Okay you guys, I know it has been forever and a day but I have stuff going on okay. I started school back and you know how that is. I promise I'll try to update more frequently but it's hard to get the stuff typed an edited. Okay, here you go. Chapter Fourteen!
Four happy, peace filled days passed for Jack. No incidents or temper tantrums, just idle hours by himself or with Ianto. The connection between the Welsh-man and his patient had grown steadily stronger, the men getting closer every passing day. Ever since the night they'd watched the movie, Ianto had been much more open to Jack's flirts and touching. Responding enthusiastically and with no hesitation.
Although... there were times when the intern seemed vacant. Staring off at bits of wall or out the window, and when Jack would try to get his attention he would start. Fear would spark in those blue eyes and his breath would hitch. Then he would just go back to normal Ianto, laughing away and not showing any of the former unease. Almost like he was afraid of something or keeping a secret. But then everything would be okay and they would have a wonderful afternoon.
Putting all nervous thoughts aside, Jack pushed off his bed and towards the door. It was probably nothing but silly worry, and sitting around mulling over it wouldn't do any good. The sun was shining outside and the American was in high spirits. Out of all his time at the asylum he'd never been to the garden. Too many people and not enough reward to draw him. Nature had always been more of a bane than an attraction. Other people always praising the magnificent colors while he saw everything in that bleak shade of gray. But now, with so much going right in his world, the time seemed perfect to give other things a try.
Jack made his way to the front lobby, intending to look at the ground map from there. One person stood looking in front of him, blocking the view. The American cleared his throat and the boy spun instantly, eyes lighting. Jack almost laughed aloud when he realized it was Jake from his first day. The Jake who'd been literally carried out of the movie kicking and screaming.
"It's you!" The younger patient exclaimed, surging forward almost like he wanted a hug. "Haven't seen you in a while, been on lock down or something.?" Jack grinned when he thought about what had been happening the past few days, none of which had been like lock down. Well, unless you count being pinned against the wall.
"I've been in my room a lot, catching up on my reading. What have you been up to?" Jack asked quickly, diverting attention to avoid making the conversation awkward. Before meeting Ianto, Jake had seemed like a really good option for company. Now Jack was just hoping for a friend.
"I've been all over really. Working through the counseling you know." Both men laughed. "Met someone too, if you're interested." Jake blushed lightly and smiled. The addressed nodded, encouraging him to continue. Obviously the boy had been worried Jack was still interested. A nice sentiment, but the American was happy he was moving on. Some of his past partners hadn't been so eager.
"So you like this person?" Jack asked with a bright smile, earning a shy nod. "Do I know them?" He was trying the subtle approach, not exactly sure which way he swung. From the reaction he'd received earlier he assumed the new one was a man.
"Yeah he's great, not sure if you know him though." So Jack was right to assume, good. "I was actually on my way to meet him now in the garden. You can come along if you like. I'm sure you two'll get on great."
"I'd love to come, but if he's that great you might have to watch your back." The patient joked. "I'll have to try and steal him." Jake turned his head and shot a playful glare.
"Don't you even think about it."
The way to the garden was through two long hallways, one lined with bed rooms and the other with classrooms as the staff liked to call them. There were a surprisingly sparse amount of people in the corridor. Neither man minded, it made for a fast journey to the glass doors. Birdsong bled through when it was opened, mixed with a few voices. Two girls walked away through some flowerbeds and a lone hunchback rocked on a bench. But unless Jake was talking about the rocker, Jack didn't see any other guys. Oh god please don't let his partner be a delusion. If this person was imaginary then Jack didn't know what he would do. Play along and seem just as crazy or dismiss it and be extremely harsh sounding.
"He said he'd be waiting behind the stone fountain near the left building, trying to be dramatic I guess." Jake giggled and Jack let out the breath he'd been holding. A real person, just one who was hiding. Sneak a way meetings reminded Jack of the old days with John. They used to find every little hidey hole they could to get a quick shag. The American did miss that a little. He was used to getting off a lot more with his partners, but that didn't matter at all with Ianto. No one else he'd been with even compared and not just because he was in color. Although that was an added bonus, the one that had drawn him in the first place. But his personality, so genuine and compassionate. So strong through everything he went through. Steadfast with his care and attention, far from just a quick screw. Jack would do everything he could to be there for him in turn.
The thoughts of his boy had pulled him from reality for a moment while his body kept walking. So the last thing he expected when he looked back up was Jake wrapped in John Hart's arms. Smiling like that was the only place in the world he wanted to be, while the man holding him grinned like he'd won the lottery.
"Well this is an odd turn of events isn't it Jack? Didn't think you'd be walking up here." John sneered and flashed his trademark smirk.
"I was invited. Didn't think you'd be waiting." Jack growled and focused on his former partner entirely. This was just like he always did, finding a random fuck. Jake wouldn't mean a thing to him, and that situated a small piece of anger inside him.
"Oh I was wanted, can't say the same about you. Although I'm not saying no." John said and Jake's smile faltered for an instant, eyes flicking between the two. Maybe waiting for the other to respond, possibly trying to find the words to say himself. Eventually coming out with, "So...you two know each other then? Great, brilliant really. Um, exactly how long?"
Jack was torn between lying and being blunt. John hadn't been been delicate around Ianto. In fact, he'd been trying to sabotage their relationship from the beginning. Why shouldn't he do the same? Because he was better than that. Why couldn't John find someone like he did and move on?
"We were in another center together, we were good friends. I'm glad you two are...well, whatever you two are." Jack said after a moment, smiling when Jake let his shoulders in relief. John narrowed his eyes with shock. Obviously he'd been expecting a response similar to his, pointing out their past relations and how they'd always been with one another. He'd chosen to bypass that part of their past entirely.
An uncomfortable silence passed, the former partners glaring at each other with poor Jake caught in the cross fire. The boy was relieved when a doctor burst through the doors calling his name. He waved the man over but was met with a cross nod and jerked hand.
"It's time for you to go see Mr. Kaller now Jake. He's waiting so we have to go." John growled under his breath at the hushed goodbye and turned his attention to Jack as soon as they were alone.
"So you're mister caring now huh? That worker you're so interested in is changing you for the worse. Making you soft." John spouted angrily and leaned against the stone wall. "What happened to your fire? It's like you have no fight in you anymore!" Jack kept his face blank, cringing inside at the blow to his ego. This is what he got for trying to be nice. Then again he also got Ianto so it was completely worth it. He could only begin to imagine why John was so mad.
"We had plans Jack! Better than this boring place. All those facilities at our feet, we were emperors! How can you stay tied down to this hole? Even with that bloody Ianto around."
"Enough John!" Jack snapped, shoving him farther behind the fountain to block any potential fights from the guards. The fire was building in his gut and he knew something was going to come of it. "What do you think would happen when we got to where we were aiming? There's no getting out of Torchwood John, we'd be trapped forever with those people! At least here we have a chance to get out and see the world. The world instead of more dusty old asylums. Why weren't we aiming for that?" He finished and shook his head.
"You sound like one of those doctors!" John shouted and slammed a fist into the bricks. "What the hell do you expect me to do Jack? You pull me along for five years and I work so hard to follow you here. I knew I'd find you with another person but you always came back. We're always together in the end. You can't blame me for expecting that again!"
"Well why can't you just accept that I've moved on?!" The fury shaking his voice came partially from hurt and regret. Because John was right, and that was painfully obvious. Every other relationship he'd had meant nothing, just person after person to help him get along. But John had been someone special. No comparison to Ianto of course but still, their partnership had been deeper. It wouldn't be as easy for the other to move on when this had become the set routine? And what right did he have to drop him like dirty underwear?
Another part of his plea was in desperation. Wanting to not have to deal with this constant lingering guilt. To keep running like he always did from the ones he hurt. He would do anything to be with Ianto, he knew that. But that didn't stop the fact that John was waiting.
"I want you to come to your senses! There's nothing for you here, and if you think that Ianto really cares then you're a fool. You're just a pity mission for him, and once he believes you're fixed he'll leave you high and dry. Move on to the next lost soul." John leered, mouth never wavering from it's disapproving scowl. Not until Jack's fist flew into it. The man was knocked against the fountain, crumbling the minute he connected.
"You have no right to talk to me like that, so I'm not going to listen to it. Goodbye." He turned to leave with a smile, knowing what was going to happen next. And even though he didn't want that, he was ready nonetheless. His arm was jerked back and a closed fist planted in his rib cage, uncomfortable but just enough to get his attention.
"Did you really think I was just going to let you walk away? " Jack shot him a raised eyebrow and a smirk. "No you were expecting this, but that won't stop me." John said with a sad smile that soon turned lewd. "Eventually this will be you and eye candy, that will be the day."
Jack forcefully kept his breathing and body relaxed, despite the urge to bloody his knuckles on John's face again. "Well you're going to have to do a lot better than that punch. I might end up snapping that pretty neck of yours." Okay, maybe a little venom slipped through.
"Oh didn't you worry, I plan on doing a lot more damage before I leave here." His words carried more than a threat for the fight. More like a promise for his time at Red Willow. What other plans did he have in store? What more could he possibly do to sabotage their relationship?
Or maybe he'd done something already.
His thoughts were interrupted by a roundhouse kick to the side of his head. Damn he'd been careless, but hopefully John wouldn't get any more good moves in. When his opponent's knee was halfway down he grabbed and pulled. John fought to keep his balance, then thought of something better and lunged forward. Both men toppled to the ground, punching, kicking and even biting at any skin they came into contact with. A good tactic until you accidentally chomp down on your own arm, Jack thought with a grimace. After a few minutes of struggle the American found himself pinned against the grass, growling in frustration. He managed to grab a fistful of brown hair and tug harshly upward. Nothing.
"Admit you're beaten Jack," The newer patient whispered and grinned, trying a tone he'd used many times before. Jack laughed and wiggled a little more. His confidence was growing with every second that passed, every invitation he rejected, but was shattered almost instantly when the grip on his hands tightened. It was one of their signals, an indication Jack wasn't going to get out of this easily.
"I can read it you know, in your eyes and your body language. It's kind of funny."
Locking eyes with his assaulter was the worst mistake Jack had made all day, because he couldn't help his gaze wandering like it always did. Taking in the messy hair from his own hand, wold stare dripping with heat, and worst of all that smirk. That little turn up of one corner of his mouth, in times before it had caught him every time. Now...was no different. His throat felt dry but he managed to choke out, "What is?"
A gasp wrenched it's way out of Jack's mouth along with a curse when John rocked his hips forward almost casually into his. John chuckled in triumph and did it again harder. He ran his thumbs over the pulse points on his former partners wrists and leaned forward ever so slightly.
"That I can see it so clearly, the fact that you still want me."