Jack shifted and wrapped an arm tightly around the Doctor, closer, pulling him near. He leaned in and pressed a kiss softly against the Doctor's forehead.

And there was no response. Jack knew what that meant. He knew.

He closed his eyes tightly and breathed out a shuddering breath.

"I know," he said, though he was answering nothing that had been said. And he did, he knew. He knew how painful it was now and how painful it would be. Oh it would be painful. And Jack? Jack didn't know if he could do it.

"Do you think we can?" he asked quietly.