Me, Myself and I
Summary: The rift is playing up again and only Jack's can stop it... Prompted by the Jack/Jack fest over at thewordsmithery this actually ended up being Jack/Jack/Jack.
Spoiler: Utopia onwards just to be sure
Ratings: Very adult. Graphic sex and a little teensy bit of angst. *edit* ok so I've been informed it may be more than a teeny bit of angst. To be safe, bring tissues.
Characters: Jack, Jack, Jack, Ianto, Owen, OC (name is a spoiler)
Jack bit back a scream as he edged closer to the rift manipulator, ignoring the static electricity scorching through his nerves, thumping through his bones as he tried to remain conscious long enough to make it to the core, to shut it down. He was vaguely aware that the fine hairs on the back of his hands were starting to fry from the heat, the smell filling the air as he stretched out, ignoring the shouts of his team, Ianto's yells as they held him back from trying to reach Jack, yelling at him to stop. He would have let out a weary sigh if he could have drawn breath in the charged atmosphere.
He has been hanging around the rift for what, a hundred years, and in all that time it had behaved itself but now, twice in one year he was having to sort out its mess. He could feel the energy levels rising and blinked for a moment as the ghost of another hand superimposed itself over his briefly. Great, now he was seeing double. He reached out with his last conscious thoughts and wrapped his fingers around the rift manipulator, grabbing the controls and wrenching the machine to a shuddering stop even as the excess energy grounded itself through him. As he hurtled towards oblivion once more he hoped that this was the last time the rift was going to kill him. He was getting sick of it by now...
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"Jack! Wake up and get your sweet arse over here, I need your help!" It was bright in the room, he knew that. He also knew every nerve in his body was still shrieking and spasming slightly as he breathed deeply, his lungs finally remembering what they were supposed to be doing and sending sweet oxygen into his veins. "Jack!" There was something familiar about that voice and it pulled him back to consciousness properly like a blast of cold air as he sat up way too fast, the room spinning as he tried to focus. "Jack!" He grabbed his head for a moment before finally focusing on the room, the very familiar yet weirdly... wrong... room. His room. But.. not. For starters his room didn't have such a huge bed in it. And if he was lying on the floor then how come he was in the bed... and beside the bed... and...
"Oh hell." Jack jumped to his feet and wobbled over to the bed, finally taking in the two other hims there, one pale and unmoving on the bed, his light blue T-shirt and jeans slightly scorched in places, the other dressed in a simple black polo neck top and grey trousers, his hair greying slightly at the temples, his body perhaps slightly rounder in places but still, unmistakeably, him. He moved to stand alongside future Jack and looked down at the younger man, pale and unmoving as future Jack desperately carried out CPR.
"Jack.... I need your help... You know how to do the whole kiss thing?" Jack nodded and moved over his younger self before glancing back up at his future.
"Do you not?" Future Jack shook his head slowly.
"Too... weak. Had to... do it twice already. Don't ask." Jack nodded and quickly leaned over himself, trying to ignore the little voice at the back of his brain going on about temporal anomalies and the end of the world and simply focused on his task, placing his hand gently over his younger selfs neck and rubbing a thumb across the cooling jaw slowly before kissing him gently. He let some of the excess energy flow from himself into his young form, finding the embers of his life and gently blowing onto them, sparking it slowly until he could feel warmth starting to spread beneath his fingertips, gently stirring through his younger self until he could pull back, literally giving him room to breathe. The young lungs took over, a shuddering breath coursing through the body as it shifted from death to mere unconsciousness, the battered brain taking it's time to recoup and recover. Future Jack stood back, staggering slightly and in an instant Jack was there, supporting him as he leaned heavily against the wall. "Thanks. It's been a long day."
"Tell me about it." Future Jack chuckled as they made their way slowly to the bed, Jack guiding his older self onto the bedspread and lying him next to their younger body before climbing up beside him and stretching out too, exhausted after dying and having to revive someone so soon. They both stared at the ceiling for a moment before Jack finally spoke again. "So how long until the universe explodes?" Future Jack chuckled softly and rested his hands on his stomach lightly, staring at the ceiling.
"Don't worry, we've got that under control. I've got a couple of friends stabilising things. No more questions about that, ok?" Jack nodded and found himself mirroring his future self's pose, hands resting on his chest and just listening to them all breathing steadily again, the same steady pace exactly but with slight variations. He sighed deeply and let himself sink into the bed, a slightly softer mattress than his current one too. He must get soft in his old age. Jack shifted to lie on his side, looking over his older self to take in the sleeping form of his past.
"So if we're not going to explode or anything how do we put things back the way they were?" Old Jack shifted to follow his gaze and stared so intently at their past before reaching out a hand to stroke his sleeping face gently.
"Do we want to?" Jack stretched out to place a hand on his older self arm and squeezed it gently.
"Yes. We have to. No regrets, remember?" Old Jack laughed and pulled back, turning to face Jack now and took his hand gently.
"It's harder to remember that as you carry on. But yeah, you're right. No regrets. Just.... well, maybe a couple of small ones." Jack nodded in understanding and looked up at the hatch above them, the sound of running footsteps overhead drawing his attention.
"Your team?" Old Jack nodded and grinned.
"They know what they're doing. As soon as you two appeared I dragged you down here and locked them out. Too risky. Timelines and all." Jack nodded and shifted his hand to intertwine their fingers slowly, the feeling of his own hand so weird and yet so right.
"So how long do we have to wait?" Old Jack shrugged and let his thumb trace gentle circles over Jack's palm, tickling him in exactly the right spot at the base of his palm to make him shiver slightly.
"A couple of hours at most. Nothing really. We'll pop you back pretty much at the exact moment you got caught up in the rift. We've learnt a lot in the past... well, since your time. Hell, if you hadn't of been messing around with the rift like that, and if hedgehog boy over there hadn't been messing with that damn booby trap this never would have happened." Jack chuckled and let his thumb mirror the gesture slowly, lingering over the slightly callused skin.
"Just dumb luck I guess." Old Jack nodded and closed his eyes for a moment.
"Dumb luck." Jack took a shaky breath as a tear escaped his older self eyes and let go of his hand, reaching out to stroke it away tenderly.
"Hey. Enough of that. You're in bed with two incredibly hot guys, that's no time for tears!" Old Jack laughed and shifted again, draping an arm across Jack's waist slowly, hesitantly feeling the familiar texture of the dark blue shirt.
"I'd forgotten about those shirts. And the braces." Old Jack's fingers traced up the red elastic slowly, his movements confident and yet hesitant, giving Jack any opportunity he wanted to stop him, to pull away. The fingers slipped under the red elastic slowly, stretching it as it was pushed slowly back off of Jack's shoulder. In response he twisted his arm out from it and slowly sat up, old Jack sitting with him, shifting until they were kneeling opposite eachother, breathing slightly too fast. Old Jack slid the other arm off tenderly, letting his fingers trace down Jack's sleeve hesitantly, as though remembering the touch. Jack could feel himself shivering slightly under the touch, unsure how he should react around... well himself. He had gotten used to being the experienced one, the leader in any situation but here, faced with a man who not only knew everything he knew but more he found himself unsure, nervous and a little afraid. Jack took a deep breath and did what he always did when he felt out of his depth.
Jack reached out a hand in return, wrapping his fingers gently around the side of his older self's neck carefully and pulled him forwards, leaning in to kiss him, softly as first but then as they got used to the feel of their own lips with increasing passion, melting into each other gently. It was strange, the taste of him was so familiar and yet subtly different, a slight edge of power to it that almost tasted like the Doctor used to, that tickle of energy at the back of his mouth as he tasted him sending shivers down his spine. He wondered idly if this was what he tasted like to others, to Ianto... He pulled back with a slight gasp and looked into his older self's eyes closely. "Those small regrets. Anyone in particular in that category?" Old Jack closed his eyes and sighed heavily for a moment.
"Everyone dies Jack, you know that already." He opened them again and the pain in them made his breath catch in his throat for a moment before something else replaced it. Something more... hopeful? Love? Happiness? Something... "Hang on to the moments. But don't worry Jack. It's going to be alright. I promise." Jack nodded slowly and leaned forwards again, letting his forehead rest against his future self's gently, hands sliding down to hold his shoulders firmly.
"Just answer me one question." He pulled back again. "Is it worth it?" Old Jack smiled suddenly, the broad grin on his face like the sun after a storm, lighting his features and warming Jack's heart.
"Oh hell yes. Every second." Jack grinned back and slid his hands back up to old Jack's face, holding him tightly as they kissed once more, old Jack's fingers fumbling slightly as they struggled with Jack's belt, trying to get a grip on the smooth leather, a task which should have been easy except his brain kept telling him to do things in reverse, remembering it the wrong way round. With a chuckle they broke off, old Jack switching tactics to pull his own dark top off whilst Jack struggled with his shirt buttons. "You know, you really should think about wearing less layers. They only get in the way." Jack chuckled and threw his shirt to the floor before stripping off his T-shirt too, taking in his older form with a critical eye.
"Well I guess when I start losing my figure I might worry about that. But from here it looks like I don't have to worry about that quite yet. Although..." Old Jack laughed and grabbed his wrists playfully.
"And I suppose you still have the coat too, flapping about like an overgrown bat everywhere." Jack tried to look indignant but simply ended up laughing again as he pretended to struggle against the grasp.
"Well at least we can agree on one thing." Old Jack frowned and stopped.
"What's that?" Jack nodded to his younger self who was starting to stir slightly.
"At least we don't have to put up with that haircut any more." Young Jack opened his eyes blearily and shivered a little as he rubbed his temples.
"Ow. Oh that hurt." He slowly focused on the two half naked men beside him on the bed and groaned loudly, letting his head sink down into the pillow once more. "Is the universe going to explode yet? Cos my head feels like it already did." Old Jack released Jack's wrists and leaned across his younger self to grab some water and pills from the bedside table, handing them to the young man carefully.
"No it's not. Take these, you'll feel better in a moment." Young Jack obeyed slightly hesitantly, swallowing the pills and draining the glass before pushing himself to sit up on the bed and take in his other selves curiously.
"So, you two are me right?" Both men nodded. "And not some alien trap or similar?" They shook their heads in unison. "Prove it. Tell me something only I would know." Both Jack's rolled their eyes in unison. Old Jack sat back and motioned to Jack to go first.
"Okay, something only you would know. The first night on the TARDIS you watched Rose and the Doctor dancing and that was the exact moment you fell in love with them both. You swore that no matter what happened you would love them always. Which is unusual for you because you try not to let anyone that close, not since...
"...since the agency. You fell in love for the first time there and it broke your heart so much you thought you'd never be whole again. And then you found them." Young Jack looked slightly scared but grinned sheepishly.
"So are you... are they here too?" Jack looked at old Jack and they both hesitated before turning back to young Jack.
"We can't say. Timelines..." Young Jack laughed and ran a hand through his short bristles before shifting once more, bending to sit cross legged on the bed.
"Ok, I get the point. So the universe isn't going to end, you two don't seem worried about our fate so I guess everything is going to turn out ok in the end. I just have one question left. What exactly was I interrupting when I woke up and if it is what I thought it was well..." He grinned wolfishly and leaned back against the headboard, his arms folded behind his head. "Don't stop on my account!" All three Jack's laughed and Jack took a deep breath before focusing on his older self again.
He reached out again, this time letting his hands slide around the slightly thicker waist to rest on his hips, shifting on the bed to get closer as a hand reached out for his face, pulling him in, the fingertips stroking just behind his ear gently and, oh, so that's what that felt like. Their mouths met and as they kissed he could taste himself again and feel himself grow harder as he finally let go of any doubts he had and just went with it, running his hands up old Jack's back, circling lightly on that sensitive spot at the base of his spine just enough to make him gasp.
A hand left his face as they broke off the kiss and trailed down his bare chest before tugging on his belt again, trying to free him. He didn't notice young Jack slip off the bed, didn't hear him move around the room until slim arms slid under his, reaching around from behind to effortlessly unfasten his belt, letting old Jack shift to run his hand through Jack's hair instead. Together they gently bore him down to the bed, old Jack lying with him and continuing their kiss as Young Jack stripped him quickly before leaning over to run a hand along old Jack's leg, climbing higher until he could tug on his plain grey trousers insistently. Jack shifted his attention to the young man now, tugging his blue t -shirt out of his jeans before making quick work of the slightly stiff denim and sliding a hand inside, releasing the young man from the confines of his clothes and running a thumb over the head of his cock slowly.
Old Jack shifted to slide out of his own trousers, kicking them off the bed impatiently and freeing young Jack's hands to allow him to strip off his t-shirt revealing pale skin and freckles that made old Jack smile for a moment as he watched his mortal self kick off his jeans impatiently before clambering onto the bed alongside them eagerly. He could barely remember being so young, so impatient, so.. cocky was definitely the word. Jack shifted on the bed to make room and when their gentle maneuvering stopped Jack was lying on his back between them, old Jack on his right, one leg resting over his, trapping him in place, whilst persistent fingers stroked along the front of his hips, circling lightly on that perculiar place right above his hip bone where he loved to be touched.
But of course his older self knew all about that, and knew exactly the right way to trail his fingertips down further, brushing ever so lightly over the thick curls before tracing along the deep veins of his cock teasingly. Young Jack was on his left, a hand on Jack's jaw turning him to kiss him deeply, a slightly too eager tongue slipping into his mouth then pulling back slightly as if surprised by what he found. Jack stared at his young self, seeing the moment of doubt pass across young features for a second before with a determined sigh he leaned down again, pressing against Jack's side, his cock rubbing against Jack's side wantonly until Jack reached out a hand to grip it gently, letting his younger self thrust into his closed fist as they kissed once more.
He didn't know when old Jack retrieved the lube, only knew the touch on his cock lifted away for a moment before the back of a hand gently pressed his thighs apart, the weight on his leg shifting as old Jack slid down the bed, repositioning himself between Jack's spread thighs. Jack wasn't completely unaware of what his future self was doing but still couldn't help a gasp of surprise escaping him as a tongue stroked gently along the base of his cock then down, trailing over his balls before blowing on them gently. Jack broke off from the kiss and resumed his determined stroking of his younger self even as he felt the tongue move lower, circling around his rim slowly before just the very tip hardened and pressed against him, sliding through the rim of muscle and penetrating him just enough to trace around the inside of him, hitting the sensitive entrance in exactly the right spot to make him buck his hips up into empty air, desperate for something firm, something to grip him, some kind of friction.
A groan from young Jack made him look down and he realised that old Jack's hand was stretched around the young mans body, his hand disappearing behind that firm young arse and, from the look on his younger self's face, he was being penetrated gently, fingers moving within him, preparing him for one of them. Jack closed his eyes again as a mouth descended over his prick, enveloping him in warmth and wet, slick heat as a tongue rasped along him firmly, the tip hardening over the shaft before going flat to glide over the head, then firm again as the tip probed at him gently, tasting him, prompting a chuckle to run through the old Jack that sent shudders through Jack's body in return. Young Jack was writhing under the attention of their fingers, one from behind, one from the front, and a soft whimper escaped him as they drove him close to the edge.
Jack groaned as the mouth left him again and slick fingers replaced the pressure, sliding over his hot flesh and preparing him even as he was aware that young Jack was pulling back from his grasp, following some other instruction as he knelt on the bed, swinging one leg over Jack's chest and pinning him down. Jack watched, transfixed as old Jack gripped him firmly, guiding him into his younger self slowly until with a soft sigh young Jack eased down, impaling himself on Jack's stiff cock slowly, stuttering down onto him until he was completely buried in his young self, watching the expressions on his younger face and wondering if the exact same look was on his face now. His legs shifted together as old Jack moved again, sitting astride his legs now as he let his slick hand slide around young Jack, gripping him firmly as he moved between them.
Jack let his hands slide up his younger self's thighs, gripping his hips gently, his thumb digging carefully into the muscles and watching as his older self handled the younger mans prick expertly, sliding along him as he bucked, twisting at the end in just the right spot before sliding over the head and down again. Jack thrust up into his younger self hungrily, enjoying the feel of his tight embrace, the warmth of him pressing down on Jack, pinning him to the bed, just fascinated by the looks running across his mortal self's face, the youth, the hopefulness, the sheer innocence of him sending shivers through Jack's spine as he watched. He was aware that his future self was whispering softly into the young mans ear, nibbling at the side of his neck tenderly even as his eyes watched Jack closely, the age of them, the shared knowledge of what fate awaited this youth running between them like lightning and keeping them apart from him, even as they both worked him eagerly, wanting to feel that young, that free, that alive just once more.
Both men could feel that shiver run through the young man's body that meant he was close, could feel him speed up, driving himself harder, faster, slamming down onto Jack's hips in a way that would surely leave bruises. His thighs clenched tight around Jack's hips as old Jack pumped him harder, knowing exactly what he needed and giving it to him, working him hard until with a oh so familiar shout he came over them, slumping back against old Jack tiredly, collapsing slightly even as he kept moving, his thighs trembling with the strain. Old Jack held him gently, arms wrapping around his young chest and continuing to whisper to him, words of encouragement or warning Jack wasn't sure. He lay still, lost in the sensation of being in the young man for a little longer until with a whimper the youth lifted himself up, shifting to lie on the bed beside them and holding out his arms to Jack. Old Jack stood for a moment, nodding to Jack who without a word rolled over to lie on top of his younger self, pressing against his taut belly tightly.
He could feel old Jack shifting on the bed behind him, felt hands arranging his legs gently, parting them again as young Jack spread his legs beneath him, wrapping around him slowly, embracing him fully. Hands stroked across his back gently and they kissed again, tongues entwining slowly as old Jack slid a slick finger into him carefully, stroking inside him so gently yet at the same time firm, hitting exactly the right angle, the right depth, with every gentle thrust and making Jack gasp into his younger self's mouth. He moved to rest his chin against his younger self's shoulder as the young man nibbled gently at his neck. When a second finger entered him he bit down slightly on the young skin, tasting familiar flavours, the soap they had on the TARDIS, a slight waft of Jackie's fabric conditioner, that faint trace of the Doctor's scent, tastes so familiar but evoking such strong memories that a small sob escaped him, prompting his young self to reach up and run a hand through his hair soothingly.
"Shhhhh. It's ok. We've got you." The gentle whisper, the confident hope in the tone sent Jack moving, thrusting gently against the young mans stomach, sliding slickly across his skin as the fingers withdrew gently, stretching him as they left and were replaced a moment later by a firmer pressure, insistent, demanding. Jack stopped moving and shifted to rest on his arms, staring intently down at his younger self, drawing strength from the stare as the pressure increased almost too much before with a sigh he felt himself being penetrated, old Jack sliding into him almost effortlessly, a bitten back moan behind him as the weight on his hips increased, a hand sliding along his spine and down to his hips as another hand pressed into the bed beside them, taking his weight as he began to thrust into his younger self.
Jack groaned as old Jack thrust deeply, hitting his prostrate with a force that made Jack cry out. He had always longed to be taken this way, with such force, and of course old Jack knew exactly how to do it, exactly how much pressure to use, exactly where the line between pleasure and pain lay. Jack could feel his prick trapped against young Jack's stomach as the younger man stroked his back, his neck, his hair gently, old Jack's hand on his hip, guiding him, moving him slowly to thrust against the youngsters belly. He knew he couldn't last much longer, the pleasure of both of them, the sheer insanity of it all pushing him closer to the edge. He could feel old Jack pick up the pace behind him, sensing it, and he moved with him, letting him take control, guide him.
It was right there, at the very edge of his orgasm, trapped between the pair of them, being driven crazy by the sensations, the familiar smells, the perfect touches and soft sighs that he noticed it, the gentle tickle at the back of mind so exactly like his own thoughts he hadn't even spotted it until now, until this moment of release, the similar feeling in his older self opening him up completely. Jack gasped at the sensations then the moment seemed to freeze as old Jack noticed him and if a mind could smile he did. Jack could feel him, his age, his love, his hope, less naive than his youth but still full of life, full of joy despite all the sadness. There was something out there, in this time, someone keeping him going like Ianto was in his. And the hope of that, the sheer joy of knowing that he was going to be ok knocked him over the edge, spiralling into his orgasm as he came with a scream, one simple message sent through the bond between them as his older self came too, pumping hotly into him.
Tell Ianto I love him. Always have. Always will....
Jack collapsed into his younger self's arms tiredly, the youth holding him gently, soothing him as old Jack pulled back before gently pushing them apart, moving to collapse beside them, entangled in each others arms. There was no need for words, no need for blushes or embarassment. As sleep overtook them they settled close together, warm and safe and whole as if they had all the time in the world...
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Jack fell back through the rift, landing heavily on his arse beside the rift manipulator and wincing as he slammed his head into the floor, stars rising in front of his eyes as the sound of the machine humming faded away beside him. He fought unconsciousness as running footsteps came over to him and warm hands lifted his head gently, a soft knee sliding under it, supporting him. "Jack! Jack, it's ok, I got you." He opened his eyes fuzzily to make out Ianto bent over him, stroking the hair out of his face gently. Jack grinned soppily and reached up a hand to stroke along his jaw softly.
"What's a.. good looking guy like you.. doing in a dive like this?" Ianto laughed, relief and joy flooding through his features as he leaned over to hug Jack as much as he could, Owen crouching beside them and trying to examine Jack.
"Well, he's still Jack then. Come on Ianto, make yourself useful and help me get him down to the autopsy room." Jack let himself be helped up and glanced at the rift manipulator, serene and peaceful again and looked round to Tosh.
"Is it safe?" She nodded slightly hesitantly.
"There was a surge when you deactivated it, for a moment we thought we were going to lose you but then it just... stopped. Almost as if someone else was controlling it." Jack grinned lopsidedly and leaned heavily on Owen and Ianto as they helped him down the stairs. He just hoped Owen wouldn't be able to tell what exactly he had been up to in those lost milliseconds. He felt a moments regret that his young self had opted to take the retcon before being sent back. He would have loved to know what it was his older self had told him. But it didn't matter, he had his own message to pass on to Ianto. But not now. Later. After all, there was plenty of time for that. A whole lifetime in fact.
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Old Jack shut down the manipulator with a weary sigh and didn't look up as the door rolled over and running footsteps echoed across the floor before thin arms wrapped themselves around his waist. "Are you ok? Did it work?" He nodded tiredly and turned to pull the young woman into his embrace gently, stroking a hand through her hair slowly.
"It's fine. All fixed. Where are the others?" She looked up at him, fierce blue eyes shining as she hugged him close, her dark hair brushing against her shoulders as she spoke, her gentle welsh lilt making his heart sing.
"Just upstairs. They sent me down... Well ok, they tried to keep me up there until it was all clear but I wouldn't let them." Old Jack laughed and pulled her tight again.
"You are incorrigible. Now..." he pushed her away gently. "Why don't you help your old man upstairs, I think it's time we went home, don't you?" She laughed brightly and slipped her arm around his waist, supporting his weight gently.
"Come on then dad." They walked slowly through the hub, Jack leaning on his daughter's slender frame as he watched her closely, a sight he could never tire of. She looked so much like her father it took his breath away. As they made it to the stairs he held tightly on to her and kissed the top of her head. "What was that for?" She looked up at him in surprise. He grinned and gazed down at her.
"Just because." She rolled her eyes at him and pushed him up the stairs, muttering about senile old men under her breath. He just smiled and held on to her tightly. She was his. His reason for living.
His Hope.
Spoiler: Utopia onwards just to be sure
Ratings: Very adult. Graphic sex and a little teensy bit of angst. *edit* ok so I've been informed it may be more than a teeny bit of angst. To be safe, bring tissues.
Characters: Jack, Jack, Jack, Ianto, Owen, OC (name is a spoiler)
Jack bit back a scream as he edged closer to the rift manipulator, ignoring the static electricity scorching through his nerves, thumping through his bones as he tried to remain conscious long enough to make it to the core, to shut it down. He was vaguely aware that the fine hairs on the back of his hands were starting to fry from the heat, the smell filling the air as he stretched out, ignoring the shouts of his team, Ianto's yells as they held him back from trying to reach Jack, yelling at him to stop. He would have let out a weary sigh if he could have drawn breath in the charged atmosphere.
He has been hanging around the rift for what, a hundred years, and in all that time it had behaved itself but now, twice in one year he was having to sort out its mess. He could feel the energy levels rising and blinked for a moment as the ghost of another hand superimposed itself over his briefly. Great, now he was seeing double. He reached out with his last conscious thoughts and wrapped his fingers around the rift manipulator, grabbing the controls and wrenching the machine to a shuddering stop even as the excess energy grounded itself through him. As he hurtled towards oblivion once more he hoped that this was the last time the rift was going to kill him. He was getting sick of it by now...
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"Jack! Wake up and get your sweet arse over here, I need your help!" It was bright in the room, he knew that. He also knew every nerve in his body was still shrieking and spasming slightly as he breathed deeply, his lungs finally remembering what they were supposed to be doing and sending sweet oxygen into his veins. "Jack!" There was something familiar about that voice and it pulled him back to consciousness properly like a blast of cold air as he sat up way too fast, the room spinning as he tried to focus. "Jack!" He grabbed his head for a moment before finally focusing on the room, the very familiar yet weirdly... wrong... room. His room. But.. not. For starters his room didn't have such a huge bed in it. And if he was lying on the floor then how come he was in the bed... and beside the bed... and...
"Oh hell." Jack jumped to his feet and wobbled over to the bed, finally taking in the two other hims there, one pale and unmoving on the bed, his light blue T-shirt and jeans slightly scorched in places, the other dressed in a simple black polo neck top and grey trousers, his hair greying slightly at the temples, his body perhaps slightly rounder in places but still, unmistakeably, him. He moved to stand alongside future Jack and looked down at the younger man, pale and unmoving as future Jack desperately carried out CPR.
"Jack.... I need your help... You know how to do the whole kiss thing?" Jack nodded and moved over his younger self before glancing back up at his future.
"Do you not?" Future Jack shook his head slowly.
"Too... weak. Had to... do it twice already. Don't ask." Jack nodded and quickly leaned over himself, trying to ignore the little voice at the back of his brain going on about temporal anomalies and the end of the world and simply focused on his task, placing his hand gently over his younger selfs neck and rubbing a thumb across the cooling jaw slowly before kissing him gently. He let some of the excess energy flow from himself into his young form, finding the embers of his life and gently blowing onto them, sparking it slowly until he could feel warmth starting to spread beneath his fingertips, gently stirring through his younger self until he could pull back, literally giving him room to breathe. The young lungs took over, a shuddering breath coursing through the body as it shifted from death to mere unconsciousness, the battered brain taking it's time to recoup and recover. Future Jack stood back, staggering slightly and in an instant Jack was there, supporting him as he leaned heavily against the wall. "Thanks. It's been a long day."
"Tell me about it." Future Jack chuckled as they made their way slowly to the bed, Jack guiding his older self onto the bedspread and lying him next to their younger body before climbing up beside him and stretching out too, exhausted after dying and having to revive someone so soon. They both stared at the ceiling for a moment before Jack finally spoke again. "So how long until the universe explodes?" Future Jack chuckled softly and rested his hands on his stomach lightly, staring at the ceiling.
"Don't worry, we've got that under control. I've got a couple of friends stabilising things. No more questions about that, ok?" Jack nodded and found himself mirroring his future self's pose, hands resting on his chest and just listening to them all breathing steadily again, the same steady pace exactly but with slight variations. He sighed deeply and let himself sink into the bed, a slightly softer mattress than his current one too. He must get soft in his old age. Jack shifted to lie on his side, looking over his older self to take in the sleeping form of his past.
"So if we're not going to explode or anything how do we put things back the way they were?" Old Jack shifted to follow his gaze and stared so intently at their past before reaching out a hand to stroke his sleeping face gently.
"Do we want to?" Jack stretched out to place a hand on his older self arm and squeezed it gently.
"Yes. We have to. No regrets, remember?" Old Jack laughed and pulled back, turning to face Jack now and took his hand gently.
"It's harder to remember that as you carry on. But yeah, you're right. No regrets. Just.... well, maybe a couple of small ones." Jack nodded in understanding and looked up at the hatch above them, the sound of running footsteps overhead drawing his attention.
"Your team?" Old Jack nodded and grinned.
"They know what they're doing. As soon as you two appeared I dragged you down here and locked them out. Too risky. Timelines and all." Jack nodded and shifted his hand to intertwine their fingers slowly, the feeling of his own hand so weird and yet so right.
"So how long do we have to wait?" Old Jack shrugged and let his thumb trace gentle circles over Jack's palm, tickling him in exactly the right spot at the base of his palm to make him shiver slightly.
"A couple of hours at most. Nothing really. We'll pop you back pretty much at the exact moment you got caught up in the rift. We've learnt a lot in the past... well, since your time. Hell, if you hadn't of been messing around with the rift like that, and if hedgehog boy over there hadn't been messing with that damn booby trap this never would have happened." Jack chuckled and let his thumb mirror the gesture slowly, lingering over the slightly callused skin.
"Just dumb luck I guess." Old Jack nodded and closed his eyes for a moment.
"Dumb luck." Jack took a shaky breath as a tear escaped his older self eyes and let go of his hand, reaching out to stroke it away tenderly.
"Hey. Enough of that. You're in bed with two incredibly hot guys, that's no time for tears!" Old Jack laughed and shifted again, draping an arm across Jack's waist slowly, hesitantly feeling the familiar texture of the dark blue shirt.
"I'd forgotten about those shirts. And the braces." Old Jack's fingers traced up the red elastic slowly, his movements confident and yet hesitant, giving Jack any opportunity he wanted to stop him, to pull away. The fingers slipped under the red elastic slowly, stretching it as it was pushed slowly back off of Jack's shoulder. In response he twisted his arm out from it and slowly sat up, old Jack sitting with him, shifting until they were kneeling opposite eachother, breathing slightly too fast. Old Jack slid the other arm off tenderly, letting his fingers trace down Jack's sleeve hesitantly, as though remembering the touch. Jack could feel himself shivering slightly under the touch, unsure how he should react around... well himself. He had gotten used to being the experienced one, the leader in any situation but here, faced with a man who not only knew everything he knew but more he found himself unsure, nervous and a little afraid. Jack took a deep breath and did what he always did when he felt out of his depth.
Jack reached out a hand in return, wrapping his fingers gently around the side of his older self's neck carefully and pulled him forwards, leaning in to kiss him, softly as first but then as they got used to the feel of their own lips with increasing passion, melting into each other gently. It was strange, the taste of him was so familiar and yet subtly different, a slight edge of power to it that almost tasted like the Doctor used to, that tickle of energy at the back of his mouth as he tasted him sending shivers down his spine. He wondered idly if this was what he tasted like to others, to Ianto... He pulled back with a slight gasp and looked into his older self's eyes closely. "Those small regrets. Anyone in particular in that category?" Old Jack closed his eyes and sighed heavily for a moment.
"Everyone dies Jack, you know that already." He opened them again and the pain in them made his breath catch in his throat for a moment before something else replaced it. Something more... hopeful? Love? Happiness? Something... "Hang on to the moments. But don't worry Jack. It's going to be alright. I promise." Jack nodded slowly and leaned forwards again, letting his forehead rest against his future self's gently, hands sliding down to hold his shoulders firmly.
"Just answer me one question." He pulled back again. "Is it worth it?" Old Jack smiled suddenly, the broad grin on his face like the sun after a storm, lighting his features and warming Jack's heart.
"Oh hell yes. Every second." Jack grinned back and slid his hands back up to old Jack's face, holding him tightly as they kissed once more, old Jack's fingers fumbling slightly as they struggled with Jack's belt, trying to get a grip on the smooth leather, a task which should have been easy except his brain kept telling him to do things in reverse, remembering it the wrong way round. With a chuckle they broke off, old Jack switching tactics to pull his own dark top off whilst Jack struggled with his shirt buttons. "You know, you really should think about wearing less layers. They only get in the way." Jack chuckled and threw his shirt to the floor before stripping off his T-shirt too, taking in his older form with a critical eye.
"Well I guess when I start losing my figure I might worry about that. But from here it looks like I don't have to worry about that quite yet. Although..." Old Jack laughed and grabbed his wrists playfully.
"And I suppose you still have the coat too, flapping about like an overgrown bat everywhere." Jack tried to look indignant but simply ended up laughing again as he pretended to struggle against the grasp.
"Well at least we can agree on one thing." Old Jack frowned and stopped.
"What's that?" Jack nodded to his younger self who was starting to stir slightly.
"At least we don't have to put up with that haircut any more." Young Jack opened his eyes blearily and shivered a little as he rubbed his temples.
"Ow. Oh that hurt." He slowly focused on the two half naked men beside him on the bed and groaned loudly, letting his head sink down into the pillow once more. "Is the universe going to explode yet? Cos my head feels like it already did." Old Jack released Jack's wrists and leaned across his younger self to grab some water and pills from the bedside table, handing them to the young man carefully.
"No it's not. Take these, you'll feel better in a moment." Young Jack obeyed slightly hesitantly, swallowing the pills and draining the glass before pushing himself to sit up on the bed and take in his other selves curiously.
"So, you two are me right?" Both men nodded. "And not some alien trap or similar?" They shook their heads in unison. "Prove it. Tell me something only I would know." Both Jack's rolled their eyes in unison. Old Jack sat back and motioned to Jack to go first.
"Okay, something only you would know. The first night on the TARDIS you watched Rose and the Doctor dancing and that was the exact moment you fell in love with them both. You swore that no matter what happened you would love them always. Which is unusual for you because you try not to let anyone that close, not since...
"...since the agency. You fell in love for the first time there and it broke your heart so much you thought you'd never be whole again. And then you found them." Young Jack looked slightly scared but grinned sheepishly.
"So are you... are they here too?" Jack looked at old Jack and they both hesitated before turning back to young Jack.
"We can't say. Timelines..." Young Jack laughed and ran a hand through his short bristles before shifting once more, bending to sit cross legged on the bed.
"Ok, I get the point. So the universe isn't going to end, you two don't seem worried about our fate so I guess everything is going to turn out ok in the end. I just have one question left. What exactly was I interrupting when I woke up and if it is what I thought it was well..." He grinned wolfishly and leaned back against the headboard, his arms folded behind his head. "Don't stop on my account!" All three Jack's laughed and Jack took a deep breath before focusing on his older self again.
He reached out again, this time letting his hands slide around the slightly thicker waist to rest on his hips, shifting on the bed to get closer as a hand reached out for his face, pulling him in, the fingertips stroking just behind his ear gently and, oh, so that's what that felt like. Their mouths met and as they kissed he could taste himself again and feel himself grow harder as he finally let go of any doubts he had and just went with it, running his hands up old Jack's back, circling lightly on that sensitive spot at the base of his spine just enough to make him gasp.
A hand left his face as they broke off the kiss and trailed down his bare chest before tugging on his belt again, trying to free him. He didn't notice young Jack slip off the bed, didn't hear him move around the room until slim arms slid under his, reaching around from behind to effortlessly unfasten his belt, letting old Jack shift to run his hand through Jack's hair instead. Together they gently bore him down to the bed, old Jack lying with him and continuing their kiss as Young Jack stripped him quickly before leaning over to run a hand along old Jack's leg, climbing higher until he could tug on his plain grey trousers insistently. Jack shifted his attention to the young man now, tugging his blue t -shirt out of his jeans before making quick work of the slightly stiff denim and sliding a hand inside, releasing the young man from the confines of his clothes and running a thumb over the head of his cock slowly.
Old Jack shifted to slide out of his own trousers, kicking them off the bed impatiently and freeing young Jack's hands to allow him to strip off his t-shirt revealing pale skin and freckles that made old Jack smile for a moment as he watched his mortal self kick off his jeans impatiently before clambering onto the bed alongside them eagerly. He could barely remember being so young, so impatient, so.. cocky was definitely the word. Jack shifted on the bed to make room and when their gentle maneuvering stopped Jack was lying on his back between them, old Jack on his right, one leg resting over his, trapping him in place, whilst persistent fingers stroked along the front of his hips, circling lightly on that perculiar place right above his hip bone where he loved to be touched.
But of course his older self knew all about that, and knew exactly the right way to trail his fingertips down further, brushing ever so lightly over the thick curls before tracing along the deep veins of his cock teasingly. Young Jack was on his left, a hand on Jack's jaw turning him to kiss him deeply, a slightly too eager tongue slipping into his mouth then pulling back slightly as if surprised by what he found. Jack stared at his young self, seeing the moment of doubt pass across young features for a second before with a determined sigh he leaned down again, pressing against Jack's side, his cock rubbing against Jack's side wantonly until Jack reached out a hand to grip it gently, letting his younger self thrust into his closed fist as they kissed once more.
He didn't know when old Jack retrieved the lube, only knew the touch on his cock lifted away for a moment before the back of a hand gently pressed his thighs apart, the weight on his leg shifting as old Jack slid down the bed, repositioning himself between Jack's spread thighs. Jack wasn't completely unaware of what his future self was doing but still couldn't help a gasp of surprise escaping him as a tongue stroked gently along the base of his cock then down, trailing over his balls before blowing on them gently. Jack broke off from the kiss and resumed his determined stroking of his younger self even as he felt the tongue move lower, circling around his rim slowly before just the very tip hardened and pressed against him, sliding through the rim of muscle and penetrating him just enough to trace around the inside of him, hitting the sensitive entrance in exactly the right spot to make him buck his hips up into empty air, desperate for something firm, something to grip him, some kind of friction.
A groan from young Jack made him look down and he realised that old Jack's hand was stretched around the young mans body, his hand disappearing behind that firm young arse and, from the look on his younger self's face, he was being penetrated gently, fingers moving within him, preparing him for one of them. Jack closed his eyes again as a mouth descended over his prick, enveloping him in warmth and wet, slick heat as a tongue rasped along him firmly, the tip hardening over the shaft before going flat to glide over the head, then firm again as the tip probed at him gently, tasting him, prompting a chuckle to run through the old Jack that sent shudders through Jack's body in return. Young Jack was writhing under the attention of their fingers, one from behind, one from the front, and a soft whimper escaped him as they drove him close to the edge.
Jack groaned as the mouth left him again and slick fingers replaced the pressure, sliding over his hot flesh and preparing him even as he was aware that young Jack was pulling back from his grasp, following some other instruction as he knelt on the bed, swinging one leg over Jack's chest and pinning him down. Jack watched, transfixed as old Jack gripped him firmly, guiding him into his younger self slowly until with a soft sigh young Jack eased down, impaling himself on Jack's stiff cock slowly, stuttering down onto him until he was completely buried in his young self, watching the expressions on his younger face and wondering if the exact same look was on his face now. His legs shifted together as old Jack moved again, sitting astride his legs now as he let his slick hand slide around young Jack, gripping him firmly as he moved between them.
Jack let his hands slide up his younger self's thighs, gripping his hips gently, his thumb digging carefully into the muscles and watching as his older self handled the younger mans prick expertly, sliding along him as he bucked, twisting at the end in just the right spot before sliding over the head and down again. Jack thrust up into his younger self hungrily, enjoying the feel of his tight embrace, the warmth of him pressing down on Jack, pinning him to the bed, just fascinated by the looks running across his mortal self's face, the youth, the hopefulness, the sheer innocence of him sending shivers through Jack's spine as he watched. He was aware that his future self was whispering softly into the young mans ear, nibbling at the side of his neck tenderly even as his eyes watched Jack closely, the age of them, the shared knowledge of what fate awaited this youth running between them like lightning and keeping them apart from him, even as they both worked him eagerly, wanting to feel that young, that free, that alive just once more.
Both men could feel that shiver run through the young man's body that meant he was close, could feel him speed up, driving himself harder, faster, slamming down onto Jack's hips in a way that would surely leave bruises. His thighs clenched tight around Jack's hips as old Jack pumped him harder, knowing exactly what he needed and giving it to him, working him hard until with a oh so familiar shout he came over them, slumping back against old Jack tiredly, collapsing slightly even as he kept moving, his thighs trembling with the strain. Old Jack held him gently, arms wrapping around his young chest and continuing to whisper to him, words of encouragement or warning Jack wasn't sure. He lay still, lost in the sensation of being in the young man for a little longer until with a whimper the youth lifted himself up, shifting to lie on the bed beside them and holding out his arms to Jack. Old Jack stood for a moment, nodding to Jack who without a word rolled over to lie on top of his younger self, pressing against his taut belly tightly.
He could feel old Jack shifting on the bed behind him, felt hands arranging his legs gently, parting them again as young Jack spread his legs beneath him, wrapping around him slowly, embracing him fully. Hands stroked across his back gently and they kissed again, tongues entwining slowly as old Jack slid a slick finger into him carefully, stroking inside him so gently yet at the same time firm, hitting exactly the right angle, the right depth, with every gentle thrust and making Jack gasp into his younger self's mouth. He moved to rest his chin against his younger self's shoulder as the young man nibbled gently at his neck. When a second finger entered him he bit down slightly on the young skin, tasting familiar flavours, the soap they had on the TARDIS, a slight waft of Jackie's fabric conditioner, that faint trace of the Doctor's scent, tastes so familiar but evoking such strong memories that a small sob escaped him, prompting his young self to reach up and run a hand through his hair soothingly.
"Shhhhh. It's ok. We've got you." The gentle whisper, the confident hope in the tone sent Jack moving, thrusting gently against the young mans stomach, sliding slickly across his skin as the fingers withdrew gently, stretching him as they left and were replaced a moment later by a firmer pressure, insistent, demanding. Jack stopped moving and shifted to rest on his arms, staring intently down at his younger self, drawing strength from the stare as the pressure increased almost too much before with a sigh he felt himself being penetrated, old Jack sliding into him almost effortlessly, a bitten back moan behind him as the weight on his hips increased, a hand sliding along his spine and down to his hips as another hand pressed into the bed beside them, taking his weight as he began to thrust into his younger self.
Jack groaned as old Jack thrust deeply, hitting his prostrate with a force that made Jack cry out. He had always longed to be taken this way, with such force, and of course old Jack knew exactly how to do it, exactly how much pressure to use, exactly where the line between pleasure and pain lay. Jack could feel his prick trapped against young Jack's stomach as the younger man stroked his back, his neck, his hair gently, old Jack's hand on his hip, guiding him, moving him slowly to thrust against the youngsters belly. He knew he couldn't last much longer, the pleasure of both of them, the sheer insanity of it all pushing him closer to the edge. He could feel old Jack pick up the pace behind him, sensing it, and he moved with him, letting him take control, guide him.
It was right there, at the very edge of his orgasm, trapped between the pair of them, being driven crazy by the sensations, the familiar smells, the perfect touches and soft sighs that he noticed it, the gentle tickle at the back of mind so exactly like his own thoughts he hadn't even spotted it until now, until this moment of release, the similar feeling in his older self opening him up completely. Jack gasped at the sensations then the moment seemed to freeze as old Jack noticed him and if a mind could smile he did. Jack could feel him, his age, his love, his hope, less naive than his youth but still full of life, full of joy despite all the sadness. There was something out there, in this time, someone keeping him going like Ianto was in his. And the hope of that, the sheer joy of knowing that he was going to be ok knocked him over the edge, spiralling into his orgasm as he came with a scream, one simple message sent through the bond between them as his older self came too, pumping hotly into him.
Tell Ianto I love him. Always have. Always will....
Jack collapsed into his younger self's arms tiredly, the youth holding him gently, soothing him as old Jack pulled back before gently pushing them apart, moving to collapse beside them, entangled in each others arms. There was no need for words, no need for blushes or embarassment. As sleep overtook them they settled close together, warm and safe and whole as if they had all the time in the world...
***********************
Jack fell back through the rift, landing heavily on his arse beside the rift manipulator and wincing as he slammed his head into the floor, stars rising in front of his eyes as the sound of the machine humming faded away beside him. He fought unconsciousness as running footsteps came over to him and warm hands lifted his head gently, a soft knee sliding under it, supporting him. "Jack! Jack, it's ok, I got you." He opened his eyes fuzzily to make out Ianto bent over him, stroking the hair out of his face gently. Jack grinned soppily and reached up a hand to stroke along his jaw softly.
"What's a.. good looking guy like you.. doing in a dive like this?" Ianto laughed, relief and joy flooding through his features as he leaned over to hug Jack as much as he could, Owen crouching beside them and trying to examine Jack.
"Well, he's still Jack then. Come on Ianto, make yourself useful and help me get him down to the autopsy room." Jack let himself be helped up and glanced at the rift manipulator, serene and peaceful again and looked round to Tosh.
"Is it safe?" She nodded slightly hesitantly.
"There was a surge when you deactivated it, for a moment we thought we were going to lose you but then it just... stopped. Almost as if someone else was controlling it." Jack grinned lopsidedly and leaned heavily on Owen and Ianto as they helped him down the stairs. He just hoped Owen wouldn't be able to tell what exactly he had been up to in those lost milliseconds. He felt a moments regret that his young self had opted to take the retcon before being sent back. He would have loved to know what it was his older self had told him. But it didn't matter, he had his own message to pass on to Ianto. But not now. Later. After all, there was plenty of time for that. A whole lifetime in fact.
********************
Old Jack shut down the manipulator with a weary sigh and didn't look up as the door rolled over and running footsteps echoed across the floor before thin arms wrapped themselves around his waist. "Are you ok? Did it work?" He nodded tiredly and turned to pull the young woman into his embrace gently, stroking a hand through her hair slowly.
"It's fine. All fixed. Where are the others?" She looked up at him, fierce blue eyes shining as she hugged him close, her dark hair brushing against her shoulders as she spoke, her gentle welsh lilt making his heart sing.
"Just upstairs. They sent me down... Well ok, they tried to keep me up there until it was all clear but I wouldn't let them." Old Jack laughed and pulled her tight again.
"You are incorrigible. Now..." he pushed her away gently. "Why don't you help your old man upstairs, I think it's time we went home, don't you?" She laughed brightly and slipped her arm around his waist, supporting his weight gently.
"Come on then dad." They walked slowly through the hub, Jack leaning on his daughter's slender frame as he watched her closely, a sight he could never tire of. She looked so much like her father it took his breath away. As they made it to the stairs he held tightly on to her and kissed the top of her head. "What was that for?" She looked up at him in surprise. He grinned and gazed down at her.
"Just because." She rolled her eyes at him and pushed him up the stairs, muttering about senile old men under her breath. He just smiled and held on to her tightly. She was his. His reason for living.
His Hope.