Title: Freedom
Author: Captains Cariad
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: They're definitely not mine, but the boys like to play and so do I.
Summary: Missing scene between Ianto & Jack after John's suicide in "Out of Time".

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Jack pulled the SUV into the Hub garage, turned off the ignition & sighed heavily. Resting his head against his arms on the steering wheel, he shut his eyes & tried to focus his mind away from what had just happened. His clothes & hair reeked of exhaust fumes, he felt drained and his face was streaked with tears. Tears he had shed both for John & for himself; two men out of their time, scared & alone.

After a moment, he straightened up, got out of the vehicle making his way towards the stairs that led to the main Hub lost in his thoughts. Looking up as he neared the steps, he saw Ianto standing by the door.

"Jack...you ok?"

Discovering he was unable to reply, Jack just shook his head as he felt tears pricking at his eyes once more. In an instant, he found himself sitting on the stairs next to Ianto with gentle Welsh words of comfort washing over him.
Ianto gathered Jack into his arms, placed a soft kiss on his forehead & stroked his hair. With a shuddering breath, Jack huddled gratefully against the other man glad of the comfort.

"He said he wanted to be free..."

"It's alright - you did what you had to Jack"

Pulling back so that he could see the younger man's face Jack searched for reassurance.

"I couldn't let him die alone"

"I know" Ianto nodded gravely.

Jack kissed Ianto tenderly on the mouth as fresh tears coursed down his cheeks. The young Welshman helped Jack to his feet.

"Hush now Cariad. Let's get you freshened up and I'll make some good, strong coffee" Ianto murmured soothingly.

Still blinking away tears the Captain leant against Ianto for support until he could see his way up the stairs.

"Thanks Yan" he whispered squeezing his hand as he remembered his last words to John about how he coped with being scared & alone in a strange time.

"It's just bearable. It has to be. I don't have a choice"

John had had the freedom to choose - Jack did not, but he'd accepted his fate long ago. He couldn't die & to a certain extent, he was alone but recently the man holding him close had made life more tolerable. Yes, thanks to Ianto Jones the life of Captain Jack Harkness was bearable.

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