Calufrax

Story: The Captain Dances
Author: Companionenvy
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 3784 words
Author's Summary: The Doctor sends post-Children of Earth Jack back to wartime London - and Nancy.
Characters/Pairings: Jack Harkness, Nancy, Jamie, the Doctor (Jack/Nancy)
Warnings: None

Recced because: Have you ever seen a fic that contains a pairing you've never thought of, instinctively think you're not interested as you ship half the pairing with someone else, but decide to glance at it anyway because you're mildly intrigued? Well, that’s how I first read this fic. The pairing is post-Children of Earth Jack Harkness... and 1941, just post-The Doctor Dances Nancy.

Companionenvy is a new author on the Teaspoon, and in this fic the Doctor's real 'farewell gift' to Jack is to send him back to 1941. We're never told why the Doctor thinks that this is a good idea for Jack, but it's not difficult to figure out: Nancy needs him if she's going to carry on feeding London's orphans. However, she also has a five-year-old, blond-haired son.

It's a fairly short story, not much over 3000 words, but it's powerful. There are several moments where I just stopped and had to re-read what I'd just read, and this one, below the cut, is one of the most heartwrenching:

( Teaser )

For those who've had enough of never-ending angst, especially where Jack's concerned, let me reassure you: this story leaves the characters better off than it finds them.

Even if the idea of Jack/Nancy doesn't appeal to you - and it didn't initially to me - give this story a chance. I did, and I'm so very glad - I'd have missed a real gem if I hadn't. And if you like it, please tell the author! So far it's her/his only story on Teaspoon, and it'd be nice to encourage her/him to write more.