This story is like most of my Janto Tales, missing an alien but who cares. I like to base my stories on things that could and actually dohappen in every day life. I will try and do more stories with aliens if you prefer. But for now I'll stick to the status quo (That is a really good song in High School Musical 1). But the song I'm going to use is by a great singer who plays a Time Agent, and companion to the Doctor; John Barrowman. And the song is… What about us?
What About Us?
Two years ago today was that special day. The day that Ianto had said yes to changing his life completely. He loved Jack so much that it was impossible NOT to say yes.
Jack awoke and rolled over to snuggle closer to Ianto. But Ianto wasn't there. Ianto was in the kitchen making a special breakfast for him and Jack. Ianto turned and saw Jack stood at the door.
Guess we've been talking too longWe know what we need, separately
You say the honeymoon's over
I don't want to push
But what about us
"What's this for then?" Jack asked; a wide grin spreading across his face as he inspected the food on the tray.
"Don't pretend you don't know, Jack." Ianto said, grinning at Jack's reaction.
"What?" Jack asked; the grin had disappeared and there was now a look of surprise on his face.
"Jack, you do remember don't you?" Ianto asked; his grin had also disappeared and he looked shocked.
"Remember what?"
"Jack! You've forgotten haven't you?"
"Forgotten what, Ianto?"
Ianto slammed the tray onto the counter making Jack jump and replied,
"If I have to tell you, then it's clearly not as important as I thought it was!"
Ianto deliberately pushed past Jack and stormed out of the kitchen. He stopped and turned to look at Jack before saying,
"If you don't mind, tonight I think I'll sleep in MY own bed, at MY own flat."
It's ringing in my headIt's not what you say
Jack and Ianto didn't speak to each other all day. Gwen wondered what was going on but didn't want to seem nosey.
It's what you haven't saidA few hours later, Gwen was ready to go home when she found Ianto sat on the couch next to the autopsy bay, and Jack stamping around the Hub at lot more as the day had gone on. She sat down next to Ianto, wrapped and arm round him and asked gently,
"What's up, love?"
Ianto turned to Gwen and replied with tearful eyes, "Jack's forgot what today is."
"You mean he forgot your anniversary?" Gwen asked, with a look of shock on her face.
"See, you know what's special about today and it's nothing to do with you. No offence."
"None taken, love." Gwen said softly, bringing Ianto into a loving hug.
"How could he forget, Gwen. Two years ago today was the day I decided to finalise my relationship with Jack. HE asked me, asked me to be his partner instead of his stupid toy!"
"You were never his toy, Ianto. I know I haven't been here as long as you or Tosh and Owen, God rest their souls but I could always tell that even when you weren't sure you loved Jack that he always did. Why do you think he wants to be mortal again, Ianto?"
Ianto looked up at Gwen in surprise.
"What?"
"Let me talk some sense into Jack, Ianto." Gwen said softly, avoiding Ianto's question.
So what about usWhat about love
What about sayin' that we'll never give up
Gwen headed for Jack's office, while Ianto lay down on the couch and thought about what Gwen had said.
Jack was sat at his desk, head on the table and eyes closed. Gwen opened the door and stepped inside. She closed the door quietly and walked over to Jack.
"What's up, Gwen?" Jack asked, without even opening his eyes.
"I want to know why Ianto is upset."
"Gwen, I forgot something really important and I already feel like a total arse."
"Jack, you forgot…"
"Gwen, I don't want anyone reminding me. I want to prove to Ianto that I love him and I can remember our special day by myself."
Gwen looked shocked, clearly Jack did remember.
Don't wanna blame yaBut we're in danger
So what about us
He just hadn't realised that yet.
"Right, if you don't mind Jack, I'm gonna go home to my husband." Gwen said, emphasizing the word 'husband', to give Jack a little clue.
It wasn't time for Gwen to go, but Jack didn't want her to drift from her normal life outside Torchwood so decided to just let her go.
Guess we've been trying too hardWe misunderstood
What's good for us
I'm tired emotionally inside night after night
We fight til we cry
I don't know what's wrong or right
Is every word you say
What's really on your mind
There was something going on in Jack's office. Ianto could see Jack moving around busily in there. There was a dim light in Jack's office, not like the usual bright lights that usually illuminated it.
Ianto was done being angry, he loved Jack and knew Jack loved him. It was an important day but Ianto realised that the day didn't matter because they had always been in love. The day was just about telling everyone that and besides everyone knew anyway. Ianto searched through the kitchen drawer until he found what he was looking for.
He made his way up to Jack's office with two coffees and the card he had bought days ago. Jack heard him coming and rummaged through the desk drawer and found the card. How stupid of him, how could he have forgotten. He bought the card yesterday and that really great present.
So what about us
What about love
What about sayin' that we never give up
Don't wanna blame ya
But we're in danger
So what about us
There was a light tap on the door.
"Come in, Ianto."
Ianto opened the door and asked in surprise,
"How did you know it was me, Jack?"
"Because everyone else has gone home."
"Oh."
"Ianto, come here a minute."
"What's up Jack?" Ianto asked, stepping closer to Jack's desk.
"There's something I need you to look at, I'm wondering if it's good enough."
When we love
We lie
When we talk
We hide
Maybe I'm searching blind
Jack climbed down into his bedroom, searched in his bedside table and climbed up the ladders back into his office. He handed a box to Ianto. Ianto looked at in surprise.
I'm worn out
Confused
What are we to do
What are we doing
What are we doing
He opened the box carefully and when he saw what was in it, his eyes began to fill with tears. It was a stopwatch. Ianto picked it up and turned it over, on the back it read;
I love you with all my heart. Jack x
Ianto looked up at Jack; who smiled softly and asked,
"What do you think?"
So what about us
What about love
What about sayin' that we never give up
Don't wanna blame ya
But we're in danger
So what about us
"It's perfect, Jack." Ianto replied, a tear falling down his cheek.
What about love That's the one thing that we never discuss"Are you sure, coz I could take it back and…" Jack said as he slid the stopwatch out of Ianto's hand.
Ianto snatched the watch out of Jack's grasp and replied,
"No! It's really great, and I like it."
"Good, coz I thought Gwen might like it."
"Gwen?" Ianto asked, completely gob smacked.
"Ye, why is there someone else I should give it to?" Jack asked, desperately resisting the urge to smile.
He unfortunately failed, and at that point Ianto realised that the day had been important to Jack.
"I've got something too, Jack." Ianto said, continuing with Jack's mind game.
Don't wanna blame yaBut we're in danger
Ianto was the master of mind games. Ianto placed a hand into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a velvet box. He handed it to Jack.
Jack opened the box and saw the gift. It was only small but it was so special. It was an eternity ring and there was a message inscribed on it which read;
You are my love, my life, my best friend and let there be a constant reminder that nothing will ever change. Ianto x
Jack realised there were tears in his own eyes. He looked up from the gift in his hand and said,
"I'm sorry that I forgot, Ianto. It's obvious that two years ago today was an important day but with this job Yan, you just kinda loose track."
Jack looked at the floor, so Ianto walked closer to Jack and lifted his chin gently.
"Jack, it's ok. I over-reacted, love."
"But Ianto…"
"No. I already know there's something between us, Jack."
"So do I."
"Good…"
"It's a gap." Jack said, receiving a puzzled look from Ianto.
"What?"
"You said there's something between us, which if you look, is a gap."
Jack looked down between him and Jack, in a way Jack was right, there was a gap. Unfortunately that's not what Ianto was on about. But if that was the problem then Ianto would fix it. He took a step closer to Jack, closing the gap and as he did he felt not just his own but Jack's heartbeat increase too.
"That better?" Ianto asked, smiling.
"Much!" Jack replied, taking a step closer to Ianto and kissing him.
Jack carried on, forcing Ianto to walk backwards into the desk. This made Ianto sit on the desk, he reluctantly pulled away and said,
"Jack, why don't you read the card and drink your coffee. I know you like my coffees."
Jack smiled. Then leaned past Ianto, picked up a mug of coffee and handed it to him.
Ianto looked in surprise.
"You know me Ianto, I always try to be a gentleman."
"Thanks, Jack."
Jack then grabbed the card and read it;
To Jack,Happy Anniversary.
Another month,
Another year,
Another smile
And you're still here!
Thanks for everything Jack. I love you so much!
Love you always, Ianto x"I love it, Ianto. Thank you." Jack said, placing a gentle kiss on Ianto's lips.
Jack went back round the desk and opened the drawer again. He pulled out a card and handed it to Ianto.
Ianto read the card;
To Ianto,
Happy Anniversary.
I love every minute I spend with you and I hope it never ends!
But more importantly I love you!
I always will, love Jack x
"What do you think?" Jack asked, after Ianto had looked up from the card.
When Ianto didn't respond, Jack walked back to where Ianto was stood.
Ianto looked up and kissed Jack.
"What was that for?" Jack asked, once the kiss had broke.
"For the card and, just everything, Jack."
"You're welcome, babe. Tell you what let's finish off here then go to bed."
So an hour later, Jack and Ianto were snuggled up in bed, under warm covers.
"Happy Anniversary, love." Ianto said sleepily.
"Happy Anniversary, babe." Jack replied, placing a gentle kiss on Ianto's head.
What about us
Let's talk about us
And that was another anniversary over.
