So… yeah it's been a bad time for plot bunnies, because for once my stress level was too high for them to combat. And this really isn't a lull since my exams begin on Tuesday. Which I am in no way ready for. Woot. Combine with some weird moods and some time feeling ill (which really worries me since I ended up in hospital after my last exams and… yeah not something I wanna repeat) and it's been a bad few weeks. I hope this chapter was worth the wait.

Enjoy!


Chapter 51

(18th November 2008)

Jack snapped his phone shut with a sharp movement as he turned to Gwen and Tosh and said,

"That was Ianto. He and Owen are at Ianto's house and Michaela's all settled. Owen's diagnosed her with catatonia apparently, so God knows what we're supposed to do next."

"I guess we could…" Gwen trailed off, coming up blank.

"Yep." said Jack shortly. "They're gonna stay with her until Archie joins them from his hotel and then they'll be coming in."

"Well it looks like things will be quiet for a while again, so I don't think there's any rush." said Tosh, glancing at her rift predictor.

Jack nodded, "Good." Then his eyes fell on Gwen and they narrowed. "Gwen, my office. Now."

Gwen gave him a bewildered look at his sudden sharp tone. It took her a few moments to remember why Jack might be angry with her. Then her eyes widened to gigantic proportions and she had the grace to look ashamed. Jack turned on his heels and strode into his office, taking a seat and wishing he had some of Ianto's coffee. Gwen came inside and went to take a seat.

"Actually, I'd rather you stay standing for this." said Jack coolly. Gwen started and looked at him nervously. She was clearly beginning to see just how angry Jack was. And Jack was angry. Oh he was so angry. It wasn't just that burning anger he felt flare and then die quickly. No. This was the colder anger of a man who'd realised just how blind he'd been. "So…" he said slowly, "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I… Look, Jack, you don't understand-"

"Is that your motto Gwen? 'No one understands poor little me'? 'Cause you use it so often you really should make it your motto."

Gwen flushed, "I know it was wrong of me to do it. I just… I couldn't take the guilt."

"Guilt of your own making. You were fucking Owen, he wasn't making you. In fact, knowing Owen as I do, he wouldn't have bothered if you hadn't offered. He'll make all the comments he wants, but at the end of the day he'll let you make your choices –alien pheromones aside."

"I just needed Rhys to forgive me for it."

"And did he?"

"… No." admitted Gwen sullenly, "He yelled at me and then passed out."

"Good." said Jack, "At least I know my respect for Rhys isn't unfounded. He's not a total pushover."

"Don't you think I regretted it?" demanded Gwen, colour rising in her cheeks further.

"I think you regretted it for you. Because he didn't forgive you and you got no absolution for it."

"I would have thought you would have understood the whole thing with Owen." said Gwen bitingly. Jack leaned forward glaring at her.

"Do not misunderstand me Gwen Cooper." he spat, "Where I come from, you can have sex with whomever you want. But if you promised fidelity to one person alone and then go fuck someone else behind their back, we still consider that breaking an oath. And that we take seriously!"

Gwen recoiled a little and Jack forced himself to sit back and calm down.

"Did you know Ianto knew?"

"No. I… I thought no one had noticed."

"You could have killed Rhys, you weren't trained in Ret-con distribution back then. Hell, even if you hadn't killed him, you still could have given him permanent brain-damage."

Gwen's eyes widened in horror and began to glisten with tears.

"Don't turn the waterworks on me Gwen! You wanna work for Torchwood, then it's time act like a grown up. I'll admit I have been lenient on you when I shouldn't have, but I did that thinking you'd do anything to keep Rhys, even that blip with Owen notwithstanding. But now I know that you selfishly, and willingly endangered his life so you could assuage your guilt, that's all gonna stop." Jack rose to his feet and said, "Here's the thing about actions that you know are wrong. You eventually have to deal with the guilt. And I don't mean telling Rhys the truth, because all that will do is hurt him and he's too damn good to be hurt so bad. No, just like Ianto carries Lisa, Tanizaki, and Annie with him all the time, you have to carry your guilt with you and learn to live with it."

"How is that right?"

"Because you made the mistake when you damn well knew it was wrong!" snapped Jack pointing at her.

"So I'm just supposed to carry this guilt around with me forever?"

Jack stared at her before saying calmly, "Yep."

Gwen's shoulders visibly sagged. Jack pointed at her desk through the window, "Go make sure you're all caught up on your work." He'd said his piece, and now he wanted to relax and enjoy the feeling of freedom and uncongested air in the Hub. As Gwen hurried out, Jack sat back down, let out a satisfying sigh and leaned back in his chair. He felt like he was home.

(20th November 2008)

"Do I have to do this so soon?" asked Ianto, well aware that he sounded petulant and too nervous to care.

"Best to get started now." said Owen, leaning forward from the SUV's back seat and leaning his elbows on the two front seats. "The sooner you get cleared, the sooner you can be cleared for all duty."

"Your brother's right Ianto." said Jack, sounding a little wry. Ianto and Owen shot him a glare and he mock recoiled in the driver's seat. "You need to do it."

Ianto sighed and glanced out the window at the door. The UNIT psychiatrist had rented a room at this research hospital in the city. She'd said it was best to have neutral territory for their meetings. Ianto was glad she didn't have to come to his house. Michaela was still out of it, curled up on the bed, staring at the wall of Ianto's guest room. He wasn't sure how that would look at first glance.

A hand touched his shoulder and he glanced back at Owen who gave him a bracing smile,

"Go on. You'll be fine. We'll see you in a bit."

Ianto looked from him to Jack who gave him a smile of reassurance. Ianto drew in a deep, bracing breath and then climbed out of the car. He refused to look back as he went up the stairs and into the building. It was a modern building, with lots of glass so it was filled with sunlight. Ianto went to the Reception desk and, trying hard not to flush with humiliation, asked for Dr. Maxine Hamilton. She was on the 10th floor, and Ianto debated with himself about taking the stairs to delay his arrival. He really did not want to do this. But he really had no choice. UNIT had ordered it, and Jack and Owen both thought it would be good for him. Ianto tried to accept that considering his recent behaviour and his current problem of 'rising to the occasion' he probably did need some form of help. But it really hurt to face it. A physical slap to his dignity and pride.

He took the stairs.

With each floor the sense of dread and the desire to run back came stronger and stronger, until at last he was forcing himself to take those last few steps to the door. He swallowed and knocked gently, half hoping she wouldn't hear him.

"Come in."

Damn.

Ianto opened the door and peered around it. Dr. Hamilton smiled at him welcomingly and rose to her feet. Ianto cynically wondered if that action was to encourage him inside.

"You must be Ianto Jones. I'm Dr. Hamilton. Do come in. I don't bite." she added wryly. Ianto flushed, feeling a bit stupid for acting so timid and entered the room fully. He glanced around the room, taking it all in. There really was a couch there. Jesus he was in therapy! He quickly looked around at other things. Diplomas on the wall, and various objects scattered about the room had given it a used touch. It didn't feel like a room she was just renting, which Ianto guessed was the point. He noted a large library of CDs next to a fancy looking sound system.

Dr. Hamilton herself wasn't quite what Ianto had expected, his mind having jumped from an old, grey hair, stiffly dressed woman, to something… well, something out of a porn film depending on his mood. She was about mid-40's, with brown hair and warm brown eyes. She seemed friendly, but while she was dressed in a nice way, it was clear she was attaining to a more maternal look than an attractive look, no doubt to make her patients more likely to confide in her. Her accent was undoubtedly Manchester, warm and inviting. Actually, as Ianto studied her, he couldn't help but think she was quite like Daphne from Fraiser, a show he'd been fond of when he'd had time to watch TV.

"Would you like to sit down Ianto?" asked Dr. Hamilton, gesturing to the couch. Ianto instantly shook his head, and she smiled, "I know, it's that whole thing about couches and therapy, isn't it?"

Ianto's cheeks warmed and he nodded.

"Well you don't have to sit if you don't want to. You can stand, or lie down. It's all about what makes you comfortable."

Ianto stepped into the room and slowly sat down on the couch. Dr. Hamilton did the same on her chair opposite him.

"So, Ianto. Do you know why you're here?"

"UNIT thinks I'm crazy." said Ianto at once, then winced at his petulance. Dr. Hamilton did not blink.

"Do you think you're crazy, Ianto?"

"I dunno. Maybe." Ianto blinked. He wasn't entirely sure why he'd said that. "Look, I'm just here so you'll clear me for duty."

"Well I can't do that until I know you're ready for it." said Dr. Hamilton.

"I'm ready for it, I've been doing fine lately."

"But you weren't doing fine before?"

"Y –ok no. But I… I just had a bad… month." Ianto explained lamely.

"Tell me about it." said Dr. Hamilton. She was leaning forward in her seat. Ianto knew she was deliberately showing she was listening. But even knowing that did not stop him from finding it a nice sensation. He sighed and looked away.

"It's complicated."

"Ianto, we have all the time in the world for you to tell me. You don't have to if you don't want to."

"If I don't tell you, you'll never clear me."

"Maybe not." she admitted gently, "But I'm not interested in clearing you for some task. I'm interested in you. In helping you."

Ianto swallowed and looked down at his hands, which were clenched on his lap.

"Well… it, I guess it started with this stupid fight over a basketball…"

"How was it?" asked Jack gently as Ianto climbed into the car. Ianto pulled on his seatbelt and shrugged. In his hand he held a notebook. "That part of the therapy?"

"Yeah. I'm supposed to write… stuff into it."

"But you already have a diary, don't you?"

"Yeah, but this is a special one she said. I can use my other for reference, but I'm to write… stuff into this one. I think it's cause it's new, and she doesn't want to encourage any bad habits I might have with my old diary."

"Ah."

"Yep."

"So… pizza?" asked Jack, changing the subject, for which Ianto was very grateful.

"No. Thai?"

"Sure. Sounds good. I'll call Archie, see if he wants anything."

"Where's Owen?"

"At yours. He's trying to get Michaela to respond to him. Not having an iota of luck last I heard. And Archie's not helping, because he's trying to talk to her and Michaela gets up and walks out of the room."

"So she is moving?"

"Owen said that people in stupor's can move as much as they want. It's the unresponsive behaviour to questions and attempts to communicate that classifies it."

"Oh."

"Why don't we invite Tosh around too? Make it a bigger thing, might help keep everyone at ease."

Ianto nodded, knowing Jack was talking about Ianto's anger towards Archie.

"What about Gwen?"

"She's not going home until her paperwork is done. I didn't realise how behind she was. She's as bad as Owen."

Ianto couldn't disagree with that. He curled his fingers around the book like an anchor as he asked hesitantly, "Are we… are we gonna talk about the Retcon thing?"

Jack sighed, "I dunno. Might be better to wait till things are more stable. I don't want to fight anymore."

"Ok. But… maybe getting it over with would be better. Anticipation and all."

Jack shrugged, starting the car and driving off. "If you want." He didn't want to push the subject.

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want to ruin your fantasy." said Ianto in a rush. Jack nearly missed the turn.

"What?"

"You have this fantasy about Gwen being perfect and I didn't want to ruin it for you. I figured that you needed to have faith in someone and since I'd ruined your faith in me… I guess I just wanted to let you have something to keep you happy."

"Ianto…" Jack sighed, "I appreciate the intentions, but I'm not a child. I am, in fact, the leader of this team. So if one of my teammates does something that dangerous and that stupid I need to know about it. I still can't believe she did it."

Ianto shrugged, he couldn't be bothered to try to justify the action.

"Ianto?"

"Hm?"

"Thanks for caring though." said Jack quietly, staring out the windshield. Ianto gave a tiny smile.

"No problem."

Ianto and Jack returned to Ianto's home to be welcomed by Dubhtach who gave a welcoming, calm 'woof' and then turned away. As she did Jack and Ianto saw something that made them both stare in disbelief.

Sitting on Dubhtach's back like a maharaja was Bart, nose in the air. As Jack and Ianto watched Bart looked back at them and seemed to give a triumphant head flick. Following in their wake was Señor Fluffles, looking miniscule next to the giant dog.

"My house is becoming a menagerie." deadpanned Ianto.

"Yeah. And look, here comes a monkey." said Jack wryly as Owen came down the stairs.

"What was that Harkness?"

"Nothing Owen!"

"Right…" Owen glared at him in suspicion before shrugging and looking at Ianto. "How was it?"

"Stupid." said Ianto at once. "Next subject."

"Tosh is here and keeping Archie company. They're in the sitting room."

"Right."

"And hurry up and dish that food out, I'm starving."

"Ok!"

Jack went into the sitting room while Ianto made for the kitchen. Archie was watching some programme gloomily, while Tosh sat on the other couch looking unsure and watching the animals. Bart was now seemingly studying the best way of dismounting from Dubhtach who seemed in no hurry to lie down. As Jack watched, Bart made his way to the top of her spine, next to her collar, when Dubhtach suddenly sat. Bart didn't have a chance to save himself as he came tumbling down the dog's back, bounced off her tail and landed in a dazed heap of black fluff. Jack bit down on a laugh. If Bart noticed his amusement he would never give Jack peace. Tosh smiled and scooped Bart up, setting him on her lap and stroking his back. Dubhtach lay on her side and Señor hopped over and snuggled up against her belly, settling down to nap with her.

"Well, nice to see the animals are getting on so well." said Jack. He couldn't decide if these three animals were very unique in their behaviour and distinct personalities, or if he had never given earth animals the credit they deserved. Archie snorted.

"It's a zoo in here." he grunted, glancing at the two giant creatures on the floor. "All we're missing is a cat."

Bart sat up on Tosh's knee like a shot at the word cat, his body quivering in nerves as he looked around for the animal.

"Bad idea. Cats like rabbit for dinner." said Jack.

"Hmph! Well, a horse then. Wouldn't be much bigger than that dog." said Archie.

"If you got a Shetland pony then he wouldn't be." said Tosh smiling.

"Aye. I've seen ponies that were smaller than that bloody creature."

"You love her really." smiled Jack.

"Aye. Sure, didn't I get her for Micka when she was a wee pup." said Archie as if it were obvious.

"Oh. Ok then." said Jack not entirely sure how to respond.

"I got her for her when I realise Micka was too scared to be on her own."

"Ah." Jack could guess when.

"Food's up! Come and get it!" called Ianto from the kitchen. Everyone moved lackadaisically to the kitchen and sat at the table. The animals followed. Ianto had left their bowls nearby so they could join the humans in their meal.

As they shared out the food, Owen came in, guiding in Michaela by the arm. An awkward silence fell over everyone as they tried to watch her but not look at her. Michaela allowed Owen to pull her over the threshold but then stopped and refused to move. Owen sighed and shrugged, letting go and moving to the table.

"She'll join us if she wants to." he said at the silent question. They all began eating, but it was so awkward, because even though Michaela was looking away from them all, they could just feel her standing there, like a strange solid ghost haunting them.

It was Dubhtach who actually did something about it. She lifted her head and went to her mistress' side. Then she opened her mouth and closed it around Michaela's hand slowly. Then she tugged and Michaela stepped forward, allowing the dog to take her to the only free seat which was between Tosh and Jack. As her side bumped it, Dubhtach extended a paw and caught the back leg of the chair and pulled it back to allow Michaela to drop into it. She sat and stared at the table, blank faced. Dubhtach whined as Jack cautiously passed a plate of food to her, setting it under her nose.

Michaela's eyes jumped to the ceiling and Dubhtach actually seemed to growl in frustration. Then she arched her back and lowered her head, 'woof'ing at something. On the other side of the table, Bart lifted his head and immediately hurried over. Jack pushed away from the table and watched as Bart climbed onto Dubhtach's head. Dubhtach slowly lifted her head and Bart soared up into the air and was able to hop onto the table. Then he turned around and stared up at Michaela for a moment. Ianto's mouth was open to scold, but he'd paused in astonishment, while Owen had noodles hanging out of his mouth as he watched the tiny rabbit lower his nose and push at Michaela's plate, nudging it towards her. There was a moment of utter stillness and then Michaela's hand came up, dipped into the food and lifted out some chicken, which she duly ate. Jack shook his head, grinning, as Owen finally bit through his noodles and swallowed what he'd eaten to say,

"That was fucking weird!"

Bart, meanwhile, did a weird little backflip and landed in the extra noodles.

"Do you ever think about having these animals checked for alien influences?" asked Jack quietly as he stroked Señor's back. The rabbit was almost purring with pleasure as he lolled onto his side on Ianto's bed. It was late, Tosh and Owen had gone home (either separately or to one, no one had asked), Archie had returned to his hotel room and Michaela was, hopefully, secure in the guest room with 'Wonderdog' Dubhtach watching over her with her sidekick, Bart. Jack and Ianto were getting ready for bed, Ianto finishing brushing his teeth as Jack reclined in bed under the covers.

"Once or twice. But I'd never actually do it."

"How come?"

"Because it's daft. They're just intelligent animals. Now granted I've never seen a dog and a rabbit play nursemaid like tonight before. But even if they were part alien I wouldn't really care. They're my pets and they're brilliant. So… I guess I don't need to know." said Ianto thoughtfully as he wiped his face.

"So, what about me?" asked Jack quietly.

"What about you?" Ianto came over and climbed into the bed.

"What if I was part alien?"

"Honestly, wouldn't surprise me."

"Really?"

"Well, again, what difference does it make to you? If you're not hiding something like a tail, or an extra finger, if you're showing me who you are in that way now, why would it bother me?"

"… hm." Jack smiled and scratched under Señor's chin. His back leg started trembling with pleasure.

"Are you part alien?" asked Ianto, raising his eyebrows.

"Nope. Pure human. Just wondering."

"Ok…" Ianto looked a little bemused but then shrugged and settled under the covers. "Night Jack."

"Night Ianto."


This was a bit of a filler, but I do solemnly swear that I can (just about) see the end in sight. So unless this plot bunny mutates again (please, dear God no!) this fic is heading for the finish line. (And anyone who is saddened by this fact will rest assured, the sequel is probably just as long, complicated and angsty –not to give too much away of course). I hope you'll all stick around for the finish line at any rate and that it is satisfying for you all.

And yes I am aware the pets are getting more superanimal by the chapter.

Night's Darkness