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.

[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!

[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*

[lone-star-woman.livejournal.com]

Wow. This is fantastic.

[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.

[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.

[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.