Title: Stranger In My Arms
Pairings/Characters: Jack/Ianto, Captain Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, Gwen Cooper-Williams, OC
Warnings: Probably angsty
Summary: "In those first moments he looked completely different. His eyes a different colour, his hair a different shade and somehow, Ianto thought if he spoke, the voice wouldn't be the older mans..."
Author Notes: This came to me while writing a line of the story 'Three Days In Your Shoes' I'd really love to know what you think.
Disclaimer: I wish I owned Torchwood 'cause then I'd be all like "Hey, back off, Ianto belongs to me!" but I don't.
Chapter One - Unusual Behaviour
Ianto stared up at the ceiling of his flat. He hadn't gotten any sleep the night before. Something just wasn't right. Jack's behaviour the last couple of days was anything but ordinary, even for him. The night before was the first night Jack had ever scared him.
"Tell me what's wrong Jack?" Ianto asked, sitting down by his desk.
"I wish I could, I just can't."
"Why not?"
"I can't tell you that either."
"Why!?" Ianto had lost all patience, he just wanted to know the truth.
"Promise me something." Jack said, seeming to change the subject.
"What?"
"Keep fighting. If you notice I'm behaving odd in the next couple of days. do something about it."
"You're acting odd now!" Ianto grabbed Jack by the shoulders, "Tell me what's going on."
"I can't. If I act really odd, do something. Don't tell me or Gwen, just do something."
"Jack, what the hell?"
"Don't ask."
"I'm worried about you."
"Go home."
"Did you hear what I just said? I'm worried about you!"
"Go home Yan, it's not safe for you here."
"We're in the hub. No one can get in." Ianto pointed out.
"That doesn't matter. Please go home, for me."
Ianto looked into Jack's eyes and could see the fear. He'd never seen fear in those eyes before. It was chilling to think that something had Jack this scared. Worst of all in Ianto's mind was that Jack was refusing to tell him what was going on which could only mean he was protecting him.
"You're scaring me Jack."
"I'm sorry. I wish I could tell you but I cant. Just please go home, you'll be safer."
"...Okay...if that's what you want."
"It's not but it's for the best." Jack smiled nervously.
Ianto got up and turned to leave. He had reached the door before he felt Jack's hand on his shoulder. he turned back and barely had time to prepare himself for the kiss Jack pulled him into. It wasn't like Jack's usual kisses. It was desperate and it felt like jack was going to let it last as long as he could, like t was the last time they'd touch.
"What was that?" Ianto asked cautiously as they parted.
"Be careful Ianto."
Ianto hadn't spent a night in his flat in so long, it was hard to even go in that night. It had felt so empty, so cold without Jack there to keep him warm. He knew he had to leave, it was time for work but he couldn't bring himself to get up, not yet. The closest thing he had gotten to that was sitting up.
He rubbed his eyes, wishing he'd actually gotten some sleep but all he could do was think about Jack and what he was doing. There were only so many things that could make a man like Jack as scared as he was. Jack was more afraid of whether the Welshman would be safe.
Ianto rubbed his eyes again before getting up. If he could get to the hub and see Jack, be reassured, maybe he'd feel better. As Ianto showered and got ready, all he could think about was the fear in Jack's eyes. He hadn't even noticed that the suit he had put on was Jack's favourite. If he was perfectly honest, he didn't care either. If he wore it, maybe it'd bring Jack's smile back, make everything okay. Any bit of hope seemed to be important to cling on to at that moment.
Ianto drove to the hub, letting out a shakey breath. As he walked in he tried to stop the unease in his stomach. The cog door rolled open and he stepped through carefully. When he finally caught sight of Jack, his feelings were conflicted. In those first moments he looked completely different. His eyes a different colour, his hair a different shade and somehow, Ianto thought if he spoke, the voice wouldn't be the older man's
I hope you like this first chapter. I'm actually really excited about this story. Please review, especially if you're excited too!
Cheers,
Gabz
xx
