Of Mortal Men; Chapter 4
Ianto passed back and forth in front of Jack, as the immortal prepared the syringe with his 'secret weapon' in it. Owen looked on as the Blowfish suddenly opened his eyes, blinking as the light hit them. They soon filled with horror, as Jack approached, holding the syringe in his right hand, asmile creasing his lips.
"Get him away from me!" he yelped, trying to sit up so he could get away from Jack.
"Jack!" said Ianto, standing before him.
Jack scowled at the Welshman. "He tells me what I want to know, I won't have to use this." Jack held his arm up, squeezing some of the liquid into the air.
The Blowfish shivered. "He's going to kill me!"
Jack sighed. "Not if you tell me what I want to know."
The Blowfish looked from Jack to Ianto, who nodded.
"W-what do you w-want to know?"
"That's better. Now, who taught you to talk and to drive, come to it?"
"Is that all?" he laughed, then winced as the pain shot through his arm and leg.
"Yeah, that's all."
"He was an old Time Agent. Wore a red and gold waistcoat."
Jack sighed again.
"Hart. That's it. Captain John Hart."
Jack punched the air. "I knew it!"
"Him again!" said Ianto, placing his hands on his hips.
Jack closed his eyes and clicked his tongue against his teeth . "What is he playing at?" He turned to Blowfish. "How long has he been on your planet?"
He shrugged. "It was a long time ago. He taught the elders. They taught us."
Jack gave the syringe to Owen and walked toward the stairs to the main Hub. As he passed Ianto, he said, "Coffee…please." Then went to his office, closing the door.
Ianto watched him go, then turned to Owen. "He never intended to use it, did he?"
Owen shook his head. "No. There is no 'secret weapon'. It's saline."
Going up to the kitchen, Ianto looked back as Owen and Gwen escorted Blowfish to the garage.
"His own will look after him," the medic told Ianto.
Ianto half smiled. They were letting him go free. His own would find him and take care of him, just as Owen said.
Once the coffee was made, Ianto took two mugs full, up to Jack's office. The older man was leaning back in his chair, looking thoughtful.
Ianto placed the two mugs on the desk and sat down.
"I put an extra shot in it for you."
Jack smiled. "Thanks." He took a tentative sip. "Mmm, wonderful!"
"Do you miss it?" asked the younger man.
"Miss what, Ianto?"
Ianto shrugged. "The Time Agency. Being a free agent…John Hart."
"No! No, none of it!" Jack's eyes narrowed. "Why do you ask?"
"Your eyes…sort of light up." He looked away. "Do you still love him?" He looked back at Jack.
Their eyes met. Blue on blue.
"No, I don't. He's in my past. I want him to stay there. I've…moved on with my life since John Hart."
He moved his hand across the desk and Ianto willingly took it in his.
"My heart belongs to you, now."
Ianto smiled. "What's done is done. Forget about it."
Jack smiled. "Yeah. I guess you're right."
"You know I am," agreed the Welshman.
"Have they let him go?"
"Yes."
"Good."
"I'll cook tonight. My place. About 9pm."
Jack sighed. "You know how to sooth me, Ianto Jones."
Ianto stood up. "Yes, sir." He walked toward the door, mug in hand. "I'll be in the archives, if you need soothing some more." He winked.
"Grrrr!"
THE END