Author's Note: Okay! Not uploaded anything to FF in a LOOOONG time so hopefully this will work okay. This is the ONLY long fanfiction I've ever completed (it is already finished) so I'm quite proud of it. Be nice! (Not that I'm against constructive critisism, construct away!) I'll update it every couple of days or so, depending on interest.
Story Summary: Ianto is snatched from from Jack's hands by the Rift. Jack is determined to rescue his lover. But it turns out to be more complicated than he first thought.
Disclaimer: The characters and places you recognise aren't mine (unfortunately). I'm just using them to entertain.
Soulmates
Chapter One
It was the perfect night.
Captain Jack Harkness and Ianto Jones stood against the railings that lined Cardiff bay. They were eating scolding hot chips out of a polystyrene cone, the heat from the food rising in a little mountain of steam before fading away. Above them, it was as if someone had spilt a giant pot of silver glitter across the sky, the lid rolling to a stop nearby in a brilliant white circle. A faint chill was rising in the air, but not enough to venture inside. Jack was in his usual greatcoat and Ianto was wearing a simple long black coat over his suit. And they had each other. There was no need to move.
Life had been hectic the past few weeks. None of the remaining team could bring themselves to replace Tosh and Owen, not yet. The wounds were still too painful, too raw. They were aware that life without a bigger team was pushing them beyond their limits but no one was willing to express it in words. So they dealt and they worked until they were falling asleep in the Hub because it was easier than going home. Even Rhys had stopped over night from time to time in order to see his wife. He had complained occasionally but had never insisted she came home. He missed his wife when she was at work, but he understood this was how it had to be for the time being.
Life was hard, but they all found ways to get by these days. After a quiet day in the Hub, Jack and Ianto had stolen some time to be alone outside of work. They needed it.
Their fingers touched as their both reached for another chip and they smiled at each other. Jack lightly smacked Ianto's hand and stole the chip they had both wanted.
"You know, it's considering polite to offer it to the other person first," Ianto commented, trying not to think about how sexy Jack looked as he licked the dripping vinegar off the side of the chip.
"I know," Jack grinned and ate the chip whole.
Ianto shook his head.
Jack felt an ache in his heart when he looked at his partner. A desire so strong, so much deeper than anything he had ever felt. Even something as innocent and casual as sharing a potion of chips made him realise how much he loved Ianto and no other would ever be able to replace the Welshman in his heart. As they gazed out over the dark waves of the bay, Jack suddenly felt nervous. He twisted his fingers in and out of each other and forgot about the chips. Ianto noted his nerves and raised an eyebrow, patiently waiting.
Jack had become aware of something in recent days. He loved Ianto. But had he ever told the younger man in so many words? He didn't think he had and it bothered him. When Ianto's hand touched his arm, he jumped slightly and turned to face his lover. The glow of a nearby streetlight cast fires in Ianto's dark eyes, a soft glow to his lips. Jack leaned forward and kissed Ianto, a gentle, caring kiss that swelled with their love. Ianto lost himself in Jack's kiss.
When they parted, their heads stayed close together, breathing in each others scent.
"Ianto," whispered Jack, "there's something I've been meaning to tell you. Something I should've said a long time ago," he paused, wetting his lips. "Ianto, I..."
Suddenly a bright crack of forked lightning tore across the sky with an almighty bang. They jumped and looked up and at the same time Jack's vortex manipulator started going crazy. Seconds ago the sky had been clear but dark clouds had appeared out of nowhere and lightning strikes were shooting across it, accompanied by great booms echoing over Cardiff.
"What...?" Ianto started.
"The rift!" Jack exclaimed, reaching out to take hold of Ianto's hand, "it's opening. We've got to move. Now!"
Jack moved away from the railings and began to run, Ianto close behind. They all knew the dangers of the rift, they all remembered the stories of Flat Holm and the victims of the Rift. Even Torchwood wasn't exempt from its power. Jack looked over his shoulder as they ran for the safety of the Hub, not wanting to lose his lover and he cried out wordlessly at what he saw.
A streak of lightening reached down from the sky, covering Ianto in blinding light, stopping the Welshman in his tracks. Jack skidded to a halt and turned, already moving towards Ianto, shielded his eyes from the growing intensity of the light.
Then it was over. Darkness replaced the lightning and the sky became clear once more.
The leader of Torchwood 3 stared at the spot where Ianto had been. The chips were spilled across the floor, the polystyrene carton rolling in the gentle breeze. A sick sensation tore up from his stomach.
Ianto Jones had been swallowed by the rift.
Jack's scream ripped the September night in two.
