Torchwood Fic: Animal Inside 2/2 NC-17
Title: Animal Inside
Pairing: Gwen/Owen
Spoilers: Season One
Rating/Warning: NC-17 (sex and swearing, a touch of violence)
Disclaimer: I so don't own 'em. Only wish I did.
Summary: Owen's behavior changes and the team suspects he's been poisoned.
Ianto passed out mugs of coffee and sat at one end of the Boardroom table. Jack waited until they were all settled before speaking.
"I've been noticing some changes in Owen's behavior for a while. Nothing drastic, just little things. Especially on Weevil hunts. He seemed to be able to capture them easier than normal. Gwen said she noticed some changes as well." Jack nodded at Gwen.
"He's been aggressive and growling more." Gwen added.
Toshiko looked from Jack to Gwen and back. "Are you saying Owen's becoming a Weevil?"
Jack shook his head. "Not exactly. I think he was infected when he fought the Weevil in the cage. It bit him."
"Infected by what?" Gwen asked.
"Just an infection. Something in the Weevil saliva is giving Owen more Weevilistic tendencies. We need to run some blood tests to be sure. See if we can find an antidote." Jack looked at Toshiko, who nodded.
"I can do that."
Ianto stood up. "We should draw blood soon, before he wakes up from the sedative."
Jack nodded and they left the Boardroom. Toshiko grabbed a phlebotomy kit from the med lab and they headed into the cells. Alert and awake, Owen sat at the back of the cell, watching them.
"Let me out," he said with a gruff, growling voice.
Jack shook his head and chuckled. "Not going to happen. We need a sample of your blood, Owen." He shot to his feet and snarled at Jack. "If you don't cooperate, we'll just hold you down."
"Try it." Gwen shivered at how different Owen's voice sounded. Nothing like the man she-best not to go down that route, she thought to herself.
"I'll take it. I don't think he'll hurt me." Gwen held her hand out for the kit.
Jack and Ianto protested. Toshiko held onto the kit. "Are you sure? We don't know-"
"He won't hurt me," Gwen repeated and gestured for the kit again. Toshiko let her have it, explain how to use it.
Jack grabbed the kit from her hands. "You are not going in there."
"He's not going to cooperate with you. He might with me. Please, Jack, let me try." She met his eyes, ready to battle him. Gwen could be just as stubborn as he could.
Finally, Jack relented. "Fine, but if he even looks like he's going to hurt you, I'll shoot him."
Gwen shook her head and motioned for Ianto to open the cell door. As soon as she stepped inside, the door slid shut behind her. Owen regarded her with curiosity, head titled to the side.
"Owen, I need to take a sample of your blood." She tried to look unthreatening as she approached him. He didn't say anything. She opened the kit and approached him with the needle. She tried not to show fear, tried not to be afraid of Owen, but her heart beat a little faster the closer she came to him. He held out a hand to her. She took it, pushing the sleeve up. Owen pulled her against him and kissed her. His hands went to her top as he shoved her against the wall. Gwen heard Jack shouting for Ianto to open the cell, but then Owen's mouth moved to that spot under her ear that causes her to turn into a puddle of goo and she melted against him.
A moment later, someone wrenched Owen away from Gwen. She heard shouting and found Jack and Ianto trying to hold Owen down. He bucked and nearly threw them off, all while he trying his hardest to bite them. She knelt next to them, grabbing and holding Owen's arm out so Toshiko could take the blood sample.
"Let him go on three and then get out of the cell." Jack said, straining against Owen's struggling weight. "Ready, one, two, three!"
They all jumped up and away from Owen. He leapt to his feet and started to go after them, but Gwen stepped in front of him. "No, Owen!" She put a hand on his chest and he looked down at her.
"Gwen?" His voice sounded almost normal. She wrapped her arms around him. "What's happening to me?"
"We think you were infected when the Weevil bit you." They sank to the floor together, his head resting on her chest, his arms wrapped around her waist. "Tosh is going to find an antidote."
"Gwen?" She looked over her shoulder. Jack stood in the door of the cell. Owen saw him and tensed, letting out a low growl. She rubbed his back and shushed him.
"I think I should stay in here for a little bit. Keep him calm."
"You sure?" He looked very uncomfortable with leaving her in the cell. She nodded. "I'll have the internal monitors on, just in case."
"All right. Thanks, Jack." He stepped out and the door slid shut.
Gwen ran her fingers through Owen's short hair. "How’re you feelin’, Owen?" she asked softly. He lifted his head and gazed at her, the animal gone from his eyes.
"You shouldn't be near me, Gwen." He pushed away from her, leaning against the far wall, his knees pulled up to his chest.
She tried to crawl over to him, but he stopped her with a growl. "Why? You haven't hurt me."
"Yet. I don’t want to hurt you, but I will." The animal was back in his gaze. "Jack!" he shouted, voice rough and raw. "Jack, get her out of here!" He launched himself at the glass barrier, pounding and screaming.
Jack ran into the cells area, sliding to a halt in front of Owen's cell. Owen pointed at Gwen. "Get her out of here. I don't want to hurt her."
Jack nodded. "Move back from the door." Owen retreated to the back of the cell. The door slid open and Jack held out his hand to Gwen. "Come on, Gwen. Let's go get some coffee. Toshiko's doing everything she can."
Gwen stared at Owen. "No, Jack, I want to stay here. I can help him." Jack stepped forward and took her arm, pulling her back toward the door. Gwen struggled against him, trying to free herself, but Jack was too strong. "Jack, let me go! Stop it, let me go!" She tried collapsing, in hopes he'd give up, but Jack simply scooped her up around the waist and carried her from the cell, her shrieking, and struggling all the way.
Jack kept a hold of her as he closed the cell door and left the area. He deposited her on the couch in the main Hub and sat down next to her. "Gwen, there is nothing you can do for him right now. You being in there was obviously upsetting him and I think Owen needs to stay as calm as possible right now."
Gwen glared at Jack, not moving from the position she'd landed in when he dropped her. "Do we know what's wrong with him?"
"Tosh found bacteria in Owen's blood that isn't usually present in humans, but is normal in Weevils. It's been slowly poisoning him since he was bitten."
"But Tosh can make an antidote, yeah?" Gwen looked at him hopefully.
Jack gave her a smile that was supposed to be encouraging, but wasn't. "The bacteria's been growing inside him for so long, I don't know if there's anything we can do. Tosh is working on synthesizing an antidote. We can only hope it works."
Gwen suddenly had a horrible thought. "Jack, what's going to happen to Owen, if it doesn't work?"
Jack took a deep breath. "His body is not going to be able to handle the changes the bacteria is forcing on him. His temperature is already above normal. Eventually, it'll start to shut down, trying to fight the infection, but it won’t work."
Gwen blinked hard, trying to keep back tears. "I don't want him to die." Jack put his arm around her and pulled her closer. She couldn't keep back the tears any longer and he held her while she cried.
A shout of excitement from the workstations drew their attention. Gwen sniffled and wiped the tears from her face. Jack stood up and helped her to her feet. Together they went to see what happened.
Toshiko's face was alight with a huge grin. "I've found an antidote to the Weevil poison," she told them as they approached. "It'll take a little more time to produce it and then we can give it to Owen."
Gwen gave Toshiko a hug. "That's great!" she exclaimed. Jack enveloped both women in a hug of his own and the trio laughed.
"Well, get to work on that, Tosh. The quicker we have an antidote, the quicker we can see if this is going to work on Owen," Jack declared.
Ianto ran up to them. Gwen noticed he looked almost scared. "You'd better come to the cells," he said softly. Jack and Gwen followed Ianto back to the cells. As they entered, Gwen could hear the Weevils making a sort of sad moaning. Ianto opened the door to Owen's cell so Jack and Gwen could enter. "I was watching him. He went a bit mad, pounding on the glass and raving. Then he just collapsed," Ianto explained.
Gwen fell to her knees next to Owen's body. She only knew he still lived because he shivered violently. She pulled his upper body into her lap. Gwen could feel the heat radiating off of him through her jeans. "Jack, he's burning up."
"Let's get him up onto the cot." Together, the three of them lifted Owen onto the bed. Jack sent Ianto to get blankets and supplies. He returned quickly and Gwen spread one of the blankets over him. She tucked another under his head for a pillow. "Bathe his forehead and try to keep the fever down," Jack instructed Gwen. "As soon as we have the antidote, I'll bring it in."
"Shouldn't we get him into the med bay?" Gwen asked, brushing Owen's hair back with a cool hand.
Jack shook his head. "We still don't know what's going to happen. I'd rather have him in here where he can't hurt himself or us. And I think you're right. He won't hurt you. The Weevil part considers you his mate." He squeezed Gwen's shoulder. "If you need anything, or anything happens, just call us. We'll be watching."
"Ianto, what's that noise?" Gwen asked, glancing back out towards the Weevils in the other cells.
"The Weevils. We think they make that sound when one of their own is in pain." Ianto carried in a chair and Gwen gave him a thankful smile. "Last time we heard it was during the Weevil fight club case." He looked around as if to see that everything was in order and left, shutting the door behind him.
She pulled the chair over to Owen's bedside. Ianto had also brought her a basin of cool water and some cloths. Wringing out one of the cloths, Gwen sponged off his face before laying it on his forehead. "Tosh's making you an antidote," she said softly, taking his hand in hers. "You're going to be your normal snarky self in no time." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Much as I enjoyed the animal you this evening, I miss the normal you."
"I always knew you were a kinky beast, Cooper." The words were so softly spoken, she almost didn't hear them. She found Owen looking at her through eyes just barely open. A smile bloomed on her face and she leaned forward to give him a quick kiss.
"I won't even ask how you're feeling." She removed the cloth from his forehead and replaced it with a fresh, cooler one. "Tosh is brewing up an antidote."
"I'm dying, aren't I?" The corner of his mouth quirked up. "I'd ask you for one last shag, but I don't have the energy for it. Shame."
Gwen shook her head vigorously. "You're not. You're going to be fine." She tried to keep her face neutral, but failed.
Owen took a deep breath. "Don't lie to me, sweetheart. You're talking to a doctor here."
She lifted his hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. "There is a chance."
"Well, if this is it, Gwen." His eyes drifted shut again. She thought he'd passed out again and then he continued. "I wanted to tell you I-" This time he did slip into unconsciousness.
Sniffing back her tears, Gwen kissed him again. "I know, Owen," she whispered. "I love you too."
***
Gwen had dozed off and she started awake when Jack and Toshiko came running in with a syringe. "Is that it?"
Toshiko nodded. "Let's hope this works." She injected the fluid into a vein in Owen's arm. "Everyone cross your fingers."
Gwen looked up at Jack. "He woke up before. Just for a few minutes. He said he knew he was dying."
Jack put his hand on Gwen's cheek and she leaned into his touch. "He's not going to die. Toshiko's antidote will work. Have faith." She nodded and looked back at the man on the bed with a sigh. "Ianto's picking up takeaway. You want anything?"
Gwen shook her head. "Maybe just some coffee later. I'm going to stay here with him."
"Okay." Jack nodded once. "Call if you need anything." He headed out of the cell.
Toshiko watched Owen sleep before turning to Gwen. "I'm glad he has you to sit with him," she said finally. "No one else would."
"You would." Gwen pointed out.
Toshiko shook her head. "Not anymore. Not like this." She suddenly looked uncomfortable. "I- I'll check on you in a couple hours," came out in a rush and she left the cell.
***
Gwen woke to shouting. She yawned, stretched, groaning at the kink in her neck from sleeping in a folding chair and opened her eyes.
Owen stood by the glass partition, yelling. "Jack! Ianto! I need breakfast, I need coffee, and I need a piss! Let me out of here!"
Gwen shot up. "Owen? You're all right?"
Owen turned round. "You finally awake? I thought you would sleep through the day." She launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck. He laughed, stumbling back against the glass. "Easy there. I'm not steady on my feet yet." He wrapped his arms around her tightly, not wanting to let go.
"Owen! Good to see you up and about. And looking more human." Jack's booming voice reached them before the man himself appeared. When he did, Jack's face lit up with a broad grin. "We just need to run a quick sample of your blood, make sure you're really clear, and then you're free."
Owen rolled his eyes and moved back over to the cot. He sat down heavily and held out his arm. Jack opened the cell door and approached with a needle. "How long will this take?" Owen asked resignedly.
"Maybe fifteen minutes, maybe a little more." Jack efficiently took the sample and pocketed the tube. "Back in a jiff."
Gwen sat on the cot next to Owen. He took her hand in his, entwining his fingers with her own. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again when she realized she didn't know what to say. He put his arm around her shoulders and settled her against his chest, holding her tightly.
They remained silent until Jack returned, still beaming. "Well, Doctor Harper, let's get you out of here and do something about those demands you made earlier."
Owen released Gwen and stood up. He took Gwen's hand again and they happily left the cell.
***
Gwen sipped her coffee, relaxing in the cushiony chair in the Boardroom. The remains of her breakfast sat in front of her, being picked at by Owen, who’d finished his own breakfast and then started on anything not eaten by the others.
“Why haven’t we seen Weevil poisoning before?” Toshiko asked Jack.
He leaned back in his chair, long legs stretched out in front of him, hands folded on his stomach. “Two reasons, I think. Most of the time, Weevils kill their victims. When a Weevil bites someone, they usually tear out the throat. I can count of the number of seriously injured live victims we’ve seen in the past few years on both hands.”
“What’s the other reason?” Owen asked around a mouthful of toast slathered with jam.
“Rarity of the reaction. I’m guessing maybe one in a thousand people is allergic to Weevil venom. Owen just got lucky.” Jack grinned at him morbidly. Owen snorted and threw him a look, which Jack ignored. “Now we know what the warning signs are, we can be on the lookout when dealing with Weevil victims. Toshiko is going to make up some more of the antidote and we’ll keep it stocked in the SUV med kit, just in case. The way things go for our group, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re all allergic to Weevil venom.”
Ianto started clearing away breakfast, dodging Owen’s grabbing hands to pick up plates and containers. “I can get you something else, if you’re still hungry Owen. You don’t have to eat the scraps.”
“Owen can get himself something else on his way home. I want you to take the day off. You’re still recovering,” Jack said gently. Looking over the rest of the team, he waved his hand. “Everyone get out of here. I’ll see you all tomorrow. Saving the world can wait for a day.”
Everyone grinned. Toshiko said something about checking out some exhibit at a museum. Gwen saw Ianto share a look with Jack and she knew they would be spending the day together. She turned to Owen, but he had already risen and left the Boardroom. Gwen stood to follow him.
“Gwen?” Jack’s voice made her turn back.
“Yeah, Jack?”
Jack got to his feet. Gwen noticed Ianto slip out unobtrusively. Jack came around the table and put his hands on Gwen’s shoulders. “I was watching last night.” She knew that meant he had heard what she said to Owen’s unconscious form. “Does he make you happy?”
Gwen nodded. Jack knew Rhys had left her during Jack’s absence Jack had been upset, but eventually resigned himself that it was impossible to keep a normal life outside of Torchwood and Gwen had done her best. “He’s a wanker and a bastard, but he does.”
"Happier than Rhys?"
She nodded again. "I miss Rhys, but I can talk to Owen. He understands."
“Good.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Go enjoy your day off.”
“Thanks, Jack.” Gwen hugged him and ran after Owen. He leaned against her desk, holding out his car keys. She raised an eyebrow. “You want me to drive your car?”
“Yeah, sweet cheeks. Just take the damn keys and let’s get out of here.”
Gwen grabbed the keys from his hand and found her purse under her desk. “Well?” She turned back to Owen. “Let’s go.”
Silence filled the car on the ride back to Owen’s flat. Gwen felt a strange sense of déjà vu as he unlocked the door and pushed it open, letting her enter first. She went over to the picture windows, leaning against them, peering out onto the bay.
Owen stood by his leather chair, watching her. “Last night,” he began.
“I’ve never been so scared, Owen. I thought you were going to die, that I was going to lose you.” The words she had been unable to say since he woke up came tumbling out in a rush. “I thought I’d never get to tell you that I love you.”
He walked over to her. “I had the same thought. All that possessiveness, that’s how I’ve felt, I think since you were shot in Brynblaidd.” She let him tug her into his arms, her head resting in the crook of his shoulder. “Thank you for staying with me last night.”
“I knew you wouldn’t hurt me.” She tightened her arms around him waist. “Jack kept saying you wouldn’t because I was your mate.”
The look on Owen’s face was one of pure masculine pride. “He’s right.”
“Caveman,” Gwen teased.
“You love it.”
She raised her head. “I love you.”
His expression sobered. “I love you too.”
Gwen lifted her head in invitation. Owen leaned down and kissed her softly and tenderly. “How’re you feeling?” she asked when they broke apart.
Owen smiled slyly. “Feeling better by the minute.”
Gwen took his hand and led him towards the bedroom. “Just try not to ruin any more of my clothes,” she said with a smile.
“I can’t make any promises,” he replied, throwing her a grin of his own.
End
Pairing: Gwen/Owen
Spoilers: Season One
Rating/Warning: NC-17 (sex and swearing, a touch of violence)
Disclaimer: I so don't own 'em. Only wish I did.
Summary: Owen's behavior changes and the team suspects he's been poisoned.
Ianto passed out mugs of coffee and sat at one end of the Boardroom table. Jack waited until they were all settled before speaking.
"I've been noticing some changes in Owen's behavior for a while. Nothing drastic, just little things. Especially on Weevil hunts. He seemed to be able to capture them easier than normal. Gwen said she noticed some changes as well." Jack nodded at Gwen.
"He's been aggressive and growling more." Gwen added.
Toshiko looked from Jack to Gwen and back. "Are you saying Owen's becoming a Weevil?"
Jack shook his head. "Not exactly. I think he was infected when he fought the Weevil in the cage. It bit him."
"Infected by what?" Gwen asked.
"Just an infection. Something in the Weevil saliva is giving Owen more Weevilistic tendencies. We need to run some blood tests to be sure. See if we can find an antidote." Jack looked at Toshiko, who nodded.
"I can do that."
Ianto stood up. "We should draw blood soon, before he wakes up from the sedative."
Jack nodded and they left the Boardroom. Toshiko grabbed a phlebotomy kit from the med lab and they headed into the cells. Alert and awake, Owen sat at the back of the cell, watching them.
"Let me out," he said with a gruff, growling voice.
Jack shook his head and chuckled. "Not going to happen. We need a sample of your blood, Owen." He shot to his feet and snarled at Jack. "If you don't cooperate, we'll just hold you down."
"Try it." Gwen shivered at how different Owen's voice sounded. Nothing like the man she-best not to go down that route, she thought to herself.
"I'll take it. I don't think he'll hurt me." Gwen held her hand out for the kit.
Jack and Ianto protested. Toshiko held onto the kit. "Are you sure? We don't know-"
"He won't hurt me," Gwen repeated and gestured for the kit again. Toshiko let her have it, explain how to use it.
Jack grabbed the kit from her hands. "You are not going in there."
"He's not going to cooperate with you. He might with me. Please, Jack, let me try." She met his eyes, ready to battle him. Gwen could be just as stubborn as he could.
Finally, Jack relented. "Fine, but if he even looks like he's going to hurt you, I'll shoot him."
Gwen shook her head and motioned for Ianto to open the cell door. As soon as she stepped inside, the door slid shut behind her. Owen regarded her with curiosity, head titled to the side.
"Owen, I need to take a sample of your blood." She tried to look unthreatening as she approached him. He didn't say anything. She opened the kit and approached him with the needle. She tried not to show fear, tried not to be afraid of Owen, but her heart beat a little faster the closer she came to him. He held out a hand to her. She took it, pushing the sleeve up. Owen pulled her against him and kissed her. His hands went to her top as he shoved her against the wall. Gwen heard Jack shouting for Ianto to open the cell, but then Owen's mouth moved to that spot under her ear that causes her to turn into a puddle of goo and she melted against him.
A moment later, someone wrenched Owen away from Gwen. She heard shouting and found Jack and Ianto trying to hold Owen down. He bucked and nearly threw them off, all while he trying his hardest to bite them. She knelt next to them, grabbing and holding Owen's arm out so Toshiko could take the blood sample.
"Let him go on three and then get out of the cell." Jack said, straining against Owen's struggling weight. "Ready, one, two, three!"
They all jumped up and away from Owen. He leapt to his feet and started to go after them, but Gwen stepped in front of him. "No, Owen!" She put a hand on his chest and he looked down at her.
"Gwen?" His voice sounded almost normal. She wrapped her arms around him. "What's happening to me?"
"We think you were infected when the Weevil bit you." They sank to the floor together, his head resting on her chest, his arms wrapped around her waist. "Tosh is going to find an antidote."
"Gwen?" She looked over her shoulder. Jack stood in the door of the cell. Owen saw him and tensed, letting out a low growl. She rubbed his back and shushed him.
"I think I should stay in here for a little bit. Keep him calm."
"You sure?" He looked very uncomfortable with leaving her in the cell. She nodded. "I'll have the internal monitors on, just in case."
"All right. Thanks, Jack." He stepped out and the door slid shut.
Gwen ran her fingers through Owen's short hair. "How’re you feelin’, Owen?" she asked softly. He lifted his head and gazed at her, the animal gone from his eyes.
"You shouldn't be near me, Gwen." He pushed away from her, leaning against the far wall, his knees pulled up to his chest.
She tried to crawl over to him, but he stopped her with a growl. "Why? You haven't hurt me."
"Yet. I don’t want to hurt you, but I will." The animal was back in his gaze. "Jack!" he shouted, voice rough and raw. "Jack, get her out of here!" He launched himself at the glass barrier, pounding and screaming.
Jack ran into the cells area, sliding to a halt in front of Owen's cell. Owen pointed at Gwen. "Get her out of here. I don't want to hurt her."
Jack nodded. "Move back from the door." Owen retreated to the back of the cell. The door slid open and Jack held out his hand to Gwen. "Come on, Gwen. Let's go get some coffee. Toshiko's doing everything she can."
Gwen stared at Owen. "No, Jack, I want to stay here. I can help him." Jack stepped forward and took her arm, pulling her back toward the door. Gwen struggled against him, trying to free herself, but Jack was too strong. "Jack, let me go! Stop it, let me go!" She tried collapsing, in hopes he'd give up, but Jack simply scooped her up around the waist and carried her from the cell, her shrieking, and struggling all the way.
Jack kept a hold of her as he closed the cell door and left the area. He deposited her on the couch in the main Hub and sat down next to her. "Gwen, there is nothing you can do for him right now. You being in there was obviously upsetting him and I think Owen needs to stay as calm as possible right now."
Gwen glared at Jack, not moving from the position she'd landed in when he dropped her. "Do we know what's wrong with him?"
"Tosh found bacteria in Owen's blood that isn't usually present in humans, but is normal in Weevils. It's been slowly poisoning him since he was bitten."
"But Tosh can make an antidote, yeah?" Gwen looked at him hopefully.
Jack gave her a smile that was supposed to be encouraging, but wasn't. "The bacteria's been growing inside him for so long, I don't know if there's anything we can do. Tosh is working on synthesizing an antidote. We can only hope it works."
Gwen suddenly had a horrible thought. "Jack, what's going to happen to Owen, if it doesn't work?"
Jack took a deep breath. "His body is not going to be able to handle the changes the bacteria is forcing on him. His temperature is already above normal. Eventually, it'll start to shut down, trying to fight the infection, but it won’t work."
Gwen blinked hard, trying to keep back tears. "I don't want him to die." Jack put his arm around her and pulled her closer. She couldn't keep back the tears any longer and he held her while she cried.
A shout of excitement from the workstations drew their attention. Gwen sniffled and wiped the tears from her face. Jack stood up and helped her to her feet. Together they went to see what happened.
Toshiko's face was alight with a huge grin. "I've found an antidote to the Weevil poison," she told them as they approached. "It'll take a little more time to produce it and then we can give it to Owen."
Gwen gave Toshiko a hug. "That's great!" she exclaimed. Jack enveloped both women in a hug of his own and the trio laughed.
"Well, get to work on that, Tosh. The quicker we have an antidote, the quicker we can see if this is going to work on Owen," Jack declared.
Ianto ran up to them. Gwen noticed he looked almost scared. "You'd better come to the cells," he said softly. Jack and Gwen followed Ianto back to the cells. As they entered, Gwen could hear the Weevils making a sort of sad moaning. Ianto opened the door to Owen's cell so Jack and Gwen could enter. "I was watching him. He went a bit mad, pounding on the glass and raving. Then he just collapsed," Ianto explained.
Gwen fell to her knees next to Owen's body. She only knew he still lived because he shivered violently. She pulled his upper body into her lap. Gwen could feel the heat radiating off of him through her jeans. "Jack, he's burning up."
"Let's get him up onto the cot." Together, the three of them lifted Owen onto the bed. Jack sent Ianto to get blankets and supplies. He returned quickly and Gwen spread one of the blankets over him. She tucked another under his head for a pillow. "Bathe his forehead and try to keep the fever down," Jack instructed Gwen. "As soon as we have the antidote, I'll bring it in."
"Shouldn't we get him into the med bay?" Gwen asked, brushing Owen's hair back with a cool hand.
Jack shook his head. "We still don't know what's going to happen. I'd rather have him in here where he can't hurt himself or us. And I think you're right. He won't hurt you. The Weevil part considers you his mate." He squeezed Gwen's shoulder. "If you need anything, or anything happens, just call us. We'll be watching."
"Ianto, what's that noise?" Gwen asked, glancing back out towards the Weevils in the other cells.
"The Weevils. We think they make that sound when one of their own is in pain." Ianto carried in a chair and Gwen gave him a thankful smile. "Last time we heard it was during the Weevil fight club case." He looked around as if to see that everything was in order and left, shutting the door behind him.
She pulled the chair over to Owen's bedside. Ianto had also brought her a basin of cool water and some cloths. Wringing out one of the cloths, Gwen sponged off his face before laying it on his forehead. "Tosh's making you an antidote," she said softly, taking his hand in hers. "You're going to be your normal snarky self in no time." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Much as I enjoyed the animal you this evening, I miss the normal you."
"I always knew you were a kinky beast, Cooper." The words were so softly spoken, she almost didn't hear them. She found Owen looking at her through eyes just barely open. A smile bloomed on her face and she leaned forward to give him a quick kiss.
"I won't even ask how you're feeling." She removed the cloth from his forehead and replaced it with a fresh, cooler one. "Tosh is brewing up an antidote."
"I'm dying, aren't I?" The corner of his mouth quirked up. "I'd ask you for one last shag, but I don't have the energy for it. Shame."
Gwen shook her head vigorously. "You're not. You're going to be fine." She tried to keep her face neutral, but failed.
Owen took a deep breath. "Don't lie to me, sweetheart. You're talking to a doctor here."
She lifted his hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. "There is a chance."
"Well, if this is it, Gwen." His eyes drifted shut again. She thought he'd passed out again and then he continued. "I wanted to tell you I-" This time he did slip into unconsciousness.
Sniffing back her tears, Gwen kissed him again. "I know, Owen," she whispered. "I love you too."
***
Gwen had dozed off and she started awake when Jack and Toshiko came running in with a syringe. "Is that it?"
Toshiko nodded. "Let's hope this works." She injected the fluid into a vein in Owen's arm. "Everyone cross your fingers."
Gwen looked up at Jack. "He woke up before. Just for a few minutes. He said he knew he was dying."
Jack put his hand on Gwen's cheek and she leaned into his touch. "He's not going to die. Toshiko's antidote will work. Have faith." She nodded and looked back at the man on the bed with a sigh. "Ianto's picking up takeaway. You want anything?"
Gwen shook her head. "Maybe just some coffee later. I'm going to stay here with him."
"Okay." Jack nodded once. "Call if you need anything." He headed out of the cell.
Toshiko watched Owen sleep before turning to Gwen. "I'm glad he has you to sit with him," she said finally. "No one else would."
"You would." Gwen pointed out.
Toshiko shook her head. "Not anymore. Not like this." She suddenly looked uncomfortable. "I- I'll check on you in a couple hours," came out in a rush and she left the cell.
***
Gwen woke to shouting. She yawned, stretched, groaning at the kink in her neck from sleeping in a folding chair and opened her eyes.
Owen stood by the glass partition, yelling. "Jack! Ianto! I need breakfast, I need coffee, and I need a piss! Let me out of here!"
Gwen shot up. "Owen? You're all right?"
Owen turned round. "You finally awake? I thought you would sleep through the day." She launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck. He laughed, stumbling back against the glass. "Easy there. I'm not steady on my feet yet." He wrapped his arms around her tightly, not wanting to let go.
"Owen! Good to see you up and about. And looking more human." Jack's booming voice reached them before the man himself appeared. When he did, Jack's face lit up with a broad grin. "We just need to run a quick sample of your blood, make sure you're really clear, and then you're free."
Owen rolled his eyes and moved back over to the cot. He sat down heavily and held out his arm. Jack opened the cell door and approached with a needle. "How long will this take?" Owen asked resignedly.
"Maybe fifteen minutes, maybe a little more." Jack efficiently took the sample and pocketed the tube. "Back in a jiff."
Gwen sat on the cot next to Owen. He took her hand in his, entwining his fingers with her own. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again when she realized she didn't know what to say. He put his arm around her shoulders and settled her against his chest, holding her tightly.
They remained silent until Jack returned, still beaming. "Well, Doctor Harper, let's get you out of here and do something about those demands you made earlier."
Owen released Gwen and stood up. He took Gwen's hand again and they happily left the cell.
***
Gwen sipped her coffee, relaxing in the cushiony chair in the Boardroom. The remains of her breakfast sat in front of her, being picked at by Owen, who’d finished his own breakfast and then started on anything not eaten by the others.
“Why haven’t we seen Weevil poisoning before?” Toshiko asked Jack.
He leaned back in his chair, long legs stretched out in front of him, hands folded on his stomach. “Two reasons, I think. Most of the time, Weevils kill their victims. When a Weevil bites someone, they usually tear out the throat. I can count of the number of seriously injured live victims we’ve seen in the past few years on both hands.”
“What’s the other reason?” Owen asked around a mouthful of toast slathered with jam.
“Rarity of the reaction. I’m guessing maybe one in a thousand people is allergic to Weevil venom. Owen just got lucky.” Jack grinned at him morbidly. Owen snorted and threw him a look, which Jack ignored. “Now we know what the warning signs are, we can be on the lookout when dealing with Weevil victims. Toshiko is going to make up some more of the antidote and we’ll keep it stocked in the SUV med kit, just in case. The way things go for our group, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re all allergic to Weevil venom.”
Ianto started clearing away breakfast, dodging Owen’s grabbing hands to pick up plates and containers. “I can get you something else, if you’re still hungry Owen. You don’t have to eat the scraps.”
“Owen can get himself something else on his way home. I want you to take the day off. You’re still recovering,” Jack said gently. Looking over the rest of the team, he waved his hand. “Everyone get out of here. I’ll see you all tomorrow. Saving the world can wait for a day.”
Everyone grinned. Toshiko said something about checking out some exhibit at a museum. Gwen saw Ianto share a look with Jack and she knew they would be spending the day together. She turned to Owen, but he had already risen and left the Boardroom. Gwen stood to follow him.
“Gwen?” Jack’s voice made her turn back.
“Yeah, Jack?”
Jack got to his feet. Gwen noticed Ianto slip out unobtrusively. Jack came around the table and put his hands on Gwen’s shoulders. “I was watching last night.” She knew that meant he had heard what she said to Owen’s unconscious form. “Does he make you happy?”
Gwen nodded. Jack knew Rhys had left her during Jack’s absence Jack had been upset, but eventually resigned himself that it was impossible to keep a normal life outside of Torchwood and Gwen had done her best. “He’s a wanker and a bastard, but he does.”
"Happier than Rhys?"
She nodded again. "I miss Rhys, but I can talk to Owen. He understands."
“Good.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Go enjoy your day off.”
“Thanks, Jack.” Gwen hugged him and ran after Owen. He leaned against her desk, holding out his car keys. She raised an eyebrow. “You want me to drive your car?”
“Yeah, sweet cheeks. Just take the damn keys and let’s get out of here.”
Gwen grabbed the keys from his hand and found her purse under her desk. “Well?” She turned back to Owen. “Let’s go.”
Silence filled the car on the ride back to Owen’s flat. Gwen felt a strange sense of déjà vu as he unlocked the door and pushed it open, letting her enter first. She went over to the picture windows, leaning against them, peering out onto the bay.
Owen stood by his leather chair, watching her. “Last night,” he began.
“I’ve never been so scared, Owen. I thought you were going to die, that I was going to lose you.” The words she had been unable to say since he woke up came tumbling out in a rush. “I thought I’d never get to tell you that I love you.”
He walked over to her. “I had the same thought. All that possessiveness, that’s how I’ve felt, I think since you were shot in Brynblaidd.” She let him tug her into his arms, her head resting in the crook of his shoulder. “Thank you for staying with me last night.”
“I knew you wouldn’t hurt me.” She tightened her arms around him waist. “Jack kept saying you wouldn’t because I was your mate.”
The look on Owen’s face was one of pure masculine pride. “He’s right.”
“Caveman,” Gwen teased.
“You love it.”
She raised her head. “I love you.”
His expression sobered. “I love you too.”
Gwen lifted her head in invitation. Owen leaned down and kissed her softly and tenderly. “How’re you feeling?” she asked when they broke apart.
Owen smiled slyly. “Feeling better by the minute.”
Gwen took his hand and led him towards the bedroom. “Just try not to ruin any more of my clothes,” she said with a smile.
“I can’t make any promises,” he replied, throwing her a grin of his own.
End