The Doctor had gone tense at the mention of John. "I should have intervened too. I knew John was in over his head there, but I chose to let it go. I even agreed not to mention it to you and his other caretakers, Romana. I'm so sorry.
"As for you," he added, going to Jack and cradling Jack's face with his hands, thumbs carressing his temples. "It sounds as if this is all my fault. One day maybe I'll learn about consequences."
Jack's eyes closed at the Doctor's touch because it felt so damn good, soothing his aching head. But they opened again at his words. "Like I said, I'm a big boy, Doc," he protested. "I can take care of myself."