CHAPTER SIX
So sorry! I didn't update for a while because of said parents...
Was that chapter really bad as it must have been, for me to get so FEW reviews? Look, I'll try to make this chapter better. Promise?
Disclaimer: If I owned Torchwood, it wouldn't be Torchwood but the Janto Show. Oh, and Gwack wouldn't exist. But don't get me started on that...!
R&R...please? Pretty please? Pretty please smothered in chocolate? Virtual chocolate to all who review (yes, that might be bribery - but who's complaining?)
NB: A 'pontoon' is the word for the wooden or concrete floating walkways in marinas.
"I got the keys," Owen announced. "You're going to love the name of the boat."
Jack's ears perked up. "Oh yeah?"
Ianto, Tosh and Gwen all looked worried. Ianto was still clutching Jack's coat around his shoulders, and his face was even paler than usual, a feat Owen would not have believed possible.
"Skookumchuck."
"Pardon?" Jack asked in disbelief.
Owen sighed. "The boat's name is Skookumchuck."
"Catchy," Ianto remarked.
"Right." Jack seemed slightly disappointed. "Well, then. You and Gwen can go off and open up. We'll finish cleaning the SUV."
"You mean, Tosh and I will finish cleaning the SUV," Ianto said dryly, reaching for another cloth. "Whilst you watch."
Jack pulled a mock-horrified face. "You don't honestly expect me to help, do you?"
Ianto simply rolled his eyes.
Gwen looked at Ianto anxiously as she followed Owen down the ramp to the pontoons, a bag slung over her shoulder.
"Will you be alright, pet?" she asked.
Ianto blushed. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said, turning back to the interior of the SUV.
Gwen hesitated. "OK, then. If you're sure." She ran to catch up with Owen, who was already halfway along the pontoon.
"Glad she's decided to leave the heels at home," Jack remarked. "Could have been nasty."
Tosh threw her cloth to the ground. "There," she said. "I think that's done."
Ianto nodded weakly, his cloth joining hers on the tarmac. "I hope Owen hasn't managed to sink the boat already," he tried to joke.
Jack narrowed his eyes. "Are you OK?"
"I'm fine-" Ianto started to say, but doubled up in agony, clutching his stomach. Tosh froze, her eyes wide as he gagged, choking.
Jack shot to the Welshman's side instantly, holding his head as his stomach rebelled, trying to throw up what wasn't there.
Ianto finally gave up on trying to be sick, and collapsed against the side of the SUV. Jack slipped an arm around his shoulders, offering support.
Ianto buried his head in Jack's shoulder, physically shaking. Jack stroked his hair and waited, Tosh just awkwardly standing there, twisting her fingers helplessly.
Ianto pulled back from Jack and gasped: "Don't...tell...Owen."
Jack frowned. "Yan, you're not well. Owen was right – we'd better call this operation off."
"No!" Ianto said, as forcefully as he could. "No-"
He broke off, clutching at his stomach.
"Come on – let's get you to the boat," Jack suggested. Ianto nodded, not trusting himself to say anything.
Tosh picked up a couple of bags. "I'll come back for the rest," she said, starting down the ramp.
Jack helped Ianto follow the computer expert, but all the while a thought was ticking through his head.
This is somehow connected.
OK, gotta leave it there because I don't really fancy starving – which I will do if I don't get some food in the next 10mins before the bell rings.
Hope you liked it, and feel free to ask about any sailor-ish I've used without realising!