Children of Earth: Love Remains ~~ Possible Futures ~~

Rating: Teen

Summary: Just what the title suggests. One-shots of the different ways that Jack returns.

Notes: I got the idea from one of my first reviewers (and my own personal fan fiction stalker!!). She said that I left the story's end open to interpretation and I got to thinking, "What all could happen? When will Jack return? Before Ianto and Gwen die? After? When Ianto's found another love?" So here, C of E: Love Remains continues with various little one-shots of the many possible ways that Jack could return.

None of these are connected to anything EXCEPT for "Children of Earth: Love Remains." The first two seem to be at a glance Jack stepping backwards into time from the end fo Ianto's life to several years before but he isn't. I just wanted to show Ianto as an old man first about to die but still clinging on for Jack's promised return and then as an old man with some life left in him I want this to be a happy 'series' so hopefully even if there is death it will be with closure for all involved. Infact, I believe I got the saddest possible future over with first…. Hehe. Heh (kinda hard to laugh when I think about the first one, so I apologize now!!!!)

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~~ Future 1 ~~

Jack had been traveling for three years since he had helped save the children of earth from the notorious 456. He had needed to get away in order to come to grips with what he had been forced to do. Now he was ready to go home.

Home. That had a nice ring to it. It had been a while since anywhere besides the Boeshane Peninsula or the TARDIS had felt like home. Now all that he wanted to do was climb into bed next to Ianto's warm body and go to sleep.

He materialized on to the Plass. He breathed in the cool air and smiled. Cardiff! It felt so good to be back. He flipped open his Vortex Manipulator and started the search. He had placed a DNA trace for both Ianto and Gwen onto the wriststrap so that when he returned he would be able to find then. His face lit up with a smile when the search was complete. He adjusted the frequency and transported himself to the correct coordinates.

A large white house with blue shingles sat in the middle of a well-tended garden. Jack walked up the drive and knocked on the door. A few moments later a teenaged girl with long dark hair and familiar blue eyes answered and smiled tiredly at him.

"Hello, may I help you?" she asked.

"I'm sorry, I was looking for Ianto Jones…"

"Oh, you mean grandpa! Mum! Someone's here to see grandpa!"

A woman with a tired face and Ianto's eyes and nose came into the room. "Don't shout, love, grandpa's slee--" She trailed off as she noticed the man standing in the doorway. Her tired face broke into a smile. "Jack…"

"Yes?" he asked uncertainly.

"Are you Captain Jack Harkness?"

"Yes, I am."

"Oh! It's so good to finally meet you! This is… Well it's amazing. Dad was always so sure that you would be back. He never gave up hope. He said that you promised to come back and here you are!"

"Um, Ianto… is he…" Jack stammered worriedly. Hiw much time had passed? Manipulating time and space was often tricky; he had been gone for two years, but what about Ianto?

"He's not doing well. He's been holding on," she said with a soft smile. "He said that you promised to come back and that he couldn't let go until you did." She wiped at the tears that were running down her face. "He loves you. He always did. He loved Mom too, but it was you he was waiting for. Do you want to….?"

"Yes!" If this was the end then he was grateful to have come back. He had to see him one last time.

Ianto slowly opened his clear blue eyes as the most pleasant of scents filled his nostrils. It was for this smell that he had lasted so long. At ninety-seven years he was bedridden and had to rely on his children and grandchildren to help him do anything. But he was not sad nor did he regret any of it. Jack hadn't wanted him to put his life on hold and he hadn't. Instead he had allowed himself to mourn his lover's leaving and had started a new life. He still lived in Cardiff; he had gone to university and had taught history courses for several years at a local school. He had met his wife while out grocery shopping one day; they had fallen in love, married and had a family. She had known about Torchwood and about Jack. Ianto had told her. At first she had been jealous of his memories but he had worked hard to assure her that he truly did love her. He had still loved Jack and had told her that would never change but that he was not going to fall out of love with her even if Jack came back.

And now he was back.

"Jack?"

"Ianto…" Jack sat down on the edge of the bed. He smiled as a pale, wrinkled hand reached up to finger his coat.

"I've missed this coat." Ianto smiled up at him. "You came back."

"I said I would."

"I knew you would be back." Ianto carefully sat up, his body groaning in protest. "I had to hang on just a bit. But you're here, you're really here."

Jack closed his eyes and pulled his lover into his arms. He hugged him as tightly as he dared for a moment before pulling back to kiss his forehead.

"And you were so worried that you'd lose your hair," he teased. His face sobered a bit and he took in his lover's face. He had missed so much. Yet for him it had been only two years. "I love you."

Ianto smiled and said, "I love you, my dashing Captain." He caressed a perfect cheek.

"I'm sorry." Tears slipped down between cheek and palm.

"What for?"

"Not getting back sooner. You're dying, aren't you?" Jack could not keep the sorrow out of his voice.

"Yep." It was so short and sweet, a reminder of days long since past. "But it's all right. You came back, that's all that matters. Besides, I'm not afraid of the dark. I know that you love me now and that you will always love me, no matter how many centuries pass. Until the end of time I know you'll be thinking of me. You won't be alone because I'll be in here." He rested his hand over Jack's heart. "Even when you can't recall my name, my face or the smell of my coffee I know that you will remember my love for you."

"Did you have a good life?" Jack asked. He had to know that Ianto had not given up too much for him.

"Yes, it's been wonderful. Oh! Gwen and Rhys live near by; they're still together. Do try to stop by and visit with them, Gwen's missed you and Rhys… He's forgiven you. They took over Torchwood. Only people to successfully retire with a pension! Captain Hart has been around a few times too. He and I chatted a lot. He loves you but he understands that you and he aren't good together."

"But what about you?" Jack stressed. "I want to hear all about you."

"In my closet there are several cardboard boxes. My diaries, letters to you, photographs… I want you to have it all."

"Thank you." Jack held him tighter. Ianto didn't have long, perhaps a few weeks. "Now, talk to me."

"About what?" Not much longer now. Soon he would have to go. But not quite yet.

"About you. Tell me everything."

Jack sat there holding Ianto everyday for seven weeks. Ianto slept very little as he wanted to be with the one he loved the most for as long as he could. They talked about everything. Torchwood, Gwen, Owen and Tosh, the dark, the Doctor, Jack's travels, Ianto's life after Jack had left. They held nothing back. They didn't make love, it wasn't necessary. They were together and that was all that mattered to them.

On the eve of the last day Ianto asked Jack to please not put his life on hold, to not hold back from love.

"I know that there will be others and it's okay. You've been the most important person to me and I'm glad I meant enough to you to have you here now. But please let me go… I couldn't bear it if you let yourself hurt because I'm gone."

"You won't be gone. You're right here, inside my heart. Even when this planet is gone you're still be here. Infact, I'll come back once more to say goodbye to this world. But I'll never say goodbye to you, not for real. I promise that I won't compare others to you. Let me mourn you a bit before I let you go, though."

"Thank you… for being you, for coming back so many times, for loving me."

"It'll be hard without you, but I know you'll always be with me."

"Jack, if you can't recall anything else about this time, remember this: You are not alone."

Jack cradled Ianto's face into his hands and kissed him one last time. They sat in silence the rest of the evening.

A little after 10 p.m. Ianto took his last breath. Jack pressed his lips against the still-warm skin of his forehead and closed his eyes.

Jack!

He opened his eyes and smiled. Owen and Tosh stood there with Ianto between them. They all looked as they had years ago, so young and carefree. The way he would always remember them. He raised a hand to them in farewell.

One day, Jack, you will see us again, and when that time comes we'll never be apart again. We'll be together forever. All of us.

They faded away and Jack found that he wasn't sad. He had no reason to be. He understood that alien head's words to him the day he left earth two years ago.

"You are not alone."

No, he wasn't alone. Not now and not ever. For one thing, Gwen was still alive. He would go and see her, talk to her and be with her until she too was gone. Rhys too. He owed the man that much. Then there was the Doctor. And Rose. So many others he would meet again and for the first time.

He wasn't alone. He was Captain Jack Harkness. One day he would be with Ianto and the others again. He knew that.

And he was happy.

~~ End Future 1 ~~

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So sorry if this depressed anyone! After all, if Jack were to come back there's a good possiblity that he would have gotten there either JUST in time or too late. I had considered writing about him coming back in time to go to Ianto's funeral, but thought that at least this way Jack would get some closure. Hopefully the rest will be more light-hearted.

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~~ Future 2 ~~

With a yawn Ianto Jones started up the coffee maker and waited patiently for his coffee to brew. A glance at the calendar told him that today was Sarah's birthday party. He smiled as he thought of his littlest grandchild. It was hard to believe how quickly time had flown; it seemed like only yesterday his oldest son was calling him with the news that his wife was pregnant. Now, twelve years later and Ianto had seven grandchildren.

"Ianto, love, you're up early." His wife, Julie looked as beautiful to him now as she had when they had first met. Her long hair was no longer brown but gray, her once crease-free face was filled with laugh lines and her once curvy body was more rounded. She was beautiful.

"Morning, kitten," he said with a smile. "I couldn't sleep. Did I wake you?" He reached for two mugs and filled them both with coffee. He handed her one and watched lovingly as she added cream and sugar.

"No, you know me… I just can't sleep properly without in bed with me." She smiled at him and raised her mug to her lips. "Mmm. Perfect as always. Are you going into the shop today?"

They owned a little coffee shop a few blocks away. Ianto had chosen to leave Torchwood behind and start a new life. He was still close to Gwen and Rhys. In fact, he saw them several times a week and he and Julie had them over for meals frequently. His wife, bless her, did not pretend to understand the bond between them but she welcomed the Williams into her home. She also did not completely understand Ianto's feelings towards Jack. Yes, he had told his wife about the only man that he had loved. Strangely enough she did not feel jealous of the memories. She used to ask him about Jack but now she was completely comfortable with the fact that her husband loved another as much as he love her. Ianto knew that he was very fortunate to have her.

Before Ianto could answer his wife's query a knock on the front door distracted them.

Ianto stepped away from the counter and made his way to the front of the house. He set his mug onto a table as he past and he reached for the knob. He opened the door and looked at the unexpected arrival.

"Jack."

Jack Harkness smiled softly at the figure before him. He had been gone for several years in his attempt to find solace for himself. He had not intended on missing out on Ianto's life. But at least he had not missed it entirely. He only hoped that he would be welcome.

"Ianto." His lover was much older, in his sixties, but the blue eyes were as alive and strong as ever. The scar on his face from the explosion was faint and his lips were quirked into a smile.

"Come in. I'd like you to meet my wife." Ianto stepped back and watched as his lover moved into the house. "Coffee?"

"Do you have to ask?" Okay, now he was worried. Who let their lover meet their wife?

"Ianto, love, who is it?" Julie stepped out of the kitchen and stared at the handsome young man before her. Her old face broke into a smile. "Oh, I see. You must be Jack. Ianto's told me so much about you. Welcome to our home."

"It's an honor to meet you, Ma'am." Jack took her hand gently in his. "I know that you must be something special as Ianto Jones only settles for the best." He kissed her hand.

"Yes, he always had such high standards." Julie was pleased that she felt no anger or jealously towards the handsome man in her home. She knew that no matter how long he lived Ianto's heart would always belong to this man. The fact that he had chosen to spend his life with her was enough.

Ianto smiled and out of reflex took Jack's coat for him.

"You have perfect timing. Today's my granddaughter Sarah's sixth birthday. Gwen's hosting the party at hers'. She'll be so happy to see you."

"I don't think that would be a good idea," Jack said slowly.

"If you're concerned about Rhys, he's long since forgiven you." Ianto set down a cup of black coffee. "We've all discussed what occurred many times over and eventually he came to accept that it was the only way. He's all right now. Besides, like Gwen said, there were still opportunities to be a mother. A few years after, just after Sarah and I had our firstborn, they adopted two children."

"Really? That's wonderful! They no doubt were perfect parents." Jack was happy, truly happy that they had been able to move on and have a family.

"And grandparents," Julie said with a smile. "The little darlings play together all of the time. We're all one big family." She looked at the man who was so dear to her husband's heart. "Jack, I would like you to stay with us for however long you're going to be here."

Both men were startled at that. Ianto had always thought he would be able to pick up and leave his family when Jack returned but had realized years ago that he loved them too much for that. And Jack was just glad for the chance to see Ianto once more, and that his lover had not stopped living on the slight chance that he returned to be with him.

"Julie…"

"Mrs. Jones…"

"No. I mean it. I won't pretend to understand it all but I know that Ianto loves me and won't leave me. I also know that he loves you and it will hurt him to not be with you. I love him so how could I just stand by and watch him suffer?" She took a deep breath. "Besides, I've had him for many years, the two of you barely got started. Doesn't seem fair."

"If you're sure, then I would love to stay here," Jack replied.

"I'm sure."

They all smiled at each other.

"Now, which of you fine strong men are going to don the apron and frost the cupcakes?"

~~ End Future 2 ~~

Much happier, huh? I could see Ianto finding the ONE woman who would cheerfully allow her husband's male lover to live with them. Or maybe I'm just weird like that! Hehe…

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~~ Future 3 ~~

Ianto sat in front of the television watching the evening news while he ate his dinner. It had been a long day at work; why he had chosen to take on the job of head archivist for the National Archives at the library in Cardiff was beyond him. It was a more painful job than hunting down aliens.

Hmm… It had been ten years since Jack had left. A lot had happened to him since then. He had fallen in love, even gotten married. He still felt the pain of loss at his wife's passing. She had died in childbirth, leaving him and their now seven-year-old son Colin alone.

Torchwood had never been rebuilt, instead the hole had been filled, the Tourist office was now a café and he and Gwen had moved on. Gwen was now a Detective Inspector for the Cardiff police while Rhys continue to run and expand Harwood's Haulage. Once a week they had Ianto over for dinner and they simply lived their lives. It was nice.

But it would have been better to have Jack there as well.

"I don't want you to put your life on hold for me. It could be years."

Ianto hadn't put his life on hold. He had done what he'd been unable to do before when Lisa had died. He had moved on. Yet he knew that all it would take was for Jack to return and he would go to him once again.

"I'm not asking you to stay," Ianto said. "I know that you have to leave. I know that right now this planet is too small for you. What I'm asking you is to come back."

"One day, when I've found a little bit of peace, I'll come back."

Have you found that peace yet, Jack, he wondered. He hoped Jack wasn't still feeling guilty for what had happened. Yes, Gwen had been devastated by the loss of her baby and Ianto still had days when his leg acted up, but they had known the risks of joining and working for Torchwood. The fact that they had been able to walk away and have normal lives was amazing.

Knock knock

Ianto heaved himself up from the couch and glanced towards Colin's room. The little boy was fast asleep and could generally sleep through anything. How he envied him!

He crossed the room, cane in hand, and opened the door. The sight that greeted him was one he had dreamed about for so long and now he smiled.

"Jack." I love you.

"Ianto." I came back for you.

"Come in, please." You're here, you're really here.

"Thank you." Forgive me for leaving you, please.

"Take your coat?" Do you still love me?

"Sure. Coffee?" I'm never leaving you again.

"Of course."

"Ianto…?"

"Jack…?"

"I love you."

Jack pulled Ianto into his arms and kissed him as if he could take back all of the years apart. Perhaps he could.

"I love you too." Ianto rested his forehead against that of his Captain's. He was happy, this was heaven.

"Daddy?" came a plaintive cry.

Whoops! Trust tonight to be the one night his son had a nightmare scary enough to wake him from his slumber.

"Colin…" Ianto pulled away and walked swiftly to his son's room, Jack was right behind him.

The little boy blinked up at his daddy and the man with him. "Bad dream, daddy."

Ianto smiled and sat down next to his son allowing the little boy to climb into his arms.

"It's all right now, I'm here." And so is Jack. He always chased away my nightmares, he can for you too."

Jack gingerly sat down next to his lover and looked at the boy.

"I'm widowed," Ianto said softly. "I did as you said and carried on. You were my reason for being so alive but I let myself heal and move on in life."

"So, no jealous wife or girlfriend to have to run away from in fear then?" Jack asked with a grin.

"Nope. Just be warned, he's at that age where he sneaks into my bed shortly before dawn a couple nights a week." He raised his eyes to his immortal lover. "Stay with me?"

"Forever, Tiger Pants."

~~ End Future 3 ~~

For those who have read some of my other stories and have noticed the use of "Tiger Pants" in many of them, one of the TW novels Trace Memory is where the nickname comes from. Jack first tried to use "Sport" but Ianto quickly shot that idea down and so Jack called him "Tiger Pants", because of Ianto's love of pinstripes (I assume). I like using it because I, like you, have wondered just what the boys are like when they're alone. That, and my "story stalker" (you know who you are! Hehe) loves it and said I should use it a lot. How could I say no?

More possible futures for Jack and Ianto to come! Hopefully I'll be able to include Gwen too, let's wait and see what my muses (the ones from the Disney cartoon movie "Hercules") say about that. There's going to be nothing but happy endings (yes, even that first ficlet was happy because Jack came back and was there as Ianto died) but there will be some with a few bumps ahead before the end. If you have suggestions, email me or leave it in a review. Be warned though: if I don't think I can do justice to your idea then I will TRY but it may not make it.

Thanks for reading! Look for more ficlets in ~~ Possible Futures ~~ soon!!!