NCIS/Torchwood Crossover Home Part 22
Home Chapter 22
Ianto finished adding the milk to Jack’s coffee before placing it on the table. He wished he had something a little stronger to put in the coffee. He took his cup and sat down at the table. He couldn’t believe that Jack had built this place almost a hundred years earlier. He knew it had been for Jack’s first wife but he didn’t care; with the three of them here, it was now about to become a home. But first they had to make a few decisions about work.
He knew it was crazy to go back to Torchwood but he missed the excitement. Back in DC he had been content to play the businessman but once Tony brought in those pictures of the weevil attack he finally admitted it; he wanted back in. He wasn’t about to risk Mae or his own life. At least not without there being a damn good reason; like saving the world.
He sat down and took a long sip from his cup. He closed his eyes and let the flavour roll over his tongue.
“Still never going to get enough of that.”
Ianto turned to see Jack lounging against the doorway. He shook his head. “Get in here and drink your cup. I think what you were saying is all good. More staff is good, but they will need to be trained. Do you have anyone in mind?”
Jack sat at the table, reaching across to take Ianto’s hand in his. “I have a few in mind. There was a doctor at the A&E who we’ve ran into a time or two. She asks the right questions and the strange answers she’s been given, hasn’t thrown her too badly. She even managed to trap a Hoix.”
“Hope it wasn’t at the cost of any of her fingers. They aren’t known for being too picky where their next meal is concerned. What’s her name?”
“Angela Connolly. She treated Martha when that glove got her, and it was Owen who suggested we think about offering her a spot. It was her that helped him catch that Hoix just before he and Tosh...”
Ianto squeezed Jack’s hand. No matter how much time passed neither of them were able to talk about Owen and Tosh’s passing without choking up. Each held their own guilt about the whole thing.
“So, that takes care of a medic,” Ianto said. “Now we need a few field agents. I might have a few thoughts about that.”
Jack took a sip from his cup. “Really? You’ve been back how long and you have... Oh, no now wait a minute. There is no way we are having that arrogant American-”
“Most people say the same thing about you,” Ianto pointed out with a grin.
“That’s different, since we all know I’m not American.”
“Believe me, no one can tell the difference. But think about it Jack. You know that hole in New Mexico isn’t going to hold forever. Why couldn’t they have played with hydrogen bombs somewhere else? And when it does blow, don’t you think it would be nice to have some Torchwood trained personnel nearby?”
Jack rose from the table with a groan. He went to look out the window. “But DiNozzo? And you know if he comes Gibbs won’t be far behind.”
Ianto joined Jack, putting his arm around his lover’s waist. “I think you should probably count on a few more than just Gibbs following Tony.”
“What?”
“Where better than the rainy city of Cardiff for a Goth? And if Abby comes you know McGee won’t be far behind. I have no idea if Ziva would come but I think she has a lot of loyalty to Gibbs. I’m sure you could sweet talk Ducky into return back to his roots for a while. I’m sure some of his stories could rival even those of The Doctor.”
“Let’s say by some small miracle I agree to this, what makes you think any of them would want to come thousands of miles to fight aliens?”
“Well, Tony did want an invite to the wedding.”
“Come for a wedding stay for a job? I know that NCIS isn’t a safe job but it’s gotta have better odds that working for Torchwood. They would have to be damn sure about wanting to leave.”
Ianto wasn’t sure how Jack would take knowing some of the conversation he and Tony had at night regarding their futures and where they saw it going. Most of the time it was just day dreaming about expanding the coffee shop or taking Mae to the beach but occasionally Tony would let it slip that he was starting to get tired with his job. Ianto knew some of it had to do with what he thought were his unrequited feelings for Gibbs but the lack of confidence from the director about his ability often left Tony feeling like it was time to move on.
“I know Tony was getting restless. Before coming to work for Gibbs and NCIS he never lasted more than a few years in his position. But with the two of them finally together if it ever came out they would have to move to different teams or resign. This way they could be together. The whole team could be a great asset to us. Not just to the UK but to the US and the world too.” Ianto worried he might have put it on a little thick. “Look, I know that was a bit over the top but I think they would be a good fit for Torchwood.”
Ianto looked at Jack; the older man was staring at the horizon. He looked lost in thought.
“Jack, if this is about Tony and I-”
“No, of course not... Well, not entirely about that. I’m not crazy that you and he were together or that he got see some of Mae’s important moments.”
“Then what is it?”
“I hate having to admit that you’re right.”
“I am? Well, of course I am.”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” Jack said with a quick kiss. “How fast can you plan a wedding?”
“What?”
“I want to get these changes made as soon as possible and the sooner you can get DiNozzo and Gibbs here and they can tell me to go to hell about such an insane job offer the sooner we can find proper field agents. I’m sure we can borrow a couple of men from Unit and Colonel Mace until we can find a good fit for us.”
“What happens if they say yes?”
“You really think there’s a chance of that happening? You really think that you can convince them to come several thousands of miles to chase aliens. Aliens that I doubt Gibbs believes exists.”
“So you really don’t want them working for Torchwood, do you?”
“It’s not that I don’t want them working with us. I think they would be an asset but I only want them here if they believe in the work that we’re doing. You and I both know that any doubts about what we see can result in someone getting killed.”
Ianto couldn’t argue with what Jack was saying but he trusted Tony and Gibbs and their team to watch Jack’s back and make sure nothing too bad happened. Sure, Jack wouldn’t stay dead if something did but it still caused the older man an enormous amount of pain coming back.
“I do know that but I still think that they would be a good addition to our team. I’m going to call Tony and tell him to get his ass here in 2 weeks. Is that soon enough to plan a wedding?”
“Two weeks? You can do it in two weeks?”
“With Martha and Gwen’s help, I could probably pull it off in two days. Is that too soon?” Ianto asked hoping the answer was yes. He didn’t want to give Jack too much time to come to his senses about the NCIS people or marrying him either.
“No, I think two weeks is about as long as I can wait to officially make you mine.” Jack pulled Ianto closer. “Now, how about we celebrate?”
Ianto wrapped his arms tight around Jack’s waist. “I’m all for that.”
Jack brought his mouth to Ianto’s only to be stopped by a loud scream from upstairs.
“Told you she had good timing,” Ianto said with a laugh. “I’ll go get her. The only chance we’re going to have to get her to sleep tonight is to wear her down. She likes to shop, and I think a trip to the park might be in order.” Ianto gave Jack’s cheek a quick kiss. “We’ll be right back. She probably needs to be changed too.”
Jack pulled Ianto back by the arm. “I’ll do it.”
“You will?”
“I’m going to have to learn and I was doing this sort of thing before you were born,” Jack said with a smile. “If I need anything I’ll call you.”
Ianto felt a wave of panic. He had never let anyone else look after Mae, when he and Tony would spend time together, Mae came with them. “I really don’t mind, Jack.”
“Ianto, relax. This isn’t new, and I would like to spend some time with her. I’ll get her cleaned and dressed. Then we can head out for the rest of the day.”
“She’d got wipes in her diaper bag. I didn’t have time to unpack anything when we got here.”
“Yes, dear,” Jack said leaving the kitchen. “Call your buddy, DiNozzo.”
Ianto listened at the bottom of the stairs until he could hear Mae giggling, and Jack’s soothing voice telling her about the plans for the rest of the day.
Breathing deep he reached for his mobile. “Tony, Ianto. I’ve got a proposition for you.”
~~\\~~ TBC