Disclaimer: Obviously I do not own the intellectual rights of Torchwood. I am forever indebted to its writers, and I'm borrowing everything you're about to read!
Story: A re-imagining of the events following Jack's return from the year that never was. This time it all proves too much for Jack, can Ianto save the Captain when he makes a drastic decicion?
Spoilers: Series 1 & 2.
Rating: K+ (for now)
AN: This is my first published fic, and still a work in progress so stick with me! Chapters will get longer as I get into it.
I find music very creatively stimulating and any particular songs that have helped me along the way I'll list at the start of every chapter, feel free to tune in to them while you read.
Counting Crows: Rain King & Raining in Balitmore.
Chapter One.
Jack rubbed his face with his hands, trying to ease the tension above his eyes. He'd been staring at the same page for half an hour, he realised, and hadn't taken in any of the detailed report Tosh had spent time compiling. Wearily he closed the folder and put his head on the desk, inhaling deeply. The report would have to wait for another day.
Jack yearned for sleep to take him away, he wished the small, cold fingers of unconsciousness would wrap around him and take him to the peaceful place he imagined. A place where he no longer had to re-live the daily torment he'd come to know. A hopeless feeling over came him and he sighed deeply, knowing that now was not the time to sleep, even if he could. He could no longer bear to shut his eyes when he was alone, terrified of the all encompassing blackness that had consumed him so many times before. Nights spent with Ianto seemed to help some, there was certainly less time to lay in the dark contemplating. The Captain sat up, pushing his fingers through his hair and, hearing shouts, looked out of the office door to where his team were busy playing with the basketball hoop he'd installed the year before.
"Ianto, over here!" yelled Owen, beckoning the young Welshman to pass him the ball, over the head of Toshiko who was wildly waving her arms in the air in a desperate attempt to block the move. Gwen was laughing on the side, and absolutely no help to Tosh whatsoever. Ianto passed the ball easily over Toshiko's head and Owen made the shot. "5 – Nil!" Owen shouted triumphantly, dancing smugly in front of Gwen and Toshiko who looked less than pleased. "Owen you are officially the worst winner in the world" Gwen taunted, dancing back around Owen as she narrowly missed his playful hand trying to tickle her. Ianto shot Tosh an eye-brow raised look and she smiled knowingly back.
Jack stood against the railings outside of his office and smiled sadly to himself as he looked down over the Hub and watched the team fool around. A profound sense of loss hit the Captain as he saw his team enjoying some down time together. He'd lost his carefree days somewhere deep in time, and even when he relaxed and tried to have fun he could never escape the nagging ache at the back of his mind. It reminded him of where he'd been, what he'd done, and what lay ahead every time he would die. There was only one place where he could find peace, an escape away from his crowded thoughts that threatened to overwhelm him, and that was in the arms of a certain young Welshman he was now observing with an intense gaze.
Ianto felt he was being watched, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up alerting his mind to the eyes upon him. He glanced across and from the corner of his eye he could see the imposing, for once quiet, figure of his boss stood leaning against the rails. Ever since Jack had returned he'd seemed more distant. In one sense he was much more present, their affair had gotten more intense, not to mention more frequent; Ianto had started to feel a connection he'd thought was long lost when Lisa died. It was a scary thought, and he'd tried to push it to the back of his mind, he couldn't stand to be hurt again. Deep down, despite the Captain's protests, he knew Jack wasn't the settling down type. Ianto also knew that, despite his best efforts, he was falling hopelessly in love. Hopelessly in love with a man, a complicated man. A very self assured, gorgeous, complicated, older man.
Jack noted Ianto's glance and knew he had been caught. Jogging down the stairs he took a deep breath, "game face on" he thought to himself as he worked a hundred watt smile onto his face, and called over to the team. "Pizza or Chinese?" Jack asked, "You guys look like you've worked up an appetite, and I for one am starving!" Ianto looked up at Jack's grinning face and saw through the smile immediately, the beautiful intrinsic spark was missing from his bright blue eyes. "Best leave it for now" Ianto told himself, and smiled back, making a mental note to quiz Jack later. After a brief debate, Tosh won everyone over to pizza and they placed the order, heading back at their desks to finish up the day's work.
AN: Please review if you have time, feedback is appreciated.
