Chapter Thirteen

As they returned to the Hub, Tosh called to inform them that the Rift prediction program had produced a code red alert. After getting the blinkers into a cell and rigging a speaker to play the right frequency to keep them there, they met in the conference room with coffee to go over her report.

"The last time we had a code red was with Abaddon," she said. Her tone was serious, and no one said anything. "Whatever's coming through is big, and it's predicted for this weekend."

"When?" asked Jack. First things first: map out the timeline, then prepare to meet it.

"Sunday night," she said. "I can't be any more specific yet. It could be early, it could be midnight."

"And how big is big?" Owen asked. "Are we talking another space-time fracture? Roman soldiers, bubonic plague, and the like?"

Tosh shrugged helplessly. "I don't know, but I doubt it. The predicted readings don't match what happened last year."

"Could it be another time shift?" Ianto suggested. "Like with Tommy?"

"No, it doesn't match that either." Tosh was clearly frustrated. "It's unlike anything else I've seen. I only know it's going to be a big spike." She paused and met Jack's eyes. "Both positive and negative."

"What?" asked Gwen, sitting up straighter as Owen swore under his breath and Ianto's eyes slipped closed. "What does that mean?"

"A negative spike means the Rift takes something," Jack said. "So something comes through Sunday, and something leaves."

"It doesn't make sense," Tosh said. "We've never predicted a negative spike. But as it gets nearer, I should be able to pinpoint a time and location."

"Jack, what do we do?" Gwen asked, turning toward him with wide eyes. "We need to warn people, evacuate the city, call—"

"Call who? The prime minister? The police? The media? We don't know enough right now to start a mass panic."

"If there's a negative spike, we have to make sure no one is taken!"

"We can't evacuate the entire city, but we can evacuate the location," Ianto stepped in. "Once we have one, we'll do what we usually do and have the area cordoned off."

"What if it's not enough?" she demanded. "We can't let innocent people die if we know something's going to happen!"

"And we will do our best to stop that, Gwen," Jack said. "Once we know where and when it's going to happen."

"Should we let UNIT know?" Ianto asked quietly. "That way they can be prepared to assist if necessary?"

"Prepared for what, an invading army?" Owen asked, then sat up when he realized the reality of what he'd said. "Shit, what if it's an invading army?"

Everyone was staring at him in fear; Jack wanted to panic himself. He took a deep breath, because he couldn't. He was the leader, the one who had to show strength and confidence. Yet the reminder of Abbadon and the prediction of a negative spike made it hard to remain calm. "Okay, let's let the general know. Ianto, I will fully admit you're much better at talking to UNIT, can you call him?"

"Absolutely. How much do you want me to tell him?"

"As little as you can get away with. They know we know more than them when it comes to the Rift, so they should be willing to cooperate on our word. Make sure they do."

"Yes, sir," Ianto murmured.

"Even if it means we offer some motivation," Jack said. "Whatever you feel is necessary but safe."

"Of course. Can I send them the duck monsters?"

Jack chuckled. "No, we'll keep them for our animal sanctuary."

"What animal sanctuary?" Gwen asked, while Owen swore again.

"It's those bloody birds you brought back, isn't it?" he asked. "Teaboy wants to open a zoo."

"Of course I don't," Ianto said. "I have enough people and aliens to feed here."

"I thought it was a good idea," Jack murmured, earning a look of surprise from Ianto—and dismay.

"It's a bloody lot of work, is what it is," he said. "Hire me an assistant and I'll gladly take it on, but not until then."

Jack exchanged smiles with the girls and tried not to laugh. Ianto did have a point, though, in that any additional projects would certainly require more team members. They barely had enough team members to cover their regular running around at times like this.

"I'm kidding," he said. "For now. Let's concentrate on the Rift. Tosh, when will you know more?"

"It should start firming up sometime tomorrow," she said. "I can get a location, and hopefully a time."

"And what about tonight? Tomorrow morning? Any Rift activity?"

"There's nothing predicted until late afternoon," she said. "It's not definite, but I think it will be quiet for at least the next eight to twelve hours."

"Then take the night off," Jack said, raising a hand when everyone opened their mouth to protest. "I'm serious. Go home, eat, sleep, and get ready for a busy forty-eight hours after that. I want everyone back for lunch tomorrow so we can start planning for Sunday. No protests. Scram."

"Scram?" Owen said. "That's a new one."

"As long as it works," Jack replied with forced levity. "We need to be on top form if we've got a code red coming in. So go do what you need to do to be ready."

Gwen was halfway out the door to the conference room, with Owen following, but Tosh and Ianto seemed confused. Gwen would go home to her husband, and Owen would…well, do whatever he did. Tosh and Ianto were often the ones who stayed late, working on their own projects, and now they seemed lost, something Jack had noticed even more that week. He tried to be gentle.

"Go home, Tosh. Rest your hand, have a glass of wine, and watch that documentary you've been wanting to see for so long."

"How did you know about that?" she asked in surprise.

"You told me about it two months ago," he said with a smile. "It sounds interesting, so go have a good night." She nodded and left the conference room. Ianto, however, did not. "Ianto, you too. There's nothing here that can't wait until tomorrow."

"Only tomorrow is going to be busy, so I may as well get it done today," he pointed out. Jack shook his head and stood up, indicating they should head upstairs.

"It can still wait," Jack said. "You know this job. Take the time when it comes. Enjoy a Friday night off."

Ianto seemed to hesitate. "I'm not sure what to do with a Friday night off. Would we…did we usually do something? Together?"

Jack tried not to sigh, as it still hurt to think of the many weekends they'd spent together over the months. "Yes, we often spend time together when we have a night off. Maybe see a movie, or watch telly. Try a new restaurant. There's a little jazz club in Grangetown we've been to several times, you even danced with me once…" Remembering how much Ianto had protested, and how flustered he had been afterward, brought a pang of sadness to Jack's chest.

"I danced?" Ianto asked, sounding thoroughly skeptical. "In public?"

"You were pretty tense," Jack laughed. "I thought you'd be a natural, but something was holding you back."

"I don't like dancing," Ianto said. "Not in public."

"That's what you said. So we danced back at your flat once or twice, and you were wonderful last month when—well. Last month." He didn't want to make Ianto uncomfortable by referring to their relationship so often. It felt like uninvited pressure.

"New Year's Eve?" Ianto asked.

"Yeah," Jack said. "It was amazing. We literally danced the night away."

Ianto was quiet as they walked into the main part of the Hub. Tosh called out a goodbye and left through the cog door. "I wrote about it, you know. In my diary. I wish I remembered."

"You will," Jack said. "And if not, I already have reservations for this year."

"You do?"

"I do. Now, go home and relax. Doesn't the Six Nations cup start soon?"

"Next month," Ianto said. He went to shut down his station, arranging his desk space before pulling on his coat. "I thought you didn't follow rugby?"

"I don't, but you do, so I now know the difference between a ruck and a maul."

"Wow, you're an expert," Ianto replied dryly. "If you know so much, I don't suppose you'd want to stop at my local, see if we can catch a match and find something to eat?"

Jack couldn't help but grin at the awkward invitation. And he wanted to, more than anything. "I'd love to," he said. "But I shouldn't. I've been there, with you, once or twice. It could be awkward if someone said something. About us."

"Oh." Ianto seemed genuinely disappointed, but recovered quickly. "I suppose you're right. What will you do?"

"Keep a quiet eye on things," Jack replied with a shrug. "I meant it when I said we need to be prepared for whatever's coming through. I'm going to take it easy, like I told the rest of you."

Ianto nodded. "I'm sorry," he said. "That you've been alone all week, when so many of your things are at my flat."

"Don't be sorry," Jack said. "I'm sorry you've lost so much of your memory. That's what's important here. Not me."

"If you need anything you're welcome to come by," Ianto offered. Jack shook his head.

"It's too soon," he said. "I'd like to, I would. But it doesn't feel right, not yet."

"I understand," Ianto said. "But I feel like..." He gave Jack a thoughtful look. "Like you're different. We're different. I can sense it, even though I don't remember." When Jack didn't say anything, Ianto continued. "I want to know more, do more, but knowing something used to be a certain way and actually going back to that are two different things."

"We'll get there. You don't have to worry about me," Jack said. "And try not to worry about the Rift opening. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes, sir," Ianto murmured. "Good night, Jack."

Jack watched him leave, thinking about his own long and lonely night. As soon as Ianto left, Jack hurried to his office and grabbed his coat. He wasn't going to sit around the Hub feeling sorry for himself. He thought about going out to a bar, or even a quiet restaurant, and then finishing the night on his favorite rooftop, but instead he decided to head to the Silos.

Aran had sensed something with the Rift, and Jack could tell him to be prepared now that they knew for certain something was coming. He could also check in and see if anyone had any more insight in the Datiran device. And if not, Aran Ford always poured a good, strong glass of brandy.

Jack spent several hours at the Silos, though he mostly sat quietly and observed the crowd around him. He did talk to Aran, about the upcoming Rift opening and about Ianto. Aran was a good listener, and Jack was glad he went out rather than sit around the Hub moping. He was tired of sleeping by himself in his tiny room. He not only wanted Ianto, but suddenly wanted someplace bigger, more like home. Apparently, he'd got used to spending time away from the Hub at Ianto's flat, and being forced to live at the Hub all week had reminded him of that sense of normalcy he missed along with sharing it with Ianto.

Sitting on his favorite rooftop with a cup of hot coffee from an all-night diner, he contemplated how he might either spruce up his bunk, or move out completely. When it got too cold, he left and stopped at a twenty-four-hour ASDA and bought some food for the team to have over the weekend, mainly snacks and drinks. He also bought some pillows and a new blanket for his bed, thinking it might make it more cozy. It wouldn't be the same as Ianto's flat, but it was something.

Sleeping in after a late night, Jack got up, showered, had one of the bagels he'd picked up, and read through his emails. He fed their new residents, did some paperwork, and even tidied his office, while constantly checking the Rift monitor for any changes. He wasn't surprised when the entire team drifted in early; he was glad he'd got some food.

They'd all had a good night off and, for the most part, seemed recharged. Which was a good thing, because the Rift alert went off as soon as they'd finished eating lunch, and Jack took Gwen out to chase down a set of large marbles that had come through the Rift in the middle of one of the arcades. While they seemed innocuous enough, Jack couldn't be certain they were safe, and they spent two hours making sure no one in the area had pocketed one. Even then, Jack was fairly sure at least one or two would show up on the internet.

They returned to find Tosh and Ianto out on another alert. A third alarm took them all out to a local car park, where there were reports of a large wolf-like creature with glowing eyes prowling the area. CCTV showed them the creature, which Jack recognized as a hellhound from Bargest. He also knew they hunted in packs, which meant more could have been swept up by the Rift.

They split up, working their way down from the top: Gwen and Ianto started on the fourth level, and Jack and Tosh started on the second. It did not take long for Gwen and Ianto to corner one of the creatures, tranquilizing it before it could attack. While Owen pulled the car up to load it into the SUV, Jack heard Ianto exclaim something about another hound and run off. Alone.

"Ianto!" he shouted into his comm. "Where are you heading?"

"Third floor, northwest corner," Ianto said, out of breath from running. "Where are you? Maybe we can trap it between us."

"Second floor, but on our way. Be careful."

They sprinted toward the staircase, taking them two at a time. But as soon as they burst onto the next floor, they were confronted by a large black hound, hissing and growling at them. It couldn't have been the one Ianto was chasing because they were on the opposite end of the level from Ianto. And then he heard Ianto shout over the comms that the one he'd found was a large one.

"Gwen, help Ianto!" Jack told her, backing away from the slathering beast in front of them. "There's two of them on the third floor!"

"We're still on the fourth floor," Owen answered. "Loading the first one, and it's already waking up. Take two shots with the dart gun, they're gonna need it."

Jack glanced at Tosh, and she nodded to acknowledge she'd heard the doctor. "I'll distract it, you take the shots before it can rush you."

He moved to the right, and the animal tracked him with its eyes, but did not move away, still wary of Tosh. Jack yelled at it, waved his arms, and as soon as it moved toward him, she fired two darts into its hind legs. It collapsed, twitching on the ground as two more shots went off nearby. In his ear, he heard Ianto's voice in panic.

"I hit it with two, and it's still moving. Jack, I'm going to have to—"

He was cut off, and all Jack heard was a growl, a grunt, and a sound like someone hitting the pavement hard. He shouted for Ianto, but there was no answer. His heart racing in panic, he started toward the other end of the level.

"Tosh, stay with this one until you can get it into the SUV, then meet me in the northwest corner. Gwen, Owen—hurry up!"

He took off, turning another corner and seeing a shape on the ground, unmoving. A body. The hellhound was pacing nearby, waiting to attack. It was at least half as large as the other one, the clear alpha male of the pack.

"Hey!" Jack shouted, waving his arms. He didn't have the dart gun, Tosh did, so he pulled out his Webley. He doubted their tranquilizers would take it out anyway, even if Ianto had hit it twice already; it was monstrous. "Leave him alone!"

"We spotted another," Owen reported. "It's heading down to the second level."

"Go after it," Jack said, eyes still on the beast. "I'm with Ianto and Tosh is watching another."

The creature growled a warning, then moved toward Ianto. Jack shouted again and ran toward it. It leaned over Ianto, clearly intending to go in for the kill, one paw on Ianto's chest. Jack fired over its head, hoping to frighten it away from Ianto before getting close enough for a cleaner shot. But to his surprise, the beast jerked several times and collapsed. Jack rushed over and pushed it off Ianto; there was blood everywhere, but he didn't know whether it was the hellhound's or Ianto's.

Falling to his knees, Jack felt a dread deep in his gut: that Ianto was seriously, if not fatally injured. That he might be dead, or dying. That he might lose this man who was so important to him, without ever having the chance to tell him, to even kiss him again. Hands shaking, he ran his fingers gently over Ianto's face and neck, feeling for injuries and calling for him softly.

"Ianto?" he asked. "Ianto, can you hear me? Are you hurt? Please, don't do this, don't die, not now." He was babbling as his hands moved down Ianto's shoulders, his arms, across his chest. He was soon covered in blood, but as near as he could tell, it was not Ianto's. He could not see or feel any injury. "Ianto, wake up, please. It's gone, it's dead, you…" He noticed the Sig Sauer lying next to Ianto, inches from his right hand. "You shot it, you stopped it. You're okay, please wake up."

Jack bowed his head, trying not to let the tears fall as he listened for any sound of breathing. Which was when the Welshman groaned softly and his eyes gradually opened. He appeared unfocused, blinking several times until his gaze settled on Jack.

"I'm okay," he said, the words slightly slurred. "Knocked me over. Hit my head."

A laugh escaped Jack's lips that was also a relieved sob. Pulling Ianto into a sitting embrace, Jack couldn't help but hold tight.

"Thank god," he murmured. "I thought I'd lost you. There's so much blood."

"I had to shoot it," Ianto said. His voice was rough but clearer. "It would have ripped my throat out."

"You were brilliant," Jack said, pulling back. He kissed Ianto soundly on the lips before he realized what he doing, then almost dropped him when he did. Ianto was stunned, and Jack moved back, apologizing profusely.

"I'm sorry," he said, and then said it again. "I didn't mean to do that, I'm just so glad you're all right. You are all right, aren't you?"

Ianto glanced away, rubbing the back of his head. "Knot the size of a melon, and my suit is ruined, but I'm okay. What about the others?"

As if on cue, the SUV came roaring up then, the other three jumping out immediately.

"Ianto!" Gwen exclaimed, as Owen set down a bag and began examining him.

"Where are you hurt?" he demanded when he saw all the blood. "Where did it get you?"

"Nowhere," Ianto replied. "It knocked me over and I shot it. Hit my head."

Owen did a quick check before sitting back and nodding. "You must have hit the pavement hard. I'm not seeing signs of major head trauma, but you could still have a mild concussion. I want to get you back to the Hub, check you out, put some ice on it. Jack, help me with the damn dog. Tosh, help teaboy into the SUV and make sure he stays conscious."

Jack stood up, needing to put some distance between him and Ianto after what he'd done. He felt terrible about kissing the other man, but Jack couldn't help himself. He'd been so relieved to see him sit up, relatively uninjured. Jack had probably crossed a line, and hoped Ianto could forgive him for it.

The girls sat with Ianto on the ride back, while Jack was unusually quiet in the front. Owen took Ianto to the medical bay while Jack worked with Gwen and Tosh to get the hellhounds down to a holding cell. The dead body was tossed into the incinerator; Jack didn't care about putting it on ice for Owen to examine, he wanted it gone. They were going to be too busy anyway.

When they went upstairs, Owen was waiting for them.

"Ianto has a mild concussion, which is going to mean keeping an eye on him for the next several hours. Otherwise he's fine, just a few other scrapes and bruises." Jack could feel Gwen and Tosh's relief, but Owen wasn't finished. "Jack, can we talk in your office?"

The girls exchanged glances before moving to their stations. Owen followed Jack into his office and closed the door behind him. "What's wrong?" Jack asked. "What aren't you telling us?"

"Nothing," Owen said. "He'll be fine. I'm more worried about you. What the hell were you thinking?"

Jack crossed his arms over his chest, immediately defensive. He knew what he'd done was wrong, and he didn't need Owen telling him so. "What do you mean?"

"I know you kissed him," Owen said. "He was a bit loose-lipped downstairs and said something. But he doesn't remember shagging you, Jack. You can't go snogging him because you're glad he's alive."

Jack opened his mouth to retort, then shut it. "I know," he said, sinking into his chair in defeat. "I know it was wrong, but it was an honest, impulsive mistake. I was so…look, I apologized and it won't happen again."

Owen seemed to be studying him. "You really do care about him."

"Yes, I do," Jack snapped. "And I know I'm not always handling this well, but I'm doing the best I can!"

Owen sighed. "I know you are. It's damned strange for all of us. But we'll figure this out. We'll get their memory back. You have to give it time—and not scare him away."

"I know." Jack sat back and stared at the ceiling. "And you'd think it would be easy—all I have is time, after all. But it's not. It's not easy at all."

Owen was quiet until Jack looked up to see if he was even still there. "What?"

"I'm sorry this happened," Owen said, his voice quiet and emotional. "I'm sorry you both have to go through this."

"Not your fault," Jack said.

"I know, but I still wish there was something I could do. As a doctor, as a coworker…as a friend. Only there's not, we're doing all we can right now, so at the risk of sounding mawkish…I'm here if you need anything. Talk, or drink. Or shoot a few paper Weevils down on the range. Whatever."

Jack couldn't help but smile at the doctor's awkward offer. "Thanks, Owen. I appreciate it. And I'll do better. Did Ianto seem…upset? Angry?"

"Funny thing about that," Owen said, walking toward the door. "He really didn't. Just pleasantly surprised. I'd say if he doesn't remember anything, you might have a good chance at another go with him."

Jack nodded. He hoped it didn't come to that, but it was reassuring to think that Owen, of all people, was on their side. "Thanks, Owen. For helping him."

"Don't mention it," Owen said. "Seriously. I didn't talk to you about it, or teaboy might shoot me again. He's cleaning up downstairs, but should be back soon. We should probably—"

"Jack!" Tosh called, sounding urgent, and they both ran out to the Hub. Tosh wheeled her chair toward them. "I've got a time and location on the Rift event tomorrow."

"Great job," Jack said, hurrying over. "Let's have it."

"Energy peaks around six tomorrow night," she said, then pointed to the map of Cardiff in front of her. "In the same park where we lost our memories."

Author's Note:

The plot thickens just as things change between Jack and Ianto as well. Finally! Next update probably this weekend as I have a concert to worry about this week. Thank you for reading!