The Grand Café del Verta Nor Part 2/2
Title: The Grand Café del Verta Nor Part 2/2 (Completed)
Words: 6,000 (this part)
Characters: Ianto / Jack, Nine, Rose, Gwen, Martha, OCs
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Explicit Sex
Spoilers: TW S2, and DW S2
Summary: Ianto is lost in time and space. Jack is very eternal. The Doctor is worried about the universe imploding. And Rose gets to have chips. Really it's just a love story.
Author's Notes: Thanks to forrent for the wonderful beta. I may have broken the universe when I wrote this (please don't tell the Doctor on me).
Disclaimer: Really, I don't own anything. I don't even own my car.
ETA: A special thanks to thaddeusfavour, who did a second beta on this story. I'm very grateful. ::grins::
Also, thank you to whoever nominated this fic for the Children of Time Awards.
Ianto waited in the corridor of a residential area. They always seemed to be in a state of perpetual twilight. He was sure there was some important psychological reason for this- he just didn't have a clue what it was. Jack had told him this was the time and place so he waited, but he was worried that Jack had remembered wrong and that he really should be someplace else completely. It was twenty minutes of shifting nervously in place and receiving odd looks from passers-by, before he finally heard the sound of the TARDIS materializing.
He walked in the direction of the noise. His heart was pounding and he wondered if he'd lost his mind by letting Jack talk him into this. Ianto rounded a corner and there sat the TARDIS. Before he got a chance to doubt himself anymore and run as fast as he could in the other direction, the doors swung open and out bounded Rose, Jack, and a man with a leather coat and big ears that Ianto could only assume was the Doctor.
"Hullo," the Doctor said to him.
Ianto clasped his hands behind his back and schooled his features before he responded in what he hoped was a pleasant tone, "Hello. Welcome to Outpost 9. We've been expecting you."
"Expecting us?" the Doctor echoed in surprise.
"Are you the Doctor?"
"Yes. And this is Rose Tyler-"
"And I'm Captain Jack Harkness," Jack said offering his hand and giving Ianto that look, - the one that Ianto knew that Jack thought was charming, but Ianto had seen him use one too many times to be impressed with. Ianto restrained himself from rolling his eyes, and instead just looked at Jack's hand uninterestedly while giving him a placating smile. He was sure he heard Rose stifle a giggle as Jack withdrew his hand and cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"I'm Daniel Smith," he stated politely as he straightened his waistcoat. "And if you're the Doctor then we've been expecting you. The Ambassador to the Great Human Empire left word that you'd be arriving here today and has made special arrangement for you to have a VIP lounge to yourself at the Grand Café del Verta Nor."
"Did he really?" the Doctor asked somewhat perplexed.
"Yep."
The Doctor's face broke into a huge grin, "Splendid! Lead the way!"
Ianto began to lead them in the direction of the Café and Rose piped up from behind, "How did the Ambassador know we were going to be here?"
Ianto turned to face Rose who was walking along side Jack, put on his best clueless look and said, "Didn't you tell him you were coming?"
Rose opened her mouth and then closed it like she didn't know how to respond.
"Of course we did!" the Doctor declared.
Ianto smiled at him and continued walking. Not much further along was a short hallway that led to a window where they could view the asteroid belt.
"The view from the lounge is the best on the Outpost, but if you want your first glimpse of the asteroid belt..." Ianto signaled to the window. Rose and Jack didn't hesitate and went straight over to look out, but as the Doctor went to follow Ianto caught his arm.
The Doctor looked at him curiously, but Ianto made sure that the others were out of earshot before he spoke. "The Ambassador said I should let you know there is no reason that you and Rose shouldn't enjoy the Outpost fully, but Jack..."
"But Jack?"
"He may be quite a few years younger than the Ambassador, but the resemblance is striking. Anyone who didn't know any better might even say he was the same man," Ianto said in very serious voice.
"Oh," the Doctor said with complete understanding. He looked down the corridor at Jack. "Perhaps we should go then."
"And what would you tell them? Besides, it’s been taken care of."
"Has it?" the Doctor asked his eyes slightly narrowed.
Ianto didn't get a chance to say more, because Rose called from down the corridor, "Doctor come see! It's magnificent!"
The Doctor gave Ianto a look before heading off to Rose, and when Ianto glanced up at Jack he could tell the other man sensed something amiss by the troubled look on his face as he eyed first the Doctor and then Ianto. Ianto made eye contact with him and gave him a shy smile before quickly turning away.
Ianto let them enjoy the view for a few minutes before collecting them with a promise that the VIP lounge would be much more comfortable. As they walked he gave them the same spiel about the Outpost's 225th birthday that he'd been giving his customers all week. He described the festival with the dancers from ten different galaxies, the exotic food tasting, the games, and it was only when he got to the part about the fireworks that Rose interrupted him.
"How are they going to have fireworks inside?" she asked her voice curious, but excited at the same time.
"Oh, they’re from Barcelona! The planet, not the city," the Doctor jumped in. "They’re not like Earth fireworks- well, they’re a bit like Earth fireworks, but wait till you see them! You'll love them!"
A smile crept across Ianto's face as he watched them, and then he felt Jack's eyes on him. He could always feel when Jack was watching him- it made the back of his neck tingle. He glanced in Jack's direction and noticed that Jack didn't seem excited about the fireworks, but rather he was frowning slightly and staring at Ianto. Ianto quirked an eyebrow at him as if to ask him what was wrong.
"Nice suit," Jack said to Ianto, but his eyes were hard and Ianto knew better than to think it was a compliment.
"Thank you," Ianto said politely.
"But it's not really right for this place or time period is it?" Jack asked.
Jack's off tone caught Rose and the Doctor's attention, and they were now eyeing Ianto curiously as well. He stopped walking and turned to face Jack before he responded. "I work at the Grand Café del Verta Nor in the Retro human area. They expect us to dress the part- I was aiming for late twentieth century Earth. Actually, it looks as if I fit right in with you lot. Where did you come from exactly?"
The Doctor coughed. Jack looked away and mumbled something. Rose just asked, "How much further to the lounge?"
"Right through the door," Ianto said gesturing to the door they had stopped outside of.
"Excellent! Let's take a look shall we?" the Doctor asked as he pushed his way through the door.
"Oh, look!" Rose exclaimed as she grabbed Jack's arm and dragged him over to the wall of windows. "Look at the sun- look how white it is!"
"That's not the 'Sun'. The 'Sun' is the name of the star that Earth orbits. That's just another star," Jack explained to Rose.
Rose rolled her eyes. "You knew what I meant."
"Only, because I know what the Sun is- not everybody in the universe does you know," Jack teased.
Rose playfully hit him. "You think you’re so smart Mr. Time Agent."
"Hey, watch it! And that's Captain Time Agent to you!"
Ianto smiled as he watched them. The way Jack teased Rose reminded Ianto of how Jack used to be with Tosh- how he'd say things just to get a rise out of her or to make her blush. That thought made all the pain of Tosh and Owen's deaths suddenly rise in his chest. Ianto watched Jack and Rose playfully snipe at each other with grins on their faces, obviously having a brilliant time. This Jack didn't know the pain of that particular loss yet, or any of the pain that he was destined for. Ianto was smiling at them, but he still hurt inside.
"Brilliant aren't they?" the Doctor asked softly from his side. Ianto hadn’t even realized that he was standing right there until he spoke.
"Yes," he agreed before turning his head to look the Doctor straight in the eye. "They're so alive."
The Doctor looked at him critically and for a brief moment Ianto almost felt like the Doctor could sense his angst, but if he did it quickly passed and he said, "Yes they are."
They watched quietly for moment as Jack grabbed Rose and swung her around. Rose laughed and pulled him off to go explore the far side of the lounge where the oversized couches were half hidden by sheer veils.
"Before, when you said everything had been taken care of..." the Doctor began.
"Jack's a very clever man," Ianto assured him.
"That's what I'm afraid of."
Ianto smirked, "I believe he's a bit wiser these days- still a bit impulsive, but I think I'd get bored if he wasn't."
The Doctor's face was stone cold serious. "Timelines are not to be meddled with. This isn't a game. The damage you could cause-"
"I'm aware," Ianto replied looking the Doctor in the eye trying to convey to him that he really did understand the gravity of the situation. "The universe could implode if I say the wrong thing."
"Well, that's just the worse case," the Doctor said, his face suddenly transformed, and a small smile played on his lips.
"I've always been a bit of a pessimist."
"That's no way to go through life!" the Doctor exclaimed, grinning. He gave Ianto an appraising look as if to really size him up. "Jack trusts you then?"
"Would I be here any other way?" Ianto asked.
"No," the Doctor said shaking his head, "I suppose not..."
"So what are you two going on about over there? And looking so serious?" Rose questioned as she and Jack made their way back after running out of lounge to explore.
"Drinks!" Ianto explained. "Very serious topic here at The Café, but don't worry, as I was just telling the Doctor I've seen to everything. Let me go fetch your order."
"Don't we get a say in what we want?" Jack asked with his eyes slightly narrowed.
"What fun is that Captain? And I had you pegged for a man that liked a little adventure, but if you really want to place an order..." Ianto tilted his head as if he was expecting a drink request, but he already knew that one wasn't coming.
Jack arched his eyebrow and said in an amused tone, "Surprise me."
Ianto nodded and left them to enjoy the view while he went and collected the order he'd already placed before they'd arrived. It didn't take him too long. Melissa only held him up for few minutes, questioning him about his mysterious guests down in the VIP lounge, but she got bored of his riddles quickly enough and just rolled her eyes at him before getting back to work.
"Here we are!" he announced as he brought the tray into the lounge and set it on the coffee table in front of the large sofa the trio had chosen to settle on.
"Are those chips?" Rose asked in disbelief.
"Yep. They’re for you and so is the pint," he explained setting them in front of her. "For the Doctor we have a banana smoothie."
"Exactly what I wanted! I woke this morning craving a banana smoothie. I even said so, didn't I Jack?"
Jack nodded, "I think that's how we ended up here in the first place. The Doctor said he wanted a banana smoothie and a great view..."
"And for the Captain I have a coffee. My special blend," Ianto said letting his fingers brush against Jack's subtly as he handed him the mug.
Jack gave him a seductive smile. "Your special blend?"
"Coffee is my specialty. I don't often serve customers my special blend, but seeing as you’re guests of the Ambassador..." Ianto looked at him through his eyelashes with a small smile on his lips, hoping to give Jack the idea that it had more to with him than the Ambassador.
"Smells heavenly," Jack replied raking his eyes over Ianto.
"These chips are fantastic! I haven't had chips this good since that place in London. The one right down the street from Henriks... What was it called?" Rose asked while munching away.
"The Pipper's," Ianto replied thoughtlessly. He and Lisa had gone there several times when they’d been dating.
"Yeah. How'd you know that?" Rose asked suddenly not interested in the chips at all. Ianto realized his slip instantly as both the Doctor and the Captain had shifted forward in their seats.
Ianto cursed himself silently and tried to think of something to say besides the truth. "I went there once... a former lover's idea of a flashy first date. He was a Time Agent and he knew my preoccupation with the time period."
"A Time Agent?" Jack asked, his eyes narrowed at Ianto.
"A skinny blond with a London accent. Didn't last long. He turned out not to be the nicest bloke. Did you know there's such a thing as murder rehab?" Ianto asked.
"Really?" Rose asked sounding slightly appalled.
"Really," Jack confirmed forcefully with a certain amount of distaste in his voice. "If you're talking about who I think you are, you're lucky to be rid of him."
"I couldn't agree more," Ianto said, relieved that Jack actually bought the story. "Fortunately, some rare diamond was more interesting than me."
Jack snorted, "Some people never change."
"No they don't," Ianto agreed seeing how the mention of John had caused Jack to slouch back in the couch and cradle his coffee protectively. Most people wouldn't have thought twice about it, but Ianto knew that Jack was sulking.
"Enjoying the coffee?" he asked Jack to change the subject.
"It's fantastic," Jack said with a bright smile taking a deep swallow to prove his point.
"Didn't I tell you Jack? The Grand Café del Verta Nor has the best drink service in the universe!" the Doctor piped up.
"I should get back to The Café. I'll come back to check on you all in a bit," Ianto said leaving them to their drinks. Ianto went back upstairs and helped Melissa for a half-hour. The entire time he was up in the bar serving drinks he was worried that he'd messed things up with his slip; that Jack would be too suspicious of him, or worse the Doctor would sense something was wrong. By the time he was ready to go back down he was sure the entire plan was going to blow up in his face.
Ianto knocked on the lounge door as he pushed it open. "Everyone doing okay in here?"
Rose and the Doctor were at the windows huddled together looking out and Jack was leaning back on the couch comfortably, looking like he might drift off to sleep any minute. Ianto knew that was just the sedatives working their magic.
"We're all finished with our drinks! So what about this festival you were telling us about?" the Doctor asked.
"There’s a parade on the promenade this evening. It'll be starting soon. I've arranged for seats," Ianto told him.
Rose's face lit up. "That sounds splendid! Doesn't it Jack?"
Jack sat up slowly and looked at Rose. "Yeah, it does."
Rose took a few steps towards him. "Are you okay? You look a bit off."
"He's fine," the Doctor said quickly before Jack could answer her.
Jack looked at the Doctor, a bit confused, but the Doctor just gave him a wide grin. Jack nodded his head to confirm. "I'm fine, just tired."
"Well, if you're not in the mood for a parade you could stay here for dessert," Ianto offered in low voice looking directly at Jack. "We have an excellent pudding."
"I always do enjoy a good pudding..." Jack replied arching his eyebrows in interest, but then he looked at the Doctor and Rose and finished, "but I think I’d better go to the parade."
"Nonsense!" the Doctor said, "If you want pudding you should stay and have some. I bet they make a fantastic pudding here, don't you think Rose?"
Rose was standing with her hand over her mouth trying not to giggle. She put her hands on her hips and looked appraisingly at Ianto and said, with a laugh in her voice, "Oh, I bet the pudding here is hot and scrumptious."
"It's settled then. Jack will stay and have pudding, because he's tired. And Rose and I will go to the parade!" the Doctor exclaimed clapping his hands together and heading to the door. Ianto gave them directions to the promenade and told them who to talk to about the seats when they got there, and off they went with Rose shooting Jack an amused look as she disappeared into the hall.
"So, do you have a thing for all Time Agents?" Jack asked wetting his lips and resting back on the couch.
Ianto sauntered over until he was standing directly over Jack his legs brushing against the other man's knees. "Depends on the size of the wrist strap."
Jack knocked his legs causing Ianto to lose his balance and fall on top of him. "Sorry."
"No you're not," Ianto said, his body reacting instantly to being pressed up against Jack.
"No, I'm not. So is my strap big enough?"
Ianto groped his cock. "I'm sure it'll do."
Jack pressed his mouth against Ianto's in a needy kiss, but it wasn't right. It was hot enough, but it wasn't how Jack normally kissed him- it was missing something. Ianto didn't know how to explain it. Just as he was trying to wrap his brain around it, Ianto felt something else that wasn't right, something hard being pressed into the side of his neck. Jack broke the kiss and pulled away. His eyes were cold and Ianto realized the thing on his neck was a gun.
"You drugged me," Jack said softly.
"Yes," Ianto agreed calmly showing no fear, knowing that Jack wanted answers not to kill him, or so he hoped.
"Why?" Jack asked. His face was unforgiving in a way that Ianto had only ever seen when Jack had been dealing with hostile threats.
"When you landed here you crossed your own timeline. Damage control was needed," Ianto explained keeping his voice quiet. "The Doctor knows. That's why he told you to stay and told Rose you were fine."
"The Doctor knew you drugged me?" Jack asked his eyes shifting to the door then back to Ianto as if he was beginning to understand exactly what was going on.
"Yes. Do you really think he believes you're eating pudding right now?"
Jack let out a small laugh. “No. No, I suppose not.” Jack watched Ianto carefully before asking, “Are you a Time Agent?”
"Hell no!" Ianto said shaking his head.
"But that story you told?" Jack asked relaxing his body slightly, but still holding gun against Ianto.
"It was a lie."
"That man is real," Jack said.
"I know; I've tried to kill him a few times and him me. Stupid bastard," Ianto said, unable to hide the bitterness in his voice.
"Not friends then, are you?" Jack asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"After what he put you through? No," Ianto replied venomously. Then he saw the look on Jack’s face and realized that hadn't happened to this Jack yet. "Sorry, I forgot... you don't know. Timelines and such."
"You hate him for something he did to me?"
"Yes. I care about you."
Jack eyed him for a long moment, like he was trying to decide if Ianto was telling the truth. He whispered to himself more than to Ianto, "The Doctor left me here knowing I'd been drugged..."
"He trusts me," Ianto said softly looking Jack in the eye.
Jack just nodded, and lowered his gun placing it safely on the couch beside them.
Ianto let out a sigh of relief as Jack's body relaxed beneath him.
"So if I'm going to forget this, and I assume I'm going to forget this, who are you to me?"
Ianto shifted to get more comfortable against Jack who wrapped an arm around him. He didn't know how to put a label on their relationship. "I'd say boyfriend, but that sounds so domestic and we really don't do domestic."
"What do we do?" Jack asked.
Ianto looked up at him and was struck at how young Jack looked. It was in his eyes. There was bold curiosity that pierced through; his Jack never looked at him that way.
"We have a lot of sex. Chase down hostile aliens. Save the universe occasionally. And I dress up in suits and serve you coffee."
Jack thought about this. "I like sound of that, especially the part about the suits and the coffee."
"See, and I thought you'd like the sex part the best," Ianto said with a devilish grin.
"Well, I can only imagine the suits and coffee lead to sex so..."
"You have a valid point," Ianto replied. "Did I mention the pet Perodactyl?"
"I thought we didn't do domestic?" Jack replied in a sleepy voice resting his head back against the sofa.
"Hey, I may've found her, but you're the one who wanted to keep her."
Jack chuckled. "I bet she's one hell of guard dog."
"Which was why you wanted to keep her," Ianto explained
Jack yawned and his eyelids looked heavy. "I'm having a hell of time fighting this stuff you gave me."
"Then don't fight it."
"One last question."
"What does it matter? You won't remember," Ianto said.
Jack gave a weak shrug, "What happens to the Doctor and Rose?"
"I'm no expert on fairytales, but I think they get a happy ending. Or as close as a Time Lord and a human can get to a happy ending," Ianto said.
"Good. Rose deserves it," Jack replied. "One more thing?"
"Yes?"
"Will you kiss me again?"
Ianto leaned in and kissed Jack. This time was so much better than the first. It was soft and warm and all things Jack. Ianto only pulled away when Jack stopped responding. When he looked down, he realized the other man was out cold. Ianto didn't move right away though. Instead he lay curled up next to him, talking softly in his ear. He talked to Jack's subconscious telling him what he needed to forget about that evening, and creating a nice memory of the Café for Jack to actually remember. Only when he was done did he tell Jack he should go to sleep and let his mind rest.
Ianto carted Jack back to the TARDIS and used the other man's key to get in. He found a room in the back that had a bed in it and laid Jack down. He took off Jack’s boots and covered him with a nearby blanket. When Ianto was done he knew he should leave, but he couldn't bring himself to go. He stared at Jack. He looked so peaceful in his sleep and it broke Ianto’s heart to think of all of the terrible things he still had to live through. Ianto settled himself on floor next to the bed and watched him sleep- thinking about how young he was and then realizing that this Jack was really only the same age as him.
Ianto had no idea how much time had passed as he watched Jack, but it must've been a long while because eventually a voice came from behind him breaking him from his silent meditation. "You shouldn't be here."
"No. I shouldn't," he agreed.
"You care about him," the Doctor observed.
"Yes. I wish I could protect him from all of the horrible things ahead of him," Ianto said in barely a whisper.
"You can't," the Doctor said sadly.
Ianto looked up at him. "I know."
"How bad is the damage to the timeline?" the Doctor asked.
Ianto shrugged. "Not bad, at least I don't think it's that bad... Maybe, one day you'll give me a stern lecture for this. We'll see."
"I could give you one now, but I'm sure I'd miss half the important points just because I don't know who you are," the Doctor replied.
"I'm Jack's," Ianto said.
"You're Jack's what?"
"I'm just Jack's."
The Doctor nodded. "One day you will tell me everything."
"I'll offer you coffee. My special blend."
"I look forward to it. Now, it’s time for you to go," the Doctor said leaving no room for argument.
Ianto pulled himself up from the floor and kissed Jack on the forehead.
The Doctor led Ianto to the door of the TARDIS and Ianto stepped out into the corridor. He turned back to look at the Doctor.
"Don't-" Ianto started to say, but then he stopped himself because he didn't know how tell the Doctor what he was feeling (at least not without saying something stupid).
The Doctor just nodded like he understood and gently closed the door. A moment later the TARDIS disappeared. Ianto looked at the empty space and said, "Don’t you dare break him. Don't you dare leave him behind."
There was no one to hear him, and he swore. He took a couple deep breaths. Not even he could change the past. He walked aimlessly away, catching his breath, until he found himself at a portal overlooking the asteroid belt. It wasn't the best view, but the green glow met his eyes and he realized he was tired of looking at that damned thing from any angle, no matter how grand it was supposed to be. He took out the time shifter and looked at its bright screen covered in odd symbols.
With one last glance into space, he pressed the buttons Ambassador Jack had told him to and there was a violent jerk as his reality was torn away from him. The next thing he knew, he was lying on hard concrete and there was the sound of traffic buzzing in his ears. He lifted his head to see a brick wall facing him and he didn't have to turn around to know there was dumpster behind him; he could smell it. He used the wall to get to his feet. His head was swimming and he just stood there for a moment recovering.
Ianto had no idea how long he'd been out for, but he was already beginning to feel better. He'd be okay once he had a shower and a good, long sleep. He slowly made his way to the street. A familiar electronics shop that was only a few blocks from his flat was next to alley. Relief flooded him as he realized he really was back in Cardiff. Now, he only wondered what day it was, but he didn't get a chance to find out because from behind him he heard Gwen's voice calling, "The surge came from over here."
"Have your guns ready. This wasn't normal rift activity," Jack called back. His Jack. Not Ambassador Jack or past Jack - Ianto's Jack.
Ianto turned around just in time to see the tails of Jack's greatcoat disappear down the alley he'd just come from. He walked to the mouth of the alleyway and watched Gwen, Jack, and Martha slowly creep down the alley, sneaking up on nothing.
"It came from here, but I think whatever caused it's gone," Gwen said looking at her handheld.
"The smell probably put it off," Martha replied pocking a nasty bit of garbage with her gun.
"Is there any way to track it?" Jack asked.
"Probably, but Jack you know I'm not great with this stuff," Gwen replied helplessly fiddling with buttons. "Not like Tosh, even Ianto-"
"Give me that," Jack snapped at her harshly, roughly grabbing the handheld from her. Gwen looked startled and a bit hurt.
"Oi, don't you dare take it out on Gwen. It’s not her fault you haven't recruited someone yet- I've been after you for ages," Ianto scolded Jack from his spot at the end of the alley.
The three of them spun around and looked at him with shock on their faces, and when none of them responded, Ianto took a couple steps in their direction and continued to talk. "And by the way, if I were a hostile alien threat you'd all be dead right now. That was pretty awful."
"You think?" Jack asked with a huge grin on his face.
"Pathetic. I was standing behind you the whole time! And you call yourselves Torchwood," he replied shaking his head in mock disapproval.
"Well, we've been a bit short staffed."
"And whose fault is that?"
Gwen ran over to him exclaiming, "Ianto!"
Before he could get a word in edgewise, he had the full weight of a sobbing Gwen in his arms and his unsteady legs gave way as the two of them collapsed ungracefully to the ground.
"Ianto you’re okay!" Gwen said pulling away; her face was covered in tears.
"I was until you tackled me," Ianto replied his head was swimming again and he rubbed his eyes.
"We thought- we thought- that alien! You went after her and then nothing for days... And we thought... and so soon after Tosh and Owen," Gwen explained before breaking down into tears again.
"Days?" he asked Jack. "How long has it been?"
"Ten days," Jack said. There was a deep sadness in his eyes and if Ianto could have gotten up and kissed him he would've, but he felt too weak so instead he just lay back on the ground.
"Ten days?" Ambassador Jack had told Ianto that the time shifter might be a bit off, but he didn't think it'd be that far off...
"How long did it feel like?" Jack asked. Ianto could feel the other man sitting down next to him on the ground opposite Gwen.
Ianto turned his head so he could look at Jack, his Jack. He wanted to say eternity, but knew he couldn't. "A couple hours."
"Are you hurt?" Jack asked leaning over him and placing a comforting hand on his cheek.
"No, not really, I just feel a bit... scrambled," Ianto replied honestly.
"You're probably just a bit time-lagged from traveling through the rift," Martha said appraising. "We should get you back to the hub and I'll check you over to be sure."
"Okay," he agreed thrilled at the idea of going to hub. It'd been so long and he'd missed it so much. He thought of all those nights in bed on the Outpost. He'd just lay there trying to picture it in his mind, and now he was finally back home. Ianto started to sit up and both Jack and Gwen helped him.
"I'm sorry I knocked you over," Gwen said, sniffling.
Ianto smiled at her; he was secretly pleased with her tearful greeting after not seeing for her so long. "Don't worry about it."
"Can you walk?" Jack asked as he helped Ianto to his feet wrapping a strong arm around his waist to steady him.
Ianto leaned into the touch pressing himself up against Jack. "Yep."
Martha gave him a big smile. "It's good to see you Ianto."
"It's good to see you too Martha."
They made their way to the SUV. The girls got in the front seat and he and Jack slid together in the back. Jack wrapped his arms around him protectively and Ianto buried his face into Jack's greatcoat taking in the scent and how it felt against his face; feeling slightly pathetic that he'd even missed Jack's coat when he'd been gone.
"I thought I'd lost you," Jack whispered in his ear. "I- I... It killed me more than any death could."
Ianto looked up at him. "I'm here now."
"I missed you so much," Jack replied.
It was what Ianto needed to hear, even if he couldn't tell Jack that he'd missed him too. After all those months he needed to come home and have Jack tell him how much he'd been missed. Ianto leaned up and pressed his lips against Jack's. This kiss was all the passion and fire that Ianto knew his Jack to be, not just the echo of what was or the promise of what will be, but everything that was the two of them right now in this time and place. When Ianto pulled away he was shaking.
Jack looked him in the eyes slightly breathless. "You okay?"
Ianto nodded. "I'm just glad you're here."
Jack tightened his grip on him and pressed a kiss on top of his head.
Ianto relaxed in Jack's arms and looked around the SUV at Gwen and Martha, then out the window at Cardiff blurring by. He was home. He really was home.
cU~cU~cU~cU~cU
Epilogue (Several Years Later)
It'd been a rough night. Even after years at Torchwood, nights like this still got to him. The team had gone home and Ianto tried to tidy up a bit, but he was exhausted and the adrenaline that had been keeping him going was fading.
Jack came down from his office and wrapped his arms around him. "Leave it."
"Why'd it have to be kids? I hate it when it's kids," Ianto said pressing his face to Jack’s neck, breathing in the scent of warm flesh.
"I know. Me too. Shower?"
They needed it. Both of them, but Ianto didn't have the energy. "Too tired."
Jack guided them both to the couch were they collapsed and Ianto curled up into his arms. They lay together in a comfortable silence for a long while.
"Tell me a story," Ianto said hoping to get his mind off the awful events from earlier.
"What kind of story do you want to hear?" Jack asked.
Ianto thought for a moment. He was careful not to ask too often, but only when he really needed to hear it and tonight he thought he needed to hear it. "Tell me about the Café. The one in the stars."
"Why do you like that story? I mean compared to my other stories it's kind of... well, bland."
Ianto looked up at Jack, who was looking back at him curiously. Ianto thought for a moment before saying, "Because I like the idea that long after I'm gone, when Torchwood is nothing but memory and the Human race has taken to the stars, there'll be a place that you can go and get a good cup of coffee."
Jack laughed a deep throaty laugh. He gave Ianto a kiss. "Only you would worry about what I'd do for coffee centuries from now."
"I worry about what you'll do for coffee for eternity," Ianto said seriously.
"Well, don't worry. I've been to the end of the universe and they had coffee there, so I think I'll manage," Jack replied
"Good. I know how grumpy you get without your caffeine," Ianto said.
Jack kissed him. "I'll miss you though."
Ianto nodded. "Just promise me that you won't miss me so much that you won't be happy."
"Promise. And one day, after you’re gone, when Torchwood is just a memory and the Human race has taken to the stars, I'll go to that Café and I'll have a cup coffee and think of you. Remember you," Jack replied seriously.
Ianto looked into Jack's eyes. "I like the idea of that."
When Jack grinned Ianto leaned in and kissed him for all that he was worth, because he knew that Jack wasn't just telling him what he wanted to hear. Ianto already knew that Jack would one day go and do just as he said. Little did he know, Ianto would be the one serving his coffee.
Words: 6,000 (this part)
Characters: Ianto / Jack, Nine, Rose, Gwen, Martha, OCs
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Explicit Sex
Spoilers: TW S2, and DW S2
Summary: Ianto is lost in time and space. Jack is very eternal. The Doctor is worried about the universe imploding. And Rose gets to have chips. Really it's just a love story.
Author's Notes: Thanks to forrent for the wonderful beta. I may have broken the universe when I wrote this (please don't tell the Doctor on me).
Disclaimer: Really, I don't own anything. I don't even own my car.
ETA: A special thanks to thaddeusfavour, who did a second beta on this story. I'm very grateful. ::grins::
Also, thank you to whoever nominated this fic for the Children of Time Awards.
Ianto waited in the corridor of a residential area. They always seemed to be in a state of perpetual twilight. He was sure there was some important psychological reason for this- he just didn't have a clue what it was. Jack had told him this was the time and place so he waited, but he was worried that Jack had remembered wrong and that he really should be someplace else completely. It was twenty minutes of shifting nervously in place and receiving odd looks from passers-by, before he finally heard the sound of the TARDIS materializing.
He walked in the direction of the noise. His heart was pounding and he wondered if he'd lost his mind by letting Jack talk him into this. Ianto rounded a corner and there sat the TARDIS. Before he got a chance to doubt himself anymore and run as fast as he could in the other direction, the doors swung open and out bounded Rose, Jack, and a man with a leather coat and big ears that Ianto could only assume was the Doctor.
"Hullo," the Doctor said to him.
Ianto clasped his hands behind his back and schooled his features before he responded in what he hoped was a pleasant tone, "Hello. Welcome to Outpost 9. We've been expecting you."
"Expecting us?" the Doctor echoed in surprise.
"Are you the Doctor?"
"Yes. And this is Rose Tyler-"
"And I'm Captain Jack Harkness," Jack said offering his hand and giving Ianto that look, - the one that Ianto knew that Jack thought was charming, but Ianto had seen him use one too many times to be impressed with. Ianto restrained himself from rolling his eyes, and instead just looked at Jack's hand uninterestedly while giving him a placating smile. He was sure he heard Rose stifle a giggle as Jack withdrew his hand and cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"I'm Daniel Smith," he stated politely as he straightened his waistcoat. "And if you're the Doctor then we've been expecting you. The Ambassador to the Great Human Empire left word that you'd be arriving here today and has made special arrangement for you to have a VIP lounge to yourself at the Grand Café del Verta Nor."
"Did he really?" the Doctor asked somewhat perplexed.
"Yep."
The Doctor's face broke into a huge grin, "Splendid! Lead the way!"
Ianto began to lead them in the direction of the Café and Rose piped up from behind, "How did the Ambassador know we were going to be here?"
Ianto turned to face Rose who was walking along side Jack, put on his best clueless look and said, "Didn't you tell him you were coming?"
Rose opened her mouth and then closed it like she didn't know how to respond.
"Of course we did!" the Doctor declared.
Ianto smiled at him and continued walking. Not much further along was a short hallway that led to a window where they could view the asteroid belt.
"The view from the lounge is the best on the Outpost, but if you want your first glimpse of the asteroid belt..." Ianto signaled to the window. Rose and Jack didn't hesitate and went straight over to look out, but as the Doctor went to follow Ianto caught his arm.
The Doctor looked at him curiously, but Ianto made sure that the others were out of earshot before he spoke. "The Ambassador said I should let you know there is no reason that you and Rose shouldn't enjoy the Outpost fully, but Jack..."
"But Jack?"
"He may be quite a few years younger than the Ambassador, but the resemblance is striking. Anyone who didn't know any better might even say he was the same man," Ianto said in very serious voice.
"Oh," the Doctor said with complete understanding. He looked down the corridor at Jack. "Perhaps we should go then."
"And what would you tell them? Besides, it’s been taken care of."
"Has it?" the Doctor asked his eyes slightly narrowed.
Ianto didn't get a chance to say more, because Rose called from down the corridor, "Doctor come see! It's magnificent!"
The Doctor gave Ianto a look before heading off to Rose, and when Ianto glanced up at Jack he could tell the other man sensed something amiss by the troubled look on his face as he eyed first the Doctor and then Ianto. Ianto made eye contact with him and gave him a shy smile before quickly turning away.
Ianto let them enjoy the view for a few minutes before collecting them with a promise that the VIP lounge would be much more comfortable. As they walked he gave them the same spiel about the Outpost's 225th birthday that he'd been giving his customers all week. He described the festival with the dancers from ten different galaxies, the exotic food tasting, the games, and it was only when he got to the part about the fireworks that Rose interrupted him.
"How are they going to have fireworks inside?" she asked her voice curious, but excited at the same time.
"Oh, they’re from Barcelona! The planet, not the city," the Doctor jumped in. "They’re not like Earth fireworks- well, they’re a bit like Earth fireworks, but wait till you see them! You'll love them!"
A smile crept across Ianto's face as he watched them, and then he felt Jack's eyes on him. He could always feel when Jack was watching him- it made the back of his neck tingle. He glanced in Jack's direction and noticed that Jack didn't seem excited about the fireworks, but rather he was frowning slightly and staring at Ianto. Ianto quirked an eyebrow at him as if to ask him what was wrong.
"Nice suit," Jack said to Ianto, but his eyes were hard and Ianto knew better than to think it was a compliment.
"Thank you," Ianto said politely.
"But it's not really right for this place or time period is it?" Jack asked.
Jack's off tone caught Rose and the Doctor's attention, and they were now eyeing Ianto curiously as well. He stopped walking and turned to face Jack before he responded. "I work at the Grand Café del Verta Nor in the Retro human area. They expect us to dress the part- I was aiming for late twentieth century Earth. Actually, it looks as if I fit right in with you lot. Where did you come from exactly?"
The Doctor coughed. Jack looked away and mumbled something. Rose just asked, "How much further to the lounge?"
"Right through the door," Ianto said gesturing to the door they had stopped outside of.
"Excellent! Let's take a look shall we?" the Doctor asked as he pushed his way through the door.
"Oh, look!" Rose exclaimed as she grabbed Jack's arm and dragged him over to the wall of windows. "Look at the sun- look how white it is!"
"That's not the 'Sun'. The 'Sun' is the name of the star that Earth orbits. That's just another star," Jack explained to Rose.
Rose rolled her eyes. "You knew what I meant."
"Only, because I know what the Sun is- not everybody in the universe does you know," Jack teased.
Rose playfully hit him. "You think you’re so smart Mr. Time Agent."
"Hey, watch it! And that's Captain Time Agent to you!"
Ianto smiled as he watched them. The way Jack teased Rose reminded Ianto of how Jack used to be with Tosh- how he'd say things just to get a rise out of her or to make her blush. That thought made all the pain of Tosh and Owen's deaths suddenly rise in his chest. Ianto watched Jack and Rose playfully snipe at each other with grins on their faces, obviously having a brilliant time. This Jack didn't know the pain of that particular loss yet, or any of the pain that he was destined for. Ianto was smiling at them, but he still hurt inside.
"Brilliant aren't they?" the Doctor asked softly from his side. Ianto hadn’t even realized that he was standing right there until he spoke.
"Yes," he agreed before turning his head to look the Doctor straight in the eye. "They're so alive."
The Doctor looked at him critically and for a brief moment Ianto almost felt like the Doctor could sense his angst, but if he did it quickly passed and he said, "Yes they are."
They watched quietly for moment as Jack grabbed Rose and swung her around. Rose laughed and pulled him off to go explore the far side of the lounge where the oversized couches were half hidden by sheer veils.
"Before, when you said everything had been taken care of..." the Doctor began.
"Jack's a very clever man," Ianto assured him.
"That's what I'm afraid of."
Ianto smirked, "I believe he's a bit wiser these days- still a bit impulsive, but I think I'd get bored if he wasn't."
The Doctor's face was stone cold serious. "Timelines are not to be meddled with. This isn't a game. The damage you could cause-"
"I'm aware," Ianto replied looking the Doctor in the eye trying to convey to him that he really did understand the gravity of the situation. "The universe could implode if I say the wrong thing."
"Well, that's just the worse case," the Doctor said, his face suddenly transformed, and a small smile played on his lips.
"I've always been a bit of a pessimist."
"That's no way to go through life!" the Doctor exclaimed, grinning. He gave Ianto an appraising look as if to really size him up. "Jack trusts you then?"
"Would I be here any other way?" Ianto asked.
"No," the Doctor said shaking his head, "I suppose not..."
"So what are you two going on about over there? And looking so serious?" Rose questioned as she and Jack made their way back after running out of lounge to explore.
"Drinks!" Ianto explained. "Very serious topic here at The Café, but don't worry, as I was just telling the Doctor I've seen to everything. Let me go fetch your order."
"Don't we get a say in what we want?" Jack asked with his eyes slightly narrowed.
"What fun is that Captain? And I had you pegged for a man that liked a little adventure, but if you really want to place an order..." Ianto tilted his head as if he was expecting a drink request, but he already knew that one wasn't coming.
Jack arched his eyebrow and said in an amused tone, "Surprise me."
Ianto nodded and left them to enjoy the view while he went and collected the order he'd already placed before they'd arrived. It didn't take him too long. Melissa only held him up for few minutes, questioning him about his mysterious guests down in the VIP lounge, but she got bored of his riddles quickly enough and just rolled her eyes at him before getting back to work.
"Here we are!" he announced as he brought the tray into the lounge and set it on the coffee table in front of the large sofa the trio had chosen to settle on.
"Are those chips?" Rose asked in disbelief.
"Yep. They’re for you and so is the pint," he explained setting them in front of her. "For the Doctor we have a banana smoothie."
"Exactly what I wanted! I woke this morning craving a banana smoothie. I even said so, didn't I Jack?"
Jack nodded, "I think that's how we ended up here in the first place. The Doctor said he wanted a banana smoothie and a great view..."
"And for the Captain I have a coffee. My special blend," Ianto said letting his fingers brush against Jack's subtly as he handed him the mug.
Jack gave him a seductive smile. "Your special blend?"
"Coffee is my specialty. I don't often serve customers my special blend, but seeing as you’re guests of the Ambassador..." Ianto looked at him through his eyelashes with a small smile on his lips, hoping to give Jack the idea that it had more to with him than the Ambassador.
"Smells heavenly," Jack replied raking his eyes over Ianto.
"These chips are fantastic! I haven't had chips this good since that place in London. The one right down the street from Henriks... What was it called?" Rose asked while munching away.
"The Pipper's," Ianto replied thoughtlessly. He and Lisa had gone there several times when they’d been dating.
"Yeah. How'd you know that?" Rose asked suddenly not interested in the chips at all. Ianto realized his slip instantly as both the Doctor and the Captain had shifted forward in their seats.
Ianto cursed himself silently and tried to think of something to say besides the truth. "I went there once... a former lover's idea of a flashy first date. He was a Time Agent and he knew my preoccupation with the time period."
"A Time Agent?" Jack asked, his eyes narrowed at Ianto.
"A skinny blond with a London accent. Didn't last long. He turned out not to be the nicest bloke. Did you know there's such a thing as murder rehab?" Ianto asked.
"Really?" Rose asked sounding slightly appalled.
"Really," Jack confirmed forcefully with a certain amount of distaste in his voice. "If you're talking about who I think you are, you're lucky to be rid of him."
"I couldn't agree more," Ianto said, relieved that Jack actually bought the story. "Fortunately, some rare diamond was more interesting than me."
Jack snorted, "Some people never change."
"No they don't," Ianto agreed seeing how the mention of John had caused Jack to slouch back in the couch and cradle his coffee protectively. Most people wouldn't have thought twice about it, but Ianto knew that Jack was sulking.
"Enjoying the coffee?" he asked Jack to change the subject.
"It's fantastic," Jack said with a bright smile taking a deep swallow to prove his point.
"Didn't I tell you Jack? The Grand Café del Verta Nor has the best drink service in the universe!" the Doctor piped up.
"I should get back to The Café. I'll come back to check on you all in a bit," Ianto said leaving them to their drinks. Ianto went back upstairs and helped Melissa for a half-hour. The entire time he was up in the bar serving drinks he was worried that he'd messed things up with his slip; that Jack would be too suspicious of him, or worse the Doctor would sense something was wrong. By the time he was ready to go back down he was sure the entire plan was going to blow up in his face.
Ianto knocked on the lounge door as he pushed it open. "Everyone doing okay in here?"
Rose and the Doctor were at the windows huddled together looking out and Jack was leaning back on the couch comfortably, looking like he might drift off to sleep any minute. Ianto knew that was just the sedatives working their magic.
"We're all finished with our drinks! So what about this festival you were telling us about?" the Doctor asked.
"There’s a parade on the promenade this evening. It'll be starting soon. I've arranged for seats," Ianto told him.
Rose's face lit up. "That sounds splendid! Doesn't it Jack?"
Jack sat up slowly and looked at Rose. "Yeah, it does."
Rose took a few steps towards him. "Are you okay? You look a bit off."
"He's fine," the Doctor said quickly before Jack could answer her.
Jack looked at the Doctor, a bit confused, but the Doctor just gave him a wide grin. Jack nodded his head to confirm. "I'm fine, just tired."
"Well, if you're not in the mood for a parade you could stay here for dessert," Ianto offered in low voice looking directly at Jack. "We have an excellent pudding."
"I always do enjoy a good pudding..." Jack replied arching his eyebrows in interest, but then he looked at the Doctor and Rose and finished, "but I think I’d better go to the parade."
"Nonsense!" the Doctor said, "If you want pudding you should stay and have some. I bet they make a fantastic pudding here, don't you think Rose?"
Rose was standing with her hand over her mouth trying not to giggle. She put her hands on her hips and looked appraisingly at Ianto and said, with a laugh in her voice, "Oh, I bet the pudding here is hot and scrumptious."
"It's settled then. Jack will stay and have pudding, because he's tired. And Rose and I will go to the parade!" the Doctor exclaimed clapping his hands together and heading to the door. Ianto gave them directions to the promenade and told them who to talk to about the seats when they got there, and off they went with Rose shooting Jack an amused look as she disappeared into the hall.
"So, do you have a thing for all Time Agents?" Jack asked wetting his lips and resting back on the couch.
Ianto sauntered over until he was standing directly over Jack his legs brushing against the other man's knees. "Depends on the size of the wrist strap."
Jack knocked his legs causing Ianto to lose his balance and fall on top of him. "Sorry."
"No you're not," Ianto said, his body reacting instantly to being pressed up against Jack.
"No, I'm not. So is my strap big enough?"
Ianto groped his cock. "I'm sure it'll do."
Jack pressed his mouth against Ianto's in a needy kiss, but it wasn't right. It was hot enough, but it wasn't how Jack normally kissed him- it was missing something. Ianto didn't know how to explain it. Just as he was trying to wrap his brain around it, Ianto felt something else that wasn't right, something hard being pressed into the side of his neck. Jack broke the kiss and pulled away. His eyes were cold and Ianto realized the thing on his neck was a gun.
"You drugged me," Jack said softly.
"Yes," Ianto agreed calmly showing no fear, knowing that Jack wanted answers not to kill him, or so he hoped.
"Why?" Jack asked. His face was unforgiving in a way that Ianto had only ever seen when Jack had been dealing with hostile threats.
"When you landed here you crossed your own timeline. Damage control was needed," Ianto explained keeping his voice quiet. "The Doctor knows. That's why he told you to stay and told Rose you were fine."
"The Doctor knew you drugged me?" Jack asked his eyes shifting to the door then back to Ianto as if he was beginning to understand exactly what was going on.
"Yes. Do you really think he believes you're eating pudding right now?"
Jack let out a small laugh. “No. No, I suppose not.” Jack watched Ianto carefully before asking, “Are you a Time Agent?”
"Hell no!" Ianto said shaking his head.
"But that story you told?" Jack asked relaxing his body slightly, but still holding gun against Ianto.
"It was a lie."
"That man is real," Jack said.
"I know; I've tried to kill him a few times and him me. Stupid bastard," Ianto said, unable to hide the bitterness in his voice.
"Not friends then, are you?" Jack asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"After what he put you through? No," Ianto replied venomously. Then he saw the look on Jack’s face and realized that hadn't happened to this Jack yet. "Sorry, I forgot... you don't know. Timelines and such."
"You hate him for something he did to me?"
"Yes. I care about you."
Jack eyed him for a long moment, like he was trying to decide if Ianto was telling the truth. He whispered to himself more than to Ianto, "The Doctor left me here knowing I'd been drugged..."
"He trusts me," Ianto said softly looking Jack in the eye.
Jack just nodded, and lowered his gun placing it safely on the couch beside them.
Ianto let out a sigh of relief as Jack's body relaxed beneath him.
"So if I'm going to forget this, and I assume I'm going to forget this, who are you to me?"
Ianto shifted to get more comfortable against Jack who wrapped an arm around him. He didn't know how to put a label on their relationship. "I'd say boyfriend, but that sounds so domestic and we really don't do domestic."
"What do we do?" Jack asked.
Ianto looked up at him and was struck at how young Jack looked. It was in his eyes. There was bold curiosity that pierced through; his Jack never looked at him that way.
"We have a lot of sex. Chase down hostile aliens. Save the universe occasionally. And I dress up in suits and serve you coffee."
Jack thought about this. "I like sound of that, especially the part about the suits and the coffee."
"See, and I thought you'd like the sex part the best," Ianto said with a devilish grin.
"Well, I can only imagine the suits and coffee lead to sex so..."
"You have a valid point," Ianto replied. "Did I mention the pet Perodactyl?"
"I thought we didn't do domestic?" Jack replied in a sleepy voice resting his head back against the sofa.
"Hey, I may've found her, but you're the one who wanted to keep her."
Jack chuckled. "I bet she's one hell of guard dog."
"Which was why you wanted to keep her," Ianto explained
Jack yawned and his eyelids looked heavy. "I'm having a hell of time fighting this stuff you gave me."
"Then don't fight it."
"One last question."
"What does it matter? You won't remember," Ianto said.
Jack gave a weak shrug, "What happens to the Doctor and Rose?"
"I'm no expert on fairytales, but I think they get a happy ending. Or as close as a Time Lord and a human can get to a happy ending," Ianto said.
"Good. Rose deserves it," Jack replied. "One more thing?"
"Yes?"
"Will you kiss me again?"
Ianto leaned in and kissed Jack. This time was so much better than the first. It was soft and warm and all things Jack. Ianto only pulled away when Jack stopped responding. When he looked down, he realized the other man was out cold. Ianto didn't move right away though. Instead he lay curled up next to him, talking softly in his ear. He talked to Jack's subconscious telling him what he needed to forget about that evening, and creating a nice memory of the Café for Jack to actually remember. Only when he was done did he tell Jack he should go to sleep and let his mind rest.
Ianto carted Jack back to the TARDIS and used the other man's key to get in. He found a room in the back that had a bed in it and laid Jack down. He took off Jack’s boots and covered him with a nearby blanket. When Ianto was done he knew he should leave, but he couldn't bring himself to go. He stared at Jack. He looked so peaceful in his sleep and it broke Ianto’s heart to think of all of the terrible things he still had to live through. Ianto settled himself on floor next to the bed and watched him sleep- thinking about how young he was and then realizing that this Jack was really only the same age as him.
Ianto had no idea how much time had passed as he watched Jack, but it must've been a long while because eventually a voice came from behind him breaking him from his silent meditation. "You shouldn't be here."
"No. I shouldn't," he agreed.
"You care about him," the Doctor observed.
"Yes. I wish I could protect him from all of the horrible things ahead of him," Ianto said in barely a whisper.
"You can't," the Doctor said sadly.
Ianto looked up at him. "I know."
"How bad is the damage to the timeline?" the Doctor asked.
Ianto shrugged. "Not bad, at least I don't think it's that bad... Maybe, one day you'll give me a stern lecture for this. We'll see."
"I could give you one now, but I'm sure I'd miss half the important points just because I don't know who you are," the Doctor replied.
"I'm Jack's," Ianto said.
"You're Jack's what?"
"I'm just Jack's."
The Doctor nodded. "One day you will tell me everything."
"I'll offer you coffee. My special blend."
"I look forward to it. Now, it’s time for you to go," the Doctor said leaving no room for argument.
Ianto pulled himself up from the floor and kissed Jack on the forehead.
The Doctor led Ianto to the door of the TARDIS and Ianto stepped out into the corridor. He turned back to look at the Doctor.
"Don't-" Ianto started to say, but then he stopped himself because he didn't know how tell the Doctor what he was feeling (at least not without saying something stupid).
The Doctor just nodded like he understood and gently closed the door. A moment later the TARDIS disappeared. Ianto looked at the empty space and said, "Don’t you dare break him. Don't you dare leave him behind."
There was no one to hear him, and he swore. He took a couple deep breaths. Not even he could change the past. He walked aimlessly away, catching his breath, until he found himself at a portal overlooking the asteroid belt. It wasn't the best view, but the green glow met his eyes and he realized he was tired of looking at that damned thing from any angle, no matter how grand it was supposed to be. He took out the time shifter and looked at its bright screen covered in odd symbols.
With one last glance into space, he pressed the buttons Ambassador Jack had told him to and there was a violent jerk as his reality was torn away from him. The next thing he knew, he was lying on hard concrete and there was the sound of traffic buzzing in his ears. He lifted his head to see a brick wall facing him and he didn't have to turn around to know there was dumpster behind him; he could smell it. He used the wall to get to his feet. His head was swimming and he just stood there for a moment recovering.
Ianto had no idea how long he'd been out for, but he was already beginning to feel better. He'd be okay once he had a shower and a good, long sleep. He slowly made his way to the street. A familiar electronics shop that was only a few blocks from his flat was next to alley. Relief flooded him as he realized he really was back in Cardiff. Now, he only wondered what day it was, but he didn't get a chance to find out because from behind him he heard Gwen's voice calling, "The surge came from over here."
"Have your guns ready. This wasn't normal rift activity," Jack called back. His Jack. Not Ambassador Jack or past Jack - Ianto's Jack.
Ianto turned around just in time to see the tails of Jack's greatcoat disappear down the alley he'd just come from. He walked to the mouth of the alleyway and watched Gwen, Jack, and Martha slowly creep down the alley, sneaking up on nothing.
"It came from here, but I think whatever caused it's gone," Gwen said looking at her handheld.
"The smell probably put it off," Martha replied pocking a nasty bit of garbage with her gun.
"Is there any way to track it?" Jack asked.
"Probably, but Jack you know I'm not great with this stuff," Gwen replied helplessly fiddling with buttons. "Not like Tosh, even Ianto-"
"Give me that," Jack snapped at her harshly, roughly grabbing the handheld from her. Gwen looked startled and a bit hurt.
"Oi, don't you dare take it out on Gwen. It’s not her fault you haven't recruited someone yet- I've been after you for ages," Ianto scolded Jack from his spot at the end of the alley.
The three of them spun around and looked at him with shock on their faces, and when none of them responded, Ianto took a couple steps in their direction and continued to talk. "And by the way, if I were a hostile alien threat you'd all be dead right now. That was pretty awful."
"You think?" Jack asked with a huge grin on his face.
"Pathetic. I was standing behind you the whole time! And you call yourselves Torchwood," he replied shaking his head in mock disapproval.
"Well, we've been a bit short staffed."
"And whose fault is that?"
Gwen ran over to him exclaiming, "Ianto!"
Before he could get a word in edgewise, he had the full weight of a sobbing Gwen in his arms and his unsteady legs gave way as the two of them collapsed ungracefully to the ground.
"Ianto you’re okay!" Gwen said pulling away; her face was covered in tears.
"I was until you tackled me," Ianto replied his head was swimming again and he rubbed his eyes.
"We thought- we thought- that alien! You went after her and then nothing for days... And we thought... and so soon after Tosh and Owen," Gwen explained before breaking down into tears again.
"Days?" he asked Jack. "How long has it been?"
"Ten days," Jack said. There was a deep sadness in his eyes and if Ianto could have gotten up and kissed him he would've, but he felt too weak so instead he just lay back on the ground.
"Ten days?" Ambassador Jack had told Ianto that the time shifter might be a bit off, but he didn't think it'd be that far off...
"How long did it feel like?" Jack asked. Ianto could feel the other man sitting down next to him on the ground opposite Gwen.
Ianto turned his head so he could look at Jack, his Jack. He wanted to say eternity, but knew he couldn't. "A couple hours."
"Are you hurt?" Jack asked leaning over him and placing a comforting hand on his cheek.
"No, not really, I just feel a bit... scrambled," Ianto replied honestly.
"You're probably just a bit time-lagged from traveling through the rift," Martha said appraising. "We should get you back to the hub and I'll check you over to be sure."
"Okay," he agreed thrilled at the idea of going to hub. It'd been so long and he'd missed it so much. He thought of all those nights in bed on the Outpost. He'd just lay there trying to picture it in his mind, and now he was finally back home. Ianto started to sit up and both Jack and Gwen helped him.
"I'm sorry I knocked you over," Gwen said, sniffling.
Ianto smiled at her; he was secretly pleased with her tearful greeting after not seeing for her so long. "Don't worry about it."
"Can you walk?" Jack asked as he helped Ianto to his feet wrapping a strong arm around his waist to steady him.
Ianto leaned into the touch pressing himself up against Jack. "Yep."
Martha gave him a big smile. "It's good to see you Ianto."
"It's good to see you too Martha."
They made their way to the SUV. The girls got in the front seat and he and Jack slid together in the back. Jack wrapped his arms around him protectively and Ianto buried his face into Jack's greatcoat taking in the scent and how it felt against his face; feeling slightly pathetic that he'd even missed Jack's coat when he'd been gone.
"I thought I'd lost you," Jack whispered in his ear. "I- I... It killed me more than any death could."
Ianto looked up at him. "I'm here now."
"I missed you so much," Jack replied.
It was what Ianto needed to hear, even if he couldn't tell Jack that he'd missed him too. After all those months he needed to come home and have Jack tell him how much he'd been missed. Ianto leaned up and pressed his lips against Jack's. This kiss was all the passion and fire that Ianto knew his Jack to be, not just the echo of what was or the promise of what will be, but everything that was the two of them right now in this time and place. When Ianto pulled away he was shaking.
Jack looked him in the eyes slightly breathless. "You okay?"
Ianto nodded. "I'm just glad you're here."
Jack tightened his grip on him and pressed a kiss on top of his head.
Ianto relaxed in Jack's arms and looked around the SUV at Gwen and Martha, then out the window at Cardiff blurring by. He was home. He really was home.
cU~cU~cU~cU~cU
Epilogue (Several Years Later)
It'd been a rough night. Even after years at Torchwood, nights like this still got to him. The team had gone home and Ianto tried to tidy up a bit, but he was exhausted and the adrenaline that had been keeping him going was fading.
Jack came down from his office and wrapped his arms around him. "Leave it."
"Why'd it have to be kids? I hate it when it's kids," Ianto said pressing his face to Jack’s neck, breathing in the scent of warm flesh.
"I know. Me too. Shower?"
They needed it. Both of them, but Ianto didn't have the energy. "Too tired."
Jack guided them both to the couch were they collapsed and Ianto curled up into his arms. They lay together in a comfortable silence for a long while.
"Tell me a story," Ianto said hoping to get his mind off the awful events from earlier.
"What kind of story do you want to hear?" Jack asked.
Ianto thought for a moment. He was careful not to ask too often, but only when he really needed to hear it and tonight he thought he needed to hear it. "Tell me about the Café. The one in the stars."
"Why do you like that story? I mean compared to my other stories it's kind of... well, bland."
Ianto looked up at Jack, who was looking back at him curiously. Ianto thought for a moment before saying, "Because I like the idea that long after I'm gone, when Torchwood is nothing but memory and the Human race has taken to the stars, there'll be a place that you can go and get a good cup of coffee."
Jack laughed a deep throaty laugh. He gave Ianto a kiss. "Only you would worry about what I'd do for coffee centuries from now."
"I worry about what you'll do for coffee for eternity," Ianto said seriously.
"Well, don't worry. I've been to the end of the universe and they had coffee there, so I think I'll manage," Jack replied
"Good. I know how grumpy you get without your caffeine," Ianto said.
Jack kissed him. "I'll miss you though."
Ianto nodded. "Just promise me that you won't miss me so much that you won't be happy."
"Promise. And one day, after you’re gone, when Torchwood is just a memory and the Human race has taken to the stars, I'll go to that Café and I'll have a cup coffee and think of you. Remember you," Jack replied seriously.
Ianto looked into Jack's eyes. "I like the idea of that."
When Jack grinned Ianto leaned in and kissed him for all that he was worth, because he knew that Jack wasn't just telling him what he wanted to hear. Ianto already knew that Jack would one day go and do just as he said. Little did he know, Ianto would be the one serving his coffee.