This is being written in collaboration with my talented friend nightchild78. We are having fun bouncing ideas off each other, and sharing in the excitement of watching this story unfold!
Special thanks to Rose Malmaison for making the image to go along with this fic!
Categories: NCIS/Torchwood
Rating: M
Characters: Tony DiNozzo, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Abby Sciuto, Tim McGee, Ziva David, Dr Donald Mallard, Jimmy Palmer / Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, Toshiko Sato, Owen Harper.
Pairings: Tony/Gibbs, Jack/Ianto, Tosh/Owen.
Warnings: Swearing, slash, Mpreg, explicit sexual situations.
Spoilers: Set during the 6th season of NCIS and after Children of Earth for Torchwood. Mentions of the episodes SWAK, Boxed In, Hiatus Part 2, Escaped, Singled Out, Chimera and Requiem for NCIS and for the episodes Cyberwoman, To the Last Man, Dead Man Walking, A Day In the Death, Exit Wounds as well as the whole of season 3 of Torchwood. Miracle Day never happened.
Disclaimer: We don't own these characters. We just like to play with them.
(Author's note: By the end of this chapter, you'll see things finally start to come together. Then the fun begins!)
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
As Owen's eyes rested on Ianto's lifeless body lying on one of the stretchers of the morgue, he felt a wave of sadness wash over him.
Once again, they had arrived too late.
After their first night at the Saint David, Owen and Tosh had spent the following day trying to run a trace on their friends and their attackers.
The money they had withdrawn the night before had been used to buy a couple of automatics at a gun shop and basic electronics. Owen had been amazed by the wonders Tosh could do with a simple PDA and a handful of components. It had taken them then less than two hours to locate the shell of the Torchwood SUV abandoned near a garbage dump outside of town, and one more hour to transfer what had been left of its equipment into their rental car, which was soon transformed into a moving headquarters.
The news had kept them updated on recent events, but there wasn't much they could have done until they found what remained of their team. They had no clue of what was going on, or who was after them.
Tosh's technical skills had been very helpful, but unfortunately, when they had finally located the warehouse where Jack was held prisoner, they had found it empty. Their teammates had already escaped, and the militaries had also left.
Taking their chances, they went back to the Pier. As expected, the place was deserted. Thanks to Owen's ability, they had managed to scavenge some equipment that the militaries had missed amongst the ruins. Particularly, their precious Berakan's scan.
While Tosh was trying her best to find a lead and unfold the mystery of the 456, Owen ran tests on both of them, which had confirmed that his vital energy had been modified by the surge of vortex energy induced by explosion of the Hub. His theory of a transfer between Tosh's cells and his energy had also been confirmed. But more than that, the tests had also shown that the phenomenon could be repeated. At his own risks, though. The level of his energy had dropped dramatically after Tosh's resurrection. There was no guarantee that if he used his ability again it wouldn't cause his death.
After an entire day of painstaking research, they had finally found a lead to the hiding place in London, but once again they had been dogged with bad luck. Although Owen was able to perform elementary movements, he still lacked the necessary dexterity to drive a car, and since Tosh was the only one to drive, they had been forced to stop more often to let her rest and their journey to London had taken longer than necessary.
If only they had been faster, maybe they could have helped their friend. Owen could have gone with Jack instead of Ianto and faced the virus, which he was pretty sure would have been harmless to him. If they had been there, Ianto wouldn't have died and Jack… Jack wouldn't have left. The mere presence of Ianto by his side would have changed everything.
Owen's conversation with Jack after he came back from death kept swirling in his head.
"Why did you bring me back? Guilt?"
"No, that's not why."
"Then why did you? Really."
"Because I wasn't ready to give up on you. I guess I was hoping for a miracle. And I still am."
The miracle had happened. Owen had lived and, thanks to Jack's decision to revive him with the gauntlet, he had been able to bring Tosh back to life.
Owen looked at Ianto's peaceful features and reflected that Ianto and he had acted sort of like brothers. Bickering and getting on each other nerves, but always there to save the day when one of them was in trouble.
It was unfair. Ianto didn't deserve this. Not after all he had already endured. Neither did Jack. Though Owen had openly teased them, he wasn't blind enough to miss the fact that the two of them were deeply in love.
Owen wasn't ready to give up. The miracle had happened twice and it was only up to him to make it happen again.
Without thinking, Owen grabbed Ianto's hand and squeezed it, focusing on the dead weigh in his hand. He didn't pay attention to Tosh's squeak, her pleas that he let go of Ianto relegated to the back of his mind as he slowly but steadily poured his energy into his friend.
His vision went blurry, and for a moment he thought he was dying for good. But his discomfort passed and he steadied his grip.
Ianto's eyes snapped open and he stared at him with disbelief.
"Owen."
"Yeah, man. The one and only," said the former doctor with a smirk.
Ianto's eyes went to Tosh, who was holding onto Owen's shoulders.
"You're dead…" Ianto murmured.
Owen's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with unshed tears while Tosh walked around the stretcher and took his other hand, weeping openly with joy and relief.
"No more than you are, Tea Boy," Owen teased, as he and Tosh helped an unsteady Ianto to his feet. "I suggest we clear off. I'm fed up with morgues."
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
A tense silence filled the room, and Abby's smile soon faded, as she came to realize Ziva and McGee did not share in her excitement over the revelation of Gibbs and Tony's relationship. Her eyes were going hopefully from one to the other, but their expressions remained doggedly sullen.
"You need something?" Gibbs asked, glaring.
"We were just checking to see if Tony was all right," McGee said coldly. "But you clearly have it covered."
"McGee - " Tony began.
"I hope you feel better, Tony. I really do," McGee said bitterly. Without another word, he turned around and left.
Ziva looked down awkwardly. "I...have work to do," she muttered hastily, and soon she, too, was gone.
Tony started to get up, but Gibbs held him back, gently placing a hand on his knee.
"They'll come around," Gibbs said reassuringly. "Just give them some time. Right now, you need to rest."
Tony shook his head. "I can't. Not until we talk to them."
Seeing how upset and anxious Tony appeared, Gibbs sighed. He took Tony by the hand, and the couple stood up together.
"You talk to McGee. I'll handle Ziva."
Tony nodded, and they made their way to the elevator.
"I'm...really happy for you guys," Abby said softly to the empty room, as the doors slid closed in front of her friends.
Once upstairs, Tony found McGee in the men's room, washing his hands.
"Aren't you a little old to be hiding in the bathroom?" Tony joked, leaning against the wall. The smells of the men's room, a subtle mix of urine and cheap detergent, were not helping his nausea, and he was looking forward to going back to Abby's lab and laying down for awhile.
McGee looked up into the mirror, glaring at Tony's reflection behind him. "Do I look like I'm hiding?"
Tony closed his eyes and swallowed hard, trying to ignore the bile he could feel building up in his throat.
"But I am pissed!" McGee blurted out. "I knew you'd do almost anything to win Gibbs' approval. But I never thought you would whore yourself out just to be the favorite."
Tony felt like he had been slapped. "Is that really what you think of me?" he choked out through the hurt he was feeling. He wasn't sure whether he should feel more insulted that McGee had just called him a whore, or that his teammate couldn't even imagine for a second that there was more than sex between he and Gibbs.
"I know I have a reputation,'" Tony said as calmly as he could, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. "I recognize that, but you can't really believe I would do that?"
He stared at McGee in disbelief, but the younger man merely shrugged and looked away.
"I... I don't know. I thought I knew you, but now, I'm not so sure."
Tony's lips twisted in a bitter rictus.
"You really think that ill of me, after all these years? I thought we were friends."
"We were."
Tony did his best not to cringe at Tim's use of the past tense.
"But obviously not enough for you to share important things with me. Like the fact that you are sleeping with the boss. Because you're sleeping together, aren't you?"
"McGee..."
McGee shook his head.
"If we were friends, you would have told me," he concluded
"I wanted to," Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I... just didn't know how."
McGee's expression remained unforgiving as he took a step towards the exit.
"You didn't even tell me you were into guys before, so maybe it's just another one of your pranks. Your last invention to have a good laugh to my expense," McGee guessed.
"For God's sake, McGee, this is not a prank!" Tony exploded, unable to contain himself any longer. "I love Jethro! I love him, and I could lose my job and everything I have worked so hard for over the years because of that! This job is my life! You guys are my family! I would never want to risk losing any of that for a stupid popularity contest, or an even more stupid prank!" Tony took a few shaky deep breaths, trying to calm himself. Looking up at McGee, he could see regret written on the younger man's face at his choice of words.
"Tim," Tony continued, hoping the use of his first name would convince McGee of his sincerity. "Jethro made the first move. And honestly, I was surprised. I never dared to hope that he had any interest in me. But I ...I..."
"You okay, Tony?" McGee asked, watching with concern as his friend doubled over in agony.
Without another word, Tony sprinted to the nearest stall, and proceeded to empty what was left of the contents in his stomach. He stayed by the toilet for a few minutes, just in case he was sick again.
Finally satisfied he was done vomiting, Tony stood up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Exiting the stall, he found McGee still there, waiting for him.
"Don't tell me Gibbs knocked you up," McGee quipped, in a welcome attempt to lighten the mood.
"Not funny, McGee," Tony grumbled, washing his hands.
"Look, Tony, I'm sorry." McGee handed Tony a piece pf paper towel. "I just assumed - "
"It's okay, Tim. I just don't want this to change things between us," Tony said, drying off his hands and throwing the paper towel in the trash. "And don't worry, it won't change anything at work, I promise."
"You can't promise that," Tim countered with a shake of his head.
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Tim, I swear..."
McGee lifted a hand to stop him.
"You may not have noticed, but Gibbs has been a lot more easy-going during recent weeks. From what you just told me, I guess love suits him well."
Tony nodded his understanding. "I love Jethro. I really do. I hope you can accept that."
"Seeing the way Gibbs is when he's with you, I can tell he really loves you, too," McGee observed. "I'm still getting used to the idea of you guys as a couple. But I'm happy for you. I really am. And I really am sorry about what I said earlier."
"Don't worry about that. I've had worse. Your reaction was understandable. I forgive you." Tony smiled at McGee. He felt so much lighter knowing that his friend accepted his new relationship.
"So Tony, when -"
Tony's cell rang, cutting McGee off.
"I'm sorry. Just a minute." Tony held up a finger, answering the call. "Hello?...Now?...Maybe I should wait for...okay. Sure. I'll be right down."
Hanging up, Tony looked back up at McGee. "That was Ducky. He is offering to see me now." Tony scratched his arm, looking down in slight embarrassment. "Jethro won't be free for a few minutes, so..."Would you come with me?"
"Sure." McGee threw his arm around Tony in a show of brotherly support. "You're gonna be all right, you know, Tony. It's probably just the flu or something."
Tony nodded, though he wasn't entirely convinced. Still, he felt better knowing he had the support of his friend.
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
Using his skill of being able to seep in an out of places, undetected, at will, Owen found the trio an abandoned house for them to set up base in until they figured out their next move. It was a vacation home belonging to a wealthy retired couple, and Tosh's research revealed that they wouldn't be returning for another year.
Tosh and Ianto agreed that, since they didn't have all the details of how their resurrections worked, they should avoid contacting their families.
They could live another day, or another hundred years. So they chose to err on the side of caution, not wishing for their loved ones to have to grieve again.
For the same reasons, they decided it best not to contact Gwen. Once they had confirmed that she and Rhys were alive, Ianto had informed the others of her pregnancy. As hard as it was for them to leave their friend, they wanted to allow her the chance to make a new life with her family.
Which left them to look for Jack. Their former leader had proven himself to be maddeningly elusive, and Ianto could understand why, after everything that had happened with the 456.
For months, they searched the city, by car and on foot. Ianto even paid a visit to Jack's daughter Alice, but she refused to speak to him, claiming she wanted nothing to do with any friend of her father's.
Tosh also scanned hours of CCTV footage from major cities all around the UK, but still came up empty.
Things felt a mess, and Ianto was quite lonely his second time around in the world.
Owen and Tosh had been good friends to him, and he was touched that they cared enough to bring him back. They were all he had left in a world that seemed so strange to him now.
But they had each other. Ianto could see that they were truly in love, and making the most of this second chance they had been given. Ianto didn't begrudge them this. He was truly happy for them, even if he did often feel like a third wheel.
But Jack? Where was Jack? It had been nearly six months, and no sign of him. It was understandable that he might want to lay low for awhile, but should it really be so hard to find him? As terrible as things had become for Jack, it's not like he could kill himself, even if he wanted to.
With each passing day, Ianto became more despondent. Though his friends had told him not to give up hope, he felt Jack was a lost cause. He had likely forgotten Ianto by now. Moved on and worked his way through at least a few random fucks. In the span of eternity, Ianto thought, he was nothing to Jack.
Owen and Tosh grew increasingly worried about Ianto. He had stopped wearing suits, opting instead for plain t-shirts and jeans. His hair was often unruly, and he had stopped shaving, his boyish features now covered in a thick beard. Most days, Ianto just slept, coming out of his room only to eat sparse amounts of food.
There was an emptiness in Ianto's gaze, and Owen was starting to hate himself for bringing him back into a life he was so unhappy in.
"I made a mistake," Owen said one afternoon, sitting down on the couch and watching Tosh as she worked on the computer. "I shouldn't have brought Ianto back."
"He'll be fine," Tosh reassured Owen, swiveling around in her chair to face him. She didn't sound entirely convinced of her own words. "Once we find Jack, Ianto will be good as new!"
"And if we don't?" Owen asked worriedly.
Tosh let out a heavy sigh. "He may need some time, but trust me. He'll adjust. I promise, Owen. Ianto is going to be all right!"
"I don't think he will." Owen shook his head. "Not without Jack."
Standing up, Owen made his way up the stairs to see Ianto.
The bedroom door was open, Ianto's back to Owen. For a minute, Owen debated if he should wake his friend. God knows he had slept enough lately! But Ianto's emotional state was very fragile at the moment, and Owen had never been good at dealing with feelings.
"What do you want, Owen?"
Ianto's voice startled Owen, and he straightened up to see the Welshman now sitting up on the edge of the bed looking at him.
"Just worried about you, mate," Owen said with a kind smile. "Mind if I come in?"
Ianto pat the bed, an invitation for Owen to sit beside him.
Sitting down, Owen observed that Ianto was looking thinner. His eyes sadder. He looked barely a shell of a man.
"I'm so sorry I did this to you, Ianto," Owen whispered.
Ianto looked at Owen, his eyes communicating a strange mixture of sadness and gratitude.
"I'm not upset with you, Owen. I'm touched that you did this for me."
Scratching his head, Ianto laughed awkwardly. "I guess you like me after all."
"Silly Tea Boy! I've always like you!" Owen said, punching Ianto in the arm playfully.
A smile was visible through Ianto's beard, but his eyes remained joyless.
"Maybe it's for the best that we don't find Jack. He can start a new life. A better life. Away from Torchwood..." Ianto looked down at his hands sadly. "And away from me."
"Are you kidding? Do you really trust Jack to stay out of trouble?" Owen joked.
The joke elicited a small chuckle from Ianto. A welcome sound. Music to Owen's ears.
"Owen, do you think -" Ianto began, before he was interrupted by Tosh's voice calling to them from downstairs.
"Owen! Ianto! Come quick! I've got something!"
Ianto, suddenly very lively, shot up from the bed, and he and Owen bounded down the stairs to meet Tosh at the computer.
"What is it? Did you find Jack?" Ianto asked excitedly.
Tosh gave an amused smile, happy to see Ianto's spark restored.
"Not yet," she answered. But I'm getting a signal from his Vortex Manipulator. I think we should be able to send him a message!"
Ianto let out a sound that was a mix of a joyous sob and a relieved sigh, his eyes gleaming with tears.
"What did I tell you, Tea Boy?" Owen grinned at the Welshman. Looking back at Tosh, he gave her a kiss straight on the mouth. "You're a genius, you are!"
Tosh gave an embarrassed smile, nodding with gratitude.
"Ianto, would you like to do the honors?" she asked him.
"I...ahh..." Ianto was at a loss. After all this time waiting, he wasn't sure what he wanted to say to Jack.
"No worries, Ianto. I got it!" Owen said cheerily.
Tosh stood up, and Owen took her place at the computer and began typing.
"You told me you were hoping for a miracle. The miracle happened. We are waiting for you."
Owen sent the message, and he and Tosh looked back, slightly amused, but very happy for Ianto.
He was standing there in tears, his face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. Tosh and Owen could only hope that Jack received their message, because it was truly heart warming and life affirming to see Ianto like this.
※
Ianto and Tosh were sitting in the kitchen eating Indian take out. Owen kept them company, missing the fragrant spices and flavors he had so enjoyed in life.
Tosh and Owen were happy to see Ianto eating again, though on this night, his appetite, along with his hopes, seemed diminished.
Hopeful for a reunion with Jack, Ianto was now clean shaven and wearing a suit, looking as smart and handsome as ever. But the gleam in his eyes was starting to fade. It had been two days since Owen sent the message, and still no word from Jack.
"Chin up, Ianto! We don't know how far Jack had to travel. He could be on his way!" Tosh offered, trying to give him some hope.
Ianto nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "I suppose you're right," he allowed, standing up and clearing away his half full plate and Tosh's empty plate.
"I'll wash the dishes. You two go relax."
Taking off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves, Ianto shooed the couple away with a smile that betrayed the sadness in his eyes.
Back in the living room, Owen and Tosh were sitting on the couch, trying to distract themselves with some mildless talk show on the television. They thought it best not to act too affectionately towards each other with Ianto present. Not until he was in a better place emotionally. Or until Jack came back. Whichever came first.
"What if Jack's really not coming?" Tosh asked, looking down and picking at her fingernails.
"Then we'll have to find a way to get on without him," Owen sighed.
"And Ianto?"
Owen shrugged sadly. "Then we better hope - "
"Please tell me you're real".
The voice coming from behind them nearly made them jump out of their skin. They turned around as one. There in front of them stood Jack, eyes gleaming with tears, lips quivering into a smile.
Jumping on their feet, they rushed towards Jack and the three of them locked in a tearful embrace.
"Tosh! You're alive!" Jack sobbed in disbelief. "And Owen, you're...?"
"A semi-solid ghost?" Owen offered jokingly.
"But how...?" Jack wondered, happy, but bewildered. "Oh, you can tell me later. I'm just glad you're here! I thought I'd never see you again."
"I thought that too."
Jack turned to see Ianto standing a few feet away, looking much as he had in the days before his death.
There was silence for a moment before both men erupted into tears, Jack running into Ianto's arms. They began kissing with a passion and intensity unmatched in Jack's long lifetime.
Breaking free from the kiss, Jack stood back, holding Ianto's face in his hands and examining his features.
"I...I love you, Ianto Jones! I'm so glad I have the chance to tell you now!"
"I love you too, Jack," Ianto whispered. "Oh, I've missed you!"
Hand in hand, they rejoined Tosh and and Owen, and the group settled in for a long night of catching up.
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
Coffee in hand, Gibbs approached Ziva's desk, observing the complexity of emotion on her face. Like him, Ziva wasn't the kind of person to wear her heart on her sleeve, and he wasn't sure how to handle her. Opting for the direct approach, he stopped in front of her desk.
"We need to talk."
"Don't see anything more to say. What I just saw was eloquent enough, " Ziva replied without looking up from her work. A twinge of irritation was present in her voice.
"Come on," Gibbs tilted his head towards the elevator and walked away.
Rolling her eyes, Ziva stood up, following him.
"What?!" she asked hostily, entering the elevator and immediately crossing her arms in a defensive posture."If you intend to lecture me, you're wasting your time. I won't talk to anybody about your new relationship with Tony."
Her tone sounded slightly disparaging and he didn't like that.
Once Gibbs had stopped the cage, he went to stand toe to toe with Ziva.
" What's upsetting you so much? The fact that Tony and I have a relationship or the fact that we're men?"
"Oh, please, Gibbs," exclaimed Ziva indignantly. "I'm not a sactimonious bigot. I have no problem with that."
"But it upsets you anyway."
Ziva raised a dubious eyebrow.
"You really want me to talk about my feelings?" she snorted.
Gibbs chuckled. "Nope. Not me. But Tony was pretty upset. I think it would mean a lot to him if we had your blessing."
Ziva hesitated for a second, then let out a heavy sigh, all trace of anger having deserted her features, replaced by a veil of sadness.
"Well, the issue is maybe that I just found out that my partner and immediate superior is sleeping with my team leader behind my back?"
Ziva sighed, folding her hands together and clutching them to her chest, searching for the right words. "I want to be happy for you. It's just...the two of you...you do not do so well with relationships. And this team has come to mean a lot to me. You and Tony have come to mean a lot to me! What happens when one of you ends up getting hurt? Or when you finally decide to follow the next redhead passing by? Or that you can't stand another movie reference? What happens to the team? What happens to me?"
Gibbs put a reassuring hand on Ziva's shoulder.
"Don't you think I considered those things? I didn't act on a mindless impulse, and neither did Tony. I took into account his past and my own. I'm not so selfish that I would enter into a relationship with Tony if I thought there was any chance of him being hurt. And I trust Tony enough to know that he won't hurt me, either."
"But what if you are wrong?" Ziva asked, her voice barely audible.
"I had to take that chance, Ziva. But I want you to remember that, whatever happens between Tony and me, that won't change how either of us feels about you."
His cell suddenly vibrated, cutting him off. Extending his arm, he squinted to read the short message coming from Tony and Ziva couldn't help reading over his shoulder.
Ziva gave a faint smile. "You should check on him."
"Yep." Gibbs nodded. "I'm heading down to autopsy now. Ducky is giving him an exam. You wanna come? Offer your support?"
"No," Ziva laughed awkwardly. "I think that having too many people there would make him uncomfortable."
Gibbs considered her words for a moment. "Yeah. You're probably right," he agreed.
Gibbs turned the elevator back on, and the doors opened.
"Gibbs. You and Tony have my blessing," Ziva said as she got out. "Take care of each other."
The two exchanged smiles as the elevator closed. Gibbs took a breath, readying himself to be the strong one, and show support to his sick lover.
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
Jack awoke from the best sleep he could remember having in ages, feelings of happiness and contentment warming his heart. This past year since Gray's tragic return, his life had felt a living hell. He had lost everything and everyone he cared about. Guilt over Steven and Ianto's deaths had been eating him up alive and, if suicide had been an option, he certainly would have considered it.
But now, lying in this warm bed, with Ianto nestled into his chest, Jack was covinced; this must be what heaven is.
The previous night had been filled with hugs, tears, and love for the reunited team, and they stayed up into the wee hours of the morning, updating each other on everything that had happened since they were last together. Owen explained all that he had come to understand about his current state, and how he was able to use it to resurrect Tosh and Ianto. And, notably, he thanked Jack for bringing him back from the dead. The issue had been such a point of contention between them, but now everyone realized that Jack's choice was the reason they were all gathered together. The reason they had been given this second chance. Nevertheless, and even though Jack was more than grateful to have Ianto and Tosh back in his life, he had been adamant that Owen should not use his ability of resurrecting people once again. From what he had heard, the last time with Ianto had been a close call and he didn't want to tempt fate again.
The most difficult memory for Jack to recount was what had happened with Steven. The pain of his decision was still fresh and raw in his heart, and he was sure the others would never understand or forgive him for sacrificing his own grandson.
But, surprisingly, this revelation was met with tears, hugs and understanding. Particularly from Ianto, who had been there for much of incident with the 456.
"That must have been an incredibly painful decision for you to make, Jack," Ianto had said. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there to support you."
Jack had to laugh bitterly at those words. Ianto was sorry? Sorry for what? Dying? Having his heart manipulated and toyed with? Being deceived and made to suffer? Ianto had nothing to apologize for. Not to Jack.
Jack, however, felt he had much to apologize for. To all of them. How could he make it up to them this second time around?
"Jack?"
Ianto's voice pulled Jack back into the moment, and he looked down his chest to see the younger man smiling up at him.
"Hey you," Jack whispered with a smile, pressing Ianto's head to his body and breathing in the scent of his hair. Oh, how he'd missed that smell!
"I sleep so much better with you here," Ianto commented, creeping up to plant a kiss on Jack's lips before settling down beside him and resting in the crook of his arm.
"Me too." Jack gazed contentedly into Ianto's eyes. "But tonight, I'm hoping we can do more than just sleep," he added with a wink.
"Yes," Ianto laughed nervously. "Hmm... it has been a long time since... you know. So, whatever you may have in mind, I feel a trip to the pharmacy is in order."
"It will be like the first time all over again," Jack chuckled.
"Jack?" Ianto stared at him tentatively. "After I died, did you...? Were you with anyone else?"
"No," Jack answered honestly and without hesitation. "I never got over you. I don't think I ever could."
Ianto smiled at Jack tearfully, relief present in his eyes, and the two men lay silent for a few minutes, comfortable in the security of each other's arms.
A smell wafted through the air, and Jack closed his eyes, smiling as he sniffed.
"Bacon..." he said, in almost orgasmic tones. Opening his eyes, he saw Ianto barely able to contain the amusement in his face.
"Really?" The Welshman commented. "Bacon? That's what does it for you?"
Jack suddenly turned red with embarrassment, a look that Ianto found oddly endearing and adorable.
"It's been a long time since I've had a decent meal!" Jack explained, before raising his eyebrow seductively at Ianto. "But if I could convince you to wear bacon underwear for me..."
"You're a freak, sir," Ianto laughed, getting out of bed and allowing Jack a lingering look at his backside. "Come on, then. Let's make ourselves decent. Tosh can't eat all that food on her own. And I'm certain there will be complaints if I don't make coffee!"
※
Jack, Ianto and Tosh were enjoying a breakfast of bacon, eggs, fresh fruit and hot coffee with cream, while Owen kept them company. Now that the heavy emotions of the previous night were out of the way, they turned their attention towards the future.
"How have you managed all this time?" Jack asked, hungrily shoveling a forkful of fluffy eggs into his mouth.
"We're simply borrowing this house," Owen explained. "It's a vacation home. The couple who owns it won't be returning for awhile.
"As for money, I've been able to steal here and there from various government funds," Tosh continued. "Things are still in a bit of a shambles after ther 456, so no one has noticed."
"After the way they treated us, I wouldn't call it stealing," Jack quipped. "I'd rather say it's... compensation for eviction."
So, what now? We can't go on like this forever," Ianto remarked, voicing what everyone was thinking. "Now that the Rift had been sealed by the explosion of the Hub, I doubt we can set up Torchwood the way it used to be."
They all nodded approvingly.
"Moreover, we still have pretty dangerous enemies around here. Don't think it would be safe to act in plain sight," added Owen. "Not that I have to fear to taking a bullet in the back, but not everyone is as lucky as Jack and me."
Taking a sip of coffee, Tosh looked around expectantly at her friends. "Okay, but what do we do now? I've been with Torchwood for so long, I wouldn't know what else to do with myself. What? Am I just going to get a normal job in tech support? I'd go mad!"
Everyone nodded in mutual agreement. Torchwood had made them see wonderful and terrible things. It's had broadened their horizons to such a point, that coming back to a "normal" life was nearly impossible. Things had changed.
"I agree with Tosh. Torchwood has become my life. I can't go back to anything else," Ianto said thoughtfully.
"Hey! I'm immortal. I couldn't do normal if I wanted to," Jack chimed in.
"Well, I'm dead. I don't need the money. I just wanna be wherever you lot are," Owen joked. "Who else could accept my freaky circumstances?"
Tosh leaned into Owen affectionately. "Well, I wouldn't dream of going anywhere without you!"
Jack and Ianto exchanged a glance, holding hands under the table.
"All right then," Jack said after a moment, breaking the sweet silence and taking a final swig of coffee. "I don't see why we shouldn't keep doing what we do the best. After all, Torchwood existed long before the Rift and, as far as I know, alien activities won't stop just because it's sealed."
"What do you have in mind, Jack?" Ianto asked.
"Well, first, we need to get a regular source of financing," Jack answered, the wheels in his head visibly turning.
"You mean like a sponsor?" Tosh asked, poking a piece of melon with her fork.
Jack's face lit up at the idea.
"Yeah, sort of."
"And I guess you already have an idea of who will be that sponsor," Owen guessed, smirking.
"I do." Jack looked at them in turn, then a wide grin spread on his lips. "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."
"The Queen!" Ianto, Tosh and Owen gasped in unison,
staring at Jack with wide eyes.
"What makes you think that she'll be willing to do that?" Owen asked skeptically.
"Well, firstly I've know her for a long time and she owes me," Jack replied confidently.
Owen rolled his eyes. "Please don't tell me you slept with her too."
"No, she was already engaged to Prince Philip when we first met and trust me, she was a stickler for fidelity. Her sister, on the other hand..." Jack's expression became dreamy, and Ianto couldn't help nudging him in the ribs.
Steadying himself, Jack carried on.
"Well, that is a story for another time. What matters is that I doubt she was very thrilled to see the institution funded by her great grandmother put down by a bunch of corrupt politicians. Moreover, aside from being the Queen, she's also a grandmother and I heard from the horse's mouth that she really didn't approve the way the case of the 456 was handled."
"Okay, so we've got a possible financing," stated Owen. "That's great, but that doesn't change the fact that as long as we stay in the United Kingdom, we are in danger. UNIT doesn't care about us, Army wants us dead, and half of the MI5 use Jack's picture to play darts."
"You're right. I'm not exactly feeling welcome here lately, " said Jack sadly. He raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Any suggestions?"
Tosh stood up in turn and went to the workstation she had set up in one corner of the living room. She retrieved a folder from a pile of paperwork and handed it to Jack with a knowing smile.
"And this is?" Jack asked.
"Well, while we were looking for you, I had plenty of time to think about our future. You know... Just in case we didn't find you. So I contacted an old friend, Abby Sciuto. We met when we were students, and I can assure you that she's brilliant!"
"As brilliant as you? Maybe I hired the wrong genius," Jack teased her, while leafing through the contents in the folder.
"Almost as brilliant as me," Tosh scolded him. "Anyway, she's very smart and also extremely broadminded. I told her I was working on a special project and after some research, she sent me this."
Jack pursed his lips. "Very impressive."
"What is it?" Ianto asked, glancing over Jack's shoulder to have a better view.
"A very complete survey report showing an abnormal amount of unexplained phenomenons within the area of Washington DC," Jack answered, handing Ianto the folder.
"Washington?" Owen repeated. "You want us to play Ghostbusters in America?"
"What do you say, Jack?" Ianto asked, refilling everyone's coffees. "Maybe it's time for Captain Jack Harkness to go back to his homeland?"
"Sure. Why not?" Jack shrugged. "For once, my accent will fit with the locals." He turned back to Tosh.
"That friend of yours, Abby. She's reliable?"
Tosh nodded solemnly.
"If she hadn't been so attached to her actual job with NCIS, I'd have suggest you to hire her."
Jack took a deep breath and scratched the back of his neck. "Does she know about us?"
"Only that I used to work for an organization dealing with paranormal activities," Tosh explained. "She already said she is willing to help us if needed."
Jack took a few seconds to weigh his options.
"If it's okay with Owen and Ianto, you can contact her."
"Fantastic!" Tosh exclaimed. You'll see, Jack. You'll love her! She's... unique. I'll be in touch with her and see if she can help us get settled."
"Do it!" Jack nodded.
They were taking a huge risk by trusting Tosh's friend, but something inside told Jack it was worth trying.
Suddenly, Jack didn't feel old and battered anymore. He felt excited and rejuvenated, looking forward to making a new life with his old team.
His gaze became distant as he tried to picture their new life on the other side of the Atlantic.
Misinterpreting Jack's pensiveness, Ianto came closer.
"So..." Ianto whispered into Jack's ear. "Princess Margaret."
Jack let out a bark of laugh.
"What can I say? Swinging London, the sexual liberation, short skirts..." He let out an exaggerated sigh. "I'm only a man."
"Yes," agreed Ianto, cupping his cheek, "But from now on, you're my man, Captain."
Copying Ianto's gesture, Jack's returned his gaze.
"I am," he said warmly, planting a kiss on Ianto's soft lips. "I'm all yours!"
RENASCENCE RENASCENCE RENASCENCE
Abby entered autopsy and found Ducky pouring over some papers on his desk, a look of consternation on his face.
"You wanted to see me?" Abby asked, attempting to read over Ducky's shoulder.
"Ah, yes." Ducky stood up, clutching the papers to his chest. "There is something I need to show you. But first, I must ask your forgiveness."
Abby narrowed her eyes. "For what?"
"Well, as you know, poor Anthony has not been feeling well lately. It seems he is getting sicker by the day. So, at Jethro's insistence, I took some blood samples from him. I wanted to ensure that he was checked for every possible ailment, so I sent them off for testing anonymously."
"But Ducky! I could have tested the samples!" Abby's black lips curled into a frown.
"Well, yes. And now, I wish you had. There is a glaring error in these results. Either the person who ran the tests has no idea how to do their job, or Tony's sample got mixed up with someone else'. "
Ducky handed Abby the papers he was holding. "See for yourself."
Abby looked over the test results, eyes widening in surprise as she got to the part in question.
"Whoa!"
"You see? The results are clearly faulty. Tony should be down here shortly. I am going to take another sample. And this time, I'll entrust you with the results." Ducky pinched Abby's cheek affectionately.
Abby pouted for a second. "I think I can forgive you. But just for this time." Her usual bright smile blossomed on her lips. "Happy to help, Duck man!"
"Help with what?"
Tony entered autopsy, leaning onto Gibbs for support as they walked towards Ducky and Abby. His skin was pale, with a sickly hint of green, and there were dark bags under his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Tony," Ducky apologized, watching Gibbs and Abby help Tony up onto a table. "But I'm afraid I'm going to have to take some more blood from you."
Tony's eyes widened in fear. "Did you know about this?" he asked, turning to Gibbs. "You know I hate needles."
"I do."Gibbs cupped Tony's face tenderly. "But the lab made a mistake. And I want to make sure we get to the bottom of why you're so sick."
"What kind of mistake?" Tony asked, as Ducky tied the elastic band around his arm.
Abby giggled. "Congratulations, Tony! You're pregnant"
"Sorry to burst your little bubble, but that's impossible," Tony laughed uncomfortably. "You know, not the right plumbing down there."
Abby pulled a disappointed face.
"Too bad. Imagine a little Tibbs baby toddling in the bullpen. It would be so cute."
Gibbs' brows shot up. "Tibbs?"
Tony shook his head with amusement. "I guess that's our couple name now."
Gibbs simply rolled his eyes and laughed.
"So the results tell that Tony is pregnant?" he asked.
"Yes. The samples were anonymous, so they ran all the available tests, including pregnancy," Abby explained.
"Which is why I will be giving this sample to Abby", Ducky said, wiping an alcohol swab on Tony's arm.
"Because I don't make mistakes!" Abby informed them confidently.
"We know!" the men all laughed.
"All right, Tony. Prepare yourself," Ducky warned, holding up the needle.
Tony looked at Gibbs like a frightened child, and the older man gave his free hand a reassuring squeeze.
Wincing as the needle entered his arm, Tony closed his eyes.
"You're gonna be okay, Tony." Gibbs pressed his forehead to Tony's lovingly. "We'll figure this out together."
※
Later that day, Abby came bounding up to Tony's desk.
"Pee in this!" she ordered, handing him a urine sample cup. "I wanna see you and your pee in my lab ASAP!"
"Is something wrong?" Tony asked, staring at the cup. "Does this have to do with my blood test?"
"Well, I don't think anything is wrong," Abby answered. "But you might think it is. Personally, I think it's pretty cool, and -"
"Abby..." Tony glared at her impatiently.
"Just give me your pee, mister!" With that, Abby bounced away.
"Might as well get this over with," Tony sighed, standing up and walking towards the men's room.
Gibbs rushed alongside to offer support, just in case. The last thing Tony needed right now was to risk dropping the cup and finding himself covered with pee.
"What do you suppose that was about?" Ziva asked once the couple had left.
"I'm not sure," McGee answered. "I'm worried about Tony, but if anything was seriously wrong, I don't think Abby would be so happy."
"I agree," Ziva nodded. "But I am curious."
"So am I." McGee grinned mischievously. "Video feed into Abby's lab?"
"Yes!" Ziva agreed enthusiastically.
※
Minutes later, Tony and Gibbs entered the lab.
"Are you gonna tell me what you need my pee for?" Tony asked, handing Abby the cup.
Setting the cup down and screwing off the lid, Abby then took a pregnancy test and dipped it into Tony's urine.
"The sample you gave me came also came back positive for the pregnancy hormone HCG. It seemed weird to me, you being a man and all. That's why I got this pregnancy test. If this comes back positive, we should know for sure."
"This is ridiculous," Tony laughed uncomfortably.
Abby raised her hand to silence him. "Save your skepticism!" Holding up the pregnancy test for examination, Abby's eyes widened in excitement, and she ran over to hug Tony.
"It's true!" Abby squealed, holding up the test to show them. "Tony, you're pregnant!"
The lab went silent for a moment, Gibbs and Abby staring at Tony.
Tony's eyes widened, and he leaned into Gibbs for support. Breathing appeared to be a struggle for him. It seemed he was having a panic attack.
"He needs to sit down," Gibbs said urgently.
Abby nodded, leading Tony to her desk.
Gibbs eased Tony down to sit, observing that he looked paler and weaker than before.
"Breathe," Gibbs reminded Tony, breathing steadily and encouraging Tony to follow his example.
Once Tony was breathing normally, Gibbs shot Abby a piercing glare.
"I think you've taken this joke far enough," he admonished her. "Tony is very sick, and he's scared. Heck, I'm scared! This is not the time for games!"
"But it's not a joke!" Abby insisted, hurt by the insinuation. "If it was, why would Ducky be in on it? Why would he make Tony get his blood drawn twice? We all know Tony is scared of needles!
We love Tony, and we're worried about him, too. But two blood tests and a positive pregnancy test? I don't know how, but Tony is pregnant!"
"But... I can't. I'm a man!" Tony said, eyes wide with disbelief and fear. "I am a man, right? I haven't grown any extra holes down there, have I?" Tony asked, turning to Gibbs.
"Not that I've noticed," Gibbs confirmed with a cocky smile, attempting to inject some humor into the situation.
"But...how did this happen? I don't understand." Tony felt very dizzy. "I'm gonna be sick," he groaned miserably.
Abby handed Tony a wastebasket, and he promptly threw up into it.
Gibbs, noticing Tony shaking, eased him onto the floor, scooping him into his arms to steady him.
"Call Ducky!" he urged Abby, who immediately rushed towards the autopsy. "And tell McGee and Ziva to get down here and make themselves useful, instead of wasting their time spying on us!"
Tightening his hold on his shaky lover, Gibbs glared at the camera hanging above Abby's desk, before returning his attention to Tony and planting a soft kiss on the top of his head.
"It's going to be all right. I promise," Gibbs said softly, not knowing whether he was trying to convince Tony or himself.
※
In the bullpen, McGee, abruptly closed his gaping mouth with a strangled gasp.
His eyes slowly lowered to his feet and he took a step backward as he suddenly realized that he had dropped his cup on the floor, spilling coffee all over his pants and shoes.
He turned towards Ziva, who looked as stunned as him.
"You heard what I heard?"
"Well, if you just heard Abby claiming that Tony and Gibbs are expecting a baby, I guess I did," Ziva confirmed, eyes wide with shock.
Ziva grabbed McGee by his sleeve and dragged him towards the elevator.
"Hurry up, McGee. Gibbs is already upset enough . No need to poke a bear with a sore leg."
"It's the head, not the leg," McGee pointed out absently, as the doors slid open before them.
Ziva sent him a deathly glare as they stepped into the cage.
"Do you really think it's the right time to get into semantics? Right now?"
McGee lowered his gaze sheepishly and sighed. "Maybe not."