FIC: Everyone Deserves the Chance to Fly (10/?)
Name: Everyone Deserves the Chance to Fly
Rating: R
Pairings/Characters: Jack/Ianto, Spike/Buffy, Willow/Tosh, Xander/Anya, Martha, Owen, Faith, Angel, The Doctor, Mickey, PC Andy/Libby(OC) and other OCs who I can’t name without spoilers for the fic! And one other pairing that will probably make you lot want to lynch me.
Summary: Latest story in the Magic and Mayhem series. Two months after the mysterious disappearances of Willow, Xander and Martha and the death of a member of the team, the gang are still reeling when someone unexpected appears from the TARDIS and darkness descends on the team when they find out about their friend...
Spoilers: Oh, everything from Torchwood and Doctor Who and the first six seasons of Buffy. Just ... everything, alright?
Chapter: Ten: Moving On.
Master List Can be Found Here.
Beta/Punching Bag/Ass-Kicker:
Disclaimer: I don’t own Torchwood, Doctor Who or Buffy or Angel or anything like that. So, yeah, just ... not mine. But I do own Libby! And I kinda own this completely cracked storyline that’s developing a life of its own and I’m becoming way too attached to.
Author’s Note: I apologise if this starts off a bit Buffy-centric. It’s necessary, I think. It’ll become more Janto-y in later chapters. Tosh (and Willow by association) also have a big part in this fic. But bear with me because this is the darkest most angsty thing I’ve ever written. And if you like certain pairings (Xander/Anya, Spike/Buffy, Willow/Tosh) you’ll be yelling “FIX IT!” within a few chapters. Forgive me, it won’t be fixed that soon. And some won’t be fixed at all... [Jen - She’s not kidding ya know!]
I'm not even gonna come out with an excuse for the delay between chapters this time. I'm just going to say I'm very, very sorry.
Chapters: Ch.1 Ch.2 Ch.3 Ch.4 Ch.5 Ch.6 Ch.7 Ch.8 Ch.9
Chapter 10
Moving on
Sunday December 22nd
15:45
It was cold. The room was white, sterile and it felt like she’d been there an eternity. Maybe she had. She’d lost track of time long ago. It didn’t help she spent most of the time asleep and time had no meaning in dreams. Dreams of home and love and the person she loved most and the people she loved most.
She didn’t know what they wanted, what they needed from her, why she was here, being experimented on. She didn’t know if there was anyone else around beyond the doctors (if you could call them that) and nurses (yeah, right) in the room.
Were there other ‘patients’?
She didn’t know.
All she knew was that she’d never felt so alone in her life.
15:49
It was dark. The flat hadn’t felt like a home for a long time but it did now, because she was there again and Tosh knew she was dreaming. Willow was stood in her living room, watching her, a sad smile on her face.
“I’m dreaming and you’re not real,” Tosh said, closing her eyes and pressing the heels of her hands to her eyelids. “And this is just making things worse.” She dropped onto the sofa, elbows on her knees.
Small, soft hands surrounded Tosh’s and pulled her hands away from her eyes. “Tosh, I’m real.”
“You’re not. You can’t be. You’ve been gone so long. And I’m dreaming.” Tosh shivered as Willow brushed her fringe from her face.
“You grew your hair,” Willow said, softly. “It suits you.”
Tosh stood up and walked away. Willow sighed and followed. “If you’re real ... why are you ... how are you ...” Tosh stopped. “Where are you?”
“I don't know. Do you believe I’m real now?” Tosh shook her head. “Tomorrow. Or later. I don't know. When you see Xander. Ask him about the ‘We Hate Cordelia’ club we formed when we were kids.” She smiled softly at Tosh. “I never told you about that. You probably don't even know who Cordelia is, but he’ll know. And it’ll prove I’m real.”
“Or that I ... I know things. We had mental connection through our magic.”
“Would you remember such details as Xander being treasurer?” Willow laughed, gently, then shuddered, her knees buckling beneath her as she fell forward towards the carpet.
Real or not, Tosh couldn’t let her fall. She was there, before her, within seconds, catching her before she could hit the ground. “Willow, baby, what’s wrong?” she asked, the words coming out as a half-whimper.
“It hurts,” Willow said. “I don't know where I am or ...” She coughed loudly. “I think I’m dying, Tosh.”
15:59
Tosh woke up with a start. She tried to sit up but realised there was a pair of arms around her. She inhaled, but the perfume smelt wrong. She recognised it as Libby. She remembered; Libby had stayed. She’d actually slept well. Thanks to Libby.
She didn’t try to stand up again. Libby was asleep; her breathing deep and even. So Tosh just lay there, closed her eyes and tried to go back to sleep.
17:39
In all of Jack’s long, long life, he’d never, ever imagined being here, sat on a wicker chair in a child’s room in the TARDIS, Gwen sat on the edge of a child’s bed, stroking his son’s hair, Ianto sat next to him, his hand on Jack’s for comfort.
It wasn’t ideal, but at least his family were all alive again and maybe, one day, they could all play happy families.
Even if that would have to include Gwen as an auntie.
He let out a sigh and Ianto squeezed his hand. “It’ll be okay, Jack,” he said, softly.
Gwen walked across the room, pausing by the two wicker chairs together. “I’ll leave you three alone,” she said.
Jack nodded and smiled gently. “Thanks, Gwen.”
“Martha and the Doctor they’re ... down the corridor, up the stairs, third room on the ... right?”
He nodded. “Yep.”
Gwen shot both of them a smile and left the room, shutting the door with a click behind her. Jack turned to Ianto and sighed, squeezing his hand. “What do you think?” he asked, softly.
“Of?” Ianto enquired.
“Our son,” Jack replied.
“I think he’s perfect.” Ianto smiled. “Like his father.”
“Bit egotistical there, Ianto,” Jack said, with a smirk.
“I meant you,” Ianto retorted, rolling his eyes.
Their smiles faded as they watched Cole sleeping. “It’s all such a mess at the moment,” Jack said. “Cole doesn’t know who we are but knows Gwen ... Gwen of all people ... and we still don't know where Willow is. Do you think she’s dead?”
“Yes.” Jack answered a little too quickly. Ianto flinched.
“God ...” Ianto stood up, walking over to stand over Cole. “She’d love Cole.”
Jack chuckled. “Yeah.” He stood up too and joined Ianto. “How do we tell them?”
“We don't. Not until tomorrow. Tomorrow morning. You mean about Cole, right?”
Jack nodded.
“Tomorrow. We tell them tomorrow and ... and ... Oh! Libby. We should tell her and Buffy first then the rest after because we shouldn’t tell them all at once ... Can you imagine?” He shuddered. “And Gwen should be there because he trusts her and ... and ... I should call Libby. We should tell her tonight.” He pulled out his phone and dialled. After a minute he hung up. “She’s not answering.”
“I’m sure she’s fine. Buffy told me she sent her after Tosh. She’s probably comforting her.”
“Four hours later?”
“You know women.”
18:01
She’d been sat on the floor in the bathroom, shaking and sobbing silently for hours. She couldn’t bring herself to move. Because if she moved she’d also have to move on and she didn’t want to. She didn’t. She couldn’t.
“Buffy, love, pet, come on out,” Spike begged from the other side of the door. “You’re scaring me.”
Buffy whimpered and pushed herself up from the floor, her sleeves dangling over her hands, she reached up and wiped her tearstained face with them as she unbolted the bathroom door, opened it, walked past Spike and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Spike watched her go then followed, crawling onto the bed behind her and wrapping his arms around her shoulders, pulling her against him as he lay down so that they were lying down together. “Tell me what happened,” he whispered.
She rolled over, pulling him with her to spoon behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist. “She’s gone and now I have to accept it and move on.”
Spike pulled her in closer and buried his nose in her hair. “I’m sorry pet,” he said, softly.
“You shouldn’t be,” Buffy replied. “You should hate me. Hurt me. Hit me. Something.”
“Why?”
“I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
“It’s okay,” he grunted.
“No, it’s unacceptable. I’ll understand if you want to leave me.” She felt the bed move around her and for a heart-stopping moment she thought he was going to leave on the spot, something that would surely kill her fully inside, but instead he propped himself up on his elbow, his face hovering above hers. She didn’t move, just lay there, heart pounding loudly.
“I won’t leave you,” Spike whispered, planting a small kiss on her temple. “I love you and I know you love me no matter what you ever do.”
Buffy reached her arm up without moving her body and wrapped it around his head, running her fingers through his peroxide-blonde hair. “I do love you. I’m yours; no one else’s. Never again.”
“You’ll never be completely mine,” he said, sadly. “You’re marked.”
“Marked?” She tried to move now, but he held her down gently. “What do you mean? Owen never ...”
His fingers ghosted over the scar on her neck. “Not Owen. He marked you; Angel. You’ll always be his.”
Buffy turned around and kissed him. “I’m sorry,” she whispered when she pulled back.
He shrugged and lay on his back, putting his arm around her and pulling her against his side. “It’s okay. There’s nothing you can do about it, pet.”
Buffy sighed, snuggled against him and closed her eyes, wishing there were.
Monday December 23rd
09:48
“I have been trying to reach you all night!” Ianto exploded as Libby walked through the cog door.
“Geez, Yan, chill,” Libby said, putting down her bag and holding up her hands defensively. “What the hell is wrong? You look like you’ve sat on a hedgehog.”
“I’ve had one of those nights,” Ianto said, running a hand through his hair as he walked over to her. “Jack and I need to see you and Buffy in the TARDIS and ... and where were you?”
“What?” Libby asked, blankly.
“Last night. Where were you?”
“With Tosh.”
“All night?!”
“Yes, Yan. All night.” Libby flicked the switch to load up her computer and wiggled the mouse.
“What were you doing there all night? She’s grieving, Libby. Her lover is most likely dead and ...”
Libby rounded on him. “What the hell do you think I was doing? I slept by her side. Fully clothed with my arms around her because she can’t sleep anymore!” She took a deep breath and moved her neck to crack it. “Her bed is very uncomfortable.” She sighed. “Anyway, I wouldn't do that. And I’m seeing someone.” She walked away from her desk and towards the TARDIS.
Ianto stared after her. “Since when?!”
When Libby didn’t reply, Ianto turned to Jack, who was in his office and who nodded, then looked at Buffy, who was sat at her desk, fingers idly stroking the scar on her neck. “Buffy?” No response. “Buffy?!”
She looked up. “Huh? Yes? Ianto, what is it?”
“Jack and I would like to see you and Libby in the TARDIS.” Buffy looked at him blankly. “Now.”
“Ohh. Okay.” She stood up, still fingering her scar. “Lead on.”
Ianto looked at Jack in his office and silently conveyed what was happening. Jack stood up and walked out to join them. “Let’s go,” he said.
The three of them walked into the TARDIS in which Libby was stood already, leaning against the console chatting - or was she flirting? Ianto couldn’t tell anymore - idly with the Doctor.
Buffy walked over to stand beside Libby and Jack looked at Ianto. “Ready?” he asked.
“Ready,” Ianto replied. “Girls.” He looked at the two of them. “We have something to tell you.”
Next: Chapter 11
Rating: R
Pairings/Characters: Jack/Ianto, Spike/Buffy, Willow/Tosh, Xander/Anya, Martha, Owen, Faith, Angel, The Doctor, Mickey, PC Andy/Libby(OC) and other OCs who I can’t name without spoilers for the fic! And one other pairing that will probably make you lot want to lynch me.
Summary: Latest story in the Magic and Mayhem series. Two months after the mysterious disappearances of Willow, Xander and Martha and the death of a member of the team, the gang are still reeling when someone unexpected appears from the TARDIS and darkness descends on the team when they find out about their friend...
Spoilers: Oh, everything from Torchwood and Doctor Who and the first six seasons of Buffy. Just ... everything, alright?
Chapter: Ten: Moving On.
Master List Can be Found Here.
Beta/Punching Bag/Ass-Kicker:
Disclaimer: I don’t own Torchwood, Doctor Who or Buffy or Angel or anything like that. So, yeah, just ... not mine. But I do own Libby! And I kinda own this completely cracked storyline that’s developing a life of its own and I’m becoming way too attached to.
Author’s Note: I apologise if this starts off a bit Buffy-centric. It’s necessary, I think. It’ll become more Janto-y in later chapters. Tosh (and Willow by association) also have a big part in this fic. But bear with me because this is the darkest most angsty thing I’ve ever written. And if you like certain pairings (Xander/Anya, Spike/Buffy, Willow/Tosh) you’ll be yelling “FIX IT!” within a few chapters. Forgive me, it won’t be fixed that soon. And some won’t be fixed at all... [Jen - She’s not kidding ya know!]
I'm not even gonna come out with an excuse for the delay between chapters this time. I'm just going to say I'm very, very sorry.
Chapters: Ch.1 Ch.2 Ch.3 Ch.4 Ch.5 Ch.6 Ch.7 Ch.8 Ch.9
Chapter 10
Moving on
Sunday December 22nd
15:45
It was cold. The room was white, sterile and it felt like she’d been there an eternity. Maybe she had. She’d lost track of time long ago. It didn’t help she spent most of the time asleep and time had no meaning in dreams. Dreams of home and love and the person she loved most and the people she loved most.
She didn’t know what they wanted, what they needed from her, why she was here, being experimented on. She didn’t know if there was anyone else around beyond the doctors (if you could call them that) and nurses (yeah, right) in the room.
Were there other ‘patients’?
She didn’t know.
All she knew was that she’d never felt so alone in her life.
15:49
It was dark. The flat hadn’t felt like a home for a long time but it did now, because she was there again and Tosh knew she was dreaming. Willow was stood in her living room, watching her, a sad smile on her face.
“I’m dreaming and you’re not real,” Tosh said, closing her eyes and pressing the heels of her hands to her eyelids. “And this is just making things worse.” She dropped onto the sofa, elbows on her knees.
Small, soft hands surrounded Tosh’s and pulled her hands away from her eyes. “Tosh, I’m real.”
“You’re not. You can’t be. You’ve been gone so long. And I’m dreaming.” Tosh shivered as Willow brushed her fringe from her face.
“You grew your hair,” Willow said, softly. “It suits you.”
Tosh stood up and walked away. Willow sighed and followed. “If you’re real ... why are you ... how are you ...” Tosh stopped. “Where are you?”
“I don't know. Do you believe I’m real now?” Tosh shook her head. “Tomorrow. Or later. I don't know. When you see Xander. Ask him about the ‘We Hate Cordelia’ club we formed when we were kids.” She smiled softly at Tosh. “I never told you about that. You probably don't even know who Cordelia is, but he’ll know. And it’ll prove I’m real.”
“Or that I ... I know things. We had mental connection through our magic.”
“Would you remember such details as Xander being treasurer?” Willow laughed, gently, then shuddered, her knees buckling beneath her as she fell forward towards the carpet.
Real or not, Tosh couldn’t let her fall. She was there, before her, within seconds, catching her before she could hit the ground. “Willow, baby, what’s wrong?” she asked, the words coming out as a half-whimper.
“It hurts,” Willow said. “I don't know where I am or ...” She coughed loudly. “I think I’m dying, Tosh.”
15:59
Tosh woke up with a start. She tried to sit up but realised there was a pair of arms around her. She inhaled, but the perfume smelt wrong. She recognised it as Libby. She remembered; Libby had stayed. She’d actually slept well. Thanks to Libby.
She didn’t try to stand up again. Libby was asleep; her breathing deep and even. So Tosh just lay there, closed her eyes and tried to go back to sleep.
17:39
In all of Jack’s long, long life, he’d never, ever imagined being here, sat on a wicker chair in a child’s room in the TARDIS, Gwen sat on the edge of a child’s bed, stroking his son’s hair, Ianto sat next to him, his hand on Jack’s for comfort.
It wasn’t ideal, but at least his family were all alive again and maybe, one day, they could all play happy families.
Even if that would have to include Gwen as an auntie.
He let out a sigh and Ianto squeezed his hand. “It’ll be okay, Jack,” he said, softly.
Gwen walked across the room, pausing by the two wicker chairs together. “I’ll leave you three alone,” she said.
Jack nodded and smiled gently. “Thanks, Gwen.”
“Martha and the Doctor they’re ... down the corridor, up the stairs, third room on the ... right?”
He nodded. “Yep.”
Gwen shot both of them a smile and left the room, shutting the door with a click behind her. Jack turned to Ianto and sighed, squeezing his hand. “What do you think?” he asked, softly.
“Of?” Ianto enquired.
“Our son,” Jack replied.
“I think he’s perfect.” Ianto smiled. “Like his father.”
“Bit egotistical there, Ianto,” Jack said, with a smirk.
“I meant you,” Ianto retorted, rolling his eyes.
Their smiles faded as they watched Cole sleeping. “It’s all such a mess at the moment,” Jack said. “Cole doesn’t know who we are but knows Gwen ... Gwen of all people ... and we still don't know where Willow is. Do you think she’s dead?”
“Yes.” Jack answered a little too quickly. Ianto flinched.
“God ...” Ianto stood up, walking over to stand over Cole. “She’d love Cole.”
Jack chuckled. “Yeah.” He stood up too and joined Ianto. “How do we tell them?”
“We don't. Not until tomorrow. Tomorrow morning. You mean about Cole, right?”
Jack nodded.
“Tomorrow. We tell them tomorrow and ... and ... Oh! Libby. We should tell her and Buffy first then the rest after because we shouldn’t tell them all at once ... Can you imagine?” He shuddered. “And Gwen should be there because he trusts her and ... and ... I should call Libby. We should tell her tonight.” He pulled out his phone and dialled. After a minute he hung up. “She’s not answering.”
“I’m sure she’s fine. Buffy told me she sent her after Tosh. She’s probably comforting her.”
“Four hours later?”
“You know women.”
18:01
She’d been sat on the floor in the bathroom, shaking and sobbing silently for hours. She couldn’t bring herself to move. Because if she moved she’d also have to move on and she didn’t want to. She didn’t. She couldn’t.
“Buffy, love, pet, come on out,” Spike begged from the other side of the door. “You’re scaring me.”
Buffy whimpered and pushed herself up from the floor, her sleeves dangling over her hands, she reached up and wiped her tearstained face with them as she unbolted the bathroom door, opened it, walked past Spike and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Spike watched her go then followed, crawling onto the bed behind her and wrapping his arms around her shoulders, pulling her against him as he lay down so that they were lying down together. “Tell me what happened,” he whispered.
She rolled over, pulling him with her to spoon behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist. “She’s gone and now I have to accept it and move on.”
Spike pulled her in closer and buried his nose in her hair. “I’m sorry pet,” he said, softly.
“You shouldn’t be,” Buffy replied. “You should hate me. Hurt me. Hit me. Something.”
“Why?”
“I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
“It’s okay,” he grunted.
“No, it’s unacceptable. I’ll understand if you want to leave me.” She felt the bed move around her and for a heart-stopping moment she thought he was going to leave on the spot, something that would surely kill her fully inside, but instead he propped himself up on his elbow, his face hovering above hers. She didn’t move, just lay there, heart pounding loudly.
“I won’t leave you,” Spike whispered, planting a small kiss on her temple. “I love you and I know you love me no matter what you ever do.”
Buffy reached her arm up without moving her body and wrapped it around his head, running her fingers through his peroxide-blonde hair. “I do love you. I’m yours; no one else’s. Never again.”
“You’ll never be completely mine,” he said, sadly. “You’re marked.”
“Marked?” She tried to move now, but he held her down gently. “What do you mean? Owen never ...”
His fingers ghosted over the scar on her neck. “Not Owen. He marked you; Angel. You’ll always be his.”
Buffy turned around and kissed him. “I’m sorry,” she whispered when she pulled back.
He shrugged and lay on his back, putting his arm around her and pulling her against his side. “It’s okay. There’s nothing you can do about it, pet.”
Buffy sighed, snuggled against him and closed her eyes, wishing there were.
Monday December 23rd
09:48
“I have been trying to reach you all night!” Ianto exploded as Libby walked through the cog door.
“Geez, Yan, chill,” Libby said, putting down her bag and holding up her hands defensively. “What the hell is wrong? You look like you’ve sat on a hedgehog.”
“I’ve had one of those nights,” Ianto said, running a hand through his hair as he walked over to her. “Jack and I need to see you and Buffy in the TARDIS and ... and where were you?”
“What?” Libby asked, blankly.
“Last night. Where were you?”
“With Tosh.”
“All night?!”
“Yes, Yan. All night.” Libby flicked the switch to load up her computer and wiggled the mouse.
“What were you doing there all night? She’s grieving, Libby. Her lover is most likely dead and ...”
Libby rounded on him. “What the hell do you think I was doing? I slept by her side. Fully clothed with my arms around her because she can’t sleep anymore!” She took a deep breath and moved her neck to crack it. “Her bed is very uncomfortable.” She sighed. “Anyway, I wouldn't do that. And I’m seeing someone.” She walked away from her desk and towards the TARDIS.
Ianto stared after her. “Since when?!”
When Libby didn’t reply, Ianto turned to Jack, who was in his office and who nodded, then looked at Buffy, who was sat at her desk, fingers idly stroking the scar on her neck. “Buffy?” No response. “Buffy?!”
She looked up. “Huh? Yes? Ianto, what is it?”
“Jack and I would like to see you and Libby in the TARDIS.” Buffy looked at him blankly. “Now.”
“Ohh. Okay.” She stood up, still fingering her scar. “Lead on.”
Ianto looked at Jack in his office and silently conveyed what was happening. Jack stood up and walked out to join them. “Let’s go,” he said.
The three of them walked into the TARDIS in which Libby was stood already, leaning against the console chatting - or was she flirting? Ianto couldn’t tell anymore - idly with the Doctor.
Buffy walked over to stand beside Libby and Jack looked at Ianto. “Ready?” he asked.
“Ready,” Ianto replied. “Girls.” He looked at the two of them. “We have something to tell you.”
Next: Chapter 11