The Storms of Change Chapter Nineteen
Summary: There comes a time in every Sentinel’s life when their immortality is revealed. When 21st Century Earth is the epicenter of the change that will decide the survival of the human race, what kind of consequences affect those who are preparing for the change as this immortality is revealed amongst one of their own? Is Torchwood really ready?
Title: All That's Left Are Memories
Words: 850
"So you're saying we willingly retconned ourselves?" Owen asked for the fifth time in as many moments.
"That is exactly what he's saying so stop bloody asking!" Gwen flipped on him, throwing a pen at his head.
"How come you remember then?" Owen asked taking shelter behind Tosh's monitors. It was a good defence as Tosh would kill anyone who messed with her computers.
"I don't, I only know the facts." Ianto told them. "I know an alien infiltrated us, but I don't know who or what. I know that it survived by implanting itself into our memories but I don't know what those memories are. Do you get it?"
"What else do you know?" Gwen asked.
Ianto shrugged, "Nothing really. Torchwood was Torchwood."
He headed up to the tourist office. It had been a while since he'd been up there and he needed to be away from the team for a little while. He needed some time to himself, the head ach he had was still going strong and Owen's insistent questioning wasn't helping.
Jack followed him up, spun him around and kissed him softly.
"Mmm, what was that for?" Ianto asked.
Jack smiled, "For being you."
For the rest of the day they chased several weevils around Cardiff but otherwise had a quiet day. They stayed at Ianto's that night and Ianto told him all he knew about what had happened. Jack was amused at learning that Owen wore glasses and was hopefully in love with Tosh but he'd been angry to learn that the alien had taken advantage of her. He was consolidated by the fact that he got to destroy the thing.
"What is it?" Jack asked, sensing that there was something Ianto was hesitating in speaking about.
Ianto wasn't sure if he should tell Jack at the moment but he also knew that no matter what this would bring up some painful stuff in Jack's past. He didn't want to cause Jack any pain.
"All I know is that it tormented you with memories of your childhood. It had you in tears," He buried his face in Jack's chest, "I wish I could help you Jack."
"I know," Jack said softly. "I know."
X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.
"You are adorable," Ianto heard Jack say behind him as he cooked them their breakfast.
He quirked an eyebrow and glanced back at Jack, giving him a once over. Jack was watching him, leaning against the table and he was posing so that it shoed of his glorious naked body.
"And you're just a show off," He quipped turning back to the food.
Jack chuckled behind him and Ianto could hear him poking around the apartment again. Jack had a fascination with looking around as he always found something he never would have expected Ianto to own. They were usually things that Ianto had picked up over the years, trinkets from different decades and suck. They brought back memories for Jack too.
He divided up the food, placed it on the table and looked around for Jack. The man was standing in front of a ledge where he had a variety of photos propped up. He was looking at a particular one, holding the intricate and distinctive frame in his hand.
"I was wondering when you'd discover that."
Jack turned to him, and unreadable expression on his face, "I'm not sure I understand."
"Come and eat and I'll explain." Ianto directed. "I actually thought you'd find that earlier, the frame is odd enough not to mention the content."
"This is the version I traveled with," Jack said as he sat down.
"The version dad traveled with as well, though it didn't start out that way. He met the previous incarnation and well, wanted to see dinosaurs and The Doctor ended up getting bit."
Jack nodded, staring at the photo, "When was this taken?"
"Just after I was born. Dad wanted something to remember that day and mum kept it safe for him. You see, my dad had no logical explanation for returning home with a child that didn't even have the proper papers and he would have to lie to his family about everything. Being adopted was the best option and to make things easier on my father The Doctor blocked his memories and infused the TARDIS key with the power that would bring them back."
"You look adorable," Jack said softly, "Who's this third man?"
"Dad's boyfriend at the time. He was a Time Lord named Zan and died in the War."
Jack nodded and finished up his meal in silence. "All I have left of him is my memories, but I don't think I ever saw this kind of smile on his face when we were together. There was always a deep rooted sadness to everything he did but here…"
"It was before the Last War." Ianto concluded, gathering their dishes. "Being all alone changes a person."
Jack got up and followed him into the kitchen and pulled him into a hug, kissing the top of his head. "We're not alone now."
Chapter Twenty
Sentinels Guide