**Before Jack Harkness Became Immortal**
Prompt: Before jack harkness became immortal het traveld with the doctor and rose on the tardis. During this time he got sick and tried to hide it because he was scared the doctor would make him leave. The doctor notices right away and tries to take care of jack but he won’t admit that he is sick. The doctor makes up an excuse for them to stay on the tardis. When jack faints infront of the doctor he can’t hide his illness eny longer and he lets the doctor take care of him
The TARDIS hummed softly as it sailed through the fabric of time, a comforting sound that made even the wildest adventures feel like home. Onboard, Jack Harkness, the dashing and charming Time Agent, leaned against the control panel with a façade of confidence, yet a nagging fatigue settled in his bones. He tried to ignore it as he watched the Doctor and Rose banter, a blend of affectionate teasing and playful camaraderie that made him feel wistful. They were the perfect team—brimming with energy and optimism, while Jack felt increasingly like a flickering bulb ready to burn out.
“Alright, team! Next stop, 1930s New York!” the Doctor exclaimed, his eyes alight with anticipation.
“Last one to the console’s a Gallifreyan!” Rose chimed in, dashing toward the controls.
Jack forced a smile and joined in the chase. But even as he sprinted, the dizziness closed in on him, making every step a battle. He leaned against the console for support, hoping the others wouldn't notice his waning strength. He didn’t want to worry them—especially not the Doctor. The last thing he wanted was to be sent packing, a burden rather than an ally.
As they zipped through the timelines, Jack tried to focus on feeling better. He recalled the thrill of time travel and the exhilarating adventures that lay ahead, but his body betrayed him. A gnawing cough bubbled up before he could stifle it. Rose glanced back, her brow furrowing with concern.
“Jack, are you alright?” she asked, her voice laced with genuine worry.
“Just swallowed a bit of time,” he quipped, forcing a laugh that sounded hollow. “You know how it is.”
The Doctor cocked his head, eying Jack keenly, a glimmer of suspicion sharpening in his gaze. Something in Jack’s demeanor didn’t match his usual bravado. But before he could probe deeper, the TARDIS shuddered, and he turned his attention back to the console, expertly navigating through potential disaster.
Jack tried to shake off the growing sense of unease. He was fine, really. He had been through far worse than a simple cold, he reasoned. With the Doctor at the helm and Rose's laughter filling the ship, who could blame him for wanting to maintain the cheerful atmosphere?
“Doctor, I’m going to—” Jack began, but the words morphed into a harsh cough, echoing through the TARDIS’ corridors.
“Jack, seriously—” the Doctor’s voice shifted instantly, glinting with concern. He turned, stepping closer, his alien intuition already underway. “You’re not fine, are you?”
“I’m great,” Jack insisted, waving an arm dismissively. “A bit of dust in the air, that’s all. Right, Rose?” He shot her an energizing grin.
But Rose only shook her head, an expression of sympathy breaking across her face. “You should sit down for a bit, yeah? It’s a long trip ahead.”
“Pfft! I’ll be fine in a bit,” he said, attempting to sound convincing, even as he fought against the exhaustion clawing at him.
“Jack,” the Doctor began, an edge of seriousness creeping into his voice, “if you’re feeling unwell, we can take a breather—”
“No!” Jack interrupted, perhaps too vehemently. Panic ripped through him. He was terrified they’d leave him behind, send him away from this life filled with laughter and adventure because of something as trivial as sickness. “No, really. I’m good. Just need to stretch my legs, that’s all.”
The Doctor’s eyes narrowed. Jack was terrible at hiding things. The Doctor had seen worse than a simple cold; injuries, traumas, and countless challenges were a part of their travels together. But lying flat on the TARDIS floor, spinning tales about ‘being fine’ was not going to fly, not with him.
“Alright then,” the Doctor replied, an air of resolve settling over him. “How about we stop for a moment? I’ve just received some rather interesting readings, and we could use a little exploration in a serene location—maybe a lovely park or a tranquil café?”
“That sounds lovely!” Rose echoed, her enthusiasm unwavering.
Jack felt the weight of the Doctor's gaze, the mix of concern and unyielding kindness. “Sure... I guess we can stop for a bit. Just for a moment, though, okay? I don’t want to hold you guys back.”
As they reached their destination, a picturesque New Earth adorned with remarkable flora, Jack carefully stepped out of the TARDIS, trying to keep his composure. The air was fresh, a balm to his cheery demeanour. But something still nagged at him—his over-urgent need to bear burdens alone.
As night descended and the stars blinked to life, Jack excused himself from the small gathering they’d found under the vast sky. “I’ll check out that café over there,” he said, pointing to a distant twinkling sign. He sensed the Doctor's watchful gaze but dismissed it. “You two have fun. I’ll catch up!”
But as Jack crossed the café’s threshold, the world began to blur at the edges. The dizziness returned with a vengeance, and he staggered, gripping the nearest chair for support. He inhaled deeply, fighting back the oncoming wave of nausea. The café spun faster, and just as he managed to whisper for help, everything faded into darkness.
When Jack came to, cool hands were pressed against his forehead, and he blinked to adjust to the light. Anxious faces surrounded him—the Doctor and Rose, looking as if they’d seen a ghost.
“Easy, Jack. Just take it slow,” the Doctor soothed, his voice a comforting balm.
“What happened?” Jack croaked, wincing as memories surfaced like bruised fruit.
“You fainted. Finally admitted you’re not well,” the Doctor replied, a mix of relief and worry in his voice.
With a sheepish sigh, Jack finally let himself concede defeat. “You caught me. I guess I’m… not fine.” The admission felt liberating.
“Good,” the Doctor said, flashing a quick smile, the worry lines easing momentarily. “Now, let’s take care of that, shall we?”
And for the first time, Jack let the Doctor fuss over him, allowing himself to lean into the care bestowed upon him. There, under the night sky—beneath the gaze of the universe that usually felt so vast and alien—he finally understood: vulnerability could coexist with strength. In the warmth of their friendship, Jack knew he was never truly alone.
