A Torchwood Christmas Carol
a Torchwood story
by RoadrunnerGER
Disclaimer: The usual, the BBC owns them, unless they are willing to give them as Christmas present to us. A Christmas Carol is written by the adored Charles Dickens. This is to honour both of them and the actors playing our favourite characters so well.
A/N: Thank you for your reviews. Such nice Christmas presents. :D So, we reached the end of the story. It was an interesting ride. After the preparations in Part 1 of the final chapter we'll now see the party in Part 2. Enjoy!
Very special thanks go to my faithful SVU beta JO who volunteered to beta chapter 5 and helped me very much with both parts, too. Thanks also to JantoFan, please enjoy reading. This chapter is for you. :)
The End Of It – Part 2
It was afternoon when they returned to the Hub.
Jack had left his team to run an errand, or better, to pick up what he had asked Idris Hopper to get for him. The young man who worked for the mayor's office had not been that enthusiastic, but Jack managed to talk him into doing him that favour.
"I'm so grateful, Idris," Jack said and wrapped one arm around the young man who went stiff under the affectionate gesture.
"Jack," he reprimanded him.
"No, seriously, Idris," Jack murmured, leaning in and kissing him on the pouting lips. "You saved my life."
"Stop kidding, Jack." Idris was not in the right mood. "I have enough to do without you getting snowed in in the middle of the night and asking me to do your last-minute-shopping. That's why you'll have to go here yourself," he pushed a slip of paper in Jack's hand. "I'm too short of time to get there, too."
"Okay, Idris. I owe you."
"Yes, you do. Will you ever pay back your debts?"
"I will… one day."
"Cool, Jack. Take care. Don't cross my path again until then."
"Idris. What a waste. I'd love to refresh our relationship."
"I have no idea how I could ever… Leave me alone, Jack."
"See you, Idris," Jack smirked and smacked another kiss on Idris's cheek.
The young man rolled his eyes and went in the opposite direction.
Jack had to run, though. On the slip of paper were the shop hours and he had less than half an hour to reach the Stitch In Time. From there he hurried back to the Hub and arrived at the tourist office just in time to meet the deliverer of the restaurant where he had placed his order.
So Jack, loaded with numerous bags and two Styrofoam boxes that kept the food warm, rode down to the Hub. Upon entering he yelled, "Ianto!"
The young man came running and took the boxes.
"Kitchen," Jack said curtly and carried the bags over to the Christmas tree. All of the packages were already wrapped and cards hung from the bows. So Jack shoved them under the lowest branches and went to join Ianto. When he came up the young Welshman just opened one lid.
"Whoa!" Ianto exclaimed as a cloud of fragrant aroma escaped the box.
"Not yet," Jack said and pushed the lid back down. "Can you help me with the table?"
"Sure."
So Jack lifted the last of his bags up to the counter and removed a big carton out of which he got new dishes. There were a tablecloth, candles, candleholders and blue glass stones for decoration. Before Jack could take the dishes and bring them over to the boardroom Ianto took them and sat them into the sink.
"You did a great job with the Hub," Ianto said. "Now show me that you can manage the table, too."
Jack scowled, but grabbed the decorations and left the kitchen area. Smirking at his back Ianto rolled his eyes and turned to the sink to wash the dishes. Once finished he brought them to the boardroom and placed them on the tablecloth along with cutlery and glasses. Then he put up the candleholder and distributed the decorative stones around it.
"Now let's get the food," Jack suggested.
"Okay."
A few minutes later Jack called them all for dinner.
"Wow!" shouted the girls and Owen made at least an astonished face.
"Now that's a surprise," the medic grumbled.
"That's a giant turkey!" Gwen said, stunned, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm hungry after sorting out that scene, but I don't think that we'll be able to finish this bird off."
"Especially not when I look at all the vegetables," Toshiko added.
"Well, we won't have to order anything tomorrow," Ianto said.
"Or the day after tomorrow," Owen added wryly.
"Or New Year's Eve," Tosh chuckled. "C'mon. It's getting cold.
So they settled down in their seats around the table. Only Jack remained standing at the head. Thoughtfully he let his gaze wander over his team members, searching for words.
"Honestly… I don't really know what to say," he finally admitted. "I was a fool to refuse to celebrate Christmas with you." He better ignored Gwen's grin. "What should I say? I'm working with the best. You deserve the best because… because I love you, all of you."
Silence fell.
"Now let's keep this turkey from getting cold. Merry Christmas! Enjoy!"
Jack sat down and looked at Ianto, silently pleading with him to carve the bird, but Toshiko was faster. Expertly she sliced pieces out of the turkey and gave each of her team-mates a portion. They helped themselves to side dishes and ate happily.
"Delicious," Gwen stated after her second big helping, "but I'm full."
"I'm more than full," Toshiko said. "It was so good, I just couldn't stop. I'm afraid that I'll be late for my party and I won't be able to eat anything, but it was definitely worth it."
"Yeah, you bought a great turkey," Owen added. "Wise choice."
"Thanks, Owen," Jack chuckled.
"It was wonderful, Jack," Ianto told him quietly with a warm smile. "A great meal and an even better idea."
"As we won't see each other tomorrow unless an emergency comes up… you wanna unwrap your presents now?" Jack beamed at them.
"Okay, under one condition," Owen said.
"Which condition?" Gwen asked, confused.
"Ianto will unwrap his present in private."
For a few seconds stunned silence reigned before the others burst out with laughter.
"Mr. Owen Harper," Gwen admonished him. "Shame on you!"
"Dr. Harper," Owen corrected.
Jack grinned roguishly.
Toshiko hid her amusement behind her hand.
Ianto blushed a deep crimson.
"Actually, Owen," Jack said, "you're the one with the lewd present. You need to spice up your sex life."
"Jack!" That was Gwen again.
"You wouldn't dare…" Owen growled.
"No, but you needed punishment for that remark." Actually Jack did rather look like he enjoyed it, but he knew that Ianto thought differently.
"Okay, I don't want to appear too curious," Toshiko said, "but as you know, I'm invited to a Christmas party."
"Then let's go downstairs and see what Santa brought us," Jack suggested. "C'mon! Go!" he ushered them out, waving his arms.
Ianto was the last to leave and he stopped at the door.
"That really was a good idea, sir," he said.
"If you call me sir one more time…" Jack growled through his mischievous smirk. "C'mon. Let's join the others."
"This one's for Owen," Gwen said, checking out the card attached to the package she had pulled out from under the tree and giving it to the doctor. Then she got out the next present. "And that's yours, Tosh."
Smiling the computer expert took the surprisingly heavy wrapped box and opened it carefully. When she removed the lid and pulled out the tissue paper she found a cast iron tea pot, decorated with ginkgo leaves, and two matching cups. She was stunned. Then she spotted a small box in one of the cups. Taking it out and opening it she discovered a pendant. Gasping for breath she dropped it.
"It's a replica, Tosh," Jack rushed to explain. Did I make a mistake? "It's only glass. It doesn't do anything."
"Why?" she rasped.
"To remember, Toshiko," he murmured. "I had no other choice but to kill her. You loved her and you should remember that love."
For a moment she looked undecided. "Thank you, Jack," she murmured and before he even knew it she threw her arms around him and hugged him tight.
"Wow." Owen actually sounded impressed. "That's a… a… rare first issue of my favourite comic. How…?"
"Actually a friend found it," Jack admitted. "So I picked the right one?"
"Oh, yeah. But what's this supposed to be?" He held up hardcover copies of Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer and its sequel Tropic of Capricorn.
"Read them and you won't have to ask a second time," Jack simply said.
Owen frowned.
"You won't," Ianto confirmed.
"You know the books?" Jack asked, surprised.
"I know everything, Jack."
That made them all chuckle.
"Here's yours, Ianto," Gwen said and held it out to him. "Then this has to be mine."
Ianto waited until she had unwrapped her package and removed the content.
"What the bloody hell…!" Gwen panted. "That's… wow!" She shrieked. She held the item out with both hands, then pressed it to her body only to hold it out again to stare at it in wonder. "A Maya Hansen corset! I can't believe it! This thing costs a fortune! Jack! That was not necessary!"
"I know. I'm sure Rhys will enjoy it."
"I'll enjoy it. Oh, my God!" She fell into Jack's arms who hugged her tight and kissed her forehead. Then she blushed as she suddenly realized that her boss presented her with lingerie. When another thought crossed her mind she blurted out, "How did you know my size?"
"Hey!" he laughed. "I have two eyes!"
"Jack."
"And you have your spare clothes in your locker."
They laughed.
"Just remember your promise," he murmured and they shared a deep look at each other.
Cling to that normal life, it echoed in Gwen's head like she heard it for the first time. Yes, she remembered that. She had a life outside of Torchwood. She had promised to Jack to keep a grip on that life.
While they all admired the corset Ianto quietly unwrapped his present to reveal a copy of The Ultimate James Bond Fan Book. He smiled. It was far from being as expensive as the other presents, but it was thoughtful and right down his alley.
"Thank you, Jack," he murmured. He opened the book to flip through some pages, but Jack would not let him.
"You're welcome, Ianto," he said, wrapping his arms around the younger man. "Merry Christmas."
And with that he kissed him.
On the lips.
Passionately.
It was the first true expression of his affection in front of the team. Ianto was stunned. He was used to quick grabs and innuendos, Jack flirted with everyone and everything, but this was different.
Jack's mouth continued to press against his and slowly Ianto caved, returning the kiss reluctantly first but becoming more passionate before they finally split up again. Once more his cheeks were reddened, this time with arousal.
An amused snort drew their attention back to Owen.
"I'm out of here," the young medic announced, a lascivious grin splitting his features as he snapped the book shut. "Gotta read."
"Wait, Owen!" Jack shouted and let go of Ianto to run to his office. When he returned he held the Bekkaran device, the alien medical scanner, in his hand and held it out to Owen. "Don't forget your original plans," he said and pushed the scanner in the medic's hands, thinking of the little boy Owen would save. "Use it wisely. Don't attract attention. And tomorrow morning it's back on my desk. Clear?"
Owen gaped at him but nodded. "Crystal," he rasped when he found his speech again. "Okay, I'm gone."
"Have a great night, Owen," Jack said and the others bid him goodbye, too. Tosh and Gwen also used the opportunity to leave.
"Oh, Tosh!" Jack shouted as she already was halfway through the cog door, because he remembered the game he had witnessed. "If anyone should ask you… The name The Blitz is a shortening of the German term Blitzkrieg."
Confused she stared at him.
"I know," she said, suspiciously. "Is there anything you want to tell us?"
"Nope. Have a great night."
Nodding slowly Tosh followed Gwen out. So only Jack and Ianto remained at the Hub.
"Are you ready to go?" Jack asked.
"Ready to go?"
"To your parents," Jack specified. "Don't they expect you tonight?"
"Um, yeah." Ianto shifted his position uncomfortably. Obviously he was not sure about what to do next.
"If you don't mind I still want to accompany you," Jack told him with a sincere and loving smile. "I'd love to get to know them."
"You really mean that?" Ianto asked sceptically.
"Yes."
Ianto eyed the captain intently but could not find any sign of insincerity.
"In that case," he said. "Let's go."
xXx
Snow covered the pasture and made it look peaceful, muffling any sound. Ianto drove carefully and even slower when they approached his parents' house. His car was the only one out here. Suddenly he pulled off onto the shoulder.
"What's wrong?" Jack asked instantly, turning in the passenger seat to face Ianto.
"Nothing. Just thinking."
"You're not just thinking," Jack accused him. "You're brooding… and I have a feeling as if I'm the reason."
The young Welshman remained silent for a while. His forehead creased into thoughtful lines while his hands still wrapped around the steering wheel, his knuckles shining white. Something was really bothering him.
"Spit it out!" Jack pushed.
"I…" Ianto trailed off again rather helplessly. "What you got… for the others, it was really sweet and thoughtful and… expensive. And then you…"
"I gave you a James Bond Fan Book," Jack finished for him. "Ianto, look at me."
Slowly he turned his head to face Jack.
Am I mistaken or are there tears in his eyes? Jack mused. Carefully he reached out for him and cupped his cheek tenderly.
"Actually it's supposed to be a surprise, but I have another present for you to place under your parents' tree." He closely watched him. "Ianto. You're very important to me. Why would I want to go to your parents with you on Christmas if you wouldn't mean the world to me? I just thought you should have something to open tomorrow, too."
Ianto was not sure if he heard right. He desperately wanted to believe it. His heart ached with love for the captain. At first he did not want to allow himself to love again so soon after Lisa's death, but then he could not help but give in to it.
Then he got hurt.
Ianto had fallen for Jack and when it looked like he was nothing more than a part-time shag for him it ripped his heart out.
Now he derided himself for his selfishness. Jack's suddenly open affection and willingness to spend the holiday with him and his family should be gift enough.
"Please, Ianto," Jack said, brushing his thumb over his cheekbone. He could hear the three words in his head, but he could not bring himself to voice them. Damn! "I imagine an old house with a big tree in the cosy living room and this present will fit there much better than at the Hub."
Swallowing a moan at the sight of Jack's pleading puppy dog eyes Ianto twisted out of his gentle hold and started the car. It was not far now. A few minutes later he drove up on the court and stopped in front of the house. When they alighted from the car his mother came out of the house!
"Ianto! I'm so glad that you made it!" she shouted, trudging through the snow and throwing her arms around her son in a crushing hug. When she released him she asked, "Who's your friend?"
"Mam, this is my boss…"
"Captain Jack Harkness," Jack introduced himself, taking her extended hand and breathing a kiss on it. One of his patented boyish smiles split his features. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Jones."
She smiled back at him. "Enid, and the pleasure's on my side. Come on in. We're about to eat. Oh, Sioned will be soooo happy to see you, Ianto."
Both men took their bags out of the car and, talking animatedly, Enid herded them inside. Ianto went straight to the stairs, heading for the first floor where he vanished in a room. Jack followed him.
"This is where you grew up?" Jack asked.
"Yep."
"Really nice place."
"Mam will make the couch your bed, I guess."
Jack scowled at him over a mischievous grin and Ianto rolled his eyes. He put his stuff into the wardrobe and then they went back downstairs.
"Oh, one more thing," Ianto said, stopping at the foot of the stairs and turning to Jack to intercept him. "Flirt with my Mam, flirt with my sister, hell, even flirt with Meredith! But if you try to do more than flirting you'll sleep in the barn."
Jack chuckled. He liked that idea and even more so when he thought of Ianto being with him in the hay. "Any other rule?"
"Flirt with my Tad and you'll sleep in the courtyard."
"Did you see the snow? It's freezing! I could die out there!"
"Then you had better behave yourself," Ianto smirked and led the way to the dining room. There he introduced Jack to the rest of his family. They all were taken with him at once, especially Sioned. Before Jack could say anything she started to flirt with him unashamedly.
Jack grinned at Ianto.
Enid Jones served the food and they ate and talked and had a really good time. Jack praised Enid's cooking skills until she blushed. After dinner they changed from the dining room to the living room.
As Jack had seen on his trip with John the big Christmas tree stood in one corner of the room, the fairy lights sparkling. Cookies were on the coffee table and soon hot coffee and tea joined the treats.
"Let me guess, Enid" Jack mumbled, munching on a cookie, "you made the chocolate cookies and Sioned the stars and macaroons."
Both women stared at each other with surprise. "That's right," Sioned said. "How could you tell?"
"Lucky guess," Jack smirked. "It's delicious. They all are."
Sioned smiled and her cheeks flushed a little.
"Your mince pies also are great, Ianto," Jack added, smirking at him. "The best I've ever tried." He loved the blush he caused. Ianto never did well with compliments. Following his instinct Jack took Ianto's hand.
The affectionate gesture did not remain unnoticed. Enid Jones saw it as well as Sioned, whose eyes almost popped out of her head, and Meredith, who was honestly irritated by that open display of their closeness.
As time went by one after the other said good night and retreated for the night. Soon the house lay silent. Outside snow was falling.
Enid could not find sleep. She got up to get a cup of water. Passing Ianto's room she stopped by the door and risked to push it open a little. Peeking through the gap she was greeted by a sweet sight. Ianto in bed, the covers pulled up, his boss, Or should I say boyfriend? Enid wondered, snuggling up to his back, one arm wrapped around him.
Smiling to herself she returned to her own bed, slipping under the covers beside Gawain. Now she slept like a baby.
xXx
In the middle of the night Ianto awoke with a start. When he suddenly sat up he also woke Jack who turned to him, concerned.
"What's wrong?"
"I can't stand it any longer," Ianto murmured and swung his legs over the bed's edge to get up.
"Where are you going?"
"Downstairs," Ianto said. "It's Christmas Day. So technically…"
Jack chuckled.
"So, you're not curious, are you?" he whispered, amused, and followed his lover on bare feet down to the living room. How romantic, in pyjamas under the Christmas tree…
Stalking in Ianto switched on the lights and when he reached the tree he picked up a package and gave it to Jack.
"For me?" the captain cheered excitedly. "I get a present, too? Thank you, Ianto."
Jack beamed at him. The sight warmed Ianto's heart. Oh, he loved him so much. If Jack would only return his love.
"Maybe you should open it," he suggested.
"Glenn Miller?" Jack gasped when he unwrapped the CDs. "How could you know?"
"I saw your face when they played it on the radio," Ianto said softly. "No idea what it could be that you're remembering, but I knew it was something very important for you."
"Yeah," he rasped. "It is." Memories of Rose and the Doctor dancing in the TARDIS rose and tears lurked in his eyes. "Thank you, Ianto."
Jack needed another moment to collect himself, but then he took another present from under the tree and gave it to Ianto.
"Merry Christmas, Ianto," he said.
It was not very big. Ianto turned it over in his hands repeatedly, trying to guess what was inside, but he had no idea. So he had no other choice but to fumble the wrapping open. The box inside was printed with the name of the shop, A Stitch In Time.
How fitting, Ianto thought and opened the lid.
On a velvet pad lay a silver fob watch on a chain.
Ianto gasped.
He lifted the watch off its bed to examine it closer. It had a fine engraving on the top cover as well as on the bottom.
"It's wonderful, Jack. Thank you." Spontaneously he threw his arms around Jack and embraced him.
"You should open it," Jack suggested.
Raising an eyebrow at Jack with irritation Ianto did as he was told… and slapped one hand over his mouth to keep himself from yelping. Then he fell quite silent. Finally he murmured, "Jack… are you sure that… you know what this engraving on the inside says?"
"Yes, I'm sure," Jack told him.
"Really?" Ianto asked, still sceptical. "It's Welsh."
"I really do know, Ianto. Or did he probably mistranslate?" Suddenly scared that his carefully chosen words got distorted by translation Jack craned his neck, but could not see what Ianto saw. "What does it say?"
"It says," Ianto rasped, barely able to speak at all, "Cara 'ch, Ianto. Gures. Jack."
"And that means?"
Ianto was choked up. He was hard to understand when he whispered, "I love you, Ianto. Forever. Jack."
Raising his gaze he looked right into the pale blue eyes of his captain. The image blurred when tears formed in Ianto's eyes. Unable to keep his emotions in check anymore Ianto threw himself in Jack's waiting arms, hugging him tight.
"Cara 'ch, cariad," he sobbed. "Gwna mo gollwng che."
Holding Ianto tight in response Jack shuddered. "What did you say?" he asked shakily.
"I love you, too, cariad. Don't let go… of me."
Not for the life of me, Jack thought, pulling Ianto even closer. Their lips found each other and they locked in a passionate kiss.
"You're my best Christmas present ever," Ianto murmured close to Jack's ear. "I love you, cariad."
"I love you, too." This time the words came over Jack's lips easily.
Once more they kissed passionately. Their caresses developed to more, right beneath the Christmas tree, as they removed each other's wrapping.
Ianto was stunned by how easy it was to give himself up to Jack. His lover's hot body brushed against his as Jack pulled one of the sheepskins from the sofa and spread it on the ground.
Jack never let Ianto move up on it but lifted him off the ground to place him gently on the soft sheepskin. Then he switched the main light off and plugged the lights of the tree in. In their light he reverently looked down at Ianto before he started to caress him again.
"I'm not sure if this is such a bright idea," Ianto murmured as Jack swirled his tongue around his left nipple, massaging the other with his fingertips.
"Don't you enjoy it?"
"I do, I really do, just…"
For a moment Jack raised his head to smirk at him. "Scared?"
Ianto scowled. "Can you specify that?"
Now Jack laughed out loud.
"Shhh!" Ianto hushed, grabbing Jack's head and pulling him in for a passionate kiss to silence him. Jack's chuckles tickled.
Desperate to keep him quiet Ianto tried everything to hold Jack close to him, but the captain's hands trailed over his whole body, leaving his skin hot and tickling where they passed. Soon one hand found Ianto's pride and started to caress him.
Shifting his position Jack pushed one leg between Ianto's.
"Jaaack," Ianto moaned, sensing that he was about to lose control.
Which was exactly what Jack wanted. He loved it when Ianto squirmed, moaned, groaned, and howled as response to his affections. The young Welshman always was so controlled that the contrast was even more enjoyable.
Wetting his fingers first Jack started to prepare Ianto and elicited first uncontrolled moans from his lover. Ianto's breathing accelerated and he clawed at Jack in search for something to hold on to. Instead his fingers dug into the thick sheepskin.
"Jaaaaack!"
One of Ianto's heels thumped on the wooden floor, echoing through the house. Jack could feel Ianto shudder with anxiety.
"Not goooood," Ianto groaned, biting in his own fist to suppress more treacherous sounds.
Jack did not let himself be fooled. He knew that he had Ianto where he wanted him. Once more shifting his position he dove in slowly until he could not get further.
Ianto's eyes were wide open as was his mouth. Arching his back he tried to give Jack full access.
Then he froze.
They heard steps on the stairs and a moment later the lights flicked on, shining on the barrel of a rifle pushed in their direction by Gawain.
Oh, fuck!
Ianto was mortified, even more so as Jack flashed his most dazzling smile at Ianto's father, shouting, "Merry Christmas!"
Oh, yeah, Ianto thought, Merry Christmas.
"Who's in there?" Sioned asked anxiously from the hall. Around her father's shoulders she tried to peek into the living room at the would-be burglars, but he shifted his position to block her view.
Oh no! Not Sioned, not Mam, not anybody. Just go away… Ianto rolled his eyes. Jack was not keeping still and even his small movements caused him the most delightful sensations. Unable to concentrate on his father any longer he lay on the sheepskin, shuddering, clutching at the wool.
Gawain lowered his rifle and smirked. "Just Ianto and his friend enjoying the lights and sharing some Christmas cheer," he said, turning to shoo the rest of the family who gathered in the hall away. "There's nothing to see," he added and almost choked on the words with suppressed laughter.
Nothing to see? Jack looked down at Ianto who was, by now, a quivering mess, and grinned. He thought that the sight was breathtaking.
When he looked up again Gawain was gone. He could hear them argue on their way back upstairs. Jack chuckled and the vibration that caused sent renewed shivers through Ianto. So it did not take Jack much effort to push Ianto over the edge and he followed a few seconds later.
When he settled down beside Ianto on the sheepskin Jack murmured into his ear.
"I love you, Ianto. Merry Christmas."
The End