Who Fic --- Under My Skin [Mature] part 3 of 3
Under My Skin
By Très Méchante
Summary: An evening of fun takes a terrifying turn when Jack and Rose disappear. The Doctor races to find them before it is too late, but rescuing them is just the start of his troubles.
Rating: Mature - adult themes, sexuality (het and slash), language (not a lot but it’s there)
Ninth Doctor/Rose/Jack in various combinations
Part One, Part Two and now...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Doctor found Rose crouched on the floor of her wardrobe. She was whimpering quietly and trying to hide under some blankets.
“Shush, now. You’re alright, Rose.” He tried to soothe her, but when he reached out toward her, she screamed.
“No! Don’t touch me…bastard! Leave me alone!”
The Doctor’s hearts broke to see her in such a state. Rose, who faced down a Dalek, witnessed the end of her world and battled the Slitheen. His sweet Rose.
“It’s just me, Rose. The Doctor. You’re safe.” He tried to coax her into the open. “No one can hurt you here. I promise. Do you hear me? You are safe.”
Slowly, like a frightened animal, she began to relax enough to focus on him rather than her terror.
“Doctor?”
“Hello.” He gave her a tiny grin. “Welcome back.”
Rose didn’t quite smile back, but she did let him take her hand and ease her from her hiding place. Her eyes darted around the room nervously as she emerged, clutching a blanket around her.
He led her to the bed, where she immediately huddled against the headboard, clutching a pillow protectively in front of her. The Doctor began to sit beside her but pulled back when she flinched slightly.
He tried to not feel hurt, but her reaction stung. He pulled a chair beside the bed and sat down.
“Sorry,” she whispered. “It’s not you, Doctor, it’s just…” She shrugged helplessly when she could not finish the sentence.
“I know, Rose.”
“That’s just it, Doctor. You don’t know. You can’t.”
“Then tell me.”
Rose remained silent, burying her face in the pillow.
The Doctor edged forward a bit, leaning toward her. “We’ve always been able to talk about anything. Please don’t shut me out.” He tried again. “If you keep it locked up inside it’ll just fester. Don’t let the bastards have hold of you.”
Rose didn’t speak, but she appeared to be listening.
“Right. Come on. We went to dinner, you, me and Jack,” he prompted.
After a lengthy silence, she responded.
“We went to dinner, you, me and Jack - it was fantastic, by the way. It was everything you promised.” She spoke slowly, as thought trying to remember the details of a half-forgotten story.
“And then…”
“And then we went for walk. There was a street carnival of some sort and we walked for hours.” She smiled. “You bought me and Jack some candy floss - and nicked big chunks from us. And there was this huge crowd and we got separated…”
“Then what happened?” he asked gently.
“I-I don’t remember. It’s all…I don’t know, kind of fuzzy.”
“What do you remember, Rose? It’s important.”
“Someone grabbed my arm - I thought it was Jack. B-but it wasn’t. I tried to fight, to get away but…then Jack was there and he tried to…he…someone hit him and he went down and then everything went black.”
Rose began to tremble.
The Doctor ached to comfort her. “What’s the next thing you remember?” he asked gently.
“Um…being in a room. I knew what was going on but it was like it was me, but not me, you know? It was like I was watching someone else.” Rose laughed bitterly. “A good thing, really.”
“What do you mean? A good thing in what way?” He had a sick feeling in his gut.
“I really don’t want to talk about it, Doctor.” She rubbed her cheeks as heat swept across her body.
“Rose-”
“They touched me, alright? I was naked and this man kept running his hands over me - everywhere! And I couldn’t stop him. I just stood there while he…” She suddenly went pale and began to shake violently. “They kept talking about me like I was a-a thing not a person. Should I be a breeder or would I be a-a better whore? Then one of them gave me a shot of something and…and…I was naked and helpless and I kept screaming inside but couldn’t do anything! Just stood there and let them…oh god!”
Rose suddenly bolted from the bed, dropping her blanket along the way. Moments later, retching could be heard from the bathroom.
Fear and anger gnawed at his self-control. Forcing himself to calmness, the Doctor got up and went to her. He stood at the door while she continued heaving. Nodding once to himself, he went back to the bedroom and gathered some clothes for her before returning to the bathroom.
He dropped her robe around her shoulders then wet a cloth and poured her a glass of water. When she was calmer, he passed her the glass, cautioning her to take only small sips. He then began to run the cool cloth over her neck, face and hands.
“Better?”
“Yeah.” She refused to look at him. “Sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about,” he said. “Now if you’d upchucked on my jumper…”
She gave a half-hearted grin in response.
The Doctor ran water in the tub and added some of her bath salts. He bustled about setting out thick fluffy towels and some candles, remembering how she’d done this after the Dalek incident.
“I’ll leave you to it, yeah? Hot soak and more sleep, that’s the ticket. We’ll talk some more later.” He turned to leave the room, but stopped. He had a sudden vision of the first girl he’d seen, the one he’d thought was Rose.
“I have to know, Rose. Did they…did anyone…” He couldn’t bring himself to ask the question. Him, the Doctor, never one to shy away from the awkward, could not find the words to ask a simple question. “Never mind. Get some rest.”
He was almost out the bedroom door when she spoke.
“Doctor?” she called quietly.
He paused.
“The answer’s no. I was felt-up, but I wasn’t raped. I-I think I would have been if you hadn’t come.”
He bowed his head for a moment and closed his eyes, fighting back tears. He walked quickly back to Rose, taking her in his arms and holding her close. The Doctor buried his face in her hair, struggling for control.
Rose returned his embrace, hugging him tightly. It took her a moment to realize he was trembling.
“I thought I’d lost you,” he whispered brokenly. “I was so afraid.”
“I’m not that easy to get rid of,” she whispered back.
They stood supporting one another, swaying slightly. The warm, scented air wrapped them in a sensual cocoon.
Neither knew who moved first, or when swaying became rubbing.
The Doctor gripped Rose’s hips, trying to hold her still. “This is not a good idea, Rose.”
“Feels good,” she murmured, wriggling again. “Mm…very good.”
“Please don’t do this,” he groaned. “Rose, no.”
Rose pulled back and looked at him, her eyes wide, hurt confusion shimmering in their chocolate depths.
“I-I thought you…When you touched me, back at that place…”
“I had to play a role, didn’t I? I was supposed to be bonding with my new toy.” His voice was soft, as though explaining something complicated to a child.
“Oh.” She looked away, suddenly flustered. “Guess I got it wrong, then, didn’t I?”
The Doctor tried to hold on when Rose pulled away.
“Rose, you don’t understand.”
“No, I think I’ve got it, Doctor. You had to pretend an interest in me.” She pulled away completely and wrapped her robe more securely around her shaking body. “God, I’m so stupid - a stupid ape. Isn’t that what you call us humans? What could a human offer a Time Lord? I mean, even if you were interested - which you’re not - we’re probably not even…compatible, in that way. I mean, you’re an alien so-”
“Be quiet!”
Rose jumped in surprise and raised her eyes to his. She took an involuntary step back at the anger burning in his eyes.
“Doctor…”
“You’ve said quite enough, I think.”
He leaned against the door jam, arms folded across his chest, and he stared at her.
“You lot always make these grand assumptions about aliens - always. Humans,” he scoffed. “Like you’re the only ones who know how to… ‘dance’. Just as an example.”
Rose blushed.
“I’ve got news for you, Rose. You’re not the only ones who dance - and enjoy it.”
“I already apologized for that. I didn’t mean--”
The Doctor cut her off. “And for your information, missy, what you see as indifference is, in fact, self control - the result of some 900 years of practice, thank you very much.”
Rose felt her own temper flare. “Missy? Now look here…”
The Doctor grabbed her hand and pressed it against his chest. “Does that feel like indifference? Two hearts and neither one will beat properly when you’re around.” He sighed, squeezing her hand before lacing his fingers with hers.
She stared at his chest in surprise. There were indeed two distinct beats. She’d heard the different sound before, but hadn’t really thought about it. It was just part of him. She looked up and stared into his eyes, hypnotized by the shift in color as they became deeper blue.
Rose felt momentarily dizzy when he suddenly swung her around and leaned against her, forcing her against the door.
“Does this feel like a lack of interest, Rose?” he asked, his voice low and rough.
Rose gasped when she felt his erection against her stomach as he pressed his body flush against hers.
The Doctor leaned close and let his lips ghost over hers. He traced a trail along her jaw and up to her ear. “I assure you - promise you, Rose Tyler, we will be very compatible,” he whispered into her ear.
“Oh,” she moaned softly. Helpless to resist the impulse, she slid her free hand down his body and cupped him through his jeans.
The Doctor jumped and quickly grabbed her hand, intending to pull it away. Instead, he found himself molding her fingers around his hardness and squeezing.
They both gasped.
Even through the thickness of his jeans, he could feel the unnatural warmth of Rose's skin. He wanted to pull away but was spellbound by the raw desire in her eyes.
“Siren,” he whispered. “What have you done to me?”
Rose leaned up and began planting kisses along his jaw. “What do you want me to do with you?”
He shivered as a feeling of déjà vu swept through him. The memory of his dream surfaced and he quickly looked over his shoulder, half expecting to see Jack walk into the room.
“Doctor? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Everything.” He reluctantly disentangled himself from Rose’s embrace. “This has to stop.”
“But I thought…” She stared at him in confusion, before anger took over. “This is just some kind of game to you, isn’t it?”
“Rose-”
She quickly scooted away from him, clutching her robe closed. “Look, I’ve had enough for one night and mmph...”
The Doctor placed one hand over her mouth, stopping her tirade.
“This is no game, Rose.” He took his hand away. Wearily, he drew her close and rested his forehead against hers. “All those drugs are still swimming around in your body. You’re not quite yourself.”
“You’re wrong. I’ve always felt this way.”
“You may have felt…certain desires, but you’ve never really acted on them, have you? Well, except to collect boyfriends.” He sighed, closing his eyes. “I won’t take advantage, and that’s all there is to it.”
Rose thought about this for a long moment. “How long until the drugs are gone?”
“The worst is almost over, but it’ll take two or three weeks until your body is completely purged,” he said.
“So, if in, say…two weeks I ask you to dance. Will you say yes?”
He opened his eyes and stared into hers, noting the mischievous sparkle in their depths. “If, in say three weeks or so, you still want to talk about this, we’ll talk.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“Doctor?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m going to want to do more than just talk about dancing.” She grinned a little self-consciously. “Thought you should know.”
“I’m counting on it.” He pressed a playful kiss to the tip of her nose. “Now, hot bath, then sleep.”
“What if I get another nightmare?”
He hugged her tight. “I’ll look in on you a little later, okay? But no monkey business,” he warned.
“I thought you said I was an ape.”
“Cheeky, that’s what you are.”
Reluctantly releasing her, he turned and left the room, all but racing to the bedroom door.
“Doctor?”
“Yes, Rose?”
“How’s Jack?”
“Sleeping. Which is what you should be doing.”
“Oh. Doctor?”
When she did not continue, he stopped and turned around, and immediately found himself with an armful of amorous woman.
Rose kissed him passionately. Standing up on tiptoe, she pulled his head down to her and proceeded to pour out all her longing into that kiss. Teeth nipped his lips in punishment for denying her, followed by her lips and tongue promising him what she was too shy to speak aloud.
The Doctor held her as close as he could. He was afraid he’d pass out from the intensity of it - and then almost did when one of her wandering hands slipped under his jumper to caress the smooth skin of his back. It was too much, and not enough.
And suddenly it was over. The Doctor reeled backward, stunned by the sudden loss of Rose’s touch. His eyes sought hers, silently questioning her.
“Just wanted you to have something to think about for the next couple of weeks,” she said. Without another word, she stepped back and closed the door in his face.
After a stunned moment, he shook his head and wandered down the corridor. Humans were so unpredictable, he thought. And he wouldn’t have them any other way.
Inside the room, Rose leaned against the door, listening to him move away. She reached into her robe pocket and pulled out her prize - the sonic screwdriver. She’d palmed it while he was distracted.
Wandering back to the bathroom, she started fiddling with the settings. During one of her lessons with it, the Doctor had mentioned it was waterproof.
Running the hot water to reheat her bath, she decided to put it to the test, hoping it would be a long time before he noticed it was missing.
---- ---- ---- ----
The Doctor pulled on a dry jumper and left his room. He’d had enough exposure to cold water in the last 24 hours to last him a lifetime or two.
On the way to the control room he decided to take a detour and check on Jack. He wasn’t overly concerned about him, given his training as an agent, but the experience was bound to have been traumatic for him.
He listened at the door. All was quiet. Not wanting to wake Jack if he was sleeping, the Doctor knocked quietly. When there was no response he quietly eased the door open and peeked inside.
Jack was sprawled face down on the bed, tangled in the sheets. At first glance he appeared to be sleeping, but he occasionally twitched as though struggling with some unseen assailant.
The Doctor moved closer to the bed, intending to speak softly to Jack, to reassure him that he was safe. When he got closer, he heard faint whimpers coming from the man on the bed.
“Oh Jack, what did they do to you?” he whispered.
Suddenly, Jack reared up and the Doctor found himself flat on his back on the floor looking into the business end of a sonic blaster.
Jack straddled him, eyes wild and gun pointed at the Doctor’s head.
“And hello to you, too,” said the Doctor, grinning up at the naked man standing over him.
When Jack did not move, the Doctor realized he was still in the grips of his dream.
“Jack, wake up. It’s the Doctor. You’re aboard the TARDIS. You’re safe. No one can to hurt you.” He carefully repeated the assurances several times, careful not to make any sudden moves.
Awareness slowly returned to Jack’s eyes and his stance became less rigid.
“Doctor? What…?”
“You had a bad dream, but it’s alright now,” the Doctor reassured him. “Uh, Jack? Be so kind as to put that away, would you? The gun, too.”
Jack looked surprised to see the gun in his hand. He dropped it to the ground and staggered back toward the bed. He tripped over the Doctor’s feet and fell with a thump onto the floor.
The Doctor sat up and looked at him. “You alright?”
“I, uh, I’m not sure,” he said. “What are you doing here?”
“Came to check up on you.” He watched Jack for a moment and then jumped to his feet.
Jack closed his eyes, trying to gather enough energy to sit up.
“Wouldn’t you rather be in bed?”
“Well, if you’re offering…” Jack opened his eyes and sent a suggestive smile to the man standing over him.
“Come on, you.” The Doctor helped Jack to stand and guided him to the bed. He left the room for a moment, returning with a glass of clear liquid. “This’ll help - it’s only water,” he snapped when Jack hesitated.
Jack took the glass, and after a few sips he set the glass aside and leaned back against the headboard. The silence stretched out and he gradually became aware that the Doctor was watching him, studying him.
Jack decided a distraction was in order. He stretched out, arms behind his head and body on display. “See anything you like?” he asked.
The Doctor grinned slightly. “Now that you mention it. However, first things first. Let’s talk about what happened.” He sat at the foot of the bed.
“Are you sure? Because, you know, this is a limited time offer.”
“Oh, I doubt that. You’ve been throwing yourself at me since you arrived,” the Doctor smirked.
“Bastard.”
“Depending on cultural definitions, could be.” He shrugged. “I’m serious, Jack. If you try to keep it all buried, it’ll only become a poison in your psyche. That’s just the way it is with you humans.”
Jack shifted a bit and looked away. “Who do you talk to, Doc? Or are Time Lords really that different and you’re never affected?”
“Begin at the beginning, Captain,” the Doctor instructed, refusing to rise to the bait.
Jack let out an exasperated breath but finally did as the Doctor asked. “Uh, we played dress-up - Rose looked hot, by the way. She’s a little up tight, but… Okay. We went to dinner, drank lots, took in a street fair.”
“But then what happened?”
“We got separated. I looked around and saw some thug dragging Rose away. I tried to stop him, but…everything went black. I don’t remember a whole lot after that.” Jack shook his head as though to shake loose the memories.
“I got the gist of it from Rose, but she didn’t tell me everything.” The Doctor smiled sadly. “I don’t think she was able to handle it all at once.”
“Probably not.” Jack stared at the far wall. “I’m not so sure I can, either.”
The Doctor leaned back across the bed and propped his head in his hand. He said nothing, just waited while Jack gathered his thoughts.
Jack told much the same story as Rose had, about being trapped in his body, unable to react to what was happening. The more he talked, the more agitated he became. He got up and began pacing, unmindful of his nudity. Eventually he threw himself back on the bed.
When it looked like Jack might break down completely, the Doctor simply reached out and placed his hand on Jack’s ankle. The contact seemed to calm him.
“Take it easy, Jack. You’re alright, now.”
“Yeah. Yeah, I suppose. It’s just…the lack of control, you know?” He refused to look anywhere near the Doctor. “Given the situation…the options, I’d have bided my time and played the whore. Wouldn’t have been the first time, either - don’t ask. But I wasn’t given the choice.”
The Doctor wanted to say something, anything, to comfort his friend, but had no idea where to begin. Instead, he let his touch remind him that he wasn’t alone, softly running his thumb over the sensitive skin of Jack’s foot.
With a soul-deep sigh Jack finally lapsed into silence. He rolled onto his side, but did not pull away from the Doctor.
“Sometimes…I sometimes wonder if that’s all there is,” Jack whispered. “What did I do to deserve have my memory wiped? I’ve spent so many years drifting from place to place, living from scam to scam. I trade goods and sometimes my body. And I’m damn good at it. What if…”
Jack drew a trembling breath. “What if everything that I do remember is a lie? What if I was never a time agent, never anything except what I am now?”
The Doctor shifted a little closer to Jack, but never broke contact.
Jack struggled to remain calm. “I’ve got this goddamn hole where memory should be. I feel like there should be something there, but…maybe I’m just crazy and there isn’t anything worth remembering.”
The Doctor allowed the silence to settle around them. He began to speak softly, as though simply thinking aloud.
“My people are - or were, I suppose - psychic. Did you know that? Oh, not in that carnival, fortune-teller way. It’s more like a…a connection, an open com line. Or a radio left on in the background - not always conscious of it, but it’s there just the same.”
As the Doctor became lost in thought, his hand began to move along Jack’s leg. His palm slid up over the hair-roughened shin, and fingertips glided down the calf muscle. Up and down he moved, but seemed unaware of what he was doing.
Jack tensed momentarily at the change, but did not pull away.
“Bloody annoying, they were,” said the Doctor. “Always trying to tell me how to live and what to do. Always trying to force me into their narrow little existence. Wherever or whenever I went, there they were, poking me in the back of my mind.
“They’d drag me home every so often, put me on trial or chastise me, or worse.” He grinned briefly as he said ‘worse.’ “I spent most of my life wishing they would just leave me alone. And now they have.”
Jack didn’t know what to say. So he simply reached out and laid his hand on the Doctor’s knee, silently letting him know he wasn’t alone.
The Doctor looked at Jack and found the other man watching him. As they gazed into one another’s eyes, the two men shared a moment of understanding.
With a faint smile, the Doctor mused, “That’s why I don’t keep still. If I’m busy then I don’t have time to listen for something that’s not there. But you know what that’s like, don’t you, Captain?”
“One con to the next, or affair or whatever. Keeps the wolf away.”
“But it can be very lonely.”
“Yeah.” Jack dropped his eyes to watch the Doctor’s hand move along his calf.
“Doesn’t have to be, you know.” The Doctor paused in his caress. “I think I would have died from the loneliness - or the attempt to ignore it - if I hadn’t gone to Earth. Or maybe I would have died there and it would have all finally been over.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was chasing the Nestene Consciousness and met a human who reminded me that…” his voice trailed off.
“Rose.”
“Rose. There was this immediate connection. It was as though the echoing emptiness inside was a little less empty. She saved my life. And my soul, so to speak. If you believe in such things.” The Doctor resumed his stroking motion as he talked. “She has such a generous spirit - no malice at all in that girl. A heart big as the known universe. An innocence that leaves her open to so much, good and bad…”
“Is she going to be okay?” Jack asked.
“Of course. She’s a strong one, Rose is. It’ll take a little time, but she’ll get through it.”
“I hope I get to see that.”
The Doctor looked at Jack in surprise. “You planning to go somewhere?”
“Sort of. I guess that depends on you.”
“Me?”
Jack tried to pull his leg away, but the Doctor held it in place.
“We had a conversation my first night aboard the TARDIS. Well, you talked. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. You said if I ever did anything to hurt Rose - anything - that I’d be dumped on the next planet we came to, atmosphere optional.”
“Ah.”
“You made it pretty clear that Rose was off limits. Private property, in fact. Not in so many words, but…” Jack chanced a look at the Doctor. “Of course, I’d already got that message when I stepped aboard - that look you gave me after dancing with Rose pretty much yelled ‘Mine!’”
“Jack-”
“I’d understand if you dumped me somewhere. I deserve it.”
“Jack, you don’t deserve-”
“I fucked her, Doc! More than once. And enjoyed it, if you want to know.”
“I saw you,” the Doctor said. “You don’t need to go into details. In fact I’d prefer you didn’t.”
“Then-”
“Shut up, Jack. You’re not going anywhere. Unless, of course, you want to leave the TARDIS.”
Jack looked shocked.
“The truth is that you were as much a victim as Rose. You acted under the influence of some pretty heavy drugs. You wouldn’t have done anything like that otherwise, right?”
“Well, I do have this fantasy about you and me and…” Jack left the thought unfinished.
“Do you want to leave us, Jack?”
“Hell, no! I haven’t been here all that long but it feels like…well, like home. Like I belong.”
“That’s settled, then.” The Doctor grinned.
“You have a very forgiving nature.”
“Actually, I don’t.” He brooded for a moment. “Rose, does. A generous heart.”
“So, you think she’ll forgive me?”
“It’ll be a little strange between you for a while, I’m sure. Humans tend to attach a lot of emotion - positive and negative - to anything sexual. But yeah. She’ll forgive you.” The Doctor rested his hand against Jack’s knee. “You could speed up the process, you know.”
“How?”
“Forgive yourself.”
They were silent for several minutes. Jack broke the silence.
“So, we’re okay, then? You and me?”
“Of course.”
“And if I tell you something potentially awkward, it won’t affect our relationship?”
The Doctor looked puzzled. “I sincerely doubt there is anything you can say that would do that.”
“Glad to hear it. Because that whole stroking thing you’ve been doing to my leg has me seriously turned on.” Jack rolled over slightly to reveal his fully erect cock.
The Doctor’s gaze flicked between Jack’s erection and his eyes. “What exactly do you expect me to do about it?” he asked, the picture of innocence.
“What do I…?” Jack sputtered indignantly before noticing his smirk.
“Well, since you asked,” purred Jack, pouncing on the Doctor.
The sudden weight of an aroused body against his sent the Doctor’s mind reeling. He instinctively responded to Jack’s passionate kiss, reveling in the way their tongues dueled for dominance.
It was the hot hand against his bare stomach that brought the Doctor to his senses. He tore his mouth away with a gasp. Moving quickly he rolled Jack beneath him and grabbed Jack’s hands, pinning them over his head.
“Doctor,” protested Jack.
“No. I’m sorry, Jack, but this is not a good idea.” The Doctor tried to hold Jack still.
“Then why the hell did you kiss me back?” Jack thrust his hips upward, grinding against the other man’s groin.
The Doctor moaned at the contact. “I’m trying to do the right thing, here. Hold still.”
“Why?”
“Jack, listen to me. You’re still under the influence of the drugs.” He slid off Jack’s body.
“What the hell are you talking about? I’ve been coming on to you since I got here.” He twisted and rolled until the Doctor was pinned beneath him. “Drugs or not, I want you - always have.”
The Doctor was suddenly unable to catch his breath. Jack insinuated one muscled thigh between his and rubbed it against his cock. The sensation of Jack between his thighs, pressing him into the mattress was wildly exciting and a hoarse moan escaped his lips.
“Unless I’m misreading your body language, Doc, you want me, too,” growled Jack as he dropped rough kisses along the Doctor’s throat.
A sharp nip at his collarbone snapped the Doctor from his daze. He quickly rolled his body and, letting go of Jack, used the momentum to propel himself off the bed.
Jack turned his head to glare at the Doctor. “Well, you’re just full of surprises,” he drawled. “I never figured you for a cock-tease.”
The Doctor’s jaw clenched at the barb, but he showed no other reaction. Turning to leave, he paused at the door. “I’m sorry, Jack. More than I can say.” The door closed quietly behind him.
“Doctor, wait!” Jack jumped up from the bed and scrambled into his jeans, carefully doing the zipper as he hurried after the Time Lord.
“Doctor!”
The Doctor paused, looking back over his shoulder to where Jack stood.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. It’s just that I was feeling a little…frustrated.” Jack took a tentative step forward. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not angry with you, Jack. But this is what I was trying to tell you. You’re not yourself right now.” He grinned slightly. “If it makes you feel any better, I had this same…discussion with Rose earlier.”
“Oh. Well, I’m glad it’s not just me.” He ran his hands through his hair. “The effects aren’t permanent are they?”
“No. The worst is almost over. Another couple of weeks and you’ll be right as rain.” The Doctor grinned at his friend. “We’ll just put this down to bad chemistry, shall we?”
“Bad chemicals maybe. Personally, I think we’ve got good chemistry.”
“Good night, Captain Harkness.”
“Night, Doc,” Jack replied wistfully.
The Doctor looked at Jack thoughtfully for a moment and then walked toward him. He brushed a light kiss against his cheek and then continued on his way. “Pleasant dreams,” he called without looking back.
Jack reached up to touch his cheek. “Bastard,” he called back, although the softness of his tone made it more of an endearment than a curse.
---- ---- ---- ----
The door to the TARDIS flew open and Jack and Rose rushed in, slamming the door behind them. They leaned against the door, panting.
They were covered with mud and twigs and…feathers?
“Everything alright?” the Doctor asked, fighting not to smile.
“Fine,” panted Rose.
“Couldn’t be better. Why?” asked Jack.
“No reason. Just wondered.” He watched them move across the control room, leaving mucky footprints behind. “Mind taking off your shoes. I’m not cleaning up after you.”
Rose and Jack looked at their feet, then at each other, then at the Doctor. “Actually, we’re not wearing any,” explained Jack. “Kinda lost them along the way.”
Rose grinned at him. “There were these bandits, see. Had to take a slight detour to get away. Through a bit of mud.”
“Ah. Well. Better go get cleaned up,” was all the Doctor said. He grinned as they scurried out of the control room.
When he was sure they were gone, he left the TARDIS and quickly entered the forest. “Arli? Arli, are you there?”
There were heavy footsteps and a large man appeared from behind a boulder. “Hello, Doctor? Everything go as you hoped?”
“Thank you, yes. I think they’ll be fine now.” The Doctor smiled at his old friend. “I should be asking if you are alright.”
The large man laughed as he looked at his torn clothes and cuts. “This is nothing. They did put up quite a fight - especially the little female.” He laughed again. “It was fun, but strange. I’m not usually asked to attack people.”
“I was beginning to worry that they’d never regain their confidence. I figured if they met their worst nightmare - no offense - of being attacked, then maybe they could get past it.” He reached out and shook hands with the large man. “I know this isn’t the usual thing a psychiatrist does, but I appreciate you doing it.”
The Doctor quickly returned to the TARDIS, and was fiddling with some controls when Jack and Rose entered. “Much better,” he smiled at them.
He was relieved to see the sparkle back in their eyes. He’d missed their boundless enthusiasm for all things new.
For the first week, they had refused to leave the TARDIS. And when they did go out, they stayed close, and shied away from other people. The Doctor had been afraid that they would no longer be able to go exploring.
It gradually got better, but the Doctor decided shock therapy would be best. And he had been right, of course.
“Where to?” asked Jack eagerly.
“Japan,” was the Doctor’s prompt reply. At their confused look he shrugged. “I’ve got a yen.”
“I can’t believe you said that,” groaned Rose. “Seriously, why Japan?”
“Why not? You’ve never been, have you?”
“No.”
“Good. Kyoto, I think. Maybe mid-fourteenth century. What do you think?” He busily entered data into the console.
Rose rolled her eyes. “Bloody hell. I’m going to be dressed in another corset,” she muttered to Jack.
Jack burst out laughing.
“What was that? Did I miss something?” asked the Doctor.
“No, Doctor,” said Rose. “I was just saying…Oh, well. I better get dressed while you…get the course set. Period clothes, right?”
“Right you are. Off you go.”
Rose cleared her throat. “Doctor, before I forget again. I’ve been meaning to give this back to you.” She handed him the sonic screwdriver.
“I looked everywhere for that!”
“Not quite everywhere,” she muttered.
“Why? Where was it?”
“My, uh, my bedroom.”
The Doctor looked puzzled. “Whatever was it doing there?”
Rose smiled, blushed and backed toward the corridor.
The Doctor looked at the sonic screwdriver’s settings and frowned. “Why is it set like this? It’s barely able to resonate air let alone…” His eyes widened in shock as realization set in.
“Rose Tyler! I’ll have you know this is a potentially dangerous and highly sophisticated instrument. It is not, I repeat not a sex toy!”
“You sure about that?” Rose grinned at him, then quickly headed down the corridor.
Jack laughed and asked what setting she’d had it set at.
The Doctor looked up. “Why?”
“Just wondering,” he said innocently.
“Get your own. And here you thought you were so much more impressive with your sonic blaster,” he scoffed.
Jack left the control room, his laughter ringing through the corridor.
The doctor smiled fondly after them. He knew they would have to talk eventually, but was oddly happy to just drift along as they were. Mere words would not change anything. But humans were fond of words, of categorizing and analyzing everything.
They would definitely have to talk. But not yet. Adventure awaited.
He gently patted the console. “Kyoto.”
--FIN--
~~~~~~~~~
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed the adventure.
By Très Méchante
Summary: An evening of fun takes a terrifying turn when Jack and Rose disappear. The Doctor races to find them before it is too late, but rescuing them is just the start of his troubles.
Rating: Mature - adult themes, sexuality (het and slash), language (not a lot but it’s there)
Ninth Doctor/Rose/Jack in various combinations
Part One, Part Two and now...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Doctor found Rose crouched on the floor of her wardrobe. She was whimpering quietly and trying to hide under some blankets.
“Shush, now. You’re alright, Rose.” He tried to soothe her, but when he reached out toward her, she screamed.
“No! Don’t touch me…bastard! Leave me alone!”
The Doctor’s hearts broke to see her in such a state. Rose, who faced down a Dalek, witnessed the end of her world and battled the Slitheen. His sweet Rose.
“It’s just me, Rose. The Doctor. You’re safe.” He tried to coax her into the open. “No one can hurt you here. I promise. Do you hear me? You are safe.”
Slowly, like a frightened animal, she began to relax enough to focus on him rather than her terror.
“Doctor?”
“Hello.” He gave her a tiny grin. “Welcome back.”
Rose didn’t quite smile back, but she did let him take her hand and ease her from her hiding place. Her eyes darted around the room nervously as she emerged, clutching a blanket around her.
He led her to the bed, where she immediately huddled against the headboard, clutching a pillow protectively in front of her. The Doctor began to sit beside her but pulled back when she flinched slightly.
He tried to not feel hurt, but her reaction stung. He pulled a chair beside the bed and sat down.
“Sorry,” she whispered. “It’s not you, Doctor, it’s just…” She shrugged helplessly when she could not finish the sentence.
“I know, Rose.”
“That’s just it, Doctor. You don’t know. You can’t.”
“Then tell me.”
Rose remained silent, burying her face in the pillow.
The Doctor edged forward a bit, leaning toward her. “We’ve always been able to talk about anything. Please don’t shut me out.” He tried again. “If you keep it locked up inside it’ll just fester. Don’t let the bastards have hold of you.”
Rose didn’t speak, but she appeared to be listening.
“Right. Come on. We went to dinner, you, me and Jack,” he prompted.
After a lengthy silence, she responded.
“We went to dinner, you, me and Jack - it was fantastic, by the way. It was everything you promised.” She spoke slowly, as thought trying to remember the details of a half-forgotten story.
“And then…”
“And then we went for walk. There was a street carnival of some sort and we walked for hours.” She smiled. “You bought me and Jack some candy floss - and nicked big chunks from us. And there was this huge crowd and we got separated…”
“Then what happened?” he asked gently.
“I-I don’t remember. It’s all…I don’t know, kind of fuzzy.”
“What do you remember, Rose? It’s important.”
“Someone grabbed my arm - I thought it was Jack. B-but it wasn’t. I tried to fight, to get away but…then Jack was there and he tried to…he…someone hit him and he went down and then everything went black.”
Rose began to tremble.
The Doctor ached to comfort her. “What’s the next thing you remember?” he asked gently.
“Um…being in a room. I knew what was going on but it was like it was me, but not me, you know? It was like I was watching someone else.” Rose laughed bitterly. “A good thing, really.”
“What do you mean? A good thing in what way?” He had a sick feeling in his gut.
“I really don’t want to talk about it, Doctor.” She rubbed her cheeks as heat swept across her body.
“Rose-”
“They touched me, alright? I was naked and this man kept running his hands over me - everywhere! And I couldn’t stop him. I just stood there while he…” She suddenly went pale and began to shake violently. “They kept talking about me like I was a-a thing not a person. Should I be a breeder or would I be a-a better whore? Then one of them gave me a shot of something and…and…I was naked and helpless and I kept screaming inside but couldn’t do anything! Just stood there and let them…oh god!”
Rose suddenly bolted from the bed, dropping her blanket along the way. Moments later, retching could be heard from the bathroom.
Fear and anger gnawed at his self-control. Forcing himself to calmness, the Doctor got up and went to her. He stood at the door while she continued heaving. Nodding once to himself, he went back to the bedroom and gathered some clothes for her before returning to the bathroom.
He dropped her robe around her shoulders then wet a cloth and poured her a glass of water. When she was calmer, he passed her the glass, cautioning her to take only small sips. He then began to run the cool cloth over her neck, face and hands.
“Better?”
“Yeah.” She refused to look at him. “Sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about,” he said. “Now if you’d upchucked on my jumper…”
She gave a half-hearted grin in response.
The Doctor ran water in the tub and added some of her bath salts. He bustled about setting out thick fluffy towels and some candles, remembering how she’d done this after the Dalek incident.
“I’ll leave you to it, yeah? Hot soak and more sleep, that’s the ticket. We’ll talk some more later.” He turned to leave the room, but stopped. He had a sudden vision of the first girl he’d seen, the one he’d thought was Rose.
“I have to know, Rose. Did they…did anyone…” He couldn’t bring himself to ask the question. Him, the Doctor, never one to shy away from the awkward, could not find the words to ask a simple question. “Never mind. Get some rest.”
He was almost out the bedroom door when she spoke.
“Doctor?” she called quietly.
He paused.
“The answer’s no. I was felt-up, but I wasn’t raped. I-I think I would have been if you hadn’t come.”
He bowed his head for a moment and closed his eyes, fighting back tears. He walked quickly back to Rose, taking her in his arms and holding her close. The Doctor buried his face in her hair, struggling for control.
Rose returned his embrace, hugging him tightly. It took her a moment to realize he was trembling.
“I thought I’d lost you,” he whispered brokenly. “I was so afraid.”
“I’m not that easy to get rid of,” she whispered back.
They stood supporting one another, swaying slightly. The warm, scented air wrapped them in a sensual cocoon.
Neither knew who moved first, or when swaying became rubbing.
The Doctor gripped Rose’s hips, trying to hold her still. “This is not a good idea, Rose.”
“Feels good,” she murmured, wriggling again. “Mm…very good.”
“Please don’t do this,” he groaned. “Rose, no.”
Rose pulled back and looked at him, her eyes wide, hurt confusion shimmering in their chocolate depths.
“I-I thought you…When you touched me, back at that place…”
“I had to play a role, didn’t I? I was supposed to be bonding with my new toy.” His voice was soft, as though explaining something complicated to a child.
“Oh.” She looked away, suddenly flustered. “Guess I got it wrong, then, didn’t I?”
The Doctor tried to hold on when Rose pulled away.
“Rose, you don’t understand.”
“No, I think I’ve got it, Doctor. You had to pretend an interest in me.” She pulled away completely and wrapped her robe more securely around her shaking body. “God, I’m so stupid - a stupid ape. Isn’t that what you call us humans? What could a human offer a Time Lord? I mean, even if you were interested - which you’re not - we’re probably not even…compatible, in that way. I mean, you’re an alien so-”
“Be quiet!”
Rose jumped in surprise and raised her eyes to his. She took an involuntary step back at the anger burning in his eyes.
“Doctor…”
“You’ve said quite enough, I think.”
He leaned against the door jam, arms folded across his chest, and he stared at her.
“You lot always make these grand assumptions about aliens - always. Humans,” he scoffed. “Like you’re the only ones who know how to… ‘dance’. Just as an example.”
Rose blushed.
“I’ve got news for you, Rose. You’re not the only ones who dance - and enjoy it.”
“I already apologized for that. I didn’t mean--”
The Doctor cut her off. “And for your information, missy, what you see as indifference is, in fact, self control - the result of some 900 years of practice, thank you very much.”
Rose felt her own temper flare. “Missy? Now look here…”
The Doctor grabbed her hand and pressed it against his chest. “Does that feel like indifference? Two hearts and neither one will beat properly when you’re around.” He sighed, squeezing her hand before lacing his fingers with hers.
She stared at his chest in surprise. There were indeed two distinct beats. She’d heard the different sound before, but hadn’t really thought about it. It was just part of him. She looked up and stared into his eyes, hypnotized by the shift in color as they became deeper blue.
Rose felt momentarily dizzy when he suddenly swung her around and leaned against her, forcing her against the door.
“Does this feel like a lack of interest, Rose?” he asked, his voice low and rough.
Rose gasped when she felt his erection against her stomach as he pressed his body flush against hers.
The Doctor leaned close and let his lips ghost over hers. He traced a trail along her jaw and up to her ear. “I assure you - promise you, Rose Tyler, we will be very compatible,” he whispered into her ear.
“Oh,” she moaned softly. Helpless to resist the impulse, she slid her free hand down his body and cupped him through his jeans.
The Doctor jumped and quickly grabbed her hand, intending to pull it away. Instead, he found himself molding her fingers around his hardness and squeezing.
They both gasped.
Even through the thickness of his jeans, he could feel the unnatural warmth of Rose's skin. He wanted to pull away but was spellbound by the raw desire in her eyes.
“Siren,” he whispered. “What have you done to me?”
Rose leaned up and began planting kisses along his jaw. “What do you want me to do with you?”
He shivered as a feeling of déjà vu swept through him. The memory of his dream surfaced and he quickly looked over his shoulder, half expecting to see Jack walk into the room.
“Doctor? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Everything.” He reluctantly disentangled himself from Rose’s embrace. “This has to stop.”
“But I thought…” She stared at him in confusion, before anger took over. “This is just some kind of game to you, isn’t it?”
“Rose-”
She quickly scooted away from him, clutching her robe closed. “Look, I’ve had enough for one night and mmph...”
The Doctor placed one hand over her mouth, stopping her tirade.
“This is no game, Rose.” He took his hand away. Wearily, he drew her close and rested his forehead against hers. “All those drugs are still swimming around in your body. You’re not quite yourself.”
“You’re wrong. I’ve always felt this way.”
“You may have felt…certain desires, but you’ve never really acted on them, have you? Well, except to collect boyfriends.” He sighed, closing his eyes. “I won’t take advantage, and that’s all there is to it.”
Rose thought about this for a long moment. “How long until the drugs are gone?”
“The worst is almost over, but it’ll take two or three weeks until your body is completely purged,” he said.
“So, if in, say…two weeks I ask you to dance. Will you say yes?”
He opened his eyes and stared into hers, noting the mischievous sparkle in their depths. “If, in say three weeks or so, you still want to talk about this, we’ll talk.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“Doctor?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m going to want to do more than just talk about dancing.” She grinned a little self-consciously. “Thought you should know.”
“I’m counting on it.” He pressed a playful kiss to the tip of her nose. “Now, hot bath, then sleep.”
“What if I get another nightmare?”
He hugged her tight. “I’ll look in on you a little later, okay? But no monkey business,” he warned.
“I thought you said I was an ape.”
“Cheeky, that’s what you are.”
Reluctantly releasing her, he turned and left the room, all but racing to the bedroom door.
“Doctor?”
“Yes, Rose?”
“How’s Jack?”
“Sleeping. Which is what you should be doing.”
“Oh. Doctor?”
When she did not continue, he stopped and turned around, and immediately found himself with an armful of amorous woman.
Rose kissed him passionately. Standing up on tiptoe, she pulled his head down to her and proceeded to pour out all her longing into that kiss. Teeth nipped his lips in punishment for denying her, followed by her lips and tongue promising him what she was too shy to speak aloud.
The Doctor held her as close as he could. He was afraid he’d pass out from the intensity of it - and then almost did when one of her wandering hands slipped under his jumper to caress the smooth skin of his back. It was too much, and not enough.
And suddenly it was over. The Doctor reeled backward, stunned by the sudden loss of Rose’s touch. His eyes sought hers, silently questioning her.
“Just wanted you to have something to think about for the next couple of weeks,” she said. Without another word, she stepped back and closed the door in his face.
After a stunned moment, he shook his head and wandered down the corridor. Humans were so unpredictable, he thought. And he wouldn’t have them any other way.
Inside the room, Rose leaned against the door, listening to him move away. She reached into her robe pocket and pulled out her prize - the sonic screwdriver. She’d palmed it while he was distracted.
Wandering back to the bathroom, she started fiddling with the settings. During one of her lessons with it, the Doctor had mentioned it was waterproof.
Running the hot water to reheat her bath, she decided to put it to the test, hoping it would be a long time before he noticed it was missing.
---- ---- ---- ----
The Doctor pulled on a dry jumper and left his room. He’d had enough exposure to cold water in the last 24 hours to last him a lifetime or two.
On the way to the control room he decided to take a detour and check on Jack. He wasn’t overly concerned about him, given his training as an agent, but the experience was bound to have been traumatic for him.
He listened at the door. All was quiet. Not wanting to wake Jack if he was sleeping, the Doctor knocked quietly. When there was no response he quietly eased the door open and peeked inside.
Jack was sprawled face down on the bed, tangled in the sheets. At first glance he appeared to be sleeping, but he occasionally twitched as though struggling with some unseen assailant.
The Doctor moved closer to the bed, intending to speak softly to Jack, to reassure him that he was safe. When he got closer, he heard faint whimpers coming from the man on the bed.
“Oh Jack, what did they do to you?” he whispered.
Suddenly, Jack reared up and the Doctor found himself flat on his back on the floor looking into the business end of a sonic blaster.
Jack straddled him, eyes wild and gun pointed at the Doctor’s head.
“And hello to you, too,” said the Doctor, grinning up at the naked man standing over him.
When Jack did not move, the Doctor realized he was still in the grips of his dream.
“Jack, wake up. It’s the Doctor. You’re aboard the TARDIS. You’re safe. No one can to hurt you.” He carefully repeated the assurances several times, careful not to make any sudden moves.
Awareness slowly returned to Jack’s eyes and his stance became less rigid.
“Doctor? What…?”
“You had a bad dream, but it’s alright now,” the Doctor reassured him. “Uh, Jack? Be so kind as to put that away, would you? The gun, too.”
Jack looked surprised to see the gun in his hand. He dropped it to the ground and staggered back toward the bed. He tripped over the Doctor’s feet and fell with a thump onto the floor.
The Doctor sat up and looked at him. “You alright?”
“I, uh, I’m not sure,” he said. “What are you doing here?”
“Came to check up on you.” He watched Jack for a moment and then jumped to his feet.
Jack closed his eyes, trying to gather enough energy to sit up.
“Wouldn’t you rather be in bed?”
“Well, if you’re offering…” Jack opened his eyes and sent a suggestive smile to the man standing over him.
“Come on, you.” The Doctor helped Jack to stand and guided him to the bed. He left the room for a moment, returning with a glass of clear liquid. “This’ll help - it’s only water,” he snapped when Jack hesitated.
Jack took the glass, and after a few sips he set the glass aside and leaned back against the headboard. The silence stretched out and he gradually became aware that the Doctor was watching him, studying him.
Jack decided a distraction was in order. He stretched out, arms behind his head and body on display. “See anything you like?” he asked.
The Doctor grinned slightly. “Now that you mention it. However, first things first. Let’s talk about what happened.” He sat at the foot of the bed.
“Are you sure? Because, you know, this is a limited time offer.”
“Oh, I doubt that. You’ve been throwing yourself at me since you arrived,” the Doctor smirked.
“Bastard.”
“Depending on cultural definitions, could be.” He shrugged. “I’m serious, Jack. If you try to keep it all buried, it’ll only become a poison in your psyche. That’s just the way it is with you humans.”
Jack shifted a bit and looked away. “Who do you talk to, Doc? Or are Time Lords really that different and you’re never affected?”
“Begin at the beginning, Captain,” the Doctor instructed, refusing to rise to the bait.
Jack let out an exasperated breath but finally did as the Doctor asked. “Uh, we played dress-up - Rose looked hot, by the way. She’s a little up tight, but… Okay. We went to dinner, drank lots, took in a street fair.”
“But then what happened?”
“We got separated. I looked around and saw some thug dragging Rose away. I tried to stop him, but…everything went black. I don’t remember a whole lot after that.” Jack shook his head as though to shake loose the memories.
“I got the gist of it from Rose, but she didn’t tell me everything.” The Doctor smiled sadly. “I don’t think she was able to handle it all at once.”
“Probably not.” Jack stared at the far wall. “I’m not so sure I can, either.”
The Doctor leaned back across the bed and propped his head in his hand. He said nothing, just waited while Jack gathered his thoughts.
Jack told much the same story as Rose had, about being trapped in his body, unable to react to what was happening. The more he talked, the more agitated he became. He got up and began pacing, unmindful of his nudity. Eventually he threw himself back on the bed.
When it looked like Jack might break down completely, the Doctor simply reached out and placed his hand on Jack’s ankle. The contact seemed to calm him.
“Take it easy, Jack. You’re alright, now.”
“Yeah. Yeah, I suppose. It’s just…the lack of control, you know?” He refused to look anywhere near the Doctor. “Given the situation…the options, I’d have bided my time and played the whore. Wouldn’t have been the first time, either - don’t ask. But I wasn’t given the choice.”
The Doctor wanted to say something, anything, to comfort his friend, but had no idea where to begin. Instead, he let his touch remind him that he wasn’t alone, softly running his thumb over the sensitive skin of Jack’s foot.
With a soul-deep sigh Jack finally lapsed into silence. He rolled onto his side, but did not pull away from the Doctor.
“Sometimes…I sometimes wonder if that’s all there is,” Jack whispered. “What did I do to deserve have my memory wiped? I’ve spent so many years drifting from place to place, living from scam to scam. I trade goods and sometimes my body. And I’m damn good at it. What if…”
Jack drew a trembling breath. “What if everything that I do remember is a lie? What if I was never a time agent, never anything except what I am now?”
The Doctor shifted a little closer to Jack, but never broke contact.
Jack struggled to remain calm. “I’ve got this goddamn hole where memory should be. I feel like there should be something there, but…maybe I’m just crazy and there isn’t anything worth remembering.”
The Doctor allowed the silence to settle around them. He began to speak softly, as though simply thinking aloud.
“My people are - or were, I suppose - psychic. Did you know that? Oh, not in that carnival, fortune-teller way. It’s more like a…a connection, an open com line. Or a radio left on in the background - not always conscious of it, but it’s there just the same.”
As the Doctor became lost in thought, his hand began to move along Jack’s leg. His palm slid up over the hair-roughened shin, and fingertips glided down the calf muscle. Up and down he moved, but seemed unaware of what he was doing.
Jack tensed momentarily at the change, but did not pull away.
“Bloody annoying, they were,” said the Doctor. “Always trying to tell me how to live and what to do. Always trying to force me into their narrow little existence. Wherever or whenever I went, there they were, poking me in the back of my mind.
“They’d drag me home every so often, put me on trial or chastise me, or worse.” He grinned briefly as he said ‘worse.’ “I spent most of my life wishing they would just leave me alone. And now they have.”
Jack didn’t know what to say. So he simply reached out and laid his hand on the Doctor’s knee, silently letting him know he wasn’t alone.
The Doctor looked at Jack and found the other man watching him. As they gazed into one another’s eyes, the two men shared a moment of understanding.
With a faint smile, the Doctor mused, “That’s why I don’t keep still. If I’m busy then I don’t have time to listen for something that’s not there. But you know what that’s like, don’t you, Captain?”
“One con to the next, or affair or whatever. Keeps the wolf away.”
“But it can be very lonely.”
“Yeah.” Jack dropped his eyes to watch the Doctor’s hand move along his calf.
“Doesn’t have to be, you know.” The Doctor paused in his caress. “I think I would have died from the loneliness - or the attempt to ignore it - if I hadn’t gone to Earth. Or maybe I would have died there and it would have all finally been over.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was chasing the Nestene Consciousness and met a human who reminded me that…” his voice trailed off.
“Rose.”
“Rose. There was this immediate connection. It was as though the echoing emptiness inside was a little less empty. She saved my life. And my soul, so to speak. If you believe in such things.” The Doctor resumed his stroking motion as he talked. “She has such a generous spirit - no malice at all in that girl. A heart big as the known universe. An innocence that leaves her open to so much, good and bad…”
“Is she going to be okay?” Jack asked.
“Of course. She’s a strong one, Rose is. It’ll take a little time, but she’ll get through it.”
“I hope I get to see that.”
The Doctor looked at Jack in surprise. “You planning to go somewhere?”
“Sort of. I guess that depends on you.”
“Me?”
Jack tried to pull his leg away, but the Doctor held it in place.
“We had a conversation my first night aboard the TARDIS. Well, you talked. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. You said if I ever did anything to hurt Rose - anything - that I’d be dumped on the next planet we came to, atmosphere optional.”
“Ah.”
“You made it pretty clear that Rose was off limits. Private property, in fact. Not in so many words, but…” Jack chanced a look at the Doctor. “Of course, I’d already got that message when I stepped aboard - that look you gave me after dancing with Rose pretty much yelled ‘Mine!’”
“Jack-”
“I’d understand if you dumped me somewhere. I deserve it.”
“Jack, you don’t deserve-”
“I fucked her, Doc! More than once. And enjoyed it, if you want to know.”
“I saw you,” the Doctor said. “You don’t need to go into details. In fact I’d prefer you didn’t.”
“Then-”
“Shut up, Jack. You’re not going anywhere. Unless, of course, you want to leave the TARDIS.”
Jack looked shocked.
“The truth is that you were as much a victim as Rose. You acted under the influence of some pretty heavy drugs. You wouldn’t have done anything like that otherwise, right?”
“Well, I do have this fantasy about you and me and…” Jack left the thought unfinished.
“Do you want to leave us, Jack?”
“Hell, no! I haven’t been here all that long but it feels like…well, like home. Like I belong.”
“That’s settled, then.” The Doctor grinned.
“You have a very forgiving nature.”
“Actually, I don’t.” He brooded for a moment. “Rose, does. A generous heart.”
“So, you think she’ll forgive me?”
“It’ll be a little strange between you for a while, I’m sure. Humans tend to attach a lot of emotion - positive and negative - to anything sexual. But yeah. She’ll forgive you.” The Doctor rested his hand against Jack’s knee. “You could speed up the process, you know.”
“How?”
“Forgive yourself.”
They were silent for several minutes. Jack broke the silence.
“So, we’re okay, then? You and me?”
“Of course.”
“And if I tell you something potentially awkward, it won’t affect our relationship?”
The Doctor looked puzzled. “I sincerely doubt there is anything you can say that would do that.”
“Glad to hear it. Because that whole stroking thing you’ve been doing to my leg has me seriously turned on.” Jack rolled over slightly to reveal his fully erect cock.
The Doctor’s gaze flicked between Jack’s erection and his eyes. “What exactly do you expect me to do about it?” he asked, the picture of innocence.
“What do I…?” Jack sputtered indignantly before noticing his smirk.
“Well, since you asked,” purred Jack, pouncing on the Doctor.
The sudden weight of an aroused body against his sent the Doctor’s mind reeling. He instinctively responded to Jack’s passionate kiss, reveling in the way their tongues dueled for dominance.
It was the hot hand against his bare stomach that brought the Doctor to his senses. He tore his mouth away with a gasp. Moving quickly he rolled Jack beneath him and grabbed Jack’s hands, pinning them over his head.
“Doctor,” protested Jack.
“No. I’m sorry, Jack, but this is not a good idea.” The Doctor tried to hold Jack still.
“Then why the hell did you kiss me back?” Jack thrust his hips upward, grinding against the other man’s groin.
The Doctor moaned at the contact. “I’m trying to do the right thing, here. Hold still.”
“Why?”
“Jack, listen to me. You’re still under the influence of the drugs.” He slid off Jack’s body.
“What the hell are you talking about? I’ve been coming on to you since I got here.” He twisted and rolled until the Doctor was pinned beneath him. “Drugs or not, I want you - always have.”
The Doctor was suddenly unable to catch his breath. Jack insinuated one muscled thigh between his and rubbed it against his cock. The sensation of Jack between his thighs, pressing him into the mattress was wildly exciting and a hoarse moan escaped his lips.
“Unless I’m misreading your body language, Doc, you want me, too,” growled Jack as he dropped rough kisses along the Doctor’s throat.
A sharp nip at his collarbone snapped the Doctor from his daze. He quickly rolled his body and, letting go of Jack, used the momentum to propel himself off the bed.
Jack turned his head to glare at the Doctor. “Well, you’re just full of surprises,” he drawled. “I never figured you for a cock-tease.”
The Doctor’s jaw clenched at the barb, but he showed no other reaction. Turning to leave, he paused at the door. “I’m sorry, Jack. More than I can say.” The door closed quietly behind him.
“Doctor, wait!” Jack jumped up from the bed and scrambled into his jeans, carefully doing the zipper as he hurried after the Time Lord.
“Doctor!”
The Doctor paused, looking back over his shoulder to where Jack stood.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. It’s just that I was feeling a little…frustrated.” Jack took a tentative step forward. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not angry with you, Jack. But this is what I was trying to tell you. You’re not yourself right now.” He grinned slightly. “If it makes you feel any better, I had this same…discussion with Rose earlier.”
“Oh. Well, I’m glad it’s not just me.” He ran his hands through his hair. “The effects aren’t permanent are they?”
“No. The worst is almost over. Another couple of weeks and you’ll be right as rain.” The Doctor grinned at his friend. “We’ll just put this down to bad chemistry, shall we?”
“Bad chemicals maybe. Personally, I think we’ve got good chemistry.”
“Good night, Captain Harkness.”
“Night, Doc,” Jack replied wistfully.
The Doctor looked at Jack thoughtfully for a moment and then walked toward him. He brushed a light kiss against his cheek and then continued on his way. “Pleasant dreams,” he called without looking back.
Jack reached up to touch his cheek. “Bastard,” he called back, although the softness of his tone made it more of an endearment than a curse.
---- ---- ---- ----
The door to the TARDIS flew open and Jack and Rose rushed in, slamming the door behind them. They leaned against the door, panting.
They were covered with mud and twigs and…feathers?
“Everything alright?” the Doctor asked, fighting not to smile.
“Fine,” panted Rose.
“Couldn’t be better. Why?” asked Jack.
“No reason. Just wondered.” He watched them move across the control room, leaving mucky footprints behind. “Mind taking off your shoes. I’m not cleaning up after you.”
Rose and Jack looked at their feet, then at each other, then at the Doctor. “Actually, we’re not wearing any,” explained Jack. “Kinda lost them along the way.”
Rose grinned at him. “There were these bandits, see. Had to take a slight detour to get away. Through a bit of mud.”
“Ah. Well. Better go get cleaned up,” was all the Doctor said. He grinned as they scurried out of the control room.
When he was sure they were gone, he left the TARDIS and quickly entered the forest. “Arli? Arli, are you there?”
There were heavy footsteps and a large man appeared from behind a boulder. “Hello, Doctor? Everything go as you hoped?”
“Thank you, yes. I think they’ll be fine now.” The Doctor smiled at his old friend. “I should be asking if you are alright.”
The large man laughed as he looked at his torn clothes and cuts. “This is nothing. They did put up quite a fight - especially the little female.” He laughed again. “It was fun, but strange. I’m not usually asked to attack people.”
“I was beginning to worry that they’d never regain their confidence. I figured if they met their worst nightmare - no offense - of being attacked, then maybe they could get past it.” He reached out and shook hands with the large man. “I know this isn’t the usual thing a psychiatrist does, but I appreciate you doing it.”
The Doctor quickly returned to the TARDIS, and was fiddling with some controls when Jack and Rose entered. “Much better,” he smiled at them.
He was relieved to see the sparkle back in their eyes. He’d missed their boundless enthusiasm for all things new.
For the first week, they had refused to leave the TARDIS. And when they did go out, they stayed close, and shied away from other people. The Doctor had been afraid that they would no longer be able to go exploring.
It gradually got better, but the Doctor decided shock therapy would be best. And he had been right, of course.
“Where to?” asked Jack eagerly.
“Japan,” was the Doctor’s prompt reply. At their confused look he shrugged. “I’ve got a yen.”
“I can’t believe you said that,” groaned Rose. “Seriously, why Japan?”
“Why not? You’ve never been, have you?”
“No.”
“Good. Kyoto, I think. Maybe mid-fourteenth century. What do you think?” He busily entered data into the console.
Rose rolled her eyes. “Bloody hell. I’m going to be dressed in another corset,” she muttered to Jack.
Jack burst out laughing.
“What was that? Did I miss something?” asked the Doctor.
“No, Doctor,” said Rose. “I was just saying…Oh, well. I better get dressed while you…get the course set. Period clothes, right?”
“Right you are. Off you go.”
Rose cleared her throat. “Doctor, before I forget again. I’ve been meaning to give this back to you.” She handed him the sonic screwdriver.
“I looked everywhere for that!”
“Not quite everywhere,” she muttered.
“Why? Where was it?”
“My, uh, my bedroom.”
The Doctor looked puzzled. “Whatever was it doing there?”
Rose smiled, blushed and backed toward the corridor.
The Doctor looked at the sonic screwdriver’s settings and frowned. “Why is it set like this? It’s barely able to resonate air let alone…” His eyes widened in shock as realization set in.
“Rose Tyler! I’ll have you know this is a potentially dangerous and highly sophisticated instrument. It is not, I repeat not a sex toy!”
“You sure about that?” Rose grinned at him, then quickly headed down the corridor.
Jack laughed and asked what setting she’d had it set at.
The Doctor looked up. “Why?”
“Just wondering,” he said innocently.
“Get your own. And here you thought you were so much more impressive with your sonic blaster,” he scoffed.
Jack left the control room, his laughter ringing through the corridor.
The doctor smiled fondly after them. He knew they would have to talk eventually, but was oddly happy to just drift along as they were. Mere words would not change anything. But humans were fond of words, of categorizing and analyzing everything.
They would definitely have to talk. But not yet. Adventure awaited.
He gently patted the console. “Kyoto.”
--FIN--
~~~~~~~~~
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed the adventure.