tw_classic_bb In Demand (part one)
Author(s): meshell_mybell
Series' Included: Series One, Series Two up to Adam and also includes information from the Torchwood novel The Twilight Streets. You needn’t have read them to enjoy the story.
Characters: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, (OC) Anthony Brooke, Gwen Cooper, Owen Harper, Toshiko Sato. Mentions of Llinos King and Greg Bishop
Pairings: Jack/Ianto, mentions of Jack/Greg and Jack/Llinos
Gen/Het/Slash: Cannon Slash
Rating: M for mature due to language
Current Word Count: 25k +
Beta(s): The fanastic, Sanguaze, a.k.a. thebigbluebox. She finally got herself an LJ.
Artist(s): The wonderful cjharknessgirl and the amazing thebigbluebox.
Summary:
Weeks after returning from 1939, Ianto tries to cope with the past he knows and the future he wants. Jack wants Ianto to be happy but goes about it in the wrong way. An old friend from Torchwood One is in town and a new enemy wants what they believe is hiding within the Hub. What is Ianto hiding and can he figure out the reasons behind Jack’s behavior?
Author’s Notes: This is a sequel to my tw_bigbang Wait For Me There. If you haven’t read it, that’s fine as this works as a stand-alone fic. I want to thank my cheerleaders that STILL do not own a LiveJournal, my best friend, MartiniGirl and my all suffering man, Blade. You guys keep me writing when I want to walk away and give up.
by cjharknessgirl
by thebigbluebox
In Demand
‘You’re thinking of the way you should’ve held my hand,
And all the times you said you didn’t understand.
You never had our love written in your plans,
But now I’m in demand.’
In Demand by Texas
The files felt heavy in his arms as Ianto Jones crossed the Hub toward the cog door that led to the Tourist Office. As he passed the office of Captain Jack Harkness his heart froze. He prayed Jack didn’t notice him and ask for coffee, or worse, stare at him from his door with a look Ianto had yet to decipher. Fortunately, he could hear Jack arguing with someone on the phone. He smiled at Toshiko Sato at her computer but she didn’t seem to notice him and that was definitely fine by Ianto. His face was a perfect mask of innocent indifference as he passed Owen Harper and Gwen Cooper playing a cut-throat game of one-on-one.
A few weeks earlier, Ianto had been taken back in time to 1939. John Hart had been responsible and Ianto had lived in the past for six months even though only a few days had passed for Jack and the others. He had hid within Torchwood and had met a few of Jack’s former co-workers as well as the man himself. This had caused Jack a lot of pain as the memories of the past caught up with him in the present and he was forced to deal with his true feelings for Ianto and Ianto’s firsthand knowledge of what a bastard he really had once been. To top it off, Ianto had met Jack’s former lover, Greg Bishop. Truth be known, Ianto liked Greg and if not for Jack he could have really liked Greg.
When he had first returned home, Jack had been doting, almost smothering towards Ianto. Not that he minded. It was nice being involved in an attentive and loving Jack. Ianto could actually pinpoint the moment, though, when it all went pear-shaped.
They were at Ianto’s flat, curled up together in his bed and just talking. It was so very nice and Ianto had to go and ruin it by mentioning how much he felt bad for Greg Bishop and how he never got to have Jack the way Ianto did. Ianto had felt Jack stiffen though he didn’t say anything. The next day Jack was gone before the sun and he had begun to withdraw from Ianto. Ianto just knew he was being punished for something but he really couldn’t imagine what, other than mentioning Greg.
Ianto did feel bad for Greg Bishop. Greg was a wonderful man with a huge heart and the most amazing cheekbones. Ianto could barely understand what he was doing working for Torchwood because Greg was so full of wonder. Greg was undeniably in love with Jack and practically pined for the man when he wasn’t around. He was a ray of light in a Torchwood that was dark and suffering under the heavy handed rule of Tilda Brennan, the mad director of the time. Ianto and Greg had become quick friends though it hurt Ianto deeply to know that Greg was in love with the man that he too loved beyond reason.
However, what really killed Ianto wasn’t just living in the past or knowing of Greg’s love of Jack; it was knowing that Greg was doomed to a very young death and he couldn’t do a thing to stop it. It took all his energy to not grab Greg by the shoulders and tell him to run, leave Torchwood and take Llinos King with him. Llinos was another of Jack’s casualties in love but she was strong and bore it with an air of elegance that made Ianto jealous. It was her friendship and her love for Greg that kept her from saying anything and it made Ianto respect her. She loved both men, differently. This forced her to choose which love was best, one that would hurt her or one she could hold onto forever and she chose to protect Greg and give up Jack. Too bad she would lose them both in the end.
After Greg’s death, Jack disappeared from Torchwood and when he had returned Llinos had been killed during the Cardiff Blitz.
Torchwood bred nothing but tears and pain and Ianto knew he wouldn’t leave it for the world.
Arriving at his little office behind the beaded curtain, Ianto spread the folders onto his desk. He quickly made himself a cup of coffee and made sure the door was locked. No sense in doing research if tourists kept interrupting his thoughts.
With a soft sigh, Ianto sat and stared at the dusty folders. There were two files and as Ianto sat and sipped his coffee he eyed them with an unreadable expression. With a slightly shaking hand, Ianto reached out to one of the files but froze when Jack’s voice sounded in the comm. device in his ear.
“Hey, Ianto? Is there any chance I could get some coffee? I’ve a feeling my ear is going to be welded to this phone for a bit long- Yes, I’m still holding for Colonel Mace…”
Ianto didn’t even need to reply. He quietly placed the files inside his desk and locked the drawer before finishing off the last of his coffee and pouring a fresh mug for Jack. He’d left some in the pot downstairs but he knew his private batch was fresher. He left it black as Jack didn’t seem to need his ‘comfort coffee’ at the moment.
Silently, Ianto strode through the Hub and only just missed being hit with the basketball as he headed to Jack’s office. He knocked softly before entering. Jack gave him a nod and continued his conversation.
“…Alan, I understand that your hands are tied in this situation but you need to emphasize to these idiots that they have no say over what we do. If they’re having issues with us they need to take it up with Her Majesty.” He paused as Colonel Mace spoke. “Who are these idiots anyway?” Pause. “I’ve never heard of them and I’ve heard of everyone. Are they a branch off of UNIT?” Pause. “Regardless, they have no authority to try to force your hand. Alan, we’ve known one another for a long time and you know Alistair will vouch for me; I don’t play with that kind of tech. Anytime I find it I destroy it. It’s dangerous. How many times have I been called in to UNIT to defend my actions during the cleanup?”
Ianto walked in and placed the mug on Jack’s desk. Jack paused to mouth the words ‘thank you’ to him and Ianto busied himself with putting away some of the loose files on Jack’s desk. He was being nosy but he already had a good idea as to what was going on even if he didn’t have all the details. Some small group, probably funded by some eccentric rich family with a member or two working within UNIT or MI5, got their hands on information they shouldn’t have and thought that they could save the world with the tech that Torchwood and UNIT kept under wraps and were trying to push their weight around using lawyers. That never worked.
The Queen had the final say and she agreed with Jack when it came to protecting her people. Queen Elizabeth was unlike her predecessors in that she supported Torchwood. Granted, it probably had a lot to do with Jack meeting her when she was very young and explaining to her the importance of the organization and how antiquated most of Torchwood’s rules had become. She trusted Jack and his decisions. They just weren’t ready for that kind of technology to be mainstreamed even for the good of mankind. Jack knew what the future held for this small blue planet and he was determined to keep it from happening wrong.
Ianto paused as he noticed the CCTV feed of the tourist office was on Jack’s monitor. A ripple of guilt rushed through him. Jack probably saw him with those files. He tried to pretend he didn’t notice. Jack was probably just being a peeping tom as usual and there was no reason for him to be suspicious of Jack. He took a deep breath and turned to leave but paused when he heard Jack snapping his fingers.
With a frown, Ianto turned. Jack was waving for him to sit.
Shit! He thought. With the files he’d taken off Jack’s desk clutched to his chest, he sat and waited for Jack to finish his phone call.
“Fine, fine. I’ve got my yearly review with the Queen coming up so I’ll discuss this situation with Her Majesty then. I can promise that nothing will come of this. They can stomp their feet and threaten all they want but we don’t answer to anyone…except Lisbet.” Jack smiled as he listened. “Right. And you tell Erisa that the next time she goes on maternity leave and not tell me I’ll make a pass at Mr. Magambo. I didn’t even get to send a gift.” Jack laughed and with a quick goodbye rang off.
Jack still had a smile on his face as he glanced at the monitor that was still showing the inside of the tourist office. The smile slid away as he quickly shut down the screen. Ianto felt himself pale at the expression on Jack’s face.
Ianto cleared his throat. “Was there something you wanted to discuss, sir?”
Jack sighed. “What have I told you, Ianto? Enough with the ‘sir’.” He lifted the mug to his mouth, inhaled deeply and then took a large mouthful of coffee.
“Sorry, Jack. Is there something you wanted to discuss?” he asked again, trying to not look guilty.
“Yes, actually,” Jack said, placing the mug back down onto the desk. He folded his hands and leaned forward. “How are you, Ianto?”
Ianto blinked. “I’m- I’m well. Why do you ask?”
Ianto could see the storm brewing behind Jack’s eyes. He was in trouble and he hadn’t even done anything. Then explain why you’re feeling so guilty, he mentally chastised.
Jack closed his eyes and rubbed his hands over his face. “Ianto, you spent six months in 1939 and you had to deal with the old-younger me as well as the burden of knowing what happened to Greg and Llinos and all that time not knowing if you would ever get home and you’re going to sit there and tell me you are perfectly fine?”
Ianto swallowed and hugged the files closer to his chest. “Are you asking me as my boss or as my…whatever it is we are to one another?”
Jack flinched at Ianto’s words. “I’m asking as someone who cares for you. You seem withdrawn and…secretive. If you need someone to talk to and you don’t want to talk to me I’m sure I could find someone-“
“Someone that I’ll inevitably have to Retcon? No Jack. I’m fine and I don’t need to talk to anyone. I know you care, Jack. That isn’t the problem. I just need a little time. Can you give me that?”
Jack didn’t seem happy with that answer but he nodded. “For now. However, if I feel you are having issues I’ll see to it that you get help. Secrets aren’t good, Ianto. They always eat at you.”
“You would know, Jack,” Ianto said before he could stop himself. He immediately regretted it as he watched Jack’s face fall. Ianto stood up and dropped the files he was holding. “I’m sorry, Jack. That was totally uncalled for.”
Jack held up a hand. “No…you meant what you said. I know exactly what secrets can do to you.”
Ianto walked around the desk and knelt down before Jack. “I didn’t mean it like that. Jack, I know I’ve been out of sorts. I promise I’ll be better. I’ve just got a few things on my mind.”
Jack turned to look at Ianto’s upturned face. He reached a hand out to caress Ianto’s cheek. “You know you can talk to me. You know I won’t judge you.”
Ianto nodded. “I know, Jack. I promise you; once I’ve sorted my head I will tell you everything. I know you have your memories of that time but I have my own and I’ve a lot to work through.” He turned his face to place a kiss on the palm of Jack’s hand, clasping it in his own.
Jack only seemed to look sadder. “I understand,” he said, forcing a smile onto his face.
Ianto smiled and pushed himself to his feet, still holding Jack’s hand. “Are you hungry? I can order some take-away and we can leave early and head over to mine, if you’d like.”
Jack looked pained as he spoke. “I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ve got to finish working on this new issue,” he said, pointing to the paperwork in front of him. It looked like an affidavit. “A new bunch of yahoos wanting to deregulate us because we hog all the cool toys and won’t share. They think because they’ve got money and lawyers that they win.” He forced a smile and said, “We’ve got the Queen. We win.”
Ianto nodded and gathered the spilled files before leaving Jack to his work.
Jack watched Ianto go. His heart ached but he knew this was for the best. He wanted nothing more than to go home with Ianto, curl up together on the couch watching trashy television and eating curry. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do it anymore. He couldn’t be with Ianto and waste the opportunity the young man had at happiness. Ianto’s life was finite and Jack felt that he didn’t have the right to take it from him no matter how much it made his heart hurt to pull back the way he knew he had to.
Ianto was obviously upset about something and Jack had a feeling he knew what it was. Ianto had spent six months in 1939 with Greg and Llinos. Both of them were wonderful and even though Greg was obsessed with Jack, Llinos would have made Ianto happy if he had been forced to live out his life in the past. Conversely, Ianto would have made Llinos happy as well. They would have had a beautiful life, possibly children. Perhaps, if they had been together she wouldn’t have been out on the street hunting down a Weevil during a bomb raid. She would have had someone to lean on when Greg was killed and she wouldn’t have become so reckless.
He was afraid of Ianto becoming like Llinos…or worse, like Greg. He had spent the past few weeks watching Ianto move around the Hub like a ghost. He hid in the tourist office and didn’t interact with the others much. It was like how he had behaved when he was hiding Lisa -
No…there was no way Ianto was hiding anything that serious from him. Was there? He shook his head and focused on the papers before him. Jack knew Ianto wouldn’t betray him like that ever again. That didn’t change the fact that he knew he had to give Ianto up if only for him to have a chance at happiness. Even if it meant that he had to rip his own heart out to do so.
~*~
For three days Jack seemed to avoid Ianto. Their only interactions were Rift alerts and coffee runs. Jack had pulled himself into a shell and no matter what Ianto did he couldn’t break through it. Ianto could feel his heart breaking as he worried if maybe he should have just told Jack what he was doing. Jack only hoped Ianto would see what he was trying to do and move on.
“Idiots,” Tosh hissed at her monitor.
“What’s that, Tosh?” Owen asked. He was engrossed in a video game and barely spared her a glance.
She looked over at him and internally smiled. At times, he was such a child. That was one aspect of his personality that she found endearing. However, this was not the time or the place for her to be playing the ‘What I Like About You’ game with Owen. She sighed and said, “Jack and Ianto. They are complete idiots.”
Owen cursed as he lost his game and closed the small handheld before turning to face her. “What they do this time?”
She glanced at Owen once more and rolled her eyes. “Perhaps it’s just all men that are stupid.” She shook her head at the blank look he gave her. “You can’t say you haven’t noticed?”
“I’ve noticed,” Gwen said, scooting her chair closer. “At first they were almost sickeningly sweet but now they can hardly stand to look at one another.”
Owen shrugged. “Maybe they realize they really just aren’t into each other.”
Tosh glared at him. “Tell me you aren’t that thick. Something has happened. It was like a switch was flicked. Ianto is acting off and Jack is going out of his way to avoid him.”
As they spoke, Ianto emerged from the Archives as Jack left his office. They glanced at one another for a second before Jack looked away and headed toward Ianto as Ianto seemed to crumble and head to the cog door. Jack disappeared down to the vaults and Ianto up to the tourist office.
“Now do you see?” Tosh whispered, turning to look at Owen.
He nodded then shook his head. “Idiots!”
“Well, Ianto is acting oddly. He seems to be hiding in the tourist office when he isn’t down in the Archives searching for something. You don’t think he’s hiding something?” asked Gwen.
Tosh shook her head. “No. He wouldn’t do anything like that again,” she said, immediately cottoning on to what Gwen was saying. “Besides, I’ve already run a scan. He isn’t going to any of the unused sections and he really seems to be searching for something.”
“No other heat signatures?” Owen asked.
Tosh cast him a look. “You really think that little of my abilities? Of course I’ve checked for heat signatures. Nothing. Now I only wish I knew why Jack was being such a pillock.”
Gwen stood up and pushed her chair back to her desk. “Well, I’m going to find out,” she said and stormed down to the vaults.
She found Jack leaning against Janet’s cell as he watched the creature that sat in the corner and hissed.
“Busy Jack?” she asked, knowing it was a stupid question.
He looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
“You know what I mean,” she said, playfully slapping his arm.
Jack turned to face her, his arms crossed over his chest. “What can I do for you, Gwen?”
“Nothing really,” she said. She watched as Janet sniffed the air and growled deeply. “She doesn’t like me.”
Jack huffed a laugh. “Janet doesn’t like anyone. Well, maybe Ianto but I think that’s only because he feeds her.”
“How is Ianto?” Gwen asked. She could feel Jack stiffen next to her.
“Why not ask him?” Jack returned and Gwen could just tell his mask of indifference had settled into place.
She turned to face Jack. “Shouldn’t you know? If you’re together, wouldn’t you know how he’s doing? What’s upsetting him? I mean, when he was gone, you and I talked. I thought you said you loved him?”
Jack’s expression grew frosty. “No Gwen, you said I loved him. He has his own concerns and he doesn’t need me in his life.”
“Says you or Ianto?” she countered, glaring at the fool stood before her.
“Does it matter? It’s for the best,” he growled and tried to walk past her.
Gwen grabbed his arm. “Jack. Why are you doing this? He loves you and you love him. I know he’s keeping something from us but-“
“What?” Jack said, turning to face her. “He’s what?”
“Nothing. I mean, Tosh said it looks like he’s searching for something but it’s probably nothing. Maybe if you spoke to him he’d tell you what he’s up to.”
Jack stood there, the gears in his mind spinning as he glared at Gwen. Gwen felt like shit because she had a feeling she had only made things worse.
~*~
Ianto was searching for something. It started with Llinos’ personnel file and seemed to only grow. He wasn’t even really sure what he was looking for but the mystery was too intriguing to put aside. The Rift had been so blissfully quiet that Ianto had plenty of time to look. He poured over the newest batch of files and had to smile at the little clues he was finding. Ianto didn’t need death-defying adventure, he had Torchwood for that, he was just happy with the puzzles and he fancied the idea that they were set up just for him.
Surely they weren’t.
Maybe.
A small ping sounded from his pc and he turned to the monitor to see he had just received an email. Ianto’s brow furrowed as he looked at the address. It wasn’t one he was familiar with but it seemed to pass the filters Tosh had in place so he felt sure it was safe to open. With a click of his mouse he was suddenly smiling brightly at the screen.
Date: 29 Sept 2007
To: Jones, Ianto
From: Brooke, Anthony
Subject: (no subject)
Hey Jonesy,
I’ll be in town all week. I’ll be there in an hour. Want to meet for drinks?
~Tony
It was a simple message but it was perfect. Anthony Brooke was a survivor of Canary Wharf and - at one time - had been Ianto’s closest friend. After the fall of Torchwood Tower, Anthony couldn’t handle what had happened and he had moved to the country and tried to start over. He and Anthony had kept in touch but it had been sporadic and almost as if they were just playing at being friends. It wasn’t until the past few months that Anthony had begun to keep in touch in earnest. They spoke on the phone and texted all the time. This was the first time Anthony had emailed him. Ianto was having a hard time trying to remember when he had actually given Anthony his work email address. He must have, though.
Anthony wasn’t very savvy when it came to modern tech. He was an archivist but he was trained up in the old school way of doing things - paper and hard facts. Anthony had always been very hands on, shirtsleeves rolled up and a smudge of dust on his nose. He would love the Archives here but Anthony didn’t work for Torchwood any longer and Ianto didn’t push the subject. Though, if he allowed himself to fantasize, it would be lovely to have another person helping him tackle the areas he had yet to organize. Anthony was good looking so perhaps Jack could be convinced on a superficial level and then he could offer himself as Jack’s personal assistant full time and-
No. There was a pang in his chest that cried out that he didn’t want Anthony near Jack. Anthony was his friend outside this madness just as Jack was his - well, not lately.
He turned his focus back to the email and sent a quick reply to Anthony telling him he could meet him in an hour for lunch. He hadn’t seen him in a couple of years and it would be nice. He grinned at the idea of having a nice normal afternoon with a friend. No Weevils and no Torchwood. An afternoon of pretending he was a regular bloke hanging out with his best mate.
It was at that moment that Jack appeared and Ianto quickly schooled his features. He sent off the email and began to nonchalantly clear away the files on the desk. He could feel Jack’s eyes wash over him and the urge to stand up, rush over to him, slam him up against the wall and kiss him till he regained an ounce of sense was a bit overwhelming. However, he placed the files in his desk and stood up to face Jack.
“Did you need something, sir?” he asked.
Jack’s eyes were stones. He watched every move Ianto made and seemed to be cataloging it for later. “What are you doing, Ianto?”
Ianto blinked. “What do you mean? I’m replying to email and tidying up some files.” He cocked his head to the side and said, “I’m doing my job, Jack.”
Jack took a step closer to him. “What are you doing, Ianto? What is in the files you’re so diligently tidying up?” Jack ground out.
“Are you accusing me of something, Jack? Because, if you are, I’d like it out in the open so I can defend myself properly instead of this dance you seem so keen on performing.” He crossed his arms over his chest and glared. Granted, he was sneaking around but not for the reasons Jack seemed to assume. He didn’t want to tell Jack just yet, he wanted to keep it for himself just a bit longer.
Jack seemed to deflate. “I’m not accusing you of anything. It just seemed -ah, Hell! I don’t want you to get sucked into your work. You need to get out. Do things…” he mumbled the rest.
“I’m sorry, Jack. I didn’t hear that last part,” Ianto said.
Jack glared. “I said, meet people. You need to meet people that aren’t Torchwood and enjoy your life while you can.”
Ianto felt as if someone had thrown ice water down his back. “What are you saying, Jack? Really saying?” Though, he didn’t actually want to hear the words, he couldn’t keep this farce up any longer.
“The Doctor had a habit of telling Rose and I, before I had become immortal, that we could spend the rest of our lives with him but he couldn’t spend the rest of his life with us. It’s the same now with you and me. I don’t want you to wake up one day full of regret. I want you to go out and be young. Meet people.” He closed his eyes and rubbed his hands over his face. “I want you to fall in love and be happy.”
Ianto couldn’t stop himself. He took a step forward and clutched at one of Jack’s hands. “Jack, you make me happy.”
Shaking his head, Jack pulled his hand back. “No. I cause you pain and I can never give you the life you really deserve. Someday, I’ll be the reason you die and I can’t carry that in my conscience.”
“Are you…are you firing me?” Ianto asked, because the idea of Jack breaking off whatever it was they had was even harder to say out-loud.
It was Jack’s turn to blink. “No. I wouldn’t take Torchwood away from you. I just think that if you find something outside of Torchwood to live for…perhaps you’ll live longer. Go and find a pretty girl and make babies, Ianto. You deserve no less.”
Ianto felt his mouth go dry. “I don’t want a pretty girl. I don’t want to make babies. I- I want you, Jack. I don’t care if you’re not good for me. You make me happy.” He reached out for Jack once more.
Jack shrugged him off and growled, “I made Greg happy and what happened to him? He was killed for knowing me. Look at what I did to Llinos. I’m a disease. I’m a cancer that only destroys everything I touch. I can’t do that to you too. Ianto, don’t make me.”
Taking a step back, Ianto paled. “Make you? You make it sound like I pressure you to be with me. Am I that much of a burden? I can’t imagine the pain you go through losing everyone you love. I would never force that on you, Jack. I just thought-“ he took a deep breath. “Isn’t it best to know that happiness once in awhile? I’m sorry if you felt pressured. I’m sorry if we love you despite how much you push us away. I’m sorry we’re all such burdens on your soul. I’m sorry.” He turned away from Jack and moved toward the door.
“Ianto wait! That wasn’t what I meant,” Jack pleaded.
Ianto only paused for a moment and said, “But you did, Jack. You never say anything you don’t mean.” He pursed his lips and left, slamming the door behind him.
Jack stepped back until his back hit the wall and he slid down. “What have I done?” he whispered to the empty office.
~*~
Roughly wiping the angry tears from his eyes, Ianto stormed across the Plass. He needed to get away from the Hub and away from Jack. He felt as if his world had crumbled around him…again. Why was Jack so thick? Couldn’t he see that Ianto died every time Jack got sanctimonious like this? Ianto wasn’t really sure he had much left in him to keep this up. Jack was hot and cold and Ianto would just be happy with warm. Hell, Ianto would settle for luke-warm if it meant they could be together.
He sat on a bench and willed himself to calm down. He knew Tony was to meet him soon and it would look bad if he showed up with red-rimmed eyes. He needed to figure out his life, he needed to see what could be done to save his sanity. Could he continue to work for Jack knowing he really loved the man? Knowing Jack was holding him at a distance to make him ‘happy’? He knew he would never find happiness in someone else as long as he stayed yet at the same time he didn’t want anyone else and he surely couldn’t give up his career. Of course, there was still Torchwood policy that if he left Jack still held the right to Retcon him. Tony wasn’t Retcon’d because the UNIT medics felt it would hurt the survivors more than help. Perhaps they were right. Ianto was grateful -at the time- that they hadn’t Retcon’d him. Hindsight, though, makes him wonder if he should have been.
With a deep breath, Ianto stood and smoothed down his jacket. He would go meet Tony, he would enjoy his lunch and he would go home and break down. That was his plan and he was going to stick to it. With a resigned sigh, he walked toward the open-air café where he had told Tony to meet him.
He didn’t notice the shadow that shifted behind him, following and watching throughout his lunch date.
Tony was waiting when Ianto arrived. His sandy blonde hair and grey eyes matched his fine features and tan skin. Ianto felt he must look ill when compared to the healthy glow of Tony. He had to admit, his friend looked great.
“Where have you been? The Caribbean?” Ianto said in greeting.
Tony stood and took Ianto’s hand, shaking it. “No! This is country living for you. Fresh air, healthy food and hard work. You should try it. You look like you could use some sun.” Tony smiled as he sat back down. Ianto could feel Tony’s eyes on him and he inwardly smirked. See Harkness, other men find me attractive, he thought and then immediately hated himself for it.
Ianto sat and after a quick glance at his menu he asked, “So what dragged you away from Green Acres to dirty Cardiff?” He raised a questioning eyebrow. “Tell me it isn’t a guy? Anthony Brooke, the-man-that-other-men-fell-to-their-knees-for isn’t chasing someone.”
Tony sat there and watched Ianto with a critical eye. The waitress came and interrupted, taking their orders before Tony answered. “I’m not here for a guy. Well, not just for a guy. I’m here for business. Honestly, Ianto, I’m bored with farm life. The attack happened long ago and it’s time for me to pick myself up by the boot-straps and move on.”
“The money ran out?” Ianto deadpanned.
“The money ran out,” Tony nodded.
They shared a stoic moment before Tony snorted and Ianto laughed. “You were always shit at bullshitting me. I could always see right through it.”
“That’s the truth. Remember when I first came down to the Archives and had Sanjay believing that they had transferred me down from Yvonne’s office so I could make sure you lot weren’t nicking tech?” Tony asked.
Ianto nodded and sighed. “I do. He was practically pissing himself because he had taken that Rosfeld device so he could scan his girlfriend to see if she was really pregnant or just trying to angle for a ring.”
“You didn’t buy it,” Tony said and smiled at the waitress as she brought their coffee and sandwiches. “You never did tell me how you knew. I was pretty thorough in my farce.”
Ianto thanked the waitress and took a sip of his coffee, noting the grimace Tony gave him. Tony hated black coffee. He gently placed the mug down on the table and smirked. “Honestly, you have this little crinkle in the corner of your eye that shows when you lie. It makes you look insincere. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe you…I just questioned the crinkle and I was right.” He flashed Tony a wink and tucked his napkin into his collar to protect his tie.
“A wrinkle?” Tony asked looking utterly put-upon.
Ianto took a bite of his sandwich, chewed, swallowed and answered, “A crinkle. That isn’t a wrinkle. One is age the other is-“
“Wisdom?” Tony supplied.
“If you wish,” Ianto said, smirking.
They chatted companionably for a while, eating their lunches and reminiscing. After the waitress refilled their mugs and took their empty plates Tony seemed to grow pensive.
“Penny for them?” Ianto asked, leaning back in his seat with his mug.
Tony only looked at him for a moment. If Ianto didn’t know better he seemed to be fighting his own mind and it wasn’t exactly a flattering look on the man’s otherwise handsome face. Tony closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them he wore a smile and it seemed as if nothing had been bothering him moments before. “Well, I’ve got a new job. I’m working for Cybus Industries.”
“Should I know them?” Ianto asked.
“I’m surprised you don’t,” Tony replied.
Ianto was surprised as well. He shifted in his chair and asked, “What do they do?”
“Well, everything,” Tony said. He seemed to be excited and as he spoke his hands were very animated. “They develop all sorts of technology. They believe that they hold the answer to the world’s problems.”
Ianto rolled his eyes. “Where have we heard that before?”
Tony shook his head. “I know but they aren’t like that. They are on the cusp of bringing this technology to the people. They aren’t interested in hording it like Torchwood. My boss believes that global awareness is the key. They are working with different branches of healthcare and mass media. They actually came to me because of my ties to Torchwood.”
Ianto leaned forward, stiffening at the last part. “How did they know to look for you?”
“I -I was looking for work. My CV has all that information on it. I’m not about to lie about working for Torchwood, Ianto. Why start at the bottom when I’ve got all that experience?” he said, watching Ianto critically.
Ianto seemed to relax. “I’m sorry. I guess working for Torchwood for as long as I have has made me very suspicious. So, they are very forward thinking. That’s great. I guess you really enjoy your work.”
Tony nodded. “Oh, very much so. Instead of being held up in an archive sorting through artifacts I’m out there searching for technology that CI can use. That’s why I’m here. I’ve got meetings with various groups to see if they are willing to invest in CI. I think what they’re trying to do is amazing.”
“That seems a bit far from your former job, as an archivist,” Ianto pointed out.
“True. However, my Torchwood experience has given me the opportunity to seek out specific technology and disregard anything that isn’t to CI’s standards,” he said.
“So, you’re specifically trolling for alien tech?” Ianto asked with a raised eyebrow.
Tony smirked. “Mmmmm, could be?”
Ianto placed his mug down on the table and leaned forward. He was about to say something to Tony about how suspicious it was that he sought him out but he didn’t get the chance as his mobile chirped at him.
Rift Alert
Need you.
CJH
Ianto deflated. He had wanted to go home after he left Tony and now he had to leave Tony early and he wasn’t done questioning him about this Cybus Industries.
“Work calling?” Tony asked, knowingly.
Ianto nodded. “Yeah, I’m sorry. Maybe we can meet again before you leave. Where are you staying? I could set you up at St. David’s Hotel.”
“I’m not sure yet. I hadn’t booked ahead; you know how I like to play it by ear. I’m probably going to head over to the Travelodge. I hate wasting money on a room and St. David’s is a bit posh for me,” Tony said as he pulled out his wallet.
Ianto shook his head and pulled out his own wallet, slapping down the Torchwood credit card on the table. “Let Harkness buy us lunch,” he said.
“Yeah, how is it, working for His Harkness?” Tony asked, eyeing the card.
Ianto shrugged. He didn’t want to get into that with Tony right now. He needed to get back to the Hub and he wanted to see Tony sorted before he did so. “Listen,” he said, fishing out his house-key, “go round to mine. You know the address. I’ve got an extra room and you can stay with me.”
“Really, Ianto? I really don’t mind staying at the Travelodge-“
“I’ll have none of that. I’ve got to run. Use the card and I’ll get it back tonight. I’ll bring beer and pizza and we can properly talk.” Ianto pulled the napkin from his collar and tossed it onto the table as he pushed in his chair. If Tony was at his then he would have a better chance of questioning him later tonight.
Tony gave Ianto a smile. “Fine. I’ll see you tonight.” He stood up as well, gathering the card and his suitcase that was stowed below the table. He really had just gotten into town.
Ianto nodded and turned to leave.
“Ianto,” Tony called and Ianto glanced back at the tall man. “I missed you.”
Ianto smiled. “I missed you too, Tony.” As he hit the street, Ianto took off at a jog.
~*~
TBC
Series' Included: Series One, Series Two up to Adam and also includes information from the Torchwood novel The Twilight Streets. You needn’t have read them to enjoy the story.
Characters: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, (OC) Anthony Brooke, Gwen Cooper, Owen Harper, Toshiko Sato. Mentions of Llinos King and Greg Bishop
Pairings: Jack/Ianto, mentions of Jack/Greg and Jack/Llinos
Gen/Het/Slash: Cannon Slash
Rating: M for mature due to language
Current Word Count: 25k +
Beta(s): The fanastic, Sanguaze, a.k.a. thebigbluebox. She finally got herself an LJ.
Artist(s): The wonderful cjharknessgirl and the amazing thebigbluebox.
Summary:
Weeks after returning from 1939, Ianto tries to cope with the past he knows and the future he wants. Jack wants Ianto to be happy but goes about it in the wrong way. An old friend from Torchwood One is in town and a new enemy wants what they believe is hiding within the Hub. What is Ianto hiding and can he figure out the reasons behind Jack’s behavior?
Author’s Notes: This is a sequel to my tw_bigbang Wait For Me There. If you haven’t read it, that’s fine as this works as a stand-alone fic. I want to thank my cheerleaders that STILL do not own a LiveJournal, my best friend, MartiniGirl and my all suffering man, Blade. You guys keep me writing when I want to walk away and give up.
by cjharknessgirl
by thebigbluebox
In Demand
‘You’re thinking of the way you should’ve held my hand,
And all the times you said you didn’t understand.
You never had our love written in your plans,
But now I’m in demand.’
In Demand by Texas
The files felt heavy in his arms as Ianto Jones crossed the Hub toward the cog door that led to the Tourist Office. As he passed the office of Captain Jack Harkness his heart froze. He prayed Jack didn’t notice him and ask for coffee, or worse, stare at him from his door with a look Ianto had yet to decipher. Fortunately, he could hear Jack arguing with someone on the phone. He smiled at Toshiko Sato at her computer but she didn’t seem to notice him and that was definitely fine by Ianto. His face was a perfect mask of innocent indifference as he passed Owen Harper and Gwen Cooper playing a cut-throat game of one-on-one.
A few weeks earlier, Ianto had been taken back in time to 1939. John Hart had been responsible and Ianto had lived in the past for six months even though only a few days had passed for Jack and the others. He had hid within Torchwood and had met a few of Jack’s former co-workers as well as the man himself. This had caused Jack a lot of pain as the memories of the past caught up with him in the present and he was forced to deal with his true feelings for Ianto and Ianto’s firsthand knowledge of what a bastard he really had once been. To top it off, Ianto had met Jack’s former lover, Greg Bishop. Truth be known, Ianto liked Greg and if not for Jack he could have really liked Greg.
When he had first returned home, Jack had been doting, almost smothering towards Ianto. Not that he minded. It was nice being involved in an attentive and loving Jack. Ianto could actually pinpoint the moment, though, when it all went pear-shaped.
They were at Ianto’s flat, curled up together in his bed and just talking. It was so very nice and Ianto had to go and ruin it by mentioning how much he felt bad for Greg Bishop and how he never got to have Jack the way Ianto did. Ianto had felt Jack stiffen though he didn’t say anything. The next day Jack was gone before the sun and he had begun to withdraw from Ianto. Ianto just knew he was being punished for something but he really couldn’t imagine what, other than mentioning Greg.
Ianto did feel bad for Greg Bishop. Greg was a wonderful man with a huge heart and the most amazing cheekbones. Ianto could barely understand what he was doing working for Torchwood because Greg was so full of wonder. Greg was undeniably in love with Jack and practically pined for the man when he wasn’t around. He was a ray of light in a Torchwood that was dark and suffering under the heavy handed rule of Tilda Brennan, the mad director of the time. Ianto and Greg had become quick friends though it hurt Ianto deeply to know that Greg was in love with the man that he too loved beyond reason.
However, what really killed Ianto wasn’t just living in the past or knowing of Greg’s love of Jack; it was knowing that Greg was doomed to a very young death and he couldn’t do a thing to stop it. It took all his energy to not grab Greg by the shoulders and tell him to run, leave Torchwood and take Llinos King with him. Llinos was another of Jack’s casualties in love but she was strong and bore it with an air of elegance that made Ianto jealous. It was her friendship and her love for Greg that kept her from saying anything and it made Ianto respect her. She loved both men, differently. This forced her to choose which love was best, one that would hurt her or one she could hold onto forever and she chose to protect Greg and give up Jack. Too bad she would lose them both in the end.
After Greg’s death, Jack disappeared from Torchwood and when he had returned Llinos had been killed during the Cardiff Blitz.
Torchwood bred nothing but tears and pain and Ianto knew he wouldn’t leave it for the world.
Arriving at his little office behind the beaded curtain, Ianto spread the folders onto his desk. He quickly made himself a cup of coffee and made sure the door was locked. No sense in doing research if tourists kept interrupting his thoughts.
With a soft sigh, Ianto sat and stared at the dusty folders. There were two files and as Ianto sat and sipped his coffee he eyed them with an unreadable expression. With a slightly shaking hand, Ianto reached out to one of the files but froze when Jack’s voice sounded in the comm. device in his ear.
“Hey, Ianto? Is there any chance I could get some coffee? I’ve a feeling my ear is going to be welded to this phone for a bit long- Yes, I’m still holding for Colonel Mace…”
Ianto didn’t even need to reply. He quietly placed the files inside his desk and locked the drawer before finishing off the last of his coffee and pouring a fresh mug for Jack. He’d left some in the pot downstairs but he knew his private batch was fresher. He left it black as Jack didn’t seem to need his ‘comfort coffee’ at the moment.
Silently, Ianto strode through the Hub and only just missed being hit with the basketball as he headed to Jack’s office. He knocked softly before entering. Jack gave him a nod and continued his conversation.
“…Alan, I understand that your hands are tied in this situation but you need to emphasize to these idiots that they have no say over what we do. If they’re having issues with us they need to take it up with Her Majesty.” He paused as Colonel Mace spoke. “Who are these idiots anyway?” Pause. “I’ve never heard of them and I’ve heard of everyone. Are they a branch off of UNIT?” Pause. “Regardless, they have no authority to try to force your hand. Alan, we’ve known one another for a long time and you know Alistair will vouch for me; I don’t play with that kind of tech. Anytime I find it I destroy it. It’s dangerous. How many times have I been called in to UNIT to defend my actions during the cleanup?”
Ianto walked in and placed the mug on Jack’s desk. Jack paused to mouth the words ‘thank you’ to him and Ianto busied himself with putting away some of the loose files on Jack’s desk. He was being nosy but he already had a good idea as to what was going on even if he didn’t have all the details. Some small group, probably funded by some eccentric rich family with a member or two working within UNIT or MI5, got their hands on information they shouldn’t have and thought that they could save the world with the tech that Torchwood and UNIT kept under wraps and were trying to push their weight around using lawyers. That never worked.
The Queen had the final say and she agreed with Jack when it came to protecting her people. Queen Elizabeth was unlike her predecessors in that she supported Torchwood. Granted, it probably had a lot to do with Jack meeting her when she was very young and explaining to her the importance of the organization and how antiquated most of Torchwood’s rules had become. She trusted Jack and his decisions. They just weren’t ready for that kind of technology to be mainstreamed even for the good of mankind. Jack knew what the future held for this small blue planet and he was determined to keep it from happening wrong.
Ianto paused as he noticed the CCTV feed of the tourist office was on Jack’s monitor. A ripple of guilt rushed through him. Jack probably saw him with those files. He tried to pretend he didn’t notice. Jack was probably just being a peeping tom as usual and there was no reason for him to be suspicious of Jack. He took a deep breath and turned to leave but paused when he heard Jack snapping his fingers.
With a frown, Ianto turned. Jack was waving for him to sit.
Shit! He thought. With the files he’d taken off Jack’s desk clutched to his chest, he sat and waited for Jack to finish his phone call.
“Fine, fine. I’ve got my yearly review with the Queen coming up so I’ll discuss this situation with Her Majesty then. I can promise that nothing will come of this. They can stomp their feet and threaten all they want but we don’t answer to anyone…except Lisbet.” Jack smiled as he listened. “Right. And you tell Erisa that the next time she goes on maternity leave and not tell me I’ll make a pass at Mr. Magambo. I didn’t even get to send a gift.” Jack laughed and with a quick goodbye rang off.
Jack still had a smile on his face as he glanced at the monitor that was still showing the inside of the tourist office. The smile slid away as he quickly shut down the screen. Ianto felt himself pale at the expression on Jack’s face.
Ianto cleared his throat. “Was there something you wanted to discuss, sir?”
Jack sighed. “What have I told you, Ianto? Enough with the ‘sir’.” He lifted the mug to his mouth, inhaled deeply and then took a large mouthful of coffee.
“Sorry, Jack. Is there something you wanted to discuss?” he asked again, trying to not look guilty.
“Yes, actually,” Jack said, placing the mug back down onto the desk. He folded his hands and leaned forward. “How are you, Ianto?”
Ianto blinked. “I’m- I’m well. Why do you ask?”
Ianto could see the storm brewing behind Jack’s eyes. He was in trouble and he hadn’t even done anything. Then explain why you’re feeling so guilty, he mentally chastised.
Jack closed his eyes and rubbed his hands over his face. “Ianto, you spent six months in 1939 and you had to deal with the old-younger me as well as the burden of knowing what happened to Greg and Llinos and all that time not knowing if you would ever get home and you’re going to sit there and tell me you are perfectly fine?”
Ianto swallowed and hugged the files closer to his chest. “Are you asking me as my boss or as my…whatever it is we are to one another?”
Jack flinched at Ianto’s words. “I’m asking as someone who cares for you. You seem withdrawn and…secretive. If you need someone to talk to and you don’t want to talk to me I’m sure I could find someone-“
“Someone that I’ll inevitably have to Retcon? No Jack. I’m fine and I don’t need to talk to anyone. I know you care, Jack. That isn’t the problem. I just need a little time. Can you give me that?”
Jack didn’t seem happy with that answer but he nodded. “For now. However, if I feel you are having issues I’ll see to it that you get help. Secrets aren’t good, Ianto. They always eat at you.”
“You would know, Jack,” Ianto said before he could stop himself. He immediately regretted it as he watched Jack’s face fall. Ianto stood up and dropped the files he was holding. “I’m sorry, Jack. That was totally uncalled for.”
Jack held up a hand. “No…you meant what you said. I know exactly what secrets can do to you.”
Ianto walked around the desk and knelt down before Jack. “I didn’t mean it like that. Jack, I know I’ve been out of sorts. I promise I’ll be better. I’ve just got a few things on my mind.”
Jack turned to look at Ianto’s upturned face. He reached a hand out to caress Ianto’s cheek. “You know you can talk to me. You know I won’t judge you.”
Ianto nodded. “I know, Jack. I promise you; once I’ve sorted my head I will tell you everything. I know you have your memories of that time but I have my own and I’ve a lot to work through.” He turned his face to place a kiss on the palm of Jack’s hand, clasping it in his own.
Jack only seemed to look sadder. “I understand,” he said, forcing a smile onto his face.
Ianto smiled and pushed himself to his feet, still holding Jack’s hand. “Are you hungry? I can order some take-away and we can leave early and head over to mine, if you’d like.”
Jack looked pained as he spoke. “I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ve got to finish working on this new issue,” he said, pointing to the paperwork in front of him. It looked like an affidavit. “A new bunch of yahoos wanting to deregulate us because we hog all the cool toys and won’t share. They think because they’ve got money and lawyers that they win.” He forced a smile and said, “We’ve got the Queen. We win.”
Ianto nodded and gathered the spilled files before leaving Jack to his work.
Jack watched Ianto go. His heart ached but he knew this was for the best. He wanted nothing more than to go home with Ianto, curl up together on the couch watching trashy television and eating curry. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do it anymore. He couldn’t be with Ianto and waste the opportunity the young man had at happiness. Ianto’s life was finite and Jack felt that he didn’t have the right to take it from him no matter how much it made his heart hurt to pull back the way he knew he had to.
Ianto was obviously upset about something and Jack had a feeling he knew what it was. Ianto had spent six months in 1939 with Greg and Llinos. Both of them were wonderful and even though Greg was obsessed with Jack, Llinos would have made Ianto happy if he had been forced to live out his life in the past. Conversely, Ianto would have made Llinos happy as well. They would have had a beautiful life, possibly children. Perhaps, if they had been together she wouldn’t have been out on the street hunting down a Weevil during a bomb raid. She would have had someone to lean on when Greg was killed and she wouldn’t have become so reckless.
He was afraid of Ianto becoming like Llinos…or worse, like Greg. He had spent the past few weeks watching Ianto move around the Hub like a ghost. He hid in the tourist office and didn’t interact with the others much. It was like how he had behaved when he was hiding Lisa -
No…there was no way Ianto was hiding anything that serious from him. Was there? He shook his head and focused on the papers before him. Jack knew Ianto wouldn’t betray him like that ever again. That didn’t change the fact that he knew he had to give Ianto up if only for him to have a chance at happiness. Even if it meant that he had to rip his own heart out to do so.
~*~
For three days Jack seemed to avoid Ianto. Their only interactions were Rift alerts and coffee runs. Jack had pulled himself into a shell and no matter what Ianto did he couldn’t break through it. Ianto could feel his heart breaking as he worried if maybe he should have just told Jack what he was doing. Jack only hoped Ianto would see what he was trying to do and move on.
“Idiots,” Tosh hissed at her monitor.
“What’s that, Tosh?” Owen asked. He was engrossed in a video game and barely spared her a glance.
She looked over at him and internally smiled. At times, he was such a child. That was one aspect of his personality that she found endearing. However, this was not the time or the place for her to be playing the ‘What I Like About You’ game with Owen. She sighed and said, “Jack and Ianto. They are complete idiots.”
Owen cursed as he lost his game and closed the small handheld before turning to face her. “What they do this time?”
She glanced at Owen once more and rolled her eyes. “Perhaps it’s just all men that are stupid.” She shook her head at the blank look he gave her. “You can’t say you haven’t noticed?”
“I’ve noticed,” Gwen said, scooting her chair closer. “At first they were almost sickeningly sweet but now they can hardly stand to look at one another.”
Owen shrugged. “Maybe they realize they really just aren’t into each other.”
Tosh glared at him. “Tell me you aren’t that thick. Something has happened. It was like a switch was flicked. Ianto is acting off and Jack is going out of his way to avoid him.”
As they spoke, Ianto emerged from the Archives as Jack left his office. They glanced at one another for a second before Jack looked away and headed toward Ianto as Ianto seemed to crumble and head to the cog door. Jack disappeared down to the vaults and Ianto up to the tourist office.
“Now do you see?” Tosh whispered, turning to look at Owen.
He nodded then shook his head. “Idiots!”
“Well, Ianto is acting oddly. He seems to be hiding in the tourist office when he isn’t down in the Archives searching for something. You don’t think he’s hiding something?” asked Gwen.
Tosh shook her head. “No. He wouldn’t do anything like that again,” she said, immediately cottoning on to what Gwen was saying. “Besides, I’ve already run a scan. He isn’t going to any of the unused sections and he really seems to be searching for something.”
“No other heat signatures?” Owen asked.
Tosh cast him a look. “You really think that little of my abilities? Of course I’ve checked for heat signatures. Nothing. Now I only wish I knew why Jack was being such a pillock.”
Gwen stood up and pushed her chair back to her desk. “Well, I’m going to find out,” she said and stormed down to the vaults.
She found Jack leaning against Janet’s cell as he watched the creature that sat in the corner and hissed.
“Busy Jack?” she asked, knowing it was a stupid question.
He looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
“You know what I mean,” she said, playfully slapping his arm.
Jack turned to face her, his arms crossed over his chest. “What can I do for you, Gwen?”
“Nothing really,” she said. She watched as Janet sniffed the air and growled deeply. “She doesn’t like me.”
Jack huffed a laugh. “Janet doesn’t like anyone. Well, maybe Ianto but I think that’s only because he feeds her.”
“How is Ianto?” Gwen asked. She could feel Jack stiffen next to her.
“Why not ask him?” Jack returned and Gwen could just tell his mask of indifference had settled into place.
She turned to face Jack. “Shouldn’t you know? If you’re together, wouldn’t you know how he’s doing? What’s upsetting him? I mean, when he was gone, you and I talked. I thought you said you loved him?”
Jack’s expression grew frosty. “No Gwen, you said I loved him. He has his own concerns and he doesn’t need me in his life.”
“Says you or Ianto?” she countered, glaring at the fool stood before her.
“Does it matter? It’s for the best,” he growled and tried to walk past her.
Gwen grabbed his arm. “Jack. Why are you doing this? He loves you and you love him. I know he’s keeping something from us but-“
“What?” Jack said, turning to face her. “He’s what?”
“Nothing. I mean, Tosh said it looks like he’s searching for something but it’s probably nothing. Maybe if you spoke to him he’d tell you what he’s up to.”
Jack stood there, the gears in his mind spinning as he glared at Gwen. Gwen felt like shit because she had a feeling she had only made things worse.
~*~
Ianto was searching for something. It started with Llinos’ personnel file and seemed to only grow. He wasn’t even really sure what he was looking for but the mystery was too intriguing to put aside. The Rift had been so blissfully quiet that Ianto had plenty of time to look. He poured over the newest batch of files and had to smile at the little clues he was finding. Ianto didn’t need death-defying adventure, he had Torchwood for that, he was just happy with the puzzles and he fancied the idea that they were set up just for him.
Surely they weren’t.
Maybe.
A small ping sounded from his pc and he turned to the monitor to see he had just received an email. Ianto’s brow furrowed as he looked at the address. It wasn’t one he was familiar with but it seemed to pass the filters Tosh had in place so he felt sure it was safe to open. With a click of his mouse he was suddenly smiling brightly at the screen.
Date: 29 Sept 2007
To: Jones, Ianto
From: Brooke, Anthony
Subject: (no subject)
Hey Jonesy,
I’ll be in town all week. I’ll be there in an hour. Want to meet for drinks?
~Tony
It was a simple message but it was perfect. Anthony Brooke was a survivor of Canary Wharf and - at one time - had been Ianto’s closest friend. After the fall of Torchwood Tower, Anthony couldn’t handle what had happened and he had moved to the country and tried to start over. He and Anthony had kept in touch but it had been sporadic and almost as if they were just playing at being friends. It wasn’t until the past few months that Anthony had begun to keep in touch in earnest. They spoke on the phone and texted all the time. This was the first time Anthony had emailed him. Ianto was having a hard time trying to remember when he had actually given Anthony his work email address. He must have, though.
Anthony wasn’t very savvy when it came to modern tech. He was an archivist but he was trained up in the old school way of doing things - paper and hard facts. Anthony had always been very hands on, shirtsleeves rolled up and a smudge of dust on his nose. He would love the Archives here but Anthony didn’t work for Torchwood any longer and Ianto didn’t push the subject. Though, if he allowed himself to fantasize, it would be lovely to have another person helping him tackle the areas he had yet to organize. Anthony was good looking so perhaps Jack could be convinced on a superficial level and then he could offer himself as Jack’s personal assistant full time and-
No. There was a pang in his chest that cried out that he didn’t want Anthony near Jack. Anthony was his friend outside this madness just as Jack was his - well, not lately.
He turned his focus back to the email and sent a quick reply to Anthony telling him he could meet him in an hour for lunch. He hadn’t seen him in a couple of years and it would be nice. He grinned at the idea of having a nice normal afternoon with a friend. No Weevils and no Torchwood. An afternoon of pretending he was a regular bloke hanging out with his best mate.
It was at that moment that Jack appeared and Ianto quickly schooled his features. He sent off the email and began to nonchalantly clear away the files on the desk. He could feel Jack’s eyes wash over him and the urge to stand up, rush over to him, slam him up against the wall and kiss him till he regained an ounce of sense was a bit overwhelming. However, he placed the files in his desk and stood up to face Jack.
“Did you need something, sir?” he asked.
Jack’s eyes were stones. He watched every move Ianto made and seemed to be cataloging it for later. “What are you doing, Ianto?”
Ianto blinked. “What do you mean? I’m replying to email and tidying up some files.” He cocked his head to the side and said, “I’m doing my job, Jack.”
Jack took a step closer to him. “What are you doing, Ianto? What is in the files you’re so diligently tidying up?” Jack ground out.
“Are you accusing me of something, Jack? Because, if you are, I’d like it out in the open so I can defend myself properly instead of this dance you seem so keen on performing.” He crossed his arms over his chest and glared. Granted, he was sneaking around but not for the reasons Jack seemed to assume. He didn’t want to tell Jack just yet, he wanted to keep it for himself just a bit longer.
Jack seemed to deflate. “I’m not accusing you of anything. It just seemed -ah, Hell! I don’t want you to get sucked into your work. You need to get out. Do things…” he mumbled the rest.
“I’m sorry, Jack. I didn’t hear that last part,” Ianto said.
Jack glared. “I said, meet people. You need to meet people that aren’t Torchwood and enjoy your life while you can.”
Ianto felt as if someone had thrown ice water down his back. “What are you saying, Jack? Really saying?” Though, he didn’t actually want to hear the words, he couldn’t keep this farce up any longer.
“The Doctor had a habit of telling Rose and I, before I had become immortal, that we could spend the rest of our lives with him but he couldn’t spend the rest of his life with us. It’s the same now with you and me. I don’t want you to wake up one day full of regret. I want you to go out and be young. Meet people.” He closed his eyes and rubbed his hands over his face. “I want you to fall in love and be happy.”
Ianto couldn’t stop himself. He took a step forward and clutched at one of Jack’s hands. “Jack, you make me happy.”
Shaking his head, Jack pulled his hand back. “No. I cause you pain and I can never give you the life you really deserve. Someday, I’ll be the reason you die and I can’t carry that in my conscience.”
“Are you…are you firing me?” Ianto asked, because the idea of Jack breaking off whatever it was they had was even harder to say out-loud.
It was Jack’s turn to blink. “No. I wouldn’t take Torchwood away from you. I just think that if you find something outside of Torchwood to live for…perhaps you’ll live longer. Go and find a pretty girl and make babies, Ianto. You deserve no less.”
Ianto felt his mouth go dry. “I don’t want a pretty girl. I don’t want to make babies. I- I want you, Jack. I don’t care if you’re not good for me. You make me happy.” He reached out for Jack once more.
Jack shrugged him off and growled, “I made Greg happy and what happened to him? He was killed for knowing me. Look at what I did to Llinos. I’m a disease. I’m a cancer that only destroys everything I touch. I can’t do that to you too. Ianto, don’t make me.”
Taking a step back, Ianto paled. “Make you? You make it sound like I pressure you to be with me. Am I that much of a burden? I can’t imagine the pain you go through losing everyone you love. I would never force that on you, Jack. I just thought-“ he took a deep breath. “Isn’t it best to know that happiness once in awhile? I’m sorry if you felt pressured. I’m sorry if we love you despite how much you push us away. I’m sorry we’re all such burdens on your soul. I’m sorry.” He turned away from Jack and moved toward the door.
“Ianto wait! That wasn’t what I meant,” Jack pleaded.
Ianto only paused for a moment and said, “But you did, Jack. You never say anything you don’t mean.” He pursed his lips and left, slamming the door behind him.
Jack stepped back until his back hit the wall and he slid down. “What have I done?” he whispered to the empty office.
~*~
Roughly wiping the angry tears from his eyes, Ianto stormed across the Plass. He needed to get away from the Hub and away from Jack. He felt as if his world had crumbled around him…again. Why was Jack so thick? Couldn’t he see that Ianto died every time Jack got sanctimonious like this? Ianto wasn’t really sure he had much left in him to keep this up. Jack was hot and cold and Ianto would just be happy with warm. Hell, Ianto would settle for luke-warm if it meant they could be together.
He sat on a bench and willed himself to calm down. He knew Tony was to meet him soon and it would look bad if he showed up with red-rimmed eyes. He needed to figure out his life, he needed to see what could be done to save his sanity. Could he continue to work for Jack knowing he really loved the man? Knowing Jack was holding him at a distance to make him ‘happy’? He knew he would never find happiness in someone else as long as he stayed yet at the same time he didn’t want anyone else and he surely couldn’t give up his career. Of course, there was still Torchwood policy that if he left Jack still held the right to Retcon him. Tony wasn’t Retcon’d because the UNIT medics felt it would hurt the survivors more than help. Perhaps they were right. Ianto was grateful -at the time- that they hadn’t Retcon’d him. Hindsight, though, makes him wonder if he should have been.
With a deep breath, Ianto stood and smoothed down his jacket. He would go meet Tony, he would enjoy his lunch and he would go home and break down. That was his plan and he was going to stick to it. With a resigned sigh, he walked toward the open-air café where he had told Tony to meet him.
He didn’t notice the shadow that shifted behind him, following and watching throughout his lunch date.
Tony was waiting when Ianto arrived. His sandy blonde hair and grey eyes matched his fine features and tan skin. Ianto felt he must look ill when compared to the healthy glow of Tony. He had to admit, his friend looked great.
“Where have you been? The Caribbean?” Ianto said in greeting.
Tony stood and took Ianto’s hand, shaking it. “No! This is country living for you. Fresh air, healthy food and hard work. You should try it. You look like you could use some sun.” Tony smiled as he sat back down. Ianto could feel Tony’s eyes on him and he inwardly smirked. See Harkness, other men find me attractive, he thought and then immediately hated himself for it.
Ianto sat and after a quick glance at his menu he asked, “So what dragged you away from Green Acres to dirty Cardiff?” He raised a questioning eyebrow. “Tell me it isn’t a guy? Anthony Brooke, the-man-that-other-men-fell-to-their-knees-for isn’t chasing someone.”
Tony sat there and watched Ianto with a critical eye. The waitress came and interrupted, taking their orders before Tony answered. “I’m not here for a guy. Well, not just for a guy. I’m here for business. Honestly, Ianto, I’m bored with farm life. The attack happened long ago and it’s time for me to pick myself up by the boot-straps and move on.”
“The money ran out?” Ianto deadpanned.
“The money ran out,” Tony nodded.
They shared a stoic moment before Tony snorted and Ianto laughed. “You were always shit at bullshitting me. I could always see right through it.”
“That’s the truth. Remember when I first came down to the Archives and had Sanjay believing that they had transferred me down from Yvonne’s office so I could make sure you lot weren’t nicking tech?” Tony asked.
Ianto nodded and sighed. “I do. He was practically pissing himself because he had taken that Rosfeld device so he could scan his girlfriend to see if she was really pregnant or just trying to angle for a ring.”
“You didn’t buy it,” Tony said and smiled at the waitress as she brought their coffee and sandwiches. “You never did tell me how you knew. I was pretty thorough in my farce.”
Ianto thanked the waitress and took a sip of his coffee, noting the grimace Tony gave him. Tony hated black coffee. He gently placed the mug down on the table and smirked. “Honestly, you have this little crinkle in the corner of your eye that shows when you lie. It makes you look insincere. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe you…I just questioned the crinkle and I was right.” He flashed Tony a wink and tucked his napkin into his collar to protect his tie.
“A wrinkle?” Tony asked looking utterly put-upon.
Ianto took a bite of his sandwich, chewed, swallowed and answered, “A crinkle. That isn’t a wrinkle. One is age the other is-“
“Wisdom?” Tony supplied.
“If you wish,” Ianto said, smirking.
They chatted companionably for a while, eating their lunches and reminiscing. After the waitress refilled their mugs and took their empty plates Tony seemed to grow pensive.
“Penny for them?” Ianto asked, leaning back in his seat with his mug.
Tony only looked at him for a moment. If Ianto didn’t know better he seemed to be fighting his own mind and it wasn’t exactly a flattering look on the man’s otherwise handsome face. Tony closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them he wore a smile and it seemed as if nothing had been bothering him moments before. “Well, I’ve got a new job. I’m working for Cybus Industries.”
“Should I know them?” Ianto asked.
“I’m surprised you don’t,” Tony replied.
Ianto was surprised as well. He shifted in his chair and asked, “What do they do?”
“Well, everything,” Tony said. He seemed to be excited and as he spoke his hands were very animated. “They develop all sorts of technology. They believe that they hold the answer to the world’s problems.”
Ianto rolled his eyes. “Where have we heard that before?”
Tony shook his head. “I know but they aren’t like that. They are on the cusp of bringing this technology to the people. They aren’t interested in hording it like Torchwood. My boss believes that global awareness is the key. They are working with different branches of healthcare and mass media. They actually came to me because of my ties to Torchwood.”
Ianto leaned forward, stiffening at the last part. “How did they know to look for you?”
“I -I was looking for work. My CV has all that information on it. I’m not about to lie about working for Torchwood, Ianto. Why start at the bottom when I’ve got all that experience?” he said, watching Ianto critically.
Ianto seemed to relax. “I’m sorry. I guess working for Torchwood for as long as I have has made me very suspicious. So, they are very forward thinking. That’s great. I guess you really enjoy your work.”
Tony nodded. “Oh, very much so. Instead of being held up in an archive sorting through artifacts I’m out there searching for technology that CI can use. That’s why I’m here. I’ve got meetings with various groups to see if they are willing to invest in CI. I think what they’re trying to do is amazing.”
“That seems a bit far from your former job, as an archivist,” Ianto pointed out.
“True. However, my Torchwood experience has given me the opportunity to seek out specific technology and disregard anything that isn’t to CI’s standards,” he said.
“So, you’re specifically trolling for alien tech?” Ianto asked with a raised eyebrow.
Tony smirked. “Mmmmm, could be?”
Ianto placed his mug down on the table and leaned forward. He was about to say something to Tony about how suspicious it was that he sought him out but he didn’t get the chance as his mobile chirped at him.
Rift Alert
Need you.
CJH
Ianto deflated. He had wanted to go home after he left Tony and now he had to leave Tony early and he wasn’t done questioning him about this Cybus Industries.
“Work calling?” Tony asked, knowingly.
Ianto nodded. “Yeah, I’m sorry. Maybe we can meet again before you leave. Where are you staying? I could set you up at St. David’s Hotel.”
“I’m not sure yet. I hadn’t booked ahead; you know how I like to play it by ear. I’m probably going to head over to the Travelodge. I hate wasting money on a room and St. David’s is a bit posh for me,” Tony said as he pulled out his wallet.
Ianto shook his head and pulled out his own wallet, slapping down the Torchwood credit card on the table. “Let Harkness buy us lunch,” he said.
“Yeah, how is it, working for His Harkness?” Tony asked, eyeing the card.
Ianto shrugged. He didn’t want to get into that with Tony right now. He needed to get back to the Hub and he wanted to see Tony sorted before he did so. “Listen,” he said, fishing out his house-key, “go round to mine. You know the address. I’ve got an extra room and you can stay with me.”
“Really, Ianto? I really don’t mind staying at the Travelodge-“
“I’ll have none of that. I’ve got to run. Use the card and I’ll get it back tonight. I’ll bring beer and pizza and we can properly talk.” Ianto pulled the napkin from his collar and tossed it onto the table as he pushed in his chair. If Tony was at his then he would have a better chance of questioning him later tonight.
Tony gave Ianto a smile. “Fine. I’ll see you tonight.” He stood up as well, gathering the card and his suitcase that was stowed below the table. He really had just gotten into town.
Ianto nodded and turned to leave.
“Ianto,” Tony called and Ianto glanced back at the tall man. “I missed you.”
Ianto smiled. “I missed you too, Tony.” As he hit the street, Ianto took off at a jog.
~*~
TBC