A Blue String (Janto AU)

2 - No String

//Trigger warnings: the same as in Countrycide (vomit, death, cannibalism etc.,) This one isn't as original until the end of the chapter so just stick with me\\

3rd POV 

"You think that some alien managed to get through the Rift and find its way to the countryside without getting noticed?" Owen challenged. Gwen crossed her arms. "I dunno, maybe," she responded. 

"Well, we can check it out. It'll take maybe three days at most." Jack said, stopping any arguments that could begin between Owen and Gwen. 

Tosh frowned. "It's about hundred miles into the countryside, are you sure?" Jack nodded, "yes I am sure." 

Jack turned and began to give orders. "Toshiko, Owen, since Ianto is running late, I want you two to pack up the camping supplies and food. After that, I want you all to get some more appropriate clothes on. This will definitely be an adventure." 

"Should I go get some clothes ahead of Tosh and Owen?" Gwen asked. "Yes. And tell Rhys you're going on a trip so he won't get worried," Jack answered. 

With that, the group of four scattered. Tosh and Owen went to fetch their camping supplies. Their supplies were all slightly old but manageable. Owen kept grumbling about not spending the night in a hotel instead of in the wilderness. 

Jack was growing worried about Ianto. Ianto was almost always early or at least on time for work; never late. 

Torchwood Three's boss began to get himself ready for the trip. He didn't have to do much. By the time he had finished preparing himself, Owen and Toshiko had finished packing the SUV and were heading home to quickly change.

Gwen soon arrived shortly after Jack finished. The former police officer could practically feel Jack's anxiety herself. And Jack doesn't get worried this much a lot. 

"I saw Ianto on my way home. He looks tired still and a bit pale but he seems alright. I told him about the plan and he should be at his house changing." What Gwen said calmed Jack down a lot. With a job and knowledge like this, one tends to worry about the worst possibilities. 

Owen arrived back at the Hub just before Tosh. Soon after, Ianto appeared. Gwen was right, he did look pale. 

Ianto's POV

The car ride took awhile. Like a long while. Even with the speed we were going, it took us until noon to get there. And oh my god the conversations Owen and Gwen have when they are bored. When we finally arrived, we were lucky enough to spot a food truck. I went up and bought five burgers, one for each of us. 

Everyone else had already begun unpacking everything. We take a break when I get there with the food. Gwen started up a game to pass the time. "Who was the last person you snogged?" Gwen asked the group with a mischievous grin. Owen rolled his eyes, "you sound like an eight year old!" 

"Mine was Rhys," Gwen spoke proudly, a smile plastered on her face. "Tosh, you go!" Gwen spoke cheerfully with intentions to bring some joy to the group. 

Toshiko fidgeted with her fingers in response. "Mine was Owen." A brief pause. "New Year's, 3 in the morning right under some mistletoe." 

Owen gawked at Tosh, "you haven't had a snog since Christmas?" He asked, sounding incredibly surprised. Tosh shook her head. "No, haven't had much time since. What about you?" 

I watched as the three of them made their way over to a circle of benches to sit down. Deciding to join them, I silently made my way over. I sat down on an empty bench and watched as the three spoke.