SITE FOR SORE EYES - CHAPTER 13
Title: Site for Sore Eyes - Chapter 13
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: 3,764
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
Jack was first on site the next day, he hadn’t slept very well, his thoughts kept going back to Ianto and their drink that night. He couldn’t eat breakfast and only managed a coffee.
Chris noticed “Jack, you ok?”
“Yeah, I’m just thinking.”
“About what?”
“Tonight and my drink with Ianto.”
“Hey come on, you’ve been out for drinks with plenty of men, what’s so different about Ianto?”
“Not sure. He’s different to the others. I always seemed to go for the bad boys. Look at Hart, he….well he was always the dominant one and I’d always do what he said even if it got us into trouble. Ianto….he’s…..well, he’s quiet, gorgeous and those eyes….you just lose yourself in them.”
“Can’t say we’ve noticed, but if he can tame our Captain it’s got to be a good thing. Do you want us to make ourselves scarce tonight? We can always book into a hotel for the night.”
“What! No! It’s only a drink Chris. I’m not going to be jumping on him anytime soon. I don’t know how he feels about me. And besides, I don’t want to frighten him off.”
“Ok, but you know what we say, if you don’t ask you’ll never know.”
“Yeah, thanks boys. Now I must get to work. See you at tea time.”
Jack had replayed the conversation several times on the way to work and was just rehearsing to himself what he wanted to say to Ianto when he heard someone behind him. Turning around he came face to face with the young man.
“Morning Jack, you ok this morning?”
“Yeah, morning Ianto, I am now….sorry that….”
“Jack….stop!”
“What’s wrong? Are you having second thoughts about that drink tonight?”
“What! No….no I’m not, in fact I’m looking forward to it. It’s just….just….oh never mind.”
Jack moved closer to Ianto and could smell the fresh fragrance of tea tree oil shampoo. “Come on tell me please. I….I don’t want you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.” Jack’s senses were becoming heightened, the sight and smell of this gorgeous man was causing a tightness in his stomach. He wanted to encase him in his arms, but he knew if he did it would really frighten Ianto off, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.
“I’m sorry Jack, this is going to sound stupid but….God Ianto just say what you’re thinking, he can only change his mind and cancel tonight or still go ahead. Ok here goes….”Jack I….I’ve….oh shit Jack, I’ve got feelings for you that I’ve never had for any man before, and I don’t know what to do.”
Jack moved closer to him and reached for one of Ianto’s hands. As their fingers touched it seemed a surge of electricity made its way through both of them. “Hey come on, if you’re not comfortable with just the two of us going out, I’ll ask Tosh and Owen.”
Ianto realised they were still holding hands and smiled because it felt nice, no….it felt right. “No Jack, I want it to be just us. I’m just saying all that I’m feeling is new to me and I don’t know what to do….no, that sounded wrong, I know that I want to go for that drink, I’m just not sure what else I want. I’m sorry.”
Jack wanted to hug him, but he knew Gwen would be arriving soon, so he continued to hold Ianto’s hand. He squeezed it “look, let’s go for the drink and talk. You can tell me what you’re thinking and if you’re ready to hear my thoughts then I’ll tell you how I fell. Do we have a deal?”
“Yeah….yes Jack, we have a deal, thank you.”
“What for?”
“Being so understanding.”
“Ianto Jones, what I will say is, I have feelings for you that I never knew existed, and in saying that I don’t want to frighten you away. If after our talk tonight all you want is my friendship, then you’ll have it. If….and it’s a big if….you want something else… and whatever else it may be, then I’m here for you, no matter what.”
Ianto smiled and as he looked into Jack’s blue grey eyes he thought he saw something that he’d only seen at the start of his relationship with Lisa. A noise behind Ianto brought the two men back to the present. It was Gwen shouting a goodbye to Rhys as she came in the door.
Jack and Ianto dropped hands quickly and Ianto made his way to the coffee machine. He had to do something to occupy his hands, he was disappointed that he’d had to let go of Jack.
Jack watched Ianto as he busied himself making his fantastic coffee. He was sorry that they’d had to let go of one another, but he would wait until tonight, he would find out how this young man was feeling.
As Gwen entered the office she felt an atmosphere in the air, but couldn’t quite determine what was going on. Jack looked upset and she couldn’t see Ianto’s face as his back was to her as he made the coffee.
“Morning Jack, Ianto. Everything alright?”
“What….oh morning Gwen, yeah we’re good, aren’t we Ianto?”
“Yeah, we’re good. Morning Gwen.” Ianto couldn’t bring himself to turn around just yet, he had an idea his face would give away his thoughts and he really didn’t want Gwen, or anyone for that matter to know what he thought about Jack. He knew if he turned around his eyes would go straight to Jack’s as they drew him in.
“Coffee will be ready in about ten minutes.”
“That’s great. Right Ianto I’m going to check that the bricks have arrived. I’ll have my coffee when I get back. Gwen I need you to contact the glaziers. Yeah I know it’s early, but the boys want a stained glass window above their front door, and I need to know how much it’s going to cost and if they can’t do it, do they know who can? I’ve left the design on your desk.”
“Ok Jack, no problem.”
“Ianto how are you with heights?”
“Ok, why?”
“I’m going to need someone to help me erect the Torchwood Construction site sign. I’ve got Owen and Gray driving the cherry-pickers, I just need someone to go up with me.”
“Yep, no problem. Do you want to do it now?”
“No, this afternoon will be fine, I’m having the sign delivered around lunchtime.”
“Ok, shout when you want me.” And Ianto did turn to look at Jack then.
Jack winked and they both smiled. Gwen noticed the exchange between the two men and wondered if there was something she was missing. What’s going on between the two of you? Stop right there Gwen, Rhys said Ianto’s just left his girlfriend in London. You need to move quickly girl, otherwise you’re going to miss the boat. She was disturbed in her thoughts by Jack putting a pile of letters that needed typing, onto her desk.
“Gwen if these could be ready for me to sign this afternoon, that would be fantastic. I’ll post them on my way home tonight.”
“No problem Jack. Tell me to mind my own business, but is everything alright between you and Ianto?”
“Yeah Gwen, everything’s fine, why?”
“Oh I just thought something had happened when I arrived this morning, you were both very quiet.”
“Well neither of us had had our caffeine fix, so we weren’t awake. Nothing for you to worry about.” And with that he disappeared out onto the site.
The rest of the morning saw both Jack and Ianto spending as much time in the office as they did on site. If one was in the other was making sure things were running smoothly outside.
Rhys appeared in the office at lunchtime. “Sorry to bother you Jack, but would you mind if I took my gorgeous fiancée out to lunch today?”
“No Rhys, I don’t mind, in fact if you want somewhere quiet with good food there’s a pub just down the road. We went yesterday and I highly recommend it.”
“Thanks Jack. Come on then Gwen, my treat to make up for those boring sandwiches yesterday.”
“I’m sorry Rhys, I’ve got these letters to finish for Jack, he wants them sent out as soon as possible.”
“Hey! Gwen, leave those, go have fun with Rhys, they’ll still be there when you get back.”
Gwen was annoyed, the last thing she wanted was to have a cosy lunch with Rhys. She would rather stay in her office so she could see Jack.
“Come on, the Captain has given his permission, let’s go!” Rhys held out his hand to her and reluctantly she allowed herself to be taken for lunch.
Not long after Gwen had gone Ianto came back in undoing his tie slightly and then the top button. “It’s turning warm out there Jack, I knew I shouldn’t have worn a tie today when I heard the weather forecast. But I didn’t want you to think I didn’t care about my appearance.” He said as he removed his hard hat.
Jack noticed Ianto’s hair had become tousled under the hat and the sight of him with hair that he wanted to run his fingers through, combined with a loose tie and open necked shirt, sent his blood supply south. He was just glad he was sat behind his desk, he didn’t want Ianto to notice. He caught his breath “I don’t mind what my APM looks like, as long as he gets the work done. And believe me Mr Jones, if it gets any hotter I’ll be the first out on site to remove my shirt.”
Ianto had a vision of a bare chested Jack and he could feel a tightness beginning in his stomach. “Erm, would you like a coffee?” He had to do something to take his mind off a bare chested Jack, even if it was for a brief moment.
“Coffee would be great thanks.”
Ianto made two and took them into their office. Handing one to Jack he noticed the look in Jack’s eyes. “What’s wrong Jack?”
“Nothing, I’m just thinking about tonight. I’m really looking forward to that drink and a chat. Where do you want to go?”
“How about Terra Nova. It was nice in there and they don’t play music so we can talk without shouting.”
“Great you still ok for me to pick you up at 7.30?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. You’ll want my address won’t you?”
“Good idea, although I have got it written down back at head office but yes please.” Jack realised he was rambling, he’d never done that before, he was always so confident around men he dated. Ianto certainly was having a different effect on him and he realised he liked it.
They were finishing their coffee when they heard shouting from the other office.
“Next time you want to take me out to lunch just ask me first, I’m fed up with you saying we’re doing this and we’re doing that. I may be too busy to leave the office. Now I’ve got to get back to work otherwise Jack won’t be very happy if his letters aren’t ready!” Gwen slammed the door before Rhys had chance to say anything.
Jack and Ianto went through to see what all the shouting was about. “Hey Gwen, what’s all the fuss about?”
“Sorry Jack, didn’t realise you were in there, I thought you were both out on site.” She broke into tears.
“Come on, it’s not that bad, is it?”
“Oh Jack, I’m sorry.”
Ianto smiled, “I’ll just go check everything is ok outside” and he left Jack talking to his secretary.
Jack smiled and winked at Ianto, then went and stood next to Gwen. He put his hand on her shoulder “Come on it’ll be ok, want to tell me?”
Gwen inwardly smiled, it felt so good to have Jacks hand on her. Her plan was beginning to take shape. “I’m sorry Jack, we were having a nice lunch when we got talking about our wedding and how Rhys wanted kids. I told him we had plenty of time, but he lost it and said that we should think sooner rather than later and wouldn’t it be fun to go home and practice.
Jack smiled “hey don’t worry, it’ll happen when you’re both ready. And besides practicing is half the fun.”
“Oh Jack, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring my private life to work.”
He squeezed her shoulder tighter “don’t fret, it’s no problem. We’re one big family at Torchwood Construction.” He left her then to go out to find Ianto to put the sign up.”
Oh Jack, if you only knew, I’d love to practice with you. And in time I will. She smiled as she went back to typing her letters.
The rest of the day passed without too much drama. Jack, Ianto, Owen and Gray admitted they’d made a good job with the sign, and Ianto had finally discarded his tie completely which had him opening his shirt more, much to Jack’s delight.
They were sat in the office when Rhys knocked and walked in. “Hi….erm….I was wondering if it’s ok to take Gwen home, we….well we erm….”
“Hey Rhys no problem. Gwen, you ok?”
“Yeah Jack….I’m fine and….I’m sorry.”
“Look, go home both of you, talk. It’s good to talk about your feelings,” and he looked at Ianto who smiled and dropped his gaze to the floor.
Gwen left. “Ok kids, it’s about time we all went too. I know I’ve got things to sort out tonight.” He looked again at Ianto who smiled and blushed.
The four of them left and as Jack was getting in his SUV Ianto approached. “You still want that drink tonight Jack?”
“Of course I do, like I said back there, it’s good to talk.”
“Ok, I’ll see you later.”
Jack drove off leaving Ianto watching the vehicle and thinking about later.
True to his word Jack pulled up outside Ianto’s at 7.30. He must have been watching the street, as Jack didn’t have chance to get out of his vehicle as he saw Ianto exit the front door. Jack had to take several deep breaths, Ianto was wearing black jeans that fitted perfectly in all the right places. His shirt was a deep red with the top two buttons open, and he had a black waistcoat on, but it was unbuttoned. He looked, Jack thought, very sexy.
Ianto got into the SUV “Evening Jack, thought it best to watch for you, you don’t want to be bombarded with questions from my mam.” He looked at Jack and smiled seeing for the first time what Jack was wearing. He wished he’d brought a coat as he could feel his blood supply heading south and didn’t want Jack to see. Jack was wearing jeans that were pulled taught across his thighs, accentuating the tight muscles there. He had on a dark blue shirt that complimented his eyes, and of course he had the coat on. Ianto noticed also that the top two buttons of Jack’s shirt were open revealing tanned smooth flesh underneath.
“Ianto, you ok?”
“What….erm….yeah I’m fine, why?”
“You just looked a bit flustered.”
“mmm, sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, you look….great.”
“Thank you. You….erm….look, good too.”
“Why thank you Mr Jones. Now, shall we go for that drink?”
“Yeah, before mam comes out wanting to know why we’re still sat out here when we could be sat in there talking to her.”
Jack smiled, placed his hand lightly on top of Ianto’s then just as quickly removed it. “Ok, Terra Nova here we come.”
Why did you do that Jack? Ianto could still feel the feather light touch of Jack’s fingers. He looked across at the older man, “Jack?”
“Mmmm?”
“Nothing….it doesn’t matter. It can wait.” He could see Jack was concentrating on his driving. He’d talk when they reached their destination.
What did you do that for Jack? He wanted so much to hold this young man’s hand and had started to but changed his mind. Wait until you’ve talked, find out what you both want. Jack could sense Ianto was watching him and he’d asked, he thought, a question, but he was purposely concentrating on his driving. He didn’t want any distractions, not yet.
They pulled up in the car park. “Ok, Mr Jones here we are!” Come on Jack, you’ve had dozens of dates before, what’s so different about this one? He knew what it was, it was this young man getting out of his vehicle, he was gorgeous and unsure of his own feelings. What had Owen said? He was worried that he wouldn’t live up to my expectations. Oh Ianto, you are doing that already, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
They’d reached the bar in silence, neither really knowing what to say. It was Jack who broke the silence. “There’s a booth over there, why don’t you go grab it before anyone else, and I’ll get the drinks, what are you having?”
“Erm, orange juice, for now please Jack.” He didn’t want his senses dulled by alcohol, not before they’d had a chance to talk. He didn’t want Jack to think it was the booze talking.
“Ok, I’ll bring them over, go sit down.”
Jack watched as Ianto made his way to the booth. God Ianto do you realise how hot you are? He got served and went to join the young man. Jack sat opposite and placed the drinks down. He’d only got water for himself, he never drank when he was driving.
“Can I ask you a question Jack?”
“Sure, what’s on your mind?”
“I was just wondering….why you’d asked me out tonight?”
“Yan….sorry do you mind if I call you that?”
“No….no, not at all, it’s….it sound nice when you say it. Sorry I’m rambling.”
“Ssshh Yan, let me answer. I asked you for a drink for two reasons. Firstly, I want to know you better….as my APM. And secondly….secondly, I like you and as I said at work today, I….I have feelings for you. Feelings that I didn’t ever think I’d have for anyone. Now….I’m sorry” he looked at Ianto “I’m sorry if….if that’s over stepping the mark, but….”
Ianto stopped him saying anything else when he placed a hand over Jack’s. “Jack I….please….let me say something….I have just ended a long term relationship with a girl who I’d thought I’d spend the rest of my life with.” He looked down at their hands which were now entwined, then back up into Jack’s eyes. “I….well I’ve always had feelings for women, never men. I’m not saying it’s men Jack, what I’m trying to say is….is that I have these feelings for you, just you and I’m not sure what to do about them. I know that I like what I’m feeling for you….it’s just….I….”
“Ssshh Yan, I’ll help you, I’ll show you. That’s if you want to….to see where this leads. If you tell me tonight….now….to leave you alone and that you just want to be friends, work colleagues, then I’ll accept that.”
“That’s the thing Jack, I don’t just want to be friends or work colleagues. I want more, but I’m not sure what to do, what to say and I don’t want to disappoint you.”
“For someone who says he doesn’t know what to say, you are doing a great job from where I’m sitting. And as for what to do, will you let me show you, help you?”
Ianto nodded “yes Jack, I’d….I’d like that.”
“Ok….so I’m going to ask you to do something now. If….and I mean this, if you don’t feel comfortable then I won’t do it, ok?”
Ianto nodded.
Jack squeezed his hand “Yan, will you let me kiss you?” He looked into the young man’s eyes.
Ianto glanced around the room to see if anyone was watching them, then looked into Jack’s eyes and nodded “yeah, ok”
Jack kept hold of one of Ianto’s hands, his other hand he gently placed it on the back of Ianto’s neck. Reaching across the table, and gently pulling the young man closer, Jack lightly brushed his lips against Ianto’s. Pulling away Jack asked “you ok?”
Ianto nodded, so Jack kissed him again, this time lingering a bit longer. As he went to pull away again, Ianto surprised him and placed a hand at the nape of Jack’s neck, pulling him closer. It was Ianto this time who kissed Jack. Jack’s breath was taken away and he felt Ianto’s tongue searching his lips for entry into his mouth. Jack parted his lips and as the young man’s tongue sought Jack’s, their grips on hands and necks tightened. Jack’s tongue found Ianto’s and for several minutes duelled for supremacy. Only pulling apart when the need to breathe overwhelmed them.
Sitting back down, Ianto was looking at the table. Jack leant across, placed a finger under his chin and lifted his face to their eyes met. “You ok?”
Ianto nodded “I’m….I’m sorry Jack.”
“Hey, what for? That was….was….”
“Too soon for me to do that, I’ll go.”
“No you won’t Ianto Jones, you will stay right there. I was going to say that was fantastic.”
Ianto looked again into Jack’s eyes “you’re not just saying that, are you?”
“No Yan, I’m not. And if it’s anything to go by, I can’t wait for more.”
Ianto blushed, “you’ll promise to help me?” Jack nodded. “because Jack, I do want more. More of what’s just happened, more of you. But….”
“But nothing, we’ll go at your pace. I’m not going to rush anything. You tell me what you want and we’ll do it. But only when you feel confident. Ok?”
Again Ianto nodded. “Jack….will you promise me something?” Jack nodded and smiled as he squeezed the young man’s hand “promise not to say anything to anyone at work. Not just yet. I know Owen’s got an idea we talked about it the other day, but nothing definite, and you know what he’s like.”
“Yeah, I’ve known him a long time. We came out for a drink as friends, ok?”
“Thank you. Jack?”
“What?”
“Can we go somewhere where there is no-one else? Please?”
“Shall we go back to mine?”
“What about Damien and Chris?”
“They’ll be out, they got last minute tickets for the theatre, so won’t be home till around 11.”
“Great.”
The two men left, drinks untouched, and headed back to Jack’s.
tbc
Chapter 14 http://iantosdreamer46.livejournal.com/39596.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: 3,764
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
Jack was first on site the next day, he hadn’t slept very well, his thoughts kept going back to Ianto and their drink that night. He couldn’t eat breakfast and only managed a coffee.
Chris noticed “Jack, you ok?”
“Yeah, I’m just thinking.”
“About what?”
“Tonight and my drink with Ianto.”
“Hey come on, you’ve been out for drinks with plenty of men, what’s so different about Ianto?”
“Not sure. He’s different to the others. I always seemed to go for the bad boys. Look at Hart, he….well he was always the dominant one and I’d always do what he said even if it got us into trouble. Ianto….he’s…..well, he’s quiet, gorgeous and those eyes….you just lose yourself in them.”
“Can’t say we’ve noticed, but if he can tame our Captain it’s got to be a good thing. Do you want us to make ourselves scarce tonight? We can always book into a hotel for the night.”
“What! No! It’s only a drink Chris. I’m not going to be jumping on him anytime soon. I don’t know how he feels about me. And besides, I don’t want to frighten him off.”
“Ok, but you know what we say, if you don’t ask you’ll never know.”
“Yeah, thanks boys. Now I must get to work. See you at tea time.”
Jack had replayed the conversation several times on the way to work and was just rehearsing to himself what he wanted to say to Ianto when he heard someone behind him. Turning around he came face to face with the young man.
“Morning Jack, you ok this morning?”
“Yeah, morning Ianto, I am now….sorry that….”
“Jack….stop!”
“What’s wrong? Are you having second thoughts about that drink tonight?”
“What! No….no I’m not, in fact I’m looking forward to it. It’s just….just….oh never mind.”
Jack moved closer to Ianto and could smell the fresh fragrance of tea tree oil shampoo. “Come on tell me please. I….I don’t want you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.” Jack’s senses were becoming heightened, the sight and smell of this gorgeous man was causing a tightness in his stomach. He wanted to encase him in his arms, but he knew if he did it would really frighten Ianto off, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.
“I’m sorry Jack, this is going to sound stupid but….God Ianto just say what you’re thinking, he can only change his mind and cancel tonight or still go ahead. Ok here goes….”Jack I….I’ve….oh shit Jack, I’ve got feelings for you that I’ve never had for any man before, and I don’t know what to do.”
Jack moved closer to him and reached for one of Ianto’s hands. As their fingers touched it seemed a surge of electricity made its way through both of them. “Hey come on, if you’re not comfortable with just the two of us going out, I’ll ask Tosh and Owen.”
Ianto realised they were still holding hands and smiled because it felt nice, no….it felt right. “No Jack, I want it to be just us. I’m just saying all that I’m feeling is new to me and I don’t know what to do….no, that sounded wrong, I know that I want to go for that drink, I’m just not sure what else I want. I’m sorry.”
Jack wanted to hug him, but he knew Gwen would be arriving soon, so he continued to hold Ianto’s hand. He squeezed it “look, let’s go for the drink and talk. You can tell me what you’re thinking and if you’re ready to hear my thoughts then I’ll tell you how I fell. Do we have a deal?”
“Yeah….yes Jack, we have a deal, thank you.”
“What for?”
“Being so understanding.”
“Ianto Jones, what I will say is, I have feelings for you that I never knew existed, and in saying that I don’t want to frighten you away. If after our talk tonight all you want is my friendship, then you’ll have it. If….and it’s a big if….you want something else… and whatever else it may be, then I’m here for you, no matter what.”
Ianto smiled and as he looked into Jack’s blue grey eyes he thought he saw something that he’d only seen at the start of his relationship with Lisa. A noise behind Ianto brought the two men back to the present. It was Gwen shouting a goodbye to Rhys as she came in the door.
Jack and Ianto dropped hands quickly and Ianto made his way to the coffee machine. He had to do something to occupy his hands, he was disappointed that he’d had to let go of Jack.
Jack watched Ianto as he busied himself making his fantastic coffee. He was sorry that they’d had to let go of one another, but he would wait until tonight, he would find out how this young man was feeling.
As Gwen entered the office she felt an atmosphere in the air, but couldn’t quite determine what was going on. Jack looked upset and she couldn’t see Ianto’s face as his back was to her as he made the coffee.
“Morning Jack, Ianto. Everything alright?”
“What….oh morning Gwen, yeah we’re good, aren’t we Ianto?”
“Yeah, we’re good. Morning Gwen.” Ianto couldn’t bring himself to turn around just yet, he had an idea his face would give away his thoughts and he really didn’t want Gwen, or anyone for that matter to know what he thought about Jack. He knew if he turned around his eyes would go straight to Jack’s as they drew him in.
“Coffee will be ready in about ten minutes.”
“That’s great. Right Ianto I’m going to check that the bricks have arrived. I’ll have my coffee when I get back. Gwen I need you to contact the glaziers. Yeah I know it’s early, but the boys want a stained glass window above their front door, and I need to know how much it’s going to cost and if they can’t do it, do they know who can? I’ve left the design on your desk.”
“Ok Jack, no problem.”
“Ianto how are you with heights?”
“Ok, why?”
“I’m going to need someone to help me erect the Torchwood Construction site sign. I’ve got Owen and Gray driving the cherry-pickers, I just need someone to go up with me.”
“Yep, no problem. Do you want to do it now?”
“No, this afternoon will be fine, I’m having the sign delivered around lunchtime.”
“Ok, shout when you want me.” And Ianto did turn to look at Jack then.
Jack winked and they both smiled. Gwen noticed the exchange between the two men and wondered if there was something she was missing. What’s going on between the two of you? Stop right there Gwen, Rhys said Ianto’s just left his girlfriend in London. You need to move quickly girl, otherwise you’re going to miss the boat. She was disturbed in her thoughts by Jack putting a pile of letters that needed typing, onto her desk.
“Gwen if these could be ready for me to sign this afternoon, that would be fantastic. I’ll post them on my way home tonight.”
“No problem Jack. Tell me to mind my own business, but is everything alright between you and Ianto?”
“Yeah Gwen, everything’s fine, why?”
“Oh I just thought something had happened when I arrived this morning, you were both very quiet.”
“Well neither of us had had our caffeine fix, so we weren’t awake. Nothing for you to worry about.” And with that he disappeared out onto the site.
The rest of the morning saw both Jack and Ianto spending as much time in the office as they did on site. If one was in the other was making sure things were running smoothly outside.
Rhys appeared in the office at lunchtime. “Sorry to bother you Jack, but would you mind if I took my gorgeous fiancée out to lunch today?”
“No Rhys, I don’t mind, in fact if you want somewhere quiet with good food there’s a pub just down the road. We went yesterday and I highly recommend it.”
“Thanks Jack. Come on then Gwen, my treat to make up for those boring sandwiches yesterday.”
“I’m sorry Rhys, I’ve got these letters to finish for Jack, he wants them sent out as soon as possible.”
“Hey! Gwen, leave those, go have fun with Rhys, they’ll still be there when you get back.”
Gwen was annoyed, the last thing she wanted was to have a cosy lunch with Rhys. She would rather stay in her office so she could see Jack.
“Come on, the Captain has given his permission, let’s go!” Rhys held out his hand to her and reluctantly she allowed herself to be taken for lunch.
Not long after Gwen had gone Ianto came back in undoing his tie slightly and then the top button. “It’s turning warm out there Jack, I knew I shouldn’t have worn a tie today when I heard the weather forecast. But I didn’t want you to think I didn’t care about my appearance.” He said as he removed his hard hat.
Jack noticed Ianto’s hair had become tousled under the hat and the sight of him with hair that he wanted to run his fingers through, combined with a loose tie and open necked shirt, sent his blood supply south. He was just glad he was sat behind his desk, he didn’t want Ianto to notice. He caught his breath “I don’t mind what my APM looks like, as long as he gets the work done. And believe me Mr Jones, if it gets any hotter I’ll be the first out on site to remove my shirt.”
Ianto had a vision of a bare chested Jack and he could feel a tightness beginning in his stomach. “Erm, would you like a coffee?” He had to do something to take his mind off a bare chested Jack, even if it was for a brief moment.
“Coffee would be great thanks.”
Ianto made two and took them into their office. Handing one to Jack he noticed the look in Jack’s eyes. “What’s wrong Jack?”
“Nothing, I’m just thinking about tonight. I’m really looking forward to that drink and a chat. Where do you want to go?”
“How about Terra Nova. It was nice in there and they don’t play music so we can talk without shouting.”
“Great you still ok for me to pick you up at 7.30?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. You’ll want my address won’t you?”
“Good idea, although I have got it written down back at head office but yes please.” Jack realised he was rambling, he’d never done that before, he was always so confident around men he dated. Ianto certainly was having a different effect on him and he realised he liked it.
They were finishing their coffee when they heard shouting from the other office.
“Next time you want to take me out to lunch just ask me first, I’m fed up with you saying we’re doing this and we’re doing that. I may be too busy to leave the office. Now I’ve got to get back to work otherwise Jack won’t be very happy if his letters aren’t ready!” Gwen slammed the door before Rhys had chance to say anything.
Jack and Ianto went through to see what all the shouting was about. “Hey Gwen, what’s all the fuss about?”
“Sorry Jack, didn’t realise you were in there, I thought you were both out on site.” She broke into tears.
“Come on, it’s not that bad, is it?”
“Oh Jack, I’m sorry.”
Ianto smiled, “I’ll just go check everything is ok outside” and he left Jack talking to his secretary.
Jack smiled and winked at Ianto, then went and stood next to Gwen. He put his hand on her shoulder “Come on it’ll be ok, want to tell me?”
Gwen inwardly smiled, it felt so good to have Jacks hand on her. Her plan was beginning to take shape. “I’m sorry Jack, we were having a nice lunch when we got talking about our wedding and how Rhys wanted kids. I told him we had plenty of time, but he lost it and said that we should think sooner rather than later and wouldn’t it be fun to go home and practice.
Jack smiled “hey don’t worry, it’ll happen when you’re both ready. And besides practicing is half the fun.”
“Oh Jack, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring my private life to work.”
He squeezed her shoulder tighter “don’t fret, it’s no problem. We’re one big family at Torchwood Construction.” He left her then to go out to find Ianto to put the sign up.”
Oh Jack, if you only knew, I’d love to practice with you. And in time I will. She smiled as she went back to typing her letters.
The rest of the day passed without too much drama. Jack, Ianto, Owen and Gray admitted they’d made a good job with the sign, and Ianto had finally discarded his tie completely which had him opening his shirt more, much to Jack’s delight.
They were sat in the office when Rhys knocked and walked in. “Hi….erm….I was wondering if it’s ok to take Gwen home, we….well we erm….”
“Hey Rhys no problem. Gwen, you ok?”
“Yeah Jack….I’m fine and….I’m sorry.”
“Look, go home both of you, talk. It’s good to talk about your feelings,” and he looked at Ianto who smiled and dropped his gaze to the floor.
Gwen left. “Ok kids, it’s about time we all went too. I know I’ve got things to sort out tonight.” He looked again at Ianto who smiled and blushed.
The four of them left and as Jack was getting in his SUV Ianto approached. “You still want that drink tonight Jack?”
“Of course I do, like I said back there, it’s good to talk.”
“Ok, I’ll see you later.”
Jack drove off leaving Ianto watching the vehicle and thinking about later.
True to his word Jack pulled up outside Ianto’s at 7.30. He must have been watching the street, as Jack didn’t have chance to get out of his vehicle as he saw Ianto exit the front door. Jack had to take several deep breaths, Ianto was wearing black jeans that fitted perfectly in all the right places. His shirt was a deep red with the top two buttons open, and he had a black waistcoat on, but it was unbuttoned. He looked, Jack thought, very sexy.
Ianto got into the SUV “Evening Jack, thought it best to watch for you, you don’t want to be bombarded with questions from my mam.” He looked at Jack and smiled seeing for the first time what Jack was wearing. He wished he’d brought a coat as he could feel his blood supply heading south and didn’t want Jack to see. Jack was wearing jeans that were pulled taught across his thighs, accentuating the tight muscles there. He had on a dark blue shirt that complimented his eyes, and of course he had the coat on. Ianto noticed also that the top two buttons of Jack’s shirt were open revealing tanned smooth flesh underneath.
“Ianto, you ok?”
“What….erm….yeah I’m fine, why?”
“You just looked a bit flustered.”
“mmm, sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, you look….great.”
“Thank you. You….erm….look, good too.”
“Why thank you Mr Jones. Now, shall we go for that drink?”
“Yeah, before mam comes out wanting to know why we’re still sat out here when we could be sat in there talking to her.”
Jack smiled, placed his hand lightly on top of Ianto’s then just as quickly removed it. “Ok, Terra Nova here we come.”
Why did you do that Jack? Ianto could still feel the feather light touch of Jack’s fingers. He looked across at the older man, “Jack?”
“Mmmm?”
“Nothing….it doesn’t matter. It can wait.” He could see Jack was concentrating on his driving. He’d talk when they reached their destination.
What did you do that for Jack? He wanted so much to hold this young man’s hand and had started to but changed his mind. Wait until you’ve talked, find out what you both want. Jack could sense Ianto was watching him and he’d asked, he thought, a question, but he was purposely concentrating on his driving. He didn’t want any distractions, not yet.
They pulled up in the car park. “Ok, Mr Jones here we are!” Come on Jack, you’ve had dozens of dates before, what’s so different about this one? He knew what it was, it was this young man getting out of his vehicle, he was gorgeous and unsure of his own feelings. What had Owen said? He was worried that he wouldn’t live up to my expectations. Oh Ianto, you are doing that already, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
They’d reached the bar in silence, neither really knowing what to say. It was Jack who broke the silence. “There’s a booth over there, why don’t you go grab it before anyone else, and I’ll get the drinks, what are you having?”
“Erm, orange juice, for now please Jack.” He didn’t want his senses dulled by alcohol, not before they’d had a chance to talk. He didn’t want Jack to think it was the booze talking.
“Ok, I’ll bring them over, go sit down.”
Jack watched as Ianto made his way to the booth. God Ianto do you realise how hot you are? He got served and went to join the young man. Jack sat opposite and placed the drinks down. He’d only got water for himself, he never drank when he was driving.
“Can I ask you a question Jack?”
“Sure, what’s on your mind?”
“I was just wondering….why you’d asked me out tonight?”
“Yan….sorry do you mind if I call you that?”
“No….no, not at all, it’s….it sound nice when you say it. Sorry I’m rambling.”
“Ssshh Yan, let me answer. I asked you for a drink for two reasons. Firstly, I want to know you better….as my APM. And secondly….secondly, I like you and as I said at work today, I….I have feelings for you. Feelings that I didn’t ever think I’d have for anyone. Now….I’m sorry” he looked at Ianto “I’m sorry if….if that’s over stepping the mark, but….”
Ianto stopped him saying anything else when he placed a hand over Jack’s. “Jack I….please….let me say something….I have just ended a long term relationship with a girl who I’d thought I’d spend the rest of my life with.” He looked down at their hands which were now entwined, then back up into Jack’s eyes. “I….well I’ve always had feelings for women, never men. I’m not saying it’s men Jack, what I’m trying to say is….is that I have these feelings for you, just you and I’m not sure what to do about them. I know that I like what I’m feeling for you….it’s just….I….”
“Ssshh Yan, I’ll help you, I’ll show you. That’s if you want to….to see where this leads. If you tell me tonight….now….to leave you alone and that you just want to be friends, work colleagues, then I’ll accept that.”
“That’s the thing Jack, I don’t just want to be friends or work colleagues. I want more, but I’m not sure what to do, what to say and I don’t want to disappoint you.”
“For someone who says he doesn’t know what to say, you are doing a great job from where I’m sitting. And as for what to do, will you let me show you, help you?”
Ianto nodded “yes Jack, I’d….I’d like that.”
“Ok….so I’m going to ask you to do something now. If….and I mean this, if you don’t feel comfortable then I won’t do it, ok?”
Ianto nodded.
Jack squeezed his hand “Yan, will you let me kiss you?” He looked into the young man’s eyes.
Ianto glanced around the room to see if anyone was watching them, then looked into Jack’s eyes and nodded “yeah, ok”
Jack kept hold of one of Ianto’s hands, his other hand he gently placed it on the back of Ianto’s neck. Reaching across the table, and gently pulling the young man closer, Jack lightly brushed his lips against Ianto’s. Pulling away Jack asked “you ok?”
Ianto nodded, so Jack kissed him again, this time lingering a bit longer. As he went to pull away again, Ianto surprised him and placed a hand at the nape of Jack’s neck, pulling him closer. It was Ianto this time who kissed Jack. Jack’s breath was taken away and he felt Ianto’s tongue searching his lips for entry into his mouth. Jack parted his lips and as the young man’s tongue sought Jack’s, their grips on hands and necks tightened. Jack’s tongue found Ianto’s and for several minutes duelled for supremacy. Only pulling apart when the need to breathe overwhelmed them.
Sitting back down, Ianto was looking at the table. Jack leant across, placed a finger under his chin and lifted his face to their eyes met. “You ok?”
Ianto nodded “I’m….I’m sorry Jack.”
“Hey, what for? That was….was….”
“Too soon for me to do that, I’ll go.”
“No you won’t Ianto Jones, you will stay right there. I was going to say that was fantastic.”
Ianto looked again into Jack’s eyes “you’re not just saying that, are you?”
“No Yan, I’m not. And if it’s anything to go by, I can’t wait for more.”
Ianto blushed, “you’ll promise to help me?” Jack nodded. “because Jack, I do want more. More of what’s just happened, more of you. But….”
“But nothing, we’ll go at your pace. I’m not going to rush anything. You tell me what you want and we’ll do it. But only when you feel confident. Ok?”
Again Ianto nodded. “Jack….will you promise me something?” Jack nodded and smiled as he squeezed the young man’s hand “promise not to say anything to anyone at work. Not just yet. I know Owen’s got an idea we talked about it the other day, but nothing definite, and you know what he’s like.”
“Yeah, I’ve known him a long time. We came out for a drink as friends, ok?”
“Thank you. Jack?”
“What?”
“Can we go somewhere where there is no-one else? Please?”
“Shall we go back to mine?”
“What about Damien and Chris?”
“They’ll be out, they got last minute tickets for the theatre, so won’t be home till around 11.”
“Great.”
The two men left, drinks untouched, and headed back to Jack’s.
tbc
Chapter 14 http://iantosdreamer46.livejournal.com/39596.html