Drabble: Invasion

[bk_forever]

Title: Invasion

Author: badly_knitted

Characters: Jack, Gray

Rating: G

Written For: Challenge 291 – On The Run at tw100

Spoilers: Adam

Summary: “They came without warning. We thought they’d pass over us, but they didn’t. Not that day.”

Disclaimer: I don’t own Torchwood, or the characters.

“Take Gray, keep him safe.”

There was no more time left for arguing, nothing he could do but obey his father. Gripping Gray’s hand in his own, he ran, dragging his little brother behind him, the hot sand dragging at their feet and slowing them just when they needed every ounce of speed they could muster.

Stumbling onwards, struggling to keep going despite the treacherous footing, he didn’t notice Gray fall, didn’t register the loss of the small hand he’d been holding. Not until he reached the edge of the beach did he realise that he’d failed.


Gray was gone.

The End

Comments

[too-beauty.livejournal.com]

ahhhh that was so sad! so much responsibility for just a child!

[bk_forever]

It really was. Jack was just as terrified as Gray, running like the hounds of hell were on his heels, how could he be expected to keep hold of his brother? Then again, Jack wasn't the only one who let go. Gray must have done too.

Thank you. I didn't want to write this one but it wouldn't go away.

[tardisjournal.livejournal.com]

Poor Jack, he must have been out of his mind with terror not to have noticed--but as anyone who has ever minded a kid knows, all it takes is one moment of inattention and *bam*, they're out of sight! (And that's in the best of circumstances!)

Now he's in for a lifetime of regret--a very long lifetime. :(

[bk_forever]

Exactly! In all the panic and confusion, how can anyone expect one terrified boy to hold on to another? Especially when running over dry sand, which is difficult enough at the best of times, never mind when you're literally trying to run for your life.

Thank you.

[owensheart.livejournal.com]

OMW so angst ridden and heart breaking.

[bk_forever]

Thank you, and sorry. I wasn't going to write this because it's so heartbreaking, but I couldn't get it out of my head.

[timelordshines.livejournal.com]

*Wibble*
Perfect use of the prompt and beautifully written.
*where are the tissues....?*

[bk_forever]

*hands box of tissues* Sorry =(

I tried not to write it but it wouldn't go away. That, I think, was the defining moment of Jack's life. It changed everything and he never got over it, never stopped blaming himself even though he shouldn't have been burdened by such responsibility at his age. Their father should have protected them both, but he ran off and got himself killed looking for his wife.

Thank you.

[neverminetohold.livejournal.com]

Everything around Gray moved me so much on the show, especially before knowing what had become of him, so this little drabble hit a sore spot, albeit in a good way *sniffel*

Keep up the great work!

[bk_forever]

Thank you. It really is sad. My heart broke for Jack, such a terrible thing to happen. He was really too young to be made responsible for protecting his brother in such a horrifying situation. Losing Gray is something he'll never get over and never forgive himself for, even though he really wasn't to blame. Their father should have got them to safety first and then looked for their mother.

[neverminetohold.livejournal.com]

I don't think their father was thinking things through, too panicked and worried to get his whole family to safety, but I agree that it was cruel to stick Jack with such a responsibility... Still, this experience has shaped the Jack as we know, for better and worse...

[bk_forever]

Very true, it just seems so unfair that young Jack had to shoulder such a responsibility and then the guilt from failing to protect Gray.

[mango-apple.livejournal.com]

So poignant

[bk_forever]

Thank you. I kinda didn't want to write it, but I couldn't get it out of my head.