Fic: Vizzini's Rule (33/105)
Aug. 2nd, 2008 06:04 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
buttononthetopTitle: Vizzini's Rule, Chapter 33, Part 2
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: A little bit o' violence
Spoilers: Season One thru Greeks Bearing Gifts (1x7)
Disclaimer: Torchwood and all its wonderfulness belong to Russell T. Davies and the Mighty Beeb. Just goofin' around! All ©’s to Toby Whithouse for dialogue and thoughts borrowed from Greeks Bearing Gifts.
Summary: In which Tosh has a worse day than Ianto...
Notes: The rest of Greeks Bearing Gifts. Thanks so much to everyone who's reading!! :o)
Previous Chapters
Vizzini's Rule: Chapter Thirty-Three, Part Two
“Jack?” Gwen called before she caught sight of Ianto who waved her over to join them at the medical bay.
Jack caught Gwen up quickly and then explained his plan for dealing with this alien. “All clear? Ianto, you tell me the minute you see Tosh. That alien needs a way in here and I have a really bad feeling that it’s going to be through her.”
“Tosh?” Gwen exclaimed. “What does–”
“Later,” Jack said. “I have a few more adjustments to make on the transport. Gwen, with me. You two, get to your posts!”
Jack brushed past Ianto and grabbed Gwen’s elbow, leading her quickly to the work area where the transport was set up. Ianto watched the two of them working side by side for a moment, trying to squash the jealousy roiling about his in stomach. He glanced to his left and saw Owen standing next to him, the exact same look on his face. He looked away, knowing the doctor wouldn’t appreciate being caught staring. Ianto cleared his throat and said, “Well, better get situated.”
Owen jumped a little and then looked at Ianto and nodded. As they made their way across the Hub, Ianto caught a glimpse of movement on his screen. He ran the computer over to Jack.
“I hope you’re about finished, sir,” he said, pointing at Tosh and a blonde woman getting into Tosh’s car.
“That’s gotta be her. She was at the site when we uncovered this thing.” At Owen’s disbelieving look, Jack said, “Oh come on! Me not notice a hot blonde like that?” He laughed and then caught Ianto’s eye and turned the laugh into a cough. “Remember I want her in the Hub so you stay back until I signal.”
Once he reached his designated spot near the interrogation room, Ianto kept fiddling with his laptop, trying to follow Tosh and the other woman through the traffic.
They waited until Jack’s signal and then locked down the Hub and headed in for backup. Jack had the alien distracted, explaining her history to them. For a while it was all just talking and then Tosh yelled, “Owen, no!” even though Owen was just standing there. Then, in another second, Tosh had a knife pressed to her throat.
Ianto froze. Not again, please God! Not again, he thought.
He couldn’t focus on anything except the blade against Tosh’s neck. The others were talking, trying to get the alien to release Tosh but Ianto was sure nothing would work. She had killed all those people, what was to stop her now? Jack, he thought, Jack.
“Keep the knife and I’ll give you the transporter myself.” Jack held out the device.
And it worked. The alien pushed Tosh away and reached for her device. Owen stepped forward to help Tosh, but she stumbled closer to Ianto who caught her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as the scene played out just the way Jack had planned.
When the transporter engaged and the alien vanished in a flash of bright light, Tosh pulled away from Ianto to confront Jack.
“What did she… has she gone home?”
“I reset the coordinates,” Jack said matter-of-factly.
“Where to?” she asked.
Jack looked squarely at Tosh. “To the center of the sun. It shouldn’t be hot,” he continued in a sarcastic tone. “I mean, we sent her there at night and everything.”
Tosh nodded, tears starting to fall. “You killed her.”
“Yes!” Jack said harshly. He turned and walked quickly away from Tosh who stood, looking up to where the alien had vanished, tears rolling down her cheeks. Ianto stepped forward to place his arm around her shoulder. Tosh crumpled onto his chest, sobbing quietly. Ianto drew her away from the others, giving her a moment to grieve as he held her close.
Ianto saw Jack approach them and held Tosh closer. Jack must have noted Ianto’s protective stance, because he slowed his steps and spoke more gently than Ianto believed he had intended. “I need a full debriefing, the sooner the better. The mind-reading, everything you can tell us about her, Tosh. Ianto, would you?”
Nodding, Ianto escorted Tosh to the conference room and gave her a moment to compose herself while he made some tea. Jack appeared at his elbow the moment the door to the conference room was closed.
“Can you handle this, Ianto?” he asked quietly.
Bristling, Ianto replied, “Yes, sir. I’m quite capable of taking Tosh’s statement.” He looked Jack in the eye. “I can handle quite a bit more than you seem to think, when given the opportunity and a say in the matter.”
Jack looked sad. “Ianto, I was only–”
The kettle whistled and Ianto turned his back on Jack to make the tea. Jack was still standing there, watching him when he had finished. “If you’ll excuse me, sir?”
Jack looked like he wanted to stop Ianto, but merely stepped out of his way.
Ianto took his time with Tosh, letting her talk at her own pace, trying not to just fire questions at her the way he knew Jack would have. When Ianto closed his notebook and gave Tosh a smile, she reached over to place her hand on his.
“I know you’re still hurting, Ianto. Is there anything I can do?”
Ianto covered Tosh’s small hand with his own. “Trust you to worry about someone else after all you’ve just been through. It’s getting better, Tosh, I promise. I just had a bad day, that’s all.”
“If I can help?”
“First to know,” Ianto promised, “if you’ll do the same?”
Tosh nodded. She glanced out the door where Owen and Gwen were lurking. “Better go face the music. Thanks, Ianto. You made this a lot easier than it could have been.”
“You’re welcome,” he said smiling sympathetically. He stayed behind, tidying up his notes and adding a few comments. He had a feeling no one wanted him to overhear the conversation taking place on the walkway. Once everyone else had scattered, Ianto cleaned up the conference room and shut off the lights, closing up the Hub as he made his way to Jack’s office.
A quick check on the CCTV showed Jack and Tosh talking out on the Plass. Ianto was relieved to see them smiling a bit, glad for Jack’s sake that Tosh seemed to understand his decision. But watching Jack as he talked to Tosh, seeing kindness and consideration from Jack again made Ianto’s heart ache. This was the Jack who woke him from his nightmares and held him close. This was the Jack who laughed and teased and kissed with his soul on his lips. This was the Jack Ianto was falling in love with, no matter how he tried to deny it. Ianto knew he should leave, but he also knew he couldn’t go without seeing Jack, this Jack, even if it was just for a moment.
Ianto waited in Jack’s office, ostensibly to hand in his brief for the ‘Mary’ file. He was already kicking himself for staying. He knew that Jack didn’t want to see him, but he just couldn’t stay away. The pain would come later, but it would be worth it just to have a moment alone with him. Ianto scooted down in his chair and crossed his legs, trying to get comfortable as he waited for Jack. He started to feel a little strangled by his tie, so he took it off and unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt. It felt so good to unwind that he pulled off his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves as well. He sprawled in his chair, unconsciously doing a good imitation of the Captain. He had almost dozed off when Jack finally returned.
“What are you still doing here?” Jack asked as he hung up his coat.
Ianto started and sat up. He pointed at the folder on Jack’s desk. “Wanted to make sure you got the brief. I believe it’s complete, but if you don’t trust that I did a good job you’ll want to talk to her yourself as soon as possible.” Ianto cringed at his harsh tone. Oh well, it’s better than throwing myself on my knees and begging him to change his mind, Ianto thought.
Jack sighed. “Knock it off, you know I wasn’t questioning your abilities.” He sat behind his desk and just looked at Ianto for a moment. “Believe it or not, Ianto, I’m trying to make things easier for you, not harder.”
Ianto snorted. “Then why–” Don’t ask him that, you pathetic git. He shook his head. “Never mind. I hope the file is complete. Good night, sir,” Ianto said as he stood up.
He moved to the door and heard Jack’s chair roll away from his desk. Ask me to stay, ask me to stay, Ianto begged silently.
“Ianto?” Jack said.
Ianto’s heart leaped into his throat. “Yes, sir?” he asked. Ask me to stay.
“I… uh… some things came up with the PM this afternoon. Actually the discussion got a little…well, heated.”
Ianto smiled, “I could hear you yelling from the archives.”
Jack grinned. “Are you free to meet tomorrow night to talk about some things he brought up? We could… maybe grab some dinner or something… talk about… well, whatever. Maybe head to the pub?”
Ianto looked at Jack. “You want to go to dinner to discuss the PM’s call?”
“Yeah,” Jack said, running his hand through his hair. “You know, get out of the Hub for a while.”
“That would be fine, sir. Good night.”
“Night, Ianto.”
Ianto sighed and headed back up to the Tourist Office to get his things. He locked up and drove home, speeding through the quiet streets. He didn’t bother to turn on any lights, just stripped off his clothes and climbed into bed. He hugged his pillow to him, muffling a few deep sighs as he drifted off, longing for Jack’s arms around him.
TBC in Chapter Thirty-Four
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: A little bit o' violence
Spoilers: Season One thru Greeks Bearing Gifts (1x7)
Disclaimer: Torchwood and all its wonderfulness belong to Russell T. Davies and the Mighty Beeb. Just goofin' around! All ©’s to Toby Whithouse for dialogue and thoughts borrowed from Greeks Bearing Gifts.
Summary: In which Tosh has a worse day than Ianto...
Notes: The rest of Greeks Bearing Gifts. Thanks so much to everyone who's reading!! :o)
Previous Chapters
Vizzini's Rule: Chapter Thirty-Three, Part Two
“Jack?” Gwen called before she caught sight of Ianto who waved her over to join them at the medical bay.
Jack caught Gwen up quickly and then explained his plan for dealing with this alien. “All clear? Ianto, you tell me the minute you see Tosh. That alien needs a way in here and I have a really bad feeling that it’s going to be through her.”
“Tosh?” Gwen exclaimed. “What does–”
“Later,” Jack said. “I have a few more adjustments to make on the transport. Gwen, with me. You two, get to your posts!”
Jack brushed past Ianto and grabbed Gwen’s elbow, leading her quickly to the work area where the transport was set up. Ianto watched the two of them working side by side for a moment, trying to squash the jealousy roiling about his in stomach. He glanced to his left and saw Owen standing next to him, the exact same look on his face. He looked away, knowing the doctor wouldn’t appreciate being caught staring. Ianto cleared his throat and said, “Well, better get situated.”
Owen jumped a little and then looked at Ianto and nodded. As they made their way across the Hub, Ianto caught a glimpse of movement on his screen. He ran the computer over to Jack.
“I hope you’re about finished, sir,” he said, pointing at Tosh and a blonde woman getting into Tosh’s car.
“That’s gotta be her. She was at the site when we uncovered this thing.” At Owen’s disbelieving look, Jack said, “Oh come on! Me not notice a hot blonde like that?” He laughed and then caught Ianto’s eye and turned the laugh into a cough. “Remember I want her in the Hub so you stay back until I signal.”
Once he reached his designated spot near the interrogation room, Ianto kept fiddling with his laptop, trying to follow Tosh and the other woman through the traffic.
They waited until Jack’s signal and then locked down the Hub and headed in for backup. Jack had the alien distracted, explaining her history to them. For a while it was all just talking and then Tosh yelled, “Owen, no!” even though Owen was just standing there. Then, in another second, Tosh had a knife pressed to her throat.
Ianto froze. Not again, please God! Not again, he thought.
He couldn’t focus on anything except the blade against Tosh’s neck. The others were talking, trying to get the alien to release Tosh but Ianto was sure nothing would work. She had killed all those people, what was to stop her now? Jack, he thought, Jack.
“Keep the knife and I’ll give you the transporter myself.” Jack held out the device.
And it worked. The alien pushed Tosh away and reached for her device. Owen stepped forward to help Tosh, but she stumbled closer to Ianto who caught her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as the scene played out just the way Jack had planned.
When the transporter engaged and the alien vanished in a flash of bright light, Tosh pulled away from Ianto to confront Jack.
“What did she… has she gone home?”
“I reset the coordinates,” Jack said matter-of-factly.
“Where to?” she asked.
Jack looked squarely at Tosh. “To the center of the sun. It shouldn’t be hot,” he continued in a sarcastic tone. “I mean, we sent her there at night and everything.”
Tosh nodded, tears starting to fall. “You killed her.”
“Yes!” Jack said harshly. He turned and walked quickly away from Tosh who stood, looking up to where the alien had vanished, tears rolling down her cheeks. Ianto stepped forward to place his arm around her shoulder. Tosh crumpled onto his chest, sobbing quietly. Ianto drew her away from the others, giving her a moment to grieve as he held her close.
Ianto saw Jack approach them and held Tosh closer. Jack must have noted Ianto’s protective stance, because he slowed his steps and spoke more gently than Ianto believed he had intended. “I need a full debriefing, the sooner the better. The mind-reading, everything you can tell us about her, Tosh. Ianto, would you?”
Nodding, Ianto escorted Tosh to the conference room and gave her a moment to compose herself while he made some tea. Jack appeared at his elbow the moment the door to the conference room was closed.
“Can you handle this, Ianto?” he asked quietly.
Bristling, Ianto replied, “Yes, sir. I’m quite capable of taking Tosh’s statement.” He looked Jack in the eye. “I can handle quite a bit more than you seem to think, when given the opportunity and a say in the matter.”
Jack looked sad. “Ianto, I was only–”
The kettle whistled and Ianto turned his back on Jack to make the tea. Jack was still standing there, watching him when he had finished. “If you’ll excuse me, sir?”
Jack looked like he wanted to stop Ianto, but merely stepped out of his way.
Ianto took his time with Tosh, letting her talk at her own pace, trying not to just fire questions at her the way he knew Jack would have. When Ianto closed his notebook and gave Tosh a smile, she reached over to place her hand on his.
“I know you’re still hurting, Ianto. Is there anything I can do?”
Ianto covered Tosh’s small hand with his own. “Trust you to worry about someone else after all you’ve just been through. It’s getting better, Tosh, I promise. I just had a bad day, that’s all.”
“If I can help?”
“First to know,” Ianto promised, “if you’ll do the same?”
Tosh nodded. She glanced out the door where Owen and Gwen were lurking. “Better go face the music. Thanks, Ianto. You made this a lot easier than it could have been.”
“You’re welcome,” he said smiling sympathetically. He stayed behind, tidying up his notes and adding a few comments. He had a feeling no one wanted him to overhear the conversation taking place on the walkway. Once everyone else had scattered, Ianto cleaned up the conference room and shut off the lights, closing up the Hub as he made his way to Jack’s office.
A quick check on the CCTV showed Jack and Tosh talking out on the Plass. Ianto was relieved to see them smiling a bit, glad for Jack’s sake that Tosh seemed to understand his decision. But watching Jack as he talked to Tosh, seeing kindness and consideration from Jack again made Ianto’s heart ache. This was the Jack who woke him from his nightmares and held him close. This was the Jack who laughed and teased and kissed with his soul on his lips. This was the Jack Ianto was falling in love with, no matter how he tried to deny it. Ianto knew he should leave, but he also knew he couldn’t go without seeing Jack, this Jack, even if it was just for a moment.
Ianto waited in Jack’s office, ostensibly to hand in his brief for the ‘Mary’ file. He was already kicking himself for staying. He knew that Jack didn’t want to see him, but he just couldn’t stay away. The pain would come later, but it would be worth it just to have a moment alone with him. Ianto scooted down in his chair and crossed his legs, trying to get comfortable as he waited for Jack. He started to feel a little strangled by his tie, so he took it off and unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt. It felt so good to unwind that he pulled off his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves as well. He sprawled in his chair, unconsciously doing a good imitation of the Captain. He had almost dozed off when Jack finally returned.
“What are you still doing here?” Jack asked as he hung up his coat.
Ianto started and sat up. He pointed at the folder on Jack’s desk. “Wanted to make sure you got the brief. I believe it’s complete, but if you don’t trust that I did a good job you’ll want to talk to her yourself as soon as possible.” Ianto cringed at his harsh tone. Oh well, it’s better than throwing myself on my knees and begging him to change his mind, Ianto thought.
Jack sighed. “Knock it off, you know I wasn’t questioning your abilities.” He sat behind his desk and just looked at Ianto for a moment. “Believe it or not, Ianto, I’m trying to make things easier for you, not harder.”
Ianto snorted. “Then why–” Don’t ask him that, you pathetic git. He shook his head. “Never mind. I hope the file is complete. Good night, sir,” Ianto said as he stood up.
He moved to the door and heard Jack’s chair roll away from his desk. Ask me to stay, ask me to stay, Ianto begged silently.
“Ianto?” Jack said.
Ianto’s heart leaped into his throat. “Yes, sir?” he asked. Ask me to stay.
“I… uh… some things came up with the PM this afternoon. Actually the discussion got a little…well, heated.”
Ianto smiled, “I could hear you yelling from the archives.”
Jack grinned. “Are you free to meet tomorrow night to talk about some things he brought up? We could… maybe grab some dinner or something… talk about… well, whatever. Maybe head to the pub?”
Ianto looked at Jack. “You want to go to dinner to discuss the PM’s call?”
“Yeah,” Jack said, running his hand through his hair. “You know, get out of the Hub for a while.”
“That would be fine, sir. Good night.”
“Night, Ianto.”
Ianto sighed and headed back up to the Tourist Office to get his things. He locked up and drove home, speeding through the quiet streets. He didn’t bother to turn on any lights, just stripped off his clothes and climbed into bed. He hugged his pillow to him, muffling a few deep sighs as he drifted off, longing for Jack’s arms around him.
TBC in Chapter Thirty-Four
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Date: 2008-08-03 01:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-03 05:05 pm (UTC)