Torchwood Fic: Lynchpin (5/7)
Title: Lynchpin (5/7)
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: R/NC17
Warning: None
Spoilers: 1.04: Cyberwoman. Set after 2.09 but before series finale. Passing references to events throughout both series but nothing really that spoilery.
Summary: Torchwood Four want their lynchpin back. Just what has that got to do with Ianto Jones?
Beta: rakina
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - unfortunately
Links previous parts:
Chapter 1 - http://hel-bee.livejournal.com/21730.html#cutid1
Chapter 2 - http://hel-bee.livejournal.com/21983.html
Chapter 3 - http://hel-bee.livejournal.com/22206.html
Chapter 4 - http://hel-bee.livejournal.com/22346.html
Chapter Five
Snippet: Rationally, Jack knew he shouldn’t worry; Ianto had done this countless times. But Ianto hadn’t been a member of his team then, let alone his lover.
“This is perfect,” announced Henshaw as Jack showed him the autopsy bay. “My team can stand on the gantry and Ianto will be safe in the middle on the slab, with the good doctor on hand if he is needed.”
Jack could see why the room would be ideal. Torchwood Three would often stand around and watch Owen work, leaning over the banister or sitting on the stairs. If he was honest, Jack was a little concerned by Henshaw’s request for medical backup, but Ianto was a big boy and there was no way he was getting involved; he wasn’t willingly about to allow himself to become the victim of an aggrieved Welshman. He might be immortal, but dying still hurt and was a major inconvenience. “I want to be present.”
“I predicted you might,” said Henshaw coolly. “And as you have mentioned - several times -this is your domain. Who am I to stop you?”
Jack felt a hand brush past the small of his back; he looked around to see Ianto give him a gentle smile before trotting down the stairs to the slab. Quickly, but with great care, Ianto removed his suit jacket, waistcoat and tie, placing them safely to one side. He hopped up onto the slab and manoeuvred himself so he was sitting in the middle, cross-legged.
Owen was already down there and once Ianto’s shirt was unbuttoned he started attaching numerous monitoring devices to Ianto’s chest, much to Jack’s relief but his lover’s chagrin. Owen clapped Ianto on the back and grinned. “You’ll light up like a Christmas fairy if anything goes wrong now. Mind you, give you a fishing rod and you’d do a passable impression of a garden gnome sitting like that.”
Jacked missed Ianto’s sarcastic reply, he was far too busy watching Henshaw’s team take their places around the gantry of the autopsy bay. Rationally, Jack knew he shouldn’t worry; Ianto had done this countless times. But Ianto hadn’t been a member of his team then, let alone his lover.
“We’re ready when you are, Ianto,” called Henshaw.
Jack saw Owen squeeze Ianto’s shoulder and retreat back to the monitoring station. Their relationship had also changed while Jack had embarked on his tour of duty with the Doctor. Owen, although obviously still smarting over Ianto’s recent revelations, treated Ianto with all the care and consideration of an older sibling. And Ianto had slipped quite happily into the role of little brother.
“Let’s get this over with,” said Ianto determinedly. “Philip, you start and we will proceed clockwise around the circle.”
The atmosphere in the room changed immediately. Jack felt the hairs on the back of his neck tingle; he shivered as an unknown energy he’d never experienced before escaped from Henshaw, exciting the particles in the air and dancing over his exposed skin. Jack bit back a groan that threatened to escape at the strange, almost erotic sensation.
Ianto and Philip stared intently at each other, a silent conversation playing out between them. The air literally crackled around them, the lights of the bay flashing on and off as a rumble akin to thunder filled the air. Philip reached out to Ianto, his fingers splayed out in the younger man’s direction. Jack’s jaw dropped as a bolt of what could easily pass as lightning flew from Henshaw’s fingers and hit Ianto square in the chest. Unthinkingly, Jack stepped forward to intervene as Ianto gasped sharply, but Henshaw, still firing energy into Ianto, held his other hand up to stop him. Reluctantly, Jack withdrew.
To Jack’s left, Siobhan was now mirroring Henshaw’s actions. Ianto turned to her and nodded. This time Ianto didn’t gasp as the energy bolt struck him, instead an eerie calm settled across his features and he turned to the twins. They acted together; Jack thought they felt different to Henshaw and Siobhan, but he couldn’t describe it exactly. Their energy fizzled and popped; it had a jagged edge to it as it tore across the autopsy bay. Ianto jerked as it hit him, but clenched his teeth, breathed deeply and regained his composure in time for Maria - the one Jack had dubbed average - to add her energy to the mix.
Now there was only the new girl left. Jack thought she looked anxious but focused. She’d clearly been trained for this moment. But he knew himself that it was one thing training for something and another for it to be the real thing. Ianto, despite his evident discomfort, smiled at her. The kind of smile that Jack saw every time Ianto was trying to persuade him to do something he wasn’t sure Jack would comply with. Rosaline held out her hand, it shook visibly, her whole body taut with nervous excitement. Her energy was raw and wild. It pulsed irregularly as she tried to control it. She scrunched up her face, a picture of concentration and concern as she reached out to Ianto.
“You’re doing fine,” Ianto assured her. And Jack was impressed that there wasn’t even a tremor to his voice. “Just take your time - you’re nearly there.”
Ianto’s words had the desired effect and Rosaline managed to take control, pushing her energy smoothly from her body and connecting with Ianto.
Jack gripped the banister in front of him, his knuckles turning white, as he watched. Six beams of light now burned into Ianto, and Jack held his breath wondering what the hell would happen next. He was soon answered as Ianto all but screamed: “Now!”
Each of the six acted in the same way. Keeping the one hand that was feeding Ianto the energy in front of them, they extended their other arm, pointing to the circle member on their left. Ianto growled and threw back his own arms as he pushed his chest out, firing the energy he received back at the others. The light was bordering on blinding, and Jack tried to shield his eyes in a way that he could still see what was going on. The light flew from Ianto, crashing into the chests of the circle members. The energy careered through their torsos and shot out of their outstretched arms towards the person to their left until they were joined by a circle of power; like dancing electricity that burned and roared with such ferocity that Jack thought it could tear the Hub apart.
But then it quietened, reducing its volume to a hum, as it raced around and around the room linking each member of circle. Smoother, yet so powerful that Jack could taste it. For a moment he thought he recognised it, but the memory dissipated quickly as he realised exactly what Ianto was doing. He was a conduit, a guide so they could be as one. He was linking them together and was now acting as a positive feedback loop, letting each of their unique gifts bleed though him to the others. Ianto Jones was their lynchpin - there really was no better terminology for it. He made the circle; he allowed them to understand each other’s abilities; his role was to make the team whole and he would make sure they remained that way.
With a great flash the light disappeared. The six circle members stood panting heavily but grinning ear from ear. But Jack didn’t really care; his focus was Ianto who sat motionless for a moment then slumped backwards.
“Owen,” Jack called as he raced down the stairs, “how is he?”
The doctor’s jaw was slack and he was staring at his monitor in disbelief. “His blood pressure is so high that his head should have exploded, and his heart is beating so fast I’m amazed it’s still in his chest.”
“And yet I live,” drawled the Welsh voice. Jack whirled around to see Ianto sitting up, breathless, tired but outwardly none the worse for wear.
Owen pushed past Jack. “How?” he demanded of Ianto.
“How do you think?” replied Ianto cockily, starting to remove the electrodes from his chest.
Owen scowled. “You’re not totally human, are you?”
“And you’re not breathing, but I’m not holding it against you.”
“Ianto?” Jack said questioningly, looking at his lover with surprise.
“I told you, Jack, that my grandfather was a remarkable man.”
TBC
Chapter 6 - http://hel-bee.livejournal.com/22878.html
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: R/NC17
Warning: None
Spoilers: 1.04: Cyberwoman. Set after 2.09 but before series finale. Passing references to events throughout both series but nothing really that spoilery.
Summary: Torchwood Four want their lynchpin back. Just what has that got to do with Ianto Jones?
Beta: rakina
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - unfortunately
Links previous parts:
Chapter 1 - http://hel-bee.livejournal.com/21730.html#cutid1
Chapter 2 - http://hel-bee.livejournal.com/21983.html
Chapter 3 - http://hel-bee.livejournal.com/22206.html
Chapter 4 - http://hel-bee.livejournal.com/22346.html
Chapter Five
Snippet: Rationally, Jack knew he shouldn’t worry; Ianto had done this countless times. But Ianto hadn’t been a member of his team then, let alone his lover.
“This is perfect,” announced Henshaw as Jack showed him the autopsy bay. “My team can stand on the gantry and Ianto will be safe in the middle on the slab, with the good doctor on hand if he is needed.”
Jack could see why the room would be ideal. Torchwood Three would often stand around and watch Owen work, leaning over the banister or sitting on the stairs. If he was honest, Jack was a little concerned by Henshaw’s request for medical backup, but Ianto was a big boy and there was no way he was getting involved; he wasn’t willingly about to allow himself to become the victim of an aggrieved Welshman. He might be immortal, but dying still hurt and was a major inconvenience. “I want to be present.”
“I predicted you might,” said Henshaw coolly. “And as you have mentioned - several times -this is your domain. Who am I to stop you?”
Jack felt a hand brush past the small of his back; he looked around to see Ianto give him a gentle smile before trotting down the stairs to the slab. Quickly, but with great care, Ianto removed his suit jacket, waistcoat and tie, placing them safely to one side. He hopped up onto the slab and manoeuvred himself so he was sitting in the middle, cross-legged.
Owen was already down there and once Ianto’s shirt was unbuttoned he started attaching numerous monitoring devices to Ianto’s chest, much to Jack’s relief but his lover’s chagrin. Owen clapped Ianto on the back and grinned. “You’ll light up like a Christmas fairy if anything goes wrong now. Mind you, give you a fishing rod and you’d do a passable impression of a garden gnome sitting like that.”
Jacked missed Ianto’s sarcastic reply, he was far too busy watching Henshaw’s team take their places around the gantry of the autopsy bay. Rationally, Jack knew he shouldn’t worry; Ianto had done this countless times. But Ianto hadn’t been a member of his team then, let alone his lover.
“We’re ready when you are, Ianto,” called Henshaw.
Jack saw Owen squeeze Ianto’s shoulder and retreat back to the monitoring station. Their relationship had also changed while Jack had embarked on his tour of duty with the Doctor. Owen, although obviously still smarting over Ianto’s recent revelations, treated Ianto with all the care and consideration of an older sibling. And Ianto had slipped quite happily into the role of little brother.
“Let’s get this over with,” said Ianto determinedly. “Philip, you start and we will proceed clockwise around the circle.”
The atmosphere in the room changed immediately. Jack felt the hairs on the back of his neck tingle; he shivered as an unknown energy he’d never experienced before escaped from Henshaw, exciting the particles in the air and dancing over his exposed skin. Jack bit back a groan that threatened to escape at the strange, almost erotic sensation.
Ianto and Philip stared intently at each other, a silent conversation playing out between them. The air literally crackled around them, the lights of the bay flashing on and off as a rumble akin to thunder filled the air. Philip reached out to Ianto, his fingers splayed out in the younger man’s direction. Jack’s jaw dropped as a bolt of what could easily pass as lightning flew from Henshaw’s fingers and hit Ianto square in the chest. Unthinkingly, Jack stepped forward to intervene as Ianto gasped sharply, but Henshaw, still firing energy into Ianto, held his other hand up to stop him. Reluctantly, Jack withdrew.
To Jack’s left, Siobhan was now mirroring Henshaw’s actions. Ianto turned to her and nodded. This time Ianto didn’t gasp as the energy bolt struck him, instead an eerie calm settled across his features and he turned to the twins. They acted together; Jack thought they felt different to Henshaw and Siobhan, but he couldn’t describe it exactly. Their energy fizzled and popped; it had a jagged edge to it as it tore across the autopsy bay. Ianto jerked as it hit him, but clenched his teeth, breathed deeply and regained his composure in time for Maria - the one Jack had dubbed average - to add her energy to the mix.
Now there was only the new girl left. Jack thought she looked anxious but focused. She’d clearly been trained for this moment. But he knew himself that it was one thing training for something and another for it to be the real thing. Ianto, despite his evident discomfort, smiled at her. The kind of smile that Jack saw every time Ianto was trying to persuade him to do something he wasn’t sure Jack would comply with. Rosaline held out her hand, it shook visibly, her whole body taut with nervous excitement. Her energy was raw and wild. It pulsed irregularly as she tried to control it. She scrunched up her face, a picture of concentration and concern as she reached out to Ianto.
“You’re doing fine,” Ianto assured her. And Jack was impressed that there wasn’t even a tremor to his voice. “Just take your time - you’re nearly there.”
Ianto’s words had the desired effect and Rosaline managed to take control, pushing her energy smoothly from her body and connecting with Ianto.
Jack gripped the banister in front of him, his knuckles turning white, as he watched. Six beams of light now burned into Ianto, and Jack held his breath wondering what the hell would happen next. He was soon answered as Ianto all but screamed: “Now!”
Each of the six acted in the same way. Keeping the one hand that was feeding Ianto the energy in front of them, they extended their other arm, pointing to the circle member on their left. Ianto growled and threw back his own arms as he pushed his chest out, firing the energy he received back at the others. The light was bordering on blinding, and Jack tried to shield his eyes in a way that he could still see what was going on. The light flew from Ianto, crashing into the chests of the circle members. The energy careered through their torsos and shot out of their outstretched arms towards the person to their left until they were joined by a circle of power; like dancing electricity that burned and roared with such ferocity that Jack thought it could tear the Hub apart.
But then it quietened, reducing its volume to a hum, as it raced around and around the room linking each member of circle. Smoother, yet so powerful that Jack could taste it. For a moment he thought he recognised it, but the memory dissipated quickly as he realised exactly what Ianto was doing. He was a conduit, a guide so they could be as one. He was linking them together and was now acting as a positive feedback loop, letting each of their unique gifts bleed though him to the others. Ianto Jones was their lynchpin - there really was no better terminology for it. He made the circle; he allowed them to understand each other’s abilities; his role was to make the team whole and he would make sure they remained that way.
With a great flash the light disappeared. The six circle members stood panting heavily but grinning ear from ear. But Jack didn’t really care; his focus was Ianto who sat motionless for a moment then slumped backwards.
“Owen,” Jack called as he raced down the stairs, “how is he?”
The doctor’s jaw was slack and he was staring at his monitor in disbelief. “His blood pressure is so high that his head should have exploded, and his heart is beating so fast I’m amazed it’s still in his chest.”
“And yet I live,” drawled the Welsh voice. Jack whirled around to see Ianto sitting up, breathless, tired but outwardly none the worse for wear.
Owen pushed past Jack. “How?” he demanded of Ianto.
“How do you think?” replied Ianto cockily, starting to remove the electrodes from his chest.
Owen scowled. “You’re not totally human, are you?”
“And you’re not breathing, but I’m not holding it against you.”
“Ianto?” Jack said questioningly, looking at his lover with surprise.
“I told you, Jack, that my grandfather was a remarkable man.”
TBC
Chapter 6 - http://hel-bee.livejournal.com/22878.html