Fic: Stop All the Clocks- Epilogue

[geeklover80]

Title:  Stop All the Clocks (Epilogue)

Author: GeekSlave

Prompt: Four Weddings and a Funeral

Rating: R

Warnings: Language, cheating, character death

Spoilers: For Torchwood series 1 & 2 and Doctor Who series 5 &6

Summary: When bachelor Ianto Jones attends a friend’s wedding, he unexpectedly meets the potential man of his dreams.

Characters/Pairings: Ianto Jones/Jack Harkness, River Song/The Doctor, Rory Williams/Amy Pond, Toshiko Sato/Owen Harper, Toshiko Sato/Tommy Brockless, Jack Harkness/John Hart, Ianto Jones/Gwen Cooper, Rhiannon Jones/Johnny Davies, Rose Tyler/Mickey Smith, Andy Davidson, Wilfred Mott, Estelle Cole, Donna Noble, Rhys Williams, Suzie Costello, Martha Jones, Lisa Hallet

Disclaimer: The characters of Torchwood and Doctor Who belong to the BBC. The characters and screenplay for Four Weddings and a Funeral belong to 20^th Century Fox, MGM, and Richard Curtis

Author’s Notes: Written for the reel_Torchwood challenge, round 4. Huge thank you to my betas, janiemc, for making sure my grammar was gooder and for britpicking, and jolinarjackson for support and advice giving. This is my first attempt at any kind of challenge or Jack/Ianto fanfic. Any comments-complimentary or constructive- will be much appreciated. Title taken from line in WH Auden poem Funeral Blues used in the movie.

Epilogue

Two Years Later

Amy and Rory’s wedding reception was in full swing.  Even though Rory and River’s family were richer than sin and offered to throw a lavish wedding, Rory and Amy preferred to have a simpler affair. The ballroom was sparsely decorated with a few round tables covered in a white table cloth at one end for people to enjoy their meal. The rest of the room was a large ballroom for the guests to dance the night away. There were orange and white balloons hanging from the ceiling.  Amy and Rory were currently sharing their first dance as husband and wife. There had been a great debate between the two over which song they would dance to. Amy had wanted to go with something less traditional and wanted to dance to Metro Station’s “Shake it.” Rory had wanted the first dance to be Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know.” Ordinarily, in these debates Rory usually capitulated to whatever Amy wanted. But in the spirit of the balance she wanted in their marriage, Amy had agreed to Rory’s choice as first song.

The Doctor watched Rory and Any dance from just outside the ballroom’s side doors. He knew that no one but Ianto and Rory would recognize him, but he knew how guilty Rory felt over having to lie to everyone and didn’t want to mar this joyous occasion for him. He always enjoyed wedding receptions, getting as drunk as he wanted, cavorting around telling outrageous stories, and hearing other people’s fascinating tales as well. And the dancing, oh, how he loved dancing merrily all night long. He supposed this was the price he had to pay for leaving River behind. Being the Doctor was more often times than not a lonely existence, and it was at times like this, he felt the loneliness even more.

“Hello, sweetie.”

The Doctor whirled around, stunned to see River standing before him, looking divine in a black velvet pantsuit. “Hello. I…I think maybe you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

“Oh, come on. I would think someone with your reputation would be a better liar than that. You may have a different face, but I’d recognize you anywhere.” River walked up closer to him.

The Doctor had two choices here: either continue to lie or confess. He could have easily lied and left, run if he had to. He had parked the TARDIS nearby. But he had missed River and he’d missed this; sparring with her. He laughed and took off his top hat. “Hello, Melody. So who told you? I’m guessing Rory.”

River laughed. Then she turned serious. “Blame my father. He died and Rory’s conscience wouldn’t let him continue to lie. It may have also had something to do with the 50 year old bottle of Scotch he inhaled. Grieving plus alcohol plus guilt is not a good combination.”

“I was sorry to hear about your father,” The Doctor said sincerely.

“Have you been watching all of us?”

“Yes.”

“I thought so. I knew you’d be here. Two of the people you love most in the world getting married. You wouldn’t miss it for the world.” River explained.

“Have you been taken over by an alien life form? I know several species that could do that. Are you on drugs? Or maybe it’s yoga?” The Doctor rambled.

River’s brow furrowed. “What are you on about?”

“You’re being remarkably cool about this. I’ve imagined what would happen if you ever found out what I did, and there was never a scenario that didn’t end without you using my face for target practice.”

River snorted out a laugh. She stepped closer to the Doctor, pulling on the white scarf around his neck bringing him closer. “Perhaps I’ve changed” She pulled him into a deep kiss. She pulled out of the kiss and hauled off and punched him in the face, laying him out flat. “Or perhaps not.” The Doctor looked up at him, briefly dazed. She put her foot against his chest. “Now I want you to listen and not speak. Now I know you can’t die, but you do still feel pain. And if you say anything, I will make you scream louder than you ever have before.”

“I don’t think it’s possible to be any louder than that time you had me tied up and…”

River pressed her heel down on his stomach. “What did I say about no talking?” When the Doctor simply nodded, River continued.  “What you did is unacceptable. I can’t even begin to describe the agony you caused me.” She took a deep breath. “I will admit, for the first six months after Rory confessed I plotted your death in many different, excruciating ways. But I’ve thought better of that.  I’m not killing you for two reasons. One, you can’t die anyway. And two, Rory explained how dangerous your life is and the kind of sacrifices you’ve had to make. I understand that you were trying to protect me. But you have to promise to never make a decision like that for me again, or I swear I will find a way to kill you that there will be no coming back from. Alright?”  The Doctor nodded slowly. River bent down and took his hand, lifting him to his feet. “So…are you going to show me that TARDIS of yours or what?”

*****

Amy and Rory were now dancing to “Shake It.” She leaned in and yelled into Rory’s ear. “Where’s your sister?”

“Uh…” Rory glanced outside. “I think she’s dealing with an old friend. I…I tell you about it later.”

Amy looked at him curiously for a moment, but then shrugged. She danced over to Rory, backing into him and they shimmied together.

Tosh was at a table, sitting in Owen’s lap. Rhiannon and Johnny were there as well. Currently, they were dealing with their fussy twins. Tosh looked over at Rory and Amy, smiling. “I don’t know how we didn’t see it for so long. Those two are perfect for each other.” 

“Did I ever mention that you and Ianto have such weird friends?” Rhiannon teased.

Owen laughed. “You don’t have to tell me. Why do you think I’ve been trying to ditch this lot for so long?”

Tosh pinched his stomach. “Oh, really? If that’s the case, I’m not quite sure why you proposed. You are aware you are going to be stuck with me forever?”

“I know. But I already bought the engagement ring and there are no refunds. I suppose we’ll just have to go through with it now.” Owen smirked at her.

“How do you keep from strangling him on a daily basis?” Rhiannon shook her head, but smiled affectionately at Owen. Everyone was used to him by now.

“It helps that he’s an excellent...” Owen grabbed her hands, but she finished by mouthing the word “lover.” She and Rhiannon giggled loudly.

Amy, with Rory trailing behind her, walked over to where Ianto was sitting. She collapsed into the seat next to him and put her head on his shoulder. Ianto put his arm around her. “Did I mention that was another awesome best man speech, Ianto?”

“Thanks. I tried to take it easy on you, Rory. I’m planning on saving my more mocking taunts for Owen at his wedding.” He paused in thought. “You know, I may just quit my job and become a professional best man.”

“You may be on to something there,” Rory said sincerely. “You may have found your calling.”

Ianto nodded. Amy glanced around the room. “Where’s that gorgeous boy of yours?”

“Which one?” Ianto asked.

“Your son. Who cares about Jack?” Amy gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “I’ve been over his good looks for quite awhile now.”

“Don’t let him hear you say that,” Ianto chuckled. “He’s currently guarding our son as he’s currently being passed around like a football amongst my aunts.”

“Well, get him over here. I want to see him,” Amy demanded.

“Amy, you see him all the time.”

“I know but he looks so cute in his little suit,” Amy cooed. “I swear Nate looks like the perfect combination of you and Jack.”

“That’s a little hard to believe, given that he’s adopted.” Ianto replied.

Amy just shook her head. “I don’t care. I still say he looks like you.”

Ianto twisted around, looking for Jack and their son. But he quickly ducked his head back down. “Bugger!”

“What?” Rory looked to where Ianto had been gazing previously. “Oh.” He looked at Ianto apologetically. “Sorry about that. My mum is friends with Gwen’s mum and insisted that we invite Gwen and Rhys.”

“It’s alright. Jack and I have been doing a good job of avoiding them. I’m delighted that Gwen and Rhys found each other again, but I think it’s better for all of humanity that I keep my distance from both of them. I have a horrid habit of sticking my foot in mouth whenever I get near either of them.”

Amy and Rory nodded in agreement. Amy looked over her shoulder and let out a small squeal. “There’s my favorite guy.”

Tosh strode over to them carrying a very dapper, brunette one and a half year old Nathaniel Harkness Jones in her arms. He was wearing a very tiny three piece black suit, with a black tie and waist coat to match his father Ianto. Tosh placed the giggling boy in Ianto’s arms. “Where’s Jack?” Ianto asked. Tosh shrugged awkwardly. Ianto could tell she was hiding something, but wasn’t sure what. Nate grabbed his nose. He turned his attention to his son. He playfully tried to wiggle out of Nate’s grasp. “Oh no, someone’s too strong for me. But I have a secret weapon.” He started tickling the boy’s stomach. Nate dropped his hand and started giggling.

“Oh, good I’m just in time for tickling,” Jack said, appearing beside them suddenly. He joined in with Ianto and Nate giggled louder. Soon, they stopped tickling Nate and Ianto sat him up on his lap. “Where’d you dash off to?” Ianto asked Jack.

“Uh…nature called,” Jack said, giving Ianto a peck on the lips. He looked down at Nate. “Did you show your Aunt Tosh that trick your tad taught you?” Nate shook his head. “Do you want to do that now?”

Nate nodded. He turned to Tosh and signed “I love you.” Amy squealed in delight. Tosh picked the boy up and smothered his face in kisses.

Ianto glanced over just in time to see Rory and Jack whispering with each other. Rory turned to the Amy. “Amy, I believe it’s time for the bouquet and garter toss.”

“Right.” Amy got up and followed Rory to the ballroom floor. Amy grabbed a microphone. “Hello. Uh, since my maid of honor has disappeared, I’ll have to make this announcement myself. If all the single, unmarried, fabulous women would gather around please, it is time for the bouquet toss.” A few, scattered women made their way to the floor. “Come on, ladies don’t be shy.” Amy prodded. When Amy was satisfied with the amount of women present, she handed the microphone to Rory. She turned her back to the assembled ladies, and without any warning, threw the bouquet. There was mad dash for it, with Gwen practically close lining the nearest competition and emerging victorious. She waved the bouquet around with a whoop of joy. Ianto and Jack shared an amused glance.

“Now it’s all the single, unmarried blokes turn.” Amy sat down on a nearby chair and Rory reached under her dress, and while the guests whooped and cheered, slowly pulled down a blue garter. Rory stood up and twirled the garter around.

“Go on, Ianto,” Rhiannon shoved him forward.

“No, that’s not necessary. I am basically married already.” Ianto reasoned.

“Oh, blimey Ianto basically doesn’t count. He said unmarried and you’re unmarried. Go!” Rhiannon shoved him again.

Ianto decided not to have a prolonged argument with his pushy sister and got up. “Come on Ja…” He trailed off when he saw Jack was conveniently missing again. He decided to strangle his lover later. He trudged toward the center of the room. Rhys and a couple of men were already there.

“One, two, three…” Rory counted down, and then threw the garter.

As if on cue all the lights went down. Ianto wasn’t alarmed by this, the building was rather old. What did have him startled was that no one made a sound.  He was starting to think that his friends were playing a trick on him. His suspicions were seemingly confirmed when suddenly a spotlight fell on him.  “Alright, very funny. What’s going on?” Ianto yelled as he turned clockwise.  He really couldn’t see anything.  His ears perked up when he heard a soft melody coming from the speakers. He recognized the song instantly. It was the first song he and Jack ever danced to, “Little Wonders.”

“Looks like you’re next.” Ianto turned and a second spotlight illuminated Jack walking towards him. At the confused look on Ianto’s face, Jack nodded towards Ianto’s hand. Ianto looked down and saw, to his surprise, that he had caught the garter. He hadn’t even realized he’d put his hand up, though it wasn’t surprising that he’d caught it, since Rory aimed at him as if he had a target on his chest. As Jack approached, Ianto swallowed thickly. Ianto didn’t think he’d ever seen Jack look more confident, at peace, and sexy before. For some reason it unnerved him. Jack reached him just as the soft voice of the singer echoed throughout the room.

Let it go
Let it roll right off your shoulder
Don’t you know?
The hardest part is over
Let it in
Let your clarity define you in the end
We will only just remember how it feels

Jack took Ianto’s hand and started to sway gently to the music. Ianto cleared his throat. “Um…Jack what’s going on? You’re sort of, uh, hijacking Amy and Rory’s reception.”

“With their permission,” Jack stated blithely. “Rory helped me set this whole thing up.”

“And what is this exactly?”

“Your proposal.”

Ianto halted mid-step. He opened and closed his mouth several times, sputtering incoherently for a moment. “M…m…my…my what?”

Jack beamed at him with a megawatt grin. “Oh, baby. Don’t tell me I have to break out the dictionary. I think you know what the word ‘proposal’ means.”

Ianto just raised his eyebrow and glared at him. Jack just laughed and put his arms around Ianto and held him close.

All lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Time folds away
But these small hours
These small hours
Still remain

Ianto pulled back and looked into Jack’s eyes. “Look Jack, I understand why you’d get swept up in the romantic notion of marriage right now. We go to a million weddings and now Amy and Rory have just gotten married. And Tosh and Owen will be getting married soon. That doesn’t mean we have to be next.”

Jack nodded. “I know that. I’m not getting swept up in anything. Ianto, you know me, I’m about as untraditional as it gets. I never really saw the point in getting married. When we were standing there in the rain two years ago and you asked me to not marry you and spend the rest of our lives together was the happiest moment of my life.” He sighed ruefully. “But there was this small part of me that was really disappointed. In my heart, I want nothing more than to be married to you.”

Let it slide
Let your troubles fall behind you
Let it shine
‘Till your feel it all around you
And I don’t mind
If it’s me you need to turn to
We’ll get by
It’s the heart that really matters in the end

Jack took Ianto’s face in his hands. “This family that we’ve made together, you, me, and Nate, mean the world to me. I wouldn’t trade our life together for anything. But I guess I’m a little greedy. I want a little more. I want to plan a big, stupid wedding, this time with someone I love. I want to spend hours picking out the best music and looking over stupid fonts for place cards. I want to get all of our friends and family together and have awkward toasts and crazy dancing. Most of all I want to share our love with everyone. “

All lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Time folds away
But these small hours
These small hours
Still remain

“I know that you’re scared that you and marriage are not a good match. But I think you’re wrong.” He took a deep breath.  I’ve never felt like I really belonged anywhere, or to anyone before. Then I met you, Ianto. I want to belong to you, officially, in every way possible.” Jack wiped a tear that slowly trickled down Ianto’s cheek. Tightly grasping Ianto’s hand, Jack slowly got down on one knee. “I love you, Ianto Jones. Will you marry me?”

All of my regret
Will wash away somehow
But I cannot forget
The way I feel right now

Ianto’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. He smiled down at Jack. “I would love to say something eloquent or smart or glib…or British right now. But the only thing my mind is screaming is…yes.”

Jack stood up quickly, “Yeah?”

Ianto cocked his head to one side, looking up at Jack. “Now, Mr. Harkness, I do believe your hearing is the first to go when you’re officially eligible for senior citizen discounts.”

Jack grasped his face in his hands. “There’s the cheeky bastard I know and love.”

Ianto’s smile practically split his face in half. “Are you going to kiss me…?” Ianto didn’t get to finish his sentence. Jack crushed his lips to Ianto’s in a tight embrace.

In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Yeah these twists and turns of fate

Jack slowly pulled back, his lips still inches from Ianto’s. He looked into Ianto’s eyes for a second before turning his head to the side. “That was a ‘yes!’” He announced.

The lights came on again and everyone in the ballroom cheered and clapped. Tosh rushed over with a squirming Nate in her arms. Ianto picked Nate up. As soon as Nate was out of her arms, Tosh threw her arms around Jack and then Ianto. She stepped back to let Jack, Ianto, and Nate embrace.

“Good surprise?” Tosh asked Ianto.

Ianto looked at Jack and Nate. “The best.”

Amy and Rory came forward and congratulated the beaming couple. Jack struggled to take his eyes off of Ianto, but he turned to Rory and clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks again for all of your help and letting us share the spotlight on your big day.”

Rory nodded. “It’s no problem.” He looked at Amy. “I’m so happy right now; I definitely don’t mind sharing that happiness, especially with friends like you and Ianto.”

Ianto grinned at Rory and pulled him into a hug. After stepping away, Amy pressed a soft kiss to Rory’s lips. “I love you, Mr. Williams.”

Rory ran his hand through her hair. “I love you, Mrs. Pond.”

Time falls away
Yeah but these small hours
These small hours
Still remain
Yeah, ah, ah
Oh they still remain
These little wonders
Oh, these twists and turns of fate
Time falls away
But these small hours
These little wonders
Still remain...

Jack had one hand around Ianto’s waist while holding Nate to his hip with the other hand. He swayed them gently to the music. He looked at Nate. “Nate your daddies are getting married. What do you think about that?”

Nate looked up at Jack. “Sleepy.” He rested his little head against Jack’s chest. Jack and Ianto laughed.

“Perhaps he’ll have more enthusiasm closer to the wedding day,” Ianto smoothed the boy’s hair down gently.

“I think I have enough enthusiasm for all three of us.” Jack replied.

“I think you have enough enthusiasm for the whole country.” Ianto teased.

Jack nodded happily. He stroked Ianto’s cheek with his thumb. “Do you think it’s possible to be this happy for the rest of our lives?”

Ianto considered this for a moment then smiled serenely at Jack. “I do.”

Jack grinned at him broadly. “There’s that phrase again. Best two words in the English language.” He leaned forward and kissed Ianto softly.

Jack and Ianto went home soon after and put Nate to bed. As he stood inside their son’s bedroom doorway clutching his partner’s hand, Ianto thought back to the first day he’d ever met Jack. Never in a million years had he suspected that they would be where they were now. Every day was now filled with so much love and happiness and he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were just getting started.