Torchwood America

by TWIantoJones

New version available! It's called "Torchwood America Version 2".

1. Author's notes and Parts 1 thru 9

This story is a continuous work-in-progress. Because I am only one step (maybe two) ahead of you (my readers) I see and discover little mistakes and inconsistencies several days AFTER posting each new part. As a result there have been some changes made to the first installments (Parts 1 - 9). Most of the changes are minor and do not matter if you have all ready read the story. These additions mostly just add more depth to the characters and the story as a whole. Please let me know if you notice any major or minor mistakes as you read the story of Torchwood America. Thanks in advance!!!!

~_~_~

TORCHWOOD AMERICA

~_~_~

Part One: Introduction

2009 was a difficult year for Torchwood III. Captain Jack Harkness buried two of his employees, Toshiko Sato and Owen Harper when his brother tried to destroy the city of Cardiff as part of his revenge against him. Jack cryogenically froze his brother in the hopes that one day he would be able to heal the boy's tortured mind. He continued to defend the earth with Gwen Cooper-Williams and Ianto Jones at his side.

Just when he thought that the pain of losing Toshiko and Owen had begun to fade, his life was ripped to shreds. This time the personal loss was so great that he felt as if he himself had died. He was left empty inside, a shell of a man.

Aliens known as the 456 to the government of Britain bullied their way to bargaining for 10% of the world's children. Torchwood III was destroyed, Jack was blown up and then encased in concrete when he resurrected. His daughter and grandson were taken hostage to try to get him to stand down. Instead of doing so, he and his lover Ianto Jones went to speak to the 456 at the Thames House. Their plan to intimidate the alien, in order to buy themselves time, backfired. The 456 released a virus into the air at the Thames House and it infected everyone inside. Jack Harkness held Ianto Jones as the younger man confessed his feelings of love for the Captain and subsequently died in his arms.

Devastated at the loss of his lover, who he had only begun to see as more than just a lover, Jack then had to make the heart-breaking decision to sacrifice his grandson in order to transmit the frequency that ultimately killed the invaders. His daughter could not forgive him, which added to his own personal pain.

Captain Jack Harkness traveled the earth in an attempt to forget about his losses. It didn't work so he left earth, he found his Doctor and slowly realized that he was meant to be alone. He willingly returned to earth one year to the day that his grandson died. He returned to Torchwood III, which was rebuilt along the Rift in Cardiff, Wales and forced himself to carry on.

There were things that he did not know though. Terrible and mysterious things.

~_~_~

What Captain Jack Harkness did not know was that several years prior to the 456, even before the Dalek-Cyberman invasion in London (that had become known as the Battle of Canary Wharf), the Torchwood Institute had begun to expand on a global level.

Yvonne Hartman, the head of the Institute, had met with several world governments and together they had set up bases throughout the world, strategically placed, to aid in the research of alien technology and the defense of earth from alien threats.

On every continent there was at least one Torchwood base staffed by researchers and field agents. They scavenged alien technology for study and use in the event of invasion. There were four bases in North American alone. The first was in Canada, the second was in Utah, the third was in New York and the fourth was located in the town of Bluemont, West Virginia.

Jason Monroe headed the Torchwood base in Bluemont. It was similar to the Cardiff base in that it was located along a Rift in Time and Space. Just like with Cardiff, aliens and technology from various points in time were prone to dropping into their laps at any second. This Rift was, however, much more stable and predictable.

Jason Monroe had graduated from the Michigan state police academy while in his early twenties and had worked on the force for four years before the International Police Force recruited him. He had met his ex-wife while at the police academy and together they had four children before their marriage ended on a bitter note. Now at the age of 46, Monroe had not had a serious relationship in nearly twelve years. After his wife had divorced him (and taken away most of his parental rights) he had sworn off of relationships. Instead he focused on his career and indulged himself in guiltless flings and torrid affairs with both males and females. He refused to allow anyone to get close enough to care about them. He never stayed the night; he rarely saw someone more than a handful of times. He lived as a bachelor and looked for sexual satisfaction in place of affection.

In 2002 the Torchwood Institute recruited him to run the facility in Bluemont. At first he had been skeptical about the existence of aliens. Then he was able to see some up close. He quickly realized that it was no joke and he agreed to run the North American base. He spent nearly two years in London training to be able to take on the role of leader of a Torchwood base, which caused a greater strain on his personal life as it meant less time to be able to spend visiting his children. Once his training was complet he returned to the U.S. He then relocated to West Virginia and met his team, all of whom were American and also trained by the Institute.

When Torchwood IV, formerly located in Ireland, disappeared Monroe began to doubt the intelligence of the Institute. Torchwood II kept to itself in Scotland and focused mainly on research. Torchwood III was far too noticeable in its attempts to thwart aliens. Then came the ghost shift experiments. Not possessing teleportation technology (only the Institute and UNIT had anything of that sort) Monroe could only watch from a distance as the Torchwood Institute was destroyed by the Dalek-Cyberman armies a few years later. All of the British-based Torchwoods then separated from each other while the rest continued to work together. This was made easier by the fact that only the Institute and their own individual government sponsors knew of their existence. So like the rest of the world's Torchwoods, Torchwood Bluemont ignored the British.

That was a mistake.

In mid-2009, Torchwood III was destroyed by its own government and 10% of the world's children were nearly sacrificed to aliens known as the 456. Torchwood III had been willing to take a stand against the would-be slave owners and were betrayed.

Monroe did not know the details, as there was still a lack of communication between the nations, but he knew that Torchwood III had been completely destroyed. He knew that the Rift at Cardiff remained unchecked.

However, just like Captain Harkness, there were things that Monroe had not been told.

He had not been told that Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper had rebuilt their team and continued to defend the earth from their underground base at Cardiff,

That was another mistake. One that would change the lives of so many forever.

~_~_~

Part Two: First Impressions

Jason Monroe stretched his toned arms and listened to the satisfying sound of joints popping. He smirked as Jenny grimaced at the sound. They were in his office going over the weekly reports and he was tired. It had been a long day and with this new alien species taking up residence in the sewers, some sort of alien primate Jenny figured, it was looking to be a long week.

"Must you do that?" Jenny muttered as she shuffled papers around placing them in order according the subject matter. She was particular about how she organized.

Monroe was a very attractive man; it was easy for the young doctor to see why so many people tried to get into his bed. He was 6'4" tall and built -- six pack abs, chiseled pecs, broad shoulders -- he had short black hair, dark brown eyes, straight nose, high cheek bones, square jaw; his face looked as if it had been sculpted out of stone. He was of Mediterranean heritage and was blessed with naturally darker skin. He liked to show off his body (which he worked at to keep it in shape) by wearing well-cut pants and form-fitting shirts. It was too bad that it was only his looks that were truly attractive.

He was, to put it bluntly, an asshole. Jenny wasn't sure of the details, and to be honest she didn't care, but he had become bitter after his marriage had failed and now chose to go through life alone. He could easily have his pick of any good-looking person yet he chose to stay away from commitment.

Despite being an asshole, he was a damn good leader. He never asked anyone to do something that he was unwilling to do himself. He was most often the first to jump into danger and the last to leave the scene. He was willing to work with aliens who meant no harm but was not afraid to fight if he had to. He did not keep secrets from his team, his personal life being the exception. The team knew that they could count on him to see to it that they did not get overworked. He had then on rotating schedules that allowed them time to not only rest and recuperate but to be with their families.

He was an asshole, but at least he was a damn good one.

"Sorry, Doc." Jason leaned back in his chair. "Okay, I think we're about finished here. We'll continue to monitor these ape things. If possible we need to capture one so we can examine it. It'd be great if we could also find a dead one so we can autopsy it."

"I'll let the others know to keep a look out for alien ape corpses. Maybe we can try Ebay." Her tone was as dry as the toast he'd eaten for breakfast.

"Good. Now!" Jason leaned forward to look her in the eye. "This British import. What do you think?"

This was a touchy subject with the entire team. UNIT had contacted Monroe a few days ago to inform him that, no matter how much he protested, a former UK Torchwood employee would be arriving later that week to join his team. Despite being separated from the British, they still had to answer to the U.S. government. The U.S. government had chosen to re-establish relations with the British and this was the first step to rebuilding those relations. After careful consideration they had chosen Bluemont as the Torchwood base that the newcomer would be sent. Jenny knew that Monroe hated being giving complete freedom to run the base as he saw fit only to then have someone forced onto him. It was a slap in the man's face. None of the others were happy about it either.

"I think that as we have no choice, not if we want that budget renewal to go through, we should at least attempt to be civil, if not nice to this 'British import'." She settled herself more comfortably in her chair. "Do we know anything about this person?"

"Only that he, or she, worked in Torchwood before and has a good deal of experience dealing with Rift problems. Our import will be arriving tomorrow morning. Sam's going to be at the airport playing chauffeur. He's so thrilled, I can tell you."

Sam, second in command, hated anything that kept him out of the field.

"Do we at least have a name so that Sam can find him quickly?"

"No, but I've been told that this person will be able to identify us so it shouldn't be a problem." Jason began to re-organize the reports on his desks, placing them in chronological order (no doubt just to piss her off). "I've had Shelly set up a temporary residence for the import until he or she has the time to house hunt. We'll receive all of the files on this person after they arrive, which I don't think I have to tell you pisses me off."

"Did they say why?"

"Something about international security. Bullshit, probably, but bureaucracy always wins. Besides, like you said, we need our budget renewed."

They did. Her medical team needed more funding if they were to continue their medical research and care for those the Rift tossed at them.

"Well, we might as well make the most of it. And once we meet him or her, you can stop calling them 'Import'."

"You love to take away my fun, don'tcha?" he asked with a grin.

"Asshole."

"You know it."

~_~_~

Morning came far too soon for Jason Monroe. As he rolled out of bed he noticed the calendar that hung on the wall. Tuesday. It had been three days since his conversation with Jenny. Today was the day that Jason had been dreading since the phone call from UNIT a week ago. Today was the day that some haughty, stiff-lipped British import would saunter in through the doors of the Torchwood Bluemont base and wreak havoc in their lives.

Shit.

He got himself ready as quick as he was able and headed out the door. He climbed inside his black convertible and drove to the 'research center' that was the cover story for his base. He punched in his security code and made his way through the faux lobby and into the maze that led him underground.

Torchwood One (the Institute) had been in a large multi-storied office building in London. Jason had been suitably impressed at the expensive looking facility. As a result his own base had disappointed him at first. Torchwood Bluemont had been built beneath a city block where several bomb shelters had been abandoned. It was a two level facility and tricky to navigate if one did not know the way around. There were two entrances; the first was through the research center and the second was down the block through a door in an alley between a grocery store and a used bookstore.

After working here for a few years he had come to love the earthy feel of the base. The bomb shelter foundations had been reinforced using alien technology. The walls were several feet thick and were soundproof to the world above. Like so many of the Torchwood bases there were cells to keep alien specimens as well as archives filled with technology and reports to help in their mission. Unlike many of the other Torchwood bases Jason Monroe had a large staff (at least when one compared the size of his base to that of the others). He had four medical officers, three researchers/archivists, two computer and technology experts and three field agents. All of his staff were trained in weapons use and had field experience. He did not allow any one of his people to not be trained in the field; there were occurrences when one of his field agents had been incapacitated and he needed an extra set of hands. He worked differently from the other Torchwood leaders because he forced himself to learn his staff's weaknesses and worked with them to make them stronger. He knew that his base only functioned so efficiently because they worked together as a team. They were like a puzzle that used all of the pieces.

And now some British import was going to crash the party.

"Hey Jason!" Shelly, a plump girl with a pretty round face and dark curls, bounced up from her desk as he came in. "Perfect timing! Sam's on the way to the airport -- complain, complain! That's all he does -- and Jenny made cookies while I started the coffee maker. Here's your morning mail." She handed him several envelopes and packages with her bright smile.

"Cookies?" Jason shook his head at the puzzlement that females were. He couldn't understand why women thought that home baked goods were the way to go to welcome people. What was wrong with a good, firm handshake?

"Yep! She wanted to make something British, to make our guest feel more at home, but she said since she doesn't know what part of Britain they're from she didn't want to be insulting. So she made peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies instead."

"Riiight." He pulled off his leather jacket and draped it over a vacant chair. "I just know that I'll be glad when this creep is gone."

"I just know that I wanna know if it's a cute guy!" Shelly giggled. "Though a girl would be nice too. I'll bet she'd wear great clothes! British fashion is sooo hot!"

And she would know. She loved to read through the UK version of various magazines, such as Cosmo. In fact, he could see a large stack balance precariously on the edge of her desk. The sad thing about it was that this particular stack had been purchased just in the last few days. Women.

"I'll be in my office banging my head against the wall if you need me. Otherwise call me when Sam gets back." With that, Jason walked down the hall and into his office, the door closing behind him.

~_~_~

When Sam called it was nearly noon. The plane had been delayed and so his second in Command felt the need to voice his annoyance and try to weasel out of this pick-up job. Jason simply told him to hang tight, the plane would be there soon and he should enjoy the reprieve while he could. After all, who knew how long it would be before the Rift threw something nasty at them and they got no sleep for three days? Sam had huffed and puffed and then hung up.

Now just after 2 p.m. Jason stood with Jenny and Dan (another medic) in front of one of the cages. They had successfully caught one of the ape things two days ago and now had it locked away for observation. Unfortunately the ape thing was more volatile than anticipated so their research had been limited to just watching the creature and taking notes.

"Maybe we could sedate it," Dan suggested. "We could slip it into its' food?"

"But we don't know what dosage to give it," Jenny protested. "Or if it has immunities or lack of; we could end up killing it. Don't say it Jason!" She raised her hand in warning.

"What? A corpse would tell us a lot!" Jason smirked at her before turned back to the creature. He didn't want to kill it, he was merely joking. Luckily, although he was an asshole it was only towards those who needed it.

"Jason…" Jenny began to chide him, only to be interrupted by a staticy crackle.

::Yo, Jason!::

Jason reached out and touched the receive button on the comm panel on the wall. "Sam back, Miranda?"

::Yep. The car's intact. There's fresh coffee. I finished that report for you. Oh, and Shelly's having kittens.::

"Joy. We'll be up in a minute." He stepped away from the cage and headed for the stairs, the others right behind him.

The first thing he saw was the plate of cookies sitting on the coffee table in the main part of the base. The second thing he saw was a very expensive black trench coat draped over his own leather coat. A black messenger back sat on the couch. Jason slowly moved his eyes towards the sound of voices. There they were, at Shelly's desk talking up a storm. Well, Shelly was talking, the others were listening.

Jason could not help but stare at the trim, slender figure that was faced away from him. A pair of perfectly tailored dark gray pants made long legs look even longer. An expensive, form fitting purple shirt was partially hidden by a perfectly tailored dark gray jacket. The black shoes had probably cost more than his entire collection of Star Trek Dvds (every series, every season, every single movie). He took in the fair skin and the dark wavy hair. He stared unabashed at the firm, tight looking ass that was on display before him. It was a very nice ass. It was the kind of ass that simply begged for Jason Monroe's hands to grab hold and squeeze. And if it weren't for the fact that he had a firm rule for himself against not becoming involved with his staff, he would so be all over this sexy, gorgeous British import faster than Paris Hilton could say "That's hot!"

The British import seemed to become aware of the intense gaze and slowly turned to face him. Jason shook himself and he stepped forward to greet his guest. It was hard to breathe; their guest was that mesmerizing. In fact, the British import was smokin' hot. Jason Monroe had a good eye for finding the most attractive people and this one had most certainly caught his attention. Too damn bad that they were going to work together.

He stretched out his hand in greeting. The hand that met his was soft and warm. He cleared his throat.

"Welcome to Torchwood Bluemont. I'm Jason Monroe."

Sharp, bright eyes pierced right through him. The face was exquisite; he could stare at this fine-featured face forever. A high forehead, slight upturned nose and thin lips adorned the slightly rounded face. There were slight circles just beneath the dark blue eyes and the cheekbones were just high enough to take a few years off. He barely noticed the scar, it was so faded.

The lips parted, letting out a voice that bore a soft lilting accent.

"Jones. Ianto Jones."

Jason stared at those piercing blue eyes in shock. It was impossible.

Ianto Jones had died five years ago. He knew that. He had read the documents and had shaken his head at the stupidity of Torchwood UK. Jones had died at the Thames House in London when he attempted to stop the 456 alien and was exposed to an air borne virus. He was dead. D-E-A-D. Not among the living. It was impossible.

What the fuck was going on?

~_~_~

Part Three: Beginnings

Ianto Jones stood looking at the ape creature. It was locked inside a reinforced metal cage. It stared back at him and growled. Ianto Jones took a step closer.

"I wouldn't get too close," Jenny said. "It's carnivorous. And violent. We caught it as it was attacking a homeless man a couple nights ago. The poor man didn't survive."

Ianto smiled a dry smile at her and moved forward another step.

"Mr. Jones," Jason said annoyed. "She's right. It's dangerous. We were hoping to study it, but we can't even get in there in order to examine it. Not without losing a hand or two."

"That's because you don't know what you have here."

Some people found British accents sexy. Normally Jason could agree with that sentiment. Hell, he found all accents sexy, even the West Virginia twang that he was buffeted with on a daily basis. However when Ianto spoke it was with an air of superiority. It was as if he was looking down his upturned nose at them. It was that arrogance that was so annoying. Dammit, it was sexy too.

"Oh? And what exactly have we got then," Sam asked in a tone that said 'I hate you.'

"A Weevil."

"A what?"

"A Weevil."

Ianto had reached the cage. He carefully raised a hand and placed it on the thick metal bars. The Weevil snarled and rushed towards him. Jason lifted up the stun-stick in order to get it away but before he could switch it on, Ianto had sprayed something into the face of the attacking alien. It staggered back and swung its head in an agitated manner. It did not attempt to attack again.

"What did you do? What is that stuff?" Jenny was unable to keep the concern for the creature out of her voice.

"Weevil spray. Specially formulated, although it has been altered from its' initial makeup. The bloody things evolved, we think. One spray, two if their metabolism is faster, and Weevils are temporarily paralyzed." Ianto pocketed the small spray vial and returned his attention to the Weevil. It looked at him in disdain.

"Oh now, don't give me that look," he spoke softly. "It's not my fault that you've been brought here. Or that these people don't know how to care for you." He carefully crouched down and tilted his head slightly. He reached slowly, so as not to frighten the Weevil, into his breast pocket and produced a candy bar.

"What are you doing?" Jason demanded. What, was it snack time?

"I've discovered than many displaced aliens appreciate the finer things that earth has to offer. Dinosaurs too, actually."

"What?"

"It's my secret weapon when dealing with aliens and dinosaurs. Chocolate. Preferably dark." He began to unwrap the candy bar. "Hershey isn't my first choice but it'll do." He tossed the chocolate into the cage and they all watched as the Weevil, its' nostrils flaring, crept towards it.

Jason's annoyance flared as he saw the Weevil eagerly devour the candy bar.

Ianto stood (taking away the nice view of his taut ass) and regarded the Weevil. "I think I'll call it Bridget."

"You named it?" Miranda said with a shake of her head.

"At Torchwood III we named all of the aliens that we had to care for. Our resident Weevil was called Janet and our Pterodan was Myfanwy." He obviously did not find this odd in the least.

"Right, anyway." Jason turned towards the stairs. "I think it's time that we all had a little chat. Senior officers, my office."

~_~_~

Jason, Sam, Jenny, Miranda and Ianto sat around the desk in Jason's office. They each had a cup of coffee and Miranda had her notepad in front of her.

"Okay Mr. Jones, why don't you start at the beginning?"

Ianto smiled a bit and replied, "Perhaps it would be better if you simply asked me whatever you want to know."

Jason narrowed his dark eyes and scowled. "Fine. Officially you're dead. You've been dead for five years. Explain that."

If he was surprised, Ianto Jones didn't show it.

"I died. I died due to an alien virus in the ventilation shafts at the Thames House in London in mid 2009. I was buried three days after the 456 were defeated. One year and eight days later I was unearthed from my grave by UNIT. They had discovered while performing experiments using the virus that it did not always cause death but instead it could stop a body from functioning while preserving it in it's natural state. I was one of those who had just the right genetic material to prevent both death and decay. Because of my affiliation with Torchwood, my body was frozen before it was buried in a special cemetery. I was undecayed when they pulled me up."

Ianto's eyes darkened at the memories of that terrible time. "My body was alive but my brain had been damaged, between the virus, the freezing and the lack of oxygen they doubted that I would survive. But I did. For nearly five months they experimented on me using both earth and alien technology, all the while keeping me hooked up on life support machines. Then suddenly I woke up screaming, no warning at all. I screamed until my throat had begun to bleed and they had to sedate me to keep me from harming myself. The next seven months I was in physical therapy; I had to relearn how to walk and talk. I couldn't even lift a spoon or dress myself."

He picked up his coffee and took a sip, grimacing at the slight bitter taste.

"What happened next? Why didn't you return to Torchwood III?"

"It was destroyed. There's nothing left." His voice was flat.

"But you could have rebuilt," Jason said. He had thoroughly read the reports about the Torchwood base's destruction. Captain Harkness had disappeared and there was no one else left. The Rift was still there though, a rebuild was completely do-able.

"No." Ianto cradled his mug close to him, his eyes filled with an emptiness that was practically tangible. "There was nothing left to rebuild. All of the equipment was destroyed. The server was all that remained. Gwen and Rhys were happy without the complications of aliens and Jack…" His eyes turned inward. "Captain Jack Harkness had left. He left us, left me, to travel and to forget. There's nothing left for me in Cardiff. I've been reduced to a mere memory. Besides, even if I did want to return to Cardiff, UNIT and Torchwood UK put me back together and gave me a new purpose."

"And that purpose is what, exactly?"

Ianto smirked and lifted his eyes to meet Jason's. "I've been made your Second in Command."

"What the fuck?" Sam jumped up angrily.

"Sit down," Jason said.

"No! Look Import, you don't just strut in here looking like some fashion model and tell us a sob story and just expect us to--"

"I said SIT DOWN."

Jason Monroe had four children, aged 14 to 25. He had to deal with bitchy female hormones and whiny Mama's boys whenever they deemed to visit him (at certain holidays or whenever they wanted something, like a new car) and so he knew how to handle temper tantrums. Sam was in many ways a big kid and so he knew that the other man would respond to his angry, authoritative tone.

Sam glowered at Ianto but sat back down, albeit reluctantly.

"What exactly do you mean that you're my Second in Command?" Jason kept his voice quiet, threatening. He could understand Sam's outrage. Sam had worked for Torchwood for several years and had worked in the CIA before that. He was also only a few years younger than Jason. To be replaced by someone younger was an insult to all of his hard work.

"Just that, sir." Ianto did not appear to be at all worried at the other's outburst and anger. In fact, there was amusement in his eyes. Eyes that had never left Jason's face.

"I don't need a new Second in Command. Sam here does just fine." He used the tone he had used on his ex when she had demanded money to send their youngest to a private school. He had not given in and had made sure to use that same tone with her every time she asked him for anything. The 'I'm Jason Monroe and you can't tell me what to do' tone had never failed him.

Until it was used on Ianto Jones.

"Yes, his work and dedication to Torchwood's mission is admirable. He has indeed done 'just fine,' however; 'just fine' isn't good enough. Not anymore."

"Why?" Miranda asked. "What's going on?"

"Alien domination is a serious threat. It's also very close to becoming a reality. After the 456 'incident' the governments of the world are more determined than ever to see to it that the earth is able to defend itself. After all, the 21st century is when everything changes. You've got to be ready. Before, we thought we were ready. Torchwood Cardiff was destroyed because of our ignorance. That mistake will not be repeated." He fixed his steely eyes onto each of them. "Like it or not, I'm Second in Command. Torchwood Bluemont was chosen as a test subject to see exactly what you're capable of. I will be observing everything and upgrading where needed. It is our duty to prepare the earth's people for the inevitable. One day aliens will come to rule us. By preparing for the future now we are ensuring that generations after us have a future."

"And if we choose not to follow these orders?" Jason had to know just what sort of power Ianto Jones had over him.

"Then you will be replaced." The tone was as cool as his blue eyes. "Not a single, solitary one of us is more important than the earth. I suggest you get used to that. It will make it easier to swallow."

He finished his coffee and rose to his feet.

"I was told that I would be provided with housing for the duration of my stay, however long that may be. I would appreciate it if someone could direct me there as it was a long journey and I'm in need of rest."

Jenny could see that Jason was about to explode so she stood. "I'll take you there. It's just a few blocks away. Oh, you'll need a passcode to get back into the base." She glanced at Jason for direction.

"No need. I all ready have my passcode. I just need a bed now."

"Go, then," Jason snapped, the vein at his temple throbbing in slowly simmering anger.

"I'll be in by 8 a.m. I'll need access to your security programs and your archives." Ianto turned and walked to the door, opening it in a gentlemanly manner for Jenny to step through first. He turned to look back at them. "Wela i chi wedyn."*

Jason watched as Ianto and Jenny walked out the door and down the hall. He waited until they were out of sight before sweeping his arm across his desk and knocking off the computer monitor. The others jumped as it crashed to the floor and the screen cracked ominously.

"Damn British bastard."

~_~_~

*"See you later."

~_~_~

Part Four: Stirrings

The apartment was situated above a small grocery store three blocks from the base. It was a studio that consisted of a single large room and a bathroom. The kitchen area was rather spacious and the carpeting and paint were new. The furnishings were minimal but tasteful. There was no decoration, no personalization. It was not meant for long-term tenants.

Ianto Jones sat on the full-sized bed with his head in his hands. The tears that he had been holding in for the last few days had finally been released. He never allowed himself to cry in front of anyone, not anymore. Long gone were the days when he allowed his emotions to betray him. The last time had been when he had died. And that had not gone well.

"I love you."

"Don't."

What had he meant? Had Jack said that because he loved him too and was too afraid to lose him? Or had he been telling him that because Ianto's love would forever be unrequited?

"Don't forget me…"

"Never could."

But Jack hadn't been able to stay. UNIT had taken great pleasure in informing him that Jack was gone forever. As was Torchwood Cardiff.

"In a thousand years' time you won't remember me…"

"Yes I will. I promise."

But Ianto seriously doubted that he had made such an impression on Jack. Jack Harkness was immortal. What could someone as dull and lackluster as himself be to someone as wonderful and innovative as Jack?

And now Ianto Jones, the soul remaining survivor of Torchwood Cardiff, was completely alone while surrounded by people.

It's better than being in the darkness…

He shuddered and lifted his head at that thought.

The darkness. He would have rather been converted than go back into the darkness. He would rather have been like Owen, a walking corpse, than go back to that.

He had experienced many horrors from the moment he had joined Torchwood. The darkness that existed when one died was the most terrifying horror of all.

He closed his eyes and tried not to remember. The darkness was an empty void. All around was just black darkness. Voices, the barest of whispers, could be heard at every angle. Shapes, black shadows, circled round and round with each passing second. He could hear them, he could feel them. But he could not see them or touch them. They were always just out of reach. Alone. Always so alone.

He had heard familiar voices. Lisa, Tosh and Owen. So many times he had tried to find them, to join them. He had cried out to them so many times only to still be alone, still so alone.

Memories of days gone by whispered to him, taunting him with what he'd once had. He had vividly recalled meeting Lisa at the Institute; they had become friends before his feelings had turned into love. Tosh coming to visit him while he'd been suspended after Lisa died; she'd been a true friend to him through everything, never judging him. Owen had tried to comfort him after Jack had left to find his doctor; they had discovered many mutual hobbies and grown closer.

Memory upon memory had pierced through the darkness. The memories only made the nothingness worse. Sometimes he had wondered if they saw the same things that he did at the same time. Other times he was too busy crying in fear of eternity alone in the darkness to wonder about anything at all.

He wiped at his face with his hand. He had to forget about the darkness. Yes, every single night he had nightmares about it. About Cybermen, Daleks, jarred hands, space whales, evil faeries and 51st century men too. But that was all in the past. He had to forget so that he could carry on. He had no choice. Torchwood and UNIT's mission was his sole reason for existing now.

"All right." He smiled a tight smile. "Time to pack away the past and move towards the future. The end is where Ianto Jones starts from." He stood and pulled off his trench coat, laying it on the bed. He walked over to the kitchen and looked through the cabinets. Empty of food and with only a few dishes. At least there was a coffee maker, even if it looked almost as old as him. He had worked with far worse; the Torchwood III coffee maker had been difficult to master at first. Now he was a coffee connoisseur.

The plus side to the apartment was that it was located directly over a 24-hour grocery store. The down side was that because it was open 24 hours there would most likely be nights when the store's patrons would be too noisy for him to be able to sleep. Not that he slept much anymore, not with the unending nightmares.

He pushed that thought aside and reached for his bag. He took out his wallet; UNIT had seen to it that a bank account with a large sum of money had been opened for him so that he could purchase anything material that he needed or wanted. Ianto pocketed the keys Jenny had given him and made his way out the back door and down into the store below.

It was similar to a Tesco so he grabbed a basket and started shopping. He picked out some basic toiletries before moving on to food. Coffee and filters were of course at the top of his list. Dying had not dulled his love for the black beverage. In fact he drank little else anymore. A box of cereal, loaf of bread, some frozen vegetables, fresh fruit, lunchmeat, a gallon of skim milk, instant noodles and a box of dark chocolate also found their way into his shopping basket. On his way to the checkout he stopped to pick up a few magazines and paperback novels to help occupy him when he was not at the base. The only possessions he had were in a small suitcase that currently lay next to the couch upstairs. All that it contained were a few sets of clothes and his diary.

He swiped his debit card as the cashier bagged his purchases for him. He thanked the young woman and walked back upstairs to put away his things.

Life was so much less than it had been before. But at least he was alive.

He just had to keep telling himself that. Maybe one day he'd start to believe it.

~_~_~

Jason flung open his door and stormed into his townhouse. He tossed his keys onto the coffee table and threw himself onto the sofa.

He was not in a good mood. He did not like it when people went over his head. It was one thing to force him to take on a new teammate but it was an entirely different thing when the new guy completely upset the balance of the team.

Ianto Jones.

Bastard.

Jason didn't give a damn that Jones had died and been brought back to life or whatever his death-by-alien-virus experience could be called. So what? They didn't have the right to do this.

With a growl he stood and began to pace. He had no choice but to accept Ianto Jones' place on his team. As promised, all of the files on Jones had been delivered to his email inbox minutes after Jenny had led him out. The timing was too perfect it was creepy. Apparently Jones was seen as a special expert on whatever the hell it was that had them all spooked. Because of that, Sam had been demoted and Ianto Jones would be moving into his office.

Damn, cocky bastard.

At least he looks good, his subconscious teased him.

He should have known it the instant he saw just how gorgeous the man was. Experience had taught him that; the better looking someone was the more dangerous they tended to be. In fact even Captain Harkness had commented in several reports exactly how dangerous Ianto Jones could be.

Jones had stalked and tricked Harkness into taking him on. Several months later Harkness learned it was because Jones' girlfriend was a partially converted Cyberman and was hidden in the basement of Torchwood III. His girlfriend and gotten free and tried to take over and carry out the Cybermen's mission to convert people. They'd had no choice but to fight back, eventually killing the girl and destroying the technology. Ianto Jones had been willing to risk everything to save his girlfriend and his only punishment was a four-week suspension. It didn't make sense and that told Jason something very important.

It told him that Ianto Jones was very dangerous indeed.

I may have to work with him, but it doesn't mean I have to like him.

Jones' eyes had seemed so empty as he had spoken. Even when he had smiled it had not reached his eyes. Those dark blue eyes were like a siren's call; it had been nearly impossible for Jason to look away.

Perhaps he's not so dangerous. Maybe he's just lonely, his subconscious whispered.

"Piss off."

Yeah, like he was even remotely interested in the bastard.

The way that Ianto had smirked at him, just a touch of humor on his face, when he had explained his role at Bluemont went right through him. Damn, that face, those eyes… What he wouldn't give to rip through the man's impeccable suit and wipe that smirk off his face.

The thought of removing Ianto's clothes sent a rush of heat to his groin.

Shit. No way. There was no way in hell he was going to even think about--

Damn, he needed a cold shower. Scratch that, he needed a freezing shower.

He kicked off his boots and stumbled to the bathroom. Stripping off his clothes he stepped into the tub and turned on the cold water. He could not believe that he had gotten hard over that little prick. He went for the antagonistic type but only when it resulted in some kinky fun. Ianto Jones was not his type in anything except for looks.

Jason stayed under the steady stream under he had no choice but to take matters into his own hand. Once he had rinsed off he turned off the tap and reached for a towel. Yanking on a pair of boxers he climbed into bed and turned off the light. He fell into a fitful sleep that was quickly punctuated with dreams.

His dreams were Ianto-filled.

~_~_~

Part Five: Tension

The smell of fresh brewed coffee assaulted Jason's senses as he walked through the door into the main part of the base. That was strange. It was only 7:30 in the morning. No one came in before 8 a.m. Immediately his body tensed and he reached inside his coat for his gun.

"Oh, sorry, didn't see you there."

Jason looked around in surprise.

Ianto stood a few feet away holding a coffee cup in his hand. He wore a black pinstriped suit with a matching vest and a red shirt. The jacket was draped across the back of Shelly's chair. The computer on the desk was turned on.

"What the hell? You don't have the authority to come in and start fucking up everyone's stuff!" He marched over to the desk and looked at the screen. Some sort of program was being installed.

"Actually, I think you'll find that I do." Ianto set down his cup and picked up his jacket. "I've been here for nearly two hours and I have to say that your security procedures are severely lacking. A toddler could get in here just by getting a hold of your keys." He turned to face the angry man. "Look, I'm sorry but I have the authority to do this. I didn't ask for it, nor do I want it, but I have it and I will use it." He actually sounded a little contrite, but it wasn't enough to take the sting away.

"You could have at least waited for me to get in. Give me some sort of warning." Jason glowered angrily at him. He would not let Jones off the hook just yet. "Not only did you give me a heart attack -- it's not funny -- but there are certain programs running constantly. Unless you know what you're doing--"

"I do," Ianto interrupted, still chuckling. "I checked before I got started to ensure that I wasn't 'fucking up everyone's stuff '. Now, do you want to know what I'm doing or not?"

Jason had to work hard to keep his features schooled. He would not allow Ianto Jones to make him lose his temper, not yet at least. This would have been easier to do except for the fact that he'd gotten very little sleep and had woken up with a major case of hard-on that took nearly half an hour in the cold shower to get rid of. Damn dreams.

"Fine. Tell me."

"I'll get us some coffee and come into your office." Ianto picked up his cup and walked over to the coffee station.

Jason huffed and stomped off to his office, slamming the door loudly to make a point.

~_~_~

"Jenny will need blood samples from each of you before your new keys can be activated." Ianto opened up a box of USB flash drives.

"Each of these is keyed to you specifically. The locks at the doors, both upstairs and in the alley, will be replaced today. They will have a small panel where you will place your RIGHT hand. This will open another panel with a USB port; simply plug in the flash drive and wait for the door to open. You will have thirty-five seconds to enter before the door closes. You will have to wait seven minutes before you can try again. Once inside, the door that leads into the base -- both directions -- will be fitted with the same lock only this is where it gets more complicated. After placing your LEFT hand on the panel, the door concealing the USB port will open and you will again plug in. However, this will activate the retinal scan to see that it matches your file. After that you will then type in a seventeen-digit passcode that must contain letters, numbers and symbols. Only after you do all that will the door open and admit you, the time is set for twenty seconds."

"Seventeen digits!" Shelly looked worried. "I don't know if I can remember something like that…"

"I'll help you come up with a way to remember," Ianto assured her, which in turn caused her to beam adoringly and Jason to scowl.

"Hold on," Miranda said with a frown. "A flash drive? That means that anyone with a computer can get the information on it!"

"That's where the DNA sample comes in. The drives have been altered by alien technology. A tiny chip inside will contain your DNA. Even if someone gets your drive and plugs it into a computer it will not work for them. And besides, the only information contained is your log-in and log-out times as well as some generic pictures that will help fool anyone who gets a hold of your drive."

"Log-out? We have to do this every time we go to leave?" Sam said. "What if there's an emergency? It'll take forever to get out!"

Ianto adopted a patient expression. "No, it's not so that you can leave. The logging-out part is when you are about to leave for the day, Rift activity providing, you plug into either door and it simply records the time. If you choose, you may still log-out via your computer terminals and not the door; the time will still be recorded."

"But why DNA? What sort of guarantee is that?" Miranda asked.

"Because when you place your hands on the door panels a tiny bit of DNA is taken and matched to the flash drive," Ianto said as he handed Jenny the box. "Now, I have fifteen flash drives, one for each of us. Three different brands in five different colors to make it easier to tell them apart. I've all ready taken the time to place your Torchwood ID numbers on them so that all Jenny has to do is draw blood and I will then install the chips. Any other questions?"

Jenny raised her hand, feeling like she was in school, and a bit foolish at that. "What happens if we lose our drives?"

"Let me know immediately. The technology used to alter them is simple to install but I would still need to fit it into a new drive and get another DNA sample."

"Okay, what if more than one of us shows up together? Do we have to take turns opening the door?" Sam asked.

"I'm glad you asked," Ianto said with a smile that nearly reached his eyes. Jason was suddenly very glad he was sitting down; his knees had gone weak. "No, you can all get through the first door together and then will simply have to take turns plugging in. The locks are fitted with a scanner that will be able to detect when there is more than one individual at the door and will respond accordingly." He looked around to see if there were any more questions about the USB flash drives.

"Okay, next is the subject of communication. Mr. Monroe, would you care to explain?"

Jason rolled his eyes at the formal tone and looked at his senior officers. "Mr. Jones and I discussed more efficient ways of communicating when we're not at the base. Torchwood III used headsets that had a wide range. I agreed that this would make it easier especially when we need to communicate between the field and base. He's all ready placed an order for several sets that again will be fine-tuned with a bit of alien know-how. They can also be used with your cell phones."

"I would recommend wearing them all the time when at base, to get used to it," Ianto suggested. "I also took the liberty of installing on everyone's computers a set of security programs that you will need to send to your mobiles. In the event that you lose your mobiles the programs will ensure that all Torchwood-related numbers are inaccessible. Oh, and if you have any pictures, texts or voicemails relating to Torchwood business," he narrowed his eyes at Sam. "I want it gone by the time you leave this evening. And I will be checking."

Ianto looked around at the group before allowing his eyes to rest on Jason. They stared each other down in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Ianto could still smell the black emptiness of his nightmare while Jason was wondering exactly what was beneath the perfect-fit suit.

It was going to be a long day.

~_~_~

Part Six: Dreams

He was running. All around him was the darkness. It filled up each of his senses and threatened to drown him in its' bleakness. His lungs were filled with the nothing and he thought he was suffocating. He kept running. He hoped and wished and begged to find some light. But there was no light at the end of the tunnel. There was only the darkness.

Yet still Ianto Jones ran.

He could hear the faintest of whispers. Voices that he had not cherished enough while alive spoke to him, trying to reach him. He could just make out the words, mere snatches of days gone by.

No one ever brings you a coffee. It's worth the risk to protect people. No thanks, I'm fine. You're just the Tea-Boy. Now you're going out on missions, you're shagging Jack. King of the Weevils, remember? You always keep your promises. I want to walk. Isn't that what love is?

Tosh, Owen and Lisa. He heard their voices the most. He wished that he had spent more time getting to know them. Even Lisa he had not truly known.

And he looks good in a suit. Your loyalty is to us now. You shouldn't be here. See you in my office in ten. I came back for you. And I wouldn't change that for the world. Always has been, always will be. That's all there is. It's all my fault. Don't. Don't. Don't. DON'T.

This was the voice he heard the least yet it hurt the most. Jack, his lover, his partner, his world. His world had ended the day that he died. Sometimes he could just make out Jack's rich voice, his throaty laugh. It never lasted for long. But then, Jack couldn't stay dead. While it hurt to barely feel Jack in the darkness, it also gave him hope. Jack was still alive. Jack was still out there. Jack would remember him.

But Ianto ran so that maybe, hopefully, Suzie and Owen and all those they had brought back with the glove ("Risen Mitten. I think it's catchy.") were wrong and there was something more. Something more than this nothing. His mother had made him sit through church every Sunday as a child; he had sometimes attended as an adult. How could every church be wrong? There had to be more than this!

"Ianto."

He stopped running. He looked around; he tried to find the source of the disturbance. It sounded so much more clear than normal. The other voices were mere wisps in his ear but this voice sounded like it was right there, drawing him in.

"Ianto."

He turned and stared. A hand reached out from the darkness. It was a vaguely familiar hand. It wasn't Jack's; he could never forget anything about Jack. Slowly he raised his head and he let out a stifled cry.

It was Jason Monroe.

Jason stood there in jeans and his black leather jacket, his hand held out towards him.

"Jason?"

He never saw anyone here! Here there was nothing!

"Ianto." Jason looked at him, warmth in his dark brown eyes. "Take my hand."

"This can't be happening."

"It is. There is light at the end; you just have to be ready for it. For you that means you have to let it go." Jason's voice was deep and warm, like his eyes. Ianto felt himself drowning.

"Let go of what?"

"The past. You can't return to it. It's moved on. You can only go forward. Let it go. Once you do, the light will be there waiting for you. They, the people you love, will be there."

"But how can I let it go? It's all that I am!" He couldn't let go of Jack. He couldn't, he had tried before, when Jack had left them. He had thought he would die.

"You can let go and still love him," Jason said gently. "Love never dies, it grows and changes to suit us. You can still love him while loving another."

Ianto shook his head. "I can't. Please, I can't! I can't do this without him. Please, can't he join me?" He was crying now.

"One day, sooner than you think, everyone you love will be together. Just be patient. Let yourself love again."

He wanted to, he really did, but what if by some miracle he found Jack again? If Jack still wanted him then how could he refuse? And how could he hurt someone else to be with Jack? It wasn't fair. He couldn't…

"I can't, not yet. Please," he whispered.

"You can…" Jason stepped forward and took Ianto's hand in his.

Ianto awoke with a gasp. His sheets were twisted around him and he was covered in sweat.

"What the hell?"

~_~_~

Jason pressed his lover gently down on the bed. He kissed a sweaty forehead and slowly began to run his fingers over the naked flesh. He lightly sucked at his lover's neck, drawing out the most exquisite of sounds. The sounds drew him in and he began his journey down his lover's long, lean body. He only stopped when he reached the small puckered navel and he lavished it with his tongue.

"Jason…"

His lover's voice was like a song that he couldn't get out of his head. He cherished every single sound, each word that was uttered from those kiss-bruised lips. Lips that were even now parted with pants and gasps and moans.

"Jason, make love to me. Now, please!"

Jason sat up and placed his hands on his lover's trembling thighs. He gently but firmly parted them and looked down at the arousal that met his gaze.

A very masculine arousal.

Jason awoke with a jerk.

"What the… Fuck."

Jason sat up in bed and looked around. He was (thankfully) alone in his room. There was no sign of Ianto Jones, naked or otherwise, in the vicinity. Unfortunately he now had an uncomfortable situation to take into hand. With a groan he pulled himself to his feet and staggered into the bathroom.

Once he had finished and was dressed in boxers once again he debated going back to bed. He really did not want to risk having another risqué dream that involved the young British import. Instead of diving back under the covers he padded barefoot into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. He figured since he was wide awake (due to both the dream and the cold shower) he might as well get some work done.

He ploughed through several half finished reports and got to work on that packet that UNIT requested they send on some recently scavenged alien technology by the time the sun had risen. He sighed deeply as his thoughts were still wrapped tight around the dream. He had hoped that the images would vanish into his subconscious if he concentrated on other tasks.

Why the hell would he be dreaming about Ianto Jones, anyway? The brat was the most annoying self-centered, arrogant creep he had ever met.

Ah, but he is most pleasing on the eye! You have to admit that!

He really hated his subconscious right now. Yeah, sure, Jones was hot. He was hot enough to make Jason consider breaking his rule about work hookups. But his personality left a lot to be desired.

It's just a mask, a shield. It's designed to protect him. The real Ianto Jones is hiding in there somewhere just waiting to be pulled free.

"Fuck off, I do not care about Ianto Jones!"

Sure, sure. Tell yourself that the next time you look at his empty eyes and wish they weren't so blank. Tell yourself that tonight when you dream about him again.

Jason scowled and returned to his work. He would not allow himself to think about Ianto Jones.

When Jason stalked into the base just after 9 a.m. the first thing he saw was Ianto Jones standing at the coffee maker. Ianto looked up and their eyes locked. They stared at each other before looking away.

They avoided one another for the entire day. Too bad it didn't make things any easier.

~_~_~

Part Seven: Friendship

Shelly watched Ianto as he sat at his desk working on reports. It had been one week since he had officially joined the team and as of yet he had barely said two words to anyone outside of Torchwood related subjects. She thought it was rather sad and she was determined to do something about it.

First she needed to talk to him, to find out what sort of things interested him. She picked up a stack of reports that needed to be reviewed and signed either by Ianto or Jason before they could be filed away. It was the perfect opportunity to get to know the new guy.

"It's open!" Ianto called out as she tapped lightly on the door. He looked up as she entered and managed a small smile for her. "Shelly, what can I do for you?"

"These need to be signed and I think Jason's busy so could you…?" She looked at him imploringly and held out the files.

He looked at her and nodded. "Just lay them on my desk and I'll bring them around when I'm done."

Ooh, she hadn't thought of that!

"Oh! I kinda need to file them ASAP so could you…?"

Ianto wanted to sigh but he bit his tongue. So far Shelly was the only person here to not react violently to his presence. He was not about to make an enemy of someone who was willing to work with him instead of against. So he smiled again and gestured for her to sit.

"Just give me a minute." He picked his pen back up and continued to work on the report in front of him. When he finished a few minutes later he closed the file folder and placed it in a tray labeled 'ready to file' and then turned to the stack that Shelly had brought in.

"So," she said slowly. "How do you like it here so far?"

"Torchwood or Bluemont?" he asked as he scanned the first page.

"Uh, both, I guess." At least he was willing to answer her.

"Considering that this base is severely lacking in some areas, such as security and organization, it's not too bad here. It's also a bit odd to have so many people here, as well as to have days off each week. At Torchwood III we didn't get weekends. And forget holidays. One Christmas Owen and I had to go round up a couple of Weevils and perform an autopsy on some sort of alien dog. I arrived at my sister's house covered in blood and slime and had to make up some sort of…" He trailed off and cleared his throat. "Sorry," he said. "I'm sure you don't want to hear about any of that."

Shelly knew that Sam and Miranda had made more than a few comments about Ianto's tales of Torchwood Cardiff. They saw it as arrogance. 'Oh look at this! We would have done it so much better in Cardiff!' was the attitude that they were spreading around the base whenever a comparison was made. She had also seen the tightly concealed hurt in Ianto's eyes at the comments. Was it any wonder that after the first two days he had begun to speak to them in short, clipped tones and only to hand out assignments and snap out orders?

It wasn't fair, she thought. It was easy for her to understand that everyone was upset at the way that Ianto had come to join them. But it wasn't as if it was his fault. He had been forced to take on the role he now had and she felt sorry for him.

"Actually, there's not much about Torchwood Cardiff on file, just the case reports and lots of those are classified. I'd love to hear more about it. Who was your best friend there?"

Ianto regarded her for a moment. He couldn't see any trace of cruelness in her. She was not merely humoring him, then. In fact her interest seemed genuine.

"Toshiko Sato was my first true friend there. Everyone saw me as a Tea Boy." At her confused look he amended that statement. "I was the office help, nothing more. After a bad experience I had she went and bought everyone coffee. She handed me a cup and smiled. No one had ever bought me a coffee before. That was supposed to be my job. She showed me with a simple cup of badly brewed coffee that she accepted me as a member of the team." Ianto smiled as he remembered finding Tosh later and thanking her quietly for the coffee. It was right after Jack had suspended him and he wanted to talk to her before he left. It had been the start, however small, to their friendship.

"A few weeks later we had a run in with what we thought were aliens but instead they turned out to be cannibals…"

"Ew, gross!" She scrunched her face up in a look of disgust and stuck out her tongue.

Ianto chuckled at the girl's reaction.

"It certainly was. They're still in prison, never to be released. Tosh and I were captured and I helped her escaped, briefly at least. When she had a bad experience a short time later she popped by my flat and we spent the night talking about how our lives had gone to crap. Good times that was."

She giggled. His dry tone had made something as horrible as cannibals and shitty lives seem almost funny. She supposed this was what her mother meant about British wit.

"So she was your best friend?"

"At first, yes. Eventually Jack and I began a sexual relationship that slowly became something more. Sadly, I'm not sure exactly what that something was, but it was special. I could tell him things that I daren't even think about around anyone else. I've suffered from nightmares since Canary Wharf, but whenever I would be with him the nightmares seemed to fade away. And whenever he had a problem, Torchwood or personal, he would come to me. We talked for hours at a time about all sorts of things. I probably knew more about him than anyone. I suppose you could say that while Tosh was my first friend, Jack was my closest friend."

So you two were a couple?"

"I wish I could say." At the confused look sent his way he sighed. "The word 'couple' was not a word that Jack Harkness liked to have in his mental dictionary. Every time I tried to call us as such, whether directly as in 'We're a couple,' or indirectly like 'Oh, she called us a couple,' he would either change the subject or get testy with me."

"That's not too surprising. My boyfriend refused to acknowledge us as a couple for over a year. He'd say I was his girlfriend but that was all. It took one of my college friends saying something about how this other guy and I would make a cute couple for him to finally say that he and I were a couple."

He stared at her. He had never thought of it like that. He remembered quite clearly being afraid to say that Lisa was his girlfriend, let alone that they were a couple right away. Perhaps Jack had felt the same way. Add to that the fact that Jack knew he would have to watch anyone he was involved with die while he kept on living and suddenly it was easy to see why the word 'couple' had caused his lover to grind his teeth.

"Men are clueless," he sighed. "And I'm no exception."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Jack probably would've eventually said we were a couple if I hadn't kept pushing him. He had a jealous streak. If I had made it clear that I could have easily found someone else he might have come aroud, like your boyfriend. If I had simply waited and pushed the right buttons, something would have happened to make him want to call us a 'couple'. But no, I had to push and push for clarification."

"Yeah, men don't like to be pushed. The Talk always seems to scare them off. It was much more simple in my parents' day. A guy didn't ask you out unless he was sure he wanted to date you, at least that's what my mom says."

"Heh." Ianto smiled and looked back at the reports. She hadn't brought them in to have him sign them; she had used work as a front for making conversation. In just a few minutes he had told her more than he had been able to say all week. And she had listened to every word. "Thank you."

"For what?" she asked with a confused lokk on her face.

"For talking to me and letting me prattle on. You didn't have to," he pointed out.

"You don't prattle! Besides, I enjoyed hearing about them." She twisted a lock of hair around her finger idly. "That's the thing about the others; they're too mad that you came and took over to bother to get to know you. I was looking forward for days to meeting you."

"You were?" That was a surprise. A pleasant one.

"Yeah. I love meeting new people. Especially people from other countries. I was born and raised here in West Virginia. My parents live in Charleston with my brother. Never could do much traveling except to the beach or sometimes to visit relatives in other states. I've never been out of the country before."

"What made you join Torchwood? If you don't mind my asking that is."

He regretted it when he saw her face. The round visage twisted into a look of pain and he swallowed.

"I'm sorry, it's not my business--"

"No, it's okay," she assured him. She took a breath to calm her nerves. "I had two brothers. The one in Charleston is my little brother. But I was born five minutes before my brother Josh."

"A twin. What happened to him?" He had a terrible feeling it was the direct reason she now hunted and studied aliens.

"Three years ago, Josh and I were out hiking in Kanawha State Forest when this thing appeared in front of us. Josh told me to run. I ran as fast as I could; I thought he was right behind me but when I got back down the trail and to the car I realized I was alone. I ran back up and looked for him. All that was left was his body. He'd been decapitated." She looked away but could see the sorrow etched in Ianto's face with her peripheral vision. " I couldn't leave him there but I knew I needed to get help. I just sat there and cried. I couldn't call anyone. Cell phone reception is horrible up in the woods so I sat there for hours. Shortly after the sun went down Jason showed up with Miranda and Sam. They had been tracking the alien for weeks before it snuck away to Charleston. When they found me they took me to a Torchwood safe house and sedated me. After I woke up the next day they explained to me what had happened."

"Did you believe them?" He thought of the various people he'd encounter through Torchwood III who had direct encounters with aliens and still did not believe. Human beings loved to deny what was right in front of them.

"Yeah. I had seen lots of monster and sci-fi shows. Josh and I went to Cons a lot. There was no way that thing wasn't real; I mean, there were no seams like there would've been if it'd been a costume. Not to mention the fact that Josh was dead. Someone at one of the other bases said it would have been kinder to make me forget what I'd seen. But Jason refused to do a mind-wipe and instead offered to train me so that I could help prevent others from getting hurt. I took a few weeks to think about it. I didn't tell anyone what I'd seen. My family and friends were told it was a wild animal attack. They're rare but do happen. My parents didn't even question it when I said I was moving away to start over. Actually they saw it as a good thing, a way to help me heal."

"What is it they think you do?" His own sister had believed he was a civil servant. It had been an easy enough lie to tell. Perhaps the long-term deception was one of the reasons she wanted him to stay out of her family's life…

"Well, I'm a researcher here so they think that's what I do. I just never bothered to tell them that it's aliens I research."

"Owen Harper, Torchwood Cardiff's medic had a somewhat similar experience. His fiancé was killed when an alien took over her brain. He actually tried to find Jack to find out what happened and Jack offered him a job. He took it to help prevent more deaths, just like you. But unlike you he let his demons affect him to the point that he was bitter at the world. Every time we thought he was starting to live again something would happen to make him angry and his bitterness grew."

"That's so sad. That's terrible." She twisted her hair. She could sympathize with the dead man. "The poor thing!"

"It was indeed sad. He let his sorrow eat away at him the rest of his life. He faced his demons in the end at least. I only wish that I could be as brave or strong. I'm glad that you have proven to be strong enough to carry on." He set his pen down and looked her in the eye.

"And I'm glad that you came in here to chat." He smiled at her, a real smile. "Perhaps we can do it again?"

Shelly beamed; her smile lit up the room. He couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe he could do this after all. Maybe there was something good about his life.

"I'd like that!"

"Me too."

To Ianto's surprise, and Shelly's delight, he meant it.

~_~_~

Part Eight: Frustration

Jason scowled as he watched Ianto and Shelly chat by the coffee maker. It had been ten days, ten long days since Ianto Jones had swooped down and taken over their lives and Torchwood Bluemont. Everyone was feeling the strain of the new routine and were not dealing well. Except for Shelly. Shelly not only was just fine with the changes but she was also busy making friends with Ianto. It had been ten long, stressful days for them all just watching the bond forming.

It had also been ten long, stressful days for Jason on a personal level. Every single night when he arrived home from work he would finish up reports, watch some television or go out with friends. When he finally wore himself out enough he would pour himself into bed and go to sleep. Inevitably he would dream. The dreams always involved Ianto and himself and were shown in perfect clarity and detail. They were also the most sensual dreams that Jason Monroe had ever experienced in his entire life.

They also guaranteed that every single morning since Ianto's arrival at Torchwood Bluemont that Jason awoke and with difficulty made his way to the shower. To the very cold shower. He hadn't taken a hot shower since his first glimpse of Jones. It was starting to become more than a little frustrating. He had even gone so far as to get himself as drunk as possible last night but the dreams still came, as did he in the morning.

"Jason! Rift activity!"

Jason turned to face Miranda and he called out, "Sam! Get your ass out to the car!"

"I'm going too."

Everyone turned to look at Ianto. In his immaculate three-piece suit he did not look like the type to do field work. He looked better suited (pardon the pun) to being behind a desk.

"I don't think so," Miranda said as she grabbed her field bag.

One single, perfectly groomed eyebrow rose.

"I said that I'm going too."

"No way, man," Sam said. "I'm not gonna watch your ass when I have work to do."

"Trust me, Sam," Ianto drawled. "My arse doesn't need watching."

Jason couldn't help but love the way that the British, and most importantly Ianto Jones, said arse instead of ass. The extra letter drew out the single syllable word in an impossibly sexy way that made him suddenly have to think of his grandmother in order to banish his arousal away.

"Fine," Sam snapped. "But if your Armani suit gets a tear, don't come crying to me, Import."

Ianto smirked and set his coffee cup down. "I've seen far worse things than you seem to think. I can take care of myself."

"Yeah, sure, sure," one of the others muttered.

Shelly flashed Ianto a smile and waved as they all headed out the door.

Jason was certain that this day was not going to end well.

~_~_~

Three hours later and Jason really hated Ianto Jones.

They had arrived at the site of the Rift activity to find a group of reptilian bipedal aliens that seemed to think that earth was the perfect place to play war games. Using a device that roughly translated the alien languages they had in the database they had been able to get the visitors to understand that earth was not an ideal location. The aliens activated a device that took them back into the Rift and, presumably, back home. Mission accomplished.

That was when it went to shit.

Ianto wanted them to run scans of the area, looking for any clues as to what the aliens had been. Any thing that the aliens may have come into contact with was subjected to the scans and samples were taken. What normally would have taken them half an hour to do (send the aliens home) took over three hours. They were all short on patience but tall on temper when Ianto insisted on exploring a cave nearby that was showing traces of Rift activity. The traces were from a few days before and had nothing to do with the current activity but he insisted anyway.

"It's what Jack would have done," he'd said in that arrogant manner he had.

In annoyance Jason had told the other two to finish and pack up the van so they could get ready to head out. He then followed Ianto and they got into a rather heated argument about the differences in the way they ran things.

Once they reached the small cave Ianto stepped inside and turned on his flashlight, which he insisted on calling a torch, and took a look around. All that they could see was dirt and a few bugs. Ianto had gone in deeper. Jason cursed and made to follow when the ground shook. He tumbled forward and fell against Ianto. Before they could right themselves the mouth of the cave was closed off and the only source of light they had was the flashlight.

With only one bar of power (stupid non-reception) Jason had called Miranda and told her to get help to dig them out. That had been over an hour ago.

Now he was stuck sitting on the ground with only Ianto Jones for company. He wasn't scared; he'd seen a lot throughout his various careers. He was pissed though.

"This is your fault."

"How do you figure that?"

"If you hadn't insisted on coming along, we'd've been back home ages ago."

"I've not yet accompanied any of you onto the field and since I'm trained to do that, I decided that now would be the perfect opportunity to see what areas need to be improved."

"You fuckin' bastard!"

"There's no need to get so angry. After all, I'm just doing my job."

"It's not what you're doing, it's how you're doing it! Do you enjoy looking down your nose at us? Do you enjoy writing us up for the smallest things? Does it turn you on to piss me off?"

Ianto gave him a dirty look.

"Trust me, Monroe, there is nothing about you that turns me on."

That did it. Jason was not so vain or arrogant to be upset when someone was not turned on by him. Different people had different tastes; shit happened. Even with his record for sleeping with beautiful, sexy people he had been rejected loads of times. Big deal, life went on. Hit on the next available hottie.

What made Jason lose it was the look in Ianto's eyes. It did not match his words. The little creep was telling him two different things. His mouth said 'I hate your guts, go away' but his eyes said 'I want you, fuck me now.'

Jason snarled and flung himself onto the slighter man. Ianto let out a cry as he was pinned to the ground. He tried to wrench himself free and was stopped by the mouth that demanded -- no, forced its way past his own lips. The hot tongue hungrily ravaged Ianto's mouth while hard hands worked their way over his trembling body.

It wasn't that he didn't want Jason and that was why he was trembling.

No, he's not Jack! I only want Jack!

Yet it wasn't true. He had felt the first stirrings of sexual desire since his revival the day he had met Jason Monroe. Since he had died five years ago he had not been able to experience many of the things that he had taken for granted. He could empathize with Owen on many levels. Not being able to enjoy sexual stimulation had not bothered him before as he had wanted only to be with Jack and Jack was gone forever. Meeting Jason had sent a surge of heat through his body that had nearly overwhelmed him ten days back. It was only by sheer willpower that he had been able to keep his desire hidden. The subsequent dreams each night hadn't helped.

And now Jason's talented hands and tongue were bringing out his more sexual side. He was mortified to hear the way he moaned when Jason pulled away from his mouth to explore his neck. It was not like any moan he'd ever made before.

Jack, think of Jack.

It didn't help because the sexual Ianto was comparing Jack to Jason and that made rational Ianto surrender to the primal needs of them both.

Jason had his hands under Ianto's shirt and waistcoat. He could feel the other's arousal and smirked into the pale neck. He moved his hands down, tugging at Ianto's belt.

If his cell phone hadn't chosen that moment to ring they were both certain what would have happened.

As Jason pulled himself up and grabbed his phone Ianto covered his face with his hands and tried not to cry.

Sex with the boss. Again. This could not be happening.

~_~_~

Part Nine: Surrender

The drive back into town had been tense and silent. Other than being covered in dirt Ianto and Jason had seemed fine so the others figured that the reason for the silence was that the two men had argued while trapped inside the cave.

Once they'd returned to the base Ianto had shut himself up in his office without a word and only came out a couple hours later to leave.

Jason watched him from a doorway as he left. He had showered and changed (Ianto hadn't even done that) yet he could still feel and smell the younger man on him. The two sensations had caused him to have to work out his frustrations in the shower (cold again) and he knew that this could not continue.

He waited two hours before he grabbed his coat and left, heading for Ianto's.

~_~_~

Upon returning to the small apartment Ianto ripped off his clothes and climbed into the tub to take a shower. He leant against the tiled wall and tried to reconcile his conflicting thoughts. He loved Jack; he knew that in his heart. He would always love the Captain no matter what. However he could not help the way his heart thudded against his chest whenever Jason was near (Thu-thump thu-thump). Nor could he control his body when he slept.

This wasn't fair. Why couldn't it have been Jack to find and revive him before? He wouldn't be going through this now if Jack had never left.

You've loved two people at the same time before.

He tried to ignore the memories that pushed themselves to the surface. Yes, he had all ready fallen for Jack when he was still trying desperately to save Lisa. Yes, when he was making love to Jack he had often thought of Lisa. When he had been dying in Jack's arms he had been thinking of both of his true loves.

But this was different. It had to be, he could not, would not allow himself to fall in love when there was even the slightest chance that one day Jack would come back to him.

But he's impossible to resist…

Jason Monroe was indeed. Ianto didn't know what to do.

He finished his shower and pulled on jeans and a long sleeved tee shirt. He padded barefoot into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. He pulled out a bottle of beer and tossed it back, paying homage to his heritage by downing the entire bottle in less than eight seconds. He waited for the rush to subside and then he grabbed another bottle.

He walked over to the bookcase he had purchased a few days back and picked up a book at random. He settled himself onto the couch and began to read. He was just finishing Jurassic Park when the doorbell chimed. Rising from his seat he set the book down and walked to the door. He should have looked through the peephole. He may have been able to forget what happened in the cave if he had.

Instead, Ianto was too exhausted and frustrated to think clearly. He twisted the doorknob and looked up to see the dark eyes of Jason Monroe looking back at him.

The silence was as palatable now as it had been in the van. They stared at each other for several moments.

It was too much. After years of no stimulation, the thought of going back to that was simply unacceptable. At least that's what rational Ianto tried to use as an excuse for what happened next.

Ianto reached out and pulled Jason into the room. He gripped the back of Jason's head and pulled it down so that their lips met in a brutal kiss.

Jason took control and crushed Ianto to him, full flush. His hands roamed freely over the slender body as he kicked the door closed. When Ianto's hands began to unbutton Jason's shirt the older man growled and pulled back.

Before Ianto could protest at the space between them he was lifted forcefully into Jason's strong arms. Well this was certainly different from being with Jack. Even at his most romantic, Jack had never carried him to bed. Yet now Ianto was clutching onto Jason's broad shoulders while the other man crossed the room with swift purposeful strides..

Jason made short work of removing their clothes and kissed Ianto's panting mouth. He knew he was being rough, he could almost feel the tender skin of Ianto's lips bruising beneath his own. But dammit he was more aroused, more excited than he had ever been with a lover. He forced himself to ease up the pressure, both of his lips and his hands. He was certain Ianto would have bruises on his arms as well tomorrow.

Gentle, be gentle. It's been a long time for him. And you have the memory of Captain Jack Harkness to contend with.

Gentle, he could do gentle. Hell, he wanted to. It wasn't as if he could forget that he was in Ianto's bed so he knew that there was a distinct possibility that he would find himself here again. He could easily see Ianto as his lover.

Lover. God it had been years since he'd had a lover. Sure he'd slept with a lot of people but that didn't make them lovers. He had only done flings and one night stands since his divorce twelve years ago. He refused to commit to anyone and yet here he was all ready thinking of taking Ianto Jones as his lover fulltime.

And when Jason Monroe wanted something he did not give it up easily.

If he had to make sweet, desperate, passionate love to Ianto in order to make him forget Jack Fuckin' Harkness, then he'd do it. All. Night. L o n g.

Jason pressed Ianto gently down on the bed. He kissed his sweaty forehead and slowly began to run his fingers over the naked flesh. He lightly sucked at Ianto's neck, drawing out the most exquisite of sounds. The sounds drew him in and he began his journey down the long, lean body. He only stopped when he reached the small puckered navel and he lavished it with his tongue.

"Jason…"

Ianto's voice was like a song that he couldn't get out of his head. He cherished every single sound, each word that was uttered from those kiss-bruised lips. Lips that were even now parted with pants and gasps and moans.

"Jason, make love to me. Now, please!"

Jason sat up and placed his hands on Ianto's trembling thighs. He gently but firmly parted them and looked down at the arousal that met his gaze.

Ianto wanted him as much as he wanted Ianto. That alone made the tortuous foreplay of the last week and a half worth it. He was going to take his time. He was going to learn everything he could about the gorgeous Welshman laying on the bed looking up at him in complete abandon and total desire.

"Oh believe me, I will."

When Ianto let out a cry of ecstasy a few hours later Jason could not help but feel pleased.

It had been his name that had been torn from those beautiful lips.

~_~_~

Sunlight peeked in through the blinds and woke Ianto up. He opened his eyes and slowly lifted his head up from the nice warm pillow it was on. He saw Jason lying beneath him still asleep. His face flushed as he realized that the pillow was really Jason's muscular (but comfortable) chest.

Shit.

Last night (and part of the very early morning) came back in a rush and he bit worriedly at his lip. He silently cursed himself for surrendering to his sexual desires and sleeping with Jason.

Oh, but it was so much more than that. You actually begged him to take you!

Thank you so much for reminding me, he thought darkly.

He could remember it all. Every sound he'd made, every touch from Jason's hands. He could vividly recall the way it had felt when Jason had breached his body the first time.

The sensations stirred his desire even now. He took several slow breaths in an attempt to calm his body down.

"We slept together, might as well accept that fact and go back to sleep."

Ianto started and looked into the very same eyes that had trapped him last night.

"Unless you're looking to take a shower… or a ride. Then by all means, move."

"Shut up," Ianto muttered. He really wished that his body would respond to his own words and not Jason's but no it had to go and betray him again.

The chest beneath him shook slightly as Jason chuckled. In one swift movement he had reversed their positions and once again had Ianto pinned to the mattress.

"If it weren't for the fact that your body doesn't match your tone…" He captured Ianto's lips and explored the moist mouth at his leisure. The sound that came from Ianto was of pure need. It would be a lie to say that Jason did not enjoy being the one to bring out the wanton side of the other man.

As Ianto reached around and gripped his bare ass with both hands, pulling him closer Jason seriously doubted that they were going into work today.

And he didn't care.

~_~_~