Doomsday: Post Apocalypse

a Torchwood story

by RoadrunnerGER

Dislaimer: Oh, really! They're the BBC's.

Summary: Ianto comes to Cardiff for a week to help with the archives, but is it as simple as that? Jack/OC, Jack?Ianto

Suspense/hurt/comfort – T – Ianto Jones & Jack Harkness

A/N: Dear readers, I need to say that I'm glad that you're still with the story. Changes in real life have slowed us down and I'm looking for a new BETA READER, especially for "Odyssey", as that is a big project and mandassina just can't keep up with everything right now. We're currently working on wrapping this story up, then we'll see how it's going. Please let me know if you could imagine supporting me with grammar and finding/resolving awkward sentences. Enjoy!

Chapter 31 – Crisis dinner

Gasping back to life, Jack found himself lying prone in a heap of debris, a sharp, pointed piece of metal buried deeply in his chest.

I need to get off before shock and blood loss kill me again.

Freeing himself took a considerable effort as he lacked the strength to just push and stand up. As it was, he struggled for a good hold on the debris beneath him in order to even try and lift his weight. Gritting his teeth, Jack groaned with the excruciating pain as he felt the object slide out of his flesh. With a slick sound he came loose and rolled to the side where he came to rest on his back, staring up at the dark sky. Dark clouds reflected the lights of the city, which was the last thing Jack became aware of before he closed his eyes. With reopening the wound he lost a lot of blood and he felt his senses dwindle.

If it won't stick, I can call Ianto back.

With that wryly pleasant thought, he died again.

xXx

Ianto could not really tell why he was so anxious about calling Toshiko. She had always been nice to him. He even felt like a friendship was developing between them. Still his anxiety knotted up his insides when he dialled her mobile number.

'Hello, Ianto,' she greeted as she picked up. 'Thanks for calling.'

"I promised, didn't I?" he replied. He could hear how she tried to sound cheerful despite her tiredness.

'Are you feeling a bit better now?' Toshiko asked.

"Yes, a little," he assured her. "I was about to eat when I realized that I forgot about Benny and the others…"

'Oh, don't worry,' she interrupted him. 'I will check on them as soon as we're back in Cardiff.'

Ianto breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Tosh. That takes a load off my mind."

'No problem, Ianto,' she insisted. 'The main thing is that you're feeling better.'

"I'm getting there."

A pause spread between them, but strangely it did not become awkward. When Toshiko broke the silence she softly asked, 'Will you be back tomorrow?'

The way she pronounced the end of her question told Ianto that she was carefully trying to ask for more than just the time of his return, and he took a moment to think about it.

"I'd be grateful if you could take care of them tomorrow, too," he finally told her.

'Take as long as you need, Ianto,' Toshiko readily replied. 'Don't feel pressured. I'll make sure your pets are well provided.'

"I really appreciate that, Tosh." He paused before he carefully added, "I'm sorry for running away. It just was… too much."

'That's okay,' Toshiko tried to reassure him. 'We understand that. Really.'

"I don't know how to explain it all to Jack. He just tried to help and I took it so wrong… no, I did him wrong."

'Simply tell him that, Ianto. I'm sure he'll understand, too.'

"I'm not so sure it's that simple," Ianto murmured. "I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

'Sure. Take care!'

"You, too. Bye."

'Bye.'

The line disconnected, but a long moment passed until Ianto lowered his phone. Numbly he stared ahead.

Maybe I should call Jack. At least tell him that I'm home and that he needs to give me some space.

He lifted his phone to find Jack's number, but by the time it dialled, he changed his mind and disconnected the call. Knowing what was right and doing it were two different pairs of shoes. Right now, he was too much in an uproar to deal with the captain.

As he sat there quietly, the silence became oppressive, and Ianto realized that he still had not solved the problem with the excess food. His own stomach was grumbling audibly by now, but somehow he did not feel like eating anymore. Looking at the fish and vegetables made his insides roll and he got up to go to the bathroom.

Only a few steps along, Ianto became dizzy. It came out of the blue, leaving him panting and searching for a hold on the doorframe. As he missed, though, he stumbled into the corridor where he ran into the opposite wall. Slowly, still feeling nauseous, he sank to the floor. His pulse was thumping at the base of his neck and there was a tickling on his skull, like goosebumps yet different.

Scared, Ianto searched for his mobile. He did not think about who to call and just pressed redialling. The numbers blurred as he was hit by another surge of dizziness, which made him feel like he was going to black out.

xXx

Air burning in his lungs, Jack struggled to regain his senses. Darkness still enveloped him and it took a long while until he realized that it was night. The breeze sweeping over the rooftop chilled him. His limbs were heavy when he made an effort to roll around and sit up. A few minutes of rest allowed him to recover enough to start another attempt to get up. This time, he was successful, and leaning far sideways, he picked up his phone.

He's called back! Jack thought with cautious elation.

Listening to the distressed sounds on his voicemail, though, sobered Jack up thoroughly. As quickly as he could manage, he scrambled to his feet and found his way to the stairs. Twice he almost rolled down the stairs head first as he was not fully recovered yet and stumbled over his own feet. Refusing to be discouraged, Jack loped over to the SUV and started the engine.

When he reached his destination, climbing the stairs to Ianto's flat did not exhaust him that much anymore. Nobody reacted to the ringing bell. Swearing, Jack patted his pockets in search of his lock pick. Thankfully, he did not need long to open the door.

Upon entering the hall, he was greeted by a pitiful sight.

"Ianto!"

Rushing to the young man's side, Jack knelt beside him and carefully reached out to feel for his pulse. As he gently touched his neck, Ianto whimpered.

"Shhh," Jack murmured. "Easy… I'm here to help. You're safe, Ianto…"

Continuing to mutter soothing nonsense, Jack brushed some hair off Ianto's forehead that was clammy with cold sweat. The young Welshman shivered and panted, and his pulse thumped frantically against Jack's fingertip.

Bet his blood pressure's soaring as well.

Jack was no doctor, but as he had seen them earlier, he recognized the signs of a heavy panic attack. Ianto's physical symptoms were an expression of his inner uproar, and as a result they caused even more panic as they scared the crap out of him.

Deciding that he needed to do more to be of any help, Jack shed his greatcoat to take off his torn shirts that were sticky with drying blood. Quickly, he swiped over his chest before he shrugged the coat back on. Then he sat down beside Ianto. Leaning with his back against the wall, Jack carefully manoeuvred Ianto to rest against him. Gently, he guided him to lean his head against his shoulder and put one palm on his forehead. All the while, he kept murmuring to him.

Gradually, Jack felt Ianto relax, but he still did not move. He knew that he had to give the troubled young man the time he needed to return from the dark place his mind was trapped in. Ianto's soul was hurting and all Jack could do was to offer comfort and to hope that it would be accepted.

When he ran out of nonsense, Jack found himself humming a lullaby that he had thought he had long forgotten. With the once familiar melody a memory returned to him of a gentle woman who sang to him. His mother. With this song she had soothed many hurts and eased his mind when he could not find sleep. Now he used it himself and a warm glow of nostalgia and love flooded him.

Suddenly, he felt Ianto lean deeper into his hold.

A smile cracked Jack's features. He waited another moment before he carefully tightened his hold and awkwardly got to his feet to take Ianto with him. He went the few steps into the living room where he sat down on the sofa, leaning into the corner. Ianto was comfortable in his embrace as he resumed singing.

"Where's the Boeshane Peninsula?"

Jack started.

Trust Ianto to focus on the seemingly trivial details! I wasn't even aware I mentioned it!

His chances of getting away with a lie dwindled with every passing second.

"I know my geography, Captain," Ianto murmured against his shoulder. "I don't recall having read about a Boeshane Peninsula."

"Well, it's a rather small peninsula in the north of Washington State."

"Aren't we past that stage?" Ianto sighed, extricating himself from Jack's hold and sitting up beside him. "Tell me the truth."

Realizing how much Ianto had already learned about his past, Jack became aware of how silly he was and a sheepish grin cracked his features.

"I'm so used to covering up my tracks," he shrugged. "How good's your astronomy?"

"Not that good, actually," Ianto admitted. "So Boeshane is out there?"

"Yes," Jack confirmed. "A small planet in the Kovala system. One of many human colonies."

Nodding, Ianto accepted his explanation. Knowing that Jack once travelled with the Doctor, he came to the conclusion, "I take it you're from the future then."

"Yeah."

"Ever thought about telling the others about it?" Ianto casually went on.

Jack shook his head.

"You don't trust them?"

"I do trust all of them," Jack pouted. "But… well, let's say things get complicated when people know more about me."

Focussing on the captain, Ianto had to rely on pure instinct to guess what might be on his mind. Still he believed to have a good idea of what it could be.

"They take you for granted."

A chill ran down Jack's spine at hearing Ianto's solemn tone, knowing without a doubt that he meant his immortality.

"I've been sent on suicide missions more than once." Running a hand through his hair, Jack heaved a sigh. "It's somewhat easier when I volunteer."

"I get that," Ianto softly said.

Before the situation could get even more awkward, the men were interrupted by a clearly audible grumbling of Ianto's stomach.

"Sounds like someone's hungry," Jack teased, glad that they could change the subject. "When did you last eat?"

Ianto shrugged. "Don't recall. Which day is it?"

"Really?"

"Nah, I had breakfast," Ianto chuckled humourlessly. "I was about to eat tonight when… well, that was when I… um, collapsed."

"What happened?" Jack carefully asked.

A soft red glow of embarrassment coloured Ianto's cheeks.

"I made dinner for two."

"I see," Jack murmured, reaching for Ianto's hand and brushing his thumb over its back repeatedly.

"I miss her."

Cupping Ianto's cheek with his free hand, Jack softly told him, "I know." He wished he could take his pain away, but all he could do was be there.

For a long moment, Ianto just sat like that, allowing Jack to gently caress him. Unshed tears glistened in his eyes at first but they never fell. He just held Jack's gaze and concentrated on his breathing. When he felt strong enough to get up, he slowly turned his head and breathed a kiss on Jack's palm.

Then he used the moment of astonishment to get up and a few steps away from the sofa.

"Do you like fish?" Ianto asked. "It would be a pity to let it go to waste."

"I love fish," Jack beamed, delighted to see some energy return to the younger man. "Now that you mention it… it still smells good."

"All right. I'll heat it up again."

"And I'll go to the bathroom," Jack declared, "to freshen up a bit."

"All right."

Ianto went to the kitchen and was about to gather up the plates when he became aware of the fact that he should wash his hands and face. While he cleaned himself he realized with wonder that it was a small miracle that Jack had held him like he did.

That snot is disgusting.

A shudder passed through him and he had to force himself to focus on the task at hand. As he would not fit both plates into the microwave, Ianto put the still untouched vegetables into a bowl that he microwaved, while fish and potatoes went into two casseroles that he placed in the oven. From next door, he heard the flush of the toilet.

As the food was not quite warm enough yet, Ianto decided to go and change into another sweater. Standing in front of his wardrobe, he changed his mind and shrugged on a casual dress shirt instead, choosing to wear his favourite jeans with it. Crossing the living room, Ianto froze dead in his tracks when he almost ran into Jack. It was all he could do not to stare as the captain only wore his trousers and the greatcoat.

"What happened?" Ianto demanded.

Jack could not find his voice to answer, though, as he could only gape at Ianto, the crisp white shirt with the woven stripes and the letter print on his left chest, and the dark blue denims with the black leather belt. He could not help but imagine how the young man looked without them and the fantasy made his mouth go dry.

"Jack!" Ianto startled him out of his musings. "What's wrong with you?"

"What? Nothing's wrong," Jack spluttered, unable to avert his eyes, "Actually, I'm perfectly fine."

"Then why are you suddenly shirtless?" Ianto queried with fresh suspicion. What did I not notice?

"You should check on the fish," Jack deflected, finally managing to step aside and let Ianto pass.

"Don't believe for a second that I'm letting this slide," Ianto stated as he went to take the food out of the oven. As he distributed potatoes and fish on two plates he prodded, "Now?"

His defences torn down by the incredibly sexy sight in front of him paired with the insistent and yet innocent curiosity, Jack bluntly stated, "I got drunk, tripped, and impaled myself on a piece of scrap."

The reprimanding look that Ianto shot at him between spooning vegetables on the plates made Jack feel incredibly stupid.

"My shirts were torn and bloody," he defended himself sheepishly. "But I can put them back on…"

"Okay, okay," Ianto quickly warded off, as he put the plates onto the kitchen table. "Sit down."

Jack sat and watched with fascination how Ianto slid into his own seat where he sat and stared at the food. After a moment of contemplation, Ianto shook off his rigour.

"Enjoy," he said and picked up his fork.

"I'm sure I will," Jack declared, "It smells wonderful."

Piercing a few pieces of zucchini and sweet peppers on his fork, he took a first bite that already convinced him of how well Ianto could cook. Where the vegetables were good, the fish and scalloped potatoes were delicious, and Jack told his archivist so.

"I'm glad with how it turned out," Ianto shrugged. "First time."

"Certainly could become one of my favourites," Jack stated without thinking. Seeing the questioningly raised eyebrow he elaborated, "I'll have to try and make it myself. Any tips you could give me?"

"Follow your instinct," Ianto smirked.

"Always do," Jack returned the grin. Maybe it turned out too roguishly because Ianto averted his eyes, taking a strangely intense interest in his food. Jack did not mind the break. He had his own thoughts to sort.

He looks gorgeous! Did he dress up on purpose? No, probably not. Guess he just wanted to replace his soiled sweater and changed into something appropriate for a visitor. That's what I am after all, his temp boss who's visiting, in a crisis in addition. So, don't interpret his wardrobe wrong.

Easier said than done.

I think we better should talk. About what? The weather? Rather not. About how delicious he looks in that shirt? No way!

Trying to avoid a chuckle at that thought, Jack almost choked on his fish.

"Something wrong?" Ianto asked. "Did you find a fishbone?"

Jack shook his head and swallowed his bite before he answered, "I thought so, but it was the zucchini."

Ianto did not look convinced.

Jack smirked.

"And my mind that took me down a pleasurable path."

"That sounds more like you," Ianto teased. He wanted to reach for his glass only to realize that they had nothing to drink. "I'm a git. I didn't even offer you a drink." He got up to get glasses. "What would you like? I think the range's limited to water, beer, or wine."

"White wine would go well with the fish," Jack replied, chuckling this time at the way Ianto got flustered by his lapse. "As I still need to drive I should go with water, though."

Leaning against the cupboard door that he had just opened, Ianto paused. Why was he so surprised that Jack intended to leave? He could hardly expect the boss to hang around for the night, let alone the rest of the weekend.

Feeling the need to break the tension, Jack asked, "You said you'd like your spidery mouse things to live at the Hub… where would that be exactly?"

Glad for the change of subject, Ianto reached for the glasses and said, "I found an apparently unused storage room that could offer them a nice home. I don't want to talk you into anything, but," he poured them both water, "I only have a cage for them, and they need so much more space."

"I understand that, Ianto," Jack argued between bites of fish, "It's just that I can't see them moving in under my roof. You should've thought of that before you brought them with you."

Hearing that, Ianto glowered at Jack.

"They don't have to move to the hub," he explained. "I just wish we'd find a good place for them before I'm done temping. You know I can't take them with me then. We're already risking detection keeping them at my bedsit."

Suddenly the fish got stuck in Jack's throat, but the loathed spidery mouse things were not the reason. Before he could make up his mind either way, though, Ianto went on,

"I think Toshiko would volunteer to take care of them. We just need to find a place where they can safely stay."

"And where else do you think you're gonna find that place?" Jack challenged, annoyed now by being put on the spot, because he felt like he had no real choice in the matter. They could not keep the aliens anywhere where they might be discovered by civilians, which left Torchwood. But Jack knew for sure that he did not want them in his base.

Facing Ianto became harder, but when he looked directly at him now, Jack saw him struggle for his composure.

"All I knew was that I couldn't leave them with UNIT," Ianto whined. "They might have killed them. I couldn't do that to them after they survived the invasion."

Hearing the telltale tremor in Ianto's voice, Jack suddenly felt like a cold-hearted bastard.

"I know, Ianto," he tried to save what could be saved, "I'm just torn between my… strained relationship with them and my wish to help." Hopefully he looked at Ianto.

"You mean your phobia," Ianto stated.

"Yeah…" Jack sheepishly drawled. "Maybe I could ask Archie, or…" and at that he had an idea, "hm, I might know a place that's not as far away as Scotland."

"Where?" Ianto asked. Actually he was glad that Jack did not seem to be offended by his earlier statement. He was still raw and hurting, torn between emotions, and seriously lacking his uncanny ability to read people.

"An island about an hour away by boat," Jack explained. "Torchwood has a facility there."

"What kind of facility?"

Jack should have anticipated that question and he mentally kicked himself. Even though he had shared other personal information with Ianto, he was not prepared to talk with him about what he had created in secret on said island.

"I take it that it's really not my business," Ianto casually remarked, ready to change the subject. "And it isn't. I'm just the archivist. You don't have to explain anything to me."

Hearing that, Jack was momentarily glad that Ianto's empathy was currently impaired, because he felt a flood of emotions that were confusing him and he definitely did not need Ianto to know that.

"Thanks."

"You don't have to thank me, Jack," Ianto replied with amusement. "If anyone has reason to express thanks it would be me." At that he became earnest again and favoured the captain with a warm smile that made Jack's heart skip a beat. "Thank you, Jack. For tonight. For your willingness to help my spidermice. For everything. Thank you."

Feeling the urge to lighten the mood, Jack teased, "If you're feeling so grateful, you could accept my invitation for dinner."

Laughing at the challenge, Ianto pointed out, "We just had dinner."

"I mean a proper date!" Jack cheerfully complained. "Didn't I earn it?"

"Your odds definitely improved," Ianto told him, forcing himself to school his features in a more or less earnest expression. He imagined his old history teacher and tried to match his stern gaze when he went on, "And you really earned that."

"What are my odds now anyway?" Jack eagerly took the bait.

"Something around seventy-five percent now."

As they had been at forty-seven percent before, Jack's eyes went wide as saucers but he swallowed a comment. For one, he did not want to ruin what he had just gained, and for the other he was rendered speechless, which really did not happen often. All he could do right now was stare at Ianto and wonder what was going on inside him.

He went through quite an ordeal today. He must be dead tired. I'm keeping him from his rest. But can I just leave him here on his own? Sure, he's a grown man, but he just recovered from a panic attack. Maybe I should stay for the night.

Ianto was equally glad that Jack remained silent, because he needed to digest what he had just told the captain. Seventy-five percent is bloody close to a hundred percent, Ianto Jones. I shouldn't encourage him so much. But then he really earned the raise of his odds. If he wouldn't have come I'd still be cowering in the hall and crying my eyes out. How he helped me. So considerate. So gentle. His singing… it made my scalp tickle. More than that. No, don't go there. Concentrate. Playing. Flirting. Coping. Stay!

Once more he tried to connect with Jack. Usually he avoided using his empathic talent, but now that it was locked within, he felt the urge to recover it. It did not work.

Of course, Jack noticed that Ianto was struggling internally and thought that he knew what the problem was. Strangely, it was a reason for both staying and leaving.

"Don't stress yourself, Ianto," Jack calmly told him, hoping he could soothe the frayed nerves. "Your ability will come back to you. You should allow yourself a break, sleep in tomorrow, and refuel your batteries."

Ianto gave him a crooked grin.

"You sound like my mam."

"Just think of me as your concerned boss," Jack shot back. At once he knew that it was the wrong thing to say from a rather selfish point of view as he sensed Ianto's professional façade come up again.

May be for the better. Now's not the right time to prod for more. I should encourage him.

Another moment passed in silence, which urged Jack to ask, "Will you be all right?"

He was pleased to see that Ianto did not reply at once but took his time to contemplate the question before he nodded.

"Good. I don't want you to think I'd leave you behind. You're working for me and I feel responsible for you. I won't have to worry?"

At that a mystic smile cracked Ianto's features.

"Is there anything I can say to keep you from worrying?" he teased.

Jack laughed.

"Not really," he admitted. "I've been connected with your mind after all. I can't just switch my emotions off and pretend I'm just your superior."

Ianto nodded slowly. Even though he was grateful that Jack had saved him, he still found the idea that he had entered his mind and manipulated his talent disconcerting to say the least. That Jack mentioned it now, woke his concern anew.

"When you helped me tonight… did you do it again?"

"No," Jack shook his head and leaned back in his chair, "and I wouldn't have done it earlier either if it wouldn't have been an emergency."

"I want it back," Ianto demanded plaintively.

"You will get it back," Jack assured him. "Your empathy isn't gone in the first place, but like everything else it needs time to heal."

With a sigh, Ianto resigned himself to his fate. Now that the adrenalin ebbed away and that he had eaten, tiredness tried to take a hold on him.

Maybe it's time to start said healing process, he thought and glanced at the clock on the kitchen counter.

"Oh, my goodness!"

"What?"

"I didn't realize how late it is!" Ianto gasped. "It's well after midnight."

"So?"

"So I think you're probably right about the rest…" Ianto trailed off on the latter with a widening yawn. Seeing Jack smirk made Ianto aware that he was going to be on his own when Jack left. He would miss the company.

"Thank you for the dinner," Jack said as he got up from his chair. "It was delicious."

"One out of a hundred," Ianto chuckled wryly. "I'm not really that good at cooking."

"Well, that fish was a real treat," Jack praised, suspecting that this was Ianto's understatement again.

"I'll keep it in mind."

Ianto felt uncomfortable as he followed Jack over to the living room. He did not want to be alone. Watching Jack getting ready to leave, Ianto contemplated the question that formed in his mind and what it would entail. Once asked, there was no turning back.

"You could stay," he finally suggested.

It made Jack pause and look at him properly. Of course he understood the implication and felt surprisingly undecided.

"I think I could," he vaguely agreed.

"But…?"

"But I'm needed in Cardiff," Jack explained, the excuse sounding lame to his own ears. He was not surprised that Ianto did not look convinced. Then the other's features changed to what seemed like forced amusement. "What?"

"Well, I'm not sure if I'm disappointed or relieved to see that not all rumours about you are true," Ianto told him.

"Oh, really?" Jack scoffed. "Like what?"

"Like you weren't one to pass up a free fuck," Ianto reflexively replied, only to bite his own tongue after his words slipped out.

Jack nodded gravely.

"I guess that said rumour didn't exist without a reason…"

"Jack, you don't need to explain," Ianto told him.

Jack just waved him off.

"I know that," he said, "and I don't really intend to. I just want you to know that I never intentionally did it with someone who was more... invested... in the relationship than I was. I don't use people that way." At least not anymore, he ruefully recalled his days as a time agent and conman.

"So, it has to be a mutually agreed upon casual fling, is that it?"

"If that's what it is, yes," Jack admitted.

"That's what you had with Ydris?" Ianto queried, surprising himself by digging so deep. His longing to understand his mysterious boss still was a mystery to him.

"That's what we have, yeah," Jack nodded.

Of course Ianto noticed the implication that their fling was not over yet.

"And if it's something more?"

"Oh, ho, ho!" Jack chuckled, refusing to be put on the spot there. "I've been burned a time or two. Talked myself into believing that the other person felt more than they did. Sometimes I have a tendency to... overcommit."

"I see," Ianto said seriously. "And have you ever burned someone else?"

"Once or twice," Jack admitted as he traced a line on the tablecloth with his finger. "I've misjudged the depth of other person's feelings, or been unwilling or incapable of being or doing what they wanted, or moved too fast and found out too late that we just weren't compatible. I'm only human, Ianto, er, mostly human. Over ninety-eight percent. Sometimes, I get it wrong, but I don't use people just because I can."

"Because you can?" Ianto echoed, surprising Jack by completely ignoring the mostly bit. "Are you referring to your pheromones?"

Stunned, Ianto saw a faint blush colour Jack's cheeks.

"You really have a knack for pushing my buttons, Mr. Jones." Jack playfully complained, bracing himself for giving a more elaborate explanation when Ianto beat him to it,

"I might want to push more than just your buttons, Captain Harkness," Ianto shot back, feeling his heart jump into his throat at his bluntness.

"What do you mean?" Jack prodded because he felt like he needed the elaboration, judging by the butterflies taking flight in his stomach.

"Maybe I want that mutual agreement," Ianto told him.

"But that's not…" he paused instead of continuing with what I want. Forcing himself to push the thought to the back of his mind he went on, "Ianto, I already hurt you badly enough. Don't let us put comfort sex on top of the heap."

Now that put a deep frown on Ianto's face.

"You hurt me?" he asked, confused, "When? When you got me out of the conversion unit? When you offered me a place to stay when my world threatened to fall apart? When you saved me from dying of shock at the memorial service? Or when you comforted me tonight? When did you hurt me?"

Thoroughly disarmed, Jack couldn't think of any argument. Finally he settled on, "I understand that you're hurting. You feel lonely… And that's why it just wouldn't be right."

Ianto knew that. Still he wished Jack would stay.

"Will you really be all right?" Jack demanded to know. "I'll stay if you're not sure... taking the couch."

Stunned by the offer, Ianto was about to jump at the chance when his conflicting emotions made his mouth go dry, and he shook his head.

"No," he murmured. "I mean, yes, I'll be all right eventually. Thank you for the offer, sir."

Jack's eyebrows shot up at the sudden change back to the formal address. He understood, and he also felt that Ianto's temporary assignment was about to draw to an end. That was something he could not simply accept.

I have no right to draw him back into Torchwood! Jack reprimanded himself. He needs to figure out for himself what he wants to do with his life. But I don't want him to leave! Stay, Ianto!

Could he dare to let Ianto know how important he was or would that influence him too much in his decision? Jack did not know when he last felt so torn. Ianto Jones fascinated him. He wanted to learn more, yet felt like he already demanded too much of the young man.

"Ianto," Jack carefully began, "Please don't feel pressured in any way, but… I need to say this. You're an enrichment for the team and I would like to make your employment less temporary. I mean, I just want you to know that there's a job for you if you want it, so you could stay if you like." He paused. "So you can take it into consideration."

Ianto accepted the information with a nod.

"I'll be back Monday morning," he declared. "I usually finish what I start."

That elicited a smile from Jack.

"Okay."

"Have a safe trip back to Cardiff, sir."

"Thanks," Jack smiled, closing the belt of his coat. "Same to you, Mr. Jones."

"Thank you, sir."

Ianto watched him go with mixed emotions, but they were not as conflicting anymore as they were a few minutes before. He had absolutely no idea for how long he would return to Cardiff, but he would be true to his word that he would be there on Monday morning. Closing the door behind Jack seemed somewhat final and yet felt like a new beginning.

tbc…