Chapter 5
As usual, the rain was pouring down the black-clad members of the procession. Each of their steps turned the ground into a dark muddy field that reeked of finality. Tears were shed, sobs muffled and whispers exchanged. It was the same scene, rehearsed by humanity a million times and yet feeling like the premiere of a morbid play. Each time a first time, even more so in the unchanging truth of one immortal.
Jack had not been able to make it in time for the religious service and it had been for the best. The last thing he needed was to have his gaping wounds burning with the salt of tears. No matter the age or time, these proceedings were all similar and never failed to blur the space-time continuum. He did not care to mourn the long departed, nor the ones who had yet to live and die. And so, he had waited in the forecourt, letting the sky drench the coat Ianto had so loved.
Judging from the glare, Gwen's anger was only kept at bay by the propriety and the solemnity of the moment. Jack, however, cared little for her petty moods. The simple unadorned urn carried by his lover's sister had shocked him. He had expected a casket bringing forth the promise of one last glimpse and maybe – would he have dared! – one last kiss. Strong hands grabbing his upper arms made him realize he had lost his balance and would have toppled over had it not been for the diligence of the gentlemen he then identified as a stern Rhys and Ianto's red faced, usually jovial but now austere brother-in-law. Regaining his composure, he nodded at the men who let him go. The whole procession, which had stopped and witnessed this strange scene, started moving again. Jack reluctantly joined them, bringing up the rear.
It was a quiet sad affair and Jack kept stepping in and out of reality so often that he was actually surprised to find himself standing in front of the columbarium. The artisans of death were working on sealing the slab into place. In his mind a plan was forming. A folly, to say the truth. He smiled inwardly.
A sweet and once so alluring fragrance came floating, breaking the monotony of the monochrome perfume of the rain. A light hand fluttered to his face.
"Jack…"
He shushed her but looked at her for he knew that she wanted him to do so. She needed to be reassured, to know that the immutable Captain was still looking at her from behind these forlorn eyes. He gave her a frank smile. She was not fooled but still let him take her hand in his. A few steps behind, Rhys was once again witnessing a love Gwen would never share with him.
"I'm fine."
The lie echoed on the white stone with such clarity that the couple could not help but laugh at the preposterous utterance. The hilarity lasted a moment and ended up before they could be chastised by the staff. The line easily crossed, fresh tears started to roll on Gwen's cheeks. Jack stifled his.
"I just can't believe…"
Jack closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He refused to say the lines he knew to be his.
"You should go home. You can't take the risk of being sick."
Rhys seized the opportunity to step in and reclaim his role.
"He's right, love. Let's go."
Gwen reached for Jack's arm.
"Do you have a place to stay? Do you want to come home? I know it's small but the couch is…"
Tension. Jack shook his head and softly but firmly pushed Gwen in her husband's arms.
"I'm fine."
A solemn silence followed his utterance. Even the ever so voluble could not break the sanctity of the words. She nodded. Rhys extended his hand and Jack shook it. Then, he kissed Gwen on the forehead and turned around, setting his eyes on the now deserted columbarium. Soon, all sounds and noises faded, leaving only the rain's monotonous chant. Jack remained immobile for a long time, then, having weighted all the possible outcomes of what he was about to do, he stepped forward. His solitary footsteps echoed on the white marble.
He stopped a few step short of his lover's final resting place. In a solemn, slow movement, he raised his right hand and slowly traced, with the tip of his finger, the engraved letters. Ianto Jones. Suddenly, with a brusque movement, he closed his hand into a fist and made to pound the sound with it. He stopped an inch short of the marble plate. Then, he slowly lowered his hand.
"I wasn't expecting you anymore"
A snort, followed by the sound of military boots was the only reply he got. Without looking back, he extended his hand to the side just in time to catch the expertly thrown knife. Immediately, he started to work on the slab, using the blade a lever to dislodge the freshly embedded stone. The brown haired newcomer walked passed Jack and leaned back against the marble wall. His face showed nothing but utter disinterest.
"Seems like you're getting better at this."
"Nah. Their techniques are just getting worse with time."
As he said this, the stone came free and slipped out of his reach. Without skipping a beat, the other man caught it mid-fall.
"It appeared you still need ye ole Capt'n John Hart."
Jack ignored the smug smile on his ex-lover's face and grabbed his prize: Ianto's urn. Then, with an almost imperceptible jerk of the head, he gestured for John to put back the slab in place. The man rolled his eyes, sighed loudly but still moved to do what he had been asked. Jack, cradling what was left of Ianto, leaned back against the wall.
"You must have quite a collection by now."
"Had."
John interrupted his grunting and turned to Jack with a raised eyebrow.
"Had. U.N.I.T. blew up Torchwood."
John shook his head, his mouth slightly open and returned to his task. Jack looked at the rain falling on the muddy path. Finally done with his job, John embraced Torchood's leader shoulders. Contrary to his expectations, the man didn't lean towards him. He looked at the face he still loved so much. Jack's expression was unlike any he had ever seen. It made him feel strange inside; scared, even.
"So! Where do you want to do the usual crying and shagging?"
Jack suddenly broke free of John's embrace and walked away at a brisk pace. The latter frowned and caught up with his companion with a quick jog.
"What's going on? Where are you going?
"Ianto's."