"Is it though?" Jack asked, genuinely not sure of the answer. "Is it better to just go on through life that way. You know sometimes I think it is, because caring for people? Loving people and everything that goes with it? It hurts, god does it hurt. Especially when you know it can't last." He shook his head and sighed.

"I've cut myself off from people. Not let them get close. But in the long run I think it's worse. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe it's just wishful thinking. Trust me, if I ever work it out you'll be the first to know."

He glanced out beyond the cave and quickly back, "And no," he answered belatedly, "I'm not better at emotion. I'm pretty bad at it, actually, just ask... well, anyone. I just pretend I am."

He propped himself up again, fidgeting and getting more animated as he considered. "You know what the problem is? People always want something they can't have from me. People want that ideal view of a relationship and a cosy little home and really, I don't think that'd ever be me. I can't bend myself to fit that idea and that upsets people before I've even done anything. I mean sure, I can do it a bit but it's still not they want. I'm different, and not just because of the whole immortality thing. The people I've known? They rarely see that. I suppose it's ironic really that I'm pretty sure you've got it in your head that's what I want with you. Seriously, Doctor, I thought you knew me better than that. I'm not about to order a picket fence."