Torchwood Fan Fiction: Watching On

Title: Watching On
Author: Published as Finn AUS
Pairing: Jack/Ianto, pov Owen
Rating: If you watch TW you’re good.
Summary: Owen watches The Dance.
Spoilers: Up to Something Borrowed
Disclaimer: All credit and kudos to BBC and Co, and a small clap for John B and Gareth
Feedback: OH YES PLEASE, seriously love it!
Author Note: After reading many, many, many boards and people’s reaction to ‘The Dance’, I’m still not sure exactly my position but I wanted to take a look at Ianto/Jack from the outside in that moment. And sorry, but it’s a smidge angsty. This stems from the wonderful Burn reaction shot to the Jack/Ianto dancing – go back and look, he’s background acting his pants off.


He’s in for a world of trouble. He’s walking into the fire and the last time the boy fell it wasn’t good, for any of them. Ianto doesn’t fall gently, Owen knows this only too well. Leaning against the bar though, the music humming softly in the background, the two lovers embracing, Owen wants to believe.

He feels Tosh turn and notice them, and he’s not sure if it’s her first confirmation. Of course they all suspected, Owen amazingly clued in pretty quickly. He didn’t particularly want to spend all day gossiping with Gwen and Tosh, so said nothing. Still, you can feel chemistry in a room, even when you are dead.
He’s worried though, and that’s a big step for Owen. Ianto, above the rest of team has been his anchor in this miserable experience. He’s been patient, understanding and has borne the brunt of Owen’s many rants. And it’s in his own death that Owen has really learnt about this young man’s life. Through both experience and observation. How demeaning it can be, to be grunt level service but how pride in a simple task lightens Ianto’s eyes. How his ascension in the team isn’t bedding the boss, but actual smarts – Ianto knows far more than he’s ever given credit for.

His worry though stems from his chosen lover. Jack has a different perspective, a different lifetime that he brings to their ...whatever it is. He has spent over a century building some pretty intense defences and Owen’s not sure the Welshman can break through, without breaking himself. Ianto’s been broken before, would he survive another?

It’s different though, even Owen can see that. He’s surer, confident and more alive. Ironic, that it takes a dead man to see it. Ianto’s running into this, and Owen wants to believe it’s with eyes open, with hands out to protect himself, but it’s not his style.

The gentle swaying slows, until they’re almost standing still. Owen’s aware that certain, more conservative members of the party are beginning to murmur and stare. It’s not penetrating their world though, and for that he is glad. Gwen is also staring, Owen notices. Funny, the bride should be slightly upstaged on her own wedding day.

It’s with surprise that Owen finally notices that Jack’s eyes are closed, his smile small but content. He can’t recall ever seeing his Captain in such a vulnerable position publically. It’s almost unnerving.

Tosh leans over, ‘That’s very sweet isn’t it?’ she whispers.

There’s no answer from Owen, a simple nod. Sweet probably isn’t where this is going. Torchwood doesn’t specialise in sweet and sunny relationships, try as they might. Still, watching on, for a moment in time, fingers intertwined, Owen wants to believe.