Fic- Forever Part Twenty

[branwen_blaidd]

Title: Forever

By Branwen Blaidd & Oncoming Scone

Part Twenty of Thirty One

Pairing: Jack/Ianto

Rating: Adult - Dark Themes, Violence, Graphic sex, AU

Spoilers: Torchwood & Doctor Who all seasons to date.

Summary: Set after Exit Wounds and Journey’s End, no-one is coping with recent tragic events. In an attempt to bring the team back to unity and strength, Ianto makes a decision that will change the fate of Torchwood, and the world, Forever.

Disclaimers: Despite 5 months of creating this together, we own nothing and never will! The various songs, verses, etc do not belong to us either. 

Notes: This is AU, though it begins in line with canon up to Exit Wounds. We hope to post one chapter each day at roughly the same time. Comments please!

 

 

It had been too long. Jack was sheathed in Ianto, wrapped in him. Ianto was Jack’s again. Nothing would change that. He wouldn’t let it. His thoughts gave way to all encompassing waves of pleasure. Ianto was right. No thinking.

Beneath him, Ianto was lost: lips swollen and parted; hands gripping Jack’s back and then the desk; eyes on Jack only. They moved together, finding their rhythm, no longer caring about noise. They needed this so badly.

“Harder,” panted Ianto. Jack screwed up his face and pounded furiously, glaring at his defiant employee and lover.

“Careful what you wish for,” he rasped warningly. Instantly, Ianto began to cry out. Jack smirked at him and grasped Ianto’s cock, working it fast.

The cries gave way to screams. Ianto felt a surge of pleasure and bliss. No thought, no past, no future, just this, just Jack. A deep grunt joined in with Ianto’s voice as Jack felt himself tumbling towards the edge. He thrust as hard as he could and they came: powerfully, messily, together.

Minutes drifted by. Breathing calmed. They drifted down to the floor and sat, still clinging to each other’s sweaty bodies. They stayed there for some time, kissing lazily, but in truth quite frightened to venture outside the office to discover that Gwen had overheard everything.

“We really should get some coffee,” said Jack.

“You do it,” said Ianto.

Jack slapped his leg. “You really are getting cheeky, Ianto. Coffee is your job.” He polished it off with a pout.

“I know, sir,” said Ianto with a scowl, rubbing his assaulted thigh. “But someone just fucked me all the way to the stars and they’re all I can see.”

The happy flush disappeared from Jack’s face. “What did you just say?” he rasped.

Ianto frowned. “I just meant that it was so good…what’s wrong, Jack?”

Jack swallowed. “It’s nothing. I’m just… tired.”

Ianto smiled. “Well screw the coffee.” He leaned forward and grabbed some of their discarded clothing. “Come on,” he said softly. “Power nap. No arguments, Harkness.”

Jack mumbled for a moment, but in actuality, a quick sleep sounded very appealing. They cuddled up together on Jack’s little couch. Ianto yawned and leaned sleepily against Jack.

“I should have been more gentle with you,” murmured Jack. “You’re still recovering.”

“To be honest, I found that whole experience rather healing,” said Ianto, snuggling into Jack’s chest and letting out a long satisfied sigh. Yes, that had been exactly what he’d needed. 

* * *

Fifteen minutes later, Gwen cautiously poked her head around the door. The two semi-naked men lay asleep on the couch wrapped in each other’s arms.

She rolled her eyes. “Wonderful conversational skills there, Jack,” she murmured.

She sighed deeply and felt a sinking sensation in her stomach. Jack hadn’t told Ianto the truth yet. That much was obvious.

She stepped back out and quietly closed the door, taking up her station just metres away and started some mindless work of her own. All she could do was wait for them to wake up and when they did, it wouldn’t be good.

* * *

Jack emerged first. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the look on Gwen’s face.

“If looks could kill,” said Jack casually. “Oh, well, I’d come back anyway.”

He made to stroll past her but she grabbed his arm with an impressively harsh grip. It forced him to stop and look at her. His eyes betrayed fear.

“You didn’t tell him,” she said, dangerously.

“He doesn’t need to know,” said Jack with a glare.

“I see,” said Gwen, loosening her grip. “Just keep convincing yourself of that, then.”

Jack clenched his jaw and squirmed for a moment. “I need longer. He needs longer…”

“No, Jack.” She spoke in a low voice. Calm, but deadly. “You need to tell him. Or I will.”

Jack’s eyes widened. He stared at her. She was serious. He pursed his lips.

“You come near him and I’ll…”

“You’ll what?” she asked, quietly.

Jack’s eyes flashed from anger to fear. But then there was just sadness. They both heard the door of Jack’s office close at the same time, with Ianto making his way towards them.

Gwen blinked, and summoning the last of her courage, she leant into him.

“You have one day, Captain,” she whispered. Then she picked her up her handbag and made to leave.

“Where are you off to, Cooper?” called Ianto with a grin. “Bloody part time now, are we?”

Gwen turned slowly to look at him. Ianto felt a chill down his spine as the tension in the room reached him. His eyes darted to Jack, but Jack was staring at the floor with his hands in his pockets.

“Less of your lip, Jones,” said Gwen with a forced smile. “Quiet day. Rhys has the afternoon off. Thought I’d join him. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She turned and left, leaving Ianto with the impression he’d put his foot right in it. He approached Jack.

“Did you two have one of your…disagreements?” he asked tentatively.

Jack smiled warmly and reached out, placing his hand on Ianto’s cheek. “Nothing to worry about.”

Ianto gazed back at Jack, leaning his head into the touch. “So, this cotton wool you’re wrapping me up in,” he began. “Is there much more of it?”

Jack leaned in and kissed him on the lips. “Infinite supply,” he grinned. “After all, you look so cosy.”

“I am,” said Ianto dreamily. He stepped into Jack’s strong embrace and allowed himself to be held. “I really am.”

* * *

Hours later, Ianto had completed all the outstanding filing in the archives. Now he was just clearing away various files and boxes and doing his best to maintain an appropriate level of cleanliness. As he swept up, he entertained the idea of Torchwood hiring a cleaner. The smell of dust mingled with a familiar musky scent.

“An archive angel,” Ianto sniggered to himself.

 He was enjoying that glorious sense of accomplishment he so cherished in these moments. But, there was the pounding song in his head. It had been with him all afternoon. He couldn’t quite place it. A dull beat. It was starting to give him a headache.

Jack watched. He’d watched from close by for some time. Then he’d watched on the CCTV. And now he was a few feet away again. Ianto looked tired, but fairly content.

Ianto put his head in his hands.

“Right,” said Jack, with all the authority of a headmaster. “Shift’s over. Enough’s enough.”

Ianto looked up in surprise. “It’s only six o’clock, Jack. I could do another couple of hours. Get this place spick and span.”

“No way,” said Jack. “You need to take it easy. It’s already been a long day.” He held his hand out. “Come on.”

Ianto took a deep breath. He wanted to be stronger than this but his head was starting to throb. He took Jack’s hand. As he did, he felt Jack’s irrepressible energy flow through him. That warm hand. “Angel,” he breathed, not really knowing why.

“Huh?” asked Jack, turning to look at Ianto. Another flashback perhaps? “I’m an angel now?”

“You’re always my angel, Jack,” smiled Ianto weakly. But his smile gave way to a look of confusion. “Sorry, bit of a headache.”

Jack frowned. “Well that settles it. Bed. Early night. You’ve overdone it today.”

Ianto opened his mouth to argue but felt a wave of fatigue. He looked back at Jack. “I’m tired of being weak, Jack. Tired of being tired.”

“Give it time,” said Jack. “You’ve been through a lot.” He swallowed, hoping not to dwell on the subject, and wasted no more time. He led Ianto to the hatch.

* * *

Later that night, Jack had climbed into bed with him. He was lying awake, unable to imagine being anywhere in the universe other than by Ianto’s side. He listened to him breathing. How he hoped those dreams would be kind and soft. Keep him safe. He’d been lost in his thoughts for some time when he realised that the body next to him suddenly seemed stiff. Ianto was awake.

Jack rolled over. “What’s wrong?” he whispered.

“Can’t sleep.”

The sheets rustled as Jack put his arms around him. “Me neither.”

Silence. The air felt heavy around them.

“I dreamt about them again,” croaked Ianto. “I miss them.”

Silence. No answer. Even the breathing seemed to stop.

“Don’t you?”

There was a pause and Jack swallowed. “Yeah.” His voice was strained.

Silence. Jack remembered this conversation. Last time. What he’d done. How he’d left. Why had he done that?

“Ianto?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m sorry.”

Ianto tightened his hold on Jack. “Me too, Jack,” he whispered. “I know it’s painful.”

Silence.

“Joy and woe are woven fine. A clothing for the soul divine,” rasped Jack. He nuzzled Ianto’s neck. “I’m here. I’m not leaving you. Go back to sleep.”

It was a simple command. Ianto smiled into Jack’s chest. “I like being yours,” he breathed. “I know you’ve lived so many lives and I’m one of many, but…”

“Hey,” chided Jack, gently. “You’re more than that.”

Ianto melted into Jack, his eyes falling shut. He couldn’t remember feeling so safe and secure. So warm and loved. So special. But that song pounded in his head. He wriggled and scowled.

“What’s wrong?” asked Jack, stroking Ianto’s arm.

“Stupid song stuck in my head,” mumbled Ianto without opening his eyes. “Big and loud.”

“Ah,” said Jack. “Let me chase it away…”

He cleared his throat. Then he began to sing as softly as he could. Ianto exhaled contentedly and allowed himself to drift; drift into peace as Jack’s melody washed away the dark rhythm inside him.

“There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

“But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more.”

Ianto’s breathing became steady. His body limp. His face peaceful. He was asleep.

Jack secretly hoped that he’d heard every word. Because he meant every word, and could no longer remember a time when he’d felt differently. He lay awake for many hours, a shepherd to his flock, before falling into his own deep sleep.

Comments

[stargazer60.livejournal.com]

There's going to be a HUGE fallout if everything comes back to Ianto at once.

**nudges Jack to tell him**

[pinkpolyanthus.livejournal.com]

I love this story - it is brilliant - like all your stories!

I was interested to see your choice of song --- I'd like to say great minds ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UVKDLuzALY&feature=channel_page

I did this about a year ago!

[oncomingscone.livejournal.com]

Great minds indeed! It is sooooo appropriate.

[wykling.livejournal.com]

Oh my's Gwen set a limit xD
*pokes Jack with a long stick*
Rather you than her, now get on it!

Beautiful update :D

[drunkendeadcat.livejournal.com]

TOP NOTVH

[morgia.livejournal.com]

hummmm, was not sure but Im still here.... Good chapter !!!

[thrace-adams.livejournal.com]

Oh wow...steamy and hot...and then tension abounds...oh Jack...I know it sucks, but you HAVE to tell him...and good on Gwen for issuing the ultimatum. *sigh* Oh this is going to be rocky....*runs back to shelter*

[alex-annn.livejournal.com]

This is such a compelling story.

I love that song!!!