8 Torchwood Fic Recs
1. A Fragile Connection by solsticezero
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Summary: comment!fic, set after DW 'Journey's End'
Why do I like it? It's sweet, and made me smile, and is now in my personal canon. And it's written by solsticezero .
2. The Education of Ianto Jones by verasteine
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Summary: Ianto Jones had grown up with a world view of straight couples. Now he knows different.
Why do I like it? It addresses a topic not usually looked at in fanfiction (well, not that I've come across yet, anyway); namely, homophobia and the way that it's hard for somebody to suddenly change their perception of their sexuality. I love anything written by verasteine and this fic doesn't disappoint.
3. The Perception of Ianto Jones by verasteine
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Summary: (sequel to 'The Education of Ianto Jones') His anger simmered rather than boiled, now, but it was there.
Why do I like it? For pretty much the same reasons as I liked 'The Education of Ianto Jones'. Ianto really comes across as a conflicted character, and I love that.
4. Tracing Patterns by verasteine
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Summary: From the beginning, Jack tries to understand Ianto. He knows he's failing.
Why do I like it? I have a soft-spot for Jack and Ianto having an argument. An odd thing, maybe, but it cements in my mind how much of a "couple" they actually are. Again, I don't know what that says about me, but hey... I love the way this fic is written from Jack's POV, and how Ianto is portrayed as the more "alien" one for once. And the end is gorgeous.
5. When I'm Sixty-Four by remuslives23
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Summary: An unwelcome discovery makes Ianto think about the future.
Why do I like it? It's sweet, with a side-order of melancholy, and touches on a subject not always looked at in J/I fic; namely, the fact that Ianto ages.
6. Club Wales by pocky_slash
Pairing: Jack/Ianto, Gwen+Ianto BFF
Summary: In the wake of Jack's disappearance, Gwen finds comfort in a new friendship with Ianto. Gossip, bonding, and other hijinks of understanding ensue.
Why do I like it? It's brilliant, well-written and totally IC; but, at the same time, Gwen is just this lovely, lovely person and Ianto is this adorable thing. Also, I can totally see it happening. Now in my personal fanon.
7. Forever For You by veronicaluv
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Summary: A vicious alien race threatens to destroy the planet unless they're given exactly what they demand. Torchwood, still decimated by the loss of Toshiko and Owen, must do what they do best-defeat the alien menace. But for Jack and Ianto, the cost may finally be too high to bear.
Why do I like it? Anything by veronicaluv is definitely worth reading (and multiple times, too), but the thing that makes this fic stand out in my mind is her wonderful OCs (yes, I know! OCs! Wondeful!) and the way that she doesn't make Jack and Ianto ridiculously schmoopy but at the same time leaves no doubt in your mind that these are two people stupidly in love with each other.
LONG!FIC
8. Forty-eight hour stand-down by pocky_slash
Pairings: Jack/Ianto, Gwen/Rhys
Summary: In which Jack is kicked out, Gwen just wants a night off, Rhys buys milk, and Ianto clears table space.
Why do I like it? Again, my soft spot for Jack and Ianto fighting shows through. I love the way that they are both so oblivious to how much of a couple they are; and the way that Gwen is just amused by them. And the ending is lovely. pocky_slash is pretty much the only person who writes a Gwen that I love as much as I love Jack and Ianto, and that says a lot coming from me.