To Forgive & Forget - Part One
Title: To Give and Forget - Part 1 of 15
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: 18 for sex
Summary: Follows on from two other long fics... last of the trilogy guys. There is a precis of both and numerous notes for those who haven't read the first two bits of want to recap.
Disclaimer: TW characters not mine...
Authors Notes: Betaed by the lovely
miss_zedem who has womanfully fought and is still fighting through this. Original plot beta was
damalan who really helped me sort out the story. Also, I want to thank those of you who have listened to me rattle on about this. And to
waqaychay for getting me to write in the first place and just being a mate. Cheers!
Now, for those of you who did not read or want to recap on Time & Punishment or A Man in A Polyester Suit, there is a recap of both under the links as well as the full fics. You will also find full character profiles for the lead players along the lines of this fic there.
Since Dr Who, part of this fic has become non-cannon. I make no apologies but it's too late to change it, so take the leap with me my friends.
To Give and Forget
Part One
Had Ianto wanted to make a meaningful sentence right now, sadly all hope was lost. He could have pointed out to Jack that they only had limited time out of the hub, so they ought to make the use of every single moment. He could have pointed out that this might not be the most cerebral of starts to a voyage of self discovery. Or, he could just have said 'not right now'.
Sadly, Ianto also knew that not one of those reasons would have sounded even vaguely convincing.
He watched and felt as Jack sucked on his cock, hollowing his cheeks around the shaft and running his tongue in zigzags around the veins. Ianto threw his head back against the hallway wall and tried not to thrust into Jack's mouth, running his fingers through his lover's hair. He groaned, feeling Jack rub his teeth over the head. He licked from the root to the tip, before rubbing his hand up and down the spit-slick shaft. Ianto looked down again, stuttering vague and incomprehensible words. He could see and feel below him Jack wanking himself in time with his oral ministrations, shuddering and groaning around Ianto's cock, sending vibrations straight to his balls.
Jack stopped for a moment and looked up at Ianto, still jerking him off as he did so.
“Kiss me,” he whispered and Ianto obeyed, bending over to take Jack's tongue into his mouth. Jack hummed against his lips.
“Oh Jack,” Ianto murmured against Jack’s lips “What you do to me.” He straightened up and thrust into his lover's twisting hand.
Jack smiled and stilled for a moment, Ianto supposed he was trying to decide how best to take the moving cock back into his mouth. But the man was good and before long, he had engulfed Ianto again, making him cry out in pleasure. Ianto tried to still his stuttering hips, glad that Jack was pinning him slightly. He seemed determined to give the younger man the blow job of his life, leaving Ianto just clinging to the wall and concentrating on trying to breathe.
Ianto dared a look down to see Jack's lips stretched over him, his head pistoning back and forth . And oh, the sensation. Jack's mouth was tight with deliciously wet suction, his tongue restless. If there was any doubt left in Ianto's mind that the older man was in full control, it was silenced as Jack slithered a hand between his legs. Ianto could feel his palm over his balls, his fingers rubbing the soft spot between Ianto’s legs and beyond as he intensified his sucking. In fact, it seemed to Ianto that his orgasm was drawn from him and down Jack's throat. Ianto moaned out his lover's name before sliding down the wall and into a heap.
Of course, this placed him Mano-a-Mano with Jack's throbbing cock. Although Jack had swallowed most of Ianto's cum, a little shuddered out of his cock. Jack scooped it up and used as lube as he stroked himself rapidly.
Ianto blinked a few times and was trying to regain enough co-ordination to help his lover when he felt Jack's cock brush over his lips. He opened his mouth, allowing the shaft to slide in. He liked to think that he was getting better at blow jobs. Jack was an able coach and very vocal in his encouragement and appreciation. Right now, his tuition was in full flow.
“Come on, please Ianto,” Jack grunted. “Love your mouth, come on gorgeous.”
Never one to disappoint, Ianto sucked in, tasting his own cum mixed with Jack's own distinctive flavour. He was learning to rather like the sensation of the silky skin on his tongue, though he would admit that more than once, the feeling of Jack's pubes tickling his nose had made him sneeze. Thankfully, Jack had very good reflexes.
Ianto had also learned that Jack really loved having the head of his cock sucked like a lolly pop, whilst Ianto's magic hands worked on the rest of him. It solved part of his usual problem which was trying to figure out what he was supposed to do with his teeth which frankly, just got in the way. It was also a wild relief, as not only was it far less strenuous on the jaws, but it also enabled Ianto to sidestep into his hand job comfort zone.
After a few moments of recovery, during which Jack had been patiently waiting for a little more attention, Ianto employed the lolly tactic. He let his lips withdraw and then open slowly over the head of Jack's cock, tonguing the slit before sucking. It met with pleasing results, if Jack's hissed affirmative was anything to go by. Ianto repeated his movements, feeling his lover's hands tangle in his hair and before not too long, he was 'rewarded' with a mouth full of salty semen. He kept up the suction through Jack's aftershocks, only releasing when he felt his lover’s knees sag and he lover crumpled into Ianto’s lap.
Ianto kissed him gently, sucking on his lower lip and then sliding his tongue in to explore. He stroked Jack's back, naked and now slightly sweaty, nuzzling on his neck and whispering filth in husky Welsh tones. Ianto would have willingly dozed, but morning orgasms seemed to have the opposite effect on Jack. Before long, he found himself being pulled to his feet and back into bathroom and the shower.
~#~
It was after nine o’clock when the two men appeared in the hotel restaurant. Ianto was all for grabbing a quick slice of toast but Jack, predictably, was determined to make the most of good food.
“Do you really think we ought to have a full breakfast,” Ianto whispered over the table they were seated at. “I mean, Melindawa is expecting us at quarter to ten.”
“You know me, Ianto.” Jack winked salaciously. “I like my morning sausage. I'm sure Mel will make allowances if I explain that giving you Harkness head really stoked my appetite.”
Ianto blushed as an elderly couple passed the table in time to hear those last few words. The mustachioed old man looked at Jack, then at Ianto and winked at him. The Welshman tried to resist the urge to run. The whole world seemed to be full of people with loose morals suddenly.
“Please, don't try to explain anything to Melindawa,” Ianto told him. “I'll handle it...I'll tell her you forgot your hair gel.”
“Ah, waitress!” Jack said loudly as a young woman approached, now looking slightly terrified. “We'd like two English breakfasts, scrambled eggs?” He looked at Ianto who blushed again and nodded. “A pot of tea and some toast.”
“Would you like marmalade with your toast, Sir?” the waitress said, frantically scribbling on her pad.
Jack ducked to see her name badge. “That's fine, Shirley, just some jam and some Marmite for my boyfriend.”
Ianto dropped his spoon on the floor accidentally on purpose to hide another attack of blushes. He considered trying to tunnel out of the restaurant whilst he was at it. Dimly though, he realised if he didn't straighten up soon, Jack would go to town on pretending he was getting a quick blow under the table.
Once sat up, he adjusted his tie. “I didn't think you could get anymore embarrassing than yesterday,” he told Jack glumly. “I seem to have rather underestimated you, I see.”
“Aw, Ianto,” Jack wheedled. “We're perfectly entitled to a double bed as long as we pay our money.”
“But did you really have to tell them that I wouldn't manage a night without being shagged into the mattress?”
“Well, it's been two weeks without let up, Jones.” Jack winked at him. “It's almost like being new lovers again.”
“If I remember rightly,” Ianto grumped, “you weren't quite this annoying the first time around. Or the second.”
“Third time lucky, eh? Look,” said Jack excitedly. “Here's our breakfast. I just can't wait to get my lips round one of those big fat sausages...”
~#~
Despite their tardiness, Melindawa seemed pleased to see Jack and Ianto. Her grey hair twinkled in the daylight, her violet eyes gleaming with distant amusement. Whilst Jack was signing them into to Torchwood HQ, Ianto pulled her to one side.
“There isn't any outbreak of odd sexual verbal...spouting going on is there?” Ianto asked quietly.
“Not that I'm aware of,” Melindawa said in a careful tone. “Why?”
“Jack seems determined to tell everyone we're...you know,” Ianto said, raising his eyebrows. “People at the hotel don't even say 'Morning' anymore, they just smirk and then check whether I'm walking funny.”
“Oh!” Melindawa said, shocked. She noticed Jack walking towards them. “Look, ask Fogle and Stiles, they seem to be very keen on kissing in public lately.”
“Right, shall we go see our friend?” Jack said brightly, taking Ianto's hand in his and striding towards the hospital wing.
Torchwood HQ had once been a cinema. The reception area was on street level, behind the imposing pyramid of the main building. But behind the facade, where there was once screening rooms, now there were underground systems and huge, dark spaces. The hospital wing had no natural light, just rows upon rows of electric strip-lighting which ran across the tall ceilings and gave everyone an odd washed out glow.
In a small private room, sat the person they'd come to see. As always, Moses sat at his side.
Although his initial fears regarding Maldwyn's infatuation had passed, Ianto remained stolidly freaked out by the whole thing. It was probably a good job he and Jack were booked into their last therapy sessions the next day. He did have an awful thought though, that if Jack had anything to do with it, it'd all just turn into sex therapy.
“Good morning Ianto, Jack, Melindawa,” Bevans greeted them politely. And then, much to Ianto's surprise, he blushed.
“Now,” Melindawa said gently. “Mr Bevans has been given the all clear after completing his training. Tomorrow, he and Moses will accompany you back to Cardiff to help you undertake your regular duties and the project we've allocated you. The details of that project are classified at present, you will be informed when you reach your destination.”
Maldwyn nodded and smiled, first at Moses and then at Ianto, whose stomach flipped. He knew this was coming. Melindawa had told he and Jack weeks ago what her plans were and since, a rising dread had grown in him. The only thing that staved it off was Torchwood, Jack and sex. With Maldwyn heading to the Hub, the first was off the menu. Jack would change and the sex...who knew? However, as Melindawa kept telling him, Bevans was crucial to their project. Ianto suspected she was putting her neck on the line making arrangements for him to search for his parents. Even Jack still didn't know how she'd managed it, though the fact that she was unwilling to talk about it suggested other alternatives.
~#~
The sunlight of the spring morning seemed incredibly bright after the dim light of the HQ building. Ianto rubbed his eyes and wished he smoked. Somehow, it was harder to accept Bevans' actions now he was better and talking coherently. The drug-addled man of before had plenty of excuses for his actions. So many, that Ianto hadn't had to think about the sharp, perceptive mind behind it. Though the drugs Carl had fed him had clearly taken more than a few memories, Maldwyn's photos had shown elements of that mind still at work. In the cold light of day, the almost recovered Bevans seemed more chilling than ever behind his polite words and careful apologies. And yet, the attraction of his old friend was undeniable. Well and clean, Maldwyn was as an exciting a prospect as a dangerous one.
He had sat with him alone whilst Moses was talking to Jack and Melindawa, making arrangements of where to stay and how to keep Maldwyn out of harm's way.
“You and Jack then?” Maldwyn had asked. “Still going strong?”
“Yes, of course,” Ianto had replied, rather taken aback by the question. “Why shouldn't we, I mean, why do you ask?”
“Nothing.” Maldwyn smiled and then winked. He had reached out a hand to run his fingers over Ianto's knuckles. “You just looked tired, Yan. I just want you to be happy, like I am.”
Ianto had smiled politely and removed his hand from under Maldwyn's.
“Work, that's all,” Ianto replied. It was a lie. Work had been duller than dull. Everyone in Cardiff seemed loved-up now the sun had arrived. Even the alien life seemed to be happy and the Weevils at the Hub were placid and calm. One of them had taken a fancy to Owen lately though and occasionally howled when he wasn't around. The only way they could calm it was to send Owen down to talk to her. Despite Gwen's insistence on the name “Diane”, they'd named her Daphne.
For the rest of the conversation, Maldwyn had been perfectly nice. He'd asked how Owen was, if anything had happened in Cardiff and about work. Every so often, he'd wink. It wasn't until Ianto was outside that he realised why that bothered him. The teenage Maldwyn was warm and heroic and brave. He didn't flirt, but it was calm and considered. The only time Maldwyn had acted like this was when Ianto and Jack had interviewed him after his arrest in the Bianca investigation. Back then, he was addled on drugs and fear. What was the reason now?
Ianto was pondering that question when he heard footsteps behind him and two arms pulled him into a warm, firm body. Jack.
“Everything alright?” he asked, rocking him slowly. “Did he upset you?”
“I don't think he meant to,” Ianto replied, biting his lip. “When they come to Cardiff, I don't think I want to be alone with him very often, if that's possible.” Ianto felt Jack's breath catch in his chest slightly but his word were calm enough.
“All things are possible.”
~#~
Jack hadn't been surprised that the meeting with Bevans had such an impact on Ianto. He'd spent the last few weeks watching Ianto struggle to control his trepidation. Once he and Ianto had talked a little, he'd led him back into HQ and to Melindawa's office. She took one look at Ianto and ordered her secretary to make tea. She'd then rearranged her office to make sure Ianto could sit in a chair with his back to the wall and see all the exits. Jack smiled at her madness for a moment before remembering that even though it was a long time ago, Mel had arrived on this planet as a stranger. Her own days of questioning had left her shaken, though she dealt with it very well. But even now, she always made sure she had a clear run to every exit of every building.
“You’re feeling shaken, Ianto” she said simply once she had smoothed down her burgundy suit and they were all seated. “This day will be long but hopefully productive.”
Ianto smiled, embarrassed. “It's me, it's just seemed like today would never be here and, well, here it is,” he said quietly.
“Well, did he behave when we left you with him?” Mel said quietly, stopping momentarily as her secretary delivered tea.
“More or less.” Ianto nodded. “It was probably me but he kept winking at me!” Jack smiled, he could tell that Ianto was worried it sounded a bit silly now he'd said it.
“You are an attractive man, Mr Jones.” She smiled. “We must not forget that. But, Jack, please note that and watch Mr Bevans. If he oversteps his bounds or he poses a threat, you have my permission to take whatever action you think is necessary.”
Melindawa's smile still slightly worried Jack. He never forgot that she was from a race that gutted their own parents in order to be born.
“When you say whatever action...?” Ianto asked. Jack knew that as bad as he felt now, Ianto would never live with revenge.
“Trust in Jack, Ianto,” she said kindly. “He can be harsh and even mean, but he knows people. He will NOT act out of jealousy.” She looked at Jack. “Only from concern for a member of his staff. Are we all clear on that?”
Jack nodded.
“Good,” Melindawa said, looking for all the world like a dotty old lady for a moment. “Now, I have some papers to give you and a briefing document for next week. The papers are in the box, shall we move on to the briefing?”
~#~
Part Two
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: 18 for sex
Summary: Follows on from two other long fics... last of the trilogy guys. There is a precis of both and numerous notes for those who haven't read the first two bits of want to recap.
Disclaimer: TW characters not mine...
Authors Notes: Betaed by the lovely
miss_zedem who has womanfully fought and is still fighting through this. Original plot beta was
damalan who really helped me sort out the story. Also, I want to thank those of you who have listened to me rattle on about this. And to
waqaychay for getting me to write in the first place and just being a mate. Cheers!
Now, for those of you who did not read or want to recap on Time & Punishment or A Man in A Polyester Suit, there is a recap of both under the links as well as the full fics. You will also find full character profiles for the lead players along the lines of this fic there.
Since Dr Who, part of this fic has become non-cannon. I make no apologies but it's too late to change it, so take the leap with me my friends.
To Give and Forget
Part One
Had Ianto wanted to make a meaningful sentence right now, sadly all hope was lost. He could have pointed out to Jack that they only had limited time out of the hub, so they ought to make the use of every single moment. He could have pointed out that this might not be the most cerebral of starts to a voyage of self discovery. Or, he could just have said 'not right now'.
Sadly, Ianto also knew that not one of those reasons would have sounded even vaguely convincing.
He watched and felt as Jack sucked on his cock, hollowing his cheeks around the shaft and running his tongue in zigzags around the veins. Ianto threw his head back against the hallway wall and tried not to thrust into Jack's mouth, running his fingers through his lover's hair. He groaned, feeling Jack rub his teeth over the head. He licked from the root to the tip, before rubbing his hand up and down the spit-slick shaft. Ianto looked down again, stuttering vague and incomprehensible words. He could see and feel below him Jack wanking himself in time with his oral ministrations, shuddering and groaning around Ianto's cock, sending vibrations straight to his balls.
Jack stopped for a moment and looked up at Ianto, still jerking him off as he did so.
“Kiss me,” he whispered and Ianto obeyed, bending over to take Jack's tongue into his mouth. Jack hummed against his lips.
“Oh Jack,” Ianto murmured against Jack’s lips “What you do to me.” He straightened up and thrust into his lover's twisting hand.
Jack smiled and stilled for a moment, Ianto supposed he was trying to decide how best to take the moving cock back into his mouth. But the man was good and before long, he had engulfed Ianto again, making him cry out in pleasure. Ianto tried to still his stuttering hips, glad that Jack was pinning him slightly. He seemed determined to give the younger man the blow job of his life, leaving Ianto just clinging to the wall and concentrating on trying to breathe.
Ianto dared a look down to see Jack's lips stretched over him, his head pistoning back and forth . And oh, the sensation. Jack's mouth was tight with deliciously wet suction, his tongue restless. If there was any doubt left in Ianto's mind that the older man was in full control, it was silenced as Jack slithered a hand between his legs. Ianto could feel his palm over his balls, his fingers rubbing the soft spot between Ianto’s legs and beyond as he intensified his sucking. In fact, it seemed to Ianto that his orgasm was drawn from him and down Jack's throat. Ianto moaned out his lover's name before sliding down the wall and into a heap.
Of course, this placed him Mano-a-Mano with Jack's throbbing cock. Although Jack had swallowed most of Ianto's cum, a little shuddered out of his cock. Jack scooped it up and used as lube as he stroked himself rapidly.
Ianto blinked a few times and was trying to regain enough co-ordination to help his lover when he felt Jack's cock brush over his lips. He opened his mouth, allowing the shaft to slide in. He liked to think that he was getting better at blow jobs. Jack was an able coach and very vocal in his encouragement and appreciation. Right now, his tuition was in full flow.
“Come on, please Ianto,” Jack grunted. “Love your mouth, come on gorgeous.”
Never one to disappoint, Ianto sucked in, tasting his own cum mixed with Jack's own distinctive flavour. He was learning to rather like the sensation of the silky skin on his tongue, though he would admit that more than once, the feeling of Jack's pubes tickling his nose had made him sneeze. Thankfully, Jack had very good reflexes.
Ianto had also learned that Jack really loved having the head of his cock sucked like a lolly pop, whilst Ianto's magic hands worked on the rest of him. It solved part of his usual problem which was trying to figure out what he was supposed to do with his teeth which frankly, just got in the way. It was also a wild relief, as not only was it far less strenuous on the jaws, but it also enabled Ianto to sidestep into his hand job comfort zone.
After a few moments of recovery, during which Jack had been patiently waiting for a little more attention, Ianto employed the lolly tactic. He let his lips withdraw and then open slowly over the head of Jack's cock, tonguing the slit before sucking. It met with pleasing results, if Jack's hissed affirmative was anything to go by. Ianto repeated his movements, feeling his lover's hands tangle in his hair and before not too long, he was 'rewarded' with a mouth full of salty semen. He kept up the suction through Jack's aftershocks, only releasing when he felt his lover’s knees sag and he lover crumpled into Ianto’s lap.
Ianto kissed him gently, sucking on his lower lip and then sliding his tongue in to explore. He stroked Jack's back, naked and now slightly sweaty, nuzzling on his neck and whispering filth in husky Welsh tones. Ianto would have willingly dozed, but morning orgasms seemed to have the opposite effect on Jack. Before long, he found himself being pulled to his feet and back into bathroom and the shower.
~#~
It was after nine o’clock when the two men appeared in the hotel restaurant. Ianto was all for grabbing a quick slice of toast but Jack, predictably, was determined to make the most of good food.
“Do you really think we ought to have a full breakfast,” Ianto whispered over the table they were seated at. “I mean, Melindawa is expecting us at quarter to ten.”
“You know me, Ianto.” Jack winked salaciously. “I like my morning sausage. I'm sure Mel will make allowances if I explain that giving you Harkness head really stoked my appetite.”
Ianto blushed as an elderly couple passed the table in time to hear those last few words. The mustachioed old man looked at Jack, then at Ianto and winked at him. The Welshman tried to resist the urge to run. The whole world seemed to be full of people with loose morals suddenly.
“Please, don't try to explain anything to Melindawa,” Ianto told him. “I'll handle it...I'll tell her you forgot your hair gel.”
“Ah, waitress!” Jack said loudly as a young woman approached, now looking slightly terrified. “We'd like two English breakfasts, scrambled eggs?” He looked at Ianto who blushed again and nodded. “A pot of tea and some toast.”
“Would you like marmalade with your toast, Sir?” the waitress said, frantically scribbling on her pad.
Jack ducked to see her name badge. “That's fine, Shirley, just some jam and some Marmite for my boyfriend.”
Ianto dropped his spoon on the floor accidentally on purpose to hide another attack of blushes. He considered trying to tunnel out of the restaurant whilst he was at it. Dimly though, he realised if he didn't straighten up soon, Jack would go to town on pretending he was getting a quick blow under the table.
Once sat up, he adjusted his tie. “I didn't think you could get anymore embarrassing than yesterday,” he told Jack glumly. “I seem to have rather underestimated you, I see.”
“Aw, Ianto,” Jack wheedled. “We're perfectly entitled to a double bed as long as we pay our money.”
“But did you really have to tell them that I wouldn't manage a night without being shagged into the mattress?”
“Well, it's been two weeks without let up, Jones.” Jack winked at him. “It's almost like being new lovers again.”
“If I remember rightly,” Ianto grumped, “you weren't quite this annoying the first time around. Or the second.”
“Third time lucky, eh? Look,” said Jack excitedly. “Here's our breakfast. I just can't wait to get my lips round one of those big fat sausages...”
~#~
Despite their tardiness, Melindawa seemed pleased to see Jack and Ianto. Her grey hair twinkled in the daylight, her violet eyes gleaming with distant amusement. Whilst Jack was signing them into to Torchwood HQ, Ianto pulled her to one side.
“There isn't any outbreak of odd sexual verbal...spouting going on is there?” Ianto asked quietly.
“Not that I'm aware of,” Melindawa said in a careful tone. “Why?”
“Jack seems determined to tell everyone we're...you know,” Ianto said, raising his eyebrows. “People at the hotel don't even say 'Morning' anymore, they just smirk and then check whether I'm walking funny.”
“Oh!” Melindawa said, shocked. She noticed Jack walking towards them. “Look, ask Fogle and Stiles, they seem to be very keen on kissing in public lately.”
“Right, shall we go see our friend?” Jack said brightly, taking Ianto's hand in his and striding towards the hospital wing.
Torchwood HQ had once been a cinema. The reception area was on street level, behind the imposing pyramid of the main building. But behind the facade, where there was once screening rooms, now there were underground systems and huge, dark spaces. The hospital wing had no natural light, just rows upon rows of electric strip-lighting which ran across the tall ceilings and gave everyone an odd washed out glow.
In a small private room, sat the person they'd come to see. As always, Moses sat at his side.
Although his initial fears regarding Maldwyn's infatuation had passed, Ianto remained stolidly freaked out by the whole thing. It was probably a good job he and Jack were booked into their last therapy sessions the next day. He did have an awful thought though, that if Jack had anything to do with it, it'd all just turn into sex therapy.
“Good morning Ianto, Jack, Melindawa,” Bevans greeted them politely. And then, much to Ianto's surprise, he blushed.
“Now,” Melindawa said gently. “Mr Bevans has been given the all clear after completing his training. Tomorrow, he and Moses will accompany you back to Cardiff to help you undertake your regular duties and the project we've allocated you. The details of that project are classified at present, you will be informed when you reach your destination.”
Maldwyn nodded and smiled, first at Moses and then at Ianto, whose stomach flipped. He knew this was coming. Melindawa had told he and Jack weeks ago what her plans were and since, a rising dread had grown in him. The only thing that staved it off was Torchwood, Jack and sex. With Maldwyn heading to the Hub, the first was off the menu. Jack would change and the sex...who knew? However, as Melindawa kept telling him, Bevans was crucial to their project. Ianto suspected she was putting her neck on the line making arrangements for him to search for his parents. Even Jack still didn't know how she'd managed it, though the fact that she was unwilling to talk about it suggested other alternatives.
~#~
The sunlight of the spring morning seemed incredibly bright after the dim light of the HQ building. Ianto rubbed his eyes and wished he smoked. Somehow, it was harder to accept Bevans' actions now he was better and talking coherently. The drug-addled man of before had plenty of excuses for his actions. So many, that Ianto hadn't had to think about the sharp, perceptive mind behind it. Though the drugs Carl had fed him had clearly taken more than a few memories, Maldwyn's photos had shown elements of that mind still at work. In the cold light of day, the almost recovered Bevans seemed more chilling than ever behind his polite words and careful apologies. And yet, the attraction of his old friend was undeniable. Well and clean, Maldwyn was as an exciting a prospect as a dangerous one.
He had sat with him alone whilst Moses was talking to Jack and Melindawa, making arrangements of where to stay and how to keep Maldwyn out of harm's way.
“You and Jack then?” Maldwyn had asked. “Still going strong?”
“Yes, of course,” Ianto had replied, rather taken aback by the question. “Why shouldn't we, I mean, why do you ask?”
“Nothing.” Maldwyn smiled and then winked. He had reached out a hand to run his fingers over Ianto's knuckles. “You just looked tired, Yan. I just want you to be happy, like I am.”
Ianto had smiled politely and removed his hand from under Maldwyn's.
“Work, that's all,” Ianto replied. It was a lie. Work had been duller than dull. Everyone in Cardiff seemed loved-up now the sun had arrived. Even the alien life seemed to be happy and the Weevils at the Hub were placid and calm. One of them had taken a fancy to Owen lately though and occasionally howled when he wasn't around. The only way they could calm it was to send Owen down to talk to her. Despite Gwen's insistence on the name “Diane”, they'd named her Daphne.
For the rest of the conversation, Maldwyn had been perfectly nice. He'd asked how Owen was, if anything had happened in Cardiff and about work. Every so often, he'd wink. It wasn't until Ianto was outside that he realised why that bothered him. The teenage Maldwyn was warm and heroic and brave. He didn't flirt, but it was calm and considered. The only time Maldwyn had acted like this was when Ianto and Jack had interviewed him after his arrest in the Bianca investigation. Back then, he was addled on drugs and fear. What was the reason now?
Ianto was pondering that question when he heard footsteps behind him and two arms pulled him into a warm, firm body. Jack.
“Everything alright?” he asked, rocking him slowly. “Did he upset you?”
“I don't think he meant to,” Ianto replied, biting his lip. “When they come to Cardiff, I don't think I want to be alone with him very often, if that's possible.” Ianto felt Jack's breath catch in his chest slightly but his word were calm enough.
“All things are possible.”
~#~
Jack hadn't been surprised that the meeting with Bevans had such an impact on Ianto. He'd spent the last few weeks watching Ianto struggle to control his trepidation. Once he and Ianto had talked a little, he'd led him back into HQ and to Melindawa's office. She took one look at Ianto and ordered her secretary to make tea. She'd then rearranged her office to make sure Ianto could sit in a chair with his back to the wall and see all the exits. Jack smiled at her madness for a moment before remembering that even though it was a long time ago, Mel had arrived on this planet as a stranger. Her own days of questioning had left her shaken, though she dealt with it very well. But even now, she always made sure she had a clear run to every exit of every building.
“You’re feeling shaken, Ianto” she said simply once she had smoothed down her burgundy suit and they were all seated. “This day will be long but hopefully productive.”
Ianto smiled, embarrassed. “It's me, it's just seemed like today would never be here and, well, here it is,” he said quietly.
“Well, did he behave when we left you with him?” Mel said quietly, stopping momentarily as her secretary delivered tea.
“More or less.” Ianto nodded. “It was probably me but he kept winking at me!” Jack smiled, he could tell that Ianto was worried it sounded a bit silly now he'd said it.
“You are an attractive man, Mr Jones.” She smiled. “We must not forget that. But, Jack, please note that and watch Mr Bevans. If he oversteps his bounds or he poses a threat, you have my permission to take whatever action you think is necessary.”
Melindawa's smile still slightly worried Jack. He never forgot that she was from a race that gutted their own parents in order to be born.
“When you say whatever action...?” Ianto asked. Jack knew that as bad as he felt now, Ianto would never live with revenge.
“Trust in Jack, Ianto,” she said kindly. “He can be harsh and even mean, but he knows people. He will NOT act out of jealousy.” She looked at Jack. “Only from concern for a member of his staff. Are we all clear on that?”
Jack nodded.
“Good,” Melindawa said, looking for all the world like a dotty old lady for a moment. “Now, I have some papers to give you and a briefing document for next week. The papers are in the box, shall we move on to the briefing?”
~#~
Part Two