Disclaimer: I do NOT own the characters of Torchwood. They are the exclusive property of their respective owners. No infringement intended.

A/N: Okay, here we go. This will be a slight departure from AU for me. This story will venture into my own... but, it will have canon as well. We begin with Jack and Ianto's first meeting, and progress from there. This is a fix-it fic. It will be Torchwood centered with all that comes with that, but also it will deeply explore the relationship between Jack and Ianto. Much will be the same... but, much different. I hope you enjoy this new adventure. Please bear with me on the updates. I am throwing this into the mix with my other WIP's in other fandoms, and will post as quickly as I can. Thank you for reading. Comments are always greatly appreciated! =)

Chapter 1

Captain Jack Harkness frowned in irritation as his cell phone began to echo in the hushed darkness. He had sent the team home over two hours ago. Shortly after they had departed there had been a rift alert. Sound judgment or not, he decided to handle this one on his own. For the past hour he had been tracking the weevil. This one was much more cagey than was common. Each time he thought he was close to securing a lock and trap on the reptilian alien creature, it would elude him. He was not only frustrated... but, rapidly becoming pissed as well. With a cold smile, Jack thought – that didn't bode well for the creature.

Flipping his phone open, Jack continued to stay alert and scan the perimeter as he clipped out, "Harkness."

"Jack... hey," Suzie Costello, Jack's second in command greeted him boisterously.

Eyes moving around, his senses acute and in tune with his surroundings despite the darkness that enveloped him, answered her shortly, "What is it, Suzie?"

Suzie frowned thoughtfully. She knew Jack only too well. Something was wrong. "Jack? Where are you? Do you need me and Owen to come back?"

Jack thought about it for a moment, quickly deciding he could handle a lone weevil on his own... no matter how crafty. "No. Enjoy your night off. Now, why did you call?"

"Oh, right. We were sitting at the pub and were just wondering if you planned on joining us later. I think Owen plans to hang out for a bit, but I'm undecided," Suzie supplied quickly.

"Not sure. It depends on how my hunting goes. Don't wait on me, though. You two have fun... and I'll see you Monday morning," Jack told her, having the feeling he would not be joining them anytime soon.

Suzie chuckled at something Owen said, before responding back. "Alright, Jack. See you Monday."

Jack closed and pocketed his phone, wondering briefly what was going on with them... intuitively knowing yet unconcerned as long as it didn't affect their work habits. Soundlessly, he walked around the dimly lit park, feeling that the weevil was very nearby... while feeling another presence; one that he had been feeling for days now, unable to grasp the origin of it – yet. One thing he knew – it wasn't alien. Could a human somehow have derived – who and what he was, and now was stalking him in preparation of what to do next? First he would capture the weevil... then, he would answer that question.

He was Captain Jack Harkness. He was capable of absolutely anything.

Owen looked around the bar as he nodded for the bartender to refill his drink. Turning to Suzie, he asked, "What did Jack say? Is he coming?"

"I have my doubts," Suzie answered, taking a slow sip of her drink... one that she planned to turn into yet another after another long week at Torchwood. In truth, her grumbling was all a front. She loved her job more than anything she had ever done. In fact, she thought she would be lost without it. She only hoped to never have to find out. "Jack said to have a good time and that he'd see us on Monday... so, I'd say he's not coming."

"Friday night and Jack doesn't want to hang at the pub? What's up with that?" Owen snorted derisively, as he tossed some bills on the counter as his drink was refilled. "Did he say what he's doing?"

Suzie laughed. "I got the impression he was out weevil hunting."

Owen rolled his eyes. "I can't believe he didn't make us tag along."

"I hope he's okay. Jack might be the best at securing and fully utilizing alien technology... but he is far from indestructible," she said in a whisper, making certain not to be overheard.

"Jack's a big boy. He knows what he's doing. If he needed us he would have said so." Owen took a long swallow of his drink, before he laughed aloud. "I bet he isn't on a serious weevil hunt. More like he's chasing some piece of ass."

Suzie laughed with him. "Knowing our boss I wouldn't be the least bit surprised. Speaking of... want to come back to my place when we finish?"

Owen looked around the bar, obviously weighing his options... knowing full well that Suzie knew the score. They didn't have an exclusive relationship. Each of them were open to exploring other avenues. He shrugged almost indifferently, before answering, "Sure. Let's have a few more drinks first. I feel a long unwinding time is in order."

"I couldn't agree more. It's been a rough week," Suzie murmured in agreement.

"They all are, aren't they?" Owen returned. He downed yet another shot of Irish Whiskey, before looking at Suzie inquisitively. "You and Jack... did you ever, you know-"

"Did we what?" she asked him sharply. Her eyes narrowing on his face, she suddenly understood before she burst out in laughter. "No. Absolutely not. I think Jack likes to keep his personal life away from the staff. If he even has one."

Owen smirked knowingly. "Just as I thought."

"What do you mean?"

"I think he's gay," Owen whispered in a conspiratorial fashion.

Suzie quirked an eyebrow, knowing much more about their boss than she let on... but further realizing it wasn't in her best interest to divulge any of Jack's secrets. "Nah. I've seen him with many women."

"Means nothing. What about men? Have you seen him with them?" he asked shrewdly.

Shrugging, she answered, "Doesn't really matter, does it?"

Owen sighed, as he signaled for yet another drink. "I guess not. As long as he keeps his wandering eye away from my arse it's all good."

"I don't think you have to worry there, Owen. I have a feeling when Jack needs to scratch that particular itch – no matter with which gender... he knows exactly where to go," Suzie assured him, finishing her own drink before inclining her head for another.

Owen shuddered, knowing that was a list of Jack's that he never wanted to be on. Wincing slightly with mental images, Owen responded, "I can only imagine."

Jack smiled in ferocious excitement knowing he had his prey nearly cornered. The weevil begin edging it's way in between the trees, the hulky body too big too escape his notice. Jack pulled the gun from his pocket, as he raced forward to intercept the vile creature that he had spent the last few hours chasing. Finally, he could bag this one and cage it within the hub. Advancing upon the weevil that moved in slower speed than his own, Jack was about to pounce when he felt that other presence again.

They were not alone. A human was not only nearby... but, was watching his progression. Who was it... and why was the unseen man watching him? Jack knew it was a man. His innate senses had never let him down. He could smell him, and he was very close. Knowing he couldn't allow his focus to pull from the weevil or face dying yet again, Jack continued on his path... his momentary distraction causing him to lose the advantage. In the next moment his gun was painfully wrenched from his grasp, and he found himself wrestling with the weevil before he was pinned to the ground... claws around his neck, with fetid breath disgustingly mingling with his own. Jack raged at his foolish loss of concentration just as the weevil was sinking razor sharp teeth into his neck.

The ravenous attack only lasted mere moments when the weevil howled and lurched off of him towards Jack's club wielding savior. So, this was the man was Jack's instant thought. A gorgeous one at that, he momentarily reflected as he vaulted quickly to his feet to pound mercilessly on the weevil that had now found a new victim... one who would not be as resilient in his human form. Pulling the weevil to once more focus on him, Jack thumped him into the ground, skillfully stunning and bagging his head before injecting the sedative into the instantly still creature. Standing to his feet, Jack looked on the man with a mixture of interest and suspicion.

"Thanks," the stranger announced.

"No. Thank you." Jack looked closer at the man, keeping to himself how much better a closer look provided him. "And, you are?"

"Jones. Ianto Jones."

They met halfway as Jack extended his hand to reply, "Nice to meet you, Jones. Ianto Jones. Captain Jack Harkness."

"Lucky escape," Ianto mused.

"I had it under control," Jack cockily returned.

"You think so? Looked pretty vicious..." Ianto countered. Moving forward Ianto stretched his hand out to touch Jack's injury, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully on the healed wound as the Captain took a step backwards.

Ianto continued to do the unexpected when he remarked, "Looked like a weevil."

Jack's smile remained as he continued to assess the far too knowledgeable human. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Ianto's head turned from the unconscious weevil to look knowingly into Jack's eyes... placing himself in the power position; one that spoke of one knowing something that the other very much wanted to know, but wasn't going to ask.

Jack forced himself to pull his gaze free from the entirely too interesting and mesmerizing man when he said, "I'll take him from here." Hauling the weevil over his shoulders, Jack stepped in front of Ianto knowing it wasn't necessary... but wanting to get close to him for one moment; telling himself it was to give him an intimidating and searching look – knowing as soon as the alien was secure he would be doing some in depth research on one Jones – Ianto Jones. Their faces close, Jack thanked him again. "Thanks for the assistance."

"Anytime," Ianto answered. As the Captain walked away with his captive predator, Ianto determined to have the last word. He didn't see the smirk on Jack's face, as he announced, "By the way... love the coat."

So it began. The secret stalking had now become one of obvious intent. The following morning, Ianto Jones stood waiting for Jack's emergence from the tourist office quite obviously knowing his morning routine. He extended to Jack a cup of coffee, one that Jack had to acknowledge on one tasting to be the most exquisite flavor of coffee that had ever touched his tongue. Score one for Ianto Jones. Soon it fell apart when Ianto began to bargain for a position at Torchwood 3. Jack had one problem with hiring Ianto... perhaps two. Primarily, he didn't trust him. He didn't trust anyone from Torchwood London. The meeting Ianto had engineered created even more alarms in his ever thoughtful mind. Then, there was Ianto's physical attributes... and those oh so delicious Welsh vowels. Too damned distracting would this man be to the head of Torchwood.

Jack adamantly refused Ianto's offers, to his irritation finding himself constantly being stalked by the younger man. He quickly decided he was going to have to deal with him. Ianto Jones was stubborn... and had no common sense. How could he – knowing what he knew about Torchwood and Captain Jack Harkness – and continuing his dogged pursuit? One night Jack had reached his limit. He was en route to investigate more rift activity when Ianto was standing directly in front of his SUV. Jack stepped out of the vehicle, moving around to the front to advance aggressively towards Ianto. "Okay. This has to stop." Continuing to rage at Ianto with threats and ultimatums he didn't give any opportunity for rebuttal. After stating he would run him down if he didn't move, the Welshman's next words stopped him in his tracks.

"So, you're not going to help me catch this pterodactyl, then?" Ianto asked him.

Jack instantly stilled and turned to face him. Score two for Ianto Jones.

Next, they were off to sedate and capture the primitive creature, working together despite their obvious differences. When the pterodactyl was falling to the ground, Jack fell on Ianto as they both rolled upon the warehouse floor to move to safety before the unconscious prehistoric creature found it's resting place. Ianto was positioned atop Jack, as the older man's hands clutched to Ianto's arms as breathing and awareness elevated within both men. Both men remained transfixed for a long moment as their noses touched and lips were a breath away from connection. Jack had no intention of pushing Ianto off of him. In fact, refraining from kissing him in that instant was next to impossible.

Ianto removed himself from Jack, temptation swelling equally within him. Forcing himself to pull away, Ianto nervously stated, "I should go."

Jack was frozen for a moment, stunned by the events that had transpired in such a short span of time. First the excitement of capturing this beautiful and primitive creature... followed swiftly by the enticement and obvious skill and ingenuity of one Ianto Jones. "Hey," Jack shouted out. "Report for work first thing tomorrow."

Ianto continued to walk out of the warehouse carefully keeping his face and most particularly his eyes brimming with tears from the astute Captain Harkness. Inwardly he rejoiced at his victory. Finally, he had his foot in the door at Torchwood 3. The capacity didn't matter. All that mattered was that he was inside. His eyes shuttered briefly as his confusion escalated at his reaction to Jack. Fighting the tears were next to impossible to will away, Ianto realized how his body responses had been a direct betrayal to Lisa – the girl he loved and was committed to protecting. What it meant he didn't know. All he knew was now she had a fighting chance.

Jack continued to watch Ianto's departure, taking particular note of his body language as he issued a statement he had felt from the very moment they had met. "Like the suit... by the way."

The following morning Jack wasn't the least bit surprised at the early arrival of the newest staff member of Torchwood 3. He gave him the grand tour, outlining his duties. He explained that the team would be off for the weekend. It would just be the two of them. Jack explained his work space would be in the tourist office, but that he would make use of his skills as an archivist. In time, should he do well he would carry a more active role in the day to day activities of Torchwood. Jack hoped he wasn't making a mistake in extending his trust to this man. For now, he would watch him closely. Looking at Ianto in the form fitting suit and appealing red shirt he instantly decided that wouldn't be a hardship of any kind.

Ianto looked at the coffee machine dubiously, as he asked Jack, "Have you been drinking coffee from this uhmmm device?"

"Sparingly." Jack chuckled. "Mostly it's been take away coffee. If you can make this machinery produce anything remotely similar to the coffee you gave me... I will be in your debt forever."

"Consider it done, Sir..." Ianto quirked, thinking this was a very positive beginning. He only wished he didn't find his boss and the man he was destined to deceive so incredibly alluring. Why he felt so he didn't understand. For now, he would file it away as those overpowering 51st century pheromones and leave it at that.

Jack extended his hand, shaking Ianto's with warmth, as his eyes visually assessed each feature on his face. Arching a brow, he smiled widely. "Welcome to Torchwood, Ianto Jones."

TBC

A/N: Okay. Here is my beginning. A big more wordy that I'd planned, but so much to cover with this initial meeting. Reminder, I started with Fragments as that's where we first viewed their meeting in canon. The next couple of chapters will be Ianto getting to know the team, as we didn't have that in canon. Then it will start with events beginning with episode 1, mixed in with my diversion from the plot. I hope you will enjoy this. Again, I expect a very long story here... and as previously stated - NO Jack/Gwen flirtation - so in this we bring many OOC tendencies into the story. At this point it will end at COE, but it will be a fix-it. Unless, I think of new adventures for them after that point. Please share your thoughts. That certainly always promotes me to write more!