Fic: Only time will tell (Pre-Firefly/Pre-Doctor Who)
Fic: Only time will tell
Author: Ann
Fandom: Firefly/Doctor Who (pre-series for both)
Pairing/character: Simon Tam/Jack Harkness (memories)
Warnings: Memories of slashy encounters. Young Simon.
Rating (This chapter): PG
Summary: This had to be the last time he did this, the last time he to spoke or saw Simon. The man was definitely getting too close and was too curious for his own good; as much as Jack loved the sex, it was time to move on. Before Simon became too attached
Thanks to Starfire for the beta :)
Simon seemed a natural magnet for trouble no matter where or when, Jack noted with amusement as he watched the small figure dart from through the milling crowd.
He kept his head down and gaze on Simon. Avoiding meeting anyone's eyes, Jack followed him through the crowds; stepping between and moving around people in a natural fluid movement. Another time and he'd definitely have been taking a note of those around him. The Alliance, unobservant as some of them had to be not to notice Simon and corner him, were out in force today. Trying to stave off the dubious image they'd gained of late. And most of them looking pretty gorgeous along with it. Jack just had to appreciate someone in uniform, even though the outfit was ridiculously uptight and pompous .
He swallowed back a laugh at the memory of the first time he'd seen Simon in such a uniform, looking uncomfortable and ill-at-ease with it all. Hair ruffled and uniform hastily pulled on. Just as hastily pulled off too, Jack remembered with a grin, his steps becoming that little bit faster as he shadowed Simon.
This had to be the last time he did this, the last time he to spoke or saw Simon. The man was definitely getting too close and was too curious for his own good; as much as Jack loved the sex, it was time to move on. Before Simon became too attached. Especially as Jack had just heard a rumor of a possible new line of revenue. One which was as far away from Simon, and Osiris, as possible. Jack saw it as Fate giving him the hard nudge to move before his own itchy feet kicked in and pushed him to leave Simon, to find someone (or someones, even), else. And he really wasn't sure it was normal to be this interested in a person anyway.
Watching Simon slip around a corner, Jack hurried his steps noticing that he was heading towards a less-friendly area of the city. Turning the corner, he almost tripped over the boy who stood right in his path with arms crossed over his chest.
"You're following me." It wasn't a question, but Simon was staring up at him with curiosity in his eyes, even as he tried to make himself tall, crossing his arms all the tighter. Even with the difference in height, this was his Simon, right down to the scowl which looked more adorable than sexy on the diminutive version of his lover.
"Am I?" Jack smiled disarmingly, which had little effect on the child before him. If anything, Simon looked decidedly unimpressed and definitely unswayed.
"I saw you."
"Did you?" Jack wasn't surprised; Simon was observant as an adult, even if he often failed to put said observations into inoffensive words, and given what the man had told him about his curiosity as a child Jack had half-expected it. Given Simon's rigid leanings in the bedroom, the games they'd both shared, he should have anticipated the boy confronting him.
"You did, huh?" Jack sank down to one knee, though it only deepened Simon's scowl. "That was very smart of you, Simon."
"You know my name." Simon's surprise showed, the scowl smoothing out as he assessed Jack. "How? Who told you?"
You did, twenty years from now. Jack didn't voice the thought. Instead, he changed the subject, "You shouldn't be wandering around out here. It's dangerous."
Immediately the frown came back. No, more a pout, Jack decided; as Simon made himself tall again. "I'm not a baby!"
"Never said you were." Jack's lips twitched in amusement, giving way to a grin that had Simon looking uncertain as a long pause stretched between them. Simon, as the child was, didn't have adult restraint and within minutes he was less tense, shuffling his feet and trying to find words to come back with. Jack was sure if it had been his Simon, they'd have been bantering right now, or perhaps something more physical. "But it is dangerous, Simon and smart as you are, and I know just how smart that is, you should know better."
"You telling on me?" Simon's voice was more subdued now, as he looked everywhere else but at Jack, only glancing up briefly to meet the man's eyes and quickly look away once he'd asked his question. "Do you know my dad?"
"No, I'm not and yes-" That was the easiest, most simple answer for Simon to understand,"-I do. But I'm gonna make sure you get home okay." Jack resisted the urge to reach out and ruffle Simon's hair at the boy's expression. "What are you doing here anyway?"
Simon looked at him this time, less tense this time. "It's too noisy there."
"Where? At home?"
Simon nodded, "It's all noisy and smelly and they're all too busy now." The last part was almost a whine and Jack managed to tighten his lips and keep his composure at it.
"Too busy, huh? Your parents?" Even if Jack hadn't known just what, or rather who, Simon was talking about, he would have guessed. He never would have expected sibling rivalry or envy on Simon's part at any time but his lover had admitted to him, that for a while, he'd swayed between protective older brother and jealous sibling. It wouldn't be obvious in the future; Simon adored his sister and had gone to great lengths risking his life, physically and materially, to save her.
"Yes." Simon didn't look too happy; not miserable but annoyed. Very annoyed, Jack noted. "They said I could choose its name and now they won't let me, and they said I could play with it but they won't let me. All it does is scream and smell and make them all come running!" Simon's eyes flashed with anger, his small fists clenched as he poured out his woes to Jack, finally finishing with an indignant sniff. "River's a stupid name anyway."
"I can think of worse." Jack recalled the tale of a man named Susan; as well as another certain mercenary of whom he had fond memories, fond sticky and hot memories, years ago. Or not. More like in a couple of years...
"Hmmm." Simon didn't look impressed by Jack's lack of agreement. "I think it is."
"Maybe." Jack shook his head, "But trust me, it's better that I don't agree with you; I wouldn't want my ass kicked in the foreseeable future." The puzzled look Simon wore, the head-cocked-half-squint at him was one Jack wished he had some way of recording. Just to show his lover. "What were you doing here, anyway?"
Simon shrugged at that, pinkness spreading on his cheeks as he weighed his answer up before speaking. "Going to the hospital."
That was something new, something Simon hadn't told him. When he'd questioned the man, Simon had evaded the question easily by playing on Jack's weak spots. Pretty much teasing all his weak spots, with his tongue. "Really? Why's that?"
"Just because." Simon was speaking softly now, looking down at the floor then up at Jack under his lashes.
"Because?" Jack prompted; not pushing just because it was one of the few mysteries left about the man, and it intrigued him, but because Simon looked like he wanted to be asked. Wanted someone to pay attention.
It was obvious that Simon didn't want to answer at first but finally, he seemed to find himself; find who he would be as an adult, just for a moment, as a child. He looked directly at Jack, body straightened though not tense now and answered softly, "Because I want to do what the doctors there do."
"Really." This was interesting, part of the weird and wonderful 'verse of Simon. Jack paused, waiting to see if there was more. Simon looked like he still wanted to speak, wanted to talk to someone. Anyone who would listen.
"They helped people there. They helped my mother, and River. Lots of people were waiting, going in hurt and coming out healed and happier. I want to do that...and they said I could do that, when I had time." Simon took a deep breath, "And now I have time. Because everyone wants River."
Oh this was priceless. Much as Jack could empathize with the child, seeing this different side of Simon was giving him wonderful chance to understand the man. A wonderful chance to tease him too. Or it would, if he’d intended on seeing the adult Simon again. "It might feel that way, but you've gotta believe me that that's not true." Jack squeezed Simon's shoulder lightly, "I bet when you go home, your mom will have missed you, and your dad. And I bet River will be glad to see her big brother." He paused, testing the waters, seeing just how much rivalry was there. "If you want I could come back and take her away with me? Make it less noisy..."
Simon was staring at him, looking tempted for one moment before he shook his head vehemently, "No. No, you can't have her. We'll keep her."
"You sure?" Jack grinned at the determined look that came over Simon's face, the stubborn digging-heels-in-look.
"No. You'll just have to get your own River." Simon nodded firmly, convinced his choice was the best one.
"Alright then, don't say I never offer you anything." Jack winked at the bewilderment that crossed Simon's face, reaching out to take the child's hand and cut off the questions he could see coming. "You ready to go home now?"
"Will you come?" Simon was hesitant, though he took Jack's hand quickly, holding tightly as though he was afraid the man would disappear into thin air
"Yes," Though he'd leave Simon at the door. Jack couldn't afford Simon's parents getting a good look at him and he needed to get back to his ship.
"Are you going to take, River, though I said no?" The question was quiet, Simon gripping his hand tightly as if he could stop Jack doing so. The boy was staring up at him, eyes piercing as if he could see through Jack. It was disconcerting enough when the adult Simon did it but to see the child…it made Jack both want to get to the job fast, and to get to Simon. Or maybe run as far as possible. He wasn't sure.
"No. I swear." Jack squeezed Simon's hand reassuringly. He'd always imagined Simon to be a quiet and introverted child. The persona his lover would adopt would tended to lean people towards believing it. The calm, firm, pacifist doctor tended to outshine the passionate, confident man that Simon really was. Jack couldn't help wondering if it was Simon's childhood which had changed him, or the trauma which he and River went through. He had the weirdest desire to find out, which he firmly quashed.
"Kay' then…take me home?" Simon's words caught his attention as Jack looked down at the boy, and he smiled slightly, the shy smile on the boy's face making up his mind for him in a heartbeat.
"Just this once, Simon. Just once." It was time to let go.
Author: Ann
Fandom: Firefly/Doctor Who (pre-series for both)
Pairing/character: Simon Tam/Jack Harkness (memories)
Warnings: Memories of slashy encounters. Young Simon.
Rating (This chapter): PG
Summary: This had to be the last time he did this, the last time he to spoke or saw Simon. The man was definitely getting too close and was too curious for his own good; as much as Jack loved the sex, it was time to move on. Before Simon became too attached
Thanks to Starfire for the beta :)
Simon seemed a natural magnet for trouble no matter where or when, Jack noted with amusement as he watched the small figure dart from through the milling crowd.
He kept his head down and gaze on Simon. Avoiding meeting anyone's eyes, Jack followed him through the crowds; stepping between and moving around people in a natural fluid movement. Another time and he'd definitely have been taking a note of those around him. The Alliance, unobservant as some of them had to be not to notice Simon and corner him, were out in force today. Trying to stave off the dubious image they'd gained of late. And most of them looking pretty gorgeous along with it. Jack just had to appreciate someone in uniform, even though the outfit was ridiculously uptight and pompous .
He swallowed back a laugh at the memory of the first time he'd seen Simon in such a uniform, looking uncomfortable and ill-at-ease with it all. Hair ruffled and uniform hastily pulled on. Just as hastily pulled off too, Jack remembered with a grin, his steps becoming that little bit faster as he shadowed Simon.
This had to be the last time he did this, the last time he to spoke or saw Simon. The man was definitely getting too close and was too curious for his own good; as much as Jack loved the sex, it was time to move on. Before Simon became too attached. Especially as Jack had just heard a rumor of a possible new line of revenue. One which was as far away from Simon, and Osiris, as possible. Jack saw it as Fate giving him the hard nudge to move before his own itchy feet kicked in and pushed him to leave Simon, to find someone (or someones, even), else. And he really wasn't sure it was normal to be this interested in a person anyway.
Watching Simon slip around a corner, Jack hurried his steps noticing that he was heading towards a less-friendly area of the city. Turning the corner, he almost tripped over the boy who stood right in his path with arms crossed over his chest.
"You're following me." It wasn't a question, but Simon was staring up at him with curiosity in his eyes, even as he tried to make himself tall, crossing his arms all the tighter. Even with the difference in height, this was his Simon, right down to the scowl which looked more adorable than sexy on the diminutive version of his lover.
"Am I?" Jack smiled disarmingly, which had little effect on the child before him. If anything, Simon looked decidedly unimpressed and definitely unswayed.
"I saw you."
"Did you?" Jack wasn't surprised; Simon was observant as an adult, even if he often failed to put said observations into inoffensive words, and given what the man had told him about his curiosity as a child Jack had half-expected it. Given Simon's rigid leanings in the bedroom, the games they'd both shared, he should have anticipated the boy confronting him.
"You did, huh?" Jack sank down to one knee, though it only deepened Simon's scowl. "That was very smart of you, Simon."
"You know my name." Simon's surprise showed, the scowl smoothing out as he assessed Jack. "How? Who told you?"
You did, twenty years from now. Jack didn't voice the thought. Instead, he changed the subject, "You shouldn't be wandering around out here. It's dangerous."
Immediately the frown came back. No, more a pout, Jack decided; as Simon made himself tall again. "I'm not a baby!"
"Never said you were." Jack's lips twitched in amusement, giving way to a grin that had Simon looking uncertain as a long pause stretched between them. Simon, as the child was, didn't have adult restraint and within minutes he was less tense, shuffling his feet and trying to find words to come back with. Jack was sure if it had been his Simon, they'd have been bantering right now, or perhaps something more physical. "But it is dangerous, Simon and smart as you are, and I know just how smart that is, you should know better."
"You telling on me?" Simon's voice was more subdued now, as he looked everywhere else but at Jack, only glancing up briefly to meet the man's eyes and quickly look away once he'd asked his question. "Do you know my dad?"
"No, I'm not and yes-" That was the easiest, most simple answer for Simon to understand,"-I do. But I'm gonna make sure you get home okay." Jack resisted the urge to reach out and ruffle Simon's hair at the boy's expression. "What are you doing here anyway?"
Simon looked at him this time, less tense this time. "It's too noisy there."
"Where? At home?"
Simon nodded, "It's all noisy and smelly and they're all too busy now." The last part was almost a whine and Jack managed to tighten his lips and keep his composure at it.
"Too busy, huh? Your parents?" Even if Jack hadn't known just what, or rather who, Simon was talking about, he would have guessed. He never would have expected sibling rivalry or envy on Simon's part at any time but his lover had admitted to him, that for a while, he'd swayed between protective older brother and jealous sibling. It wouldn't be obvious in the future; Simon adored his sister and had gone to great lengths risking his life, physically and materially, to save her.
"Yes." Simon didn't look too happy; not miserable but annoyed. Very annoyed, Jack noted. "They said I could choose its name and now they won't let me, and they said I could play with it but they won't let me. All it does is scream and smell and make them all come running!" Simon's eyes flashed with anger, his small fists clenched as he poured out his woes to Jack, finally finishing with an indignant sniff. "River's a stupid name anyway."
"I can think of worse." Jack recalled the tale of a man named Susan; as well as another certain mercenary of whom he had fond memories, fond sticky and hot memories, years ago. Or not. More like in a couple of years...
"Hmmm." Simon didn't look impressed by Jack's lack of agreement. "I think it is."
"Maybe." Jack shook his head, "But trust me, it's better that I don't agree with you; I wouldn't want my ass kicked in the foreseeable future." The puzzled look Simon wore, the head-cocked-half-squint at him was one Jack wished he had some way of recording. Just to show his lover. "What were you doing here, anyway?"
Simon shrugged at that, pinkness spreading on his cheeks as he weighed his answer up before speaking. "Going to the hospital."
That was something new, something Simon hadn't told him. When he'd questioned the man, Simon had evaded the question easily by playing on Jack's weak spots. Pretty much teasing all his weak spots, with his tongue. "Really? Why's that?"
"Just because." Simon was speaking softly now, looking down at the floor then up at Jack under his lashes.
"Because?" Jack prompted; not pushing just because it was one of the few mysteries left about the man, and it intrigued him, but because Simon looked like he wanted to be asked. Wanted someone to pay attention.
It was obvious that Simon didn't want to answer at first but finally, he seemed to find himself; find who he would be as an adult, just for a moment, as a child. He looked directly at Jack, body straightened though not tense now and answered softly, "Because I want to do what the doctors there do."
"Really." This was interesting, part of the weird and wonderful 'verse of Simon. Jack paused, waiting to see if there was more. Simon looked like he still wanted to speak, wanted to talk to someone. Anyone who would listen.
"They helped people there. They helped my mother, and River. Lots of people were waiting, going in hurt and coming out healed and happier. I want to do that...and they said I could do that, when I had time." Simon took a deep breath, "And now I have time. Because everyone wants River."
Oh this was priceless. Much as Jack could empathize with the child, seeing this different side of Simon was giving him wonderful chance to understand the man. A wonderful chance to tease him too. Or it would, if he’d intended on seeing the adult Simon again. "It might feel that way, but you've gotta believe me that that's not true." Jack squeezed Simon's shoulder lightly, "I bet when you go home, your mom will have missed you, and your dad. And I bet River will be glad to see her big brother." He paused, testing the waters, seeing just how much rivalry was there. "If you want I could come back and take her away with me? Make it less noisy..."
Simon was staring at him, looking tempted for one moment before he shook his head vehemently, "No. No, you can't have her. We'll keep her."
"You sure?" Jack grinned at the determined look that came over Simon's face, the stubborn digging-heels-in-look.
"No. You'll just have to get your own River." Simon nodded firmly, convinced his choice was the best one.
"Alright then, don't say I never offer you anything." Jack winked at the bewilderment that crossed Simon's face, reaching out to take the child's hand and cut off the questions he could see coming. "You ready to go home now?"
"Will you come?" Simon was hesitant, though he took Jack's hand quickly, holding tightly as though he was afraid the man would disappear into thin air
"Yes," Though he'd leave Simon at the door. Jack couldn't afford Simon's parents getting a good look at him and he needed to get back to his ship.
"Are you going to take, River, though I said no?" The question was quiet, Simon gripping his hand tightly as if he could stop Jack doing so. The boy was staring up at him, eyes piercing as if he could see through Jack. It was disconcerting enough when the adult Simon did it but to see the child…it made Jack both want to get to the job fast, and to get to Simon. Or maybe run as far as possible. He wasn't sure.
"No. I swear." Jack squeezed Simon's hand reassuringly. He'd always imagined Simon to be a quiet and introverted child. The persona his lover would adopt would tended to lean people towards believing it. The calm, firm, pacifist doctor tended to outshine the passionate, confident man that Simon really was. Jack couldn't help wondering if it was Simon's childhood which had changed him, or the trauma which he and River went through. He had the weirdest desire to find out, which he firmly quashed.
"Kay' then…take me home?" Simon's words caught his attention as Jack looked down at the boy, and he smiled slightly, the shy smile on the boy's face making up his mind for him in a heartbeat.
"Just this once, Simon. Just once." It was time to let go.