note: Right the last three chapters. Short chapters with a bit of fluff, angst and humor in it to wrap things up.
disclaimer: don't own yada yada yada
Chapter 28: And the world just keeps on turning.
Jack walked into his office and found Ianto sitting behind his desk, holding something carefully in his hands. Ianto looked up at the sound of the office door opening and saw his lover standing in the door opening, looking at him with concern. Ianto cleared his throat and rubbed the unshed tears from his eyes as he spoke: "I was cleaning when I found this … on your desk. I must've left it here after we got back from… "
Ianto couldn't finish the sentence. He started sobbing heavily whilst clutching bracelet Eleanor had given him to his chest. Jack hurried by his side as Ianto broke down. He held him tight and repeated the same words over and over again. "I know sunshine, I know".
Jack held him as long as Ianto wanted him to. After the sobs subsided, Ianto stood up, hugged him and finished the embrace of with a tender kiss on the lips. Softly he said: "Thank you, my love".
"You can take the day off if you want", jack responded gently.
"No I'd rather stay here and work", Ianto said. He looked up and continued: "Close to you". He paused for a moment to ponder about his next move. "If that's ok with you".
In an attempt to make Ianto smile, he crossed his arms on his chest and said: "Your wish is my command".
Jack smiled but it quickly faded as he still saw a pained grimace on his lover's face mixed in with a fake smile.
"I was wondering when you were going to crack", Jack said.
"How so?"
"You've been so strong. Taking care of others, me".
"I wouldn't have wanted it otherwise", Ianto responded.
"Well, now it's my turn to return the favor". He came in closer and held him tight. With a soft smile on his face, Ianto accepted the hug and rested his head on Jack's broad shoulder.
Something has to be done, thought Jack. He had never seen his team so uninspired and so unmotivated. What happened, touched them all. But the show must go on.
Memo to the team:
Hello team,
I have arranged for us to stay at the Hilton's in Newport for the entire upcoming weekend. Apparently Newport is the fastest growing salmon export in the United Kingdom. So I'd like you all to join me for a fishing excursion. Plus walking through the Wye Valley is said to be amazing. If that doesn't entice your interest, I'm sure you will all enjoy the swimming pool, sauna and complementary massages and beauty treatments at the highly illusive Hilton Hotel.
Basically, we need a break. Consider this as a teambuilding weekend. I've asked a friend of mine, Martha Jones, to cover for us. She's UNIT. Yes I know. But I trust her with my life. In fact, I did. So I know the hub is safe. Ianto, be sure to feed myfanwy tomorrow night. Martha is brave but I doubt she'd be up for that. And we all know how Myfanwy reacts to strangers…
Be sure to pack plenty of warm clothing, but also swimming wear and casual clothing.
And by the way, this isn't a request, it's an order.
Truly yours,
Captain Jack harkness
Ps: Gwen, yes … for once Rhys can come along.
Owen, I know you don't need to watch your neighbor's dog anymore so don't even dare coming up with another lame excuse like that. You are coming and you will enjoy it.
Tosh, make sure you bring your golden bikini you wore the last time we went swimming ;)
Ianto, I've ordered your room to be next to mine …
Jack didn't mind having Ianto around when he worked. It distracted him and it made him focus better. I don't think that makes a lot of sense, he though.
As ianto pushed aside the couch in Jack's office, he noticed pink magic wand lying on the floor. He grabbed the wand and couldn't help laughing as he remembered the sight Jack dressed as a drunken fairy standing in the bathroom door. It felt like years ago but only a few days had passed.
Jack looked up at the sound of laughter and saw Ianto holding the magic wand. Ianto looked at him and grinned. "I think I know what we did".
