Here's another that I just realized I did not update here, and many many apologies! This one is complete and I'll be posting the remaining chapters every other day. So so sorry again!
Title: Echoes
Rating: R (for dark themes)
Characters/Pairing: Jack/Ianto, Gwen, Owen, Toshiko, 10th Doctor, Master, John Hart
Spoilers: Everything from TW 1 to CoE, DW to S4, in particular for "Cyberwoman", "Sound of the Drums/Last of the Time Lords", "Turn Left" and CoE "Day Four" and "Day Five".
Disclaimer: If I owned Jack, Ianto and everything Torchwood, I would treat them all right. Since fics like this need to be written, then it's definitely not mine and making no money from this. This is a work of love and giving Jack and Ianto the respect they deserve.
Warning: AU, Dark themes, past character deaths, torture, slash, male/male
Notes: The first chapter is in the 5 Times format. I started to write this one immediately after CoE last summer because losing Ianto is UNACCEPTABLE. I'm not saying all events in chapter one is canon - it's just my take on how they happened.
Summary: Nothing lasts forever, everything changes, even when you don't realize it's happening.
Note: There's still hope, happy and fluff in this fic, if you stick with me through it.
Thanks to thrace_adams and cjharknessgirl for letting me bounce ideas off them.
My most gorgeous and brilliant beta for this chapter: gracie_musica.
Jack leaned against the console, and watched as Ianto worked in the compartment below the grating. Usually he did the maintenance on the TARDIS, but Ianto had helped him since they started to travel with the Doctor.
Jack was enjoying the view as Ianto worked. The Welshman was wearing a pair of jeans and a tight tee-shirt. The jeans dipped just low enough as Ianto bent over to give Jack an enticing glimpse of what he planned to see more of later when they were finished.
"Jack!" Ianto's voice rang out.
Jack blinked and realized that Ianto was attempting to get his attention. "Oh sorry? What was that?"
"You were paying more attention to my arse, weren't you?" Ianto asked, glancing over his shoulder at Jack.
"Well, it is a very nice ass. And I'm seeing just enough flesh there to give me ideas of how we're spending our time later."
"And what makes you think I don't have any ideas myself?" Ianto asked with a smirk.
"Okay. I'm sure I'll love your ideas."
Ianto chuckled and said, "I suspect we'll have enough time to indulge in both our ideas while we hide out from the Doctor once he finds out what we're doing."
"Don't you mean what you're doing? I'm just standing here handing out tools," Jack said with a wink.
"That makes you an accomplice. And while we're on that topic, I was asking you to hand me the laser slicer."
"Oh yeah. Sorry." Jack turned to where he kept the tools they worked out would be needed and started to look for the requested item. He started to frown when he realized that he could not find it. "Um, I think we left it in the room. No worry. I'll go get it." Jack started to walk across the room toward the doorway leading into the rest of the TARDIS. "I'll be right back."
"You better. I'm almost done here. Once I'm done with the splitting, I can start working on the connections. That shouldn't take too long."
"Got it." Jack turned and pulled himself up straight and saluted. "I'm on it, sir!" He turned on his heel and left the console room.
Chuckling, Ianto decided to look over his work one more time while he had the chance, and that might save him the time lost while he waited for Jack to return with the tool.
"So how does it feel,milady?" Ianto asked as he peered closely at his handiwork.
It will work.
"I'm certain it will."
You would give Jack eternity if you could. Is that true?
Ianto pulled away and looked up, a confused look on his face. "Excuse me?"
Would you give Jack eternity?
Ianto found it an unusual comment and a rather random comment that seemed to have nothing to do with the task at hand. He also realized that the TARDIS had to have been listening in on their discussion. With a blush, he had to wonder what else she had been spying on.
"Yes, I would," he admitted, knowing she already knew the truth. "But since that's impossible, it really doesn't matter."
Is that what you think? I owe Jack. It is not is fault that he is what he is, and he should not have to suffer losing loved ones over and over through time. He should not have to learn to live without the love of his life. You will always be the one, Ianto Jones. I wish I can undo what was done to him, but since I cannot, there is always another way.
Ianto frowned slightly. "I appreciate you worrying about Jack, but it is not your fault things worked out as they did. After listening to Jack, I also know it was not Rose's either. But I will do everything I can to make sure Jack will go on, always having someone to love and to be loved."
I fear if Jack lost you, he will cut himself off from love. That could be stifling to the potential Jack has. He has eternity to do good and help others. He should not do it alone.
Ianto opened his mouth to ask what the TARDIS meant when suddenly a panel that was attached to the bottom of the main console opened.
A golden light spilled out from the compartment and Ianto immediately turned his head away from the blinding brilliance.
If your heart feels what you say, then you will find the strength to look at me.
"What? What's going on? Did I do something wrong to cause this?"
You did something right. Can you really follow through what you claim you would do for Jack Harkness? Would you promise him your love for eternity?
"Yes," Ianto answered, as he slowly turned his head back toward the light. His eyes were still closed. "I would."
Then look at me, and let me help Jack. And you, Ianto Jones.
"Why me? Out of so many others to give this chance to?"
Because only you love Jack unconditionally, and yet are still strong enough to put him in his place. No one else ever had before you, no one would after. Only you. You would not see this as a curse, but as a gift to keep Jack from the heartache of losing a partner, and prevent him from being lonely. You are the one capable of allowing Jack to see this for what it really is. That his condition is a gift, so he can help others and do so much good. It is easier when you are not alone. His condition will not be isolated to just him, but to be shared with you. This is why. Can you accept this? If so, open your eyes and allow the Vortex that is already inside you to grow and expand until death is no longer final for you.
Slowly Ianto started to open his eyes. "Yes, I can do this. For Jack's sake, I can. Because now I can promise him forever."
He heard Jack's dismayed yell of "IANTO! NO!", but while it seemed to ring clear in his head, Jack seemed so far away at that moment, it would be too much trouble to pay him any mind. Later for that, Ianto thought. Later they would have all the time in the universe for Ianto to listen to anything Jack wanted to say. For now, Jack would have to wait.
Ianto suddenly gasped as images filled his head. The first one was his death in the Hub when Lisa had killed him before Jack managed to bring him back with a Kiss of Life. Next was his death in Thames House. There were other deaths, and he started to feel them as they tumbled into his mind, making him feel as if he was experiencing each one. Every death was in a different time, a different place. Ianto sensed it was all the potential deaths he was heading for if he did not become immortal, each one that a change in time created or snuffed out.
You are correct. It is every possible death in your linear timeline. One of them would have been your true death if you are not immortal. It is hard to tell which one, because Time is in flux, so you must acknowledge each and every potential before erasing them completely from your timeline. Some may not be erased, but will not be permanent, while others that would not occur at this moment will occur.
Ianto dropped to his knees, feeling himself spiraling out of control within the golden light. He felt it reach inside him and connect with the Vortex within, making it grow.
You do understand the final test, Ianto Jones?
Ianto nodded. He could not explain how he knew, but he did. "Yes," he croaked, starting to wheeze and gasp. "I do."
Now it is up to Jack Harkness to accept your destiny and your gift. He must show in his heart that he is worthy of what you give to him. You understand what will happen if he does not?
Again, Ianto knew the answer to that question. He realized he'd known it all along as this process started. He could have stopped it by withdrawing his offer of giving Jack a companion throughout eternity, but to him that was not really a choice. There was only one answer, one path to take. There was nothing else but that. He was completely aware of the answer to the TARDIS' question. He simply nodded, because words were too hard to produce.
If Jack Harkness cannot accept your gift of eternal life, then you, Ianto Jones, must die. With no coming back.
Ianto fell forward to the grating, bent over from the compartment he was working in, unseeing eyes still open and glowing golden.
"IANTO! GOD NO!" Jack cried out.
And then there was only darkness.
OoOoOoO
Jack was almost at the doorway to the main console when he realized something was happening. He broke into a run to cover the distance and turned to look in. He skidded to a stop and he felt his heart freeze.
There was Ianto, still in the compartment in the floor, but looking over to the lower half of the main console. Emitting from the console was the purest golden light Jack had ever seen, and immediately he recognized it for what it was, although he had never seen it in this form before. It matched what was within him, what made him immortal. The Vortex.
The TARDIS was exposing the Vortex in its purest form to Ianto. Jack had no idea what it could do to him. Despite the assurances tugging at his mind, Jack started to go into a panic. He started to make a run to Ianto and pull him away, but he found himself running into what felt like an invisible brick wall.
Wait. It is not time for you to join us yet.
Jack looked at the console and then around him at the walls and overhead. What are you doing to him?he asked in his mind, being accustomed to speaking to the TARDIS in his mind.
Nothing he doesn't want. However, he did not ask me to do this, and that is why I must.
Must do what? Jack asked in anguish. That could kill him! Jack felt the beginning of a panic attack and fought to keep it back. He could not help Ianto if he became incapacitated by an attack. He took a deep breath, while in his mind, he asked, Why expose him to the Vortex?
Is it not the Vortex that runs through you?
"You can't!" Jack cried out, slamming his hands against the invisible field in frustration. "I don't want him to live with the same curse!"
"What the devil is going on here?" the Doctor's voice demanded. He came up behind Jack. "Jack, what are you two up to?"
Jack turned to the Doctor. "We were only trying to install… but then I realized I left something and went to get it and I come back to…this." Jack looked back at Ianto, his eyes filling with tears. "Oh God, Ianto. As much as it will kill me inside to lose you, I could never wish this on you."
It is his heart's desire.
"What?" the Doctor sputtered. "What are you on about?" he demanded. Jack was not sure if it was about his half-cocked, jumbled explanation, or if he heard the TARDIS too. Perhaps it was both.
"Doctor, I didn't ask her to do this. I know Ianto wouldn't," Jack insisted.
"She never would have done it if you had. This happened only one time before. And that's how you became immortal. Rose tore open the heart of the TARDIS and first destroyed the Daleks, and then she wanted you to live, so she gave you life. She didn't know what she was doing, she couldn't control it. That's how you ended up as you are. But, this…. This is by the TARDIS' own accord." He ran his hand through his hair, making it stand up in all angles.
Rose saw it all, everything, including Jack's pain. This is the completion of Bad Wolf.
Both Jack and the Doctor's eyes went wide.
Ianto Jones fulfills that destiny, because he is the only one who would not ask, while his reasons for wanting are all the right ones.
"Who the hell would ask for this?" Jack spat out.
"Apparently Ianto is the only one who would not. You are the only one who can understand the price of immortality. It is normal to want to live forever. Even Ianto, but not for the same reasons most Humans would want," the Doctor explained.
"Can you stop her?" Jack asked, clenching his fists.
"I wish I could, but I can't. I'm sorry, Jack."
Jack watched helplessly for what seemed like eternity to him while it was no more than another minute before he cried out in dismay. "IANTO!" he yelled when he watched his lover topple forward. "GOD! NO!"
You may approach.
Jack took a tentative step forward, his hands outstretched, expecting to encounter the invisible shield again, but found nothing. He charged across the console room and fell to his knees next to Ianto. His lover's eyes were open, but he could not see the gorgeous blue color he loved so much. Ianto's eyes were filled with the golden light of the Vortex.
He looked dead to Jack. As he pulled Ianto into his arms, and cradled him close, he could not detect any breathing. "What have you done?" he demanded, crying as he held Ianto close to him, burying his face in his still lover's hair. "I can't lose him. Please don't take him away from me," Jack cried. "Please."
The choice is yours, Jack Harkness. He understood this.
"What do I have to do?"
Simply answer this question. And do not hesitate. Answer with the first thing that comes to your mind.
Anything,Jack replied in his mind. He moved his face so his lips could glide across the side of Ianto's face. He could lose Ianto in the next few minutes, and he did not know how he would continue if that happened.
Would you ever leave Ianto Jones? Even if he had eternity to spend with you?
No! Never. Can't you see that I can't live without him?
And yet you are unable to die.
Physically, I cannot. But inside, in my heart, my soul. I would be empty, dead on the inside. As I was for six long, heartbreaking months. I need him. Please, give him back to me. Don't take him from me.
Even if it means being bound to him forever?
Especially if it means that. If I can never lose Ianto, that would be the greatest gift of all.
Jack felt warmth and tenderness fill his mind. It felt almost as if his physical being was being wrapped in an old comfortable blanket, like the one Ianto had on his couch in his flat in Cardiff, and they had spent many nights snuggled under it while watching the TV, or just cuddling on a cold winter night.
Kiss him, Jack. Bring him to life and then allow the Vortex within you both to bind you together.
It would have been nice to be engaged first before a commitment ceremony, Jack joked.
He felt the TARDIS laugh in his mind. It filled him with joy. He wiped his tears and turned Ianto's head so his lips could press against the still, but pliant ones. He gently pried Ianto's mouth open with his tongue and deepened the kiss. He poured all his love for the prone man in his arms into the kiss.
Suddenly Ianto jerked beneath him and gasped. Hands gripped onto Jack tightly, fingers digging into flesh, despite the shirt Jack wore. Then the grip loosened some, but still maintained a firm hold on Jack as Ianto's arms pulled him closer. Ianto started to return the kiss with a passion that surpassed anything they shared before. Jack knew they both felt it.
Jack broke the kiss long enough to catch his breath and smiled down at Ianto, his eyes once again glistening with tears. "I love you," he stated. "I will always love you, Ianto. Forever and then some."
Ianto smiled up at Jack. "I love you too. Always and forever, Jack. And I am yours forever, if you will have me."
Jack clung to Ianto, holding him close again and kissed him briefly. "Always."
Ianto smiled again and pulled Jack down for another deep, probing kiss. They continued to kiss until the light started to fade and the console door began to close.
It is done. Live well and remember the gift you both have been given.
Ianto attempted to sit up better. Jack decided to help him out of the compartment and onto the grating. He sat next to Ianto, allowing his lover to lean against him, wrapping his arms around the body that was warm and vibrating with so much life. "I was given love forever," he replied, his eyes meeting Ianto's. "That is the greatest gift of all." He kissed Ianto again. "I can't believe you would want this, but now that you did, I'd be a liar if I said I'm upset about it. Especially if you are certain this makes you happy."
"Knowing you will never have to worry about me, or trying to live alone again makes me very happy."
"Do I make you happy?" Jack asked.
Ianto rolled his eyes in his typical fashion. "What do you think, Jack? Yes. Unless you're asking daft questions."
Jack chuckled. "You make me happy, Ianto. Very happy. And now…." He pulled Ianto close to share another passionate kiss.
"OH now, don't start doing what it looks like you will on the floor in here," the Doctor said. "Take it to your room, if you must."
Jack and Ianto kissed for another few seconds before they pulled apart, and shared an amused look. Jack started to get to his feet and held his hand out to assist Ianto to stand up.
"No explanations?" Jack asked the Doctor.
"I know. She explained it." The Doctor's eyes settled on Ianto, and he took an involuntary step back. "This is going to take some getting used to. Another one. And this time by no accident." He seemed to be studying Ianto. "However, immortal or not, after all that you should get some rest. And you are immortal. Very immortal. I can feel it. It's no longer just an itch that I can't scratch. Looking at you gives me a sense of nails being scratched down a chalkboard. It's just because of the way I am, and how you are. I'm sure if I was able to become accustomed to having Jack around, I will eventually become somewhat immune to your presence too. But first, you definitely need rest. You too, Jack. You can continue your installation afterward. We'll all still be here by then."
"I'm sorry, Doctor. I didn't ask her," Ianto started to apologize.
The Doctor cut him off before he could speak any more. "Do you regret what just happened?"
"No. And for that, I'm not sorry." Ianto folded his arms. "So am I wrong to you?"
"My instincts are saying that, but I know better. What you are is very right." He gave a tense smile to Ianto, and then to Jack.
"Two wrongs making a right and all that, huh, Doc?" Jack asked.
Ianto tried hard not to laugh but failed. "Oh, that was brilliant, Jack."
"I do have my moments, don't I?" Jack said with a grin. "But the Doctor is right about one thing. We both need to rest. And to settle some other things that are best done in private." At Ianto's raised inquiring eyebrow, Jack shook his head. "Did you not catch the part about being bound? As in there's a new bond formed between us, and it will grow stronger. I'm sure of it."
"Oh. There was so much more of everything else going on, can you blame me for missing that? Even if thinking back, I'm pretty sure I somehow agreed to it. I'm allowed one off moment here. After all I had all of Time and Space in my mind. Not to mention for a while there, I was dead." Ianto gave Jack a meaningful stare.
"With the Vortex going through your body. Yeah, I'll give you that. And you weren't thatdead." At Ianto's glare, he raised a hand. "Okay, so you were a little. Enough to miss things." He gave Ianto a grin, which was returned by the younger immortal. "But c'mon. Besides, I'm sure the Doctor is just itching to get us away from him for a bit."
"I do need to get used to having two of you around," the Doctor said. He looked down where Ianto had been working, before he walked over to the doorway. He bent over to pick up the tool Jack had dropped once he realized something was happening to Ianto.
Jack held out his hand to take it from the Doctor. "Thank you."
Ianto took it from Jack and went to set it with the other tools they were using, while the Doctor peered into the compartment at where Ianto was working. "Hmm, not bad. Once you're done with that, I have a faulty chameleon circuit that needs some work." He stood up straight again and winked at both men. "Good night, gentlemen. And this time, please do try to stay out of trouble."
Ianto grinned as they watched the Doctor start to walk out of the console room. "Why should we do something you never have been good at?" he quipped.
The Doctor's head appeared in the doorway as the Time Lord peered at him. It was a good attempt at a glare, but failed just short of the mark. The Doctor raised an eyebrow and then disappeared again.
Jack and Ianto started to laugh, falling into each other's arms. The laughter stopped when their lips latched on again and they shared a long, languid kiss, while their hands roamed along backs and their bodies pressed close.
Ianto broke the kiss, and gazed into Jack's eyes. "I think we'd be best to take this to our room."
"Yeah, I know what you mean." Jack pulled away from Ianto, but held out his hand.
Ianto placed his hand in Jack's and together they left the console room. Hand in hand, they traveled along the corridors to their room.