Moonlight and Lusting Chapter 29/? Need to Reconnect
Chapter 29: Two days after events in Chapters 27 and 28; everyone's worried about Jack.
This chapter is rated PG-13.
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“He’s not eating,” Owen said as he walked over to Ianto’s desk.
“You’re right, he’s not eating,” Ianto replied as he continued to enter information into his computer.
“Has he slept at all since Grey died?” Owen asked.
“No he hasn’t,” Ianto admitted.
“What about you, Ianto?” Owen asked observing how tired Ianto looked.
“I’ve eaten and gotten some sleep, but I can’t leave Jack here alone,” Ianto admitted.
Owen glanced over to Jack’s office where Jack sat slumped in his chair staring at a container on his desk. “It’s not healthy for Jack to just sit there staring at Grey’s ashes; he’s depressed and I’m going to declare him unfit for duty, put him on antidepressants at least temporarily and force him to take medical leave.”
“Don’t do that just yet Owen,” Ianto asked. He was also very worried about Jack, but he was positive Owen’s approach would backfire and make the situation worse. “Jack will fight you over forced medical leave. I’m calling in someone who has influence over Jack; someone who knows the art of persuasion.”
“Did you call the Doctor?” Owen asked. “Do you think he’ll come?”
“No, I called someone more important to Jack,” Ianto replied as the siren and lights went off and the cogwheel door rolled open to reveal Harold and Rhiannon. Ianto walked over and hugged Rhiannon. “I’m glad you came, Rhi,” Ianto said.
“I’d have come sooner if you’d called me,” Rhi replied sounding a little angry as she pulled out of Ianto’s embrace. “You look exhausted Ianto. How’s your arm feeling?”
“My arm’s healing okay, but I am very tired,” Ianto replied. “Sorry I didn’t call you sooner, but it’s been crazy since Grey died. Things are cleaned up now and we’re operational again. We cremated Grey and Hart’s remains like Jack wanted, but now I can’t get Jack to leave here and get some rest. That’s why I called you and asked Harold to make arrangements for me.”
“Everything’s ready for you and Jack,” Harold said. “All we have to do is get you two out the door and on your way.”
“And that’s where I come in,” Rhi said. “Where’s Jack?”
“Over in his office,” Ianto replied pointing her in the right direction.
“Right, leave him to me,” Rhi said walking briskly towards Jack’s office. “Jack Bloody Harkness - where the hell are you?!” Rhi bellowed at the top of her lungs.
Jack leapt out of his chair and met her at his office door. “Rhi? What are you doing here?” he asked.
“Ianto told me about your brother, Grey, and I came to check on you sweetheart,” Rhi answered pulling Jack into a hug. Jack hugged her back.
“I couldn’t save him,” Jack said quietly his fresh tears falling on Rhi’s blouse.
“Not your fault sweetheart,” Rhi replied. “I don’t think anyone could save him, Jack. What’s done is done. You’ve got to take care of yourself; get out of here for a few days and start living again.”
Jack shook his head. “There’s too much to do around here,” Jack replied.
Rhi pulled away from Jack and put her hands on her hips. “Bullocks, Jack,” she replied sounding a little angry. “Your Torchwood team and Pack Security can handle things for a week or two. What’s more important now is you and Ianto need to get away from here so you can rest and reconnect with each other - or have you totally forgotten you’re not the only one who’s suffering? Look at my brother; he’s been shot and he’s completely exhausted.”
Jack’s eyes turned and focused on Ianto who was talking to Harold. Ianto’s arm was still in a sling and Jack could see the dark circles under his eyes and how pale Ianto was. “Ianto,” Jack murmured before leaving Rhi standing alone in his office while he walked over to Ianto and pulled him into a gentle hug. “I’m so sorry Ianto; I was wallowing in my own grief and didn’t realize how you’re suffering too,” Jack said. “Rhi’s right; we need to get away from here to recuperate and reconnect.”
“It’s alright Jack, I’ve worked with Harold and everything is arranged,” Ianto replied. “We’ll go stay in one of the cottages at the private reserve in Brecon Beacons to recover for a couple of weeks. Anian and Harold will continue to help Owen, Gwen and Tosh run Torchwood in our absence. Our clothes are packed and Harold’s rented a Land Rover for us.”
“I know you two are exhausted so I’ll drive you there and Rhiannon will follow in my car. That way you’ll have the Land Rover at your disposal if you want to take a day trip or two while you’re on vacation,” Harold said.
“All you have to do is put your coat on, take my hand and walk out the front door with me,” Ianto said.
“What about Grey’s ashes? I should hold some type of service . . . say my goodbyes,” Jack said quietly.
“That can wait until after you’ve had a chance to recover properly, Cariad,” Ianto replied gently stroking Jack’s face and kissing Jack’s lips lightly. “You need this - we need this time together. Besides,”
“Rhi’s insisting?” Jack said finishing Ianto’s thought.
“Yep,” Ianto replied.
“Let me get my coat,” Jack said turning towards his office only to find Anian standing there holding Jack’s great coat out ready to help him put it on. Smiling Jack asked, “Are you in a hurry to get rid of me, Anian?”
“No Jack,” Anian replied, “I’m in a hurry to get you and Ianto on the road to recovery.” He helped Jack get his coat on while Gwen, Owen, Tosh, and Rhi joined the group.
Owen held up a bottle of pills. “If either of you have trouble sleeping this is a mild sedative to help you relax so you can sleep. Just follow the directions on the container. Jack, I’m going to come out and visit you in a couple of days to make sure you’re not going into depression and to check that Ianto’s wound is healing properly. Call me if you need me to visit sooner, alright?”
“Alright Owen - thanks,” Jack replied taking the medication from Owen’s hand. Gwen, Tosh and Anian hugged them goodbye before they headed out with Harold and Rhi.
Jack and Ianto sat quietly in the backseat of the Land Rover content to hold hands and be close to one another for the first part of the drive. Cardiff streets gave way to the country roads as Harold drove. He turned the radio on low to give Ianto and Jack some privacy.
“I’m surprised you agreed to a cottage in the countryside,” Jack said quietly. “The last time we were out in Brecon Beacons wasn’t very pleasant.”
“No it wasn’t pleasant,” Ianto agreed remembering their run in with the cannibals. “But the private reserve is in a different location and I’ve been out to the private reserve several times since I was little. I’m comfortable there. There are a couple of families who live out there all year and take care of the property for the pack. It’s beautiful and I think it’s a great place for us to recover and reconnect.”
“Sounds like a great place; can’t wait to see it,” Jack said. “You look tired, why don’t you try to rest for a little bit? I’ll even let you use my shoulder as a pillow.”
Ianto thought about it. He was so very tired and he craved the closeness Jack and he normally had, but it had been missing for the past couple of days. Jack had withdrawn into overwhelming grief and wasn’t sleeping so there had been little physical contact. Now, thanks to Rhi, Jack realized what he had accidentally done and was trying to make up for it. “I’d like that - thanks,” Ianto replied. He laid his head on Jack’s left shoulder and closed his eyes. He felt Jack pull a throw blanket over his legs with his free hand.
“Rest my love,” Jack whispered. “I’ll wake you when we arrive.”
Closing his eyes Ianto slept lightly hearing the music playing over the radio and the occasional question from Harold checking on them and Jack’s response. Finally Harold pulled the Land Rover over and parked it. He felt Jack kiss his forehead. “We’re here Ianto,” Jack said.
Ianto opened his eyes and sat up. It was still light out and he could see the cottage. Rhi pulled up next to the Land Rover and parked. Jack had let go of Ianto’s hand so he could get out of the vehicle. Ianto pulled the throw blanket off his lap and got out as well.
“It’s lovely,” Jack said admiring the cottage.
“The nice thing is it also has all the modern conveniences as well,” Harold said. “Let me show you around and then Rhi and I will get out of your hair.” Harold walked over to the front door and unlocked it, handing the keys to Ianto. Walking inside Harold pointed out the sitting room. “I had the caretakers give it a clean and air it out. It’s been updated just last year; new wiring, plumbing and everything works fine. He led them back to the kitchen. Opening cupboards he said, “It’s fully stocked with food, pots and pans just like you requested Ianto. Bedroom and bath are all upstairs and ready for you.”
“Thanks Harold, this is splendid,” Ianto replied.
“You’re welcome,” Harold replied. “Jack, why don’t you give me a hand with the luggage?”
“Sure,” Jack replied following Harold outside to the Land Rover.
Ianto took off his coat and draped it across a kitchen chair and went over to the coffee maker on the counter. It was an exact model of the one he had at his flat. He got some coffee brewing and went to the cupboard to pull down some mugs.
“You’re supposed to be resting,” Rhi said as she carried in a box and placed it on the kitchen table.
“I know, but I wanted to give you and Harold some coffee before you head back; it’s a bit of a drive,” Ianto replied. Looking at the box he asked, “I thought the kitchen was fully stocked, so what’s in the box?”
“I didn’t think either of you would feel up to making dinner tonight so I made beef stew and some fresh bread for your dinner,” Rhi replied pulling a slow cooker out of the box. She carried it over to the counter and plugged it in. “It's already cooked, so I’ll just set it on low to keep it warm.”
Ianto went over and picked the lid off the slow cooker releasing the savory aroma into the kitchen. His mouth watered at the sight of the stew and his tummy grumbled reminding him he really hadn’t eaten much in two days. He put the lid back down on the slow cooker before he ended up snatching a piece of the stew with his bare fingers. “It looks delicious, Rhi; thanks” Ianto said honestly.
“You’re welcome sweetheart,” she replied giving him a careful hug. “Take care of yourselves. You need anything and I mean anything, then you contact me or Harold right away.”
“We will, I promise,” Ianto agreed.
“Luggage is upstairs,” Jack said entering the kitchen having left his great coat in the hallway. Harold arrived a moment later. “Oh, what’s in the slow cooker?” Jack asked crossing over to it and lifting the lid. “It smells divine!”
“Rhi brought us some homemade stew,” Ianto replied. “Coffee’s ready too. Harold and Rhi will you have a cup of coffee before you leave?”
“Actually, we’d better get on the road, but I believe there are several coffee travel mugs in the cupboard. We’d be glad to take some coffee with us,” Harold replied.
“Which reminds me I’d better pop upstairs and use the loo before we leave,” Rhi said, “I’ll be right back.” She left the kitchen and headed upstairs.
Ianto pulled two travel mugs out of the cupboard and filled them with coffee, making sure to add sugar and milk to Rhi’s mug. Turning to hand Harold his travel mug, Ianto spotted Jack plucking a piece of carrot out of the stew and popping it into his mouth. “Jack, behave,” Ianto chided him.
“But I’m starving!” Jack practically whined. He didn’t help his case by licking the juices off his fingers.
Ianto rolled his eyes but a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. It was the first time in two days that Jack showed any interest in eating. “Have a slice of Rhi’s homemade bread to tide you over; they’ll be gone in five minutes and then we’ll eat,” he replied.
Jack perked up at the news. “Homemade bread? Great!” He retrieved the bread from the box on the table, sliced a piece and slathered some butter on it before taking a big bite. He was still chewing when Rhi came back in.
“I see someone’s found the bread; do you like it?” Rhi asked.
Jack managed to swallow before replying, “It’s fantastic - thank you!”
Rhi smiled and chuckled. “You’re welcome, Jack” She hugged him. “You need anything call us, alright?”
“We will. I promise,” Jack replied.
Rhi accepted her coffee-filled travel mug from Ianto. “Thanks for the coffee, Ianto. Now we’ll get out of your hair and let you two get on with reconnecting. I’ll call and check on you two in a couple of days.”
Jack and Ianto followed Harold and Rhi outside and waved goodbye as they drove off. They went back inside and dined on homemade stew and bread and had a cup of coffee. It was a good start to reconnecting.
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Note from socalrose: Jack still has to work things out and come to grips with Grey and Hart's deaths. Do you think Ianto's idea of a retreat is a good idea? Please let me know what you think; comments and questions are always appreciated!
This entry was originally posted at http://socalrose.dreamwidth.org/11686.html. Please comment there using OpenID.
This chapter is rated PG-13.
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“He’s not eating,” Owen said as he walked over to Ianto’s desk.
“You’re right, he’s not eating,” Ianto replied as he continued to enter information into his computer.
“Has he slept at all since Grey died?” Owen asked.
“No he hasn’t,” Ianto admitted.
“What about you, Ianto?” Owen asked observing how tired Ianto looked.
“I’ve eaten and gotten some sleep, but I can’t leave Jack here alone,” Ianto admitted.
Owen glanced over to Jack’s office where Jack sat slumped in his chair staring at a container on his desk. “It’s not healthy for Jack to just sit there staring at Grey’s ashes; he’s depressed and I’m going to declare him unfit for duty, put him on antidepressants at least temporarily and force him to take medical leave.”
“Don’t do that just yet Owen,” Ianto asked. He was also very worried about Jack, but he was positive Owen’s approach would backfire and make the situation worse. “Jack will fight you over forced medical leave. I’m calling in someone who has influence over Jack; someone who knows the art of persuasion.”
“Did you call the Doctor?” Owen asked. “Do you think he’ll come?”
“No, I called someone more important to Jack,” Ianto replied as the siren and lights went off and the cogwheel door rolled open to reveal Harold and Rhiannon. Ianto walked over and hugged Rhiannon. “I’m glad you came, Rhi,” Ianto said.
“I’d have come sooner if you’d called me,” Rhi replied sounding a little angry as she pulled out of Ianto’s embrace. “You look exhausted Ianto. How’s your arm feeling?”
“My arm’s healing okay, but I am very tired,” Ianto replied. “Sorry I didn’t call you sooner, but it’s been crazy since Grey died. Things are cleaned up now and we’re operational again. We cremated Grey and Hart’s remains like Jack wanted, but now I can’t get Jack to leave here and get some rest. That’s why I called you and asked Harold to make arrangements for me.”
“Everything’s ready for you and Jack,” Harold said. “All we have to do is get you two out the door and on your way.”
“And that’s where I come in,” Rhi said. “Where’s Jack?”
“Over in his office,” Ianto replied pointing her in the right direction.
“Right, leave him to me,” Rhi said walking briskly towards Jack’s office. “Jack Bloody Harkness - where the hell are you?!” Rhi bellowed at the top of her lungs.
Jack leapt out of his chair and met her at his office door. “Rhi? What are you doing here?” he asked.
“Ianto told me about your brother, Grey, and I came to check on you sweetheart,” Rhi answered pulling Jack into a hug. Jack hugged her back.
“I couldn’t save him,” Jack said quietly his fresh tears falling on Rhi’s blouse.
“Not your fault sweetheart,” Rhi replied. “I don’t think anyone could save him, Jack. What’s done is done. You’ve got to take care of yourself; get out of here for a few days and start living again.”
Jack shook his head. “There’s too much to do around here,” Jack replied.
Rhi pulled away from Jack and put her hands on her hips. “Bullocks, Jack,” she replied sounding a little angry. “Your Torchwood team and Pack Security can handle things for a week or two. What’s more important now is you and Ianto need to get away from here so you can rest and reconnect with each other - or have you totally forgotten you’re not the only one who’s suffering? Look at my brother; he’s been shot and he’s completely exhausted.”
Jack’s eyes turned and focused on Ianto who was talking to Harold. Ianto’s arm was still in a sling and Jack could see the dark circles under his eyes and how pale Ianto was. “Ianto,” Jack murmured before leaving Rhi standing alone in his office while he walked over to Ianto and pulled him into a gentle hug. “I’m so sorry Ianto; I was wallowing in my own grief and didn’t realize how you’re suffering too,” Jack said. “Rhi’s right; we need to get away from here to recuperate and reconnect.”
“It’s alright Jack, I’ve worked with Harold and everything is arranged,” Ianto replied. “We’ll go stay in one of the cottages at the private reserve in Brecon Beacons to recover for a couple of weeks. Anian and Harold will continue to help Owen, Gwen and Tosh run Torchwood in our absence. Our clothes are packed and Harold’s rented a Land Rover for us.”
“I know you two are exhausted so I’ll drive you there and Rhiannon will follow in my car. That way you’ll have the Land Rover at your disposal if you want to take a day trip or two while you’re on vacation,” Harold said.
“All you have to do is put your coat on, take my hand and walk out the front door with me,” Ianto said.
“What about Grey’s ashes? I should hold some type of service . . . say my goodbyes,” Jack said quietly.
“That can wait until after you’ve had a chance to recover properly, Cariad,” Ianto replied gently stroking Jack’s face and kissing Jack’s lips lightly. “You need this - we need this time together. Besides,”
“Rhi’s insisting?” Jack said finishing Ianto’s thought.
“Yep,” Ianto replied.
“Let me get my coat,” Jack said turning towards his office only to find Anian standing there holding Jack’s great coat out ready to help him put it on. Smiling Jack asked, “Are you in a hurry to get rid of me, Anian?”
“No Jack,” Anian replied, “I’m in a hurry to get you and Ianto on the road to recovery.” He helped Jack get his coat on while Gwen, Owen, Tosh, and Rhi joined the group.
Owen held up a bottle of pills. “If either of you have trouble sleeping this is a mild sedative to help you relax so you can sleep. Just follow the directions on the container. Jack, I’m going to come out and visit you in a couple of days to make sure you’re not going into depression and to check that Ianto’s wound is healing properly. Call me if you need me to visit sooner, alright?”
“Alright Owen - thanks,” Jack replied taking the medication from Owen’s hand. Gwen, Tosh and Anian hugged them goodbye before they headed out with Harold and Rhi.
Jack and Ianto sat quietly in the backseat of the Land Rover content to hold hands and be close to one another for the first part of the drive. Cardiff streets gave way to the country roads as Harold drove. He turned the radio on low to give Ianto and Jack some privacy.
“I’m surprised you agreed to a cottage in the countryside,” Jack said quietly. “The last time we were out in Brecon Beacons wasn’t very pleasant.”
“No it wasn’t pleasant,” Ianto agreed remembering their run in with the cannibals. “But the private reserve is in a different location and I’ve been out to the private reserve several times since I was little. I’m comfortable there. There are a couple of families who live out there all year and take care of the property for the pack. It’s beautiful and I think it’s a great place for us to recover and reconnect.”
“Sounds like a great place; can’t wait to see it,” Jack said. “You look tired, why don’t you try to rest for a little bit? I’ll even let you use my shoulder as a pillow.”
Ianto thought about it. He was so very tired and he craved the closeness Jack and he normally had, but it had been missing for the past couple of days. Jack had withdrawn into overwhelming grief and wasn’t sleeping so there had been little physical contact. Now, thanks to Rhi, Jack realized what he had accidentally done and was trying to make up for it. “I’d like that - thanks,” Ianto replied. He laid his head on Jack’s left shoulder and closed his eyes. He felt Jack pull a throw blanket over his legs with his free hand.
“Rest my love,” Jack whispered. “I’ll wake you when we arrive.”
Closing his eyes Ianto slept lightly hearing the music playing over the radio and the occasional question from Harold checking on them and Jack’s response. Finally Harold pulled the Land Rover over and parked it. He felt Jack kiss his forehead. “We’re here Ianto,” Jack said.
Ianto opened his eyes and sat up. It was still light out and he could see the cottage. Rhi pulled up next to the Land Rover and parked. Jack had let go of Ianto’s hand so he could get out of the vehicle. Ianto pulled the throw blanket off his lap and got out as well.
“It’s lovely,” Jack said admiring the cottage.
“The nice thing is it also has all the modern conveniences as well,” Harold said. “Let me show you around and then Rhi and I will get out of your hair.” Harold walked over to the front door and unlocked it, handing the keys to Ianto. Walking inside Harold pointed out the sitting room. “I had the caretakers give it a clean and air it out. It’s been updated just last year; new wiring, plumbing and everything works fine. He led them back to the kitchen. Opening cupboards he said, “It’s fully stocked with food, pots and pans just like you requested Ianto. Bedroom and bath are all upstairs and ready for you.”
“Thanks Harold, this is splendid,” Ianto replied.
“You’re welcome,” Harold replied. “Jack, why don’t you give me a hand with the luggage?”
“Sure,” Jack replied following Harold outside to the Land Rover.
Ianto took off his coat and draped it across a kitchen chair and went over to the coffee maker on the counter. It was an exact model of the one he had at his flat. He got some coffee brewing and went to the cupboard to pull down some mugs.
“You’re supposed to be resting,” Rhi said as she carried in a box and placed it on the kitchen table.
“I know, but I wanted to give you and Harold some coffee before you head back; it’s a bit of a drive,” Ianto replied. Looking at the box he asked, “I thought the kitchen was fully stocked, so what’s in the box?”
“I didn’t think either of you would feel up to making dinner tonight so I made beef stew and some fresh bread for your dinner,” Rhi replied pulling a slow cooker out of the box. She carried it over to the counter and plugged it in. “It's already cooked, so I’ll just set it on low to keep it warm.”
Ianto went over and picked the lid off the slow cooker releasing the savory aroma into the kitchen. His mouth watered at the sight of the stew and his tummy grumbled reminding him he really hadn’t eaten much in two days. He put the lid back down on the slow cooker before he ended up snatching a piece of the stew with his bare fingers. “It looks delicious, Rhi; thanks” Ianto said honestly.
“You’re welcome sweetheart,” she replied giving him a careful hug. “Take care of yourselves. You need anything and I mean anything, then you contact me or Harold right away.”
“We will, I promise,” Ianto agreed.
“Luggage is upstairs,” Jack said entering the kitchen having left his great coat in the hallway. Harold arrived a moment later. “Oh, what’s in the slow cooker?” Jack asked crossing over to it and lifting the lid. “It smells divine!”
“Rhi brought us some homemade stew,” Ianto replied. “Coffee’s ready too. Harold and Rhi will you have a cup of coffee before you leave?”
“Actually, we’d better get on the road, but I believe there are several coffee travel mugs in the cupboard. We’d be glad to take some coffee with us,” Harold replied.
“Which reminds me I’d better pop upstairs and use the loo before we leave,” Rhi said, “I’ll be right back.” She left the kitchen and headed upstairs.
Ianto pulled two travel mugs out of the cupboard and filled them with coffee, making sure to add sugar and milk to Rhi’s mug. Turning to hand Harold his travel mug, Ianto spotted Jack plucking a piece of carrot out of the stew and popping it into his mouth. “Jack, behave,” Ianto chided him.
“But I’m starving!” Jack practically whined. He didn’t help his case by licking the juices off his fingers.
Ianto rolled his eyes but a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. It was the first time in two days that Jack showed any interest in eating. “Have a slice of Rhi’s homemade bread to tide you over; they’ll be gone in five minutes and then we’ll eat,” he replied.
Jack perked up at the news. “Homemade bread? Great!” He retrieved the bread from the box on the table, sliced a piece and slathered some butter on it before taking a big bite. He was still chewing when Rhi came back in.
“I see someone’s found the bread; do you like it?” Rhi asked.
Jack managed to swallow before replying, “It’s fantastic - thank you!”
Rhi smiled and chuckled. “You’re welcome, Jack” She hugged him. “You need anything call us, alright?”
“We will. I promise,” Jack replied.
Rhi accepted her coffee-filled travel mug from Ianto. “Thanks for the coffee, Ianto. Now we’ll get out of your hair and let you two get on with reconnecting. I’ll call and check on you two in a couple of days.”
Jack and Ianto followed Harold and Rhi outside and waved goodbye as they drove off. They went back inside and dined on homemade stew and bread and had a cup of coffee. It was a good start to reconnecting.
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Note from socalrose: Jack still has to work things out and come to grips with Grey and Hart's deaths. Do you think Ianto's idea of a retreat is a good idea? Please let me know what you think; comments and questions are always appreciated!
This entry was originally posted at http://socalrose.dreamwidth.org/11686.html. Please comment there using OpenID.