szm
in
tw_flashfic
It Didn't Start Like This - by szm
Title: It Didn't Start Like This
Author: szm
Rating: G
Spoiler: does Boomtown count?
Summary: Alternate Lives challenge
A/N: There is possibly a sequel in the works for this... possibly...
It was an argument about everything and nothing.
She never thought things through. He never did anything without a three page itinerary. She never descaled her kettle. He picked her up on never descaling her kettle. She was nosey. He never told her anything.
And on and on.
In the end Ianto walked out of Lisa’s flat. “I love you, you stupid Welsh idiot!” she shouted after him.
“I don’t think it’s enough,” he shouted back.
The next day Ianto stared at his computer screen, thinking about the events of the night before. He’d said some things that maybe he shouldn’t have said. He loved Lisa, so much sometimes he thought his chest might burst from the pressure, so they argued, everyone argued, they loved each other and that was the important thing. Ianto would just have to work harder. He took on final look at his monitor inwardly wincing at the tiny amount of work he’d managed to get done that morning. Nothing urgent was flashing so he closed down the desktop and went to find Lisa.
Maybe they could go camping, Lisa liked that.
**
Meanwhile, five universes down from that one…
He took on final look at his monitor inwardly wincing at the tiny amount of work he’d managed to get done that morning, there was an e-mail notification flashing in the top corner, Ianto being unable to leave something undone clicked on it.
To: IaJonesResearchDept@Torchwood.co.uk
From: SCostelloCardiff@Torchwood.co.uk
Subject: Question for You.
Hello Ianto,
I don’t know if you remember but we talked a few months back, you helped me research that alien glove we found. Thank you again for all your help.
I’ve encrypted this message so hopefully only you can read it, I’m not supposed to approach you like this it’s against Torchwood policy but what the hell.
I need a second in command here in Cardiff, I’m not going to lie it’s mostly an administrative post but technically you’d only answer to me. London has said I can have someone but I don’t want whatever reject they chose to send me. The last one was nearly weevil food and had to be retconed to within an inch of his life.
You impressed me with your work on the glove so I’m going to ask for you. If you want the job ask your supervisor about it. Between us we should be able to manage it!
It’s a rise in pay for you, nothing extravagant though. I’ve attached details.
Hopefully see you soon,
Suzie.
Ianto hit the reply button, maybe this was what he and Lisa needed; just some space.
**
After a month in Cardiff Ianto was pretty much doing 95% of the paperwork and all the archiving. Suzie didn't even know the combination to the secure vault, which was a good thing because that alien glove turned out to be more than a little bit addictive. Apart from that minor blip, he liked working here. It wasn't London, but surprisingly, that was fine. Suzie made a great boss, Tosh was nice although Ianto didn't know her that well. Owen was prickly at first, and still seemed to resent that Ianto wasn't a field agent, but he was at least smart enough not to mess too much with the man who signed his expense claims.
Ianto spread the printouts across the conference room table. The numbers wouldn't add up, no matter what he did. It was really starting to bother him.
“The others went home ages ago. Are you done?” asked Suzie from the doorway.
“Nearly, ma’am. I just want to check this against…”
“Oh no,” interrupted Suzie. “Obsession is a dangerous thing, I should know. I’m kicking you out, Jones.”
Ianto looked at the table covered in paper and the two empty coffee mugs.
Suzie sighed. “Okay I’ll help you tidy up first.”
They tidied up and locked down the hub. Walking to their cars Suzie asked, “What’s so fascinating about the Blaidd Drwg nuclear plant anyway.”
“It’s mad,” replied Ianto. “Who builds a nuclear plant in a major population centre? Plus all the accidents. And the maths doesn’t work.”
“I don’t want to question your maths skills,” said Suzie with a smile as she stopped by her car. “But maybe you’re just wrong, I mean, someone in London must have checked this out.”
Ianto snorted. “As a Welshman who worked in London, I have a slightly jaded view on how much anyone would care.”
Suzie chuckled. “Look, take the day off tomorrow, go and see the Lord Mayor, if you can’t find anything you drop it. Okay?”
“Margaret Blaine’s not going to speak to me,” frowned Ianto.
“Not you, but she’ll talk to Torchwood.” Suzie held out her hand. “Deal?”
Ianto shook it. “Deal, ma’am.”
Suzie rolled her eyes as Ianto walked towards his own car. “If only it was that easy to get you to call me Suzie. Night Jones.”
“Goodnight, ma’am,” Ianto called back.
**
When Ianto got home the light on the anwserphone was blinking showing two new messages. He dropped his keys into the bowl next to the machine; he listened as he hung up his coat and scarf.
The scratchy machine voice said, “Message received at 1934 hours.”
“Ianto. It’s Lisa. Look if you manage to get away from work before midnight call me back, I need to talk to you. Please, Yan, it’s important. Love you.”
Ianto glanced at his watch as he undid it. Just after one, he noted as he placed it in he bowl with the keys. Too late now.
“Message received at 0052 hours,” continued the machine.
“Dammit, Ianto, why do you never make anything easy!” Lisa sounded as if she’d been crying. “I don’t want to do this any more Ianto, I can’t. It’s too hard, with me here and you there. You’re at work all the time and we never talk. I’m breaking up with your machine because I can’t get hold of you. Ianto… I’m so sorry, I do love you. Maybe you were right, maybe that’s not enough. I… Ianto, just… call me tomorrow. Please.”
Ianto stood staring at the machine frozen to the spot. It wasn’t unexpected just… It wasn’t that long since she called, less than ten minutes, he could call her back now.
And say what? Nothing she'd said was wrong, he couldn’t argue with any of it. He'd always thought he couldn’t live without Lisa, but here he was managing just fine. He’d ring her tomorrow, in the afternoon, after he’d seen the Mayor.
**
Ianto’s Torchwood credentials were indeed enough to get him a fairly speedy meeting with Miss Blaine. He sat opposite her at her desk, drinking tea. She listened to his concerns and smiled and looked shocked in all the right places. But something about her just didn’t ring true, something was… off. He felt like underneath it all she was laughing at him. It was an uncomfortable sensation to say the least. It reminded Ianto of being a small child, knowing that the older boys are going to beat you up, no matter how much they may be smiling now.
Margaret raised her hands to her forehead just as there was a knock at her office door.
“Enter!” she barked sharply, clearly annoyed.
The young assistant from the desk outside poked his head round the door. He gave Ianto a nervous smile, which Ianto returned. The young man turned his attention to Margaret. “There’s a gentleman here to see you,” he said nervously, clearing his throat.
“Well. I’m afraid he’ll have to wait, I’m in a meeting with Mr. Jones.” She gave Ianto a sickly sweet, patronizing smile, and leaned forward to pick up her teacup.
“He say’s to tell you he’s the Doctor ma’am.”
Margaret’s face froze in an expression of absolute horror. Her teacup fell from her fingers smashing on the floor. She rushed over to the window and started to climb out. Ianto and the assistant looked at each other incredulously.
“I’ll just…” said the assistant, motioning to the door. He disappeared to talk to the person on the other side. A few moments later a tall man in a leather jacket came bounding into the office over to the window. He looked out then turned to Ianto.
“Hello!” he said brightly, manic grin plastered across his features. Before disappearing out of the window.
Ianto did the only thing he could think of. He followed.
Author: szm
Rating: G
Spoiler: does Boomtown count?
Summary: Alternate Lives challenge
A/N: There is possibly a sequel in the works for this... possibly...
It was an argument about everything and nothing.
She never thought things through. He never did anything without a three page itinerary. She never descaled her kettle. He picked her up on never descaling her kettle. She was nosey. He never told her anything.
And on and on.
In the end Ianto walked out of Lisa’s flat. “I love you, you stupid Welsh idiot!” she shouted after him.
“I don’t think it’s enough,” he shouted back.
The next day Ianto stared at his computer screen, thinking about the events of the night before. He’d said some things that maybe he shouldn’t have said. He loved Lisa, so much sometimes he thought his chest might burst from the pressure, so they argued, everyone argued, they loved each other and that was the important thing. Ianto would just have to work harder. He took on final look at his monitor inwardly wincing at the tiny amount of work he’d managed to get done that morning. Nothing urgent was flashing so he closed down the desktop and went to find Lisa.
Maybe they could go camping, Lisa liked that.
**
Meanwhile, five universes down from that one…
He took on final look at his monitor inwardly wincing at the tiny amount of work he’d managed to get done that morning, there was an e-mail notification flashing in the top corner, Ianto being unable to leave something undone clicked on it.
To: IaJonesResearchDept@Torchwood.co.uk
From: SCostelloCardiff@Torchwood.co.uk
Subject: Question for You.
Hello Ianto,
I don’t know if you remember but we talked a few months back, you helped me research that alien glove we found. Thank you again for all your help.
I’ve encrypted this message so hopefully only you can read it, I’m not supposed to approach you like this it’s against Torchwood policy but what the hell.
I need a second in command here in Cardiff, I’m not going to lie it’s mostly an administrative post but technically you’d only answer to me. London has said I can have someone but I don’t want whatever reject they chose to send me. The last one was nearly weevil food and had to be retconed to within an inch of his life.
You impressed me with your work on the glove so I’m going to ask for you. If you want the job ask your supervisor about it. Between us we should be able to manage it!
It’s a rise in pay for you, nothing extravagant though. I’ve attached details.
Hopefully see you soon,
Suzie.
Ianto hit the reply button, maybe this was what he and Lisa needed; just some space.
**
After a month in Cardiff Ianto was pretty much doing 95% of the paperwork and all the archiving. Suzie didn't even know the combination to the secure vault, which was a good thing because that alien glove turned out to be more than a little bit addictive. Apart from that minor blip, he liked working here. It wasn't London, but surprisingly, that was fine. Suzie made a great boss, Tosh was nice although Ianto didn't know her that well. Owen was prickly at first, and still seemed to resent that Ianto wasn't a field agent, but he was at least smart enough not to mess too much with the man who signed his expense claims.
Ianto spread the printouts across the conference room table. The numbers wouldn't add up, no matter what he did. It was really starting to bother him.
“The others went home ages ago. Are you done?” asked Suzie from the doorway.
“Nearly, ma’am. I just want to check this against…”
“Oh no,” interrupted Suzie. “Obsession is a dangerous thing, I should know. I’m kicking you out, Jones.”
Ianto looked at the table covered in paper and the two empty coffee mugs.
Suzie sighed. “Okay I’ll help you tidy up first.”
They tidied up and locked down the hub. Walking to their cars Suzie asked, “What’s so fascinating about the Blaidd Drwg nuclear plant anyway.”
“It’s mad,” replied Ianto. “Who builds a nuclear plant in a major population centre? Plus all the accidents. And the maths doesn’t work.”
“I don’t want to question your maths skills,” said Suzie with a smile as she stopped by her car. “But maybe you’re just wrong, I mean, someone in London must have checked this out.”
Ianto snorted. “As a Welshman who worked in London, I have a slightly jaded view on how much anyone would care.”
Suzie chuckled. “Look, take the day off tomorrow, go and see the Lord Mayor, if you can’t find anything you drop it. Okay?”
“Margaret Blaine’s not going to speak to me,” frowned Ianto.
“Not you, but she’ll talk to Torchwood.” Suzie held out her hand. “Deal?”
Ianto shook it. “Deal, ma’am.”
Suzie rolled her eyes as Ianto walked towards his own car. “If only it was that easy to get you to call me Suzie. Night Jones.”
“Goodnight, ma’am,” Ianto called back.
**
When Ianto got home the light on the anwserphone was blinking showing two new messages. He dropped his keys into the bowl next to the machine; he listened as he hung up his coat and scarf.
The scratchy machine voice said, “Message received at 1934 hours.”
“Ianto. It’s Lisa. Look if you manage to get away from work before midnight call me back, I need to talk to you. Please, Yan, it’s important. Love you.”
Ianto glanced at his watch as he undid it. Just after one, he noted as he placed it in he bowl with the keys. Too late now.
“Message received at 0052 hours,” continued the machine.
“Dammit, Ianto, why do you never make anything easy!” Lisa sounded as if she’d been crying. “I don’t want to do this any more Ianto, I can’t. It’s too hard, with me here and you there. You’re at work all the time and we never talk. I’m breaking up with your machine because I can’t get hold of you. Ianto… I’m so sorry, I do love you. Maybe you were right, maybe that’s not enough. I… Ianto, just… call me tomorrow. Please.”
Ianto stood staring at the machine frozen to the spot. It wasn’t unexpected just… It wasn’t that long since she called, less than ten minutes, he could call her back now.
And say what? Nothing she'd said was wrong, he couldn’t argue with any of it. He'd always thought he couldn’t live without Lisa, but here he was managing just fine. He’d ring her tomorrow, in the afternoon, after he’d seen the Mayor.
**
Ianto’s Torchwood credentials were indeed enough to get him a fairly speedy meeting with Miss Blaine. He sat opposite her at her desk, drinking tea. She listened to his concerns and smiled and looked shocked in all the right places. But something about her just didn’t ring true, something was… off. He felt like underneath it all she was laughing at him. It was an uncomfortable sensation to say the least. It reminded Ianto of being a small child, knowing that the older boys are going to beat you up, no matter how much they may be smiling now.
Margaret raised her hands to her forehead just as there was a knock at her office door.
“Enter!” she barked sharply, clearly annoyed.
The young assistant from the desk outside poked his head round the door. He gave Ianto a nervous smile, which Ianto returned. The young man turned his attention to Margaret. “There’s a gentleman here to see you,” he said nervously, clearing his throat.
“Well. I’m afraid he’ll have to wait, I’m in a meeting with Mr. Jones.” She gave Ianto a sickly sweet, patronizing smile, and leaned forward to pick up her teacup.
“He say’s to tell you he’s the Doctor ma’am.”
Margaret’s face froze in an expression of absolute horror. Her teacup fell from her fingers smashing on the floor. She rushed over to the window and started to climb out. Ianto and the assistant looked at each other incredulously.
“I’ll just…” said the assistant, motioning to the door. He disappeared to talk to the person on the other side. A few moments later a tall man in a leather jacket came bounding into the office over to the window. He looked out then turned to Ianto.
“Hello!” he said brightly, manic grin plastered across his features. Before disappearing out of the window.
Ianto did the only thing he could think of. He followed.