Rec: happily (not) ever after by HonorH

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Story: happily (not) ever after
Author: HonorH
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 3289
Author's summary: Life's too short, and love's too precious. In the end, the being once known as Jack Harkness is given the chance to make a new beginning.
Characters/Pairings: Jack Harkness, Rose Tyler, The Doctor (9th)
Warnings: none

Recced because: I'm a sucker for (almost) happy endings, especially when they involve Jack. At the end of his incredibly long life, Jack is offered a chance to re-write the past. And the result is a realistic and lovely story that has a clever way of examining the question of 'what if'.



“Oh, Doctor, Doctor,” Jack sighs. He takes the Doctor’s shoulders in his hands. “You think after what I’ve seen, what I’ve been, that I don’t understand what it’s like to love someone you know for a fact you’ll lose? It hurts like hell. The only thing that hurts worse is regrets. Nothing is forever. Hell, the way you burn through regenerations, we could lose you first; but even if we don’t, even if you lose us, isn’t that better than holding yourself apart?”

The Doctor’s eyes are burning, and Jack presses his advantage. “Life’s too short, Doc. Even your life. Life’s too short, and love’s too precious.”