Fic- Misguided Angel
Title: Misguided Angel
Pairing: Jack/Ianto,
Ratings: Adult - disciplinary spanking
Spoilers: General Series 1 and 2
Summary: After a particularly tough death for Jack, Ianto seeks to protect him from the pain of the memory. Mild angst.
Disclaimers: I own nothing!
Notes: Set during season 2. Spankfluff!
He could tell Jack had been torn apart. His shirt was in tatters and what was left was stained deep red. He shivered. He picked up the pieces - it was his job. But he tried to stop his mind from filling in the blanks, picturing images of what had happened to his lover.
After dealing with the remnants of Jack's clothes, he checked on him. Jack was still showering. He'd seen Jack return from the dead more times than he could remember, but every now and again, a particularly nasty demise would get to him. It was still shocking.
He waited outside the shower room just listening to the sound of the water, unsure what else he could do. He heard the water shut off and Jack padding around the bathroom. His hand was on the door knob when he heard it. Rasping sobs. Jack was crying to himself.
He backed away from the door, knowing instinctively Jack wouldn't appreciate his intrusion. He didn't like to be 'comforted like a child' or whatever that was. Ianto scowled. He suddenly felt powerfully angry. He went to the kitchen and made a decision.
--
Ten minutes later, Jack was sitting on the sofa wrapped in two fluffy towels, too tired to work out how to go to bed. He stared into space.
“It was a bad one, wasn't it,” said Ianto superfluously.
“Yep,” said Jack. Ianto sat next to him and handed him a steaming mug of cocoa. Jack grinned. “Ianto's magic cure,” he said, glad of the soothing liquid.
“Yep,” confirmed Ianto. “Helps with the nightmares.” He brushed Jack's still damp hair off his forehead.
Jack shook his head sadly. “That's unlikely.”
“Still,” said Ianto softly. “Drink up.”
“Yes, mom,” retorted Jack, then smiled cheekily in answer to Ianto's deadly glare.
It wasn't long before the harshness and cold of the evening was long forgotten. Ianto fell asleep knowing that Jack, sleeping deeply in his arms, would get the rest he richly deserved.
--
The next day, Jack had been up and humming around the Hub for several hours. He occasionally barked at Ianto, but only for sport.
“You're in a good mood,” said Gwen.
“I'm high on life,” announced Jack, throwing a chip at Myfanwy.
“Oi!” scolded Ianto. “Don't feed the pterodactyl!”
Jack gave a mock pout and disappeared into his office. Ianto made a mental note to punish him later and picked up various files for the archives.
“I'm in the usual place if you need me, Gwen,” he called.
“Okay,” said Gwen, distracted by a new email. It was from Andy. She clicked on the attachment, a video clip of some CCTV footage. Jack fighting weevils and being torn to pieces. She felt shivers go down her spine as she watched the truly awful scene. She checked the time on the video. 11.30pm last night.
Andy's message simply read, “I deleted it from our files and told them it was a prank. You can thank me later.”
“Shit,” thought Gwen. Neither Jack nor Ianto had mentioned last night's attack. She patched it through to Jack's computer and went up the stairs into his office.
“Jack!”
“Yes, Gwen,” said Jack before popping another chip in his mouth.
“How come you didn't do clean up ops after last night? You're on the cameras.”
Jack blinked at her. “What was I doing?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Was I naked?”
“Dying, Jack,” said Gwen. “In full view of the CCTV. We owe Andy one.”
Jack's smile faded. “When was this?”
“Last night.”
“I was here all night,” stated Jack.
“Then explain this.” Gwen tapped his keyboard and the video came up. Jack watched in complete confusion.
“I don't remember this,” he said. “It must have been ages ago.”
“It was last night Jack.”
Jack stared at her for several seconds. He tasted cocoa in his mouth. There was an explanation.
“I need you to go home early,” he said seriously.
Gwen rolled her eyes. “Fine time to spend some quality time with Ianto,” she mocked.
“I mean it.”
She fell silent. She left his office with a nod, and got out of the Hub as soon as she could.
--
“IANTO,” came the bellow.
Ianto smiled to himself and made his way to Jack's office. Jack probably needed another coffee. Or perhaps he'd lost the stapler again. He entered the office with a spring in his step.
“Hello!” he said. Then he saw Jack's face. “What happened?”
“I might ask you the same question,” replied Jack tersely. “Last night, Ianto. I'm a bit foggy. What happened?”
Ianto blanched. How the hell did this not work? Unable to understand, he flailed for a convincing answer. “We had an early night,” he said easily. But his eyes were wide, betraying his fear.
Jack stepped closer to him. “You're lying.”
Ianto started to panic. He hung his head a moment. He hadn't lied to Jack seriously since Lisa.
“Ianto,” said Jack, his voice utterly dangerous now. “What happened last night?”
Ianto straightened his tie with a shaky hand, then made himself look Jack in the eye. He cleared his throat. “You were killed in the line of duty. Badly. And I retconned you because I didn't want you to remember.”
Jack's mouth fell open. It was the only explanation, but the confession was shocking to hear.
Ianto's heart was racing. Now he'd said it, he realised how serious this was. Jack might never trust him again. He trembled.
After one long, terrible moment, Jack's mind cleared. He went to Ianto, clasped him by his upper arms and pulled him over to his computer screen. “Here,” he rasped. “Watch this.” He hit a button.
Ianto, crestfallen, watched the dreadful event take place under the scrutiny of the CCTV. He hadn't even thought. He hadn't been thinking. “Fuck,” he murmured.
“Yes,” said Jack angrily. “Thankfully, PC bloody Andy got rid of the evidence. Not easy to explain to the police force how I happen to still be alive after this.”
“Shit,” Ianto said. “I had no idea you'd died on camera.”
“Maybe you should have asked me before you stole my memory,” scolded Jack.
It was like a punch to the gut. He was still being held in place by Jack, whose hands were firm around him. “I'm sorry, Jack. I heard you. I knew it upset you.”
“What did you hear?” asked Jack sharply.
“You were... upset. In the bathroom. After your shower. I heard you.”
Jack released his grip on Ianto. Still glowering at him, he put his hands on his hips. “It reminded me of something. Years ago. Someone I worked with died just like that. And last night I found out what it must have been like.”
Ianto felt a lump develop in his throat. “Oh.”
“Yes,” said Jack. “Oh.”
“It must have been so horrible.”
“Yes it was,” said Jack, matter of fact. “But I always come back, Ianto.”
Ianto looked down on the floor, his eyes full of tears. “I didn't want you to have to live with it.”
Jack cupped his chin and raised it so Ianto was looking at him. “No, Ianto. You're the one that couldn't live with it. I'm used to it.”
Ianto frowned. How could Jack be used to that?
“I need you to be braver for me, Ianto,” continued Jack. “You are going to see me go through this time and time again. But you are also going to see me survive.” He kissed Ianto's forehead. “I will always come back. Always.”
“But you were more upset than usual,” said Ianto. “I just wanted to protect you.”
Jack sighed. “It reminded me of someone I once knew. However painful, that memory is very valuable to me.” He chided Ianto gently. “Of course we want to protect the people we love. But if you overprotect, you run the risk of depriving them of their growth.”
“You've had enough growth,” said Ianto with a pout.
“Not for you to decide,” said Jack sternly. Ianto, quite chastened, responded by turning into him for a hug. Jack heard a muffled but sincere 'sorry' and held him tightly. He kissed him again on the forehead. “I appreciate what you did,” he added gently. “But you absolutely can never, ever do that.”
Finally they broke apart. Ianto looked at Jack warily. “Am I in trouble?” he asked tentatively.
Jack laughed and then tried to shake it off. “Ianto, I have to be very cross with you right now, because what you did was treason.”
Ianto's mouth fell open as Jack continued.
“I'm appointed by Her Majesty to protect the Empire. And you drugged me. Of course you're in trouble!”
“Uh oh,” said Ianto, blinking.
“Yes, uh oh,” said Jack, hands on his hips again. “Not to mention the oversight with the CCTV that we can't afford. And that's not even addressing the fact you violated me by taking my memories from me.”
Ianto watched Jack in horror. He wasn't smiling. But he didn't seem genuinely angry, either.
“So,” said Ianto, finding courage. “...are you going to shoot me?”
Jack raised an eyebrow. “I was thinking no TV,” he admonished with a twinkle in his eye. “Then straight to bed with no supper. And then I'll shoot you at dawn before burying you in an unmarked grave.”
Ianto scowled for England. “Not funny,” he grumbled.
“I told you, Ianto!” said Jack, raising his voice just enough to unnerve him. “I have to be cross with you now. So stop being cute. Is that clear?”
Ianto opened his mouth and closed it again, trying furiously to work out what would qualify as cute at this point.
“Jack,” he began sincerely. “I'm really very sorry, I didn't think it through. I just didn't want you to have nightmares.”
Jack frowned. He waved his finger in Ianto's face. “That was cute. I said no being cute!”
Ianto rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically, which Jack ignored.
“Go to our room. Now,” ordered Jack. Ianto squirmed.
“No,” he said, much to Jack's astonishment.
Finally, genuine anger. Ianto gulped, unsure what he was doing.
“I was going to let you off,” shouted Jack.
I know,” said Ianto bravely. “Don't.”
A moment passed; Jack studying Ianto to be sure what he was requesting. Then he knew. With a growl, he seized his wayward subordinate, and in one expert move, sat with Ianto balanced over his lap. Ianto braced himself as the spanking began, slaps raining down on his pert, trouser clad backside.
He tried not to yell out, but it was difficult. He'd given Jack the go ahead to punish him in their special way. And now he was getting it. Jack smacked him repeatedly with full force and then launched into a proper telling off.
“What am I supposed to say to you? Do not retcon the leader of Torchwood. Do not retcon the guy you're shagging. Do not tell lies. Do not poison with cocoa. You bad, bad boy!”
It might have been funny if it wasn't hurting so much. Ianto cried out into Jack's trouser leg and wriggled on his lap. “Sorry! I won't ever do it again.”
Jack smacked him harder than ever. “I told you (smack) not (smack) to be (smack) cute (smack)!”
“Owwww!” yelled Ianto. He'd forgotten how painful this could be. He sniffed miserably as he took the last few whacks. It was over. Would Jack forgive him now? He stayed still and waited for Jack's lead. Finally it came, and he found himself being pulled into a long hug, followed by a sensuous kiss. He was speechless.
“Now will you go to our room?” asked Jack, eyes smoky and voice low.
“Yes, Sir,” said Ianto, his face flushed.
“That's better,” said Jack. “I'll be with you in a moment.”
Propelled by a swat to his already throbbing bottom, Ianto trailed off to the hatch, feeling ultimately relieved that he wasn't in more serious trouble.
Jack returned to the monitor to shut his computer down. He tapped a few buttons and the footage disappeared. He felt the tension leave his shoulders. Perhaps it was better best forgotten. He knew that what Ianto had done was a serious misdeed; something that should dictate severe punishment if not a fully retconned dismissal. But all he could feel was grateful. However wrong it had been, Ianto was only trying to save Jack from just one night of night terrors. Now all Jack wanted to do was reward his misguided angel.
Pairing: Jack/Ianto,
Ratings: Adult - disciplinary spanking
Spoilers: General Series 1 and 2
Summary: After a particularly tough death for Jack, Ianto seeks to protect him from the pain of the memory. Mild angst.
Disclaimers: I own nothing!
Notes: Set during season 2. Spankfluff!
He could tell Jack had been torn apart. His shirt was in tatters and what was left was stained deep red. He shivered. He picked up the pieces - it was his job. But he tried to stop his mind from filling in the blanks, picturing images of what had happened to his lover.
After dealing with the remnants of Jack's clothes, he checked on him. Jack was still showering. He'd seen Jack return from the dead more times than he could remember, but every now and again, a particularly nasty demise would get to him. It was still shocking.
He waited outside the shower room just listening to the sound of the water, unsure what else he could do. He heard the water shut off and Jack padding around the bathroom. His hand was on the door knob when he heard it. Rasping sobs. Jack was crying to himself.
He backed away from the door, knowing instinctively Jack wouldn't appreciate his intrusion. He didn't like to be 'comforted like a child' or whatever that was. Ianto scowled. He suddenly felt powerfully angry. He went to the kitchen and made a decision.
--
Ten minutes later, Jack was sitting on the sofa wrapped in two fluffy towels, too tired to work out how to go to bed. He stared into space.
“It was a bad one, wasn't it,” said Ianto superfluously.
“Yep,” said Jack. Ianto sat next to him and handed him a steaming mug of cocoa. Jack grinned. “Ianto's magic cure,” he said, glad of the soothing liquid.
“Yep,” confirmed Ianto. “Helps with the nightmares.” He brushed Jack's still damp hair off his forehead.
Jack shook his head sadly. “That's unlikely.”
“Still,” said Ianto softly. “Drink up.”
“Yes, mom,” retorted Jack, then smiled cheekily in answer to Ianto's deadly glare.
It wasn't long before the harshness and cold of the evening was long forgotten. Ianto fell asleep knowing that Jack, sleeping deeply in his arms, would get the rest he richly deserved.
--
The next day, Jack had been up and humming around the Hub for several hours. He occasionally barked at Ianto, but only for sport.
“You're in a good mood,” said Gwen.
“I'm high on life,” announced Jack, throwing a chip at Myfanwy.
“Oi!” scolded Ianto. “Don't feed the pterodactyl!”
Jack gave a mock pout and disappeared into his office. Ianto made a mental note to punish him later and picked up various files for the archives.
“I'm in the usual place if you need me, Gwen,” he called.
“Okay,” said Gwen, distracted by a new email. It was from Andy. She clicked on the attachment, a video clip of some CCTV footage. Jack fighting weevils and being torn to pieces. She felt shivers go down her spine as she watched the truly awful scene. She checked the time on the video. 11.30pm last night.
Andy's message simply read, “I deleted it from our files and told them it was a prank. You can thank me later.”
“Shit,” thought Gwen. Neither Jack nor Ianto had mentioned last night's attack. She patched it through to Jack's computer and went up the stairs into his office.
“Jack!”
“Yes, Gwen,” said Jack before popping another chip in his mouth.
“How come you didn't do clean up ops after last night? You're on the cameras.”
Jack blinked at her. “What was I doing?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Was I naked?”
“Dying, Jack,” said Gwen. “In full view of the CCTV. We owe Andy one.”
Jack's smile faded. “When was this?”
“Last night.”
“I was here all night,” stated Jack.
“Then explain this.” Gwen tapped his keyboard and the video came up. Jack watched in complete confusion.
“I don't remember this,” he said. “It must have been ages ago.”
“It was last night Jack.”
Jack stared at her for several seconds. He tasted cocoa in his mouth. There was an explanation.
“I need you to go home early,” he said seriously.
Gwen rolled her eyes. “Fine time to spend some quality time with Ianto,” she mocked.
“I mean it.”
She fell silent. She left his office with a nod, and got out of the Hub as soon as she could.
--
“IANTO,” came the bellow.
Ianto smiled to himself and made his way to Jack's office. Jack probably needed another coffee. Or perhaps he'd lost the stapler again. He entered the office with a spring in his step.
“Hello!” he said. Then he saw Jack's face. “What happened?”
“I might ask you the same question,” replied Jack tersely. “Last night, Ianto. I'm a bit foggy. What happened?”
Ianto blanched. How the hell did this not work? Unable to understand, he flailed for a convincing answer. “We had an early night,” he said easily. But his eyes were wide, betraying his fear.
Jack stepped closer to him. “You're lying.”
Ianto started to panic. He hung his head a moment. He hadn't lied to Jack seriously since Lisa.
“Ianto,” said Jack, his voice utterly dangerous now. “What happened last night?”
Ianto straightened his tie with a shaky hand, then made himself look Jack in the eye. He cleared his throat. “You were killed in the line of duty. Badly. And I retconned you because I didn't want you to remember.”
Jack's mouth fell open. It was the only explanation, but the confession was shocking to hear.
Ianto's heart was racing. Now he'd said it, he realised how serious this was. Jack might never trust him again. He trembled.
After one long, terrible moment, Jack's mind cleared. He went to Ianto, clasped him by his upper arms and pulled him over to his computer screen. “Here,” he rasped. “Watch this.” He hit a button.
Ianto, crestfallen, watched the dreadful event take place under the scrutiny of the CCTV. He hadn't even thought. He hadn't been thinking. “Fuck,” he murmured.
“Yes,” said Jack angrily. “Thankfully, PC bloody Andy got rid of the evidence. Not easy to explain to the police force how I happen to still be alive after this.”
“Shit,” Ianto said. “I had no idea you'd died on camera.”
“Maybe you should have asked me before you stole my memory,” scolded Jack.
It was like a punch to the gut. He was still being held in place by Jack, whose hands were firm around him. “I'm sorry, Jack. I heard you. I knew it upset you.”
“What did you hear?” asked Jack sharply.
“You were... upset. In the bathroom. After your shower. I heard you.”
Jack released his grip on Ianto. Still glowering at him, he put his hands on his hips. “It reminded me of something. Years ago. Someone I worked with died just like that. And last night I found out what it must have been like.”
Ianto felt a lump develop in his throat. “Oh.”
“Yes,” said Jack. “Oh.”
“It must have been so horrible.”
“Yes it was,” said Jack, matter of fact. “But I always come back, Ianto.”
Ianto looked down on the floor, his eyes full of tears. “I didn't want you to have to live with it.”
Jack cupped his chin and raised it so Ianto was looking at him. “No, Ianto. You're the one that couldn't live with it. I'm used to it.”
Ianto frowned. How could Jack be used to that?
“I need you to be braver for me, Ianto,” continued Jack. “You are going to see me go through this time and time again. But you are also going to see me survive.” He kissed Ianto's forehead. “I will always come back. Always.”
“But you were more upset than usual,” said Ianto. “I just wanted to protect you.”
Jack sighed. “It reminded me of someone I once knew. However painful, that memory is very valuable to me.” He chided Ianto gently. “Of course we want to protect the people we love. But if you overprotect, you run the risk of depriving them of their growth.”
“You've had enough growth,” said Ianto with a pout.
“Not for you to decide,” said Jack sternly. Ianto, quite chastened, responded by turning into him for a hug. Jack heard a muffled but sincere 'sorry' and held him tightly. He kissed him again on the forehead. “I appreciate what you did,” he added gently. “But you absolutely can never, ever do that.”
Finally they broke apart. Ianto looked at Jack warily. “Am I in trouble?” he asked tentatively.
Jack laughed and then tried to shake it off. “Ianto, I have to be very cross with you right now, because what you did was treason.”
Ianto's mouth fell open as Jack continued.
“I'm appointed by Her Majesty to protect the Empire. And you drugged me. Of course you're in trouble!”
“Uh oh,” said Ianto, blinking.
“Yes, uh oh,” said Jack, hands on his hips again. “Not to mention the oversight with the CCTV that we can't afford. And that's not even addressing the fact you violated me by taking my memories from me.”
Ianto watched Jack in horror. He wasn't smiling. But he didn't seem genuinely angry, either.
“So,” said Ianto, finding courage. “...are you going to shoot me?”
Jack raised an eyebrow. “I was thinking no TV,” he admonished with a twinkle in his eye. “Then straight to bed with no supper. And then I'll shoot you at dawn before burying you in an unmarked grave.”
Ianto scowled for England. “Not funny,” he grumbled.
“I told you, Ianto!” said Jack, raising his voice just enough to unnerve him. “I have to be cross with you now. So stop being cute. Is that clear?”
Ianto opened his mouth and closed it again, trying furiously to work out what would qualify as cute at this point.
“Jack,” he began sincerely. “I'm really very sorry, I didn't think it through. I just didn't want you to have nightmares.”
Jack frowned. He waved his finger in Ianto's face. “That was cute. I said no being cute!”
Ianto rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically, which Jack ignored.
“Go to our room. Now,” ordered Jack. Ianto squirmed.
“No,” he said, much to Jack's astonishment.
Finally, genuine anger. Ianto gulped, unsure what he was doing.
“I was going to let you off,” shouted Jack.
I know,” said Ianto bravely. “Don't.”
A moment passed; Jack studying Ianto to be sure what he was requesting. Then he knew. With a growl, he seized his wayward subordinate, and in one expert move, sat with Ianto balanced over his lap. Ianto braced himself as the spanking began, slaps raining down on his pert, trouser clad backside.
He tried not to yell out, but it was difficult. He'd given Jack the go ahead to punish him in their special way. And now he was getting it. Jack smacked him repeatedly with full force and then launched into a proper telling off.
“What am I supposed to say to you? Do not retcon the leader of Torchwood. Do not retcon the guy you're shagging. Do not tell lies. Do not poison with cocoa. You bad, bad boy!”
It might have been funny if it wasn't hurting so much. Ianto cried out into Jack's trouser leg and wriggled on his lap. “Sorry! I won't ever do it again.”
Jack smacked him harder than ever. “I told you (smack) not (smack) to be (smack) cute (smack)!”
“Owwww!” yelled Ianto. He'd forgotten how painful this could be. He sniffed miserably as he took the last few whacks. It was over. Would Jack forgive him now? He stayed still and waited for Jack's lead. Finally it came, and he found himself being pulled into a long hug, followed by a sensuous kiss. He was speechless.
“Now will you go to our room?” asked Jack, eyes smoky and voice low.
“Yes, Sir,” said Ianto, his face flushed.
“That's better,” said Jack. “I'll be with you in a moment.”
Propelled by a swat to his already throbbing bottom, Ianto trailed off to the hatch, feeling ultimately relieved that he wasn't in more serious trouble.
Jack returned to the monitor to shut his computer down. He tapped a few buttons and the footage disappeared. He felt the tension leave his shoulders. Perhaps it was better best forgotten. He knew that what Ianto had done was a serious misdeed; something that should dictate severe punishment if not a fully retconned dismissal. But all he could feel was grateful. However wrong it had been, Ianto was only trying to save Jack from just one night of night terrors. Now all Jack wanted to do was reward his misguided angel.