again, but Jack silenced him with a finger to his lips. "Now enough of this nonsense. Martha brought us a nice breakfast of eggs and toast. Then if you haven't scared Daniel away permanently you have a session with him. After I was thinking that we could go for a walk around the grounds if it isn't raining." The Doctor smiled up at him weakly as Jack kissed him on the top of the head.

"I'd like that," The Doctor agreed. He sat up leaning against Jack as Jack pulled over their tray of food. Together they ate in silence both lost in their thoughts. The Doctor wondering how he could make Jack realize that he did love him, while Jack wondered how long he could resist the Doctor for.