AN: Tissues. Get them now. :( Thank you to my beta and buddy, Taamar. She's the best.

Disclaimer: I don't own Torchwood

Warnings: Murder, implied non-con, general sadness.

Rating: MA

Jason

It had been nearly two months, and Jason wasn't sleeping. At the six week point he'd tried to jump off the roof of Torchwood. Jack had caught him on the ledge and talked him down, and thankfully hadn't told anyone. They were closer now. Actually friends, it seemed.

Friends enough, at least, that he was currently sitting on Jack's (and Ianto's) bed. It was the only room in the flat where he could sit in complete darkness. He'd tried to stay at the school, he'd tried… but he couldn't; he'd left, and Jack had let him stay away. Joy Parker was running the school now.

The door to the room opened; Jason watched the band of light widen across the floor. "Jace? You want to come eat some dinner?" the young Trevor asked. Jason tried to avoid the kid as best he could, part of him wanted to believe that Adrian and Trevor had run off together… at least in that scenario Adrian was alive, safe, and happy. But as much as he wanted to, he knew it wasn't so, and he knew that Trevor was just as much a victim as Adrian.

"I'm not hungry."

"Yeah. It's just… Jack's kinda insistent."

Jason turned his back to the light. "Well I don't give a fuck if the king is insistent, I'm not hungry."

Trevor didn't reply, he just closed the door. Jason counted down from ten, and Jack was in the room when he got to two.

"Jason," Jack said in a warning tone.

"No," Jason spat. Jack gave him time each day to just sit in the dark, and Jason never wanted it to end.

"I'll count…"

"I'm shaking in my socks," Jason snarked.

Jack flipped on the light. Jason grunted and buried his head into a pillow. "You're not wearing socks," Jack pointed out. Jason heard him walk into the room and felt the bed move when he sat down.

"It can't have been two hours already." It didn't matter how long Jack left him in the dark, it never felt like enough.

Jack's hand came to Jason's back. He leaned back into the touch. Jack was thinking calming thoughts, and they were flowing through Jason, soothing his raw emotions. "I made fajitas. I know you like those."

"Adrian likes them."

Jack moved closer and put his arm over Jason's shoulder. "I'll make it for him when we find him…"

"He'll like that."

"Come eat for me?"

Jason nodded and felt his heart skip a beat when Jack gave him a small kiss on the cheek. They got off the bed and went into the kitchen together. Jason sat in his seat, watching as Jack finished preparations while young Trevor sat on the counter. The poor kid, they had told him that his older self had been sent to Kiev; they didn't want him to know he was missing. Jason felt guilt rise up in his gut; Trevor wouldn't have been taken if he hadn't left him tied up.

A bing announced the arrival of the lift. Jason felt Ianto's and Brody's rush as they came in. Ianto swatted Trevor off the counter and fetched a bottle of wine, grumbling, while Brody parked himself at the table without offering to help. Jack gave Trevor a stack of plates before pulling his husband up and giving him a kiss. They seemed to be better. Of course, that's what seeing your friend lose his lover does to people: makes them realize what they have and how it could so easily be taken.

"Missed you." Jack grinned at Ianto. Jason saw Brody scowl.

They all sat and enjoyed the meal Jack had prepared, talking about mundane things until Ianto cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "I wanted to let you all know this first, before I announce it to the other Children. I've decided to step down as Minister."

Jason took in the faces of his… dare he say family? Jack didn't seem surprised, which meant they'd come to the decision together. Trevor seemed uninterested, and Brody's scowl from earlier in the meal was back. "And who's going to replace you?" the man asked.

Ianto shrugged. "I don't know. This is a long process Brody, I'm sure you remember it. It'll be another five years or so before the election, that'll give those who wish to take my place time to campaign and earn the support of the Rift Leaders."

"Yeah, I know that… but you have to approve those who run. Who are you going to let run?" Brody replied, clarifying his earlier question.

Ianto shrugged again. "Why? Do you want to run?"

That sent Jack into a coughing fit. Jason knew Jack and Brody still hated each other, and Jason was surprised that he was on Jack's side. He had never given up his suspicions about Brody's involvement with the murders, but there was no proof, and Ianto had made it clear that Brody was off-limits. It was only by tolerating the presence of his new PA (Trevor's replacement, Jason reminded himself), that they got to spend time with Ianto. And Jack was right. As Minster of the Rifts, Brody would tear apart everything Ianto had built.

"No," Brody spat, his gaze falling on Jack. "I wouldn't have support from Cardiff, so what would be the point?"

He was right on both counts. With Jack leading the Rift and Jason still technically in charge of the school, Cardiff would actively campaign against him. And Cardiff, as the long time home of the current Minister, was considered the 'Mother Rift'; the others tended to follow her lead.

"That brings us to our next announcement." Jack grinned, giving his lover a wink. "I'll be stepping down as well, both from Torchwood and being the Rift Leader." Jack's eyes met Jason's. "I was hoping that you'd take my place. In both positions. Ianto agrees, and he'll make sure his successor doesn't change it."

"How? He won't be in charge anymore."

"You've seen how he gets. Would you defy him?"

"I… can I have time to consider?" Jason stammered in disbelief. Jack nodded.

"What are you guys gonna do?" Trevor asked.

"There's this little planet–" Jack began.

Brody cut him off. "You're leaving Earth?"

Ianto took a sip of his water before answering with a simple "Yes."

Brody stood up. "Fucking perfect," he growled before heading to the lift.

"Gotta love family drama," Jason said, popping a pepper into his mouth. Dinner would be better without him, anyway.

Ianto

1936

Ianto stormed into his office to see Brody standing by the bookshelf, his defensive pose and surly expression a clear indication that knew he was in trouble. Ianto had seen him talking to the current Director of Torchwood, and he'd be damned if Brody was going undercover there. Ianto walked forward, pulled Brody away from the shelf, then slammed him against the wall next to his door.

"Who the fuck gave you the authority to try and get into Torchwood?" Ianto demanded.

"No one, sir." Brody replied, shifting his eyes downward.

Ianto pulled away and ran his fingers through his hair angrily. Was this the universe's way of paying him back? Some sort of karma? Brody was defying just as he had defied…or would defy, Jason. Must be a Guardian/Charge thing; Bethan and Sarah had done it, too. Rebelling against authority, or some shit. But he and Brody had been lovers for 5 years, and he'd thought Brody told him everything. He thought Brody respected him not only as his guardian, but as Minister.

"What the hell were you thinking?

"Ever since Debra was relocated, you and Bethan have been stressing about getting a new spy in there. I thought you'd be happy. I was trying to relieve some of your stress."

"And you think putting yourself in mortal danger is going to do that? I can't just sit back and let my lover go into that place!" Ianto spat. There was more to it than that. Anyone could have gone, and Brody had done it behind his back because he knew Ianto would never allow it.

"You did," Brody snapped.

"And it got me killed," Ianto reminded him.

"Like you care. Like anything that happens to me matters at all," Brody snarled. "You're just killing time with me, and we both know it."

"I love you. I couldn't bear to lose you."

"Just admit that this is about Jack. You can't have him, so you don't want anyone else near him. You know you can't resist my ass, and you're afraid he won't be able to either. You're used to seeing me as your little charge, and now that I'm competition you're feeling threatened."

"You're not competition, Brody. Not even close," snarled Ianto. Using Jack against him was low, and he couldn't help but lash back.

Brody balled his fists and leaned forward aggressively. "You don't think I can waltz in there and take Jack away from you? You don't think I'm good enough for him? I know I'm not enough for you, you've called his name when we're fucking often enough, so don't pretend this is about you loving me. What is it you're really afraid of?"

"I'm afraid it will get you killed!" Ianto shouted, "I lose everyone I care about; I don't want to lose you, and I don't want it to be my fault!"

"So you expect to protect me until I'm so old no one else will want me? And I'll pine away for a man who will never feel what I do, and I'll be your pity shag forever? Do you really think I'll accept that? That I'll do whatever you tell me? You can't control me like that!"

"Actually, that's exactly what a guardian is supposed to do, control their change and keep him from acting like a spoiled little brat. You're asking me to be honest? Why don't you try? This isn't about helping me or the Children, this is about punishing me for loving Jack." How had this all gone so wrong? Brody's other guardians had warned him that the boy could be savage, but he'd never seen it before. It had never been turned against him. He wondered which was the real Brody, the kind, playful one he'd known, or this angry man before him. He wondered if he'd ever known his lover at all.

"So what if it is? Does it really matter why I want to leave? I can't stay here, David! I can't bear to hear his name on your lips and know that you're imagining him while you're holding me. I can't stand to know that you'd throw me away in an instant if you could have him. I can't stand to be your second choice anymore."

"Don't leave me," Ianto begged.

"Tell me it's not true, then. Look me in the eye and tell me you love me more than Jack. Do that, and I'll stay with you forever."

"You know I can't."

Brody quirked a cruel smile. "Then I choose Torchwood, and I'll die because you didn't love me enough."

Ianto gasped at Brody's words. They'd been together long enough that he knew exactly how to hurt Ianto most, but Ianto had never thought he'd do it. His self-control snapped, and he reached out and slapped Brody. In his anger, he'd forgotten how much stronger he was, and Brody stumbled back against the wall. His face contorted with fury, and he rushed Ianto with his teeth bared.

Ianto tried to defend himself, but he was at a disadvantage. Despite his greater strength, he didn't actually want to hurt Brody. He was still in his first life and wouldn't heal quickly, and any permanent damage was just that: permanent. So while Brody scratched and bit, kicked and tore at Ianto's clothes, Ianto clamped down on his own temper as he tried to hold Brody away from him, hoping to soothe him with gentle words of affection. It didn't help.

They ended up on the floor with Brody fucking Ianto savagely. Ianto allowed it. Afterwards, he held Brody as the man cried in his arms. "Someday," Brody said quietly, "somebody will love me like I love you. And I'll never let him go."

Present Day

"Fuck," Ianto yelled, his release rushing through him as Jack's teeth grazed against his collar bone. Jack pushed hard into Ianto a few more times before he too spiraled into in oblivion. "I love you," Ianto sighed, wrapping his arms around Jack when he tried to pull away. He just wanted to stay like this forever.

"I love you too," responded Jack, giving Ianto a lazy kiss. Ianto smiled.

"I'm glad." Ianto brushed Jack's damp hair off his forehead. "Tell me about this planet were going to again?"

"Everything's tiny. They have tiny animals. Like the giraffe, and tigers… I bet I'll find one with pants," Jack teased.

"You must be joking. Tiger pants? Please tell me you're making that up and that you didn't nickname me after actual tiger pants," said Ianto, biting Jack's nose. "What about whales? Do they have them?"

"Yeah, they'd fit in a fish bowl."

"Bethan would love that…" Ianto sighed. He found it didn't hurt as much to think of her anymore. "She loves whales."

It was Jack's turn to run his fingers through Ianto's hair. "We'll find her one day."

Ianto nodded. "I know."

"We're going to be stuck together if you don't let me up, beautiful," Jack said, kissing Ianto's lips again.

"I can think of worse fates."

Jack chuckled. Ianto released the man and let him get up. He watched his lover go to the bathroom and come back moments later with a wet cloth. Ianto closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax as Jack gently cleansed his skin.

"So… what do you want to do today?" Ianto asked, stretching his arms above his head.

"Besides stare at you?" Jack grinned.

Ianto laughed. "You're such a charmer. How could anyone ever resist you?"

"I don't know, ask Jason; he's still doing it. I think I'm making some progress with him, though."

Ianto rolled out of bed. "Leave him alone, Jack," Ianto warned.

"He likes it. It distracts him."

"Jack," Ianto advised, "He's in mourning, he doesn't need you harassing him."

"See, I think he needs it as much as he likes it."

"Incorrigible," Ianto sighed under his breath as he headed to the loo.

TW—TW—TW

"I miss crosswords…" Jack whined. He and Ianto were sitting in the living room on the brand new comfortable couch they'd chosen together a week before.

Ianto looked up at his husband from his tablet. "They still have them."

"Yeah, but, not like they used to. I miss the smell of newspaper… and the way that the black ink would get on my fingers. Remember that time I smudged your button nose with it?"

Ianto looked at Jack and raised his eyebrow. He honestly didn't remember. "No, sorry."

Jack stuck his bottom lip out in an exaggerated pout. "Ah… that's 'cause he didn't happen, but let's make believe." Jack licked his finger and smudged it across Ianto's nose.

Ianto put on his best sorrowful expression. "What happened to you wanting to spend the day looking at me?"

"Well, now I'd like to play," Jack insisted, pulling Ianto tablet away from him and straddling him on the couch. "Don't you want to play?"

Ianto was just about to answer when the lift chimed. It was Jack's turn to pout, for real this time.

"We've got a problem." Jason announced. He sat down on the couch and was either unperturbed about the fact that Jack was straddling Ianto, or he was just ignoring it. Ianto couldn't tell.

Ianto looked at Jack and raised an eyebrow, thinking he'd get the hint. Jack just grinned. Ianto slapped his thigh. "Up." He laughed. Finally Jack got up. Ianto looked over at Jason, and his face fell. Something was wrong.

"Jack, could you give Ianto and me a minute?" Jason asked.

"Is it Trevor?" Jack whispered. All the happiness from moments earlier drained from his face.

Jason nodded.

Ianto gripped Jack's hand. "Was it a shuttle derailment… or…"

"He's still alive… I'm sorry Jack." Jason handed Ianto his phone. Ianto pulled looked at the photo. Trevor. Blindfolded, gagged, and tied up. Under the picture was an address. Along with a message: I want the Minister.

"Well he's not getting the Minister," Jack snapped. "He's getting an angry guardian."

Jack was already marching toward the lift. Ianto jumped up, "You're not going alone, Jack."

"No, I want you here and safe," stated Jack. It was spoken as a command, and there was no way Ianto was going to obey.

"Jack, it's been a long time since I've taken orders from you."

To Jack's obvious dismay, three men descended in the elevator.

TW—TW—TW

They stood outside the flat in the address and Ianto bit back tears. He could feel Trevor's rush, and alongside it… Brody. He couldn't believe he'd been so stupid. All the signs had been there.

"I'm going in alone. He's my charge, it's my responsibility," Ianto said, leaving no room for argument in his voice.

"And he's got my charge," Jack argued.

"Jack, if I go in there I can probably talk him down; if you go in there he'll freak out, and we don't know what'll happen."

Jack shook his head, clearly not comfortable with the idea of letting Ianto go alone into the house. "Yan… I just…"

Ianto pulled Jack close and placed a kiss on his lips. "I'll be fine, sir," he whispered. It had been quite a while since he'd used that endearment.

Jack's hand gripped Ianto's hair and, with obvious reluctance, he nodded. "I wish you'd let me come, but I understand. I love you."

"I love you too."

Ianto turned to walk toward the house, but Jason grabbed him and pulled him into a hug. "We'll get through this, Yanny."

"I know," Ianto replied, giving Jason a small kiss on the cheek, then pulled away and made his way in to the flat. He followed Brody's rush to a back bedroom.

Trevor was lying flat on his stomach on a queen bed in the middle of the room. He was held there by restraints on his arms and ankles. He had a blindfold, a gag, and head phones on his head. Every sense had been taken from him. On his back where the older Trevor had a tattoo about walking the world alone was the word 'Putin', just like all the other victims.

Ianto wrenched his eyes away from Trevor and looked at Brody, who was sitting in a chair in the corner of the room twirling a gun in his hands.

"You came!" Brody said with a pleased smile. "I wasn't sure you would. He's not even your charge."

"Brody… I don't understand why you've done this," Ianto began.

Brody looked up and smiled, showing his teeth. "Remember when we first met? I was at that orphanage, and you came in pretending to be a case worker or some nonsense. You saw those bruises on me and you took me away from there. Promised no one would hurt me again. You then proceeded to pawn me off to three separate guardians none of whom could… what was the word that one bitch used? Ahh, tame me."

Ianto wet his suddenly dry lips. "You were a rebellious teen… you needed to be understood. I did understand you then; I don't right now, but if we talk and you maybe put down the gun, I bet I could understand you again."

"No you can't!" Brody yelled, standing up and pointing the weapon at Ianto's face. "Don't you see that you failed me sir? You failed me!"

Tears stung Ianto's eyes. "I see that. I'm so sorry, Brody. Tell me what I can do to make it up to you and I will."

"No…" Brody whispered, moving toward Trevor and placing the muzzle of the gun against the back of the boy's neck. "It's too late, sir, I've found another. I've found someone to love." Ianto watched in horror as Brody pulled the trigger and ended Trevor's first life. Ianto heard the door to the flat opening, heard his lover running toward him.

Brody turned the gun back toward Ianto. "I wish you luck in your next life, sir."

Ianto had a split second to hear the gunshot before he was engulfed in white.

Jack

Jack caught Ianto as his body fell. There was so much blood. Jack vaguely heard another gunshot, but he was too caught up in staring at Ianto's unseeing eyes to know who had taken the shot. Jack sat there holding his lover. Brody had shot him directly through the heart. Of course, how symbolic. Jack was aware of the people moving around him but he couldn't bring himself to care. He'd lost Ianto. Again.

"Jack…" Jason whispered. Jason placed his hand on Jack's shoulder, but quickly pulled away as if Jack's skin had burned him, stung by the bleak despair he could feel through the contact. "You've got to let them take–"

"No," Jack snapped.

"Jack…"

"Why is he so stubborn? If he'd just listened to me and stayed… oh god." Jack let out a sob, then looked up at Jason. "When I find him again, I'm going to keep him in a padded room."

Jason gave a small smile. "That seems like a reasonable plan."

Jack nodded.

"Jack, you're going to have to let go. You have to let them take the body, then we need to go back to the flat, maybe get some sleep."

"I have to find him."

"I know, Jack… what I meant was, let's go to the flat and we'll discuss our next step."

Reluctantly, Jack lowered Ianto's body gently on the floor before standing. He felt his heart stutter again when he looked at the bed and watched a young woman zip up the body bag that held Trevor. "This is too much," he pleaded. He felt Jason's hand grasp his, fingers intertwining, and he was pulled from the room. He followed without protest.

Jack ignored the looks he and Jason received as they stood on a shuttle heading back toward Torchwood Tower. He didn't care that he looked like he'd just walked out of a horror film, with Ianto's blood all over his hands and shirt, and one of his hands still being held by Jason.

Jack was barely aware of the passage of time, and it felt like only a moment passed before Jason was leading him into the master bedroom of the flat. Jack stood rigid as a statue as Jason undid the buttons of Jack's shirt. He barely moved as Jason pushed the shirt off his chest. Jack didn't react till he felt Jason's lips ghost over his nipple. He pulled away and looked at Jason with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm sorry… It's the only why I know to comfort."

Jack noticed there was a slight tremble in Jason's hands. "Well… today we're going to learn a new way," Jack insisted. "Go shower and I'll meet you in the sitting room."

"You sure… I mean, are you okay alone?"

"Yeah… can't exactly kill myself, now can I?" Jack sighed.

Jason nodded, a small smile gracing his lips. "Right."

TW—TW—TW

"I have some leftover fajitas if you want some," Jack called to Jason. He stared at the container and tried not to think about how the night before there had been five men enjoying it and now three of those men were gone. There was no way he could eat fajitas tonight, maybe never again. "Nevermind. I'm going to order a pizza."

Jack walked into the sitting room and grabbed his phone off the side table. Jason was sitting with his head in his hands, his body shaking slightly with silent grief. Jack sat beside him and put a hand on his back. "If Ianto were here he'd make us eat something. He'd say we needed to carry on because the Rift Children are now depending on us. We have a responsibility to them."

Jason raised his head and looked at Jack. "Yeah. We do. Let's order that pizza."

AN: (Evil grin)