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Title: Being Alive Vs. Living Spoilers: Slight season two for Torchwood. Not anything real specific. Summary: Ianto’s day contains a surprise. A/N: Birthday fic for Becca! *hugs* The morning had started off normally enough. Nothing had indicated that the day was going to grow into something strange and confusing. There were no alarms about the Rift, no Weevil activity, and nothing crashed to Earth. Just a chance for the team to collectively take a breath and complete paperwork. No, the morning had definitely been fine. It was after lunch that Ianto had noticed that something was…off. There wasn’t one particular thing that tipped him off, but he began noticing that there was always two of the team around him. And it fluctuated who was with him, but there were always two. Then they seemed to be casually keeping him away from the conference room. Not that he had any real desire or reason to go in there, but it was odd. He surreptitiously eyed them, trying to see if something happened during lunch that he wasn’t aware of, but again, nothing seemed to really jump out at him. Their behavior hadn’t really changed; they just weren’t leaving him alone. Ianto frowned. Maybe they thought something had happened to him. He paused for a moment to try and remember if he did anything that would set off warning bells in the others. Again, nothing. Just when he was about to comment on it, Tosh announced she was ready to give her presentation. Ianto raised an eyebrow. He didn’t recall a presentation scheduled for today, but everyone else didn’t act like it was out of order. “I’ll just get the coffee,” he said, turning to go to the small kitchen. “No need,” Jack said, stopping him with a hand on his shoulder. “We shouldn’t need it. Come on, don’t want to be late.” Ianto forced a small smile, still confused as to what was going on. His brain started creating ways to escape if his team had been possessed somehow or how to convince them that he was himself and not affected by any alien technology. He felt Jack’s hand slip from his shoulder to the small of his back in a comforting gesture as he guided him to the conference room. It was a welcome warmth in the cool environment of the Hub and he resisted the urge to step closer to his lover. His eyes widened at the state of the conference room. When he had passed through it first thing that morning it had been in pristine condition. Now there were streamers and balloons everywhere. Brightly covered packages sat at the head of the table along with a cake. “Happy birthday!” They cheered together. “How did – I mean, how did – “ “I do have everyone’s records,” Jack said, grinning at him. “I may have let it slip to Gwen, who mentioned it to Tosh, who employed Owen.” “You did all of this for me?” Ianto asked in surprise walking around the table to look at the cake. “I had nearly forgotten what today was.” “Ah, but birthdays are important,” Gwen said. “Cake, ice cream, and most importantly, gifts!” Ianto looked around at his beaming teammates. No, his friends. “Thank you,” he said, smiling back. XXXXXXXXX It was late that night as Ianto was cuddling with Jack in his bed as they ate the last of the ice cream cake. He couldn’t remember the last birthday he had enjoyed as much as this one. He was truly touched by the lengths his friends had gone to just for him. To show him that they cared. “Did you really forget it was your birthday?” Jack asked suddenly. “Yes. Despite what Gwen may think, it wasn’t always considered important to my family while growing up,” he said, forcing himself not to dwell on the memories. “They are important, but not always for what Gwen thinks,” Jack said, offering him a spoonful of the cake. “Some consider it proof that you’ve lived another year, a celebration of life.” “What do you think?” Ianto asked, swirling the cold ice cream in his mouth. “That it marks another year of survival. That you didn’t die,” he said softly, his attention on scooping off another bite of the cake. “You should celebrate your birthday again,” Ianto said resolutely. “Why? I can’t die. What’s the point?” He asked with a humorless laugh. “To remind yourself, that you aren’t just alive but also living. That you’ve touched lives for another year. Just because you can’t die doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate your life,” Ianto said, his voice never wavering. Jack looked into Ianto’s serious eyes. “Never thought of it that way.” “Are you going to tell me?” “Depends on what you’re planning on giving me for telling you,” he teased. Ianto merely nodded his head once before moving to meet his lips with Jack’s. The Captain’s eyes slid closed as he parted his lips for Ianto. He let the younger man take the lead and he could taste the chocolate on his tongue from the cake. His senses swam from the heat of Ianto’s lips contrasted to the cold ice cream he had just placed into his sinful mouth. He took his time exploring, keeping the touch light and sensual. It was careful, calculated, and was turning Jack on faster than he ever thought possible. His heart was racing and his entire body was tingling from the rush of endorphins. “The date?” Ianto casually asked. “There’s a problem.” “Do you need more convincing?” Ianto asked, one eyebrow quirking up. “Just that when I was born we didn’t go by this calendar,” Jack explained, placing a quick kiss on Ianto’s lips. “Then we’ll just have to pick one for you.” “To prove that I’m living,” Jack agreed, nuzzling Ianto’s neck. “Do I get an ice cream cake for my birthday, too?” Ianto shuddered slightly at the sensation of Jack’s lips moving against his skin. “That will depend.” “On what?” “If you can convince me,” Ianto said with a grin. “I think I’m up to the challenge,” Jack said, reaching across him to set the ice cream on the floor. |
