A Change of Seasons
A Change of Seasons - Chapter 2 by LilFerret
Fandom: Torchwood
Summary: Ianto left the Hub, wondering exactly when his world had been turned on its ear.
Rated: NC17/Adult (This chapter PG/Older Kids)
Categories: Angst, Romance
Characters/Ship: Jack Harkness/Ianto Jones
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Graphic Sex, Language, WIP
Completed: No
Word count: 2,124
Published: 5/19/11
Author Notes: Alternate Universe…wibbly wobbly, timey wimey… You get the idea. XD
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Over here at ff.net...
A Change of Seasons - Chapter 2
Ianto grimaced, yanking off the t-shirt he’d just put on and tossing it to the bed. He next pulled on a button down dress shirt, but disliked that one as well. He was pulling it off again when there was a knock at his door. He swallowed hard, eyes darting to the mess of shirts on his bed and quickly deciding on a pullover, sliding it down over his jeans as he made his way to the door.
“Hey Ianto,” Jack greeted as the door was opened. He gave Ianto a long look from head to toe. “Wow, love the outfit.”
Ianto blushed, tugging on the hem of the pullover. “Thanks, sir. Just something I threw on.”
“It definitely suits you.” They stood quietly for a moment. “Can I..?”
“Oh, right!” Ianto opened the door wider. “Please, come in.”
Jack crossed the threshold into the flat and Ianto closed the door behind him. He watched as Jack smiled, looking around the lounge.
“Nice little place you’ve got here.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Looks exactly like I’d imagined it.”
Ianto’s eyebrow rose. “You’ve been imagining my flat, sir?”
Jack spun around, mouth opening and closing a couple of times before he finally grimaced. “Caught me.”
Ianto smiled, ducking his head. “It’s alright, sir. Would you like something to drink? I just have a few more items to pack and then I’ll be ready to go. Coffee perhaps?”
“That’d be great, Ianto. Coffee sounds fantastic right now. It’s cold out there!”
“It’s Cardiff, sir,” Ianto reminded him, moving to the kitchen. He poured the Captain a travel mug of steaming coffee, sweetening it and adding a bit of milk, just as he liked it. “Here you are.”
Jack took the mug from him and sipped the brew. “Mmm. Always perfect.”
Ianto blushed, switching off the machine. “You’re too kind.” He pointed toward the sofa. “Feel free to have a seat, sir. I’ll only be a moment.”
“Take your time, Ianto,” Jack advised, moving to the couch and taking a seat. “We’ve all day to get to London. The ceremony isn’t until tomorrow.”
Ianto was again reminded of his internal monologue the night before. He needed to address the matter of rooms. And who would be paying for what. He didn’t want it to become an issue later. He considered mentioning it now, but decided he’d at least wait until they were on the road.
Ianto hurried back to his bedroom, quickly re-hanging all the shirts he’d rejected. He then made his way into the ensuite bathroom, collecting his toiletries. He checked his hair in the mirror, frowning when he realized he had a piece of it sticking out at an odd angle. He kept his hair trimmed short for this very reason; since it tended to curl, and one lock out of place would drive him mad. He wet his finger in the faucet, working the bit of hair into place. There. Now he was ready.
When he brought his toiletries into his room to pack in his luggage he realized he was missing one very important item. He still hadn’t decided on an outfit for tomorrow. He groaned, spinning with hands on his hips to stare at the collection of suits inside his wardrobe. Gray, gray with pinstripes, black, black with pinstripes, dark gray, dark gray with…
“Ianto?” He turned to the door, seeing Jack leaning there with a smirk on his face. “You alright?”
“Yes,” Ianto replied a little too quickly. “Yes. Of course. Why do you ask?”
“You were muttering to yourself, and then I heard you groan.”
Coloring, Ianto straightened his shoulders. “Ah, yes, well…” He waved his hand to indicate the focus of his dilemma. “What to wear tomorrow?”
“Ah,” Jack said, nodding and stepping into the room. “Do you mind?”
“No, not at all. Please.”
Jack sauntered over to the wardrobe, moving suits aside until a smile crossed his face. “This one,” he said, holding out a black suit jacket and waistcoat. “With the black trousers and purple shirt.”
Ianto considered it. “That might work.”
“It’s one of my favorites.”
“Really?” Ianto took the hanger with the shirt and hung it in front of himself, looking down. “I didn’t think you noticed my clothing.”
Jack beamed. “Of course, Ianto. Always do. Like yesterday’s dark gray suit and red shirt. That’s another favorite.”
He looked up again, meeting Jack’s eyes. He swore they twinkled at him. Quickly looking away he reached out for the hanger with the jacket and waistcoat and Jack handed it over. His fingers brushed Jack’s and his heart nearly leapt into his mouth.
“Right, so…” He cleared his throat, feeling the heat rise in his face yet again. “I’ll just get this packed and we can go.”
“Alright, Ianto,” Jack agreed, placing his hand on his shoulder. Ianto shivered but hoped it wasn’t noticeable. “I’ll be back out here.”
Ianto nodded, watching him leave the room and then taking a deep breath. Good lord, this weekend was going to be hell on his nerves.
tw tw tw tw tw
Sitting beside Jack in the fashionable Mercedes he’d hired for the weekend Ianto couldn’t help but look at him. When they talked Jack kept his eyes on the road ahead, which pleased Ianto to no end. He couldn’t abide drivers who took their eyes from the road in order to converse with the other people in a vehicle. It wasn’t safe, and certainly the passengers would understand that eye to eye contact was not appropriate in such a situation.
Ianto, however, took the opportunity to re-acquaint himself with everything that made up Jack’s profile. He liked the way his hair was trimmed immaculately over his nice ears and yet flopped haphazardly over his forehead. The angle of his jaw, the shape of his lips, and his perfect nose, all pleased Ianto’s senses. There was handsome, and then there was Jack Harkness. He smiled, turning back to the front and letting himself be hypnotized by the sound of Jack’s voice and the constant patter of raindrops on their car.
“And before I knew it, I was involved in a six-way orgy with the President, his dog and several members from his Cabinet.”
Ianto blinked, looking back at Jack. “What?”
Jack smirked, shaking his head slightly. “I lost you to the rain there, Ianto.”
Ianto smiled, realizing he’d not been listening to a word Jack was saying. “Sorry, sir. Please tell me that last part was for my benefit and not actually what occurred?”
Laughing, Jack patted his leg. “Just checking if you were actually listening. Although, the man was quite intriguing. Not sure about his dog…”
“Ah,” Ianto said, cringing and holding up his hand. “I got it.”
“How about you put on some music, Ianto? We’ve still got quite a bit to go before we’re into London.”
Ianto considered that for a moment, wondering exactly what type of music Jack listened to. He could guess, based on the man’s affinity for the forties, but he figured it would be better just to find something he enjoyed and hope for the best. Turning on the radio Ianto furrowed his brow, searching the channels. He found a catchy song he enjoyed and smiled, sitting back in his seat.
“Maroon 5,” Jack stated, nodding his head. “Good choice, Ianto.”
“You like them, sir?”
“I like a little of everything, actually.”
“Good to know.”
They sat in companionable silence, except for the music, and Ianto smiled again, hearing Jack start to sing along. He had a lovely voice. Why didn’t Ianto know that? He made sure to add that fact to his ever-growing list of things to ask Jack about. Which reminded him…
“Um, sir?”
“Hmm?”
“The hotel, did you…already book the accommodations?” He made sure to subtly emphasize the plural.
“I did, Ianto,” Jack replied.
Ianto chewed his lip for a moment, before asking, “One or two?”
Jack smirked. “Two rooms,” he answered, and Ianto began to relax. Jack chuckled.
Ianto closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. The temptation to take things further with Jack was so strong, Ianto wasn’t sure he’d put up much of an argument if only one room had been booked. He was glad Jack had taken the initiative and made the reservation himself.
“I’d never push you, Ianto,” Jack said gently. “You do know that, right?”
“Yes, I know, sir,” Ianto replied, silently cursing Jack’s ability to read his mind.
“Just wanted to make sure that was clear. I’m not saying I don’t want to see where this thing could go, but…”
“It’s okay, sir. I understand.”
His pulse began to speed up and Ianto shifted in the seat, looking out the window. He’d never been particularly good at discussing feelings and he hadn’t expected to have this talk today.
“We’re friends, right?” Jack asked softly.
Ianto looked back at him, seeing the set in his jaw line and his hands tensing on the steering wheel. Apparently he wasn’t the only one affected by their current state of limbo.
“Of course,” he told him, watching the other man visibly relax. Jack was one of the best friends he’d ever had. He was quiet a moment, before asking, “So, how much do I owe you for my portion of the weekend?”
“Not a thing, Ianto. I’m listing this as a business expense.”
Ianto’s eyes widened. “And how is that, exactly?”
“Well, consider it a way for Torchwood Three to meet with Torchwood One to discuss mutually beneficial business tactics in an amicable and festive environment.”
“I have absolutely no idea what you just said, sir,” Ianto replied, half-joking.
“Exactly. And neither will the Crown.”
Ianto chuckled, shaking his head. Leave it to Jack Harkness to find a way to mix business with pleasure on the Queen’s tab.
tw tw tw tw tw
Their hotel was exquisite, and Ianto’s eyes widened in awe. Their bags were removed from the car before the valet drove it away, leaving them outside on the large stone walkway. He shifted his garment bag on his shoulder and flexed his fingers around the handle of his luggage.
“This is amazing, sir,” he said, smiling.
“Oh yeah,” the Captain agreed, glancing over at him. “Shall we?”
Ianto nodded, and they made their way into the hotel. The foyer floor was black marble with swirls of white, set against walls of the opposite design. The doors were mahogany and the floor to ceiling handles polished brass. Even to Ianto’s trained eye there were no smudges whatsoever. No fingerprints, no nicks, nothing at all to mar the shine.
“I feel like I should be wearing gloves,” Ianto murmured, mostly to himself.
“It’s quite a fancy establishment,” Jack conceded, grinning at the man who opened the door for them.
“Understatement, sir.”
Jack moved to the registration counter, Ianto waiting with their luggage, and in no time at all they were checked in and on the way up to their rooms. Jack had declined the hotel’s offer to assist them with their bags and Ianto and Jack shared a lift to the tenth floor.
“Madonna?” Jack asked, lifting an ear to the music wafting from the speakers.
“I believe so,” Ianto replied. “Like a Virgin.”
Jack laughed and Ianto blushed, but neither of them commented further. When the doors opened they headed down the hallway, and Ianto’s eyebrow shot up.
“Neighboring rooms?” he asked. “How did you manage that, sir?”
“Just a little Harkness charm, Ianto,” the Captain told him, winking. “The lovely lady at the desk couldn’t say no.”
“Mmhmm,” Ianto hummed, shaking his head. He took the keycard from Jack and paused. “So, what’s the agenda for this evening?”
“I don’t know, Ianto. What did you have in mind?”
Ianto huffed. “I…have no idea. I thought maybe you’d planned something.”
“Like what,” Jack said teasingly, a smug look on his face. “A date?”
Ianto swallowed, feeling the color once again rise in his cheeks. “No. No, of course not,” he replied, embarrassed. “I just meant…”
“Relax, Ianto,” Jack told him, grabbing his shoulders. “I knew what you meant. I just wanted to see you blush again. You do it so nicely.” Ianto stared at his shoes and Jack released him, slotting his keycard into the door next to Ianto’s. “Tell you what…”
“Yes, sir?”
“How about we meet downstairs in about twenty and we’ll get something to eat. As friends. Deal?”
Ianto smiled, nodding. “Deal.”
With one last smile Jack made his way into his room and let the door close behind him. Ianto did the same, leaning his head against the heavy wood and taking several deep breaths. When the hell had he let his boss get so far under his skin?
Chapter 3
Comments and reviews always welcome. ♥
Chapter 1 can be found over here...
Fandom: Torchwood
Summary: Ianto left the Hub, wondering exactly when his world had been turned on its ear.
Rated: NC17/Adult (This chapter PG/Older Kids)
Categories: Angst, Romance
Characters/Ship: Jack Harkness/Ianto Jones
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Graphic Sex, Language, WIP
Completed: No
Word count: 2,124
Published: 5/19/11
Author Notes: Alternate Universe…wibbly wobbly, timey wimey… You get the idea. XD
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Over here at ff.net...
A Change of Seasons - Chapter 2
Ianto grimaced, yanking off the t-shirt he’d just put on and tossing it to the bed. He next pulled on a button down dress shirt, but disliked that one as well. He was pulling it off again when there was a knock at his door. He swallowed hard, eyes darting to the mess of shirts on his bed and quickly deciding on a pullover, sliding it down over his jeans as he made his way to the door.
“Hey Ianto,” Jack greeted as the door was opened. He gave Ianto a long look from head to toe. “Wow, love the outfit.”
Ianto blushed, tugging on the hem of the pullover. “Thanks, sir. Just something I threw on.”
“It definitely suits you.” They stood quietly for a moment. “Can I..?”
“Oh, right!” Ianto opened the door wider. “Please, come in.”
Jack crossed the threshold into the flat and Ianto closed the door behind him. He watched as Jack smiled, looking around the lounge.
“Nice little place you’ve got here.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Looks exactly like I’d imagined it.”
Ianto’s eyebrow rose. “You’ve been imagining my flat, sir?”
Jack spun around, mouth opening and closing a couple of times before he finally grimaced. “Caught me.”
Ianto smiled, ducking his head. “It’s alright, sir. Would you like something to drink? I just have a few more items to pack and then I’ll be ready to go. Coffee perhaps?”
“That’d be great, Ianto. Coffee sounds fantastic right now. It’s cold out there!”
“It’s Cardiff, sir,” Ianto reminded him, moving to the kitchen. He poured the Captain a travel mug of steaming coffee, sweetening it and adding a bit of milk, just as he liked it. “Here you are.”
Jack took the mug from him and sipped the brew. “Mmm. Always perfect.”
Ianto blushed, switching off the machine. “You’re too kind.” He pointed toward the sofa. “Feel free to have a seat, sir. I’ll only be a moment.”
“Take your time, Ianto,” Jack advised, moving to the couch and taking a seat. “We’ve all day to get to London. The ceremony isn’t until tomorrow.”
Ianto was again reminded of his internal monologue the night before. He needed to address the matter of rooms. And who would be paying for what. He didn’t want it to become an issue later. He considered mentioning it now, but decided he’d at least wait until they were on the road.
Ianto hurried back to his bedroom, quickly re-hanging all the shirts he’d rejected. He then made his way into the ensuite bathroom, collecting his toiletries. He checked his hair in the mirror, frowning when he realized he had a piece of it sticking out at an odd angle. He kept his hair trimmed short for this very reason; since it tended to curl, and one lock out of place would drive him mad. He wet his finger in the faucet, working the bit of hair into place. There. Now he was ready.
When he brought his toiletries into his room to pack in his luggage he realized he was missing one very important item. He still hadn’t decided on an outfit for tomorrow. He groaned, spinning with hands on his hips to stare at the collection of suits inside his wardrobe. Gray, gray with pinstripes, black, black with pinstripes, dark gray, dark gray with…
“Ianto?” He turned to the door, seeing Jack leaning there with a smirk on his face. “You alright?”
“Yes,” Ianto replied a little too quickly. “Yes. Of course. Why do you ask?”
“You were muttering to yourself, and then I heard you groan.”
Coloring, Ianto straightened his shoulders. “Ah, yes, well…” He waved his hand to indicate the focus of his dilemma. “What to wear tomorrow?”
“Ah,” Jack said, nodding and stepping into the room. “Do you mind?”
“No, not at all. Please.”
Jack sauntered over to the wardrobe, moving suits aside until a smile crossed his face. “This one,” he said, holding out a black suit jacket and waistcoat. “With the black trousers and purple shirt.”
Ianto considered it. “That might work.”
“It’s one of my favorites.”
“Really?” Ianto took the hanger with the shirt and hung it in front of himself, looking down. “I didn’t think you noticed my clothing.”
Jack beamed. “Of course, Ianto. Always do. Like yesterday’s dark gray suit and red shirt. That’s another favorite.”
He looked up again, meeting Jack’s eyes. He swore they twinkled at him. Quickly looking away he reached out for the hanger with the jacket and waistcoat and Jack handed it over. His fingers brushed Jack’s and his heart nearly leapt into his mouth.
“Right, so…” He cleared his throat, feeling the heat rise in his face yet again. “I’ll just get this packed and we can go.”
“Alright, Ianto,” Jack agreed, placing his hand on his shoulder. Ianto shivered but hoped it wasn’t noticeable. “I’ll be back out here.”
Ianto nodded, watching him leave the room and then taking a deep breath. Good lord, this weekend was going to be hell on his nerves.
tw tw tw tw tw
Sitting beside Jack in the fashionable Mercedes he’d hired for the weekend Ianto couldn’t help but look at him. When they talked Jack kept his eyes on the road ahead, which pleased Ianto to no end. He couldn’t abide drivers who took their eyes from the road in order to converse with the other people in a vehicle. It wasn’t safe, and certainly the passengers would understand that eye to eye contact was not appropriate in such a situation.
Ianto, however, took the opportunity to re-acquaint himself with everything that made up Jack’s profile. He liked the way his hair was trimmed immaculately over his nice ears and yet flopped haphazardly over his forehead. The angle of his jaw, the shape of his lips, and his perfect nose, all pleased Ianto’s senses. There was handsome, and then there was Jack Harkness. He smiled, turning back to the front and letting himself be hypnotized by the sound of Jack’s voice and the constant patter of raindrops on their car.
“And before I knew it, I was involved in a six-way orgy with the President, his dog and several members from his Cabinet.”
Ianto blinked, looking back at Jack. “What?”
Jack smirked, shaking his head slightly. “I lost you to the rain there, Ianto.”
Ianto smiled, realizing he’d not been listening to a word Jack was saying. “Sorry, sir. Please tell me that last part was for my benefit and not actually what occurred?”
Laughing, Jack patted his leg. “Just checking if you were actually listening. Although, the man was quite intriguing. Not sure about his dog…”
“Ah,” Ianto said, cringing and holding up his hand. “I got it.”
“How about you put on some music, Ianto? We’ve still got quite a bit to go before we’re into London.”
Ianto considered that for a moment, wondering exactly what type of music Jack listened to. He could guess, based on the man’s affinity for the forties, but he figured it would be better just to find something he enjoyed and hope for the best. Turning on the radio Ianto furrowed his brow, searching the channels. He found a catchy song he enjoyed and smiled, sitting back in his seat.
“Maroon 5,” Jack stated, nodding his head. “Good choice, Ianto.”
“You like them, sir?”
“I like a little of everything, actually.”
“Good to know.”
They sat in companionable silence, except for the music, and Ianto smiled again, hearing Jack start to sing along. He had a lovely voice. Why didn’t Ianto know that? He made sure to add that fact to his ever-growing list of things to ask Jack about. Which reminded him…
“Um, sir?”
“Hmm?”
“The hotel, did you…already book the accommodations?” He made sure to subtly emphasize the plural.
“I did, Ianto,” Jack replied.
Ianto chewed his lip for a moment, before asking, “One or two?”
Jack smirked. “Two rooms,” he answered, and Ianto began to relax. Jack chuckled.
Ianto closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. The temptation to take things further with Jack was so strong, Ianto wasn’t sure he’d put up much of an argument if only one room had been booked. He was glad Jack had taken the initiative and made the reservation himself.
“I’d never push you, Ianto,” Jack said gently. “You do know that, right?”
“Yes, I know, sir,” Ianto replied, silently cursing Jack’s ability to read his mind.
“Just wanted to make sure that was clear. I’m not saying I don’t want to see where this thing could go, but…”
“It’s okay, sir. I understand.”
His pulse began to speed up and Ianto shifted in the seat, looking out the window. He’d never been particularly good at discussing feelings and he hadn’t expected to have this talk today.
“We’re friends, right?” Jack asked softly.
Ianto looked back at him, seeing the set in his jaw line and his hands tensing on the steering wheel. Apparently he wasn’t the only one affected by their current state of limbo.
“Of course,” he told him, watching the other man visibly relax. Jack was one of the best friends he’d ever had. He was quiet a moment, before asking, “So, how much do I owe you for my portion of the weekend?”
“Not a thing, Ianto. I’m listing this as a business expense.”
Ianto’s eyes widened. “And how is that, exactly?”
“Well, consider it a way for Torchwood Three to meet with Torchwood One to discuss mutually beneficial business tactics in an amicable and festive environment.”
“I have absolutely no idea what you just said, sir,” Ianto replied, half-joking.
“Exactly. And neither will the Crown.”
Ianto chuckled, shaking his head. Leave it to Jack Harkness to find a way to mix business with pleasure on the Queen’s tab.
tw tw tw tw tw
Their hotel was exquisite, and Ianto’s eyes widened in awe. Their bags were removed from the car before the valet drove it away, leaving them outside on the large stone walkway. He shifted his garment bag on his shoulder and flexed his fingers around the handle of his luggage.
“This is amazing, sir,” he said, smiling.
“Oh yeah,” the Captain agreed, glancing over at him. “Shall we?”
Ianto nodded, and they made their way into the hotel. The foyer floor was black marble with swirls of white, set against walls of the opposite design. The doors were mahogany and the floor to ceiling handles polished brass. Even to Ianto’s trained eye there were no smudges whatsoever. No fingerprints, no nicks, nothing at all to mar the shine.
“I feel like I should be wearing gloves,” Ianto murmured, mostly to himself.
“It’s quite a fancy establishment,” Jack conceded, grinning at the man who opened the door for them.
“Understatement, sir.”
Jack moved to the registration counter, Ianto waiting with their luggage, and in no time at all they were checked in and on the way up to their rooms. Jack had declined the hotel’s offer to assist them with their bags and Ianto and Jack shared a lift to the tenth floor.
“Madonna?” Jack asked, lifting an ear to the music wafting from the speakers.
“I believe so,” Ianto replied. “Like a Virgin.”
Jack laughed and Ianto blushed, but neither of them commented further. When the doors opened they headed down the hallway, and Ianto’s eyebrow shot up.
“Neighboring rooms?” he asked. “How did you manage that, sir?”
“Just a little Harkness charm, Ianto,” the Captain told him, winking. “The lovely lady at the desk couldn’t say no.”
“Mmhmm,” Ianto hummed, shaking his head. He took the keycard from Jack and paused. “So, what’s the agenda for this evening?”
“I don’t know, Ianto. What did you have in mind?”
Ianto huffed. “I…have no idea. I thought maybe you’d planned something.”
“Like what,” Jack said teasingly, a smug look on his face. “A date?”
Ianto swallowed, feeling the color once again rise in his cheeks. “No. No, of course not,” he replied, embarrassed. “I just meant…”
“Relax, Ianto,” Jack told him, grabbing his shoulders. “I knew what you meant. I just wanted to see you blush again. You do it so nicely.” Ianto stared at his shoes and Jack released him, slotting his keycard into the door next to Ianto’s. “Tell you what…”
“Yes, sir?”
“How about we meet downstairs in about twenty and we’ll get something to eat. As friends. Deal?”
Ianto smiled, nodding. “Deal.”
With one last smile Jack made his way into his room and let the door close behind him. Ianto did the same, leaning his head against the heavy wood and taking several deep breaths. When the hell had he let his boss get so far under his skin?
Chapter 3
Comments and reviews always welcome. ♥
Chapter 1 can be found over here...