Still The One (2/2)
Title: Still The One (2/2)
Author: jerbearthompson
Rating: M for language
Spoilers: None. (Perhaps minor blink-and-you'll-miss-it to Exit Wounds)
Genre: All sorts, it’s quite diverse. (But mainly fluff)
Characters: Ianto/Jack, Gwen
Length: Altogether, close to 12,000 but split into two posts.
Summary: ‘We’re still having fun, and you’re still the one.’ A series of short stories.
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me. BBC, RTD, blah blah blah Cherry Chapstick.
Prompt: I suppose it’s a song-fic of sorts, to the Orlean’s Still The One. I was requested by KangarooJak to do a fic revolving around the lyrics with the last line of each “chapter” being something to do with the last line of each chorus, "We’re still having fun, and you’re still the one."
Notes for the chapters:
Chapter one contains a quote by Josh Pyke. “Hold your moments, keep them in your pockets.”
Chapter four contains a bit of Gwen-bashing but it’s important to know it’s mainly Jack’s grief talking.
Chapter five was actually a dream I had.
Chapter seven, Koyaanisqatsi is actually a word. It is Hopi-Indian for crazy life, or life out of balance.
The Book in Chapter nine, I completely made up. So don’t try looking for it.
Part One | Part Two
--
You're still the one that makes me strong
Still the one I want to take along
--
Jack…
Jack could feel the presence prodding around his mind. He knew it must be costing the young man, psychic links often took a lot out of a person, and he was only novice at best.
Get out of here, Yan.
No. Ianto’s reply was strong, forceful. I’m not leaving you in there, not by yourself.
Jack sighed. Don’t come after me. Please, for the love of God, don’t come after me.
I won’t, not just yet. We’re working on a solution, though.
Don’t. Just keep the public calm. And get out of here.
Can they hear us? Our physic link, can they here it?
Jack made no reply in his mind. It was obvious to Ianto that this meant their link was safe.
Then I’m not leaving.
Jack shook his head at the stubborn voice, experimentally twisting his wrists in the shackles. Are you hurt? He asked after a while. Did you get out safely? Did they hurt you?
No, Ianto’s mind wrapped itself securely around Jack’s. Dislocated shoulder, I’m fine.
Good, because if you died I would never forgive you.
And if you don’t get out of this in one piece I’ll never forgive you, either. Ianto shot back at him.
Jack smiled as best he could. It was more of a thin baring of his teeth, really.
Do you know where you are? Ianto gently probed after a while.
Don’t come after me, Jack repeated stubbornly.
Ianto ignored him and a second later Jack felt something dig into his mind, and he knew Ianto could see exactly what he was seeing. His clasped his eyes shut tightly.
Christ, Ianto, I said no.
So how are you going to fix this then, Jack? How are you going to get out of this one by yourself?
I’ll find a way.
Stop being an obstinate jackass. The whole point of having a team is so they can work as a team and help you.
I don’t want your help! I just want you safe.
And you think I don’t want that for you? How can you even think I would be able to do anything but try and help you, Jack?
Jack was silent a moment, opening his eyes and looking around intently at his surroundings. Again, he tried adjusting his arms, ignoring the cold metal bite as the shackles dug into his skin.
I’m in a chamber of some sort. Metal. I didn’t see much coming here, I was unconscious, but I’m pretty sure it’s in the lower level of the ship.
Thank you. Ianto’s mind brushed over the edge of Jack’s in a comforting manner.
Don’t do anything stupid, Jack added, the voice in his psyche sounding panicked and stressed.
I’m not about to. What about the creatures? Do you know what they are? How dangerous they are?
Ianto, where are you? Jack asked worriedly, hoping the Welshman wasn’t anywhere close.
In the archives.
Jack visibly relaxed. I’ve never come across them before, but I’ve heard of them. They’re called Koyaanisqatsi, I think. They’re basically galactic clerics. Prophets.
Koyaanisqatsi? What does that mean?
“Life out of balance”, they keep everything in order, maintain the stability.
Found them. Why are they here? Do you know?
Jack abruptly tried to break away from their link, but Ianto held it strong.
Jack!
They’re… They’re attracted to me. I’m a fact, a fixed point in time. I’m not supposed to be possible, I’m destroying the balance. They want me.
What are they going to do? Ianto tried to keep the concern out of his mind but failed miserably. Instead he enveloped Jack’s conscience in his own.
I don’t know. Jack started breathing faster and faster, until he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. I don’t know if they’re hostile or if they just want to talk to-
Jack.
Oh fuck, I don’t know.
Jack, hey, deep breaths cariad. Just focus on my voice, okay? Deep breaths.
I don’t want to leave, Yan. I haven’t had enough time with you yet.
Ianto shushed him gently. Jack, you’re not leaving. You’re not going anywhere, I won’t let them.
Jack’s breaths caught in his throat as he tried to calm his heaving chest.
You’ve got to be strong. Can you be strong for me, cariad?
Yes. Jack had just taken in a shaky breath when the door to his chamber burst open and a hooded and cloaked humanoid entered.
Get out, Yan. Go away.
No. I’m not leaving you.
‘CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS, THAT WHICH IS OF WALES, EARTH.’
‘That’d be me,’ Jack gave a thin smile, projecting a lot more courage than he felt.
Be strong, whispered Ianto in his mind.
‘IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE HIGHER POWERS, A DISTURBANCE WITHIN YOUR LIFE FIELD.’
‘Yes, terribly sorry,’ Jack said weakly.
‘THIS MAY BE OF WORRY, IF YOU ARE OF IMMORAL ORIGIN.’
‘If I’m evil?’ at this Jack let out a proper laugh. ‘No, not me. I’m as good as a cup of tea.’
‘IF YOU MAY PROVE THIS, YOU ARE FREE TO LEAVE, CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS OF WALES, EARTH.’
‘Honestly, how am I supposed to prove that?’ Jack sighed tiredly. ‘Haven’t you people been watching me?’
‘THE WELL-BEING OF THE GALAXY DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND YOU, CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS OF-’
‘-Wales, Earth, yeah, got that part.’
‘WE HAVE NOT BEEN WATCHING.’
‘So what do you want me to do then?’
‘IF YOU ARE ABLE TO QUOTE THE GALACTIC MESSAGE OF PEACE, YOU MAY RETURN TO YOUR LIFE IN WALES, EARTH. IF NOT YOU SHALL BE SENTENCED TO LIFE IN THE CHAMBERS.’
Ianto…
I’m looking, Jack. It’s got to be in here somewhere, just distract him.
‘YOU MAY SPEAK NOW.’
‘Oh, I’d rather not just yet.’
‘YOU MAY NOT SPEAK OF ANYTHING ELSE. YOU MAY SPEAK THE PHRASE NOW.’
Ianto, please.
Got it! Say this, Jack: Konu-
‘Kano,’
KONU!
Jack cleared his throat nervously, starting again in a clear, enunciated voice, ‘Konu,’
Emans-
‘Emans,’
Kwlaayet-
‘Kwalaayet,’
Farlohn-
‘Farlohn,’
Prhe Myioj.
‘Prhe Myioj.’
‘CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS, THAT WHICH IS OF WALES, EARTH. YOU ARE HEREBY FREE TO CONTINUE LIFE IN YOUR CURRENT STANDINGS.’
The next thing Jack knew, it was dark. And his head was pounding.
‘Jack,’ said a familiar Welsh voice from above him. Above him, not in his mind!
Jack groaned slightly and dared to open his eyes a crack. They were met with far-too-bright sunlight and a concerned face.
‘Thank god,’ Jack was pulled up, off his back, into a crushing hug. ‘That was too close, too close.’
‘I thought it was fun,’ Jack murmured into the suit-clad shoulder, but hugging the warm body back just as hard, with just as much fear of letting go.
‘You’re still here,’ the Welshman whispered into his hair.
Jack smiled against his throat. ‘And you’re still the one.’
--
Changing - our love is going gold.
Even though we grow old, it grows new
--
‘God, do you two have to wear the same thing every day? It’s infuriating!’ Gwen spat at the two men who had just entered the hub, slamming the book she had been reading down on her desk and storming away.
‘Hi Gwen!’ Jack called cheerfully after her before turning to Ianto and murmuring, ‘What’s wrong with her?’
Ianto shrugged. ‘Perhaps it’s… that time, sir.’
‘That time of what?’
Ianto cleared his throat nervously. ‘The month.’
‘The mo - Oh Ianto, gross! I don’t want to think about that!’
‘Sorry sir.’
‘Do you think one of us should go after her?’ Jack asked after a while.
‘No, maybe we should just give her some time to herself. I’ve got an idea, though.’
‘An idea? Oh I like the sound of that,’ Jack’s hands automatically sought out Ianto’s tie. The younger man grinned and swatted them away, pushing Jack up the metal stairs to the captain's office and closing the blinds inside.
Gwen returned approximately ten minutes later, collapsing back into her chair and on seeing the closed blinds yelling, ‘For Christ’s sake, can’t you two just keep your hands off each other for two seconds? ’
‘Oh, I wish I could,’ came the familiar American voice, a second later followed by the man himself… only, it wasn’t Jack. It was a man with a familiar pair of sparkling blue eyes, a classic Harkness grin, and a long, pristine black suit - with pinstripes. Pinstripes and a pale pink shirt, black and pink striped tie tucked into a black waistcoat. The face was Jack, no doubt. But the body was…
‘Ianto!’ Jack called, coming to stand beside Gwen and physically turning her head when she wouldn’t stop gaping at him.
It took all she had to stop ogling him and instead turn her attention to the next man coming out of the captain’s office. Jack. No, she blinked uncertainly, he was beside her. It wasn’t Jack, it was… Ianto. Long grey slacks held up over a sky blue shirt by a pair of red braces, the hint of a white undershirt showing underneath the collar. What’s more, around this attire hung the all too familiar greatcoat, the big bloody RAF coat. And wearing it was none other that a sly smiling Ianto Jones.
‘More to your liking, Gwen?’ he asked as he came closer.
‘What?’ she breathed slowly, very much sounding like she was off in another world.
‘You said we wore the same thing every day, is it better now?’ he asked again.
‘Oh…’ a grin broke out on Gwen’s face and she giggled mercilessly. ‘You boys,’ was all she managed to gasp out in between fits of laughter.
From behind her, Jack placed his thumb and forefinger together in a gesture which said, “We did okay”.
Ianto smiled and absently ran his hands down the braces over his torso. Jack stared with hungry eyes.
‘Feeling better now, Gwen?’ he asked without shifting his eyes. Gwen nodded, covering her mouth with her hand to still her giggles. ‘Good, I’m glad,’ Jack said in the same distant voice. ‘Anyway, I think you’re just about due for a lunch break.’
‘Jack, I don’t need-’
‘No, you should go and get some fresh air.’ Jack forced a smile as he tried to seem like he wasn’t rushing her. Gwen didn’t seem to pick up on the hint but still, albeit rather grudgingly, picked up her bag and trotted over to the cog door.
It hadn’t even closed before Jack was lunging forward, grabbing onto Ianto’s braces and kissing him greedily. He was pleased when the young man kissed him back just as eagerly.
‘I don’t know…’ Ianto breathed in between kisses, ‘How you can stand… to look at me… without ripping off... that damn tie.’ To prove his point, he dug his fingers into the neck of the tie and roughly pulled it loose, sliding it off Jack’s neck and throwing it carelessly to the ground.
‘Oh believe me, it takes effot,’ Jack murmured, thrilled at how messy Ianto was being. ‘God, the coat,’ he slowly pushed the heavy wool off Ianto’s shoulders. ‘The fucking coat.’
Ianto mm’d and likewise pushed the pinstriped jacket from Jack’s shoulders.
‘Now you know how I feel, 24/7,’ Jack whispered huskily into Ianto’s ear, nuzzling into the side of his face.
‘God, you’re driving me crazy.’ With one swift, fluid motion, Ianto tugged the belt from Jack’s pants.
The captain replied by flicking off the braces holding Ianto’s pants in place. He then placed distracting kisses over Ianto’s jaw as he ripped his hand down the middle of the sky blue shirt, buttons flinging off as the white undershirt was revealed.
‘Playing rough now, I see,’ Ianto dragged his teeth over that spot just behind Jack’s ear. The captain visibly shuddered and momentarily fell limp, crashing into Ianto’s chest.
Ianto grinned leisurely and held onto him until he regained enough momentum to stand again by himself.
‘Oh, no fair. No fair!’ Jack muttered breathlessly, ducking his heading and tugging the white tee down, nipping his way down Ianto’s jugular, along his collar bone.
‘Jack… Jack…’
‘Jack, I - oh, nope. You’re busy. I’ll come back.’ Gwen promptly spun on her heel and covered her eyes with her hands.
‘Oh come on, Gwen, that’s a bit far. We’ve still got clothes on.’ Jack told, or rather, panted to her.
‘Don’t care,’ came Gwen’s small voice.
‘We weren’t even kissing,’ Ianto put in.
Jack shot him a look that clearly said otherwise and kissed him roughly. Something that looked like it hurt. Something Ianto knew every person in the city probably longer for.
‘Now you are, I can hear you,’ Gwen shot an accusing finger behind her.
Jack sighed. ‘What do you want?’
‘Tourists are telling me there’s a lock-ness monster in the lake.’
‘Bloody Torchwood,’ Jack muttered, bending down to pick up the RAF coat. He eyed the tie but ultimately left it where it lay. Ianto did likewise, only picking up the suit jacket and leaving his braces on the floor and buttons undone.
‘Oh, I guess this is yours,’ Jack quickly exchanged the coat for the jacket. ‘Okay, let’s go see what all the fuss is about. And I want to yell at someone for ruining my fun, too.’
‘Jack,’ Ianto called softly after him as he strode away. Jack stopped in his tracks, allowing Ianto to run his hands down his arms and whisper into the hair on the back of his neck, ‘You’re still the one.’
--
You're still the one that I love to touch
Still the one and I can't get enough
--
‘I did it!’ Jack declared loudly as he entered the room.
‘Did what?’ Ianto asked warily.
‘The book,’ Jack proclaimed, ‘I read it!’
‘Oh!’ Ianto looked up at him brightly. ‘And did you read the part about the-‘
‘Uh-huh!’
‘And the part about the-‘
‘Yep!’
‘And then with the-‘
‘I know! I couldn’t believe it!’
‘Wow, Jack,’ Ianto graced him with a genuine smile. ‘I’m really proud of you!’ He waited a moment for Jack’s face to light up before sniffing and turning back to the newspaper he had previously been occupied with. ‘You didn’t read it.’
Jack’s face scrunched up in confusion. ‘I did!’
‘You didn’t,’ Ianto repeated without even looking up.
‘I did!’
‘You didn’t.’
‘I-‘
‘Jack, I know you didn’t read it! But I appreciate you for trying.’
Jack threw himself down onto the chair opposite the young Welshman. ‘It was boring!’ he whined.
‘It’s a classic,’ Ianto reprimanded him.
‘It’s still boring,’ Jack muttered under his breath.
Ianto looked up and fixed the captain with a potent stare. Jack turned his head slightly in return. There was a strange look upon Ianto’s face, not angry, not scolding, but rather… amused. Not even purely amused, it was more - and perhaps this was what perplexed Jack the most of all - smouldering.
‘What?’ he asked nervously.
‘My god, Jack,’ he shook his head sadly. ‘You read it, didn’t you?’
Jack gave him a toothy grin. ‘I did.’
Ianto neatly folded up his newspaper and set it on the table, once again fixing the captain with that fiery stare.
‘…Honey?’ Jack asked mockingly, his voice containing a tinge of worry. ‘You alright? I think something is terribly wrong. Those aren’t your, “Let’s talk about the book” eyes, those are your “Bedroom. Now. ” eyes.’
‘And since when have you complained about that?’ Ianto countered, his voice turned abnormally husky.
‘Well I finally got off my arse and read this book so I could discuss it with you and… well… It was a lot of effort, is all.’
‘You read a book, Jack.’
The captain scoffed quietly at this, but Ianto soldiered on. ‘You read a book that I asked you to read. Christ, do you know how much of a turn on that is?’
‘A big one, apparently. I’ll have to keep that in mind.’
‘Jack.’ Ianto’s tone left nothing to the imagination of what it wanted. It was demanding, growing huskier by the minute and even faintly needy. ‘Bedroom. Now.’
Jack swallowed thickly, and when he did finally speak it was with a mild stammer. ‘No. I want to talk about the book.’
‘Jack.’ Ianto repeated persistently, leaning forward to press a chaste but bruising kiss to Jack’s lips.
Jack stared with wide eyes, shaking his head with a little more vigour than was strictly necessary. Ianto responded by grasping his chin to hold it still, his face hovering impossibly close as his hot breath ghosted over the older man’s lips.
This time, Jack clasped his eyes closed as tight as he could, very obviously trying to control himself. ‘Book,’ he managed to get out in a slightly higher pitched voice.
‘I don’t care about the book,’ Ianto hooked his thumbs in the waistband of Jack’s pants.
The captain took a deep breath to steady himself before roughly pushing Ianto back and getting to his feet, backing off slightly. ‘It was a great book, don’t you think? I really liked the part at the ball,’ Jack rambled on, much faster than he was supposed to. ‘And the part with those wild horses, oh and the part where Darren died, I nearly started crying. Actually, I did. I bawled my eyes out. Did you? I think you probably did. Or maybe not, because you’re a man. I’m a man too, that’s why I didn’t cry.’ Jack cleared his throat nervously, not caring that he just contradicted himself, before continuing, ‘And then when he was screaming in the rain, all I could think of was how great it would look in a movie. But I don’t understand why he was out of the country in the first place, I thought they had already fixed that up at the start? Oh, and also, what was with the part where Daisy kept-’
‘Oh my god,’ Ianto cut off his rambling sharply. ‘You actually did read it!’
‘I… Yes, didn’t we already establish that?’
‘I thought you were lying to get me into bed!’
‘Ianto! I’m shocked and appalled and… quite proud at how well you know me.’ Jack flashed him the famous Harkness grin.
‘His plans fell through.’
‘Your plans… his… what?’
‘In the book,’ Ianto explained excitedly. ‘He had sorted it all out but then in chapter seven it explains how his plans fell through and he still had to go to Scotland for a few months.’
‘Oh,’ Jack said, although he sounded mildly disappointed. ‘I… Well, the book’s not that important. We can wait to talk about it.’ He had slowly been shuffling forward as Ianto spoke and he now leaned forward to claim a kiss. Ianto blatantly refused him.
‘And the part at the ball, oh that was just lovely! “Would you care for a dance, Lady Sarah-Jane? ”’
‘Ianto.’ Jack fixed the younger man with his own version of a smouldering gaze.
‘You said you wanted to talk!’
Jack paused while he contemplated this matter. ‘I lied. You, bedroom, now.’
‘Oh no, Jack,’ Ianto once again skipped out of reach of Jack’s enquiring hands. ‘You said you wanted to talk, so we’re going to talk.’
‘I hate talking. I like sex.’
‘No! Really? I couldn’t tell,’ Ianto rolled his eyes.
‘Fine,’ Jack sighed dramatically. ‘I’m going out to see my other husband then. Don’t wait up.’
Ianto just stared, a deadly look on his face. ‘I resent that,’ he said quietly, before turning to leave the room.
‘Ianto!’ Jack called after him, catching him around the waist and pulling him back. ‘It was just a joke.’
Ianto suddenly grinned and captured the older man’s pouting lips in another kiss.
‘Sneaky bastard!’ Jack murmured when they broke away.
‘I was just having a bit of fun, Ianto smiled.
Jack’s face turned sombre as he stared Ianto straight in the eye. ‘But seriously, Yan. You know you’re still the one.’
--
You're still the one who can scratch my itch
Still the one and I wouldn't switch
--
Gwen often found herself wondering about Jack and Ianto’s home life. She knew they lived together, hell, everyone knew that. But for the life of her she just couldn’t picture it. Jack and Ianto doing domesticity had never occurred to her, it just… didn’t click. The most she had ever got when imagining their home life was them having a lot of sex and kissing a lot - something she knew she shouldn't be thinking about but goddamnit, it was hot.
That was why she jumped at the chance to see the fabled domesticity when Jack casually asked her home for dinner one night. It had been a slow day and he was going to head home early to cook a home made meal while Ianto stayed behind to finish up those forms UNIT needed faxed to them before midnight. Her own home life with Rhys was getting rather boring and so she wasted no time in accepting his offer and with a brilliant smile, the captain helped her into her coat and led the way to her car.
He’d leave the SUV behind for Ianto, he explained to her as he took her keys from her without so much as a second thought. Jack always drove, it was fact. By now she had learned to accept it and so she slid into the passenger seat without protest.
The drive back to Jack and Ianto’s… apartment? House? She honestly had no idea… was short and cheerful, Jack enthusiastically singing along to every song that came on the radio at the top of his lungs, even if it meant making up the lyrics and some of the tune. Gwen laughed along with him and was surprised to note she was a little disappointed when they finally pulled up at a medium sized white house.
No, it wasn’t your typical white cottage with the bright green grass and the picket fence; it was just a normal house. It had a reasonably short lawn that ran all the way around it, and a big wooden fence that separated it from the houses on either side. It was two stories, but most of the houses on the street were to make up for the lack of width.
Jack, being the charming gentleman that he is, opened Gwen’s door for her and offered a hand to help her out of the car. He led her to the door, and once inside handed her keys back and helped take her jacket off before depositing his own coat onto a hook and sliding his boots off.
‘Ianto will kill me if I tread dirt onto the carpet,’ he grinned as Gwen just stared at his boots. How… normal.
‘So you and Ianto,’ she began conversationally. ‘You… live here.’
‘Yes,’ Jack smiled as he led her through the lounge room and into the adjoining kitchen. ‘Me and Ianto, we live here.’
‘Sorry,’ she apologised quickly. ‘That was a bit… obvious.’
Jack just waved a hand at the table, indicating for her to take a seat there. ‘Would you like a drink?’ he asked, wandering over to the fridge. ‘We got beer and… beer.’
‘Beer would be nice, thanks.’
Jack took out two bottles, handing her one and placing the other on the bench where he then placed a chopping board. Going back to the open fridge, he started pulling out all sorts of vegetables, starting up a friendly conversation with Gwen.
They talked about their current job and their dreams jobs, their previous partners and their current “husbands”.
( ‘Are you ever going to ask him, Jack?’
‘I would in a second if I thought that’s what he wanted. But as far as I know he’s happy just how we are.’
‘But wouldn’t it be nice to be able to call him your husband?’
Jack smiled thoughtfully. ‘He’s already my husband, heart, body and soul. But he’s more than that, too.’
‘What can be more than a husband?’
‘He’s… the one, Gwen. The one I've waited my whole life for. He's it. )
They talked about books and movies and T.V shows, Jack all the while chopping and stirring away.
It was half-past seven, only about an hour since they had arrived, that they finally heard a key turning in the lock and the sounds of someone angrily throwing their shoes at the wall.
‘Unbelievable. They are unbelievable!’ a frustrated voice floated through to the kitchen, closely followed by a weary Welshman.
‘Tough day at the office, honey?’ Jack turned his head from where he was standing at the stove.
‘Like you wouldn’t believe,’ Ianto sighed, sliding up behind the captain and burying his face in the nape of his neck. ‘What are you cooking?’ he murmured into the soft skin and dark hair.
‘Stir-fry,’ Jack hummed pleasantly in reply.
‘Beef or chicken?’ Ianto breathed out heavily.
‘Chicken,’ Jack responded instantly. ‘I’m not stupid, I know you only like chicken stir-fries.’
‘I’ve trained you well then,’ Ianto turned the captain around for a quick kiss before collecting his own beer from the fridge and collapsing into a chair opposite Gwen. ‘Hi Gwen,’ he said tiredly. ‘Staying for dinner?’
‘Hello love,’ she smiled sweetly. ‘Yes, Jack invited me, I hope you don’t mind.’
‘Not at all, you’re welcome any time. So,’ he turned to Jack. ‘Was it to see your cooking skills then, Jack?’
‘No,’ Jack grinned sheepishly, turning the stove on low and sidling over to where Ianto sat, pulling a chair up close and sitting heavily. ‘You were right,’ he kissed Ianto’s lips softly again. ‘It was the domesticity she wanted to see.’
‘I win again, Captain,’ he murmured against Jack’s mouth.
‘As always,’ the older man mumbled back.
Gwen just stared. She knew she shouldn’t, knew she should probably turn away but…
‘Having fun, Gwen?’ Jack slid his arms over Ianto’s shoulders and rested his chin in the curve of the younger man’s neck.
‘You two certainly look like you’re having fun,’ she stammered.
Jack turned his head for a moment, just staring at the side of Ianto’s face. When he finally turned back to Gwen it was only to repeat the words he had told her earlier. ‘He’s the one, Gwen. He’s the one.’
--
You are still the one that makes me shout
Still the one that I dream about
--
‘Gwen!’ Jack called across the hub. She turned her head to him, an unreadable expression on her face. ‘Tell Ianto I’m not talking to him.’
Gwen sighed and turned to Ianto who was situated barely two metres away from her. ‘Jack’s not talking to you, dear.’
Ianto scoffed and replied with a cheesy grin, ‘Gwen, please tell Jack I love him.’
‘Oh no, you’re not going to play this game too, are you?’ Gwen whined. Ianto just waved his hand at her and pointed to Jack who was still standing, arms crossed over his chest, on the stairs. ‘Jack,’ she addressed him. ‘Ianto loves you.’
‘Gwen, please tell Ianto I don’t care.’
‘Ianto, Jack does not care.’
‘Gwen, please tell Jack I’m absolutely head over heels in love with him.’
‘Jack… you heard that.’
Ianto slapped her arm playfully. ‘No, you have to tell him yourself what I said.’
‘Jack,’ Gwen said again, and sighed. ‘Ianto is absolutely head over heels in love with you.’
‘Gwen,’ Jack sat down on the stairs. ‘Tell Ianto if he really loved me he wouldn’t deprive me of sex for a week.’
‘Jack! I don’t want to know about that!’
‘Tell him!’ Jack ordered sharply.
‘Ianto,’ a wash of red crept over Gwen’s cheeks as she tried desperately to avoid his eyes. ‘If you really loved Jack you wouldn’t, erm… not sleep with him for a week.’
‘Gwen, tell Jack I would gladly give him the night of his life, and I mean that, I would do everything, if he would just apologise for ruining my favourite tie.’
‘No,’ Gwen shook her head profusely. ‘That is something you can tell him yourself.’
‘Gwen!’ Jack yelled at her. ‘Tell Ianto it wasn’t my fault, but I’m sorry he feels it is.’ Jack paused for a moment, ‘And also tell him I have a computer mouse and a cowboy hat.’
‘Jack!’ Gwen yelped. ‘No, no, no, no. You two work it out on your own time. Just leave me and my precious ears alone.’
‘You’re no fun,’ Jack pouted, Ianto laughed and turned back to his computer.
Gwen just shook her head and buried her nose in the book she’d been reading, blatantly ignoring the two men.
‘Pretty sure that book’s not work-related,’ Jack scolded as he trotted past her. She shrugged and kept on reading.
‘Coming to harass me, I hope, sir.’ Ianto smiled but didn’t turn his head as Jack continued on his journey to end up behind Ianto's chair.
‘Harass indeed,’ he mumbled, sliding his hands leisurely over Ianto’s shoulders, his arms crossing over the Welshman’s torso to continue to his hips. ‘You love me,’ he grinned, pressing a kiss to the side of Ianto’s neck. ‘Head over heels for me.’
‘It’s the Harkness charm,’ Ianto replied, deadpan, eyes still fixed on the computer screen even though it was obvious he was looking but not really seeing,
‘You love me!’ Jack repeated in a sing-song voice. ‘You adore me, you worship me, you love me!’
‘Are you right there, stroking your ego like that?’ Ianto asked cheerfully.
‘Oh you want me,’ Jack muttered in his ear, breathing over the side of his face. ‘You want me so bad.’
Ianto laughed and finally turned his head to kiss Jack’s chin. ‘Yes, I love you, head over heels. I adore you, I worship you, I love you. No, I do not want you, not right now. No, you are not getting any sex from me.’
‘You always spoil my fun,’ Jack pouted again.
‘On your own time!’ Gwen called angrily from her desk, her eyes peeking over the edge of the book.
‘Gwen!’ Jack suddenly turned his attention to her. ‘You want me, right? Want me bad? ’
Gwen giggled. ‘In your dreams, Harkness. I have a husband.’ And to prove this point she flashed him her wedding ring.
‘What is wrong with you Welsh people? Why are you growing immune to my charm?’
‘Maybe you’re just losing your touch a bit with your old age, sweetheart.’ Ianto favoured him with a winning smile.
‘Please have sex with me?’ Jack pleaded with him.
‘No.’
Jack shuffled over to Ianto’s chair again and fell on his knees, raising his clasped hands to the young man. ‘Please have sex with me.’
‘No.’
‘Please sleep with me.’
‘No.’
‘Please make passionate love to me.’
‘No.’
‘Please throw me down and have your wicked way with me.’
‘No.’
‘Please-’
Before he could finish that sentence, Gwen cut him off with, ‘You are exhausting, you know that? I honestly don’t know how you can stand him sometimes, Ianto.’
Ianto shrugged and patted Jack’s hair in a friendly way. ‘Maybe next time, champ.’
The next thing that happened was… weird, to say the least. Ianto turned into a dog, Gwen grew a beard and started singing, and Jack… woke with a start.
‘Good dream?’ Ianto murmured sleepily from where he lay on an angle, head tucked neatly against the side of the captain’s stomach.
Jack breathed heavily, in and out, in and out, slowly taking in his surroundings. He was home, he was in bed, and a quick inspection that consisted of Jack’s hands roaming over Ianto’s torso confirmed his lover was not a dog.
‘Why do you say good?’ he asked.
Ianto yawned sleepily. ‘Said my name a lot, sounded happy.’
‘Always happy with you,’ Jack smiled weakly, threading his fingers through Ianto’s thick dark hair. ‘Ianto…’ he began slowly.
Ianto hummed drowsily.
‘When was the last time we had sex?’
‘You’ve forgotten already.’ Jack could feel the younger man smiling against the skin of his waist. ‘Yesterday.’
‘Oh…’ Jack relaxed a little bit. ‘Will you still have sex with me?’
‘Not right now, honey, I’m feeling a bit tired,’ Ianto breathed.
Jack laughed. ‘Not now, you dope. But you’re not… withstanding or anything?’
‘God, what exactly did you dream?’
‘Nothing, but tomorrow we’ll have sex, right?’
‘Okay Jack,’ Ianto yawned again. ‘But I’ll need my rest if I’m going to be up to full standards.’
‘I love you,’ Jack told him softly, tracing his fingers over the features of the young man’s face. He was replied with a sleepy snuffle. ‘Yeah,’ Jack smiled down at the sleeping man, ‘We’re still having fun, and you’re still the one.’
--
Author: jerbearthompson
Rating: M for language
Spoilers: None. (Perhaps minor blink-and-you'll-miss-it to Exit Wounds)
Genre: All sorts, it’s quite diverse. (But mainly fluff)
Characters: Ianto/Jack, Gwen
Length: Altogether, close to 12,000 but split into two posts.
Summary: ‘We’re still having fun, and you’re still the one.’ A series of short stories.
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me. BBC, RTD, blah blah blah Cherry Chapstick.
Prompt: I suppose it’s a song-fic of sorts, to the Orlean’s Still The One. I was requested by KangarooJak to do a fic revolving around the lyrics with the last line of each “chapter” being something to do with the last line of each chorus, "We’re still having fun, and you’re still the one."
Notes for the chapters:
Chapter one contains a quote by Josh Pyke. “Hold your moments, keep them in your pockets.”
Chapter four contains a bit of Gwen-bashing but it’s important to know it’s mainly Jack’s grief talking.
Chapter five was actually a dream I had.
Chapter seven, Koyaanisqatsi is actually a word. It is Hopi-Indian for crazy life, or life out of balance.
The Book in Chapter nine, I completely made up. So don’t try looking for it.
Part One | Part Two
--
You're still the one that makes me strong
Still the one I want to take along
--
Jack…
Jack could feel the presence prodding around his mind. He knew it must be costing the young man, psychic links often took a lot out of a person, and he was only novice at best.
Get out of here, Yan.
No. Ianto’s reply was strong, forceful. I’m not leaving you in there, not by yourself.
Jack sighed. Don’t come after me. Please, for the love of God, don’t come after me.
I won’t, not just yet. We’re working on a solution, though.
Don’t. Just keep the public calm. And get out of here.
Can they hear us? Our physic link, can they here it?
Jack made no reply in his mind. It was obvious to Ianto that this meant their link was safe.
Then I’m not leaving.
Jack shook his head at the stubborn voice, experimentally twisting his wrists in the shackles. Are you hurt? He asked after a while. Did you get out safely? Did they hurt you?
No, Ianto’s mind wrapped itself securely around Jack’s. Dislocated shoulder, I’m fine.
Good, because if you died I would never forgive you.
And if you don’t get out of this in one piece I’ll never forgive you, either. Ianto shot back at him.
Jack smiled as best he could. It was more of a thin baring of his teeth, really.
Do you know where you are? Ianto gently probed after a while.
Don’t come after me, Jack repeated stubbornly.
Ianto ignored him and a second later Jack felt something dig into his mind, and he knew Ianto could see exactly what he was seeing. His clasped his eyes shut tightly.
Christ, Ianto, I said no.
So how are you going to fix this then, Jack? How are you going to get out of this one by yourself?
I’ll find a way.
Stop being an obstinate jackass. The whole point of having a team is so they can work as a team and help you.
I don’t want your help! I just want you safe.
And you think I don’t want that for you? How can you even think I would be able to do anything but try and help you, Jack?
Jack was silent a moment, opening his eyes and looking around intently at his surroundings. Again, he tried adjusting his arms, ignoring the cold metal bite as the shackles dug into his skin.
I’m in a chamber of some sort. Metal. I didn’t see much coming here, I was unconscious, but I’m pretty sure it’s in the lower level of the ship.
Thank you. Ianto’s mind brushed over the edge of Jack’s in a comforting manner.
Don’t do anything stupid, Jack added, the voice in his psyche sounding panicked and stressed.
I’m not about to. What about the creatures? Do you know what they are? How dangerous they are?
Ianto, where are you? Jack asked worriedly, hoping the Welshman wasn’t anywhere close.
In the archives.
Jack visibly relaxed. I’ve never come across them before, but I’ve heard of them. They’re called Koyaanisqatsi, I think. They’re basically galactic clerics. Prophets.
Koyaanisqatsi? What does that mean?
“Life out of balance”, they keep everything in order, maintain the stability.
Found them. Why are they here? Do you know?
Jack abruptly tried to break away from their link, but Ianto held it strong.
Jack!
They’re… They’re attracted to me. I’m a fact, a fixed point in time. I’m not supposed to be possible, I’m destroying the balance. They want me.
What are they going to do? Ianto tried to keep the concern out of his mind but failed miserably. Instead he enveloped Jack’s conscience in his own.
I don’t know. Jack started breathing faster and faster, until he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. I don’t know if they’re hostile or if they just want to talk to-
Jack.
Oh fuck, I don’t know.
Jack, hey, deep breaths cariad. Just focus on my voice, okay? Deep breaths.
I don’t want to leave, Yan. I haven’t had enough time with you yet.
Ianto shushed him gently. Jack, you’re not leaving. You’re not going anywhere, I won’t let them.
Jack’s breaths caught in his throat as he tried to calm his heaving chest.
You’ve got to be strong. Can you be strong for me, cariad?
Yes. Jack had just taken in a shaky breath when the door to his chamber burst open and a hooded and cloaked humanoid entered.
Get out, Yan. Go away.
No. I’m not leaving you.
‘CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS, THAT WHICH IS OF WALES, EARTH.’
‘That’d be me,’ Jack gave a thin smile, projecting a lot more courage than he felt.
Be strong, whispered Ianto in his mind.
‘IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE HIGHER POWERS, A DISTURBANCE WITHIN YOUR LIFE FIELD.’
‘Yes, terribly sorry,’ Jack said weakly.
‘THIS MAY BE OF WORRY, IF YOU ARE OF IMMORAL ORIGIN.’
‘If I’m evil?’ at this Jack let out a proper laugh. ‘No, not me. I’m as good as a cup of tea.’
‘IF YOU MAY PROVE THIS, YOU ARE FREE TO LEAVE, CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS OF WALES, EARTH.’
‘Honestly, how am I supposed to prove that?’ Jack sighed tiredly. ‘Haven’t you people been watching me?’
‘THE WELL-BEING OF THE GALAXY DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND YOU, CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS OF-’
‘-Wales, Earth, yeah, got that part.’
‘WE HAVE NOT BEEN WATCHING.’
‘So what do you want me to do then?’
‘IF YOU ARE ABLE TO QUOTE THE GALACTIC MESSAGE OF PEACE, YOU MAY RETURN TO YOUR LIFE IN WALES, EARTH. IF NOT YOU SHALL BE SENTENCED TO LIFE IN THE CHAMBERS.’
Ianto…
I’m looking, Jack. It’s got to be in here somewhere, just distract him.
‘YOU MAY SPEAK NOW.’
‘Oh, I’d rather not just yet.’
‘YOU MAY NOT SPEAK OF ANYTHING ELSE. YOU MAY SPEAK THE PHRASE NOW.’
Ianto, please.
Got it! Say this, Jack: Konu-
‘Kano,’
KONU!
Jack cleared his throat nervously, starting again in a clear, enunciated voice, ‘Konu,’
Emans-
‘Emans,’
Kwlaayet-
‘Kwalaayet,’
Farlohn-
‘Farlohn,’
Prhe Myioj.
‘Prhe Myioj.’
‘CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS, THAT WHICH IS OF WALES, EARTH. YOU ARE HEREBY FREE TO CONTINUE LIFE IN YOUR CURRENT STANDINGS.’
The next thing Jack knew, it was dark. And his head was pounding.
‘Jack,’ said a familiar Welsh voice from above him. Above him, not in his mind!
Jack groaned slightly and dared to open his eyes a crack. They were met with far-too-bright sunlight and a concerned face.
‘Thank god,’ Jack was pulled up, off his back, into a crushing hug. ‘That was too close, too close.’
‘I thought it was fun,’ Jack murmured into the suit-clad shoulder, but hugging the warm body back just as hard, with just as much fear of letting go.
‘You’re still here,’ the Welshman whispered into his hair.
Jack smiled against his throat. ‘And you’re still the one.’
--
Changing - our love is going gold.
Even though we grow old, it grows new
--
‘God, do you two have to wear the same thing every day? It’s infuriating!’ Gwen spat at the two men who had just entered the hub, slamming the book she had been reading down on her desk and storming away.
‘Hi Gwen!’ Jack called cheerfully after her before turning to Ianto and murmuring, ‘What’s wrong with her?’
Ianto shrugged. ‘Perhaps it’s… that time, sir.’
‘That time of what?’
Ianto cleared his throat nervously. ‘The month.’
‘The mo - Oh Ianto, gross! I don’t want to think about that!’
‘Sorry sir.’
‘Do you think one of us should go after her?’ Jack asked after a while.
‘No, maybe we should just give her some time to herself. I’ve got an idea, though.’
‘An idea? Oh I like the sound of that,’ Jack’s hands automatically sought out Ianto’s tie. The younger man grinned and swatted them away, pushing Jack up the metal stairs to the captain's office and closing the blinds inside.
Gwen returned approximately ten minutes later, collapsing back into her chair and on seeing the closed blinds yelling, ‘For Christ’s sake, can’t you two just keep your hands off each other for two seconds? ’
‘Oh, I wish I could,’ came the familiar American voice, a second later followed by the man himself… only, it wasn’t Jack. It was a man with a familiar pair of sparkling blue eyes, a classic Harkness grin, and a long, pristine black suit - with pinstripes. Pinstripes and a pale pink shirt, black and pink striped tie tucked into a black waistcoat. The face was Jack, no doubt. But the body was…
‘Ianto!’ Jack called, coming to stand beside Gwen and physically turning her head when she wouldn’t stop gaping at him.
It took all she had to stop ogling him and instead turn her attention to the next man coming out of the captain’s office. Jack. No, she blinked uncertainly, he was beside her. It wasn’t Jack, it was… Ianto. Long grey slacks held up over a sky blue shirt by a pair of red braces, the hint of a white undershirt showing underneath the collar. What’s more, around this attire hung the all too familiar greatcoat, the big bloody RAF coat. And wearing it was none other that a sly smiling Ianto Jones.
‘More to your liking, Gwen?’ he asked as he came closer.
‘What?’ she breathed slowly, very much sounding like she was off in another world.
‘You said we wore the same thing every day, is it better now?’ he asked again.
‘Oh…’ a grin broke out on Gwen’s face and she giggled mercilessly. ‘You boys,’ was all she managed to gasp out in between fits of laughter.
From behind her, Jack placed his thumb and forefinger together in a gesture which said, “We did okay”.
Ianto smiled and absently ran his hands down the braces over his torso. Jack stared with hungry eyes.
‘Feeling better now, Gwen?’ he asked without shifting his eyes. Gwen nodded, covering her mouth with her hand to still her giggles. ‘Good, I’m glad,’ Jack said in the same distant voice. ‘Anyway, I think you’re just about due for a lunch break.’
‘Jack, I don’t need-’
‘No, you should go and get some fresh air.’ Jack forced a smile as he tried to seem like he wasn’t rushing her. Gwen didn’t seem to pick up on the hint but still, albeit rather grudgingly, picked up her bag and trotted over to the cog door.
It hadn’t even closed before Jack was lunging forward, grabbing onto Ianto’s braces and kissing him greedily. He was pleased when the young man kissed him back just as eagerly.
‘I don’t know…’ Ianto breathed in between kisses, ‘How you can stand… to look at me… without ripping off... that damn tie.’ To prove his point, he dug his fingers into the neck of the tie and roughly pulled it loose, sliding it off Jack’s neck and throwing it carelessly to the ground.
‘Oh believe me, it takes effot,’ Jack murmured, thrilled at how messy Ianto was being. ‘God, the coat,’ he slowly pushed the heavy wool off Ianto’s shoulders. ‘The fucking coat.’
Ianto mm’d and likewise pushed the pinstriped jacket from Jack’s shoulders.
‘Now you know how I feel, 24/7,’ Jack whispered huskily into Ianto’s ear, nuzzling into the side of his face.
‘God, you’re driving me crazy.’ With one swift, fluid motion, Ianto tugged the belt from Jack’s pants.
The captain replied by flicking off the braces holding Ianto’s pants in place. He then placed distracting kisses over Ianto’s jaw as he ripped his hand down the middle of the sky blue shirt, buttons flinging off as the white undershirt was revealed.
‘Playing rough now, I see,’ Ianto dragged his teeth over that spot just behind Jack’s ear. The captain visibly shuddered and momentarily fell limp, crashing into Ianto’s chest.
Ianto grinned leisurely and held onto him until he regained enough momentum to stand again by himself.
‘Oh, no fair. No fair!’ Jack muttered breathlessly, ducking his heading and tugging the white tee down, nipping his way down Ianto’s jugular, along his collar bone.
‘Jack… Jack…’
‘Jack, I - oh, nope. You’re busy. I’ll come back.’ Gwen promptly spun on her heel and covered her eyes with her hands.
‘Oh come on, Gwen, that’s a bit far. We’ve still got clothes on.’ Jack told, or rather, panted to her.
‘Don’t care,’ came Gwen’s small voice.
‘We weren’t even kissing,’ Ianto put in.
Jack shot him a look that clearly said otherwise and kissed him roughly. Something that looked like it hurt. Something Ianto knew every person in the city probably longer for.
‘Now you are, I can hear you,’ Gwen shot an accusing finger behind her.
Jack sighed. ‘What do you want?’
‘Tourists are telling me there’s a lock-ness monster in the lake.’
‘Bloody Torchwood,’ Jack muttered, bending down to pick up the RAF coat. He eyed the tie but ultimately left it where it lay. Ianto did likewise, only picking up the suit jacket and leaving his braces on the floor and buttons undone.
‘Oh, I guess this is yours,’ Jack quickly exchanged the coat for the jacket. ‘Okay, let’s go see what all the fuss is about. And I want to yell at someone for ruining my fun, too.’
‘Jack,’ Ianto called softly after him as he strode away. Jack stopped in his tracks, allowing Ianto to run his hands down his arms and whisper into the hair on the back of his neck, ‘You’re still the one.’
--
You're still the one that I love to touch
Still the one and I can't get enough
--
‘I did it!’ Jack declared loudly as he entered the room.
‘Did what?’ Ianto asked warily.
‘The book,’ Jack proclaimed, ‘I read it!’
‘Oh!’ Ianto looked up at him brightly. ‘And did you read the part about the-‘
‘Uh-huh!’
‘And the part about the-‘
‘Yep!’
‘And then with the-‘
‘I know! I couldn’t believe it!’
‘Wow, Jack,’ Ianto graced him with a genuine smile. ‘I’m really proud of you!’ He waited a moment for Jack’s face to light up before sniffing and turning back to the newspaper he had previously been occupied with. ‘You didn’t read it.’
Jack’s face scrunched up in confusion. ‘I did!’
‘You didn’t,’ Ianto repeated without even looking up.
‘I did!’
‘You didn’t.’
‘I-‘
‘Jack, I know you didn’t read it! But I appreciate you for trying.’
Jack threw himself down onto the chair opposite the young Welshman. ‘It was boring!’ he whined.
‘It’s a classic,’ Ianto reprimanded him.
‘It’s still boring,’ Jack muttered under his breath.
Ianto looked up and fixed the captain with a potent stare. Jack turned his head slightly in return. There was a strange look upon Ianto’s face, not angry, not scolding, but rather… amused. Not even purely amused, it was more - and perhaps this was what perplexed Jack the most of all - smouldering.
‘What?’ he asked nervously.
‘My god, Jack,’ he shook his head sadly. ‘You read it, didn’t you?’
Jack gave him a toothy grin. ‘I did.’
Ianto neatly folded up his newspaper and set it on the table, once again fixing the captain with that fiery stare.
‘…Honey?’ Jack asked mockingly, his voice containing a tinge of worry. ‘You alright? I think something is terribly wrong. Those aren’t your, “Let’s talk about the book” eyes, those are your “Bedroom. Now. ” eyes.’
‘And since when have you complained about that?’ Ianto countered, his voice turned abnormally husky.
‘Well I finally got off my arse and read this book so I could discuss it with you and… well… It was a lot of effort, is all.’
‘You read a book, Jack.’
The captain scoffed quietly at this, but Ianto soldiered on. ‘You read a book that I asked you to read. Christ, do you know how much of a turn on that is?’
‘A big one, apparently. I’ll have to keep that in mind.’
‘Jack.’ Ianto’s tone left nothing to the imagination of what it wanted. It was demanding, growing huskier by the minute and even faintly needy. ‘Bedroom. Now.’
Jack swallowed thickly, and when he did finally speak it was with a mild stammer. ‘No. I want to talk about the book.’
‘Jack.’ Ianto repeated persistently, leaning forward to press a chaste but bruising kiss to Jack’s lips.
Jack stared with wide eyes, shaking his head with a little more vigour than was strictly necessary. Ianto responded by grasping his chin to hold it still, his face hovering impossibly close as his hot breath ghosted over the older man’s lips.
This time, Jack clasped his eyes closed as tight as he could, very obviously trying to control himself. ‘Book,’ he managed to get out in a slightly higher pitched voice.
‘I don’t care about the book,’ Ianto hooked his thumbs in the waistband of Jack’s pants.
The captain took a deep breath to steady himself before roughly pushing Ianto back and getting to his feet, backing off slightly. ‘It was a great book, don’t you think? I really liked the part at the ball,’ Jack rambled on, much faster than he was supposed to. ‘And the part with those wild horses, oh and the part where Darren died, I nearly started crying. Actually, I did. I bawled my eyes out. Did you? I think you probably did. Or maybe not, because you’re a man. I’m a man too, that’s why I didn’t cry.’ Jack cleared his throat nervously, not caring that he just contradicted himself, before continuing, ‘And then when he was screaming in the rain, all I could think of was how great it would look in a movie. But I don’t understand why he was out of the country in the first place, I thought they had already fixed that up at the start? Oh, and also, what was with the part where Daisy kept-’
‘Oh my god,’ Ianto cut off his rambling sharply. ‘You actually did read it!’
‘I… Yes, didn’t we already establish that?’
‘I thought you were lying to get me into bed!’
‘Ianto! I’m shocked and appalled and… quite proud at how well you know me.’ Jack flashed him the famous Harkness grin.
‘His plans fell through.’
‘Your plans… his… what?’
‘In the book,’ Ianto explained excitedly. ‘He had sorted it all out but then in chapter seven it explains how his plans fell through and he still had to go to Scotland for a few months.’
‘Oh,’ Jack said, although he sounded mildly disappointed. ‘I… Well, the book’s not that important. We can wait to talk about it.’ He had slowly been shuffling forward as Ianto spoke and he now leaned forward to claim a kiss. Ianto blatantly refused him.
‘And the part at the ball, oh that was just lovely! “Would you care for a dance, Lady Sarah-Jane? ”’
‘Ianto.’ Jack fixed the younger man with his own version of a smouldering gaze.
‘You said you wanted to talk!’
Jack paused while he contemplated this matter. ‘I lied. You, bedroom, now.’
‘Oh no, Jack,’ Ianto once again skipped out of reach of Jack’s enquiring hands. ‘You said you wanted to talk, so we’re going to talk.’
‘I hate talking. I like sex.’
‘No! Really? I couldn’t tell,’ Ianto rolled his eyes.
‘Fine,’ Jack sighed dramatically. ‘I’m going out to see my other husband then. Don’t wait up.’
Ianto just stared, a deadly look on his face. ‘I resent that,’ he said quietly, before turning to leave the room.
‘Ianto!’ Jack called after him, catching him around the waist and pulling him back. ‘It was just a joke.’
Ianto suddenly grinned and captured the older man’s pouting lips in another kiss.
‘Sneaky bastard!’ Jack murmured when they broke away.
‘I was just having a bit of fun, Ianto smiled.
Jack’s face turned sombre as he stared Ianto straight in the eye. ‘But seriously, Yan. You know you’re still the one.’
--
You're still the one who can scratch my itch
Still the one and I wouldn't switch
--
Gwen often found herself wondering about Jack and Ianto’s home life. She knew they lived together, hell, everyone knew that. But for the life of her she just couldn’t picture it. Jack and Ianto doing domesticity had never occurred to her, it just… didn’t click. The most she had ever got when imagining their home life was them having a lot of sex and kissing a lot - something she knew she shouldn't be thinking about but goddamnit, it was hot.
That was why she jumped at the chance to see the fabled domesticity when Jack casually asked her home for dinner one night. It had been a slow day and he was going to head home early to cook a home made meal while Ianto stayed behind to finish up those forms UNIT needed faxed to them before midnight. Her own home life with Rhys was getting rather boring and so she wasted no time in accepting his offer and with a brilliant smile, the captain helped her into her coat and led the way to her car.
He’d leave the SUV behind for Ianto, he explained to her as he took her keys from her without so much as a second thought. Jack always drove, it was fact. By now she had learned to accept it and so she slid into the passenger seat without protest.
The drive back to Jack and Ianto’s… apartment? House? She honestly had no idea… was short and cheerful, Jack enthusiastically singing along to every song that came on the radio at the top of his lungs, even if it meant making up the lyrics and some of the tune. Gwen laughed along with him and was surprised to note she was a little disappointed when they finally pulled up at a medium sized white house.
No, it wasn’t your typical white cottage with the bright green grass and the picket fence; it was just a normal house. It had a reasonably short lawn that ran all the way around it, and a big wooden fence that separated it from the houses on either side. It was two stories, but most of the houses on the street were to make up for the lack of width.
Jack, being the charming gentleman that he is, opened Gwen’s door for her and offered a hand to help her out of the car. He led her to the door, and once inside handed her keys back and helped take her jacket off before depositing his own coat onto a hook and sliding his boots off.
‘Ianto will kill me if I tread dirt onto the carpet,’ he grinned as Gwen just stared at his boots. How… normal.
‘So you and Ianto,’ she began conversationally. ‘You… live here.’
‘Yes,’ Jack smiled as he led her through the lounge room and into the adjoining kitchen. ‘Me and Ianto, we live here.’
‘Sorry,’ she apologised quickly. ‘That was a bit… obvious.’
Jack just waved a hand at the table, indicating for her to take a seat there. ‘Would you like a drink?’ he asked, wandering over to the fridge. ‘We got beer and… beer.’
‘Beer would be nice, thanks.’
Jack took out two bottles, handing her one and placing the other on the bench where he then placed a chopping board. Going back to the open fridge, he started pulling out all sorts of vegetables, starting up a friendly conversation with Gwen.
They talked about their current job and their dreams jobs, their previous partners and their current “husbands”.
( ‘Are you ever going to ask him, Jack?’
‘I would in a second if I thought that’s what he wanted. But as far as I know he’s happy just how we are.’
‘But wouldn’t it be nice to be able to call him your husband?’
Jack smiled thoughtfully. ‘He’s already my husband, heart, body and soul. But he’s more than that, too.’
‘What can be more than a husband?’
‘He’s… the one, Gwen. The one I've waited my whole life for. He's it. )
They talked about books and movies and T.V shows, Jack all the while chopping and stirring away.
It was half-past seven, only about an hour since they had arrived, that they finally heard a key turning in the lock and the sounds of someone angrily throwing their shoes at the wall.
‘Unbelievable. They are unbelievable!’ a frustrated voice floated through to the kitchen, closely followed by a weary Welshman.
‘Tough day at the office, honey?’ Jack turned his head from where he was standing at the stove.
‘Like you wouldn’t believe,’ Ianto sighed, sliding up behind the captain and burying his face in the nape of his neck. ‘What are you cooking?’ he murmured into the soft skin and dark hair.
‘Stir-fry,’ Jack hummed pleasantly in reply.
‘Beef or chicken?’ Ianto breathed out heavily.
‘Chicken,’ Jack responded instantly. ‘I’m not stupid, I know you only like chicken stir-fries.’
‘I’ve trained you well then,’ Ianto turned the captain around for a quick kiss before collecting his own beer from the fridge and collapsing into a chair opposite Gwen. ‘Hi Gwen,’ he said tiredly. ‘Staying for dinner?’
‘Hello love,’ she smiled sweetly. ‘Yes, Jack invited me, I hope you don’t mind.’
‘Not at all, you’re welcome any time. So,’ he turned to Jack. ‘Was it to see your cooking skills then, Jack?’
‘No,’ Jack grinned sheepishly, turning the stove on low and sidling over to where Ianto sat, pulling a chair up close and sitting heavily. ‘You were right,’ he kissed Ianto’s lips softly again. ‘It was the domesticity she wanted to see.’
‘I win again, Captain,’ he murmured against Jack’s mouth.
‘As always,’ the older man mumbled back.
Gwen just stared. She knew she shouldn’t, knew she should probably turn away but…
‘Having fun, Gwen?’ Jack slid his arms over Ianto’s shoulders and rested his chin in the curve of the younger man’s neck.
‘You two certainly look like you’re having fun,’ she stammered.
Jack turned his head for a moment, just staring at the side of Ianto’s face. When he finally turned back to Gwen it was only to repeat the words he had told her earlier. ‘He’s the one, Gwen. He’s the one.’
--
You are still the one that makes me shout
Still the one that I dream about
--
‘Gwen!’ Jack called across the hub. She turned her head to him, an unreadable expression on her face. ‘Tell Ianto I’m not talking to him.’
Gwen sighed and turned to Ianto who was situated barely two metres away from her. ‘Jack’s not talking to you, dear.’
Ianto scoffed and replied with a cheesy grin, ‘Gwen, please tell Jack I love him.’
‘Oh no, you’re not going to play this game too, are you?’ Gwen whined. Ianto just waved his hand at her and pointed to Jack who was still standing, arms crossed over his chest, on the stairs. ‘Jack,’ she addressed him. ‘Ianto loves you.’
‘Gwen, please tell Ianto I don’t care.’
‘Ianto, Jack does not care.’
‘Gwen, please tell Jack I’m absolutely head over heels in love with him.’
‘Jack… you heard that.’
Ianto slapped her arm playfully. ‘No, you have to tell him yourself what I said.’
‘Jack,’ Gwen said again, and sighed. ‘Ianto is absolutely head over heels in love with you.’
‘Gwen,’ Jack sat down on the stairs. ‘Tell Ianto if he really loved me he wouldn’t deprive me of sex for a week.’
‘Jack! I don’t want to know about that!’
‘Tell him!’ Jack ordered sharply.
‘Ianto,’ a wash of red crept over Gwen’s cheeks as she tried desperately to avoid his eyes. ‘If you really loved Jack you wouldn’t, erm… not sleep with him for a week.’
‘Gwen, tell Jack I would gladly give him the night of his life, and I mean that, I would do everything, if he would just apologise for ruining my favourite tie.’
‘No,’ Gwen shook her head profusely. ‘That is something you can tell him yourself.’
‘Gwen!’ Jack yelled at her. ‘Tell Ianto it wasn’t my fault, but I’m sorry he feels it is.’ Jack paused for a moment, ‘And also tell him I have a computer mouse and a cowboy hat.’
‘Jack!’ Gwen yelped. ‘No, no, no, no. You two work it out on your own time. Just leave me and my precious ears alone.’
‘You’re no fun,’ Jack pouted, Ianto laughed and turned back to his computer.
Gwen just shook her head and buried her nose in the book she’d been reading, blatantly ignoring the two men.
‘Pretty sure that book’s not work-related,’ Jack scolded as he trotted past her. She shrugged and kept on reading.
‘Coming to harass me, I hope, sir.’ Ianto smiled but didn’t turn his head as Jack continued on his journey to end up behind Ianto's chair.
‘Harass indeed,’ he mumbled, sliding his hands leisurely over Ianto’s shoulders, his arms crossing over the Welshman’s torso to continue to his hips. ‘You love me,’ he grinned, pressing a kiss to the side of Ianto’s neck. ‘Head over heels for me.’
‘It’s the Harkness charm,’ Ianto replied, deadpan, eyes still fixed on the computer screen even though it was obvious he was looking but not really seeing,
‘You love me!’ Jack repeated in a sing-song voice. ‘You adore me, you worship me, you love me!’
‘Are you right there, stroking your ego like that?’ Ianto asked cheerfully.
‘Oh you want me,’ Jack muttered in his ear, breathing over the side of his face. ‘You want me so bad.’
Ianto laughed and finally turned his head to kiss Jack’s chin. ‘Yes, I love you, head over heels. I adore you, I worship you, I love you. No, I do not want you, not right now. No, you are not getting any sex from me.’
‘You always spoil my fun,’ Jack pouted again.
‘On your own time!’ Gwen called angrily from her desk, her eyes peeking over the edge of the book.
‘Gwen!’ Jack suddenly turned his attention to her. ‘You want me, right? Want me bad? ’
Gwen giggled. ‘In your dreams, Harkness. I have a husband.’ And to prove this point she flashed him her wedding ring.
‘What is wrong with you Welsh people? Why are you growing immune to my charm?’
‘Maybe you’re just losing your touch a bit with your old age, sweetheart.’ Ianto favoured him with a winning smile.
‘Please have sex with me?’ Jack pleaded with him.
‘No.’
Jack shuffled over to Ianto’s chair again and fell on his knees, raising his clasped hands to the young man. ‘Please have sex with me.’
‘No.’
‘Please sleep with me.’
‘No.’
‘Please make passionate love to me.’
‘No.’
‘Please throw me down and have your wicked way with me.’
‘No.’
‘Please-’
Before he could finish that sentence, Gwen cut him off with, ‘You are exhausting, you know that? I honestly don’t know how you can stand him sometimes, Ianto.’
Ianto shrugged and patted Jack’s hair in a friendly way. ‘Maybe next time, champ.’
The next thing that happened was… weird, to say the least. Ianto turned into a dog, Gwen grew a beard and started singing, and Jack… woke with a start.
‘Good dream?’ Ianto murmured sleepily from where he lay on an angle, head tucked neatly against the side of the captain’s stomach.
Jack breathed heavily, in and out, in and out, slowly taking in his surroundings. He was home, he was in bed, and a quick inspection that consisted of Jack’s hands roaming over Ianto’s torso confirmed his lover was not a dog.
‘Why do you say good?’ he asked.
Ianto yawned sleepily. ‘Said my name a lot, sounded happy.’
‘Always happy with you,’ Jack smiled weakly, threading his fingers through Ianto’s thick dark hair. ‘Ianto…’ he began slowly.
Ianto hummed drowsily.
‘When was the last time we had sex?’
‘You’ve forgotten already.’ Jack could feel the younger man smiling against the skin of his waist. ‘Yesterday.’
‘Oh…’ Jack relaxed a little bit. ‘Will you still have sex with me?’
‘Not right now, honey, I’m feeling a bit tired,’ Ianto breathed.
Jack laughed. ‘Not now, you dope. But you’re not… withstanding or anything?’
‘God, what exactly did you dream?’
‘Nothing, but tomorrow we’ll have sex, right?’
‘Okay Jack,’ Ianto yawned again. ‘But I’ll need my rest if I’m going to be up to full standards.’
‘I love you,’ Jack told him softly, tracing his fingers over the features of the young man’s face. He was replied with a sleepy snuffle. ‘Yeah,’ Jack smiled down at the sleeping man, ‘We’re still having fun, and you’re still the one.’
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