The Sometimes Effects Of The 21st Century On Views On Fidelity (...) by gersteakknife

[magnolian-lily.livejournal.com]

Title: The Sometimes Effects Of The 21st Century On Views On Fidelity: Why 'Change' Is Often Sought But Rarely Found
Author: gersteakknife
Genre: angst
Rating: R
Summary: “I’ve slept with someone else,” Jack said, perhaps even a little guilty, when Ianto delivered a stack of documents and a coffee to him at approximately 9.32am, nine days after he’d returned to Cardiff. Quite frankly, Ianto was surprised he was considered a ‘someone’ for there to be an ‘else.’
Status: Complete
Length: One-shot
Warnings: will make you cry, also includes cheating and DOES NOT HAVE HAPPY ENDING
Comment: This fic is sooooooo bloody bittersweet and just made me sad all over but it's also really, really good and very well written.



The fourteenth time, Ianto walked in whilst it was happening. In a – pretty much- public space, he might've added. Jack had arranged to meet him in a bar that did moderately-priced drinks and nice nibbles and when he was still on his own fifteen minutes after their scheduled meeting time, loitering and looking a little bit sad- in the 'loser' sense; he was more annoyed than upset- he leant against the bar and asked the pretty barmaid if she’d seen an annoyingly handsome man in a silly coat, who insisted on sexually harassing anything in the immediate vicinity that wasn’t nailed down. The girl laughed as she poured a pint and nodded towards the toilet.

The toilet?

In retrospect, Ianto really should’ve known what he’d find when he went looking. Sure enough, he recognised Jack’s erratic gasps and moans of pleasure- he could’ve picked them out in a fully-booked brothel-, accompanied by an more undignified, well…slurping noise.

The door to the occupied cubicle wasn’t even locked.

He pressed his palm flat against it and pushed. The motion knocked the man on his knees forward, making him head butt Jack’s groin, even as Jack staggered backwards.

He stared at the scene before him, wondering what that weird fuzzy noise in his head was. There was a difference between knowing what Jack was doing and seeing it, he supposed. It hurt, in an abstract nature.

Comments

[magnolian-lily.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry the summary wasn't explanationary enough, I added more warnings in case someone else feels the same way. I understand what you mean with how it would've been better with Ianto leaving Jack (even, though, I don't agree). I think that the way it is is what makes it so bittersweet. But I appreciate your input and I'm sure there will be people who'll be thankful for warning them. As I said, I changed the warning as to add that it includes cheating and does not have happy ending.

[totallytracy.livejournal.com]

Oh, thanks...I didn't mean to sound critical of you....eek.

I have no problem with tons and tons of angst as long as it is resolved and doesnt just conclude with ongoing pain and hurt like this does. I just can't stand seeing Ianto live his whole life with a cheater.

I know some people like that kind of lifelong angst and pain, and that is cool.

[magnolian-lily.livejournal.com]

See, I know what you mean because whenever I read a fic that ends sad I want it to end differently but the main reason why I recced this is because, well, I really, really think it's brilliantly written and to be fair I think it'd cheapen the fic if it ended differently and yeah, it is awful to live your life with a cheater but... many people love someone too much to go.

[totallytracy.livejournal.com]

It is very well written, no argument there. The author got me to feel exactly the way she wanted me too. I just don't like to feel that way. :(