voice;

[jackedthename]

So, I don't know how many of you noticed, but we've had some new arrivals lately. One of them shares a, uh, name with me. ...If we wanna get technical, I share a name with him. I figured we should clear up any confusion before things got way too complicated.

[There's a pause, then, slightly unwillingly:] Before anyone asks, I did serve in the war. I just happened to -- borrow the name, is all.

[PRIVATE TO JACK:]
I should have told you earlier. I'm sorry.

Comments

voice; private

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

Alright, I'll be there soon.

[A little pause.] Do you need anything, while I'm on the way?

voice; private

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

[He smiles slightly at the offer.] That's alright.

action!

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

[And Jack will be arriving soon enough, then, looking a bit awkward.]

action!

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

[Jack's propped up in bed, drowsing a little until the other man arrives, at which point he stirs and greets him with a smile.] That was fast.

action!

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

[A shrug.] I don't live too far. How're you doing?

action!

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

Getting better. [small smile] I think I'm allowed to leave in a week or so.

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

Good. [A little pause.] You're welcome to stay with us, if you want.

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

Who exactly is "us"? [He's a little anxious about that.]

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

Myself, Ianto, Toshiko, and Owen.

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

[He nods quietly.] I think I'd like that.

You...said you had a story to tell.

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

[He settles down and pulls up a chair, hunching his shoulders a bit.]

Right, yeah. The question is where to start.

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

[Jack smiles slightly] The beginning is usually a good place.

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

--How about the abridged beginning. You really don't need to hear about my childhood.

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

Good enough.

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

[A little sigh.] So, I told you I'm from the future, didn't I? I -- used to be a part of the Time Agency, a group that kept an eye on the timeline. I left. Eventually I ended up in London, in 1941.

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

[The story's barely started and he already has a thousand questions, but he keeps quiet and just nods.]

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

[He's welcome to ask questions. Whether or not Jack will answer them is up to discussion.]

For -- uh, less than pleasant reasons, I couldn't use my own name once I got there. So I did some looking around, and I found your file, and it was easy enough to just -- say you'd crashed and been unaccounted for. It was sort of -- nice, to think I could be someone as ...honorable as you are.

I never thought I would actually meet you, though. And I've tried to do your name credit, make you proud of me.

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

[Jack nods quietly, just...thinking it over for a moment. It sort of hurt to know that someone had pretended to be him, but at the same time...if it had to be anyone, he was glad it was the man in front of him. He didn't say anything just yet, instead taking the time to organize his thoughts.]

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

[He's silent as well for a moment or two.] You're welcome to hate me, if you like. Or not speak to me, take your proper name back. It's up to you, handsome.

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

I don't hate you. [It comes out a little stronger than he meant it to and Jack smiles faintly.]

I don't. I...I understand. I just...[He rubs the back of his head.] I guess I have to get used to calling you Jack.

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

[He laughs a little, mostly out of relief, and reaches to take Jack's hand.] You can call me James, still. Then I'll always know when you're looking for me.

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

[He smiles back, squeezing James' hand lightly.] I'll stick to that, then.

Why me?

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

[There's a little shrug.]

I liked the look of you, or what I could find about you. Heroic, handsome, selfless. Everything I wasn't, at the time.

[A beat.] Aside from the handsome, of course.

[cpt-namesake.livejournal.com]

[That just makes him laugh.] You're not lacking in the handsome department. I can vouch for that one.

HOW DID I MISS THIS

[jackedthename.livejournal.com]

Well, thank you. [Have a wink, Jack.]