A/N:

Worse opening sentence EVA! (But it made me laugh so it stays.)

Chapter 27 – A Door Slams and the Rift Opens

"I'm pretty sure my balls are clean."

"And yet you remain such a dirty boy," Jack said continuing to massage the shower gel into a lather against Ianto's scrotum. "A dirty boy who's getting hard again. And people say I'm insatiable!"

"I can't help how my body responds," Ianto replied leaning back into Jack. Jack continued fondling Ianto's balls and started stroking Ianto's cock with the other.

"I love how you respond," Jack said kissing the back of Ianto's neck. "One would never guess how thoroughly you were buggered just moments ago. Look at you now! Practically begging for it again!"

"I'm not," Ianto defended weakly. "I can't help it if you can't keep your hands off me."

"Well it's not my fault! You need to work at being less desirable!" Jack moaned as Ianto reached back with a soapy hand and rubbed Jack's cock. Jack tightened his grip on Ianto's.

"Careful or you'll break me, sir," Ianto said with a smile.

"Never! I take very good care of my toys!"

Ianto stopped smiling. It took little to break him out of happier moments and Jack was unknowingly an expert at it. Ianto knew Jack didn't have the kind of feelings he did, but he didn't like being reminded of just how insignificant he was to Jack. His hand continued to stroke Jack mechanically, but his mind had drifted out of the shower and into far darker places.

"We'd better stop playing around," Jack said running his hands up Ianto's torso. "I want to get this music hall checked out."

"Right," Ianto said stepping away from Jack and turning into the spray and urging the soap off his skin.

"Are you okay," Jack asked.

Why, oh why, Ianto thought, does Jack only ask when I don't want him to!

"Yeah, fine." Ianto turned and gave Jack a quick smile. He shut the taps off.

"You aren't in any pain, are you?" Jack caressed Ianto's hip and for a moment Ianto forgot all about his worries.

"Pain? No, but some swelling and the discomforting feeling that you're still inside me." They both laughed. "Seriously, it's like a phantom dick or something." Jack pulled him into a wet hug. "Jack," Ianto warned, "don't start something we can't finish."

"We could always finish at the music hall," Jack said grinding against Ianto.

"Or I could finish this right now," Ianto said pushing Jack against the still wet shower tiles.

"I love it when you get bossy," Jack groaned as Ianto stroked him roughly.

"Then you'll love this," Ianto purred into Jack's ear. He grabbed Jack and spun him around so he was facing the wall. He slapped Jack's ass. "That's for calling me a tease."

"You're kind of proving my point," Jack smirked.

"Oh no," Ianto said grinding his erection against Jack's backside. "I'm just gearing up!" He bit Jack's neck. "I'm going to fuck you the way I wanted you to fuck me."

It wasn't pretty, but it wasn't meant to be. It was hard and fast and loud. Belatedly, Ianto wondered if Owen could hear them shouting. He was embarrassed for his own cries, but he feeling a little smug about the exclamations he had coaxed from Jack. Luckily, Owen was still conked out on the sofa.

After, Ianto called Toshiko while he made coffee. He was a little surprised with how easily she agreed to have Jack pick her up. He wondered if she was more nervous about seeing her family than she let on. He knew if he was going to a family function he'd latch on to any excuse not to go.

Owen snuffled into the sofa cushions and Ianto thought about trying to wake him.

"It'll take a bucket of water to wake him," Ianto heard Jack's voice say close to his ear as he felt Jack's arms wrap around him from behind. Jack kissed his cheek before nuzzling Ianto's ear.

"He'll need more than a bucket's worth to wash away that smell." Ianto hummed appreciatively at Jack's attention. He wished he didn't enjoy it so much.

"Did you get a hold of Tosh since Sleeping Beauty here isn't in any condition to check out the music hall with me," Jack said kicking the leg of the sofa. Owen didn't move.

"Well don't expect me to play Prince Charming and wake him up," Ianto replied.

"Even your fairy tale worthy kisses couldn't wake this sleeping frog and turn him into a handsome prince."

"I don't know if I'm more disturbed by the idea of kissing Owen or you thinking of me as a storybook princess," Ianto said. Jack chuckled and fiddled with the buttons on Ianto's waistcoat.

"You look hotter than any princess I've ever seen," Jack said. "In fact, I'd say you look more like Big Bad Wolf kind of hot in this shirt and vest. You should ditch the jacket more often."

"I didn't 'ditch the jacket' by choice," Ianto said turning in Jack's arms. "Seems somebody thought it would be safe on the arm of a chair."

"It didn't get wrinkled," Jack said mock defensively.

"No, just unfortunately soiled. I'm glad the dry cleaner doesn't ask questions!" He kissed Jack then reluctantly pulled away. "You need to get a move on and pick Tosh up. I don't want to be responsible for her missing her train. Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?"

"You are too much of a distraction! Hold down the fort," Jack said before pulling Ianto down so he could kiss his forehead. "When I get back, I think we should have a team meeting."

"It's not a team without Tosh," Ianto said.

"No, but she doesn't need to be at this meeting. I want to tell Owen and Gwen about us."

Every muscle in Ianto's body stiffened. He could tell Jack was serious. He couldn't think of a single reason to object that didn't make him sound petty or mean. He decided to go with soppy.

"I like this being about you and me and not about Torchwood," Ianto said running a hand down Jack's chest. He didn't elaborate as to what "this" referred to as he still hadn't figured out what his relationship with Jack was.

"I don't like feeling we're keeping a dirty, little secret. Look at Owen and Gwen! We all had to pretend we didn't know anything and it made everyone awkward."

"Yes," Ianto agreed, "but they thought they were keeping a secret. We are way better at being discreet than they were."

"It isn't fair to Toshiko." Jack crossed his arms as if daring Ianto to disagree.

"I think she likes knowing something they don't," Ianto easily answered.

"I want to see their faces when they find out. They'll have to figure it out soon and I'd rather it be on our terms."

"Don't give them too much credit! They would have realized what was going on by now if they weren't so self-absorbed!" Ianto mirrored Jack's posture.

"I want to tell them with you, looking oh so good, next to me, but I'm telling them today even if you are hiding in the Archives." Ianto knew Jack meant it.

"Fine, but you do the talking." Jack grabbed him and kissed him. "Now go! The sooner you get back the less time I'll have to feel anxious." Jack cupped Ianto's face and kissed him again.

"Trust me, Ianto. When has the Captain ever steered you wrong?"

Hours later, Ianto wasn't worried about telling the team about his relationship with Jack. He was worried about getting Jack and Tosh back from 1941. An hour after that he was worried more about Tosh. He didn't know exactly how Jack's longevity worked, but he was certain Jack would eventually be in the 21st century even if he had to relive every day. The note written in Tosh's blood did nothing to assuage his worry for her. He was glad she wasn't trapped alone. He knew Jack would look after her. Jack was probably in his element. Ianto imagined him being more than happy to get another chance to live through the 40's. He wished, for many different reasons, he was in Tosh's place.

He left Owen long enough to vomit. He'd never shot anyone before let alone a teammate. The fact that he hadn't stopped Owen so shooting him was pointless made it worse. At least Owen would live.

When Gwen said Jack and Tosh were back the relief was immense. All his objections to Jack telling the team about them were forgotten. He smiled imagining the shocked looks on their faces when Jack came through the door and Ianto snogged him senseless. He couldn't wait to have Jack hold him again.

Instead Jack came in and deftly deflected Ianto shrugging his coat off and into Ianto's arms. He went straight towards his office.

"Jack," Owen snapped, "Ianto shot me!"

"Ianto, stop shooting Owen," Jack said barely pausing in his mission to get to his office.

Toshiko ran to Owen's side and was offering up all her compassion. Not that he'll appreciate it, Ianto thought bitterly. He looked up at Jack's office and, pushing his fear aside, decided to follow him. He didn't like voicing his needs, but it was clear Jack was in need of comfort, too.

"Would you like a coffee, sir," Ianto said forcing himself to smile as he approached Jack's desk.

"No," Jack said not looking up from his hands.

"How about a hug," Ianto offered leaning against the desk.

"Already got one from Gwen."

Ianto frowned. He wasn't jealous that Gwen hugged Jack, but he was envious that Jack wouldn't accept the same physical symbol from him.

"I was thinking about that team meeting," Jack said finally looking up at Ianto. "I think you had a few good points. Now isn't the time."

"Okay," Ianto said not knowing what to make of that or the despondent tone to Jack's voice.

"I'll need you tonight." Ianto brightened. He couldn't wait to show Jack his relief to have him back. "The Rift Manipulator was never meant to be used. I'm expecting a lot of unusual activity. Hopefully, I'll be wrong." Jack went back to staring at his hands. Ianto knew when he'd been dismissed.

"Very good, sir. I'll keep an eye on the Rift," Ianto said quickly leaving Jack's office. He supposed he should be glad Jack wasn't yelling at him for shooting Owen, but instead of relief he felt anger. Of course Jack wasn't yelling at him. Nothing he did really mattered. Just as self-absorbed as Gwen and Owen, he thought pulling up the Rift monitoring program trying to shut out Tosh ministering to a whining Owen.

Then everything went wrong. He hadn't meant to betray Jack and join the others in mutiny, but he hurt. He didn't expect to be the center of Jack's universe, but he expected to be visible on his radar. He was tired of being treated like a servant, tired of being just another warm body, and tired of Jack's ever changing moods. He could even admit to being tired of Jack holding Gwen's hand. He didn't think he'd get Lisa back if they opened the Rift, but maybe he could get his self-respect back. Ianto didn't expect Owen to shoot Jack.

Then Abaddon…Ianto didn't have words. He understood Jack rejecting his aid, but it hurt that he turned to Gwen instead. Afterwards, he was glad he hadn't had to watch Jack die again and that only added to the guilt he felt.

Ianto worked hard to keep himself together when he arrived to pick up Jack's body. Gwen took his car to check on Rhys and he was going to take Jack back to Torchwood in the SUV. Tosh and Owen both said they weren't ready to see Jack's body. Ianto wanted to argue that he'd never be ready, but he didn't. He'd serve his Captain again. He couldn't leave him lying in a field. He went alone.

He broke down once Gwen left. Ianto wanted to hold him, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He was disgusted with himself. If he hadn't helped the others...But it was pointless. He couldn't change the past. If he could, he wouldn't even know where to begin. He hesitantly touched Jack as he tucked him into a body bag. He cried all the way back to the Hub. He took a few moments to compose himself and took Jack inside.

He put Jack in a hospital gown temporarily. He didn't want to freeze his body wearing blood stained clothing. He wasn't surprised when Gwen returned and all but demanded to sit alone with Jack's body. He wanted to shout at her that he'd lost his lover, his leader, his friend, his foundation! He wanted to tell her to stop thinking the world revolved around her. He wouldn't do that though. His brand of caring meant he would put her needs before his own. He went to Jack's office to retrieve a change of clothes, but ended up crying into Jack's coat collar. It took him hours to find the strength to go into Jack's bunker for the clothing. He couldn't find the strength to dress him in front of Gwen so he left the clothes and hid in the Archives. He would, as always, mourn alone and in private.

After a long time, Ianto dried his tears and returned to helping Tosh with the computers. He needed to stay busy especially with everyone still in the Hub. "Are you okay, Ianto," Tosh asked. She put her hand on his arm.

He nodded, but his face contorted from the effort to restrain the tears.

"You really cared about him, didn't you?"

He nodded again. Tosh squeezed his arm.

"He would want you to take care of yourself. I haven't seen you take a break or eat anything in days."

"When I stop moving, I start thinking." He put his hand over Toshiko's. His mouth was dry. "It'll be easier when he's not out on display." Tosh looked towards the mortuary and nodded.

"It's time. I'm going to have a word with Gwen. We'll make it through this, Ianto." She smiled and Ianto automatically returned it, but he didn't feel any joy or solace in it. He knew how to make it 'through' things. He simply didn't want to anymore.

Tosh left to talk to Gwen. A few minutes later she returned.

"I think Gwen's ready to let him go. Can you help me with the head of Vexor?"

"Sure," Ianto said moving to the bubbling containers. He tapped his fingers against the glass containing the severed hand. He could swear sometimes it seemed like the fingers tried to tap back. "Thanks, Tosh. It means a lot to me," he said unable to look at her.

"You can thank me by having a sandwich," Tosh said smiling. "So let's get to work, shall we? Hand me that wire stripper."

Ianto lost himself in the work. He concentrated on the details and shut out everything else. Toshiko ran behind him and he returned to the moment. He looked to see what the matter was. Jack. Jack had returned from the dead.

Ianto held out his hand to Jack not knowing if he would accept it. He felt himself drawn into Jack's arms. He buried his face against Jack's shoulder. He thought Jack was letting go of him, but instead he felt Jack's hands on his neck then his lips against his. He returned the kiss. He never thought he'd feel those lips again. Jack pulled away and Ianto stepped out of his arms. He didn't want to cry in front of everyone, but he couldn't stop himself. As he thought that he realized he had been kissed in front of everyone. Crying would be the last thing they'd remember.

"It's a little chilly in here," Jack said shivering. Ianto jogged to Jack's office and retrieved his coat.

"Sorry, sir," Ianto began as he helped Jack into the coat. "I'm afraid this old coat needs a good cleaning."'

"I would have thought you'd take care of that while I was…indisposed," Jack said smiling at Ianto.

"I didn't..." Ianto stopped. How could he tell him he didn't want to clean Jack's scent off the coat? It sounded ridiculous like a "Brokeback Mountain" parody. Tears were beginning to bubble up again. Stop being so weak, he told himself. "I'm afraid the coffee machine was a casualty of the Rift. I could go across the Plass and get you a cup."

"Sounds good," Jack nodded, "but hurry back. I want to talk to you." Jack pulled Ianto into another hug and kissed his temple. "That's my soldier."

"Always, Jack," Ianto said smiling. He couldn't believe how quickly things had changed. It took him a moment to identify the feeling. He almost laughed when he realized it was hope. He spent so much time depressed about the past Ianto had forgot how good it could feel to look positively towards the future. It didn't matter that the team didn't understand him or that his new friends didn't know he chased aliens for a living. He had Jack. He silently vowed to stop living in fear and he'd let Jack know everything about him. He'd invite him into his life completely. It was oddly freeing.

Ianto was waiting for the cog door to roll back when he saw Owen and Tosh approaching him with their coats. He raised an eyebrow in question to them.

"What? Maybe we need a bit of fresh air," Owen said defensively.

"Don't worry, Ianto," Tosh said. "I've already told them it's none of their business."

"But, let me guess," Ianto said walking through the door. "Divide and conquer. You're going to try to weasel details from me while Gwen tries to browbeat answers from Jack."

"Something like that," Owen said. "It's the least you can do since you shot me."

"And you'd like to repeat the experience," Ianto asked, but ruined the effect by smiling. He couldn't help it. After a lifetime of losing people and feeling like an angel of death, Ianto finally had someone who wouldn't die on him. As long as Jack was with him he could put up with Owen, the Rift, and the End of the World without complaint.

A/N: Doh! Then, of course, is the last 60 seconds of "End of Days" when Jack runs after the Tardis. Poor Ianto! Sorry about the episode recaps. I didn't want to put them in, but my friend who read this and the first chapter of the sequel wanted to know how Ianto had coped in those two episodes without seeing them as flashbacks in the sequel. On the plus side, that means the flashbacks in the sequel will be mostly Janto smut instead of Janto angst.

I've decided to do the next part as a sequel since it takes place a few weeks later. I'm going to try to write it so this story doesn't have to be read (or remembered!) in order to understand it. The first chapter should be up by the time you read this! It's called "Jaunty Jones vs Mobsters from Space". Can Ianto, Torchwood, and a group of elderly former gangsters protect Cardiff from an alien invasion without the help of Captain Jack?