Work Text:
Broken Wings
by Peja
John Hart was waiting for him when Jack Harkness teleported to the waiting transport cruiser. For once the blond man wasn't smirking. Wasn't bombarding the room with his supreme cockiness.
For once, his blue eyes were wide with concern.... "How are you , Jack?
"Flying high." Jack responded with his rehearsed grin. With anyone else, except Ianto, who had known him better than anyone alive...or dead....it would have worked. But....
Sensing the grief behind Jack's facade of unconcern, a grimace of disbelief ghosted over the blond's lips. "How high can you fly with broken wings? "
It was enough to push him over the edge he'd been teetering on. Tears welled in Jack's eyes. His body shook violently as he fought them back down. "Not high enough, apparently."
"Oh, Jack.." John sprang forward, catching Jack up in his strong embrace. "Oh, Jack. My Jack. It's all right now. I'm here. Lean on me. I won't let anything hurt you anymore."
Pretty words. Impossible words, but healing. Magic.
Jack Harkness relaxed into a slump, the practiced smile flickering before it faded into despair. "Can't hurt any more than it already does."
"Oh, Jack..." John repeated, his arms tightening in shared anguish.
Jack recognized the restrained love and, accepting that love, melted into John's arms, letting the other man take his weight.
'I...I killed Ianto, John. My grandson, too." Jack whispered. "Sacrificed him for the children of Earth. The look on my daughter's face. I see it every time I close my eyes. I sacrificed everything and all I got back for it was hatred."
"Is that all, Jack?" John asked softly. "Really?" He forced Jack to meet his uncondemning gaze. "Really?"
Jack gifted him with a watery smile. "I...I guess there were a few people who still cared about me. Gwen. Rhys." His head dropped forward to rest forehead to forehead. "You."
"Well, then, that's a start then." John purred, linking his arm with Jack's "Lets get you settled in. I put you in my quarters..."
Jack couldn't have suppressed the soft chuckle if he'd been paid. John would never change.
Thank God for that. The jolly sociopath was just what Jack needed to get his feet back under him.
end
there ya go. Just a short piece for a turn of phrase prompt.
Feedback would not go amiss.