Title: Our Honeymoon In The Heavens
Author: bookwrm89
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Jack/Ianto
Series: 1) Rules for Dating Your Boss, 2) Our Wedding In Hell
Warnings/Spoilers: This is an AU story, although it may reference events that happened during TW S1 & S2 (up to Adrift); NC-17 (hello, it's their wedding night!)
Disclaimer: I don't own the character's in this story...I'm just playing with them and promise to return them when I'm done (well, maybe...)
A/N: This is a sequel to Rules for Dating Your Boss & Our Wedding In Hell. Now that the guys survived the civil partnership, they are going on a honeymoon. The Doctor is letting them use the TARDIS, while he stays and keeps on eye on the Torchwood team (although, other than bidding them goodbye, the Doctor and team aren't going to appear in this much). Sorry this took so long to get posted...the muse left me for a while, but it's back now!
Summary: It's their wedding night - Jack & Ianto decided to stay at a hotel like they'd originally planned and leave in the TARDIS the next morning.***
Ianto settled into the large jetted bathtub and leaned back against his husband's body. Husband…he liked how that sounded. Jack's left hand intertwined with his and pulled his arm across his body to rest on his chest. He laid his head on Jack's shoulder and relaxed into the embrace.
"He's really going to let us just take the TARDIS on our own while he stays here and looks after things for us?" Ianto was still in shock over the Doctor's gift to them. "Isn't that kind of like giving teenagers the keys to the Maserati and sending them on a road trip across Europe by themselves?"
Jack chuckled at the comparison and said, in mock outrage, "Hey, I'll have you know that it's been well over a century since I was a teenager! I'm a mature, responsible adult."
"Uh-huh. Remind me again why he disabled your vortex manipulator when you came back?"
"Brat." Jack turned his head and nipped Ianto's earlobe as punishment, causing a shiver to run all down the younger man's body. "Back to the point, yes, he's really going to let us take the TARDIS out on our own. Any thoughts on where you'd like to go?"
"Well, as it's our honeymoon," Ianto paused for a moment and brought Jack's hand up to his lips, kissing the finger that wore his wedding band, "I was thinking someplace quiet, relaxing, romantic. What about you?"
"Mmm, that sounds like heaven, Ianto. Just you and me, nobody to interrupt us, no phones, no dropping everything to save the world…no paperwork! Heaven. I know just the place too. You'll love it!"
Ianto shifted to look into Jack's eyes, "I'm happy anywhere, as long as I'm with you, Jack."
"That feeling is very mutual, Ianto." Jack murmured as he captured Ianto's lips with his. He immediately deepened the kiss, groaning as Ianto's tongue began an intricate dance with his own. He felt Ianto shifting, turning against him until Ianto was straddling him, bringing them into the full contact they both desired.
Ianto pulled back from the kiss to trail his lips across Jack's face, pausing to nibble lightly on an earlobe before nuzzling down Jack's neck. Jack tilted his head back, resting against the edge of the tub. His hands slid down the length of Ianto's back, enjoying the feel of the smooth wet skin under his touch.
"God, Ianto, I want you like this. Want to feel you ride me, your legs wrapped around me, your skin wet and glistening in the soft light. The warm water surrounding us, caressing..." Jack's voice trailed off as he thrust against Ianto, rubbing his erection against Ianto's and savoring the heated gasp against his skin.
"Jack, yes," Ianto moaned. "Want to feel you inside me." He grinned mischievously, "Good thing we brought the water-proof lube."
Jack chuckled as he reached for the bottle next to the bathtub. "That's my Ianto, always prepared. Are you sure you were never a Boy Scout?"
Ianto's answering laugh turned into a strangled moan as he felt Jack's finger breach him. "Nope, never a Boy Scout," he gasped as Jack added another finger, stretching and caressing him. He reached for the bottle and poured some into his hand, reaching down to prepare Jack's cock. Then Jack added a third finger and began massaging his prostate.
"Now, Jack. Need you now." Ianto demanded.
Jack complied, removing his fingers and replacing them with his cock. Ianto wrapped his legs around Jack's waist, Jack's hands on his hips supporting him, his hands on Jack's shoulders balancing him as they began to move.
"You are so beautiful, Ianto," Jack murmured, watching the younger man, his head thrown back, eyes closed, face flushed with exertion. "Love you so much. Want to watch you come undone in my arms. Hear my name on those gorgeous lips when you come."
Ianto opened his eyes and looked straight into Jack's. "I love you, too, Jack," he gasped. Jack's hands urged him to move faster, shifting him so that Jack hit his prostate with every thrust.
"You feel so good, Ianto. Touch yourself, make yourself come. Want you to come with me."
Ianto immediately reached down and began stroking himself in time with Jack's movements. Ianto lost himself to the sensations surrounding him. Jack's cock working inside him, his lover's hands on his hips, the water lapping around them, steam enveloping them. He gasped as he felt the exquisite tightening that signalled the start of his orgasm.
"God, Jack, I'm going to...can't hold off...come with me, Jack..."
"Yes, Ianto....let go. I'm with you..." Jack felt Ianto shuddering his release and joined him. Ianto's muscles clamping around his cock intensifying the pleasure as he emptied himself into the man he'd just committed his life to.
Their mouths met in a passionate kiss, arms wrapped around each other, staying joined until their racing heartbeats calmed and the water cooled around them.
Ianto shifted and stood up, pulling Jack up with him. They stepped out of the tub, reaching for the large fluffy towels and drying each other off. Leaving the towels in a tangled heap on the bathroom floor, they walked to the bed and crawled inside. Snuggling close together, Jack wrapped his arms around Ianto and whispered into his ear, "Sleep, Ianto Harkness-Jones. Sleep and tomorrow I'm going to show you the universe."***
Ianto awoke to the smell of coffee and Jack kissing his neck and shoulder. He turned onto his back, stretching, before reaching up to thread his fingers through Jack's hair and pulling him in for a lazy kiss.
"Mmmmm, good morning," he murmured, smiling sleepily up at his husband.
"Good morning to you, too," Jack grinned at the sight before him. He loved watching Ianto wake up in the mornings. The usually impeccable young man all disshevled and warm with sleep was a sight to behold. He leaned down and kissed the tip of Ianto's nose. "Are you ready to see the universe, Mr. Harkness-Jones?"
Ianto's blue eyes sparkled with excitement, "Yes, I am. Are you ready to show it to me, Captain Harkness-Jones?"
Giving his partner another quick kiss, Jack rolled off the bed, laughing at the slight pout on Ianto's face at the loss of contact. "You bet I am! Now, up you get. Coffee, breakfast, shower, shower sex and then off to meet the Doctor!"
"Shower sex, hmmm? It seems such a waste not to use this big, comfy bed. Are you sure we can't rearrange that to do list a little bit?" Ianto threw the covers back, exposing his naked body and obvious erection in an attempt to lure Jack back to bed. He chuckled when Jack visibly swallowed, eyes seemingly glued to the figure on the bed. Ianto stretched lazily, then reached down to wrap his hand around his hard cock, languidly stroking while watching Jack through his lashes.
"Guh," Jack made a sound in the back of his throat, "You're right, Ianto. It would definitely be a shame not to use that beautiful bed." His hands went to the knot on the belt of his bathrobe, quickly loosening it and dropping the garment to the floor. He climbed back onto the bed and pulled Ianto into his arms, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss and their limbs tangling together.
There was no further need for words as they lost themselves in a haze of pleasure. Hands and lips slid over sleep warmed skin, muffled moans and sighs the only sounds to be heard. Jack gasped as he felt Ianto's slick fingers gently preparing him. When Ianto pressed him back into the pillows and thrust into him, Jack groaned and wrapped his legs around his lover's waist, beginning to move with him. Their passion spiraled, and Jack wished that this moment could last forever. As he felt Ianto shuddering in completion against him and his own orgasm wash over him, Jack could think of no place he'd rather be for all eternity than held in the arms of the man he loved.
___________________________________
(Two hours later....)
"So, that's the tour! What do you think, Ianto?" The Doctor asked.
Ianto had been mostly silent for the last half-hour while the Doctor showed him around the TARDIS and Jack was giving last minute instructions to the team.
"She's beautiful, Sir," he breathed, reaching out a hand to caress the console. He started a little when he felt an answering warmth underneath his hand. Then he felt a wave of affection wash over his mind and he smiled.
"Well, she's certainly taken a liking to you, Mr. Jon....oops, I mean Mr. Harkness-Jones," the Doctor said, laughing.
"Was there ever any doubt, Doctor?" Jack questioned, slipping his arms around his partner. "I mean, what's not to love?"
Ianto blushed slightly as he leaned back into Jack's embrace.
"All set then, Captain?" The Doctor asked.
"Yep. We're all ready to go!" Jack was almost bouncing, he was so excited to show Ianto the wonders of the universe.
Ianto and the Doctor both grinned at the eagerness in Jack's voice. His enthusiasm was infectious and Ianto's eyes were sparkling at the thought of travelling in the TARDIS with Jack.
The Doctor smiled affectionately at the pair. "Well, have fun then. Remember, just tell her where you want to go and when you're ready to come home, she'll have you back within a few hours of when you left." He patted the console before turning and walking towards the door.
"Doctor?" Ianto called, "Thank you for this, I never thought...." His voice trailed off, "Just, thank you."
"You are very, very welcome, Ianto. Now, off you go. Enjoy yourselves!" The Doctor smiled brightly. "I have a pteryldactyl to make friends with!" And he left, closing the door behind him. He turned and patted the closed door, whispering, "Take good care of them. Show them the time of their lives."
___________________________________
As the door closed behind the Doctor, Jack turned and addressed the ship. "Hello, Beautiful. Are you ready to show us a good time?"
The lights in the control room pulsed and Ianto could feel the ship's desire to make them happy. Jack flashed his thousand-watt smile and said, "All right, then. Next stop, Aquamarine in the year 152,500!"
The engine's started up and Ianto gripped the console to balance himself as the TARDIS lurched sideways before settling down into a smooth ride.
"Alone at last, Ianto!" Jack pulled him in for a quick kiss. "Shall we go unpack and have some coffee before we get to our destination?"
Ianto laughed and nodded his head, allowing Jack to pull him from the control room to the bedroom they were using for the trip.
________________________________
(a few hours later....)
The TARDIS shuddered to a stop as Jack and Ianto entered the control room dressed in denims and t-shirts.
"Are you ready for your first view of another planet, Ianto?" Jack asked as he checked his wrist strap to make sure they were where they were supposed to be.
"Yep. As ready as I'll ever be, Jack," Ianto replied, smiling nervously at his husband. The shocked look on Jack's face did nothing to dispel Ianto's nervousness, however. "Jack? Is everything ok?"
Jack looked up with tears in his eyes. "Oh my god, Ianto. I can't believe...."
"Jack? What is it? What's wrong?" Ianto cupped his hand around Jack's cheek.
"Nothing is wrong, Ianto. We've made a slight detour is all." Jack smiled softly. "Come with me, there's someone I want you to meet."
Ianto followed Jack through the city streets, barely paying attention to the alien planet around him. Finally, Jack stopped in front of a small house, pausing for a moment to just drink in the sight. He clasped Ianto's hand in his, and led him gently up to the door and knocked. An older blond woman answered the door and looked at Jack in surprise, before pulling him into a crushing hug.
"Hello, Mum. I've come home."***
Ianto stood back, watching the emotional reunion taking place in front of him. He knew how much Jack had missed his family. Knew that he'd lost his father and brother at a young age and that it had been just he and his mother until Jack joined the Time Agency. In many ways, Jack's early life mirrored Ianto's own, and Ianto was grateful that Jack was getting this time to reconnect.
Jack pulled away from his mother and turned towards Ianto, his eyes full of happy tears. "Mum, I'd like you to meet my husband, Ianto."
Ianto stepped forward and held out his hand, "It's an honor to meet you, Ma'am."
"Ianto, it's so nice to meet you. But enough with the 'Ma'am', please call me Grace," she admonished, pulling Ianto into a warm hug. "Jack, I never thought I'd see the day when you settled down. And with such a nice young man, too." She urged the men into the house, getting them drinks, chatting happily the whole time.
Once they were settled comfortably, Grace turned to Jack and said, "Now, Jackson Alain Harris, tell me why it's been so long since I've seen my son."
Jack flushed slightly, glaring at Ianto's smothered laugh, before answering his mother, "It's a really long story, Mum. The short version is that I've been stuck on Earth in the past and this is the first chance I've had to get home. We're on our honeymoon and a friend loaned us his ship for a while. It can travel in space and time, that's why we were able to come here."
"Ianto, you're from Earth? How wonderful! Jack, stuck in the past? What century?"
"A couple of different ones, actually." Jack replied, sighing. Knowing his mother wouldn't stop until she had the full story, Jack began talking about his life since the last time he'd seen her. Starting with his last job as a con man, in London 1941.
______________________________________________
"I liked your mother, Jack," Ianto murmured.
They were snuggled together in their bed on the TARDIS, having decided to stay on board while they were visiting. Jack was wrapped around Ianto, with his head resting on his partner's chest. Ianto was threading his fingers through Jack's hair, soothing him, bringing him down from the emotional ledge he'd been teetering on all day.
"Mmmm, I'm glad you are able to meet her," Jack mumbled against Ianto's skin. "I just wish I could've found a way to get a message to her all those years. After everything else she's gone through, she didn't need to be left wondering what happened to another son."
"Jack, stop it." Ianto's voice was firm. "There was nothing you could've done differently."
"But, I could've asked the Doctor..."
"When, Jack? When he left you on the game station? After the year you spent in hell? Do not do this to yourself. Just enjoy the gift of time that you have now and stop beating yourself up over something that you had no control over."
"I know. Thank you, Ianto. How do you always know the right thing to say?" Jack sighed.
Ianto smiled softly. "I know everything, Jack. I thought you knew that?"
Jack laughed, letting go of his tension and pulled Ianto into a kiss that left them thinking of things other than family and regrets.
______________________________________________________
(Next day....)
Ianto and Grace were watching Jack trying to charm the merchant into a lower price, affectionate smiles on their faces.
"He always did use his looks to charm the socks off of everyone he met," Grace chuckled.
"Not just their socks," Ianto murmured, forgetting for a moment that he was talking to Jack's mother.
Grace's laughter rang merrily, causing Jack to look up and grin. "Oh, Ianto, I wish you could've met Franklin this trip. Jack's dad would just love you!"
"Jack's dad?" Ianto asked, confused. "But, I thought he was...."
"He's on a business trip." She paused, "Actually, he's off looking for you. I wish I could get hold of him and let him know that Jack found you, Gray. Still, he'll be home soon and we can have a nice family reunion then." She squeezed his arm and walked over to where Jack was paying for his purchase.
Ianto closed his eyes in dismay. Jack's life seemed to be parallelling his own again, in the worst way. Hoping he was wrong, Ianto forced a smile to his face and joined Jack and his mother continuing on their way through the market.
______________________________________________________
"You noticed it too, didn't you, Ianto?" Jack's voice was low.
Ianto nodded, holding his partner close in his arms. "I'm sorry, Jack. I'm so sorry."
"She seemed just fine yesterday," his voice broke on the last word and Ianto felt the wet warmth of tears on his shoulder where Jack's face was pressed.
"That's how it is, Jack. Perfectly normal one day and lost in delusions the next," Ianto sighed. "And it just gets worse until they don't recognize anything around them. There was nothing that could be done in the 21st century, Jack. Is there a cure now?"
"No. All the advances in science...." Jack's breath caught in a sob. "Men can get pregnant in the 51st century for fuck's sake, but nothing to help this."
Ianto wrapped his arms tighter around Jack, his heart breaking for the man sobbing in his arms.
______________________________________________________
(A couple of weeks later...)
It was over. Doctor's had been seen, tests run and results given. Ianto was amazed at the technological advances that made the process so much quicker and more accurate. It had taken years for doctors to figure out what had happened with his mother.
Jack and Ianto had spent the last few days packing up Grace's belongings and moving her into the care facility recommended by her doctors. There had been good days and bad days. Ianto was there for Jack to lean on when the situation became too much for him to handle, and Jack knew he'd never have gotten through this without the love and care of his partner. As much as Jack wanted to stay, he knew they needed to leave. Fortunately, they were saying goodbye on a good day.
Grace pulled Ianto into a fierce hug, urging his head down so she could whisper, "I'm so glad I was able to meet you. Jack loves you so much and you're good for him. Please, Ianto, take care of my boy for me."
"I will, Grace. I promise. For the rest of my life." Ianto assured her. He stepped back and watched Jack say goodbye, remembering the day he'd left his own mother at Providence Park. He'd had no one to lean on then and he was thankful that Jack wouldn't have to go through this pain on his own.
Jack held his mother tightly, refusing to give in to the storm of tears he could feel building. "Goodbye, Mum," he whispered. "I...I love you."
"I love you too, Son. I'm so glad to know that you're happy and see what a fine man you are. I'm proud of you, Jack." She smiled up at him. "Your Ianto is a treasure. Hold on to him with everything you have. Now, you boys better get back to your ship. You have a honeymoon to take!"
Jack made it most of the way back to the TARDIS before breaking down completely in Ianto's arms. Ianto supported his sobbing husband, almost carrying him through the door of the TARDIS. As they slumped onto the seat in the control room, Ianto felt the soothing touch of the ship in his mind. Gathering Jack closer into his arms, Ianto closed his eyes and whispered a plea.
"Please, take us somewhere quiet and safe. Take us someplace where he can relax and start to heal from this."***
They'd landed a couple of hours ago, but neither had moved from the seats in the TARDIS. Jack's storm of weeping had subsided and he'd fallen asleep, still holding Ianto tightly. Ianto carded his fingers through Jack's hair, soothing him while waves of comfort from the TARDIS washed through his mind. He hoped she was doing the same for Jack. He kissed Jack's temple before shifting slightly in an attempt to find a more comfortable position. His movement disturbed Jack, who raised his head to look at Ianto through weary, saddened eyes.
"How are you, Cariad?" Ianto asked gently.
Jack sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. "Better, I think. Thank you. How long?"
"Couple of hours. You needed the rest."
"God, Ianto, I'm so sorry. You must be..."
Ianto put his fingers over Jack's lips. "Shhhh...it's ok. I'm here for you, Jack. Just like you're there for me. Remember the whole promising to care for each other and share our lives, good times and bad, part of the ceremony? Well, this was one of the bad times."
Jack leaned over and gently caressed Ianto's lips with his own. "Thank you, Love. What would I do without you?"
"Let's not find out anytime soon, eh, Jack?"
"Mmmmm. Definitely not. So, where should we go next?"
"Actually, I think we're already there." Ianto replied. "I asked the TARDIS to take us somewhere safe and quiet, where we could relax. What do you think, shall we see where in the whole of space and time we are?"
Jack laughed softly, letting his sadness over his mother fade to the background for the moment. He held out his hand to Ianto and said, "Let's go exploring."
____________________________________
"So, where are we?" Ianto looked around the small clearing in wonder.
"I don't think it has a name," Jack replied. "At least not that I ever knew. I used to come here after particularly bad missions when I was with the Time Agency. It was my own, private oasis."
They were standing in the middle of a small clearing on a hillside, surrounded by towering trees. At one end of the clearing was a small waterfall, dropping down the rocks into a crystal clear pool. A warm breeze sighed gently through the trees and the two suns were high in the turquoise sky.
"It's beautiful," Ianto murmured. "Is it inhabited?"
"No. I spent two weeks once exploring the whole planet and there were no signs of life, other than animals. The forest covers most of the planet, this is the largest of very few clearings."
Ianto walked over to the pool and crouched to drag his hand through the water. It was cool, but not cold. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, savoring the spicy, piney smell of the forest. His stomach chose that moment to growl loudly, reminding him that he was very hungry.
Jack laughed as the sound of Ianto's hunger rumbled through the clearing. "Let's raid the kitchen and have a picnic."
"That sounds like a good plan," Ianto said, chuckling. He stood up and walked back to the TARDIS.
Jack caught him just as he was going through the door, swinging him around and kissing him breathless.
"I love you, Ianto."
"I love you too, Jack. Now let's find something to eat!"
________________________________________
Jack woke to the sound of splashing water. He sat up and looked around the clearing. The suns had gone down and the clearing was awash with light from the three moons. Another splash sounded, drawing his attention to the waterfall and pool. He gasped at the vision in front of his eyes. Ianto had obviously woken up before him and decided to go for a swim. He was standing on a ledge under the waterfall. His head was tipped back, eyes closed, arms raised above his head. His pale skin was bathed in water and moonlight. Jack thought he'd never seen a more beautiful sight in his life.
Jack stood up, stripping off his clothes and stepped into the cool water of the pool. Sinking under, he swam to the other side and climbed up on the ledge, pressing his body to Ianto's back and slipping his arms around the other man. Ianto made a sound deep in his throat and turned in Jack's arms, bringing his arms down around Jack's shoulders and capturing Jack's lips with his own. Jack gasped into his lover's mouth and slid his hands down Ianto's slick back to cup the firm cheeks and pull the younger man forward, rubbing his erection against Ianto's.
Ianto moaned and moved his hips against Jack, dragging their hard cocks together. "Jack," he gasped. "So good. Want you so much. Need you."
"Gods, yes, Ianto. I need you too," Jack panted. "Let's go back to the..."
"No, want you here, under the waterfall." Ianto punctuated his words with a series of small bites down Jack's neck.
Jack shivered. He loved it when Ianto was demanding like this. "We don't have...."
Ianto looked up at Jack through his lashes, a filthy grin crossing his face. He placed a small tube in Jack's hand, "And here I thought you were the one that was always prepared."
"Wher...nguh," Jack's voice trailed off into a groan as Ianto bit down on that spot where Jack's neck met his shoulder. Deciding it wasn't important where Ianto'd had the lube, he popped the cap and tried to concentrate on what he was doing. It wasn't easy, considering what Ianto was doing with his talented hands, lips and tongue.
"Yes," Ianto hissed as Jack's slick fingers parted his arse and started massaging the tight ring of muscle, coaxing it to relax before pressing one finger inside. He pressed back, urging Jack deeper. "More, Jack. Harder....please."
Jack complied, adding another finger and twisting, finding the small bundle of nerves and stroking it. Ianto's breath panted harshly in Jack's ear, his hand stroking Jack's cock in time with Jack's fingers thrusting in Ianto's backside.
"Jack," Ianto panted, "please, need you, need your cock inside me. Oh, fuck. Now, Jack!"
Jack turned Ianto around so he was facing the rock wall behind the waterfall. He quickly coated his dick with lube and entered Ianto in one even glide. His hands settled on Ianto's hips and he paused, letting his lover adjust to the intrusion. The feel of Ianto's heat surrounding him tested his self-control.
"Damn it, Jack. Move." Ianto growled, pushing back against the older man.
Jack chuckled breathlessly, before starting to move slowly, pulling almost all the way out, before thrusting back in and hitting Ianto's prostate. He kept the pace tortuously slow, relishing the sounds coming from Ianto's beautiful lips.
"You're so gorgeous like this, Ianto," Jack whispered into his ear. "The moonlight and water glistening on your skin. Coming all undone for me." He thrust in harder, drinking in Ianto's gasps and moans.
"Os gwelwch yn dda," Ianto pleaded.
"Mine," Jack growled. "All mine."
Ianto arched back into Jack, silently demanding. "Yours, Jack. Always."
Hearing Ianto's whispered words, Jack's control deserted him. He pounded into Ianto's welcoming body, reaching around to wrap his hand on Ianto's neglected cock, pumping in time with his own thrusts. He felt the tightening in Ianto's sac, heard the hitch in his breathing that signalled the beginning of his release and moved his hand faster, wanting to feel Ianto come apart in his arms.
Ianto felt the tingle at the base of his spine spreading out through his body as his orgasm washed through him. He shouted Jack's name, coming in spurts over Jack's hand and the rocks in front of him. His muscles clamped down around Jack's cock, triggering the other man's release.
Jack collapsed against Ianto's back, resting his head on the broad shoulder in front of him. Their breathing slowed and Jack felt his cock slip out of Ianto. He turned the young man around, still holding him close, and sealed their lips together in a languid kiss.
They pulled apart for air, and Ianto murmured sleepily, "We should get out and go back over to the blanket before we fall asleep and drown ourselves."
"Mmmm, yeah. Drowning is not fun and also not something you're allowed to do." Jack kissed the tip of Ianto's nose, before helping the younger man down off the ledge and over to the side of the pool.
As they settled down on the blanket, limbs tangled together and the warm breeze drying their damp skin, Ianto mumbled, "I like this place, we should stay here for awhile."
"Nothing would make me happier, Ianto. Staying with you in our own little oasis."***
They'd spent three weeks at the oasis, enjoying the time together, just the two of them. They'd explored the surrounding forest, swam in the pool, played in the waterfall, lazed on the grass and spent countless hours making love. Ianto had helped Jack through the worst of his pain over his mother, helping him realize that there was nothing he could've done. That even if her life had never been been touched by tragedy, her illness would still have happened.
Feeling more relaxed and happy than either of them had ever been, they'd decided to explore more of the universe.
"I know, how about we go to the Vegas Galaxy?" Jack suggested, closing the door of the TARDIS.
"There's a whole galaxy? Isn't Nevada enough?" Ianto asked, laughing.
"While it's true that Las Vegas is a popular destination for many a vacationing alien, the city is kind of tame compared to the galaxy. You haven't lived until you've had a hypervodka martini served by an Azrian pleasure hostess while getting a Talaxian massage. And that's just the beginning."
"Sounds like fun, let's go."
"You heard the man, Beautiful! Let's go to the Vegas Galaxy!"
Ianto felt a light touch in his mind, like a warning, before the TARDIS powered up and lurched away through space and time.
_________________________________________________
(Legacy planet in the Vegas Galaxy)
"Are you sure you don't want to play a hand or two, Ianto? With your eye for detail, you could win a fortune," Jack cajoled.
"No, you go ahead, Jack. I'm just going to sit here, have another hypervodka martini and enjoy the aftermath of that massage." Ianto was amazed at how his body felt after the Talaxian massage. Relaxed, but at the same time buzzing with energy.
Jack gave his partner a deep kiss before heading off to the card room to play a few hands of Macratian poker.
Ianto sipped his martini, watching the crowd ebb and flow around him. He recognized several species from descriptions in the archives. He amused himself by listening to the various conversations the TARDIS was translating for him. It seemed that life across the galaxy wasn't that much different than on Earth. Wives chastised their husbands, friends laughed together, lovers whispered sweet nothings and children disobeyed their parents. He'd just taken a sip of his second martini when he heard the last voice in the universe that he ever wanted to hear again.
"Eye Candy! What the bloody fuck are you doing here? Did you finally ditch Captain Stick-In-The-Mud and decide to explore the wonders of the galaxy on your own?"
Ianto winced at the sound of John's voice, "Oh shit. Bugger off, Hart. I was having a good time until you showed up."
"Is that anyway to treat an old friend, Eye Candy? I'm just trying to be friendly, I am." John sat down next to Ianto, setting a half-full bottle of Valdarian whiskey on the table. It was a poisonous green color.
Ianto rolled his eyes and took another drink of his martini. As he lifted the glass, his ring glinted in the light, drawing John's attention.
"Oh, you are kidding me! He married you?" The expression on John's face was indescribable. "This is not good, Eye Candy. You need to find wifey-poo and get the hell out of here now!"
"Quit calling me that ridiculous name!" Ianto exclaimed. "And why the fuck should we leave? What do you care where we go on our honeymoon?"
John looked over Ianto's shoulder and cringed. "Ianto, I'm being perfectly serious here. You either need to find Jack and leave, and I mean right fucking now, or you need to play along with me for the next few minutes. Your life honestly does depend on it."
Ianto looked at John incredulously, "What makes you think I would believe a fucking thing that comes out of your mouth?"
"Look at me, Ianto Jones. You look into my eyes and see if I'm telling you the truth." John's voice had lost all the innuendo and flirtation that normally colored his tone. Ianto looked up into the face of a man that was deadly serious, maybe for the first time in his life.
"Fine, I'll find Jack." He pushed back from the table, preparing to stand up.
"Fuck. Too late!" John muttered.
Ianto looked over, startled, when John snaked a hand around the back of his neck and pulled him into a bruising kiss. He started to struggle, but John used his other hand to trap Ianto where he was.
"Don't struggle, don't make a scene. Try to look like you're enjoying this, Eye Candy." John murmured against his lips.
Deciding it might be better to humor the insane time agent for the moment, Ianto tried to relax and rested his hand on John's shoulder.
"Who's your friend, John?" The voice had an American accent, similar to Jack's. And when Ianto looked up, breaking the kiss, he saw a young man that looked eerily similar to Jack. John winked at him Ianto before turning away and laughing up at the man in front of them.
"Didn't ask his name. Just liked the look and decided to introduce myself to his mouth," John replied.
"We don't have time for you to shag every pretty life-form that crosses your path, John. Why are we even here anyway?"
"I told you, we need some supplies," John stated. "There's no harm in having a bit of fun while we're waiting is there?"
Ianto stayed quiet, not sure what was going on. Then he saw Jack stepping through the entry at the far end of the room. "If you gentlemen will excuse me, I'm late in meeting my friend." He stood up and casually started walking away from the table.
"See you around, Eye Candy," John called.
"Not if I see you first," Ianto mumbled to himself. He kept his eyes on Jack, hoping that John and his companion weren't paying attention to him anymore. Before he was close enough to tell Jack that they needed to leave, he heard Jack shout his name.
"Ianto! Over here!" Jack called, moving quickly towards his husband and sweeping Ianto into his arms for a loving kiss.
Everything seemed to happen in slow motion.
Ianto distantly heard John yell for them to get out.
Jack swung around in shock, and whispered, "Gray?"
John's companion looked up with hatred on his face.
Grabbed a gun from his waistband.
Took aim.
And pulled the trigger.***
It was dark. A faint humming sounded on the edge of his awareness. He kept thinking that he should be in pain, but he couldn't feel anything. He didn't know where he was. He didn't know who he was. He was just there...drifting.
The humming suddenly became clearer, like a radio getting dialed into the right frequency. Someone was sobbing.
"Please, Ianto. Please don't leave me."
He tried to call out, but the sound faded again, disappearing completely.
"JAAACK!" He couldn't hear his own voice.
That name, Jack, brought a cascade of images to his mind. Blue eyes. A grey overcoat. A gun pressed to his head. A stopwatch. Dark hair on a pillow. A man flying around a dim warehouse with a pteradactyl. Candlelight gleaming on silverware. A blue and white striped coffee cup. A ring sliding onto his finger. Champagne and strawberries. Laughter. Tears. Moonlight on a waterfall. A blue police box. Two bodies surrounded by plants in a greenhouse. Cake being fed, frosting smeared everywhere. Dancing.
"Where am I? Where is Jack?" He called desperately.
A warm, golden light appeared all around him, singing softly in his ear.
"Is someone there?" He cried.
A woman appeared in front of him, the golden light coursing through her.
"Who are you?" He asked.
I am the Bad Wolf
"Where am I? What is happening to me?"
You are dead, Ianto Harkness-Jones.
"How can you know that?"
I can see the whole of time and space.
"I don't want to die. Please, I want to live."
Everything dies, Ianto Harkness-Jones.
"Jack doesn't. Jack never dies."
The images of Jack's face flashed through his mind again. The bright blue eyes looking at him in suspicion, disbelief, concern, anger, hatred, affection, teasing, sorrow, hope, laughter and love.
"We were supposed to have my lifetime together. It can't end like this." He felt tears streaming down his face. "I can't leave him alone. Not this soon."
You would've left him eventually. Everyone does.
"I wouldn't have wanted to leave. I would've fought with every last fiber of my being not to leave him."
Why?
"I love him. I don't want him to be alone."
You love him that much that you would cling to life to avoid causing him pain, no matter the cost to yourself?
"Yes. I love him that much. If I had a choice, I would never leave him."
Does he love you just as much?
"Yes."
How do you know this?
"I feel it. Here," he touched his chest over his heart, "and here," he touched his forehead. "Can't you see it?"
Yes, I can. I see everything.
"Can't you do anything?" He pleaded.
Is he worth the pain and sacrifice you will have to go through?
"Yes. That, and so much more. Please."
It is enough. I bring life.
The music swelled in his ears, surrounding him with the golden light, filling him, pushing him. Back into life.
______________________________________________
Ianto gasped as he returned to life, drawing in great gulps of air. The music that had filled him faded away. He could feel Jack's arms around him, felt Jack's tears on his skin.
"Ianto?! How?" Jack's eyes, swimming in tears, stared at him incredulously. Hands wandered over Ianto's body, reassuring his lover that Ianto was there and real and alive.
"I don't know, Jack. There was this music...and her...she brought me back."
"She? What did she look like?"
"Golden. Her hair, her skin, her eyes. All golden."
"Rose," Jack whispered. "She brought you back to me."
"Forever, Jack," Ianto replied.
Ianto could see the realization and joy dawn in Jack's tear-filled eyes.
"I thought I was going to be alone again, Ianto."
Ianto reached up and cradled Jack's face in his hands, "You'll never be alone again, Jack. I promise."***
Ianto barely had time to register that they were back in the TARDIS before Jack's lips were crushed against his own. All of the grief and fear, love and relief that Jack was feeling was communicated in that kiss. Ianto responded with everything he was feeling as well. The pain and sadness, love and joy. It was one hell of a kiss.
When they finally drew back for air, Ianto saw the blood on Jack's clothes and felt the warm stickiness on his own shirt where Gray had shot him. His distaste must have shown in his face, because Jack chuckled before helping him to his feet.
"Come on, let's go get cleaned up."
__________________________________________
Jack led him to their room and into the luxurious bathroom that adjoined the bedroom. He let go of Ianto to turn on the water in the shower. He turned back to Ianto just in time to catch him as a wave of dizzyness passed over the new immortal.
"Woah, I've got you, Ianto. Dying and coming back takes a lot out of you, especially the first few times." Jack supported his partner, holding him close, until the vertigo passed. "Just let me take care of you."
"Thank you," Ianto murmured. "This is going to take some getting used to."
Jack gently removed Ianto's soiled clothes, before stripping himself and then helping his lover into the stall and under the warm spray.
"Lean against me, Ianto. Let me do all the work." Jack whispered, reaching a shaking hand for the soap. He gently lathered his lover's body, washing away all the physical traces of Ianto's death and return to life. The soothing motions of his hands over Ianto's skin reassuring him that Ianto was here, and alive. His mind shied away from the reasons why Ianto had died and come back to life.
Ianto made wordless sounds of appreciation as Jack's fingers worked shampoo through his hair. The feel of Jack's hands on his skin and Jack's body supporting him had very little to do with sex and a whole lot to do with feeling loved and protected.
After rinsing the soap from their bodies, they stood under the warm water, just holding each other for a long time. Realizing that falling asleep while standing up in the shower probably wasn't the best idea in the universe, Jack turned the water off and guided Ianto out of the stall, reaching for the warm towels and lovingly patting his partner dry.
Not bothering with clothes or pajamas, they curled up under the covers on their bed. Ianto fell asleep immediately, held close in Jack's arms.
Jack couldn't sleep. He kept seeing his brother's hate filled face, hearing the gun shot and watching Ianto crumple to the ground, blood blossoming across his chest. He remembered sinking to his knees and cradling Ianto to his chest, but everything else was a blur until Ianto had gasped back to life in his arms on the TARDIS.
Ianto felt something wet splash onto his shoulder. Jack was holding him tightly as tears streamed down the older man's face.
"Shhh, Jack. I'm here, it's ok." He soothed, placing soft kisses on his partner's lips and face.
"I'm sorry, Ianto, I'm so sorry," Jack wept. "I never wanted you to have to go through what I do. Dying, coming back. Watching everyone you love die and leave you behind. But I'm selfish. I'm so glad that I'll never have to lose you. What kind of person does it make me that I'm happy about this?"
"It makes you human, Jack. I know being immortal isn't going to be easy, but I'm not going to lose everyone I love because I'll always have you. We'll be able to help each other from now on, Jack." He felt Jack start to relax against him, although the older man was still holding him tightly, just like the night after Gwen discovered Flat Holm. Something else was bothering Jack, and Ianto had a pretty good idea what it was.
"Jack, talk to me," Ianto encouraged.
"What about?"
"Gray." Ianto felt the start of surprise in his partner's body and rubbed his hands soothingly down Jack's back. "I heard you say his name just before the gunshot. I was wondering why Hart was so anxious to get me out of there and now I think I understand."
"John was there? Wait a minute, he was trying to get you out of there?" Jack's voice sounded shocked.
"Yes. He was being his usual annoying self until he saw my ring. When he worked out that we were married, he told me that my life depended on finding you and getting out of there. Then Gray showed up and Hart made him believe we were strangers and that he was just hitting on me. Looks like he was actually being honest for once."
"John was with Gray, and he tried to save your life. What the hell is going on?"
"It sounded like they were getting supplies for something."
"Considering Gray's reaction when he saw us together, they can't be up to any good. Gods, Ianto, this is all my fault." Jack took a shuddering breath.
"Jack Harkness-Jones, you cannot keep blaming yourself for everything that goes wrong. You didn't give Gray that gun, or tell him to shoot me." Ianto's voice was stern. "I think you're right about them planning something though. And given what happened, they may be targeting you, or people close to you."
"I have a really bad feeling about this, Ianto." Jack stated.
Ianto kissed his lover's forehead. "Yeah, I do too. I feel like we need to go home."
Jack nodded, "Ok, let's go home. Maybe it will turn out to me nothing."
"Maybe," Ianto agreed thoughtfully. "But if it isn't nothing, at least we'll have the element of surprise on our side."
Jack looked at him enquiringly.
"They think I'm dead, Jack."***
Jack and Ianto looked at each other as John's message ended. They'd known something was coming, just not this soon. It was the morning after returning from their honeymoon. The Doctor had already left with Donna, and they hadn't even had a chance to get settled back into life at Torchwood yet.
"They think you're dead, Ianto, so you're going to have to keep quiet on the comms," Jack whispered. "Don't lose that element of surprise if you can help it."
They were riding back to town in Rhys' car, Ianto sitting on Jack's lap. They hadn't told the team yet about Ianto being immortal. The Doctor knew. In fact, he'd known before they did that at somepoint Ianto would become immortal, but couldn't tell them. Spoilers.
"Jack, what are you going to do?" Ianto fretted.
"Don't worry about me, just concentrate on keeping the rest of the team safe. No matter what happens, know that I will come back to you," Jack promised. "I love you, Ianto Harkness-Jones."
"I love you too, Jack," Ianto said before kissing his husband fiercely. "I promise I'll keep them all safe."
_____________________________________
(at the Hub...)
"What do you want, John?" Jack asked. "Isn't it enough that Gray killed Ianto? What more could you possibly want?"
"I'm sorry about that, really I am. I tried my best to save Eye Candy. I liked him. He was a right good kisser. How long has it been for you since the Vegas Galaxy anyway? Six months? A year?" John asked.
"It's been three days," Jack growled. "Now, what the hell do you want?"
"Oh...three days...really...well...you probably aren't ready to hear this, but I want you to know that I love you," John replied.
"Funny way of showing it," Jack threw back at him. "The man I love was killed three days ago and you think this is the right time to tell me you love me?"
"No. But seriously, you have to understand, I really do love you." John turned around, a machine gun in each of his hands and opened fire.
_____________________________
(Central Server building...)
"We need to restart the Turnmill servers," Tosh said, frustration filling her voice.
"What if we can't?" Ianto asked.
"Then the reactor goes into meltdown," Tosh replied.
"I'm going up there," Ianto said.
Tosh looked at him, "Ianto..."
"Look, if we can't get the remote servers working, then there must be something I can do onsite to prevent nuclear meltdown." Ianto was determined, he wasn't going to let John and Gray win. He'd promised Jack that he would protect the team. Jack wasn't going to come back and find Ianto hadn't done everything in his power to keep them, and the city, safe.
Tosh looked at her best friend and saw the determination in his face. "Ianto, that would be certain suicide."
"It's okay, Tosh," Ianto assured her. "Something happened to me while Jack and I were on our honeymoon. I'm like him now, I can't die."
"Ianto...how?"
"Look, we can discuss this or I can go to Turnmill. I promise I'll tell you all about it when this is over, just trust me, Tosh."
Tosh nodded her acceptance and they left. As they exited the building, Tosh's portable rift activity monitor went off.
"Ianto, it's a rift alert from inside the Hub. It's the same pattern as the one near the time Jack disappeared."
"Tell Gwen, have her check it out," Ianto instructed.
Tosh activated her comm and relayed the information to Gwen at the police station. "She's going back to the Hub, Ianto."
"Good, you head back too. I'll go to the nuclear plant and you can talk me through what I need to do." Ianto kissed the top of her head. "Be careful, Tosh."
Ianto ran off towards Turnmill, wishing he had a vehicle. Suddenly, a high-pitched alarm sounded out across the city and weevils started pouring out into the streets.
"Shit! If I have to fight weevils at every turn, I'm never going to get to the plant. Think, Ianto. Think." He reached up and activated his comm. "Owen? The streets are flooded with weevils, they came out of nowhere. There's no way that I'll make it to Turnmill on my own."
"Ianto, leave it to me. I can make it there," Owen replied. "King of the weevils, remember?"
"You're not going on your own, Owen. I'm close to the hospital, meet me and we'll go together." Ianto gave him the name of the streets where he was, and waited for the medic to get there.
__________________________________
(Back at the Hub...)
"Tosh, we're here. You're going to have to help me out, I haven't got a bloody clue what I'm doing," Ianto's voice sounded over the comm.
"Ianto, the reactor has already hit the critical point, it's going to go into meltdown," Tosh replied.
"Is there anything you can do to fix it?" Owen asked.
"Of course I can, I'm brilliant."
Ianto and Owen looked at each other and grinned.
"I'm going to divert power from an auxilary source, back to Turnmill. When that's done, I can talk you through restoring the coolant system."
A gunshot went off in the room. Tosh looked up, startled. Jack stood in the doorway to his office, gun pointed at the body of his brother across the room, tears pouring down his face.
"Tosh?" Ianto called. "Tosh, are you ok?"
"She's fine, Ianto," Jack replied. "Gray is dead."
"Jack...I'm so sorry," Ianto wanted to be there to hold his husband in his arms and comfort him, but he couldn't.
"Later," Jack said. "Get the meltdown stopped and then come home, Ianto."
______________________________________
(Later - at the Hub...)
It was over. Gray was in the vaults. John was gone. Tosh, Owen and Gwen had gone to their homes. Tomorrow they'd begin rebuilding Cardiff.
Ianto set the bottle of whiskey and two glasses on the table and sat down on the couch next to Jack, pulling his husband into his arms.
"John said that you were buried alive," Ianto whispered. "How?"
"My vortex manipulator," Jack replied. "Final gift from the TARDIS. She reprogrammed it to bring me here, to my old room under the office. I managed to activate it before I suffocated from all the dirt. Got back here and picked the locks on the handcuffs - just in time to shoot my brother." His voice broke. "There was nothing else I could do."
"I'm so sorry, Jack. First your mother and now Gray," Ianto paused. "I'm here for you, Jack. Whatever you need."
"Take me home, Ianto. Just, take me home."
fin***
- Main Torchwood slash page
- New stories page
- Jack/Ianto stories
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- Amazon.com - Torchwood: Children of Earth
- Amazon.co.uk - Torchwood - Children of Earth [DVD] [2009]
- Amazon.ca link - Torchwood - The Complete First Season (7DVD)