SITE FOR SORE EYES - CHAPTER 12
Title: Site for Sore Eyes - Chapter 12
Author: iantosdreamer46
Genre: AU
Pairings/Characters: Ianto/Jack, Tosh/Owen, Gwen/Rhys, Chris/Damien
Summary:Jack is the owner of a construction company and has been asked by his two friends to build their new house in Cardiff. Ianto goes to work for Jack after leaving London and his ex girlfriend.
Rating: NC-17 Overall
Wordcount:2,873
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, they belong to the BBC and RTD, I just like to experiment with them from time to time.
A/N I've discovered that AU's are addictive. This is forzazajbwho started me with these and I hope it goes someway to making her smile.
A/N2 Apologies for any of you who are getting this multiple times, it's cross posted
A/N3 Some of the incidents that are mentioned in the story have actually happened. They were incidents that were on sites I've worked on
The morning flew by, the contractors arriving and the heavy plant machinery was delivered. Owen and Gray had popped into the cabin to let Jack know that everything was progressing well. Ianto had been out and introduced himself to those who weren’t at the induction the previous day.
Gwen had been busy sorting out the telephone engineers. Jack had decided that it would be cheaper to get a land line than use mobiles, so he’d left her to arrange the installation.
Jack had also been out on site checking the structural steelwork plans with Adam. There wasn’t to be a great deal of structural steel, but what there was needed to be right and he wanted to make sure they knew what was required of them. He was a firm boss, but also a fair one. He would turn his hand to anything on site, he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. In fact he sometimes missed that and purposely went to help the contractors.
Before anyone realised it was lunchtime and Owen bounded in the cabin. “Right people, who’s for a spot of lunch, I’m buying!”
“Wow that’s got to be a first” laughed Jack, “have you won the lottery?”
“Oi Harkness, one time only offer, you’ll be buying from now on.”
“Ok, I’m up for it, Ianto, you want to come for lunch?” Jack looked at the young man noticing a slight hesitation in his face. He smiled and nodded to him, hoping that he’d realise they could talk away from the office.
Ianto had seen the look on Jack’s face, he really wanted to go with them, but….oh what the hell, he’d go and see what happened “yeah, sounds like a good idea.”
“Gwen smiled and thought that they wanted to include her so…”I’m up for it too.”
“Ah, Gwen, message from Rhys, he says he’ll see you in ten minutes, he’s got your lunch with him. He didn’t think you’d want to leave the office, not today!”
“Oh, ok.” She was disappointed, she was hoping to find out more of the gorgeous Captain. She couldn’t’ take her eyes off him when he was wearing that coat.
“Hey Owen, is Gray coming?”
“No, just the three of us, he’s volunteered to stay, just in case there are any more deliveries.”
“That’s fine, ok then let’s go. I noticed a pub just up the road, maybe we can get some hot food there?”
“Yeah, I noticed it too. Who’s car we going in?”
“How about we take mine….bigger!” and Jack laughed.
“You and your big toys Jack.” Owen laughed also.
The three of them left Gwen to wait for Rhys. She was not happy, she had tried to speak to Jack all morning, but he’d been bounding in and out all the time. Be patient Gwen, good things come to those who wait. And she would wait, Jack was a good thing and she was determined to get him.
Rhys arrived in her office grinning, “hi lover, brought us lunch. Thought it would be a nice surprise for you. You know, relax with me whilst boss man swans off to eat.”
“For starters Rhys his name is Jack, not boss man, or to you, Mr Harkness.”
“Hey, hold on! What’s got into you today? First you don’t want me touching you, then you won’t let me make love to you, now you’re biting my head off when I make a joke. What the hell have I done?”
“I’m sorry Rhys” watch what you’re saying Gwen. “it’s just been crazy in here this morning, I’ve been up to my eyes in sorting things out. I don’t want to mess up on my first day.”
Standing behind his fiancée Rhys put his arms around her shoulders. “Hey come on, you’ll be fine, stop panicking. Jack will love you, just as I do.” He kissed her neck.
She closed her eyes oh I hope he is going to love me, I’m banking on making it happen. “Mmm, I’m sorry, forgive me?”
“Of course I forgive you, you daft thing, I love you.”
“And I love you too Rhys.” For now.
Owen, Jack and Ianto spent the short journey discussing the site and how they thought they’d got a good bunch of contractors working for them.
“What do you think Ianto?” Jack asked as he pulled into the car park. “A fresh pair of eyes is always a good thing on a contract.” And your eyes are gorgeous.
“Oh….erm….well they seem a good bunch of men. We’ll see once the work begins properly.”
“Doesn’t my opinion count in this conversation Jack?” Owen had been watching his two friends and when they thought he wasn’t looking he’d noticed that they’d been checking each other out.
“Of course Doc, let’s hear it then?”
“I agree with Ianto, they’ll show their worth once the contract starts properly.”
“And here’s me thinking you’re going to make a worthwhile comment, not just agree with Mr Jones here.”
They laughed, Ianto had never been on a site that had such a relaxed atmosphere, yet got the work completed to a high standard. He was definitely going to enjoy this job.
“Right, I’ll order the drinks, what’s everyone having?”
“Water for me Owen as usual please.”
“Ianto?”
“Erm, just orange juice please, I’ve got a lot more work to do this afternoon and I don’t want the Project Manager getting on my back that I’m not doing the job right.” He laughed.
Oh Mr Jones, I’d love to get on your back! Stop it Jack, you shouldn’t be thinking like that about Ianto. But Jack found he couldn’t stop thinking about the young man. He was in his thoughts all day and sometimes he was the first thing he thought of if he woke up in the middle of the night. You’ve really got this bad Jack, come on you’ve got to do something about it.
“Oh I forgot to tell you, Damien and Chris are popping on site this afternoon to see what’s happening.”
“Right, I’ll let the gate security know.” Owen disappeared to get the drinks.
Now’s your chance Jack, talk to him. Jack looked at Ianto “Ianto….about earlier….I’m….well I’m sorry if I was out of line, it’s just….”
“No Jack, it’s fine….I’m….well I’m….” Oh God Ianto just say it.
“Ianto would you like to go for a drink with me one night?”
Ianto was surprised “just the two of us?”
“Yeah, I’d like to get to know my APM a bit better….you know, what your opinions of the work are and….
“Well….erm….”
“Is that a yes?”
Ianto nodded “yes….it’s a yes Jack, I’d like that.” Now what’ve you done Jones? Ianto was secretly pleased, he wanted to get to know Jack better too, he realised he had been staring at Jack all the way here and hoped that neither of the other men had noticed.
“Great, how about tomorrow. I’d say tonight but by the time we’ve all finished for the day I know we’re all going to be knackered. It’s first day adrenaline kicking in as we get everything sorted, then by the time we get home all I want to do is sleep.”
“Tomorrow would be good thank you.”
“What are you thanking me for?”
“I’ve been on quite a few sites over the years and have never met a bunch of people so relaxed about the job in hand, yet will get on with things at a high standard. Plus all the other site manager have been them and us!”
“I don’t work like that. I learned a long time ago that if I respect my workers they’ll do the same for me.”
“That’s why the Captain here’s got the reputation he has. Isn’t that right Jack?” Owen had brought their drinks, “oh by the way, I’ve ordered hot beef sandwiches for everyone. Hope that’s ok?”
Ianto and Jack nodded. “Ianto about tomorrow, shall I pick you up around 7.00?”
“Yeah, that would be good Jack thanks. Now if you’ll just excuse me for a minute….” He got up and disappeared to the gents.
“Erm, what’s this? I’ll pick you up lark? Have I missed something?”
“Ianto and I are going for a drink tomorrow night. You know Project Manager gets to know Assistant Project Manager better.”
“Oh that’s what it’s called now is it Jack? Come on admit it you’ve got the hots for our young Welshman?”
“No….I….erm.”
“Harkness, I’ve known you too long to believe that. You can tell me, I promise not to say anything.”
“But….oh hell….yeah, there is something about him. I’m not sure what it is. And I don’t suppose he’ll reciprocate, after all he’s just split from girlfriend remember?”
“You never know Jack….heads up he’s on his way back.”
“Promise not to say anything?”
Owen nodded, he’d never known Jack this concerned about what people thought about the men he went out with, but he’d promised and would let Jack take the lead if anything happened.
Ianto sat back down just as the food arrived. Jack excused himself and went to get more drinks. Ianto, Owen noticed, watched Jack as he made his way to the bar.
“Ianto, you ok?”
“What….erm….yeah why?”
“You seem a bit distracted. Look if you want to tell me something I promise I won’t say anything.” He knew it had been a difficult time for his friend when he’d split from Lisa, so he was shocked when Ianto looked again at Jack then.
“Is Jack seeing anyone. Has he got a girlfriend?”
“Wow Ianto, that was out of the blue, where did that come from?”
“He’s….well he’s asked me out for a drink tomorrow night, I’ve said yes, but I didn’t want to be taking him away from his girl!”
“Oh Ianto, didn’t you notice our Jack the other night, or listen to what I told you about Hart and the relationship that ended a while back. He, that’s Hart is now living in London with his new partner.” Ianto looked back across at Jack then back to Owen questioningly “Jack has all the women staring at him, you’ve got to admit he’s good looking” Ianto blushed “well he’s not interested in them, he’d be more interested in that barman over there.”
“Oh….right” Ianto blushed a deeper shade of red and smiled.
“Come on Ianto, spill the beans, you like him don’t you?”
“I….yeah Owen, I do. The thing is….well you’ve known me for a long time, when have you ever known me to….well….a man?”
“Listen, I’m not judging you, I liked Lisa, till she turned on you, and I thought it was for keeps, but if you….well I’m pleased for you. If anything develops from this just enjoy it.”
“But….but what if?”
“What? You like Jack don’t you?”
“Yeah, but….”
“Forget the buts, just do it. Go for that drink tomorrow night and take it one step at a time.”
“But I’ve never had these kinds of feelings for another man. It’s well it’s just Jack, no one else.”
“Hey, I’m not saying anything. Like I told you, see what happens tomorrow night and take it from there. Jack’s a good guy and you are both my friends so whatever happens….”
“Thanks Owen.”
“For what?”
“For being a good friend.”
Jack arrived back with their drinks. “Hey what’s with the serious faces?”
“Ianto’s worried that he won’t live up to your expectations….at work.” Owen added, when he saw the look on Ianto’s face.
“Oh I’m sure he will. I wouldn’t have asked him to be part of this if I didn’t think he was up to it!” Jack looked at Ianto and smiled. He had an idea that Ianto had told Owen about the offer of drinks the following night and Owen was just being the good friend, letting Jack know the young man was nervous about it.
They ate their lunch and headed back to site, arriving just as Damien and Chris pulled up in their car.
“Afternoon boys” Jack shouted. “You’ve just caught us coming back from lunch.”
“We thought we’d just see what was happening to our house.”
Jack explained the site and who was there to do which job, leaving Ianto and Owen to make their way back to the office. All the while Jack was talking to the two men he kept glancing after Ianto, which both men had spotted.
“Ok Jack, what gives?”
“I’m sorry Chris, not sure I know what you mean?”
“You, Mr Jones, you can’t take your eyes off him. We’ve seen you, watching him as he walked away, what’s going on?”
“I’ve asked him to go for a drink with me tomorrow night.”
“And?....”
“And what?”
“Did he say yes?”
“Yeah, he did.”
“Thank goodness for that. If you hadn’t done something quick, Damien and I would have had to have stepped in.”
“But….”
“But what Jack?”
“But I didn’t think I was that obvious?”
“Oh yeah right! When every time his name is mentioned, you get that silly grin on your face. We are not blind Jack, I’m sure there have been other things happening to you when you’re near him. We remember when we first met, the reactions we felt.”
“Yeah, but I thought I was being stupid. He can’t have feelings for me, he’s just split from his girlfriend.”
“Look, go for that drink, you asked and he’s accepted, that’s a start. If nothing else happens and you remain friends then accept that’s how it’s meant to be. If anything else happens, take it as a bonus. You’ve dated enough men to know when something is right.”
“Thanks Chris, I think I just wanted someone to tell me I was doing the right thing. Come on let’s go and introduce you to a few people.”
The three of them made their way to Jack’s office.
“Jack, hi, did you have a good lunch?”
“Mmm yes thank you Gwen, you could say it was very productive.” Jack looked at Chris and Damien and winked.
“Oh, in that case is there anything you need me to do, if it was a working lunch?”
“No, it wasn’t productive work wise, I….well….oh never mind. I’ll sort things out, but thanks anyway.”
Gwen was intrigued by what Jack meant, she would have to remember to ask him again later.
Owen and Ianto were making their way around the site when Ianto asked “I am doing the right thing….with Jack I mean?”
“Yeah Ianto, you are. If nothing else happens and you remain friends, it’s got to be a bonus having Jack Harkness as a friend. He’s the best, most generous friend anyone can ever have.”
“Thanks Owen.”
Jack was trying to get the coffee machine to work, Gwen had offered but he’d said he needed to know, otherwise he’d be stuck if she was ever absent and Ianto was out on site. Damien and Chris laughed.
“Come on guys, I’m not that helpless, I can cook, look at the meal I did the other night!”
“Oh yeah. You need the love of a good person Jack. That’ll make sure you look after yourself.” Chris grinned cheekily.
Gwen, although on the phone, was listening to the conversation in the room too. Mmm so you are single then Jack.
Just then Ianto and Owen walked in. Ianto seeing Jack struggling with the coffee machine went to help. He playfully pushed Jack out of the way and smiled when Jack looked at him. The exchange between the two men didn’t escape the gaze of Owen, Damien and Chris, who just looked at each other, smiled and nodded.
“Move over Captain, let the tea boy at it. As Owen said I have this reputation, and I wouldn’t want to disappoint!”
“Oh you’ll not disappoint Ianto Jones.” Jack gazed into the crystal blue eyes and smiled.
The afternoon was a light-hearted affair with Damien and Chris remaining on site, looking at the designs Tosh had modified and making a few minor changes of their own. Gwen had been oblivious to the exchange between Jack and Ianto and was even more determined to get her boss after finding out that latest bit of information.
Rhys came to pick her up at 5.30 and as she said goodbye to everyone she was formulating a plan for the future and it certainly didn’t involve Rhys.
The five men all left together, Jack saying goodbye to Ianto when he reached the car park. Owen had offered to take him home as he’d not managed to get a car yet. He’d had to leave the one he had with Lisa. As they were pulling out of the car park, Owen noticed Ianto watching Jack, and he smiled.
Jack was stood talking to Damien and Chris as Owen pulled out of the car park. He smiled as he saw Ianto looking. He still couldn’t believe the young man had agreed to go for a drink with him. He was certainly looking forward to the following night.
Damien and Chris were watching Jack and when they saw him smile at Ianto they too smiled. Hoping that things would start to go right in the relationship stakes for their best friend. He needed someone to love.
tbc
Chapter 13 http://iantosdreamer46.livejournal.com/39246.html
Author: iantosdreamer46
Genre: AU
Pairings/Characters: Ianto/Jack, Tosh/Owen, Gwen/Rhys, Chris/Damien
Summary:Jack is the owner of a construction company and has been asked by his two friends to build their new house in Cardiff. Ianto goes to work for Jack after leaving London and his ex girlfriend.
Rating: NC-17 Overall
Wordcount:2,873
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, they belong to the BBC and RTD, I just like to experiment with them from time to time.
A/N I've discovered that AU's are addictive. This is forzazajbwho started me with these and I hope it goes someway to making her smile.
A/N2 Apologies for any of you who are getting this multiple times, it's cross posted
A/N3 Some of the incidents that are mentioned in the story have actually happened. They were incidents that were on sites I've worked on
The morning flew by, the contractors arriving and the heavy plant machinery was delivered. Owen and Gray had popped into the cabin to let Jack know that everything was progressing well. Ianto had been out and introduced himself to those who weren’t at the induction the previous day.
Gwen had been busy sorting out the telephone engineers. Jack had decided that it would be cheaper to get a land line than use mobiles, so he’d left her to arrange the installation.
Jack had also been out on site checking the structural steelwork plans with Adam. There wasn’t to be a great deal of structural steel, but what there was needed to be right and he wanted to make sure they knew what was required of them. He was a firm boss, but also a fair one. He would turn his hand to anything on site, he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. In fact he sometimes missed that and purposely went to help the contractors.
Before anyone realised it was lunchtime and Owen bounded in the cabin. “Right people, who’s for a spot of lunch, I’m buying!”
“Wow that’s got to be a first” laughed Jack, “have you won the lottery?”
“Oi Harkness, one time only offer, you’ll be buying from now on.”
“Ok, I’m up for it, Ianto, you want to come for lunch?” Jack looked at the young man noticing a slight hesitation in his face. He smiled and nodded to him, hoping that he’d realise they could talk away from the office.
Ianto had seen the look on Jack’s face, he really wanted to go with them, but….oh what the hell, he’d go and see what happened “yeah, sounds like a good idea.”
“Gwen smiled and thought that they wanted to include her so…”I’m up for it too.”
“Ah, Gwen, message from Rhys, he says he’ll see you in ten minutes, he’s got your lunch with him. He didn’t think you’d want to leave the office, not today!”
“Oh, ok.” She was disappointed, she was hoping to find out more of the gorgeous Captain. She couldn’t’ take her eyes off him when he was wearing that coat.
“Hey Owen, is Gray coming?”
“No, just the three of us, he’s volunteered to stay, just in case there are any more deliveries.”
“That’s fine, ok then let’s go. I noticed a pub just up the road, maybe we can get some hot food there?”
“Yeah, I noticed it too. Who’s car we going in?”
“How about we take mine….bigger!” and Jack laughed.
“You and your big toys Jack.” Owen laughed also.
The three of them left Gwen to wait for Rhys. She was not happy, she had tried to speak to Jack all morning, but he’d been bounding in and out all the time. Be patient Gwen, good things come to those who wait. And she would wait, Jack was a good thing and she was determined to get him.
Rhys arrived in her office grinning, “hi lover, brought us lunch. Thought it would be a nice surprise for you. You know, relax with me whilst boss man swans off to eat.”
“For starters Rhys his name is Jack, not boss man, or to you, Mr Harkness.”
“Hey, hold on! What’s got into you today? First you don’t want me touching you, then you won’t let me make love to you, now you’re biting my head off when I make a joke. What the hell have I done?”
“I’m sorry Rhys” watch what you’re saying Gwen. “it’s just been crazy in here this morning, I’ve been up to my eyes in sorting things out. I don’t want to mess up on my first day.”
Standing behind his fiancée Rhys put his arms around her shoulders. “Hey come on, you’ll be fine, stop panicking. Jack will love you, just as I do.” He kissed her neck.
She closed her eyes oh I hope he is going to love me, I’m banking on making it happen. “Mmm, I’m sorry, forgive me?”
“Of course I forgive you, you daft thing, I love you.”
“And I love you too Rhys.” For now.
Owen, Jack and Ianto spent the short journey discussing the site and how they thought they’d got a good bunch of contractors working for them.
“What do you think Ianto?” Jack asked as he pulled into the car park. “A fresh pair of eyes is always a good thing on a contract.” And your eyes are gorgeous.
“Oh….erm….well they seem a good bunch of men. We’ll see once the work begins properly.”
“Doesn’t my opinion count in this conversation Jack?” Owen had been watching his two friends and when they thought he wasn’t looking he’d noticed that they’d been checking each other out.
“Of course Doc, let’s hear it then?”
“I agree with Ianto, they’ll show their worth once the contract starts properly.”
“And here’s me thinking you’re going to make a worthwhile comment, not just agree with Mr Jones here.”
They laughed, Ianto had never been on a site that had such a relaxed atmosphere, yet got the work completed to a high standard. He was definitely going to enjoy this job.
“Right, I’ll order the drinks, what’s everyone having?”
“Water for me Owen as usual please.”
“Ianto?”
“Erm, just orange juice please, I’ve got a lot more work to do this afternoon and I don’t want the Project Manager getting on my back that I’m not doing the job right.” He laughed.
Oh Mr Jones, I’d love to get on your back! Stop it Jack, you shouldn’t be thinking like that about Ianto. But Jack found he couldn’t stop thinking about the young man. He was in his thoughts all day and sometimes he was the first thing he thought of if he woke up in the middle of the night. You’ve really got this bad Jack, come on you’ve got to do something about it.
“Oh I forgot to tell you, Damien and Chris are popping on site this afternoon to see what’s happening.”
“Right, I’ll let the gate security know.” Owen disappeared to get the drinks.
Now’s your chance Jack, talk to him. Jack looked at Ianto “Ianto….about earlier….I’m….well I’m sorry if I was out of line, it’s just….”
“No Jack, it’s fine….I’m….well I’m….” Oh God Ianto just say it.
“Ianto would you like to go for a drink with me one night?”
Ianto was surprised “just the two of us?”
“Yeah, I’d like to get to know my APM a bit better….you know, what your opinions of the work are and….
“Well….erm….”
“Is that a yes?”
Ianto nodded “yes….it’s a yes Jack, I’d like that.” Now what’ve you done Jones? Ianto was secretly pleased, he wanted to get to know Jack better too, he realised he had been staring at Jack all the way here and hoped that neither of the other men had noticed.
“Great, how about tomorrow. I’d say tonight but by the time we’ve all finished for the day I know we’re all going to be knackered. It’s first day adrenaline kicking in as we get everything sorted, then by the time we get home all I want to do is sleep.”
“Tomorrow would be good thank you.”
“What are you thanking me for?”
“I’ve been on quite a few sites over the years and have never met a bunch of people so relaxed about the job in hand, yet will get on with things at a high standard. Plus all the other site manager have been them and us!”
“I don’t work like that. I learned a long time ago that if I respect my workers they’ll do the same for me.”
“That’s why the Captain here’s got the reputation he has. Isn’t that right Jack?” Owen had brought their drinks, “oh by the way, I’ve ordered hot beef sandwiches for everyone. Hope that’s ok?”
Ianto and Jack nodded. “Ianto about tomorrow, shall I pick you up around 7.00?”
“Yeah, that would be good Jack thanks. Now if you’ll just excuse me for a minute….” He got up and disappeared to the gents.
“Erm, what’s this? I’ll pick you up lark? Have I missed something?”
“Ianto and I are going for a drink tomorrow night. You know Project Manager gets to know Assistant Project Manager better.”
“Oh that’s what it’s called now is it Jack? Come on admit it you’ve got the hots for our young Welshman?”
“No….I….erm.”
“Harkness, I’ve known you too long to believe that. You can tell me, I promise not to say anything.”
“But….oh hell….yeah, there is something about him. I’m not sure what it is. And I don’t suppose he’ll reciprocate, after all he’s just split from girlfriend remember?”
“You never know Jack….heads up he’s on his way back.”
“Promise not to say anything?”
Owen nodded, he’d never known Jack this concerned about what people thought about the men he went out with, but he’d promised and would let Jack take the lead if anything happened.
Ianto sat back down just as the food arrived. Jack excused himself and went to get more drinks. Ianto, Owen noticed, watched Jack as he made his way to the bar.
“Ianto, you ok?”
“What….erm….yeah why?”
“You seem a bit distracted. Look if you want to tell me something I promise I won’t say anything.” He knew it had been a difficult time for his friend when he’d split from Lisa, so he was shocked when Ianto looked again at Jack then.
“Is Jack seeing anyone. Has he got a girlfriend?”
“Wow Ianto, that was out of the blue, where did that come from?”
“He’s….well he’s asked me out for a drink tomorrow night, I’ve said yes, but I didn’t want to be taking him away from his girl!”
“Oh Ianto, didn’t you notice our Jack the other night, or listen to what I told you about Hart and the relationship that ended a while back. He, that’s Hart is now living in London with his new partner.” Ianto looked back across at Jack then back to Owen questioningly “Jack has all the women staring at him, you’ve got to admit he’s good looking” Ianto blushed “well he’s not interested in them, he’d be more interested in that barman over there.”
“Oh….right” Ianto blushed a deeper shade of red and smiled.
“Come on Ianto, spill the beans, you like him don’t you?”
“I….yeah Owen, I do. The thing is….well you’ve known me for a long time, when have you ever known me to….well….a man?”
“Listen, I’m not judging you, I liked Lisa, till she turned on you, and I thought it was for keeps, but if you….well I’m pleased for you. If anything develops from this just enjoy it.”
“But….but what if?”
“What? You like Jack don’t you?”
“Yeah, but….”
“Forget the buts, just do it. Go for that drink tomorrow night and take it one step at a time.”
“But I’ve never had these kinds of feelings for another man. It’s well it’s just Jack, no one else.”
“Hey, I’m not saying anything. Like I told you, see what happens tomorrow night and take it from there. Jack’s a good guy and you are both my friends so whatever happens….”
“Thanks Owen.”
“For what?”
“For being a good friend.”
Jack arrived back with their drinks. “Hey what’s with the serious faces?”
“Ianto’s worried that he won’t live up to your expectations….at work.” Owen added, when he saw the look on Ianto’s face.
“Oh I’m sure he will. I wouldn’t have asked him to be part of this if I didn’t think he was up to it!” Jack looked at Ianto and smiled. He had an idea that Ianto had told Owen about the offer of drinks the following night and Owen was just being the good friend, letting Jack know the young man was nervous about it.
They ate their lunch and headed back to site, arriving just as Damien and Chris pulled up in their car.
“Afternoon boys” Jack shouted. “You’ve just caught us coming back from lunch.”
“We thought we’d just see what was happening to our house.”
Jack explained the site and who was there to do which job, leaving Ianto and Owen to make their way back to the office. All the while Jack was talking to the two men he kept glancing after Ianto, which both men had spotted.
“Ok Jack, what gives?”
“I’m sorry Chris, not sure I know what you mean?”
“You, Mr Jones, you can’t take your eyes off him. We’ve seen you, watching him as he walked away, what’s going on?”
“I’ve asked him to go for a drink with me tomorrow night.”
“And?....”
“And what?”
“Did he say yes?”
“Yeah, he did.”
“Thank goodness for that. If you hadn’t done something quick, Damien and I would have had to have stepped in.”
“But….”
“But what Jack?”
“But I didn’t think I was that obvious?”
“Oh yeah right! When every time his name is mentioned, you get that silly grin on your face. We are not blind Jack, I’m sure there have been other things happening to you when you’re near him. We remember when we first met, the reactions we felt.”
“Yeah, but I thought I was being stupid. He can’t have feelings for me, he’s just split from his girlfriend.”
“Look, go for that drink, you asked and he’s accepted, that’s a start. If nothing else happens and you remain friends then accept that’s how it’s meant to be. If anything else happens, take it as a bonus. You’ve dated enough men to know when something is right.”
“Thanks Chris, I think I just wanted someone to tell me I was doing the right thing. Come on let’s go and introduce you to a few people.”
The three of them made their way to Jack’s office.
“Jack, hi, did you have a good lunch?”
“Mmm yes thank you Gwen, you could say it was very productive.” Jack looked at Chris and Damien and winked.
“Oh, in that case is there anything you need me to do, if it was a working lunch?”
“No, it wasn’t productive work wise, I….well….oh never mind. I’ll sort things out, but thanks anyway.”
Gwen was intrigued by what Jack meant, she would have to remember to ask him again later.
Owen and Ianto were making their way around the site when Ianto asked “I am doing the right thing….with Jack I mean?”
“Yeah Ianto, you are. If nothing else happens and you remain friends, it’s got to be a bonus having Jack Harkness as a friend. He’s the best, most generous friend anyone can ever have.”
“Thanks Owen.”
Jack was trying to get the coffee machine to work, Gwen had offered but he’d said he needed to know, otherwise he’d be stuck if she was ever absent and Ianto was out on site. Damien and Chris laughed.
“Come on guys, I’m not that helpless, I can cook, look at the meal I did the other night!”
“Oh yeah. You need the love of a good person Jack. That’ll make sure you look after yourself.” Chris grinned cheekily.
Gwen, although on the phone, was listening to the conversation in the room too. Mmm so you are single then Jack.
Just then Ianto and Owen walked in. Ianto seeing Jack struggling with the coffee machine went to help. He playfully pushed Jack out of the way and smiled when Jack looked at him. The exchange between the two men didn’t escape the gaze of Owen, Damien and Chris, who just looked at each other, smiled and nodded.
“Move over Captain, let the tea boy at it. As Owen said I have this reputation, and I wouldn’t want to disappoint!”
“Oh you’ll not disappoint Ianto Jones.” Jack gazed into the crystal blue eyes and smiled.
The afternoon was a light-hearted affair with Damien and Chris remaining on site, looking at the designs Tosh had modified and making a few minor changes of their own. Gwen had been oblivious to the exchange between Jack and Ianto and was even more determined to get her boss after finding out that latest bit of information.
Rhys came to pick her up at 5.30 and as she said goodbye to everyone she was formulating a plan for the future and it certainly didn’t involve Rhys.
The five men all left together, Jack saying goodbye to Ianto when he reached the car park. Owen had offered to take him home as he’d not managed to get a car yet. He’d had to leave the one he had with Lisa. As they were pulling out of the car park, Owen noticed Ianto watching Jack, and he smiled.
Jack was stood talking to Damien and Chris as Owen pulled out of the car park. He smiled as he saw Ianto looking. He still couldn’t believe the young man had agreed to go for a drink with him. He was certainly looking forward to the following night.
Damien and Chris were watching Jack and when they saw him smile at Ianto they too smiled. Hoping that things would start to go right in the relationship stakes for their best friend. He needed someone to love.
tbc
Chapter 13 http://iantosdreamer46.livejournal.com/39246.html