Cyberwoman in the Basement

[sariagray]

Title: Cyberwoman in the Basement
Author: sariagray 
Characters/Pairings: Ianto, OCs
Rating: G
Word Count: 173
Spoilers: Cyberwoman, but assume the whole series.
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: I do not own Torchwood, its characters, or anything else with which it may be involved.
Author’s Note: Autumn nights are making me melancholy and nostalgic and romantic. I apologize in advance. This just wouldn't leave me alone, and I was desperately trying to get to sleep! Also, I should probably have my iTunes revoked. Immediately.



My heart went cold and only hollow rhythms resounded from within
But then he rose, brilliant as the moon in full
And sank in the burrows of my keep
And all my armour falling down, in a pile at my feet
And my winter giving way to warm, as I'm singing him to sleep
          “Pale September” Fiona Apple
Full song can be heard here.

Cyberwoman in the Basement

     Ianto sat peaceably in the warm glow of a well-stoked fire. The autumn evening had been chilly, tempting him to pursue the cozy plush chair of the local café and the creamy hot cocoa currently holding vigil by his side. They hit him the most in autumn, these moments when he wanted to be alone but not lonely, driving him to private musings in public places.
     Over the clatter of milk pitchers hitting steam wands, clanking porcelain cups, and hushed mumblings, he caught hold of voices that were straining against the bonds of decorum.
     “I know, Sean. I do. But I love Jon, and I promised I would stand by him.”
     “He isn’t who you think he is. He doesn’t treat you right.”
     “He’s not the monster you think he is.”
     “Fine. If that’s what you want.”
     As he gazed into the flickering flames, the realization cascaded over him like welcome waves over a desert; everyone has a cyberwoman in the basement, but not everyone has a Captain who refuses to admit defeat.

End

 

Comments

[thebuttonontop.livejournal.com]

nice. very nice. and so true.

[sariagray.livejournal.com]

Thank you! And yes, it is!

Although I like to think that everyone has a Captain out there somewhere...*sighs wistfully* :)

[too-beauty.livejournal.com]

so cyberwoman is everybody's skeleton in the closet while the Captain is the one who helps us to come out, as a dashing hero!
Just wonderful!

[sariagray.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :) I always found Cyberwoman to be a strong allegorical episode more so than any of the others, probably because I related to it on a personal level. :)

[lyryk.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow. I usually find Cyberwoman fics depressing because there's so much angst and the boys have a long way to go before they sort things out, but this is just wonderful. Especially love all the gorgeous imagery and the sensory details. And Jack, who isn't even there but makes Ianto feel content because of who he is. Thanks for this. *hugs*

[sariagray.livejournal.com]

*Nods* I hear you on the Cyberwoman fics, though I ended up reading a bunch last night (got the angst out of my system BEFORE writing!) I wanted a Ianto who had been through enough time to reflect, come to grips, and was able to make his keen observations!

And thank YOU! All your reviews are so lovely and insightful! :) *hugs*

[lyryk.livejournal.com]

If you want a really beautifully-written post-Cyberwoman fic, try beesandbrews's 'Thirty Days in Purgatory', if you haven't read it already. It's based on the wonderful premise that Ianto spends his month-long suspension on Flat Holm. There isn't much Jack and the story's based on the premise that they didn't immediately resolve things between them, but it's gorgeous in terms of Ianto's character and how he reacts to what he's been through.

You're most welcome, love. If I read something I like, the least I can do is take a minute to tell the author that I enjoyed it. :-)

[sariagray.livejournal.com]

I have read it; it is fantastic! One of the first things I read when entering the fandom, actually! I was a bit starved after I finally watched CoE....:)

[lone-star-woman.livejournal.com]

Wow. This is fantastic.

[sariagray.livejournal.com]

*Blush* Thank you!

[usakiwigirl.livejournal.com]

Love this - wish I had a Captain to never give up on me. You are right, we all need one. Love how Ianto wants to be alone, yet not lonely. A concept some people don't understand, no matter how many times you explain it.

[sariagray.livejournal.com]

*Nods again* I definitely think Ianto gets that concept (so, too, does Jack).

I am convinced we all get our Captains some day. Hell, look what Ianto had to go through for his. *Sigh*

Thanks again! :)

[bk_forever]

Ah, Ianto's feeling introspective, I guess everyone has days like that. He's not wallowing in darkness though, his life has hope in the shape of his captain.

Sometimes it's good to sit on the sidelines and ponder while life goes on around you. After a while, you realise you're not as different from everyone else as you might have thought.

[sariagray.livejournal.com]

*Nod* And I think the whole Ianto/lisa thing was a bit codependent.

Doesn't help that he works for a place like Torchwood, where it's easier to distance oneself from the "other" humans. He needed some of his guilt lessened, and to realize that Jack wouldn't give up on him, when others might've.

[bk_forever]

Codependent, yes. Lisa couldn't care for herself, couldn't even breathe without the machine, but equally, caring for her gave Ianto something to focus on, something to work towards after the devastation of Canary Wharf. She was probably all that kept him from falling apart when his world had been shattered.

[sariagray.livejournal.com]

OMG THIS IS RIDICULOUS!

Oh, wait, I actually commented to your original one on this post. PHEW! *Is slightly relieved*

I think you exist; I think I just lost my mind numerous time.

[bk_forever]

Right now, I'm not sure I even HAVE a mind...