Title: Never Did Run Smooth – Chapter 19 (of 22)
Rating: R
Words: Each chapter ~1000 words
Characters: Jack/Ianto
Genre: AU, angst, H/C
Spoilers: TW S1 & S2 (some references to Jack’s time with the Doctor)
Disclaimer: All the wishing in the world won’t make Torchwood mine.
Summary: AU which explores what could have happened if Jack had refused to hire Ianto even after capturing Myfanwy. Years later, while conducting an inspection of UNIT, Jack spots a prisoner being transferred who catches his eye…
Beta: My dearest friend,quaintheart.
A/N: This story is complete and beta’d. I will be posting regularly. Feel free to friend me.
Previous chapters at my Master List 

A/N 2: This chapter is a little longer in size. After reading the comments you left Monday, I sat down and wrote an additional 1200 words. See! Your comments do have power. I take your feedback very seriously. Thanks everyone. Enjoy. ;)

Chapter 19

 Jack sat there for hours trying to figure out if Ianto was genuine or manipulating him. Ianto had always seemed resigned to his fate. He’d never once tried to weasel his way out of his punishment. Jack pulled his legs up to his chest and hugged them, resting his chin on his knees. He stared at the wall wishing he could look directly into the other man’s mind. His instincts said he could trust him, but he’d been wrong far too many times to go on that. In the end Jack decided that Ianto hadn’t done anything to earn his mistrust. 

Jack tried to put his mind onto other things but it inevitably wandered back to Ianto. Jack’s stomach tightened and lust shot through his body at the memory of Ianto’s lips on his; soft and needy. Before he knew it, he was out of his seat and making his way back to the bed. Ianto was moving about anxiously as though nightmares had invaded his dreams. Jack climbed in beside him and as his arm slid around the restless body, Ianto’s distressed movements stilled and a contented sigh fell from his lips.

Jack could tell Ianto was deep in sleep so he gave himself permission to study the other man; half hoping he’d stay asleep and half desperate for him to wake so that Jack could touch him and kiss him; wringing forgiveness out of him. Ianto’s continuing exhaustion won out and he remained unaware of Jack’s intense gaze watching him in the darkness of the room. 

Ianto was curled on his side, his legs pulled up almost to his chest. His neck was twisted though so that Jack could easily see his features from his position behind the other man. Jack molded his body against Ianto’s, bringing them as close together as he possibly could; his face close enough to Ianto’s that their breaths blended together. His eyes on the face before him; Jack slowly inched his hand off Ianto’s waist and down his arm to carefully grasp the hand that rested limp against the mattress. He engulfed Ianto’s hand in his own, feeling it tighten reflexively in return. Jack’s eyes fluttered closed; overwhelmed by the pleasure that coursed through him from the simple act of holding Ianto’s hand.

Jack felt sleep creeping up on him, but before he succumbed, he leant down and trailed his lips against the smooth skin of Ianto’s neck before pressing his nose against him and breathing deeply. He wanted to imprint Ianto’s scent in his mind; not Ianto wet and covered in soap, like he’d been in the shower; but this Ianto, just as he was. Jack envisioned all his desires for that neck; biting it, licking it, sucking bruises onto it that he could stare at the next day, fueling his burning desire; but for now he pulled back to just gaze at the gorgeous lines of it. He’d messed up with Ianto tonight and tomorrow he would have to make things better. He just hoped that his paranoia hadn’t ruined his chances; he couldn’t allow that to happen.

Jack woke, surprised once again by how long he’d slept and pleased to find Ianto’s limbs entangled with his own, his face pressed gently into Jack’s chest. Jack watched him as Ianto slowly stirred. 

“Good morning gorgeous.”

Ianto pulled away quickly before flashing Jack a tight smile, eyes guarded. “Jack. Sorry I…” he didn’t finish his sentence but turned to go into the bathroom. Unlike previous times, Ianto closed the door behind him. Jack groaned and ran his hand down his face, kicking himself for potentially ruining his chances to get closer to Ianto. After several moments of silence, Jack heard the sound of the shower start. Jack noticed the plastic bags and ties that Kenneth had left for Ianto to use in order to keep his cast dry. He grabbed one and knocked quietly on the bathroom door. He held his breath while waiting to see if Ianto would answer. When he heard nothing, he spoke to the shut door.

“Ianto, I… I have something to cover your cast. It will make things easier. Open the door… please.”

Another second and Ianto’s reply could just be heard over the sound of the water.

“It’s unlocked.” Was all he said.

Jack slowly opened the door to see Ianto standing stiffly facing the sink and small utilitarian mirror. His scarred upper torso was bared. After the beating, the medics had dressed Ianto in a simple pair of track pants and a white short-sleeved shirt. The shirt lay in a pile at Ianto’s feet. Jack’s eyes roamed sadly over Ianto’s chest and back. The fresh bruises inflicted by Harris did nothing to hide the scars and burns long since healed, but which would probably never fade.

Ianto refused to look in Jack’s direction but wordlessly held out his broken arm and Jack stepped closer to tie the bag securely in place. That done, he turned and left the room, closing the door behind him. Jack wanted to do something, anything he could to turn back time and recover the companionable friendship they’d shared just a few hours ago. Remembering the way Ianto had looked at his shirt the night before, Jack flew to the bed and tugged the suitcase out from under it. He skimmed quickly through his clothes and pulled out his favorite blue shirt which he hadn’t yet worn on this trip. It was one of his oldest and most comfortable pieces of clothing. He wished he had a spare belt so that he could give Ianto a pair of his trousers as well, but as they were, Ianto would have no way to keep them from sliding down his far too slim hips.

Jack slipped into the bathroom and placed the neatly folded shirt on the counter top and paused trying to decide whether or not to remove the white shirt on the floor. Jack decided that removing Ianto’s choices was not the best way to extend the olive branch, so he left it where it was and hoped Ianto didn’t hate him so much that he rejected his gift.

Jack sat nervously waiting for Ianto to emerge from the bathroom.  The shower had stopped and Ianto never needed much time to get ready. Breakfast arrived and moments later Ianto emerged, his hair wet and adorably tousled. He was wearing Jack’s shirt, but it hung open at his chest. Jack cursed under his breath. He’d forgotten that Ianto would have difficulty with the buttons. Ianto stood uncomfortably, staring at his bare feet, seemingly unwilling to speak first. Jack rose and moved towards him, watching for any sign that his presence was causing the other man distress. Other than refusing to meet Jack’s eyes and the stiffness in his back, Ianto’s stance never changed. Jack deftly buttoned up the pale blue shirt and left it hanging un-tucked. 

 

“Looks good on you. Well, it looked good on me; on you it looks hot.”

Ianto moved around him and crossed over to the table to eat his breakfast. Jack’s throat tightened and he found it hard to swallow. He took several deep breaths to abate the remorse that flooded through him and went to join Ianto.

They ate in silence although Jack picked at his food more than he ate it. Jack missed talking to Ianto; missed the sound of his voice, deep and gentle. He wanted to know everything there was to know about him and more than that, he found himself wanting to share his own hidden secrets. He wanted to know Ianto and wanted Ianto to know him back.

He doubted that would happen now. He’d fucked up because of his mistrust and Ianto was probably too hurt to allow attempts at reconciliation. It took three attempts before Jack was able to swallow his bite of toast past the lump in his throat. He slumped discouraged in his chair and passed a weary hand over his eyes, sighing. Ianto cleared his throat and tentatively reached out to covered Jack’s other hand with his own, holding it gently. 

“Thanks for the shirt Jack. I… it’s been a long time since anyone’s given me anything. It was really thoughtful of you.”

Jack looked at Ianto’s wary eyes and smiled; just a little, to test the waters. A smile slowly spread across Ianto’s face, hesitant at first, but quickening as his body relaxed and his fingers tightened around Jack’s. Jack’s smile burst into life and he grinned at the other man leaning forward and daring to stoke the back of his hand with his thumb.

And just like that, the tension was gone and they returned to the easy comradeship that had existed before the kiss. It concerned Jack that Ianto had been so quick to forgive but he wasn’t going to question the gift that he’d been so desperate for.  Perhaps Ianto had a talent for reading Jack’s moods and had sensed his regret.  Whatever the reason, Jack was thrilled and buried his worries.

For a time they just seemed to stare at each other until Ianto’s cheeks began to redden and he turned back to his food. Jack knew his full attention had a flustering effect on people and enjoyed watching the effects. Ianto drew his hand back to retrieve his knife and breakfast continued.

“So you’re leaving today?” It was a statement more than a question.

“That’s the plan.” Ianto seemed to want to ask more, but fiddled with his cup instead. Jack really had no answers for him, so volunteered nothing. “I’m going to meet with the Brigadier this morning,” as if that explained enough without actually explaining anything.

Ianto nodded his understanding. After a few more minutes of comfortable silence he spoke again. “He won’t tell you anything, you know; the Brigadier. He doesn’t want you knowing anymore than I do. Less probably.”

“Why?”

Ianto gave him that look again, the same look he’d given Jack in the park two years ago when Jack had pretended not to know what a weevil was.

“Right, sorry, sorry.” Jack laughed.    Ianto seemed even better at keeping secrets than he was. “Well, I’m off. I’ll be back soon. Rest, okay?” As Jack passed Ianto he leaned down and placed a kiss on his forehead. Drawing back, he noticed that Ianto’s eyes had closed and he looked pleased and pained at the same time. Ianto made his way back to the bed, moving far more easily than he had the day before. Jack was relieved to see the progress he was making.

He greeted the two guards outside his room with a cheery good morning and made his way to the Brigadier’s office. Normally he would have just let himself in, not even remotely intimidated enough to follow proper decorum, but very soon he might find himself asking for favors that the Brigadier would in no ways be pleased to allow, so Jack chose to knock respectfully.

He entered at the Brigadier’s bidding and sat across from him, trying his best to be casual. “Look Captain Harkness, I’m terribly sorry but I’ve been unable to obtain the information you requested. Have a lovely drive back to Cardiff. Don’t worry; Jones will be well taken care of. I’ll personally make sure that he’s fully healed before he re-enters his confinement.”

Jack leaned back in his chair and smiled coldly. “Alistair… I may call you Alistair, right? Here’s the thing. I’m not leaving without that information. You can stall all you like, but I will not be dissuaded. I will find out what you’re trying to hide, so it would be easier all around if you just came out and told me the truth.”

The Brigadier fumed, “You don’t scare me Captain. Wait all you like. Eventually something will come up in Cardiff and you’ll be forced to go back. I can wait longer than you can.”

“We’ll see,” Jack said, standing. “I don’t think anyone can wait as long as I can. I’ll be in my rooms when you change your mind. Good day.”

Well, that could have gone better, he thought as he made his way back. Stepping inside, Ianto looked up at him from his place on the bed. His eyebrow said, I told you so, which frustrated Jack but calmed him at the same time because that eyebrow was just so cute.

Jack marched over to the bed imitating the Brigadier. It was a terrible impression, but Ianto found it hilarious. He burst out laughing, wincing as his ribs ached in his body. Their eyes met and Jack thought there was no lovelier sight in the world than that smile. He was in awe at having been the one to cause it and smiled brightly back, happier than he’d been in a very long time and overwhelmed with gratitude that Ianto had forgiven him for his rejection the night before.

He almost didn’t notice his phone ringing a second later because Ianto was still smiling at him and it was terribly distracting. Copying the Brigadier’s voice Jack answered, setting them both off laughing. 

“Captain Harkness speaking,” he was barely able to get the words out, fighting to restrain his mirth. 

Jack? It’s Tosh. I found that information you wanted, but you’re not going to like it…

Chapter 20