Fic: The Boy Is Gone 13/20
TITLE: The Boy Is Gone 13/20
AUTHOR: Erin Giles
DISCLAIMER: Torchwood and its characters are property of the BBC. The Family Jones is of my own creation.
RATING: PG-15
PAIRINGS/CHARACTERS: Jack/Ianto, Gwen/Rhys, OC's
SUMMARY: The Rift has never been the most stable influence in Ianto Jones’ life but when children in Cardiff start disappearing all over the city, Ianto’s family life crashes rather dramatically with Torchwood.
AUTHOR NOTES: This is the sequel to my stories, “Family Matters” and “A Nostalgic Yearning” and is the finale in the series “Footprints in the Sand”. It will not make sense unless you have read these. Set post Exit Wounds.
After so much drama over the last however many chapters I thought it only fair to give you all a break from the heartwrenchingness (what?! that's totally a word... now) of it all. So this chapter is just a bit of fluffy hurt/comfort in which everyone gets to see Ianto and declare their love for him... awwwww! Yeah it's not as sappy as I make it sound - honest!
| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 |
Friday 15th August 6.22pm
Jack was chewing on his bottom lip in thought as he pretended to listen to Police Chief Roberts who was currently regaling him chapter and verse on how on earth he was going to explain this one away. Jack’s mind was elsewhere though, about three floors above sat at the side of Ianto Jones’ bed watching him breathing in and out, hoping each breath wasn’t his last one.
He could see Gwen further down the corridor talking to a group of relieved looking parents, trying to spin them some cock and bull story about the kidnappers being interviewed as they spoke. Rhys was busy chatting amenably with one of the kids who was swinging his legs happily back and forth on one of the waiting room chairs, apparently none the worse for his ordeal.
“Excuse me, but they’re waiting for you outside Sir.” A young constable interrupted Roberts tirade on Jack, which he was grateful for.
“So what cock and bull are you wanting to spin this time Captain Harkness?” Roberts was asking, a distinct manipulation of the word Captain to make it sound like it was a title Jack didn’t deserve. Jack didn’t rise to the bait; he was too tired and too worried to care.
“Immigrants trying to export children to third world countries for child labour purposes. Although I wouldn’t give it all away now since you’re detaining the suspects.”
“And what am I supposed to do with a couple of invisible suspects? Make them vanish into thin air?” Roberts spat back.
“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Jack gave him a disarming grin before he was striding away past Roberts down the corridor towards Gwen.
“Son of a-“ Roberts muttered behind Jack before he was heading towards the entrance of Cardiff A&E, striding out into the limelight of the media with a brave face.
Jack took a hold of Gwen’s elbow, guiding her away from the parents she was talking to.
“I’m going to go check on Ianto. Come up when you’ve finished.” Jack told her, pressing a bottle of retcon into her hand.
“Jack they’re kids.” Gwen argued, her face set in steely determination even if her eyes betrayed her.
“They don’t remember what happened. Half of them are confused as to how they got from where they were to the warehouse in Barry. And even if they did remember it can be passed off as a child’s imagination.” Gwen reasoned. Jack nodded but he didn’t take the pills back when Gwen tried to press them into his hand.
“Just in case.” Jack said as he walked away.
Friday 15th August 8.29pm
Jack let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding as he stumbled out into the corridor, leaning against the coffee machine.
Ianto was awake and alive.
Jack had been sat by his bed for the last two hours, willing him to open his eyes again after the nurse had informed him of his previous bout of consciousness. He didn’t dare to believe it until he saw it with his own eyes, until he saw those baby blue depths staring up at him.
Jack let out a choked sob as he brought a hand to his mouth to try and stifle the second one that burst from him. Before he knew it though tears were falling down his face as he sobbed profusely, boots coming down the corridor towards him at a steady jog.
“Oh God Jack.” Gwen’s voice sounded broken as she wrapped arms around him, pulling him towards her. His face slotted into the curve of her neck, her hair tickling his nose as he continued to cry tears of relief. He felt Gwen crying as well and he wanted to tell her that everything was all right, he was crying because it was all over and he finally could, but he couldn’t find his voice.
“Mr. Harkness?” A nurse called politely from outside ward Ianto was in. Jack sniffed, pulling away from Gwen and hastily wiping at his tears.
“We’ve finished our tests, and he’s asking for you.”
“But I thought,” Gwen sounded breathless as she looked between the nurse and Jack, only now could she see the smile on his face through the tears.
“Jack you idiot.” Gwen thumped him in the chest with both fists. “I thought he was.” Gwen started crying again with the relief that washed over her before Jack had his hand in hers and was leading her towards Ianto’s ward, not giving either of them time enough to compose themselves so that when they stepped through the door into the room Ianto frowned at them.
“Who died?” Ianto asked softly, his words slurring slightly as he blinked tiredly back up at them.
Gwen gave Ianto’s foot a shove in annoyance before she was flinging herself into his arms. He gave a grunt of pain causing Gwen to pull back slightly, but still refusing to let go of him.
“You almost did you idiot!” She sobbed into his shoulder as he reached up a hand to stroke at her hair. Ianto’s drowsy gaze moved to Jack who was stood at the foot of the bed, bloodshot eyes watching him intently, a look of relief on his face.
“Finn n’ other kids ok?” Ianto asked shakily. Jack didn’t fail to notice that Ianto was missing out words. He worried that it would be permanent but both the nurse and doctor had informed him that it was a common side effect for patients with severe brain injuries to be confused or have reduced speech functions for a while. It would disappear as Ianto healed.
Jack nodded in reply. “Ria’s with Finn at the moment getting him checked out. She’ll be up in a bit and we called all the other parents. Few bumps and bruises but for the most part they don’t remember anything.”
Ianto looked confused as he tried to quirk an eyebrow at Jack, Gwen finally pulling herself away from Ianto’s shoulder, her hand clutching at his good one, unwilling to let go of him now she had him back.
“I didn’t give them retcon before you ask. They just don’t remember. What about you, do you-?”
“I remember things.” Ianto answered like he was trying to strain to remember before he turned to Gwen suddenly. “My sister here?”
Gwen looked confused for a minute, looking hesitantly at Jack since he’d only just mentioned Ria. Jack returned her look with one that said he would explain later
“Course she is sweetheart, do you want me to go and get her?” Gwen enthused, watching as Ianto nodded before she was squeezing Ianto’s hand and bending to place a kiss on his forehead. Ianto could see her streaky mascara and tired eyes up close before she was gone from his side, the door clicking closed behind her as Ianto’s drowsy gaze shifted to Jack who was still stood to attention at the foot of the bed.
“I need to go and speak with Roberts, the Police Chief again.” Jack hesitated before he moved to the door.
“Jack?” Ianto called after him sleepily. Jack spun back to Ianto, meeting his glazed expression.
“Come back.” Ianto whispered dopily, his eyes sliding closed. Jack watched him as his breathing evened out as sleep took him. He hesitated, his hand on the doorknob, lip quivering, and scared even to blink in case Ianto disappeared again.
“Jack?” Gwen’s voice echoed in his ear.
“Roberts is kicking up a storm down here. I think he’s heading your way now though.” Gwen’s voice sounded strained and Jack let out a sigh.
“I’m coming down.”
Jack took one last look at Ianto before he slipped out of the room.
Friday 15th August 8.52pm
“Uncle Ianto?” A small voice sounded from the doorway, muffling a faint sob as Ianto tried to blink himself back to consciousness. He rolled his head to the side and found his nephew moving towards him, pulling the visitors chair close to the bed so he could climb up.
“Hey kid.” Ianto’s voice sounded dopey to his own ears. Finn crawled onto the covers, looking intently at Ianto.
“You okay?” Ianto asked, concern evident in his voice even if he couldn’t make his eyes focus on Finlay long enough to look concerned. Finn gave a tentative nod.
“Will it hurt if I hug you?” Finn asked nervously, placing a hand gently on Ianto’s stomach in experimentation.
“Might hurt my feelings if you don’t.” Ianto teased, his words slurring slightly as Finn lay down with his head on Ianto’s torso, arms stretching round him, hugging him tightly. Ianto wheezed slightly causing Finn to jump back in alarm.
“S’okay.” Ianto reassured even though he could feel his chest tightening again as he tried to draw breath. Ianto brought his good arm round to rest on Finn’s head as the little boy lay back down again beside Ianto this time, but continuing to hang on for dear life.
“I asked you to get him back for me Ianto not almost kill yourself in the process.” Ria sounded terrified as she finally stepped into the room. She was as white as a sheet, eyes bloodshot and her slight frame shaking slightly. She sunk gratefully into the chair beside the bed, clutching at Ianto’s hand as tears started slipping down her face.
“’m sorry.” Ianto’s voice was faint now as he struggled to keep his eyes open but he was busy staring intently at what once had been a baby bump.
"The baby?" Ianto questioned, his gaze drifting to Ria's bloodshot eyes.
"Premature, but taking after her Uncle by fighting to stay in this world." Ria said softly, a warm smile breaking onto her face as she squeezed Ianto's hand, a relieved expression spreading across her face as she leant her elbows on the side of the bed, pulling Ianto's hand up to her mouth and kissing the grazed knuckles.
"All I kept thinking was I wish Mam was here." Ria whispered, eyes downcast and looking at the edge of the bed so she missed Ianto’s involuntary flinch.
“It was like Canary Wharf again, waiting to hear if you were alive or if,” Ria’s voice got caught in her throat as tears continued to stain her cheeks. Ianto’s hand wearily extracted itself from Ria’s long enough to wipe away the tears.
“I’m here.” Ianto whispered gruffly. “I’m alive.”
Ianto’s eyes were drooping, exhausted by the brief interaction. He could still feel Finlay lying heavily beside him, possibly asleep. Before he slipped into unconsciousness again though he swore he heard the word ‘just’ pass his sister’s lips.
Friday 15th August 9.35pm
When Jack returned Ianto was curled on his side in the bed, a pillow hugged to his chest and his eyes half lidded in exhaustion. Jack crossed to the bed nervously, watching the young man carefully as he took slow and steady breaths. Someone had put an oxygen mask over his face to ease his obviously painful breathing. He could see the chest tube that they’d inserted to try and re-inflate Ianto's lung just below his left shoulder that was severely bruised. In fact there wasn’t a part of Ianto’s body that was in sight that wasn’t covered in cuts or bruises. He had a horrified flashback to when they’d been to the countryside. Ianto had protested that he was fine as Owen had all but manhandled him onto the autopsy bench, instructing Jack to help him with his clothes. Jack hadn’t needed telling twice but as he’d lifted the black t-shirt over Ianto’s head Jack had actually felt physically sick, sorely wishing he had killed the fuckers instead of turning them over to Powys constabulary.
As Jack’s hand hovered over Ianto’s forehead he wished he had someone to blame for all this. But all it had been was a little lost boy trying to find his way home. Jack had not had time to think about him since they’d discovered Ianto and the other kids. But now he realised how odd it had been that the boy had not been waiting for he and Gwen when Ianto and the other kids had returned. Jack didn’t want to dwell on it now though, he had more important things to attend to.
Jack swept back the ruffled hair on Ianto’s forehead in a soothing gesture. His thumb drew circles on the side of Ianto’s head, trying to comfort him as he dozed fitfully. He roused when Jack bent to press a chaste kiss to the only bit of skin on his forehead that wasn’t scraped and bruised.
“Jack?” Ianto mumbled half waking, a hand reaching lazily up to pull the mask away from his face.
“I’m going to let you get some rest.” Jack whispered softly, barely an inch away from Ianto’s face as he put the mask back in place.
“Don’t.” Ianto whispered back, a hand weakly lifting from the covers and latching on to Jack’s wrist.
“Stay here.” Ianto tried to shuffle over in the bed, making room for Jack, but Jack looked reluctant, glancing back towards the door like he wasn’t allowed to be in the room in the first place.
“Please.” Ianto whispered, and when Jack looked back he could see tears in Ianto’s eyes.
"Don’t wanna be alone.”
Jack frowned before bending to kiss Ianto’s forehead again. He didn’t say anything, just toed off his shoes and pulled his coat from his back, laying it over the visitor’s chair. He pulled himself up onto the bed beside Ianto, careful of wires and tubes as he reached over Ianto to pull up the bed railings to stop either of them falling out. Ianto settled himself into the side of Jack, his uninjured arm coming across to clutch at the front of Jack’s shirt. Jack pressed another kiss through the bandages round Ianto’s head, inhaling deeply and relishing in the smell of Ianto that seemed to permeate through as he held him close. He had things to do, he needed to go back and check on the hub, he’d promised he’d call Gwen, but all that suddenly didn’t matter. Ianto was here, alive, in his arms.
Jack felt tears brimming in his eyes as he buried his face in Ianto’s hair, listening to the even breath sounds coming from Ianto as he drifted to sleep.
Friday 15th August 11.42pm
Gwen knocked on the door to Ianto’s room, waiting for a reply. She’d been worried about Jack when he hadn’t called and when she’d tried to call him his phone had been switched off. She’d spent most of the evening looking at her phone until Rhys could stand it no more and had bundled Gwen into the car, driving her to the hospital. Now he was stood behind her, encouraging her to go into the hospital room.
When she refused to move Rhys stepped in front of her, opening the door and stepping into the room. He was met by the sight of Jack and Ianto asleep on the hospital bed together, blissfully unaware of the world outside them. Rhys blushed and turned away slightly at the sight as Gwen stepped in beside him, her hand reaching out for Rhys’. She gave a watery smile before she tugged on his hand, pulling him out of the room.
“Now you know why he didn’t call.” Rhys said softly as he shut the door behind him. “He had more important things to do.”
Gwen turned to look at Rhys’, unsure at first if he was joking or not. She could see the serious look in his eyes though as he glanced back through the window, one last glimpse of the sleeping men before he was leading Gwen back down the corridor. They paused at the nurses’ station though.
“Couldn’t get the man visiting Ianto Jones to call Gwen Cooper when he wakes up?” Rhys asked the staff nurse with a smile. She returned his smile with a wry grin of her own.
“I’ll let him know you were looking for him.” The staff nurse replied.
Saturday 16th August 3.24am
Jack woke to the sound of laughter drifting under the door of the ward. He blinked dazedly in the light filtering in from the nurses’ station as there was another cackle of laughter that made Jack smile. He didn’t know what the nurses were laughing at but it filled him with joy that people could find mirth in such dark and desperate times.
He listened to their giggling, trying to make out what they were talking about but failing, instead deciding to bask in their mirth as he lay on the bed, his arms still wrapped round Ianto. He listened to the now steady rise and fall of Ianto’s chest with each dreamy breath. Someone had been in and removed the oxygen mask, replacing it with a cannula, impressively without waking either him or Ianto. Jack listened to the squeak of someone’s shoes in the corridor outside and the rattle of a bed as it was pushed down the corridor. He took a moment just to sit and not think, just relish in the feeling of Ianto’s hand against his chest, Ianto's hair tickling the underside of his chin. It didn’t last though before he realised he hadn’t phoned Gwen to let her know how Ianto was. He hadn’t sorted things out with the police, he hadn’t sorted things out at the hub; Myfanwy had probably eaten Janet by now.
He let out a soft sigh before he extracted himself from Ianto’s hold. He expected Ianto to rouse, to have to explain to the Welshman that he had things to do but he would be back as soon as possible, but Ianto didn’t so much as stir. He was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. And Jack had no doubt in believing that he was mentally shattered as well. He knew he would have to talk to Ianto about what had happened to him eventually, but Jack had vowed to let him recover a little physically before opening up more wounds to the air.
Jack gently placed Ianto’s broken arm on a pillow that had been left in the visitor’s chair before he pulled up the covers over Ianto, tucking him in like he was a four-year-old toddler rather than a twenty-four year old man. He bent to kiss him on the brow before he retrieved his shoes and coat, quietly slipping out the room so as not to wake the other patients.
He found three nurses sat at their station with mugs of tea. The staff nurse looked up at him apologetically.
“Sorry, we didn’t wake you did we?” She asked sympathetically, suddenly worried she had woken most of her patients up.
“No, its fine. It’s good to hear someone enjoying themselves.” Jack smiled genuinely, putting his boots on the floor so he could slip his feet into them.
“I just wanted to let you know I need to go into work for a couple of hours, in case he wakes up and asks for me.” Jack commented, looking slightly bashful now.
“Right you are, love.” The nurse nodded, smiling warmly at him.
“Also thank you for letting me sleep with him.” Jack added as he bent to tie his shoelaces.
“We keep the patients best interests at heart and if he’s going to sleep easier with you holding him then we won’t begrudge it.”
Jack looked up to find the young woman smiling again as he brought himself to his feet, shrugging on his greatcoat as he returned her smile.
“Before you go though Captain Harkness, someone was looking for you while you were asleep. A Gwen Cooper asked if you would call her when you woke up.” One of the other nurses piped up.
“Its Jack, and thanks. I’ll give her a call.” Jack smiled once more before he walked away from the nurses’ station towards the exit, glancing back over his shoulder, scared that Ianto would be stood in the corridor forlornly watching him go. He wasn’t though, and Jack almost felt a stab of disappointment at that.
On to Part 14
AUTHOR: Erin Giles
DISCLAIMER: Torchwood and its characters are property of the BBC. The Family Jones is of my own creation.
RATING: PG-15
PAIRINGS/CHARACTERS: Jack/Ianto, Gwen/Rhys, OC's
SUMMARY: The Rift has never been the most stable influence in Ianto Jones’ life but when children in Cardiff start disappearing all over the city, Ianto’s family life crashes rather dramatically with Torchwood.
AUTHOR NOTES: This is the sequel to my stories, “Family Matters” and “A Nostalgic Yearning” and is the finale in the series “Footprints in the Sand”. It will not make sense unless you have read these. Set post Exit Wounds.
After so much drama over the last however many chapters I thought it only fair to give you all a break from the heartwrenchingness (what?! that's totally a word... now) of it all. So this chapter is just a bit of fluffy hurt/comfort in which everyone gets to see Ianto and declare their love for him... awwwww! Yeah it's not as sappy as I make it sound - honest!
| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 |
Friday 15th August 6.22pm
Jack was chewing on his bottom lip in thought as he pretended to listen to Police Chief Roberts who was currently regaling him chapter and verse on how on earth he was going to explain this one away. Jack’s mind was elsewhere though, about three floors above sat at the side of Ianto Jones’ bed watching him breathing in and out, hoping each breath wasn’t his last one.
He could see Gwen further down the corridor talking to a group of relieved looking parents, trying to spin them some cock and bull story about the kidnappers being interviewed as they spoke. Rhys was busy chatting amenably with one of the kids who was swinging his legs happily back and forth on one of the waiting room chairs, apparently none the worse for his ordeal.
“Excuse me, but they’re waiting for you outside Sir.” A young constable interrupted Roberts tirade on Jack, which he was grateful for.
“So what cock and bull are you wanting to spin this time Captain Harkness?” Roberts was asking, a distinct manipulation of the word Captain to make it sound like it was a title Jack didn’t deserve. Jack didn’t rise to the bait; he was too tired and too worried to care.
“Immigrants trying to export children to third world countries for child labour purposes. Although I wouldn’t give it all away now since you’re detaining the suspects.”
“And what am I supposed to do with a couple of invisible suspects? Make them vanish into thin air?” Roberts spat back.
“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Jack gave him a disarming grin before he was striding away past Roberts down the corridor towards Gwen.
“Son of a-“ Roberts muttered behind Jack before he was heading towards the entrance of Cardiff A&E, striding out into the limelight of the media with a brave face.
Jack took a hold of Gwen’s elbow, guiding her away from the parents she was talking to.
“I’m going to go check on Ianto. Come up when you’ve finished.” Jack told her, pressing a bottle of retcon into her hand.
“Jack they’re kids.” Gwen argued, her face set in steely determination even if her eyes betrayed her.
“They don’t remember what happened. Half of them are confused as to how they got from where they were to the warehouse in Barry. And even if they did remember it can be passed off as a child’s imagination.” Gwen reasoned. Jack nodded but he didn’t take the pills back when Gwen tried to press them into his hand.
“Just in case.” Jack said as he walked away.
Friday 15th August 8.29pm
Jack let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding as he stumbled out into the corridor, leaning against the coffee machine.
Ianto was awake and alive.
Jack had been sat by his bed for the last two hours, willing him to open his eyes again after the nurse had informed him of his previous bout of consciousness. He didn’t dare to believe it until he saw it with his own eyes, until he saw those baby blue depths staring up at him.
Jack let out a choked sob as he brought a hand to his mouth to try and stifle the second one that burst from him. Before he knew it though tears were falling down his face as he sobbed profusely, boots coming down the corridor towards him at a steady jog.
“Oh God Jack.” Gwen’s voice sounded broken as she wrapped arms around him, pulling him towards her. His face slotted into the curve of her neck, her hair tickling his nose as he continued to cry tears of relief. He felt Gwen crying as well and he wanted to tell her that everything was all right, he was crying because it was all over and he finally could, but he couldn’t find his voice.
“Mr. Harkness?” A nurse called politely from outside ward Ianto was in. Jack sniffed, pulling away from Gwen and hastily wiping at his tears.
“We’ve finished our tests, and he’s asking for you.”
“But I thought,” Gwen sounded breathless as she looked between the nurse and Jack, only now could she see the smile on his face through the tears.
“Jack you idiot.” Gwen thumped him in the chest with both fists. “I thought he was.” Gwen started crying again with the relief that washed over her before Jack had his hand in hers and was leading her towards Ianto’s ward, not giving either of them time enough to compose themselves so that when they stepped through the door into the room Ianto frowned at them.
“Who died?” Ianto asked softly, his words slurring slightly as he blinked tiredly back up at them.
Gwen gave Ianto’s foot a shove in annoyance before she was flinging herself into his arms. He gave a grunt of pain causing Gwen to pull back slightly, but still refusing to let go of him.
“You almost did you idiot!” She sobbed into his shoulder as he reached up a hand to stroke at her hair. Ianto’s drowsy gaze moved to Jack who was stood at the foot of the bed, bloodshot eyes watching him intently, a look of relief on his face.
“Finn n’ other kids ok?” Ianto asked shakily. Jack didn’t fail to notice that Ianto was missing out words. He worried that it would be permanent but both the nurse and doctor had informed him that it was a common side effect for patients with severe brain injuries to be confused or have reduced speech functions for a while. It would disappear as Ianto healed.
Jack nodded in reply. “Ria’s with Finn at the moment getting him checked out. She’ll be up in a bit and we called all the other parents. Few bumps and bruises but for the most part they don’t remember anything.”
Ianto looked confused as he tried to quirk an eyebrow at Jack, Gwen finally pulling herself away from Ianto’s shoulder, her hand clutching at his good one, unwilling to let go of him now she had him back.
“I didn’t give them retcon before you ask. They just don’t remember. What about you, do you-?”
“I remember things.” Ianto answered like he was trying to strain to remember before he turned to Gwen suddenly. “My sister here?”
Gwen looked confused for a minute, looking hesitantly at Jack since he’d only just mentioned Ria. Jack returned her look with one that said he would explain later
“Course she is sweetheart, do you want me to go and get her?” Gwen enthused, watching as Ianto nodded before she was squeezing Ianto’s hand and bending to place a kiss on his forehead. Ianto could see her streaky mascara and tired eyes up close before she was gone from his side, the door clicking closed behind her as Ianto’s drowsy gaze shifted to Jack who was still stood to attention at the foot of the bed.
“I need to go and speak with Roberts, the Police Chief again.” Jack hesitated before he moved to the door.
“Jack?” Ianto called after him sleepily. Jack spun back to Ianto, meeting his glazed expression.
“Come back.” Ianto whispered dopily, his eyes sliding closed. Jack watched him as his breathing evened out as sleep took him. He hesitated, his hand on the doorknob, lip quivering, and scared even to blink in case Ianto disappeared again.
“Jack?” Gwen’s voice echoed in his ear.
“Roberts is kicking up a storm down here. I think he’s heading your way now though.” Gwen’s voice sounded strained and Jack let out a sigh.
“I’m coming down.”
Jack took one last look at Ianto before he slipped out of the room.
Friday 15th August 8.52pm
“Uncle Ianto?” A small voice sounded from the doorway, muffling a faint sob as Ianto tried to blink himself back to consciousness. He rolled his head to the side and found his nephew moving towards him, pulling the visitors chair close to the bed so he could climb up.
“Hey kid.” Ianto’s voice sounded dopey to his own ears. Finn crawled onto the covers, looking intently at Ianto.
“You okay?” Ianto asked, concern evident in his voice even if he couldn’t make his eyes focus on Finlay long enough to look concerned. Finn gave a tentative nod.
“Will it hurt if I hug you?” Finn asked nervously, placing a hand gently on Ianto’s stomach in experimentation.
“Might hurt my feelings if you don’t.” Ianto teased, his words slurring slightly as Finn lay down with his head on Ianto’s torso, arms stretching round him, hugging him tightly. Ianto wheezed slightly causing Finn to jump back in alarm.
“S’okay.” Ianto reassured even though he could feel his chest tightening again as he tried to draw breath. Ianto brought his good arm round to rest on Finn’s head as the little boy lay back down again beside Ianto this time, but continuing to hang on for dear life.
“I asked you to get him back for me Ianto not almost kill yourself in the process.” Ria sounded terrified as she finally stepped into the room. She was as white as a sheet, eyes bloodshot and her slight frame shaking slightly. She sunk gratefully into the chair beside the bed, clutching at Ianto’s hand as tears started slipping down her face.
“’m sorry.” Ianto’s voice was faint now as he struggled to keep his eyes open but he was busy staring intently at what once had been a baby bump.
"The baby?" Ianto questioned, his gaze drifting to Ria's bloodshot eyes.
"Premature, but taking after her Uncle by fighting to stay in this world." Ria said softly, a warm smile breaking onto her face as she squeezed Ianto's hand, a relieved expression spreading across her face as she leant her elbows on the side of the bed, pulling Ianto's hand up to her mouth and kissing the grazed knuckles.
"All I kept thinking was I wish Mam was here." Ria whispered, eyes downcast and looking at the edge of the bed so she missed Ianto’s involuntary flinch.
“It was like Canary Wharf again, waiting to hear if you were alive or if,” Ria’s voice got caught in her throat as tears continued to stain her cheeks. Ianto’s hand wearily extracted itself from Ria’s long enough to wipe away the tears.
“I’m here.” Ianto whispered gruffly. “I’m alive.”
Ianto’s eyes were drooping, exhausted by the brief interaction. He could still feel Finlay lying heavily beside him, possibly asleep. Before he slipped into unconsciousness again though he swore he heard the word ‘just’ pass his sister’s lips.
Friday 15th August 9.35pm
When Jack returned Ianto was curled on his side in the bed, a pillow hugged to his chest and his eyes half lidded in exhaustion. Jack crossed to the bed nervously, watching the young man carefully as he took slow and steady breaths. Someone had put an oxygen mask over his face to ease his obviously painful breathing. He could see the chest tube that they’d inserted to try and re-inflate Ianto's lung just below his left shoulder that was severely bruised. In fact there wasn’t a part of Ianto’s body that was in sight that wasn’t covered in cuts or bruises. He had a horrified flashback to when they’d been to the countryside. Ianto had protested that he was fine as Owen had all but manhandled him onto the autopsy bench, instructing Jack to help him with his clothes. Jack hadn’t needed telling twice but as he’d lifted the black t-shirt over Ianto’s head Jack had actually felt physically sick, sorely wishing he had killed the fuckers instead of turning them over to Powys constabulary.
As Jack’s hand hovered over Ianto’s forehead he wished he had someone to blame for all this. But all it had been was a little lost boy trying to find his way home. Jack had not had time to think about him since they’d discovered Ianto and the other kids. But now he realised how odd it had been that the boy had not been waiting for he and Gwen when Ianto and the other kids had returned. Jack didn’t want to dwell on it now though, he had more important things to attend to.
Jack swept back the ruffled hair on Ianto’s forehead in a soothing gesture. His thumb drew circles on the side of Ianto’s head, trying to comfort him as he dozed fitfully. He roused when Jack bent to press a chaste kiss to the only bit of skin on his forehead that wasn’t scraped and bruised.
“Jack?” Ianto mumbled half waking, a hand reaching lazily up to pull the mask away from his face.
“I’m going to let you get some rest.” Jack whispered softly, barely an inch away from Ianto’s face as he put the mask back in place.
“Don’t.” Ianto whispered back, a hand weakly lifting from the covers and latching on to Jack’s wrist.
“Stay here.” Ianto tried to shuffle over in the bed, making room for Jack, but Jack looked reluctant, glancing back towards the door like he wasn’t allowed to be in the room in the first place.
“Please.” Ianto whispered, and when Jack looked back he could see tears in Ianto’s eyes.
"Don’t wanna be alone.”
Jack frowned before bending to kiss Ianto’s forehead again. He didn’t say anything, just toed off his shoes and pulled his coat from his back, laying it over the visitor’s chair. He pulled himself up onto the bed beside Ianto, careful of wires and tubes as he reached over Ianto to pull up the bed railings to stop either of them falling out. Ianto settled himself into the side of Jack, his uninjured arm coming across to clutch at the front of Jack’s shirt. Jack pressed another kiss through the bandages round Ianto’s head, inhaling deeply and relishing in the smell of Ianto that seemed to permeate through as he held him close. He had things to do, he needed to go back and check on the hub, he’d promised he’d call Gwen, but all that suddenly didn’t matter. Ianto was here, alive, in his arms.
Jack felt tears brimming in his eyes as he buried his face in Ianto’s hair, listening to the even breath sounds coming from Ianto as he drifted to sleep.
Friday 15th August 11.42pm
Gwen knocked on the door to Ianto’s room, waiting for a reply. She’d been worried about Jack when he hadn’t called and when she’d tried to call him his phone had been switched off. She’d spent most of the evening looking at her phone until Rhys could stand it no more and had bundled Gwen into the car, driving her to the hospital. Now he was stood behind her, encouraging her to go into the hospital room.
When she refused to move Rhys stepped in front of her, opening the door and stepping into the room. He was met by the sight of Jack and Ianto asleep on the hospital bed together, blissfully unaware of the world outside them. Rhys blushed and turned away slightly at the sight as Gwen stepped in beside him, her hand reaching out for Rhys’. She gave a watery smile before she tugged on his hand, pulling him out of the room.
“Now you know why he didn’t call.” Rhys said softly as he shut the door behind him. “He had more important things to do.”
Gwen turned to look at Rhys’, unsure at first if he was joking or not. She could see the serious look in his eyes though as he glanced back through the window, one last glimpse of the sleeping men before he was leading Gwen back down the corridor. They paused at the nurses’ station though.
“Couldn’t get the man visiting Ianto Jones to call Gwen Cooper when he wakes up?” Rhys asked the staff nurse with a smile. She returned his smile with a wry grin of her own.
“I’ll let him know you were looking for him.” The staff nurse replied.
Saturday 16th August 3.24am
Jack woke to the sound of laughter drifting under the door of the ward. He blinked dazedly in the light filtering in from the nurses’ station as there was another cackle of laughter that made Jack smile. He didn’t know what the nurses were laughing at but it filled him with joy that people could find mirth in such dark and desperate times.
He listened to their giggling, trying to make out what they were talking about but failing, instead deciding to bask in their mirth as he lay on the bed, his arms still wrapped round Ianto. He listened to the now steady rise and fall of Ianto’s chest with each dreamy breath. Someone had been in and removed the oxygen mask, replacing it with a cannula, impressively without waking either him or Ianto. Jack listened to the squeak of someone’s shoes in the corridor outside and the rattle of a bed as it was pushed down the corridor. He took a moment just to sit and not think, just relish in the feeling of Ianto’s hand against his chest, Ianto's hair tickling the underside of his chin. It didn’t last though before he realised he hadn’t phoned Gwen to let her know how Ianto was. He hadn’t sorted things out with the police, he hadn’t sorted things out at the hub; Myfanwy had probably eaten Janet by now.
He let out a soft sigh before he extracted himself from Ianto’s hold. He expected Ianto to rouse, to have to explain to the Welshman that he had things to do but he would be back as soon as possible, but Ianto didn’t so much as stir. He was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. And Jack had no doubt in believing that he was mentally shattered as well. He knew he would have to talk to Ianto about what had happened to him eventually, but Jack had vowed to let him recover a little physically before opening up more wounds to the air.
Jack gently placed Ianto’s broken arm on a pillow that had been left in the visitor’s chair before he pulled up the covers over Ianto, tucking him in like he was a four-year-old toddler rather than a twenty-four year old man. He bent to kiss him on the brow before he retrieved his shoes and coat, quietly slipping out the room so as not to wake the other patients.
He found three nurses sat at their station with mugs of tea. The staff nurse looked up at him apologetically.
“Sorry, we didn’t wake you did we?” She asked sympathetically, suddenly worried she had woken most of her patients up.
“No, its fine. It’s good to hear someone enjoying themselves.” Jack smiled genuinely, putting his boots on the floor so he could slip his feet into them.
“I just wanted to let you know I need to go into work for a couple of hours, in case he wakes up and asks for me.” Jack commented, looking slightly bashful now.
“Right you are, love.” The nurse nodded, smiling warmly at him.
“Also thank you for letting me sleep with him.” Jack added as he bent to tie his shoelaces.
“We keep the patients best interests at heart and if he’s going to sleep easier with you holding him then we won’t begrudge it.”
Jack looked up to find the young woman smiling again as he brought himself to his feet, shrugging on his greatcoat as he returned her smile.
“Before you go though Captain Harkness, someone was looking for you while you were asleep. A Gwen Cooper asked if you would call her when you woke up.” One of the other nurses piped up.
“Its Jack, and thanks. I’ll give her a call.” Jack smiled once more before he walked away from the nurses’ station towards the exit, glancing back over his shoulder, scared that Ianto would be stood in the corridor forlornly watching him go. He wasn’t though, and Jack almost felt a stab of disappointment at that.
On to Part 14