buttononthetop: (Vizzini's Rule - Title)
[personal profile] buttononthetop
Title: Vizzini's Rule, Chapter 53

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Nope, not really

Spoilers: Season One thru Random Shoes (1x09) and Season Two for the episode Adrift (2x11)

Disclaimer: Torchwood and all its wonderfulness belong to Russell T. Davies and the Mighty Beeb. Just goofin' around!

Summary: In which Ianto heads back to Flat Holm...

Notes: All hail the magnificent [livejournal.com profile] butterflycell for my awesome new icon! She made me THIRTEEN of them from my Dragon*Con pics. Check my user pics if you’d like to see the rest – feel free to snag any you like, just be sure to give her credit, please and thank you!

Previous Chapters


Vizzini's Rule: Chapter Fifty-Three

Before he left the Hub, Ianto scribbled a quick note:

Jack,
Running errand. Back before midnight. Will bring dinner.
I

He scrambled down the ladder to leave it on Jack’s pillow. He grabbed his keys and his coat and headed back upstairs. A quick listen at the stairwell told him Jack was still busy decimating paper weevils, but he didn’t want to risk him hearing the door alarm so he engaged the invisible lift instead. He hurried to his car and pointed it to the west. If he remembered right, there was a Catholic church just off Cardiff Road in Dinas Powys. St. Margaret’s? St. Mary’s? He couldn’t remember the name but he was pretty sure it was there.

As he drove, Ianto tried to figure out what to say to the priest when he got there. He couldn’t very well tell him the truth and he wasn’t even sure you could get a rosary at a church, but at this time of night he couldn’t think of any other options. He tried to remember the last time he’d been in a church, let alone a Catholic church. It must have been Barry and Jessie’s wedding, he thought. It had been his first official date with Lisa, Barry and Jessie both worked in her department at Torchwood One. Shying away from the memory of the last time he had seen the two of them, Ianto began to look for the turn. I think it’s this way, he thought as he turned right on Millbrook Road. When he reached the Pen-Y-Turnpike, he started to wonder if he was going the right way. Shrugging, he followed his instincts and turned left, continuing down the road. It’s not to the north so it must be down here somewhere. I just hope – Ah! There it is.

He pulled into the deserted lot and stared at the church for a moment. Where do I even go in? he thought with a twinge of distress. Surely the front doors are locked this time of night? He got out of the car and walked toward the church slowly, scanning the building for a sign or a light or – Ah! There we go. There was an old wooden door on the side of the church with a single bulb burning above the entrance. The door had ‘croeso’ carved in elaborate text into the wood, it’s edges smoothed and blackened with age. He tugged gently on the handle and found that the door was indeed unlocked.

Ianto entered the church slowly, glancing around for any signs of life. “Hello?” he said quietly.

“One moment!” he heard a strong voice shout from the back. After a moment, a tall elderly man came through a curtained off area of the room, fastening his collar. “Welcome, what can I do for you this fine evening, young man?”

“I –” Ianto still had no idea what to say.

“Come, come, sit down. Too late to be standing around. I am Father Patrick.” The priest led Ianto to a small alcove where several chairs were placed in a circle. Ianto introduced himself as they sat. The priest smiled encouragingly and Ianto tried again.

“I… er, I helped someone today. She’s… been in an accident and lost everything and… well, she’s, I think she’s Catholic. She hasn’t spoken, we don’t even know her name, but she seemed to be… well, saying the rosary only without beads? I didn’t realize that was what she was doing until just now and… well… I…” Ianto’s voice faded. He resisted the temptation to pull at the collar of his jumper.

“I see,” the older man said. “And you wish to help this lady?”

“Yes,” Ianto said in relief. “I thought if she had something that was comforting to her, she might feel safe again and maybe… maybe be able to talk to us, tell us what she needs.”

“I see,” Father Patrick said again. His warm brown eyes regarded Ianto for a moment. “So you wish to take her some rosary beads?”

“Yes. I didn’t know where to buy them or… or anything. I hope it was okay, coming here.”

“Of course. What is a church except a place to find what you need?” The priest reached in his pocket and pulled out a strand of beads. He pressed it into Ianto’s hands. “Take these to the lady. See if they can give her comfort.”

Ianto flushed. “I didn’t mean to take yours, I can–”

“Nonsense.” Father Patrick folded Ianto’s hand over the beads and held it for a moment. “Take them. I will pray for the lady and I will give thanks for you, Ianto Jones. Compassion like yours is very rare.”

Mumbling his thanks, Ianto hurried out of the church. He spotted the collection box and dropped a £20 note inside as he passed. He glanced at his watch. He had about ten minutes to get to Lavernock. He started the car and sped back the way he had come, hoping that the police weren’t out in Penarth. When he arrived, just a few minutes late, he found Captain Tregallas lounging on the dock smoking a pipe.

“Back again, are ye?” he said as Ianto approached.

“Yes, I have something for the woman we brought over today.”

“Aye, that’s what they told me.” The Captain peered at Ianto for a moment. “You seem like a nice lad, how’d you get mixed up with this business anyway?”

Ianto stiffened. “It’s just part of my job, sir,” he said coolly.

“Aye, aye, no offense meant. Let’s be off then,” Tregallas said, motioning for Ianto to climb on board.

Ianto couldn’t remember the last time he’d been out on the water at night. He watched the black waves rushing by the small craft, their crests almost glowing in the moonlight. The journey was shorter than earlier, whether due to the tides or fewer passengers, Ianto didn’t know and he wasn’t inclined to chat with the Captain about it.

When they tied off at the dock on Flat Holm, Tregallas asked if he’d be returning directly.

“Yes, if it’s not a problem. I just need to drop something off and then I should be ready to go.”

“I’ll just wait down here then. You come on back down when you want to head home.”

“Thank you,” Ianto said and turned towards the path.

He stumbled quite a few times on his way to the facility. The path wasn’t lighted and if it hadn’t been for the almost-full moon, Ianto was sure he would have gotten lost. That’s what you get for going off half-cocked in the middle of the night, stupid git, he told himself as he tripped over another loose rock. He found the door eventually and, after closing his eyes for a moment to picture the paper he’d received that afternoon, entered his code on the keypad. He pulled the door open with a gothic clank and entered.

Helen wasn’t at the nurse station this time, but the man Ianto had spoken to on the phone was waiting for him. He greeted Ianto with a nod and then stepped from behind the high counter to lead him to the correct room.

“After the doctor was here to look at those rings in her ankles, she just got more and more upset. We tried to tell her that he was going to help, but I’m not sure she understands.”

“She’s… she’s been through a lot,” Ianto said in a tight voice.

“Here you go, Mr. Jones,” he said, swiping his card through the lock on the door. “My name is Trevor if you need anything. Just holler down the hallway if I can help.”

“Thank you,” Ianto said trying to conjure up a smile. He knocked quietly on the door before swinging it open.

TBC in Chapter Fifty-Four


*croeso – welcome

Date: 2008-09-14 12:51 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] morgia.livejournal.com
HÉ ! Its too short !!!!! I want more !!!!! The way you write its like if I am a nut shell in a river and I just have to follow the current, like someone cradle me... lol Hope my sentences make sense ;) Prends soin de toi chérie !

Date: 2008-09-14 01:04 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Yes, je suis désolé - these three chapters broke up in odd lengths. Thank goodness for thrace_adams or I wouldn't have been able to post it at all!!

J'adore toi commentaires! They're like poetry. Merci, chérie!

Date: 2008-09-14 02:02 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] morgia.livejournal.com
Naaaa thank you, I can't write long story in English, but I really try to write good comments, so I really appreciated you like my comments ;)

Date: 2008-09-14 12:58 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] teachwriteslash.livejournal.com
Oh Ianto . . .

This whole scene made me tear up. My mother's mam had Alzheimers. Late in her life, the only thing she really remembered was how to say the rosary. For devout Catholics, it is often a source of great comfort.

Date: 2008-09-14 01:06 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Oh thank you!! I'm not Catholic, so I was a little worried about this part right - hearing I got it right makes me very happy. :) But I'm sorry I made you teary! :(

Thanks sweetie!

Date: 2008-09-14 01:17 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] teachwriteslash.livejournal.com
Tears are not always bad. Yes, you hit it well. Rosaries are more than just a way to keep track of a series of prayers, they are a symbol of faith and a form of comfort - so yes, you nailed that.

Date: 2008-09-14 01:02 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] etmuse.livejournal.com
The priest is right... finding someone as just generally wonderful as Ianto is very rare. I hope his efforts help.

Date: 2008-09-14 01:07 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
He's a gift in so many ways. If only Jack (and everyone else) would remember that!! :D

Date: 2008-09-14 01:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bookwrm89.livejournal.com
I love Ianto's little internal monologues! LOL He's such a caring person and I just love him to bits!
Great chapter and I can't wait for more!

Date: 2008-09-14 02:19 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Thank you so much! I'm so glad the monologues work - I love writing them and always hope they don't sound too forced. :D

Thanks hun! More tomorrow!

Date: 2008-09-14 01:53 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] christine-twfan.livejournal.com
This is a very typical Ianto thing to do, especially in the first series. The scene with the priest works perfectly too. But I agree with Morgan, it's too short!! :)

Date: 2008-09-14 02:20 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
I thought it worked for him, so I'm glad ya'll do too! You know, I almost put in the notes that it was a short one. Guess I shoulda!! :D

Date: 2008-09-14 02:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] thrace-adams.livejournal.com
I'm so snagging some of those icons!

As you know, I adored this chapter. Ianto finding the Rosary for her, and then the note he left for Jack, and just everything he's doing. I just adore Ianto :) (and you too!)

Date: 2008-09-14 02:32 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
I knew you'd like them - seeing as how you were there too!! *huge grin*

Ianto really shines in this bit. I wanted him to have something positive to take from the misery of Flat Holm. Adore you too sweetie!!

(p.s. I'll have two more chappies for you tonight! But no rush, enjoy your time with Hubs!!)

Date: 2008-09-14 02:29 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] itoshii-chan.livejournal.com
*sniffles*

Oh I hope it helps her find comfort in the darkness...

*nods and continues to cry*

Date: 2008-09-14 02:33 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
*pats itoshii* There, there. :) You'll see how much it helps in the next chappie tomorrow! :D

Date: 2008-09-14 02:46 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] angst-queen-98.livejournal.com
I agree it's too short!! But then again, short is better than no update. :-) And I love that Ianto recognizes what will help the poor woman get some peace. Hopefully it will, anyway. Well done as usual!

Date: 2008-09-14 04:04 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Oh it will never fear, I needed to end this on an up note. Ianto (and all of them) have enough angst coming up! Thank you so much!!

Date: 2008-09-14 03:17 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dragynville.livejournal.com
You're Ianto is so Ianto, quietly going about taking care of Jack in myriad different ways. :)

Date: 2008-09-14 04:05 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Oh thank you! And yeah, taking care of Jack is Ianto's main focus pretty much all the time. *grin* I love those boys!

Date: 2008-09-14 03:30 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cjharknessgirl.livejournal.com
This is brilliant, and so Ianto. I adore him and I think you've captured his compassionate and caring nature so well in this chapter! Well done, can't wait to read more! :)

Date: 2008-09-14 04:07 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Thank you so much!! The word brilliant makes me *blush* but I love it!

And I have to ask, is there a story behind your icon? I saw another one today that looks like your but it was about Ianto's bike having a bell. They make me laugh! :)

Date: 2008-09-14 04:54 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cjharknessgirl.livejournal.com
You're welcome! I love the word brilliant lol.

It's from the radio special Lost Souls that aired on BBC Radio last Wednesday. It's really good! And Ianto has some really funny lines that had me laughing.

Here's the link, you'll love it:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/bigbang/torchwood.shtml

And I forgot to say but I love your icon!

Date: 2008-09-14 05:17 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
OMG THANK YOU!! You are officially my new favorite person!! *listening right now* I'm having flashbacks from my childhood of the Dr. Who radio shows. :)

I love my icon too! It's all butterflycell's work. :D

Date: 2008-09-14 06:40 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cjharknessgirl.livejournal.com
Aw, you're welcome! *blushes* Woohoo to being your favorite person!! You're definitely one of mine! :) I couldn't let you miss out on that! I loved it. Enjoy! I didn't get to listen to those as a kid, but I would've liked to.

Butterflycell did a wonderful job! :D

Date: 2008-09-14 07:51 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hab318princess.livejournal.com
Oh, that is so Ianto, loving it!

Date: 2008-09-15 12:10 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Yay! So glad to hear it! :D

Date: 2008-09-14 08:44 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] doctor-addicted.livejournal.com
Just one more charge Ianto feels responsible for ... He's amazing, really, and I so wish I could take him home with me and give him the proper pampering he deserves, fictional nature of his existence be damned :)

Date: 2008-09-15 12:11 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
What do you mean 'fictional'?!?!? *gasping for breath*

Hee. I know what you mean. He's been thru so much and then to still care for people the way he does... *sigh* Just wanna hug him!! :D

Date: 2008-09-15 07:50 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] doctor-addicted.livejournal.com
What do you mean 'fictional'?!?!? *gasping for breath*

I know!!! As soon as I'd written it I felt like I'd punched myself in the stomach. I always knew I'm a masochist, sorry you have to be the one suffering from one of my rare sadistic tendencies as well. I try to restrain myself in the future *w*

Date: 2008-09-14 01:12 pm (UTC)
From: [personal profile] mercurychaos
Ooooh Ianto is so nice. -wonders what Jack will think of this-

Date: 2008-09-15 12:12 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Isn't he tho? *hugs Ianto* I'll touch on Jack's response a little in the next chapter or so. :D

Date: 2008-09-14 03:47 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] http://users.livejournal.com/_miss_daisy_/
That is such an Ianto thing to do! He is such a great person.

I can't wait for the next part!!!!!!

Date: 2008-09-15 12:12 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
I know! I just love him. :D Next part it up now, hope you likes!

Date: 2008-09-14 06:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] butterflycell.livejournal.com
Yaya for shout outs!

And yay for Ianto, though it's so much sadder than the first 'yay'... bless him! I really want him to be okay, but he won't be becuase things are about to start goinbg dramtically wrong in the world of Torchwood Three =[

Date: 2008-09-15 12:13 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Shout outs most definitely deserved! :o)

Yeah, Ianto really shines here before everything goes pear shaped starting with Out of Time. Eeep!! *worries about getting the angst right*

Date: 2008-09-14 10:07 pm (UTC)

Date: 2008-09-15 12:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
thank you hun! :D

Date: 2008-09-14 10:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] weeviltrends.livejournal.com
Oh Ianto, comme je t'aime...

You have an amazing talent for writing yes you do ^^

Date: 2008-09-15 12:15 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
...permettez-moi de compter les voies - un... deux... trois... ;)

Oh thank you so much! *blushes* I'm just glad you like the story. :o)

Date: 2008-09-15 02:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] weeviltrends.livejournal.com
It was exactly what I needed after a horrible week, five chapters of goodness ^^

Date: 2008-09-15 12:56 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] angelzbabe1989.livejournal.com

Ok loving Ianto - he really is sweet and adorable and so thoughtful about other people.

Just one little niggly thing I noticed - how does the Priest know his name? Because he never introduces himself. (Sorry but my internal beta reader noticed it and went 'wait..'). Foreshadowing of something?

Date: 2008-09-15 12:57 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] angelzbabe1989.livejournal.com

Wait ignore that - should not read when half asleep. I re-read it and noticed the "Ianto introduced himself" bit. Silly me! *blushes*

Date: 2008-09-15 01:01 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Hee! No worries, I do that all the time. I'll be reading along and then go "Wait a minute! What?" and then have to go back. :)

Date: 2008-09-15 01:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] buttononthetop.livejournal.com
Yeah - this little bit of the storyline was all about loving Ianto. *sigh* He's just wonderful, isn't he? :D

Date: 2008-09-19 11:32 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] greenwyvern.livejournal.com
Ianto's such a compassionate soul. I'm glad that you chose this way to convey that aspect of his personality. I did notice one thing, though, the priest thanked Ianto using his full name but Ianto never introduced himself. Being that this is a Torchwood story is there something else going on there? Was the priest never really there? Was he a ghost priest or is something equally Torchwoody going on? I just love how you combine such awesome characterization with completely intense and sensual imagery. Yowza! This is definitely one of my favorite WIP's!!!

GW

Date: 2008-09-19 11:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] greenwyvern.livejournal.com
Crap! Ignore part of what I just wrote! I just re-read that section and noticed the "Ianto introduced himself as they sat" part. *hangs head in shame* Sorry. My bad.

GW

Love this

Date: 2008-10-08 04:41 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] annf.livejournal.com
Such a great detail to add.

Date: 2009-05-07 03:46 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] evester.livejournal.com
I will pray for the lady and I will give thanks for you, Ianto Jones. Compassion like yours is very rare.
That bit made my heart melt in the most wonderful way.

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