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In a bar out in space, Jack sat alone trying not to think about Torchwood, his grandson or Ianto but drowning his thoughts in alcohol isn’t an option with his abilities. So instead he sits silently and politely rejects anyone who tries to talk him up. A strong hand grabs his shoulder and swings him around, he sees who it is and his face is filled with disdain.
“I’m really not in the mood for you.” Jack then gestures at the bartender that he’s done.
“Too bad you’re in my territory now.” John notices that Jack is avoiding his gaze.
“Then I’ll leave.” Jack pays his tab and walks out of the bar. Following behind him “Hey, just because I”m your ex doesn’t mean you have to be so cold.” John awaits a witty retort but doesn’t receive one as Jack continues to walk away.
“Where are you going? Back to eye candy and the bikini cops!” Before he could react Jack had John up against a wall with his hands around his throat.
“Now that’s more like it!” John obviously exhilarated by his current position winked at Jack, who instantly let him go to John’s disappointment.
“Come Jack let’s have some fun!” The irritating time agent baited. In a moment of vulnerability, Harkness mumbled “They’re gone.” With a bewildered look on his face, he asks,
“Who? Bikini Cops?” Jack looks away to hide the pain on his face. “What, All of them?” Harkness takes a deep breath and then responds. “No… Gwen is ok, pregnant actually.”
“So the one that punched me is still alive!” Hart said then immediately regretted it. In fact, his face soon mirrored Jack’s misery. “I’m sorry about your team.” Giving him the quippy retort he craves Harkness responded. “Gwen only punched you because you held her hostage, you deserved it and more.”
The two shared a laugh and left for where John was staying. When they arrived John confessed “I know that I was always a pain in the arse and you’d always put up with me, thank you. Obviously, your team meant a lot, you can stay here as long as you’d like, I won't bother you.”
Captain Harness looked around the room Hart had put him up in, he decided it had an empty and lonely feeling so he turned around “Stay don’t be a pain in my ass” He chuckled.
“Just stay.” Accepting his invitation John runs his hands threw his hair and then held the burly man who practically collapsed into his arms.
“We can talk if you like, I’m not just a shoulder to cry on you know,” Jack chuckles and John feels like he has accomplished his goal of cheering up his friend. Jack’s only response is to kiss John on the cheek.
Hart reciprocates with his lips as well on Jack’s forehead. Those two weeks stuck in a time loop were well spent as Hart seemed to know exactly how to relax Jack.
He seemed to know caressing Jack’s face, massaging his hair and holding him as tightly as he could would make all the loss he’s suffered weigh a little less on his soul.
The captains kissed, cuddled and reminisced about equally chaotic but happier times.