My Jack_Ianto_las fics
Mar. 28th, 2011 11:42 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tonjavmooreAuthor: tonjavmoore
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Torchwood doesn't belong to me. Sadly.
A/N: Okay, I will admit it up front: short fiction is not what I'm good at. I don't really like any of these, which is why I'm not posting them to any communities, but just here for my friends. I simply cannot say what I want to say in less than a thousand words. It all gets crowded together and never comes out the way I want it to. I joined the community to try and force myself, but it isn't working very well. So how do you tell a story in less than a thousand words? Any hints would be very helpful, since I'm at a loss. I've written these by just saying what I want and then whacking it down to the right length, but that's obviously the wrong way to do it. Anyway, here they are.
Prompt: The Right Time to Lie
I'm Glad
It was one hour, forty-three minutes, and sixteen seconds before Jack came out of his office after the fight with Gwen. It couldn’t exactly be called a fight, Ianto supposed. She had refused to use Retcon on Rhys and Jack had caved in and acquiesced. It was more along the lines of an “uncomfortable incident.” Certainly it had made Owen and Tosh uncomfortable. Ianto wasn’t sure exactly what he himself was feeling. Disquiet? Jealousy? Annoyance? Disappointment? It was difficult to label it exactly.
All he knew for certain was that Jack might need him when he came out of whatever it was. He had waited here instead of going back to his flat. It wasn’t altruism; he knew he’d just worry unless and until Jack had come. It was more productive to worry here while he could do things to distract.
Although he could hear Jack coming closer, Ianto did not turn his chair. Only when he felt the hand on his shoulder did he look up. Jack’s expression surprised him. He looked… haunted. Ianto stood and pulled Jack close. Jack returned the embrace, burrowing his face into Ianto’s neck. He felt Jack’s lips pressing gentle kisses to his skin. That was Jack’s way of saying “I’m sorry.”
Ianto turned his head enough to lightly kiss Jack’s cheek. “Apology accepted,” said the kiss. “We’re okay.”
Jack heaved a sigh of relief and backed out of the embrace. He took hold of Ianto’s hand and led him to the sofa. Once they were both sat, he twisted so that his head ended up on Ianto’s lap. This was another piece of Jack-speak: “I want to tell you something, but I can’t find the words.”
Ianto waited. He was good at waiting. He stroked Jack’s hair to reassure him.
Finally Jack asked, “Did Owen look you over before he left?”
“Yep,” Ianto replied. “Just the usual crop of bumps and bruises. He put some of that magic cream he has on my wrists.”
Jack brought up Ianto’s hand and tugged his shirt cuff back to examine the bandage. Sighing, he kissed the skin just above it. “Does it hurt?”
Ianto raised an eyebrow at him. “A bit. But I’ve had practice getting out of ropes, you know. And silk ties.”
He was rewarded by a flicker of a smile. It vanished almost as soon as it came. “I counted the shots,” Jack said. “There was a bullet left in the clip. He could have killed you.”
With a smile of his own, Ianto said, “I know. But he didn’t. The gun misfired. I’m fine.”
“Good.”
Jack placed Ianto’s hand carefully over his heart. Another long pause ensued. Ianto waited some more. When Jack spoke again, his voice was strained. “I hate it when people walk away. It’s horrible when they die and I hate that, too. But when they walk away, it’s worse.”
This was what Jack had wanted him to know. Ianto caught a glimmer of what had really happened. Jack continued, “I was tired, you’d nearly been killed, I had to send you after those bastards, Tosh and I were nearly crushed, and we couldn’t save the creature. In spite of everything, we couldn’t save it.”
Ianto cupped Jack’s cheek. “I wish it could have been different.”
“So do I. Anyway, when Gwen came marching in here and threw that tantrum, it was too much. I was afraid of someone else walking out on me and I gave into the fear instead of holding my ground. I’d have done the same for Owen or Tosh if they threatened me that way. I know they probably don’t believe it, but it’s true.” Jack’s eyes grew softer. “If it had been you, I would have put you in a cell until I could convince you not to leave me.”
Ianto smiled. He only ever smiled that way at Jack. “I’m not going to leave you. Not as long as you need me.”
“Have… have you ever thought about it?”
The last thing Jack needed right now was a dissection of their complicated relationship. Ianto knew it wasn’t the right time to tell the whole truth. He hated to lie outright, so he compromised. “Just after you left with the Doctor, I seriously considered it. Go live somewhere like Canada, marry a sweet girl with rosy cheeks, have my 2.3 children, get a job as a librarian or something. It would have been a much simpler life.”
“What stopped you?”
“I thought – it was just a thought – when you came back, you might be glad to see me.”
Jack’s smile was blinding as his teeth caught the light. He sat up and Ianto found himself being kissed passionately. He returned passion for passion. “Yeah,” Jack said when they came back up for air. “Yeah, I was really glad to see you. Let’s go to bed so I can show you just how glad I am.”
“Best offer I’ve had all day.” Ianto was relieved. “I’ll show you how glad I am that you’re glad,” he added with a bit of a leer.
The smile widened into a grin. “Sounds great to me. Let’s go.”
Prompt: Valentine's Day
Stop!
Jack looked across the table at Ianto. His lover was smiling as he surveyed the restaurant. It was a special St. Valentine’s Day dinner; the room was filled with flowers, soft music, and the meals were made for sharing. Jack had been looking forward to bringing Ianto here all week as a surprise date. It was a treat to see the glow when their eyes met across the table.
They had just been served their desserts when Jack’s phone beeped. He glared at it for a moment and answered. “Whatcha got, Tosh?” he said as he reached for Ianto’s hand, squeezing it. “Better be Earth exploding.”
He heard Tosh’s quiet chuckle. “I’m not going to interrupt you. I just wanted to let you know that we had a small Rift spike near your area. Owen’s gone to check on it.”
Jack laughed. “Thanks. I’ll let Ianto know.” He hung up and passed the news on.
“So long as Owen doesn’t make any jokes about romancing the tea boy, I think we can handle it.” Ianto smiled. “Really, this is nice. Special. Thanks, Jack.”
“Anything for you, bright eyes,” Jack responded with a wink. “Have some mousse.”
Ianto leant forward to take the sample Jack offered, but he turned his head at the last second and Jack jabbed him in the cheek. His apology died on his lips as he took in Ianto’s rapt expression. Jack flicked a glance over his shoulder, and then took a closer look.
A woman walked toward their table. As an admirer of human beauty, Jack was impressed. Dark red hair hung past her shoulders, her curves were nearly perfect, and she possessed a pair of remarkable violet eyes. Ianto was staring at her, his mouth slightly open and a glazed look in his eyes.
A pang of jealousy shot through Jack. He was confused and hurt. What was going on?
She hadn’t taken more than five steps before Ianto stood. “I have to…” he whispered before Jack could move. “She needs…” And he was gone, following the woman to the door and through it.
For a moment Jack sat stupefied. He couldn’t believe it. A moment later he was on his feet. He tossed money on the table, more than twice what the meal was worth, snatched up his coat and ran after them. He got to the door just in time to see a flap of Ianto’s suit as he vanished around the corner into an alley. Jack pulled his comm unit from his pocket and jammed it into his ear as he hurried after them. “Owen, where are you?”
Owen’s voice failed to hide his surprise. “Nearly to the spike location. Jack, what the hell…?”
“Get to my location as fast as you can. Tosh, track Ianto’s cell phone. I think he was taken by an alien. I’m following now.”
Tosh said, “Tracking. What happened, Jack? I thought you were romancing Ianto at that dinner.”
“A woman happened, that’s what. Ianto just walked away with her!” Jack reached the end of the alley and looked around frantically before he spotted the two figures to the left. He pounded after them.
“You mean he stopped looking at you long enough to be attracted to someone else?” Owen was chortling. “I bet that stings.”
“Shut up and get here. Tosh, do you have him?”
“Yes. He’s headed in the direction of the spike. No, wait. He’s stopped right on top of it!”
Jack rounded another corner. They were just in front of him. Ianto tugged on a large spherical something, pulling it free of a dumpster. The woman stood nearby. Jack drew his Webley. “Freeze!” he shouted.
She turned and saw him. Her body collapsed into something resembling a short, skinny haystack. “Don’t hurt me!” a tinny voice spoke. “Please, I just need my ship.”
“What the hell did you do to him?”
Ianto hadn’t acknowledged Jack at all. He’d managed to get the object free of the dumpster and was carefully lowering it to the ground. The alien turned. “I needed help,” it squeaked. “He appeared strong. Is he yours?”
“Yes, he’s mine. Let him go!”
The small figure jumped back. “Oh, no! I took your mate? Tell me he’s not your mate! I could be imprisoned for life if I enthralled someone’s mate.”
“He’s mine and I want him back!”
“I’m sorry! Here! Don’t tell! I’ll…” The creature dived into an opening on the side of the sphere. It sealed itself, shimmered and vanished. Ianto blinked and collapsed.
Jack caught him as he fell. “Owen, where the hell are you?”
“Nearly there.” A moment later the brakes on the SUV squealed to a stop. Jack didn’t look up from Ianto’s pale face, even when Owen knelt beside him. “Let me get a look at him.” Jack loosened his hold slightly. Owen pressed a stethoscope to Ianto’s chest and checked his breathing. “Ease up there, Captain,” he said. “He just fainted.” Owen broke a capsule under Ianto’s nose.
Ianto coughed and opened his eyes. His nose wrinkled in disgust. “Ugh! What was…?” He trailed off as he looked up at Jack. “What happened?”
“You left me for a redhead.” Jack knew he was grinning like an idiot, but he couldn’t stop. Ianto was all right!
Ianto snorted. “Impossible. I wouldn’t.”
“You did. Not your fault. She saw you and couldn’t resist taking you.”
“You’re daft.”
“Maybe, but I’m telling you this. Next Valentine’s Day, I’ll bring you all the flowers and candy you want. I’ll even make dinner and light candles. But I’m not taking chances on someone stealing you again. Next year we’re staying home.”
“Next year?” Jack watched Ianto smile his “just for you” smile. “Okay. Next year we’ll stay home.”
“How sweet,” Tosh sighed.
“How nauseating,” Owen said.
Prompt: Terrible Gift
She Had a Gift
She had a gift.
A terrible gift.
She had used it once before and condemned someone she loved to endless pain and torment. Could she do it again? Would it be the wrong thing to do – or the only way she could right the wrong she had inflicted all those years ago?
He had come again. Not the way he had before, but he was there. He’d showed her what would happen if she did. And then he showed her what would happen if she did not. Neither was perfect. There was much pain either way. It was an impossible choice, yet one he asked that she make without delay. He would give her no guidance, no advice. The choice was hers alone.
She looked at the alternatives one more time. Only one thing differed. Yet, it made all the difference. She chose. With a nod to him indicating she had reached a decision, she moved to the light and whispered.
“I Bring Life.”
----------------------------------------
Jack Harkness was numb with grief as he walked beside Gwen Cooper. He wasn’t sure who was supporting whom. He stopped when something intruded. For a moment sharp tearing pain filled him and he cried out. He heard a loud gasp from behind.
As he spun toward it, he caught what seemed to be a glimpse of himself continuing to walk with Gwen, but he was watching the red cover for Ianto’s body being shoved aside and the man underneath struggling to sit up. Heedless of the guns pointed at him, he flew back to Ianto and knelt. Ianto was coughing and blinking, but when Jack grasped his upper arms to steady him, he looked up. “Bad Wolf,” he said between coughs. “She said ‘I bring life’.”
“Rose…” Jack whispered. “She gave you back to me. Ianto…” He pulled his lover into a tight embrace, breathing his scent, feeling the steady beat of his pulse, and whispering inanities in his ear.
A sharp wind disturbed them, accompanied by the wheezing groan of an engine. They all stared as the police box materialized. The door opened and there stood the Doctor. He glanced around at the soldiers with guns and said, “Oh, put those toys down.” He flicked his screwdriver around the room.
The guns fell to the ground. Jack stood, pulling Ianto up with him. “Doctor,” he said. “Rose…”
“I know, Jack. I was there. No time for chitchat. I need you two fixed points to help me send these drug runners on their way before someone else gets hurt. Hello, Ms. Cooper.”
Jack grasped Ianto’s hand. He had the words “fixed point” clearly. Ianto was like him now, cursed with an unending life span. As they moved toward the TARDIS, he thought how terrible he should feel that Ianto was now cursed, but he couldn’t. It was wonderful.
----------------------------------------
“No, Gwen,” Ianto said patiently. “We can’t stay here.”
After the TARDIS had used Jack and Ianto as stabilization points in order to fling the invaders into the Void, the Doctor had brought them back to Cardiff to get their belongings. Jack had said his good-byes to Alice and Steven, and Ianto likewise to his sister and her family. The only hurdle now was Gwen.
“What about Torchwood?”
Jack snorted. Ianto shook his head. Again he said, “Too many people know. When it was only a local rumor about Jack’s immortality, we might have had a chance. But, not now. Too many people saw us come back to life in that room.”
Ianto felt Jack’s arm tighten around him as he said, “Gwen, you don’t understand how terrible it is to watch people you care for age and die while you remain the same. Everyone ends up resenting you, no matter how much they don’t want to. Don’t say you won’t, because I know you will.”
“Besides,” Ianto pointed out, “our being here puts you and Rhys and your baby at risk.”
“He’s right, Gwen.” Rhys spoke for the first time. “We’re not immortal. You don’t want that.”
“No,” she said, shoulders slumping in defeat. “I see that. But, it’s still terrible.”
----------------------------------------
At the end of the Universe, the Doctor sat near the Face of Boe. “…So you see, I felt I had no choice. I had to ask Rose to bring Ianto back. It was a terrible thing to do to her, but the TARDIS made it possible. It was a terrible thing to do to you two as well. I know it and I’ll have that burden the rest of my existence. I sacrificed you for the good of the many.”
The Face of Boe was as impassive as ever, but he said softly, “It is so long ago that I was two that I scarcely remember. Although I can still do some things to recall.” As the Doctor watched, the clear irises of the large eyes changed. One became the cerulean blue of a morning sky on ancient Earth, while the other became the deep azure of the oceans of that same planet. There was a trace of amusement in the deep voice as he continued, “It was a gift, Doctor. One that allowed us to accomplish great things and to be together until the end. We are one now, and as one, I shall finally leave this existence behind.”
“So, am I forgiven for this terrible gift?”
“The beauty outweighed the terrible. For that, I thank you. Good-bye, my friend.”
“Good-bye, Boe.”
tonjavmoore Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Torchwood doesn't belong to me. Sadly.
A/N: Okay, I will admit it up front: short fiction is not what I'm good at. I don't really like any of these, which is why I'm not posting them to any communities, but just here for my friends. I simply cannot say what I want to say in less than a thousand words. It all gets crowded together and never comes out the way I want it to. I joined the community to try and force myself, but it isn't working very well. So how do you tell a story in less than a thousand words? Any hints would be very helpful, since I'm at a loss. I've written these by just saying what I want and then whacking it down to the right length, but that's obviously the wrong way to do it. Anyway, here they are.
Prompt: The Right Time to Lie
I'm Glad
It was one hour, forty-three minutes, and sixteen seconds before Jack came out of his office after the fight with Gwen. It couldn’t exactly be called a fight, Ianto supposed. She had refused to use Retcon on Rhys and Jack had caved in and acquiesced. It was more along the lines of an “uncomfortable incident.” Certainly it had made Owen and Tosh uncomfortable. Ianto wasn’t sure exactly what he himself was feeling. Disquiet? Jealousy? Annoyance? Disappointment? It was difficult to label it exactly.
All he knew for certain was that Jack might need him when he came out of whatever it was. He had waited here instead of going back to his flat. It wasn’t altruism; he knew he’d just worry unless and until Jack had come. It was more productive to worry here while he could do things to distract.
Although he could hear Jack coming closer, Ianto did not turn his chair. Only when he felt the hand on his shoulder did he look up. Jack’s expression surprised him. He looked… haunted. Ianto stood and pulled Jack close. Jack returned the embrace, burrowing his face into Ianto’s neck. He felt Jack’s lips pressing gentle kisses to his skin. That was Jack’s way of saying “I’m sorry.”
Ianto turned his head enough to lightly kiss Jack’s cheek. “Apology accepted,” said the kiss. “We’re okay.”
Jack heaved a sigh of relief and backed out of the embrace. He took hold of Ianto’s hand and led him to the sofa. Once they were both sat, he twisted so that his head ended up on Ianto’s lap. This was another piece of Jack-speak: “I want to tell you something, but I can’t find the words.”
Ianto waited. He was good at waiting. He stroked Jack’s hair to reassure him.
Finally Jack asked, “Did Owen look you over before he left?”
“Yep,” Ianto replied. “Just the usual crop of bumps and bruises. He put some of that magic cream he has on my wrists.”
Jack brought up Ianto’s hand and tugged his shirt cuff back to examine the bandage. Sighing, he kissed the skin just above it. “Does it hurt?”
Ianto raised an eyebrow at him. “A bit. But I’ve had practice getting out of ropes, you know. And silk ties.”
He was rewarded by a flicker of a smile. It vanished almost as soon as it came. “I counted the shots,” Jack said. “There was a bullet left in the clip. He could have killed you.”
With a smile of his own, Ianto said, “I know. But he didn’t. The gun misfired. I’m fine.”
“Good.”
Jack placed Ianto’s hand carefully over his heart. Another long pause ensued. Ianto waited some more. When Jack spoke again, his voice was strained. “I hate it when people walk away. It’s horrible when they die and I hate that, too. But when they walk away, it’s worse.”
This was what Jack had wanted him to know. Ianto caught a glimmer of what had really happened. Jack continued, “I was tired, you’d nearly been killed, I had to send you after those bastards, Tosh and I were nearly crushed, and we couldn’t save the creature. In spite of everything, we couldn’t save it.”
Ianto cupped Jack’s cheek. “I wish it could have been different.”
“So do I. Anyway, when Gwen came marching in here and threw that tantrum, it was too much. I was afraid of someone else walking out on me and I gave into the fear instead of holding my ground. I’d have done the same for Owen or Tosh if they threatened me that way. I know they probably don’t believe it, but it’s true.” Jack’s eyes grew softer. “If it had been you, I would have put you in a cell until I could convince you not to leave me.”
Ianto smiled. He only ever smiled that way at Jack. “I’m not going to leave you. Not as long as you need me.”
“Have… have you ever thought about it?”
The last thing Jack needed right now was a dissection of their complicated relationship. Ianto knew it wasn’t the right time to tell the whole truth. He hated to lie outright, so he compromised. “Just after you left with the Doctor, I seriously considered it. Go live somewhere like Canada, marry a sweet girl with rosy cheeks, have my 2.3 children, get a job as a librarian or something. It would have been a much simpler life.”
“What stopped you?”
“I thought – it was just a thought – when you came back, you might be glad to see me.”
Jack’s smile was blinding as his teeth caught the light. He sat up and Ianto found himself being kissed passionately. He returned passion for passion. “Yeah,” Jack said when they came back up for air. “Yeah, I was really glad to see you. Let’s go to bed so I can show you just how glad I am.”
“Best offer I’ve had all day.” Ianto was relieved. “I’ll show you how glad I am that you’re glad,” he added with a bit of a leer.
The smile widened into a grin. “Sounds great to me. Let’s go.”
Prompt: Valentine's Day
Stop!
Jack looked across the table at Ianto. His lover was smiling as he surveyed the restaurant. It was a special St. Valentine’s Day dinner; the room was filled with flowers, soft music, and the meals were made for sharing. Jack had been looking forward to bringing Ianto here all week as a surprise date. It was a treat to see the glow when their eyes met across the table.
They had just been served their desserts when Jack’s phone beeped. He glared at it for a moment and answered. “Whatcha got, Tosh?” he said as he reached for Ianto’s hand, squeezing it. “Better be Earth exploding.”
He heard Tosh’s quiet chuckle. “I’m not going to interrupt you. I just wanted to let you know that we had a small Rift spike near your area. Owen’s gone to check on it.”
Jack laughed. “Thanks. I’ll let Ianto know.” He hung up and passed the news on.
“So long as Owen doesn’t make any jokes about romancing the tea boy, I think we can handle it.” Ianto smiled. “Really, this is nice. Special. Thanks, Jack.”
“Anything for you, bright eyes,” Jack responded with a wink. “Have some mousse.”
Ianto leant forward to take the sample Jack offered, but he turned his head at the last second and Jack jabbed him in the cheek. His apology died on his lips as he took in Ianto’s rapt expression. Jack flicked a glance over his shoulder, and then took a closer look.
A woman walked toward their table. As an admirer of human beauty, Jack was impressed. Dark red hair hung past her shoulders, her curves were nearly perfect, and she possessed a pair of remarkable violet eyes. Ianto was staring at her, his mouth slightly open and a glazed look in his eyes.
A pang of jealousy shot through Jack. He was confused and hurt. What was going on?
She hadn’t taken more than five steps before Ianto stood. “I have to…” he whispered before Jack could move. “She needs…” And he was gone, following the woman to the door and through it.
For a moment Jack sat stupefied. He couldn’t believe it. A moment later he was on his feet. He tossed money on the table, more than twice what the meal was worth, snatched up his coat and ran after them. He got to the door just in time to see a flap of Ianto’s suit as he vanished around the corner into an alley. Jack pulled his comm unit from his pocket and jammed it into his ear as he hurried after them. “Owen, where are you?”
Owen’s voice failed to hide his surprise. “Nearly to the spike location. Jack, what the hell…?”
“Get to my location as fast as you can. Tosh, track Ianto’s cell phone. I think he was taken by an alien. I’m following now.”
Tosh said, “Tracking. What happened, Jack? I thought you were romancing Ianto at that dinner.”
“A woman happened, that’s what. Ianto just walked away with her!” Jack reached the end of the alley and looked around frantically before he spotted the two figures to the left. He pounded after them.
“You mean he stopped looking at you long enough to be attracted to someone else?” Owen was chortling. “I bet that stings.”
“Shut up and get here. Tosh, do you have him?”
“Yes. He’s headed in the direction of the spike. No, wait. He’s stopped right on top of it!”
Jack rounded another corner. They were just in front of him. Ianto tugged on a large spherical something, pulling it free of a dumpster. The woman stood nearby. Jack drew his Webley. “Freeze!” he shouted.
She turned and saw him. Her body collapsed into something resembling a short, skinny haystack. “Don’t hurt me!” a tinny voice spoke. “Please, I just need my ship.”
“What the hell did you do to him?”
Ianto hadn’t acknowledged Jack at all. He’d managed to get the object free of the dumpster and was carefully lowering it to the ground. The alien turned. “I needed help,” it squeaked. “He appeared strong. Is he yours?”
“Yes, he’s mine. Let him go!”
The small figure jumped back. “Oh, no! I took your mate? Tell me he’s not your mate! I could be imprisoned for life if I enthralled someone’s mate.”
“He’s mine and I want him back!”
“I’m sorry! Here! Don’t tell! I’ll…” The creature dived into an opening on the side of the sphere. It sealed itself, shimmered and vanished. Ianto blinked and collapsed.
Jack caught him as he fell. “Owen, where the hell are you?”
“Nearly there.” A moment later the brakes on the SUV squealed to a stop. Jack didn’t look up from Ianto’s pale face, even when Owen knelt beside him. “Let me get a look at him.” Jack loosened his hold slightly. Owen pressed a stethoscope to Ianto’s chest and checked his breathing. “Ease up there, Captain,” he said. “He just fainted.” Owen broke a capsule under Ianto’s nose.
Ianto coughed and opened his eyes. His nose wrinkled in disgust. “Ugh! What was…?” He trailed off as he looked up at Jack. “What happened?”
“You left me for a redhead.” Jack knew he was grinning like an idiot, but he couldn’t stop. Ianto was all right!
Ianto snorted. “Impossible. I wouldn’t.”
“You did. Not your fault. She saw you and couldn’t resist taking you.”
“You’re daft.”
“Maybe, but I’m telling you this. Next Valentine’s Day, I’ll bring you all the flowers and candy you want. I’ll even make dinner and light candles. But I’m not taking chances on someone stealing you again. Next year we’re staying home.”
“Next year?” Jack watched Ianto smile his “just for you” smile. “Okay. Next year we’ll stay home.”
“How sweet,” Tosh sighed.
“How nauseating,” Owen said.
Prompt: Terrible Gift
She Had a Gift
She had a gift.
A terrible gift.
She had used it once before and condemned someone she loved to endless pain and torment. Could she do it again? Would it be the wrong thing to do – or the only way she could right the wrong she had inflicted all those years ago?
He had come again. Not the way he had before, but he was there. He’d showed her what would happen if she did. And then he showed her what would happen if she did not. Neither was perfect. There was much pain either way. It was an impossible choice, yet one he asked that she make without delay. He would give her no guidance, no advice. The choice was hers alone.
She looked at the alternatives one more time. Only one thing differed. Yet, it made all the difference. She chose. With a nod to him indicating she had reached a decision, she moved to the light and whispered.
“I Bring Life.”
----------------------------------------
Jack Harkness was numb with grief as he walked beside Gwen Cooper. He wasn’t sure who was supporting whom. He stopped when something intruded. For a moment sharp tearing pain filled him and he cried out. He heard a loud gasp from behind.
As he spun toward it, he caught what seemed to be a glimpse of himself continuing to walk with Gwen, but he was watching the red cover for Ianto’s body being shoved aside and the man underneath struggling to sit up. Heedless of the guns pointed at him, he flew back to Ianto and knelt. Ianto was coughing and blinking, but when Jack grasped his upper arms to steady him, he looked up. “Bad Wolf,” he said between coughs. “She said ‘I bring life’.”
“Rose…” Jack whispered. “She gave you back to me. Ianto…” He pulled his lover into a tight embrace, breathing his scent, feeling the steady beat of his pulse, and whispering inanities in his ear.
A sharp wind disturbed them, accompanied by the wheezing groan of an engine. They all stared as the police box materialized. The door opened and there stood the Doctor. He glanced around at the soldiers with guns and said, “Oh, put those toys down.” He flicked his screwdriver around the room.
The guns fell to the ground. Jack stood, pulling Ianto up with him. “Doctor,” he said. “Rose…”
“I know, Jack. I was there. No time for chitchat. I need you two fixed points to help me send these drug runners on their way before someone else gets hurt. Hello, Ms. Cooper.”
Jack grasped Ianto’s hand. He had the words “fixed point” clearly. Ianto was like him now, cursed with an unending life span. As they moved toward the TARDIS, he thought how terrible he should feel that Ianto was now cursed, but he couldn’t. It was wonderful.
----------------------------------------
“No, Gwen,” Ianto said patiently. “We can’t stay here.”
After the TARDIS had used Jack and Ianto as stabilization points in order to fling the invaders into the Void, the Doctor had brought them back to Cardiff to get their belongings. Jack had said his good-byes to Alice and Steven, and Ianto likewise to his sister and her family. The only hurdle now was Gwen.
“What about Torchwood?”
Jack snorted. Ianto shook his head. Again he said, “Too many people know. When it was only a local rumor about Jack’s immortality, we might have had a chance. But, not now. Too many people saw us come back to life in that room.”
Ianto felt Jack’s arm tighten around him as he said, “Gwen, you don’t understand how terrible it is to watch people you care for age and die while you remain the same. Everyone ends up resenting you, no matter how much they don’t want to. Don’t say you won’t, because I know you will.”
“Besides,” Ianto pointed out, “our being here puts you and Rhys and your baby at risk.”
“He’s right, Gwen.” Rhys spoke for the first time. “We’re not immortal. You don’t want that.”
“No,” she said, shoulders slumping in defeat. “I see that. But, it’s still terrible.”
----------------------------------------
At the end of the Universe, the Doctor sat near the Face of Boe. “…So you see, I felt I had no choice. I had to ask Rose to bring Ianto back. It was a terrible thing to do to her, but the TARDIS made it possible. It was a terrible thing to do to you two as well. I know it and I’ll have that burden the rest of my existence. I sacrificed you for the good of the many.”
The Face of Boe was as impassive as ever, but he said softly, “It is so long ago that I was two that I scarcely remember. Although I can still do some things to recall.” As the Doctor watched, the clear irises of the large eyes changed. One became the cerulean blue of a morning sky on ancient Earth, while the other became the deep azure of the oceans of that same planet. There was a trace of amusement in the deep voice as he continued, “It was a gift, Doctor. One that allowed us to accomplish great things and to be together until the end. We are one now, and as one, I shall finally leave this existence behind.”
“So, am I forgiven for this terrible gift?”
“The beauty outweighed the terrible. For that, I thank you. Good-bye, my friend.”
“Good-bye, Boe.”
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2011-03-29 04:22 pm (UTC)I'm not really a ficlet fan, so I don't read the LAS fics unless my f-list post theirs in their journals
(no subject)
Date: 2011-03-29 04:47 pm (UTC)Thank you, by the way. I'm glad you think they are well-written. It's hard for me to tell when I don't like to read them.
PTWFuaiTDG
Date: 2013-04-11 11:27 am (UTC)TW3 Newsletter question
Date: 2011-03-29 10:36 pm (UTC)Thanks,
Danni
RRAoXdPztDKxncN
Date: 2013-04-11 03:26 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-03-30 01:10 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-03-30 06:24 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-04-05 07:55 pm (UTC)The first one, I really liked Jack's explanation for the way he reacted to Gwen's demands. His reasons here are ones I can accept and understand. I also liked the way Ianto is fluent in Jack's body language. As an observant man, that strikes as very true.
The second... well, what's not to like about Jack taking Ianto out for a romantic Valentine's day meal? The alien was great, using some kind of illusion to get the help it needed, and then feeling so bad about it when it realised it had stolen Jack's mate. Laws about that kind of thing must be very strict where it comes from! I loved Jack's insistence that next year they'll celebrate Valentine's Day at home. It does my heart good to think that Jack fully expects them to still be together in a year!
The third is great because it fixes some of what was wrong in CoE - Ianto lives, the Doctor arrives to help, and Steven isn't sacrifed. I also like the way it spans time, with Jack and Ianto physically becoming one at some point in their long lives, and finally ending their existence together. I've never been really sure how I feel about Jack as Boe, but somehow it's better thinking that they both are. Together until the end. It satisfies the romantic in me.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-04-05 09:16 pm (UTC)I had to come up with the bizarre behavior of Jack towards Gwen in Meat. And the "Give Rhys my love" comment. I couldn't figure that out at all. I still can't. It's not a Jack thing to say. (It's a John thing, maybe?) I figure by now Ianto has learned the cues that Jack gives when he doesn't want to talk.
I love my little alien in Stop! I'm going to use that race again. I swear. And yes, the penalties for enthralling someone's mate can be anywhere from 20-life, with possible execution. I always figured that if you lived in a society where that kind of thing was possible (I've read a few books in which it is) that there would have to be very strict rules about what is and is not acceptable. Otherwise, it would be just chaos.
In retrospect, I think I should have done the the third one all from the Doctor's point of view talking to my Janto!Boe. And, I have a plot bunny for a real story in which the fusion could happen. choccy_girl was feeding it carrots yesterday.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-04-05 09:40 pm (UTC)Some people are good at writing long fics, some are better with short fics and some excel at drabbles (something I could never do). It's good because it means plenty of variety in types of story. Right now, I only really have time to read short one-shots, so I'm grateful there are so many. I can't write long, chaptered fics, all mine are one-shots of varying lengths. I don't know how to write short fics, although I have written several that are less than 1000 words. They just came out that way. Others came out at over 5000 words. I don't think I could write to order though, whether that means to a prompt or to a pre-determined length. When I get time to write, I get what I get, then just tidy it up. I don't think there are any hard and fast rules for writing short fic, or even usable guidelines. Writing in general mystifies me. I'm surprised every time I find I've written something *shrug*
Are you still in the LAS?
(no subject)
Date: 2011-04-06 03:55 am (UTC)For me, it's just easier to write a story that's longer and has more substance. I'm just not that great at capturing a moment out of context. I think it's wonderful that people can! Just looks like I'm not cut out for it.
Of course, because I write these long fics, it's a while between postings. I'm hesitant to post a WIP unless I'm done or at least nearly.
I like your fics. Keep on posting.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-04-06 09:54 am (UTC)I always worry that WiPs I'm reading will get abandoned and never finished. That seems to happen to a lot of them, so it's good to know that yours will be finished before posting. I suppose that's why I only write one-shots - even though they often link together, I try to make each one a self-contained story, but I can continue within the 'verse whenever I have time. Most of my stories are in the same 'verse (except A Hero's Return), but a lot are pre-Nosy. I think it would be impossible to write something after Nosy joins the team without at least mentioning it!
Glad to hear you're still in LAS, and good luck with the next round. I'm not voting simply because I don't have time to read all the stories. There are so many! Many next year I'll have time to read and vote.
GZDRpKSdUKTBp
Date: 2013-04-09 06:04 pm (UTC)TtRhCxPhqzOEW
Date: 2013-04-11 09:26 am (UTC)