m_findlow

Title: Old habits
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters/Pairings: Jack, Ianto
Word Count: 500 words
Rating: PG
Notes: Written for Challenge 139 - Crook at anythingdrabble
Summary: You never know what you'll find going through Jack's old things.

There was a heaving grunt as Ianto dragged the dusty old trunk across the floor. It left a streak behind it where it had disturbed the accumulated dust of several decades. It caused him to cough and sneeze simultaneously.

'Jesus, Jack. Have you ever heard of the phrase "spring cleaning"?' he asked, taking out his handkerchief.

Jack gave a nonchalant shrug. 'It's stuff I don't use, so yeah, it's probably been sitting around for a while.'

Ianto rolled his eyes. 'And just like the archives, nothing has ever been thrown out.'

'I might need it someday!' Jack argued.

'Perhaps we can decide now and I'll write the relevant future decade in the dust on the lid.'

'Har har.'

Ianto pocketed his handkerchief. 'Well, for now it's cluttering up what little space counts as a bedroom,' he declared. If they removed some of Jack's hoarding there might be space enough for a real bed.

'So, shove these somewhere else,' Jack offered.

'They're too heavy to move out of here without being emptied. I bet you don't even remember what's in them.'

The brass clips were stiff to unlatch. It took both of them to prise the lid open, revealing a variety of hideous ruffled shirts, velvet frock coats and tins of knick-knacks. Jack definitely wouldn't be needing these anytime soon, or probably ever.

Ianto's hand rummaged through the odd bits at the bottom, before landing on something smooth and heavy. He pulled it out and marveled at the enormous gemstone, large as grapefruit. It was cut and beveled perfectly to catch the light, making rainbows dance around the room. 'Is this...' It couldn't be. If it was it'd be worth millions. Tens of millions.

Jack usually grabbed things from Ianto's hands, eyes aglow with excitement and a "I've been wondering where this got to...". On this occasion however there was no glee, only a look of dark guilt.

'Jack, why do you have the world's largest diamond hidden in the bottom of a trunk?'

Jack gently took it from Ianto's hand, surprised by its weight after so many years. 'Couple of blowfish went for a smash and grab at the most prestigious jeweler's in Cardiff. I killed them. He blew out a breath full of regret. And while I was there I stole this. Figured they'd assume someone escaped with it.'

'Why?'

'I wanted to get away from Torchwood. This could buy me a way out and off this planet.'

'So, why didn't you?'

Jack chuckled with mirth. 'Nineteen fourteen. War broke out and suddenly the black market wasn't interested in diamonds anymore. I saved it for a rainy day. Then there was the Depression, World War Two... Eventually I forgot all about it.' Jack bowed his head despondently. 'Once a crook, always a crook, huh?'

Ianto reached out to tuck a finger under Jack's chin, pulling it forward for a tender kiss. 'Well, you stole my heart so I suppose there's some element of the old criminal still in there.'