Ianto meets some of Jack's colleagues and finds out more about being a clone.


The Executive Dining Room was a small room used for entertaining visitors. It was tastefully decorated although the large Torchwood logo on the wall rather spoiled the effect. The dining table was set with a white cloth and gleaming cutlery and glassware. There were five men seated at the table as Jack had allowed Olly to join them. Ianto had been introduced to the two newcomers, Ged Hathaway, head of Alliance Relations, and Filipe Gonzales, head of Operations. They were competent looking men, both in their 50s, who had solid reputations and who held their current positions on merit. Jack sat at the head of the table with Ianto on his left, next to Olly. The other two men were seated on Jack's right.

"I wasn't expecting this, Jack," said Hathaway. "When you said you had some news I thought maybe the Uricas had signed the trade proposals. But this, to meet Controller Jones! This is such an honour."

Ianto squirmed in his seat, disliking being the centre of attention. Both men had been surprised when he'd been introduced and their obvious amazement and admiration would have been laughable if it had not been so sincere. He had learnt, over a pre-lunch drink, that he remained respected by all Torchwood personnel for his part in setting up the global organisation. He had learnt, late in his working life, to deal with accolades (he had received many) but endured rather than enjoyed them. Jack had explained the circumstances of his return and Ianto had been relieved when it had not caused adverse comment; obviously cloning was accepted, more so than he had feared.

"I want your advice Ged, yours too Fil, about how we let it be know that Ianto's back. The last thing we want is for people staring at him or whatever," said Jack, around a mouthful of a fish starter.

"There's a Deputies' meeting tomorrow. I'd be happy to spread the word there but there'll be a lot of interest."

"I don't think you need be so cautious," put in Gonzales, disagreeing with his colleague. "Make the announcement, in a bulletin perhaps, and then when Controller Jones ..."

"I wish you'd call me Ianto," he interjected. "I have no right to a job title any more."

"I'm sorry and thank you. I'd be honoured to call you Ianto." Gonzales preened and then continued, "As I was saying, when ... Ianto is seen about the building, while there'll be interest he shouldn't be molested."

"I should hope not, I'm the only one allowed to molest him," replied Jack dryly and was pleased to see Gonzales squirm. Ianto kicked his partner under the table. Before anyone could respond, Jack went on, "Okay, Olly, I can see you're dying to have your say. What would the operatives' reaction be to a bulletin like that?"

"Permission to speak frankly, Boss?" Jack nodded indulgently. "They'd be pleased you had your Ianto back. It's good seeing you look so happy."

Jack smiled and exchanged a glance with Ianto and saw him smile too. Out of the mouths of babes, thought Jack. He was happy, so happy to have Ianto back at his side, here at work as well as just in his life generally. It felt like old times to host a meal with him sitting on his left, ready to keep him in check if he went too far. He also thought Olly was probably right; Jack still went out on operations occasionally and knew well all of the 15 operatives currently working in Cardiff. He wasn't quite so sure about the administrators, of which there were 30 odd, some of whom he barely knew.

Ged Hathaway, spoke up, "A bulletin would be appropriate, perhaps, if it was merely to ensure Ianto's privacy. However, if you're intending to give him a role within Torchwood, that may be more problematic."

"I am not expecting to return to Torchwood, gentlemen," said Ianto immediately. "To be honest, I have no idea what I want to do, if anything. I may find that looking after this one," he indicated Jack, "is a full time job." There was polite laughter around the table.

"That's my position too," reinforced Jack. Ianto was interested to see that Jack's influence was just as strong as ever. Everyone looked to him for their lead: he remained the guiding hand in all matters Torchwood.

The discussion was interrupted when the main course was brought in – a white meat in a fruity sauce with vegetables. When the servitors left, all agreed that a bulletin was the way to proceed and Hathaway volunteered to draft it. Jack accepted but Ianto noticed he also looked pointedly at Olly and thought that it was actually that young man who would write it. No more was said about the matter while they continued with their meal, the others asking Ianto what he thought of Cardiff after so long an absence.

Over the dessert, the conversation turned to the upcoming conference which Sven Larstop had spoken to Jack about the day before. "The agenda is now all but agreed," said Hathaway. "We'll have the reception on Friday evening with your opening address, Jack. Saturday will be a discussion of policy with syndicates looking at specific areas and a plenary session late afternoon. At the formal dinner, Secretary General Olibana will address the delegates. I'd like to offer something more on the Sunday morning; the tour of the offices here is getting a bit tired."

"Sounds good overall but I agree about the Sunday. Any thoughts? asked Jack.

Olly perked up, having been quiet for longer that Ianto had thought possible, and said, "What about the early history of Torchwood? Most of the delegates are new." The other three Torchwood men looked less than enthused. "I know, I know," said Olly, "Jinj is the most boring coot on Earth. So why not have Ianto here do it." He smiled at Ianto brightly before letting out a loud, "Oow!" Ianto had kicked him.

"What a good idea," enthused Gonzales. "History told by the one who made it." Hathaway joined in, supporting the idea.

Jack grinned but then saw Ianto's glare and moved his leg just before he felt the swish of a foot. "Ianto, we've rather put you on the spot. Let's think on it for a while, see if any other thoughts come to us." He was pleased to see Ianto look a little less murderous.

As the dessert dishes were removed, small cups of coffee were placed in front of each man, with milk and sugar placed on the table. Ianto viewed it suspiciously and pointedly pushed it away from him; he was not going to drink this appalling muck they called coffee.

Olly leant close and said conspiratorially, "It's coffee. It's okay to drink."

"That is not coffee, that is dark, hot water."

Jack laughed. "Sorry, Olly, he'll never drink that. Ianto," he explained to his guests, "is the best barista I have ever known. He takes coffee beans and makes them into the most delectable beverage known to man or alien." The others looked confused. "I assure you, when you get to taste his coffee you'll not want this stuff again." Jack sipped his drink – he needed some caffeine however it came – but pulled a face at the bitter, watery taste.

Fifteen minutes later the group had dispersed, only Jack and Ianto were left in the dining room. "I think that went well," said Jack, sitting at ease with his chair pushed back from the table.

"You're not the one they wanted to lumber with giving a talk."

"Hey, I'm doing the address on the Friday and I'll be at the discussions all day Saturday. You'll be getting off lightly."

Ianto looked startled, "You don't seriously expect me to do it!?" he exclaimed.

"Why not?" He leant forward, "The delegates are from the various bases all round the world. We get 100 different ones every year and give them a good time as well and making sure they're doing what we want. They need to appreciate the origins of Torchwood to make them feel part of it. Besides, the official history's all wrong."

"Why don't you put it right?"

Jack pulled a face. "Because I haven't got time and it's so funny. The drawing of the Cyberman looks just like Patrick Moore; I laughed 'til I cried."

"You're the limit, Jack Harkness. Did you know your own son wants to write one? Why don't you let him?" Ianto was exasperated and got up. "I have an appointment to keep."

"Ah, Ianto, don't get mad." Jack grabbed his arm and stood too, pulling him close. "I bet that you'll laugh too when you read it." He kissed him and Ianto relaxed, just a bit, and kissed him back. "We'll stop by the office and I'll give you a copy."

"I'll read it but I don't think I'll laugh," he said. "Now, I have to go."

They walked back to Jack's office where he looked out a slim volume entitled: Torchwood – the official history of the illustrious organisation responsible for human and alien relations throughout the worlds that comprise the Earth Alliance. "The content's as riveting as the title," commented Jack, handing it over. Ianto took it and left. It wasn't until he was back in their suite that he realised he'd used the teleport on his own for the first time. He was unreasonably pleased with himself.

-ooOoo-

Jack spent the afternoon clearing the paperwork that had amassed in his absence at Ogmore. He had a couple of meetings about on-going operations and discussed budgets with the head of Finance. Towards the end of the afternoon, Olly came by with a draft bulletin about Ianto's return. Jack read it alongside that produced by Ged Hathaway and much preferred the former. It hit the right tone between an announcement and the informality he liked to maintain. With just one or two amendments, he passed the draft to Salannd for issue; the news would be round the building by the end of the day and reach all the other offices by early tomorrow. He quizzed Olly about his morning with Ianto and was pleased with the report he got. It was clear that the two had got on well and Jack asked Olly to stand ready for more of the same the following morning. Olly was also charged with setting up a bank account and completing the other formalities that citizens of the Alliance had to go through; he'd tweak the system to make all appear above board.

At 6pm, Jack left his office. This was early for him but for the first time in many years he had someone he wanted to go home to. He entered the suite and called out, "Honey, I'm home." He was grinning to himself as he entered the living room; that was what he'd always said when he and Ianto lived together before. He dumped his bag on a table and bounded over to Ianto who was seated on one of the couches watching a newscast. He had changed into his grey trousers and pink shirt.

"Jack. I wasn't sure what time to expect you," said Ianto, leaning back and accepting a kiss.

"I couldn't wait another minute," said Jack. "Budge up." He moved Ianto so that he could sit behind him, with his arms wrapped tight around him. "I missed you." He kissed his hair.

Ianto leant back and turned his eyes back to the newscast. He had been told, during his discussion that afternoon, that he needed to watch these to bring himself up to date and had spent the last hour watching and learning. Jack rested his chin on Ianto's shoulder and watched too. There was news of a forest fire in Mid Africa and of civil unrest in the crowded cities as well as financial news and sports. When the programme went back to what Ianto had assumed was a soap opera but Jack knew to be reality he turned it off.

"Tell me about your day." encouraged Jack. He was anxious to know how the afternoon meeting had gone but was canny enough not to press Ianto on that too soon.

"It was interesting. I learnt a lot." Ianto said no more which Jack took to be ominous; there were problems ahead. Jack let the silence grow, hoping Ianto would say more. "I like Olly. How often have you slept with him?"

"Did he tell you that?"

"No, I worked it out for myself. I know the sort you like and I saw the signs." He turned his head so he could rest his head on Jack's shoulder. "I don't mind, providing it's over now."

Jack sighed, "It wasn't anything much. We both got what we wanted: I was amused and he shagged the boss. You know, he reminds me of .."

"Owen," they both said together and laughed.

"But that was a couple of years ago. He's got a girlfriend now, a lobster-like girl with a squint. They seem to be making a go of it though how he gets round the claws I'm not sure." Jack paused then said, "I've put him on standby for tomorrow, if you want to have him help you again."

"I'd like that. He knows a lot and doesn't make me feel too stupid when I don't."

"You are not stupid. It's not been three days, Ianto, and you're doing really well." He tightened his hold on him. "What about your meeting with Pellow and Kiff? They did come?"

"Yes, they came." Ianto paused, not sure what to tell Jack.

In some ways the chat with them had eased his mind about being a clone but it had raised other issues that scared him. They had been created with memories as he had been so knew what it was like to appear in a world about which they knew nothing and had cautioned that it would take time, years probably, before he would feel totally at home in his new environment. They'd warned also that it was the little things that were the most difficult to pick up and the ones that caused the most embarrassment. He'd need to develop a way of coping with mistakes. He tried to explain this to Jack who was sympathetic, reminding Ianto that he had been out of his own time for centuries and understood the difficulties. This had heartened Ianto but he hadn't told Jack what really bothered him. He'd been wondering just what his new life would hold for him. He needed a purpose, a role other than that of being Jack's partner. But what? There was a big blank wall in front of him and he wasn't sure he'd find a way over it. He couldn't share this with Jack as it was so hard to put into words. It was something he had to face alone, at least for now. The one good thing he had learned was that clones could have children, provided they took the Vilamen supplements. Ianto hoped that in his, at present forbidding, future there may be the possibility of children but he didn't know what Jack would think about it not did he want to pursue the point right now. He had to feel more at home first.

"So, are you reassured? Or should I arrange something more?" queried Jack.

"I'm happier. I understand now that being a clone is okay in this world of yours. But everything is so new, I still need to think it all through." He looked up at Jack and saw he was anxious. "Don't worry, cariad," he smiled and pulled down his head and kissed him.

The kiss deepened and their tongues met and vied for dominance. Ianto ran his fingers through deep brown hair and revelled in its feel. He smelt the special fragrance of his lover, familiar for so long, and was aroused by that alone. Lips were searching along his jaw line and into his neck, forcing him to arch his back as Jack nuzzled at the collar of his shirt. His own hands kneaded shoulder muscles and scrabbled under Jack's shirt to stroke the soft skin beneath. He felt himself propelled gently backwards and he ended up lying on the couch with Jack above him, hands undoing his shirt while his mouth was being sucked and kissed. Then the mouth on his moved to his chest and was sucking at a hard nipple and licking and tasting its way all over his torso. He arched his back again as a sudden wave of pleasure rocked him; how he wanted this man.

Jack loved having Ianto at his mercy, lying supine and willing while he explored the body that he remembered so well. He put a hand on the young man's thigh, fingers nudging against his crotch and was pleased when it elicited a groan. He knew Ianto was aroused, could see it in his tented trousers, and was growing hard himself. He drew back a little, just long enough to undo the belt and trousers, before cupping the erect cock. Ianto cried out. Jack went back to exploring the bare flesh of his chest while pumping the cock though the strained underwear.

"Please, Jack, please," begged Ianto, writhing as another burst of pleasure spread out to all parts of his body.

Ianto was relieved when he felt a hand under his underwear and his cock was taken into a firm hold. He grabbed at Jack's shoulders and dug his fingers into his back as the hand moved up and down, slowly then faster, while at the same time teeth sucked at his nipples. He was lost in the feeling of bliss and arched his back once more, lifting his hips to encourage that wonderful hand. And then he was being pumped, the hand grasping hard, and he felt himself close to release. He yelled Jack's name as the hand finally took him over the edge and he came. He lay panting looking up at the face of his lover until the face disappeared. Ianto propped himself on an elbow and looked after him. A moment later, Jack reappeared, lube in hand. Ianto smiled and lay back.

Jack quickly removed the rest of Ianto's clothes; he was hard and needed his own release. Seeing his young lover waiting for him, spurred him on and he lifted him until he could get the right angle. Ianto's hand reached for his cock but Jack gently pushed it away; a touch now would make him come before he was ready. He coated himself with lube and entered, carefully but quickly, only waiting long enough to know Ianto was relaxed enough to take him. And then he thrust himself in fully, feeling Ianto rise to meet him. He thrust again and again, holding Ianto's hips to steady him. He knew he would not be long in coming and took Ianto's rapidly hardening cock in one hand, pumping it hard. They came together in a great release; Ianto clutching at Jack's arms and shoulders as he cried out for the second time.

Jack moved, sitting on the couch while Ianto lay flopped beside him. "I've been wanting that all day," he said eventually.

"You only had to ask," smirked Ianto.

They stayed where they were for a few more minutes before Jack hauled himself to his feet. "I need to clean up," he said looking down at Ianto who was stretching like a cat. "Coming?"

"Yes, pull me up." Jack obliged and Ianto picked up his clothes and they walked through the bedroom to the bathroom beyond. Once there, Ianto opted for the tub while Jack had a quick shower. It was another new experience for Ianto as the tub used no water, just some energy waves that soothed and cleaned.

"Hungry?" asked Jack, standing looking at Ianto who lay with eyes closed enjoying the novel feeling of a waterless bath.

"No. I would like a drink though. Is there any of that juice we had at Ogmore?"

"Think so. I'll go and see."

-ooOoo-

It was late when Jack looked up from his book and saw Ianto nodding over his ever-present notepad. They had spent a quiet evening, laughing over the Torchwood history that Ianto had read and talking. Jack had learnt more about how his young lover had spent his day. He felt Ianto was making good progress with day-to-day living but was worried about his underlying feelings. His nature was introspective and contained, he disliked standing out from the crowd or even in a group he knew well. He preferred to stand to one side, a step or two removed from the action. Therefore, any mistake he made in this new century would upset him as it would bring him to the attention of everyone. Jack had managed being out of time better, not only because he had been a Time Agent and was in his past rather than the future, but mainly because of his outgoing nature; nothing could embarrass him. He smiled to himself when he thought of the occasions when he'd trampled all over the social niceties of the time he was in and never even noticed. When it had been pointed out to him, he'd just laughed; Ianto would never be able to do that.

Staying as quiet as possible, he rose and put his book back on the side table. He crossed to where Ianto was propped against the arm of the couch, looking as if he'd fall off. Jack slowly took the notepad and put it down on the side. He put his arms round the young man and, with some grunting at the weight, lifted him and carried him to the bed. He laid him down, glad that Ianto had put his sleep suit on after his bath. He pulled the covers over him and smiled as he watched him curl into his usual sleeping position. He bent and brushed his lips to his forehead.

Back in the living room, Jack cleared some of the mess away, not very successfully. He picked up Ianto's notepad and, as it was still active, glanced at the screen. He realised it was a diary which didn't surprise him, Ianto had kept one for years. In fact, the volumes were currently stored in a secure drawer of Jack's desk at Ogmore. Jack glanced at the closed door of the bedroom, should he look at the diary or not? He argued with himself and then closed the screen. This was private, for Ianto alone. He went to his desk and looked at some of the new messages but did not get much work done, he was too busy thinking he'd just missed a golden opportunity to help Ianto.

It was 2am before Jack went to bed. He still needed little sleep but found lying down relaxed him and prepared him for the day ahead. He slipped under the covers and shuffled over to Ianto's side. This bed is way too big, he thought. He finally got close and turned on his side, lying with his front to Ianto's back, moulding himself to his lover's form. He snuggled in and closed his eyes, drifting off into a light sleep. He awoke, an hour later, to find Ianto had turned round and was now looking at him and stroking his hair.

"Enjoying the view?"

"Oh yeah." He leant in and kissed Jack, not wanting it to lead anywhere, just as an expression of love. "I've been thinking, about this talk idea."

Jack thought furiously for a moment and then recalled the discussion over lunch. "Right. What about it?"

"Has anyone ever taken the delegates on a tour of the Hub?" Ianto looked energised and interested and Jack hated to disappoint him but he'd promised himself to tell him the truth.

"Yeah, from time to time." He saw Ianto's face fall. "But only the main level and then by people who knew very little about it. They've never been shown the vaults or the archives, for instance."

Ianto was disappointed that his idea was not new. But if the tour was properly organised and the guide was fully briefed maybe it would still be worth doing. "Who gives the tours?"

"Jinj. He's the resident historian and archivist and to be honest he's past his sell-by-date, if you know what I mean. But he was a great operative and one of the few to make it to middle age. I owe him a job."

"And archivist is the right job, is it?" Ianto was affronted and showed it by turning onto his back and distancing himself from Jack. "I bet those archives are in a dreadful state," he huffed.

"More than likely," agreed Jack equably. He shuffled forward and rested his head on Ianto's shoulder, his arm across his middle. "Get Olly to show you tomorrow. In fact, get Jinj to give you the Hub tour and you'll see what it's like for yourself."

Ianto narrowed his eyes and thought about this; it was a very good idea. "I might just do that," he said finally.

"Well, if that's settled, come here and give me a kiss." Ianto obliged.

-ooOoo-

Ianto joined Jack in the shower and was just a bit apprehensive; he'd not had a sonic shower before. He stood rigid as the waves washed over him and felt just a bit absurd. Jack, standing behind him, chuckled and told him to relax and eventually he did but that was more the result of the older man's teasing fingers walking up and down his back. As Ianto knew they would, the two ended up making love on the bathroom floor but one advantage of sonic technology was the lack of water to clear up afterwards. A second shower, alone this time, was necessary before he could dress for the day.

He opened his wardrobe and looked with pleasure at the clothes hanging there. He'd ordered more the day before and been delighted when they'd arrived in their coloured boxes – though he'd had a game of hide and seek before he found the receptacle in the kitchen. He decided on a pair of black trousers and a pale green shirt under a darker green sweater as most appropriate for a trip to the archives or the Hub. Green was not a colour he wore often but, looking at his reflection in the mirror, he thought it looked okay. Finally content with his appearance, he went in search of breakfast and Jack and found both in the kitchen.

Jack looked away from the wall-mounted screen and eyed the young man. "Very nice. Like the green."

"Thanks. Good to see you're in blue again. Though please tell me they're not the same ones you were wearing yesterday."

"They're not! I ordered a few more. If you want breakfast, there's some pastries in the basket and or you can cook something." He gestured to the side.

Ianto took a couple of pastries and poured himself some juice before walking over and sitting at the table with Jack. "This will do, thanks. I had a quick look yesterday but couldn't find a coffee machine."

"No, I never put one in here. Didn't I tell you that?"

"I don't think so. I looked for one on the shopping screen but couldn't find any." He bit into the pastry and chewed daintily.

Jack swallowed his mouthful. "Can't get them, they have to be made. I can .."

"Made? You mean I could design my own?" Ianto's face was alive with excitement.

"I suppose. The guy who made the one at Ogmore was okay about copying the one that broke so I suppose he'd do any design you wanted."

"How do I contact him?" Ianto would brook no delay; he could not live in Cardiff without proper coffee.

Jack laughed at his eagerness. "I'll look up the details and let you have them."

"Can you do it now?"

"Can't I finish breakfast first?" he whined. Reluctantly, Ianto agreed that he could and they sat and talked as they ate, agreeing that if they could they'd meet for lunch in the suite. Jack was pleased to see Ianto take his daily Vilamen tablets without fuss. They cleared up and walked into the living room where Jack flung a portable screen in Ianto's direction. "Take a look at those while I try and track down the coffee man." He sat at his desk.

Ianto activated the screen and saw a list of many messages; the total at the top indicated there were over 300. He opened the first and saw it was congratulations to him and Jack on their 'reunion'. He didn't recognise the sender's name. He went through a few more of the messages and they were all on same lines. "It's nice of them to do this," he said, touched at the thought.

Jack looked up, unconvinced. "Some are, most are people wanting to suck up. I expect you've got a few of your own. You'll need to start checking your mailbox again, now you're officially here."

Ianto sat down, screen on his knee, and painstakingly worked through the process Olly had shown him to get to the mailbox. When he finally got there, he found over a hundred messages waiting for his attention. He opened the first and was not surprised to find it was from Filipe Gonzales who he'd taped as a creep. The second and third were from people he didn't know and he decided to look through them all later, when Olly was available to help him.

"Aha," cried Jack, "found it. You want me to send this to you or print it off?"

"Print, please. I've got over a hundred messages already and it may get lost." He walked over and took the slip of what appeared to be laminated paper. "He's in Italy?"

"Yeah. Look, Ianto, if you're okay I'll get going. I've called Olly and he'll be along in about half an hour. I've also sent a message to Jinj telling him you want a tour today. That'll get the old buzzard moving."

"I'll be fine, you get off." He gave Jack a long, lingering kiss. "Maybe see you for lunch."

"If you promise me another one of those, you can guarantee it."

"Go!"


Coming next ... Ianto visits the Hub and fireworks ensue