Author's Note: This is the final chapter in my story … and of necessity, it is the longest chapter. There is also a short Epilogue which concludes this tale. I hope you have all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. And thank you so much for all your great reviews … it has helped me along when the going got tough and I lost my impetus. So, without further adieu …
Chapter 15
Gwen watched closely at the interaction between Prince Varnia and the other Ianto Jones. She was still getting over the fact that seated with her in the Boardroom was a human from an alternate reality and an alien! And the power the alien had … not to mention his out-of-this-world beauty! Well … it should be out-of-this-world because that's what he is! And how HOT is this new Ianto? WOW … burning hot and I can see this fact has not escaped the Prince's notice! If Jack's Ianto had only been half as hot as this Ianto is … well … he'd be fighting people off! Probably Tosh? Maybe Owen? Definitely me! I could really go for this Ianto … definitely! Only in Torchwood!
This Ianto, who preferred to be known as Jones because that's what he was used to, had finished telling Prince Varnia all about himself. In his eyes, that wasn't really very much, having been born on an alternate Earth that was far from idyllic. His homeland of Wales was independent of England, as were Scotland and Ireland. However, the consequence of that was their economy remained poor once the mines had one by one closed. Wales had very little to offer on the world market and therefore relied on borrowing from larger and more wealthy countries, thus ensuring they had permanent debt that only grew with time. This in turn, sent many of the locals off-planet to seek their fortunes.
Jones had been one of them, managing to scrape enough for half the space-trip by doing all manner of jobs for family and friends, then by offering to do maintenance work on the space freighter for the balance. He'd been taught by his uncle Daffyd who owned a textile factory, the basics of maintenance and engineering. Barely out of puberty, he had escaped from Earth and travelled for awhile with the freighter he worked on, until the opportunity to earn lots of credits lured him into mining for dilithium crystals. It was hot, hard, dirty work but Jones soon adapted, proving his Welsh roots from a mining family, to the point where he had risen quickly through the ranks and was a Shift Manager by the time John had found him. He then withdrew all his savings, which was fairly considerable having worked at the mines for eight years, to accompany the strange man who promised him an unbelievable future.
The young Welshman was apologetic about his humble background, but Prince Varnia dismissed his embarrassment with a wave of his hand and smiled at him. "You have nothing to be ashamed of concerning your background, Jones", the Prince began kindly. "From what you've told me, I've noted several important things about you. First, your quick mind while still quite young. You recognised that job opportunities in your country would be few and far between; therefore you made plans to do something about it, instead of staying and settling for less or just giving up. You set your first goal … saving for part of your fare on a space freighter and working for the rest of it. You achieved it!"
"Secondly" continued the Prince, "you utilised maintenance and engineering skills learned from your Uncle to earn enough credits to buy your way onto a mining ship … one that guaranteed the harshest of working conditions, but promised the greatest rewards! You showed enterprise, determination and perseverance to pursue your second goal. And you worked for eight years, an achievement in itself in the mining industry, and then proceeded to rise in the ranks."
He finished his observation by saying, "I hope you can now see your life from an outside perspective. You have succeeded in life where others would have failed. Starting from humble beginnings you rose to achieve so much and at such a young age. You have proved yourself to be quite enterprising. Life as a dilithium miner is not only extraordinarily hard, but also quite lonely. Yet you endured because you never lost sight of your goals. That speaks well of the inner man. "
Jones stared in wonder at the Prince. He had never considered his life as particularly successful but now, the Prince's words found a home in him as he acknowledged their truth. The smile that lit up his face was blinding as the last vestiges of his self-doubt melted away.
Prince Varnia could not help but be captured by so beautiful a smile and the pain he had experienced from the loss of the other Ianto, melted away. This young man, this Ianto was the one he wanted to be with … this incredible man who had overcame overwhelming odds to rise in a harsh, lonely existence … then took the incredible risk of losing everything, on the chance that he could gain something better … something beyond his wildest dreams. The young Prince rewarded Jones with a blinding smile of his own … and a connection was made.
Suddenly, Gwen felt like an extra arm … unwanted … unheeded … superfluous to needs. She coloured slightly as she realised that she had just gone from a mediator, to an intruder. Clearing her throat audibly Gwen said, "Well then … I'll leave you two to discuss matters on your own. I need to touch base with my Captain anyway. Just let one of us know if you need anything."
The Prince gave an imperceptible nod, Jones didn't even acknowledge her words … he was too caught up in the world of promise that swam in the devastatingly beautiful eyes of the man sitting opposite him.
Gwen allowed a tiny smirk on her face as she felt the temperature rise in the room, as she left the room. Mission accomplished! Then she walked down to the main Hub and seeing no-one around, headed for the autopsy bay. Like the rest of her team, she had been shocked … angry … to see Ianto returned looking dreadful. And when he collapsed, Gwen had wanted to grab her young colleague in her arms and help him … but of course, that was Jack's prerogative.
She paused, looking down and seeing Ianto was conscious. Thank heavens! She squealed with delight which caught the attention of her colleagues below, then ran down the steps and over to Ianto. "Ianto! Oh, sweetheart, are you okay?" she asked nervously, oblivious to the tension in the bay.
Ianto offered her a weak smile and said, "Yes, Gwen. I'm fine. Just didn't travel too well. You have no idea how bad it is 'space hopping' through time and space … I wouldn't recommend it!"
Gwen beamed at him. "Are you sure you're alright, Ianto? I know you … say you're fine when you're not! I'm glad you've come back to us. We were worried sick until John sent us his message. And Jack? Well … I don't need to tell you what he's been like since you left. Drove us all bloody mad, he did! So lost he was, sweetheart, just so lost. If it hadn't been for the Doctor here to shake him back to reality, well, I hate to think how he'd have ended up!"
Ianto averted his gaze from Gwen, his cheeks colouring slightly. Guilt. Gwen mistook it for embarrassment upon hearing how Jack had gone to pieces when he was gone. Owen snorted loudly, but Gwen ignored it. Bloody Owen! Typical wet blanket. Just because he can't find love like Jack and Ianto … me and Rhys … he has to put a bloody dampener on everything.
She turned and glared at Owen before continuing to Ianto. "But now you're back and everything will be fine. Back to normal … or as normal as bloody Torchwood will let us be. And … great news! The Prince and Jones are getting on brilliantly … I had to leave the Boardroom in the end because it was getting so hot in there … if you know what I mean!" Gwen added a conspiratory wink, oblivious to the glare Owen was sending Ianto behind her back.
Ianto let his relief show at how things were working out with the Prince and Jones. He was so glad he wouldn't have to contend with an amorous Prince any more. He had enough on his plate dealing with John … and Jack. He smiled at Gwen, hoping Owen wouldn't start talking to her about his suspicions concerning John and himself. Owen had no right to make judgement calls on what he didn't know or understand. Even Ianto couldn't understand what was happening to him. Jack had renewed the connection between them with his passionate, needy kiss. But it had been too much … it had overloaded Ianto's already erratic emotions. And he had collapsed beneath the weight of Jack's love burning on his lips … and the overwhelming love John had sent him in that same moment.
How can I explain what's happening inside? I don't know myself … don't understand any of it! And the only one who can help me through this is being bawled out by my lover! Here I am … connected to two men whom I love. But I can't have both … I'm not even going to be allowed to choose which man I want to be with. They're both making the decision for me … about who gets me!. How fucked up is this?
A loud voice broke him out of his anguished revelry. "Great! You're awake! Brilliant! Never doubted you'd be fine. You're in the hands of a brilliant young doctor!" All three of them looked up into the excited faces of The Doctor and Toshiko, standing above them at the railings. "Well … all sorted with the Shadow Proclamation! They're just waiting for confirmation about the Prince and Jones. So Gwen … do you have more great news for me?"
Gwen beamed up at the Doctor, raising her thumbs up to him. "We're all go on the Prince and Jones. I had to leave them in the end, it was heating up so much in the Boardroom! I wouldn't be surprised if the connection has already been made!"
"Brilliant! Just brilliant!" enthused the Doctor, bouncing on his heels, "Well I'll just go and check up on those two. Why don't you go up and tell Jack the great news! He'll be as anxious as anything, worrying about how this is all going to work out. So put him out of his misery, Gwen!"
The next moment, he disappeared from view, leaving Toshiko standing above them with a huge grin on her face. Then she turned and came running down the stairs. "You go, Gwen. Tell Jack the good news. He needs to hear it after all he's been through worrying about Ianto. And you, Owen … take a break. I'm sure Ianto will be fine now and I want to spend some time alone with him. Before Jack comes thundering down here and grabs Ianto!"
Gwen smiled and nodded to her colleague, giving Ianto a quick hug before heading up the stairs. Owen stood back, a strange look on his face that puzzled Toshiko. She didn't recognise it. She wondered what was wrong with him.
Toshiko squealed with delight when she reached Ianto, reaching down for a big hug and laying a heartfelt kiss on his cheek. Then she quickly reverted to 'bossy Toshhy' mode and began her lecture. "Ianto Jones! Owen is in charge of your medical recovery. But I'm your best friend so I'm taking it upon myself to supervise your return to normality … starting with eating … and sleeping. I'll be discussing with Jack a schedule where you get to spend time with me as well as him! And don't scowl at me, Ianto! It's going to happen and I won't tolerate any arguments from you … or Jack! So just spare me the bulging eyes and shut your gaping mouth. I'm in charge here, so get used to it!"
Ianto shut his mouth but still gaped at her with bulging eyes. Behind her, Owen reordered his thinking about shy, quiet Tosh and couldn't help but grin at this unexpected side of their resident genius. He liked it.
The only dark thought that intruded was whether Tosh would be spending more time with Ianto than Jack … because the stupid Welshman was probably going to be moping after John left. He checked Ianto's vitals, then began removing the monitors from Ianto, moving the equipment back where it belonged. He muttered angrily, "I'll be up with Jack. Need to report to him on Ianto's condition."
Ianto cried out in a panicked voice. "Owen! Please … it will be alright … once John leaves … it'll be alright. Everything back to normal, yeah?" His eyes pleaded with the young medic. Owen stopped and stared deep … and long … into anguished blue eyes. He grunted, then nodded continuing his way up to see Jack.
Ianto turned and looked up into the puzzled frown on Toshiko's face, suspicion in her eyes. He lowered his gaze in embarrassment. When next he looked up, Toshiko wore a penetrating stare, her body was stiff and her arms crossed tightly over her chest.
Toshiko began in a steely tone, laced with warning. "So … are you going to explain to me exactly what's going on? And don't trying lying to me, Ianto. I know you too well. So start explaining!"
Ianto sighed deeply. Then began … from when he was snatched after John had bonded with him … his time on V-dale Sipora … what happened when the bond was broken … and how he felt so torn between two men now … John and Jack. Tears were flowing down his cheeks by the time he finished. Toshiko's body relaxed, her gaze softened and she leant forward to take her best friend in a gentle hug, whispering into his ear, "Oh Ianto! How do these things happen to you? Don't worry … please … it will all work out. Just you wait and see."
Ianto released Toshiko and smiled at her, his hands reaching to wipe away his tears. "Thanks Tosh. I know it will. And … thank you for listening to me … even if you don't understand. It's like a burden has been lifted … sharing everything with you. Because I don't know if I'll ever be able to explain it all to Jack. I don't know if I should do that to him."
"C'mon Ianto, it'll be okay" Toshiko said softly offering her arm, "Do you feel strong enough to get up now?"
Ianto nodded and moving his body up into a seated position, he twisted his head around on his neck, then swung his legs off the autopsy table and took Toshiko's arm. "Yeah … I do. Better up before I get too cramped lying on that damn table, eh Tosh?"
They walked slowly up into the main Hub, just as the door of Jack's office burst open and Jack came running down the stairs, followed closely by John, then the Doctor, with a bemused Owen and a bewildered Gwen bringing up the rear.
The next thing Ianto knew, he was engulfed in Jack's strong arms … overpowered by Jack's pheromones … overwhelmed by Jack's outpouring of love. He glanced up briefly … into the agonised eyes of John. Then Jack claimed his lips with such ferocity, such intensity, that it literally took his breath away. And Ianto tasted in Jack's burning kiss … desire … need … fear … hope … ownership!
Ianto was gasping for breath, as was Jack, when the kiss ended. A round of applause rang out through the Hub from the onlookers. Ianto ducked his head, his cheeks flaming red. Jack chuckled and pulled Ianto gently into his embrace, whispering in his ear "I love you Ianto Jones and I want to be with you, by your side, for the rest of your life. Do you want me?"
Ianto pulled back slightly and met Jack's earnest gaze. "I'll never stop wanting you … I'll never stop needing you … I'll never stop loving you. I'm yours, Jack. For as long as you'll have me." Ianto felt Jack relax in their embrace, saw the relief pouring out of his brilliant, blue eyes … and watched the smile that set his knees shaking, light up the Immortal's face. And in that moment, Ianto knew that despite the love that lingered for John in his heart, he was right where he should be … with Jack. Because Jack was home to Ianto … and Ianto was home.
Ianto felt John's sadness … disappointment … sense of loss … seep through to him in a painful wave and he shivered. He sent back a comforting presence full of love for John. A special love that was only for John … even if it wasn't a love that would have him leave Jack. Ianto smiled as he felt John's gentle response … subdued … but acknowledging what Ianto was offering.
Owen knew something had transpired between Ianto and John after Jack had overwhelmed the young Welshman in the only way he knew how … with a mind-blowing kiss. Glancing slyly to look at John's crestfallen face, he couldn't help but feel pleased. Ianto's blowing you off, John. He's back with Jack. Time for you to head off home now. Nothing for you here. And he whistled softly to himself, feeling the strains and tension from the last 24 hours, leaving his shoulders relaxed and loose.
Toshiko had also noticed that something had happened between Ianto and John. Like Owen, she felt more at ease sensing Ianto and Jack were back together again … as it should be. She smiled at the goofy expression on Jack's face.
Into the main Hub stepped Prince Varnia and Jones, hand-in-hand, with matching faces of new-found happiness … and future joy. Everyone knew just by looking at them, that the connection had successfully been made.
"Right!" exclaimed Jack, bursting with happiness and enthusiasm, "Everything's worked out perfectly! Mission accomplished! Doctor! If you'd just like inform the Shadow Proclamation that all is well. Take Prince Varnia and Jones with you to confirm it. My team and I will start making plans for a celebratory dinner for you all before you leave. Especially for you, John, without whom none of this incredible success would be possible! We owe it all to you, John. I owe it all to you!"
Ianto smiled over at John but understood why the man refused to meet his eyes. Jack's hand curled tightly into his own after their embrace and that … incredible … kiss. Ianto sensed that Jack wasn't going to let go of his hand anytime soon, so he resigned himself to his lover's claim over him … even though he was itching to get over to his kitchenette and make decent coffee that he'd been missing while away. And making coffee would distract him better than Jack's presence … while he was longing for John to step over and take his other hand …
"Jack!" called out Gwen excitedly, "Tosh and I will make the arrangements for dinner at the Cardiff Deluxe Hotel. No arguments, Jack, we're going to do this in style! Not here in the Hub. We've celebrating the return of Ianto back home and the upcoming nuptials between Prince Varnia and Jones. We'll book one of their private dining rooms, hopefully we can get it for tomorrow night! Oh and Jack … better book this up to Torchwood expenses!"
Jack faked a grimace at Gwen, but then grinned madly at Ianto. His eyebrows waggled suggestively at his young lover as he whispered to him, "How about you and I? You know …"
Ianto stifled a groan and set a smile on his face. "Jack! Now's not really the time. How about I make us some coffee now? I've been really missing decent coffee I'll bet that you and the others have too! We'll get everyone settled first, then you and I can find some time alone to reacquaint ourselves with each other."
It was almost on the tip of his tongue to add "I need to spend some time with John now to deal with this residue" but he let it die on his lips as he watched disappointment cloud Jack's beautiful, blue eyes.
"I _ I'm sorry", he stuttered, lowering his head, not sure what to say next.
"No, Ianto! It's me who should be sorry!" Jack stated firmly. "You're just being you … thinking of us all while I'm just being me … thinking of what I want. Go make us some of your orgasmic coffee … and tea for the Doctor! I'll just check over what those two girls are planning for that dinner … and see if I can't do some damage control!" He grinned at Ianto, released his hand and then walked over to join Gwen and Toshiko.
Ianto moved quickly over to the kitchenette, trying to sort out his emotions that were twisting and turning inside … longing for Jack ... longing for John. His hands fell gently on his beloved coffee machine and he sighed to himself, closing his eyes for a moment to gather his wits. Then he snapped into full work mode and reach for the coffee beans.
He sensed John at the entrance … tense … unsure … lost. Ianto slowly turned to look at him … and his heart melted. Oh John, what are we going to do? You know how I'm feeling. I know how you're feeling. I'm betraying you … I'm betraying Jack … and I don't know what to do.
John's pained expression spoke volumes to Ianto. He felt the same. John quirked a grin at Ianto, but it didn't match the message he sent him. Hey, babe. I know … I know. It's going to be alright, I promise you that! I've come here to ask … to know whether you want me to erase the last thread of our connection. Then you'll be free … free to love Jack completely … unfettered … without me. It's your choice, babe and I'll do whatever you want me to. So, what say you?
Ianto turned back to his coffee, continuing his preparations and setting out the cups on a tray. He checked the tea … it was steeping nicely … then he began pouring out his wonderful coffee into the waiting cups. I don't want you to break that thread … I don't want to lose you … I know how selfish that is of me, but John … I can't let go. I love you. You know this. Don't make me give you up. Please …
Ianto felt a lightness in John … happiness … as he responded. Don't worry, babe, I didn't want to break our connection either. I'm glad. For me, it will be enough. I can't have you fully, but I can have this. Thank you, babe. You won't regret it …
Ianto turned and smiled at John, happiness filling his heart and mind. John returned it and as their eyes met and held in a long, lingering gaze, Ianto realised something he had never known before. With him and John, this would be enough … the scope and depth of the connection between them would compensate the lack of physicality in their bond. They would have this … a love connection through time and space. It would be enough.
The next couple of days were wild and hectic as Torchwood celebrated the culmination of a potentially dangerous threat to them all … to Earth itself, in the only way it knew how … over the top! Jack made sure he cemented his relationship with Ianto, as many times as he could. And this time … it wasn't just Ianto walking around stiff and sore.
Drinks that first night ended in hilarity, random snogging amongst everyone, including the Doctor, exchange of outrageous stories of incredible adventures from everyone! Even Toshiko! Of course, no-one could outdo the Doctor in this area … his adventures outshone everyone else's … much to his delight! And the evening wound up with drunkenness, random bodies scattered around the Hub paired up with whoever was closest to hand, and two repleted bodies down in Jack's bunker recovering yet again … from their special reunion.
The dinner at the Cardiff Deluxe was outstanding … culminating in a repeat of the previous night's adventures back at the Hub. The morning after, however, was painful … very painful … for everyone. Owen was kept busy dispensing the special brew that Jack had told him about awhile ago, to relieve the symptoms of a hangover. Even the Doctor needed a mug full of this cure. Owen just kept sneaking sips of it himself, whilst dispensing it out to the grumpy and moaning bodies wandering down into his bay. Oh yes, Torchwood certainly knew how to celebrate … but it also knew how to suffer …
Towards evening of that fourth day, the atmosphere changed as the time for the Doctor to take Prince Varnia and Jones away with him approached. The Doctor offered John a ride back, which he gratefully accepted, boasting to him he'd have him back within an hour of when he had left V-dale Sipora, all in one piece … after he had dropped off the Prince and Jones.
Torchwood gathered in a subdued, but happy group, Jack's arm twined tightly around Ianto's waist. Ianto leaned into Jack's shoulder feeling a relief that all had turned out well … everything would be alright even though John was leaving … it wasn't the end. He and John had managed some time alone together to discuss how it would work for them once John had gone. They had only just managed to resist celebrating this new dimension of their bond they were embarking on, with a long-felt desire to make love to each other. But they couldn't … and they didn't … for Jack's sake.
Happy embraces and enthusiastic kisses were exchanged as the Doctor and his companions bid Torchwood farewell. Everyone appeared happy and relaxed. When John leaned into Ianto to give him a small kiss, the young Welshman grabbed his face and deepened the kiss, focusing all he felt about the man who was walking away from him, with a single thought … I love you, John … always and forever.
John answered in kind … I love you too, babe … always and forever. Then he pulled the Welshman back, feeling Jack's patience begin to wear thin at the length and intensity of that farewell kiss. He winked over at his former lover and smirked, "Hey! You get to keep him! Don't begrudge me this, you selfish bastard!"
Jack's tension eased and he lightened up with a smirk of his own, "Yeah … that's right. I get to keep him! Don't keep the Tardis waiting now … she's worse than the Doctor for impatience!" Everyone laughed and waved as the Doctor, Prince Varnia and Jones, followed by John farewelled them all with exhortations to visit again … sometime in the future.
That night when everyone had gone home leaving Ianto and Jack alone in the darkened Hub, down in Jack's bunker, the Immortal turned to his young lover, a wistful look on his face and asked in a soft voice, "Are you okay, Ianto? Are you okay with John leaving?"
Ianto paused before answering, hearing Jack's unasked questions … Are you okay with me? … Are we okay?" Ianto turned to his lover standing over by the bathroom door, unsure and uneasy and smiled at him … that special smile that was only for Jack.
"Yes, Jack. Everything's fine … truly … we're fine." He then held out his hand. That evening was special for the two lovers … it marked an important change in their relationship. Jack proceeded to prove to Ianto, he had not made a mistake choosing him. Jack made love to Ianto … slowly and purposefully … instilling all his longing, his desires, his needs and his hope, in the beautiful young man lying beneath him. And Ianto Jones fell in love with his Immortal Captain all over again …