Eternity Chapter 6
TWTWTW
Ianto watched as Jack strode away, leaving him shocked at the feeling he had inside. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind.
As Ianto turned, he saw Jack just going into his office. Moving away from the computer, he headed for the couch, dropping down onto it. His head began to spin.
"Jack!"
Jack was out of his office and down the stairs in a flash. He sat beside the younger man, his hand on his arm.
"I….don't feel so good."
Jack put a finger under his chin and lifted his head so their eyes met.
"I think you're just hungry. It shouldn't be long. I'll get you a glass of milk." Jack went to the kitchen, returning with the milk.
Ianto drank it greedily.
"Better?"
Ianto just nodded, keeping his head low.
"You ought to eat more." Jack smiled. "Keep your strength up."
"I'll be out of here in six days. I'll be fine."
Jack felt disappointment stab at his heart again. "I'll be in my office."
Again, Ianto watched Jack enter his office. This time he closed the door.
After ten minutes, Ianto went up to see Jack. He knocked on the door.
Jack walked around his desk and opened the office door.
"I….I'm sorry."
Jack frowned. "Why?"
Ianto elaborated. "For keeping on about leaving. I know it's not what you want to hear. It's just….this!" he emphasized with his arms to the Hub. "The whole thing. I just can't get my head around it! Vampires. Aliens."
Myfanwy flew by.
"That!"
"I know it's a lot to take in, but…."
A bell rang in Jack's office.
"Our dinner, has arrived."
Leaving the office, Jack went up to the tourist office, making sure that he locked the lift after he got out of it so that Ianto couldn't follow him. He returned minutes later, little white carrier bag in hand.
"Spoon or chop sticks?"
"Chop sticks, please."
Jack took the chop sticks and two plates to the couch and put the bag on the table.
"I ordered plain chow mien, sweet and sour pork, chicken in black bean sauce and spare ribs. Hope you like it all. Oh, and fried rice."
"Thanks."
Ianto sat on the couch and Jack gave him a plate and the chop sticks.
They ate in almost total silence. Each eyeing the other when they thought the other wasn't looking.
At last, Ianto spoke.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"I presume that during the years you changed your clothing to suit the period?"
"Yes."
"Then why didn't you get passed World War 2?"
"It suited me. I didn't have to keep up with the trends anymore. Blue shirts, white under shirts, blue and brown pants, sand and brown boots. I can get them all at the surplus store.""And the coat?
"Don't you just love it?" he smiled.
"It suits you."
"Thanks."
Jack got up and cleared the containers away.
"I could make coffee, if you'd like some," said Ianto, getting up.
Jack just nodded.
Ianto made his way over to the kitchen and started up the coffee machine. Ten minutes later, they were sitting on the couch again.
"How long have you worked for Torchwood?"
"Over 130 years."
"Do you kill many?"
"No unless we have to. I like to send most back before they even reach Earth."
"It's amazing, really."
"I enjoy what I do."
"Are there any other vampires in Cardiff?"
"Not that I know of."
Ianto sipped his coffee. "If there were…."
Jack smiled. "I don't think so, Ianto."
Ianto blew out his cheeks. "It would be easier for you."
"No, it wouldn't."
"Please, don't…."
"Don't what? Think I might have a chance with you? That was the whole idea behind bringing you here in the first place."
Ianto closed his eyes. "Just don't. okay?"
Jack got up and walked over the Gwen's workstation. "I've been alone too long. I want to be happy."
"But not with me."
"Are you saying you couldn't love me?"
"I like girls, not….men." He lowered his gaze. "I won't change my mind, not even for you.
Jack's heart sank again.