SITE FOR SORE EYES - CHAPTER 20
Title: Site for Sore Eyes - Chapter 20
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: 3,251
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
Gwen had noticed the two men stop walking, their conversation looked serious, she wanted to hurry up to see what they were talking about, but Rhys was nagging away about going out for a drink with Owen and Tosh. Why would she want to go for a drink with them? Wait, Tosh gave Jack her number, she’ll know all about him and so will Owen. Mmm good idea Rhys, for once.
“Rhys, hang on a minute. This drink with Tosh and Owen, when did you have in mind?”
“Tomorrow night. Owen mentioned it again. You know what Tosh is like when she gets an idea into her head.”
“Yeah, I do. Look tell them it’s a great idea, we’ll be there, wherever there is.”
Rhys looked at Gwen “wow that was a quick decision. Not like you Gwen.”
“Well….you and Owen will have a lot to talk about too, so don’t start.” She smiled, not at what she’d just agreed to, but the thought that she could get information about Jack from her friend.
“Great, I’ll tell Owen when I see him.”
She quickly kissed Rhys and headed into her office. “You taking me for lunch or are we staying on site today?”
“Oh….erm….I’ve brought us sandwiches.”
“Great, see you at lunchtime!”
Rhys looked as Gwen disappeared something’s made you happy this morning lover, I like it when you’re like this. Mmm maybe we can do some practicing tonight? Rhys smiled to himself as he went off to do some work and look for Owen.
Ianto was just putting the coffee on when Gwen bounced into the office “Morning Ianto, morning Jack. Great morning isn’t it?”
Jack came through from his office “yeah a fantastic one.” He looked at Ianto and smiled “what are you so happy about? Did you and Rhys do a lot of making up last night?”
“What?....oh….no.”
“I’m disappointed in you Gwen. I told you that’s the fun part.”
“Mmm, yeah, I suppose.”
“Gwen, you can’t stay angry at each other, it’ll spoil any relationship.”
“Isn’t that right Ianto?”
“What….sorry Jack, I was just thinking about something. What did you say?”
“I said you shouldn’t stay angry with each other in a relationship. Who were you thinking about?”
Ianto blushed, “erm….no you shouldn’t stay angry. Thinking about?....erm….oh just my friend from last night and something he said.”
“Oh yeah! Something good I hope?” Ianto was staring into space “Ianto! I asked was it something good?”
“Oh sorry Jack, yeah it was something good. Now, I’ve got work to do, if you’ll both excuse me.” He left the office. He’d nearly let slip his feelings about Jack, then he remembered the conversation of Gwen’s he’d overheard.
Jack smiled as Ianto left the office. He’d so wanted to touch Ianto when they’d been talking about practicing and making up, but he respected the young man’s wishes, he could wait.
Gwen had been watching the exchange between the two men. Don’t be stupid Gwen there is nothing between them. What did Owen tell Rhys? They’ve both just split from their girlfriends. Yeah, that’s right. Maybe they’ve been talking about that. You know Gwen, someone to talk to about their problems. She now had two ways to find out more about Jack. And one of those was going to happen that night, the other when she saw Tosh the following night. She switched her laptop on ready to get on with the letters she didn’t finish the previous day.
Ianto was taking a slow walk around site checking the remainder of the concrete had been poured for the foundations of the double garage, when his phone buzzed. He smiled when he saw the caller ID said it was Jack. He stopped walking to read. Morning sweetheart, I miss you. Want you so much. Thank you for last night. Can’t wait till tonight! Jack xxx. He read it again then answered Morning cariad, I miss you too and after last night I want you too. Can’t wait either. I’ll be back in the office soon. Ianto xxx. He pressed send. He felt like a teenager and realised he like how he was feeling. He continued around the site, stopping to chat with the contractors. He remembered what Jack had said treat the contractors as you wanted to be treated then everyone would get on well. Jack had been right. He was finding all the men friendly.
Jack had watched Ianto leave the office. He was finding it very difficult to keep his hands off the young man. But he’d promised Ianto he wouldn’t do anything until he was ready. He took a coffee and went to sit back in his office. He was missing Ianto don’t be stupid Jack, you’ve only been with him less than 24 hours. What’s got into you? He knew the answer to that. He was falling in love with the young Welshman. But there was no way he could say anything, not yet. He had to let Ianto become comfortable with his own feelings before giving him something else to think about and probably frighten him off. He picked up his phone, smiling he sent a text. Not long after his phone buzzed and he smiled when he read Ianto’s reply. There was that word again cariad. What had Ianto said it meant? That was it love or my love. Yeah, he liked that.
“Jack….sorry Jack, I’ve got Chris on the phone.”
“What….sorry Gwen, what was that?”
“Chris is on the phone.”
“Oh right….erm, yeah put him through.”
Jack Harkness, concentrate on the job, you’ll see Yan soon enough!
His phone rang “Morning Chris, what can I do for you?”
“Morning Jack. Just checking to see how things are going?”
“Great, the concrete’s poured for the foundations on the house and I believe they’re just doing the pour for your garage. The brickies will be starting on the breeze-blocks later this morning and the second gang will be preparing….”
“ JACK! Stop!”
“Chris, what’s wrong?”
“I don’t want to hear about the house, we trust you. No I want to know how you and Ianto are getting on. You know, after we left the other day.”
“Oh….erm….right. Hang on a minute.” Jack saw the office door was open and didn’t want Gwen to hear what they were talking about. He pushed it to. “Sorry Chris, office door was open, didn’t want anyone to hear.”
“So, come on then, what’s happened?”
“Oh, just that Ianto stayed over last night and he’s going to be coming back tonight, till the weekend.”
Chris could hear the happiness in his friends voice. “That’s fantastic Jack, I’m so pleased for you.”
“Chris we….we are taking things slowly so don’t jump to conclusions.”
“Ok, but it’s a start, right?”
“Yeah Chris it’s a start and he’s gorgeous.”
“So you keep telling me. Look we will be here for another week, they’ve decided to bring the auditions forward, so….” He laughed “so Jack you can do whatever the pair of you want, without being disturbed.”
“Thanks….I think. When you get back can we talk. There’s something I have to ask you.”
“Sure, it sounds serious, can’t you give me a hint?”
“No….too many ears. I’d rather it just be you and me, no phone line or possible interruptions. Ok?”
“Yeah, sure Jack. Look, gotta go, Damien’s just run a bath for us and….well you know?”
“Yeah Chris, I’m beginning to. I’ll see you next weekend. And thanks.”
“For what Jack? Giving you a kick in the right direction? No my friend, you’ve done that all by yourself. Now I’ve got to go, I don’t want to disappoint my hottie. And Jack….”
“Yeah?”
“I want to hear about all the hot sex the pair of you have had. Bye!”
And he put the phone down before Jack could say anymore. His office door opened making him jump. He looked up to see Ianto stood in the doorway grinning.
“Jack, sorry to disturb you, Gwen told me you were on the phone to Chris, I was hoping to have a quick word with him.”
“Sorry Yan.” Jack looked past Ianto to see if Gwen had heard, but she was talking to Owen. “Sorry, but he was in a hurry, he rang to see how we were getting on.” He saw Ianto start to say something about the house. “No, not the house us me and you.”
“Oh….erm….what did you tell him?”
“The truth. That you stayed with me last night. I hope that was ok?”
Ianto smiled and closed the door behind him “of course it was cariad. I don’t mind them knowing. How are they?”
“Apart from having to stay all next week too, they’re good. Damien had just run them a bath.”
“Mmm that sounds a wonderful idea. Perhaps I could do that for you one day?” He quickly kissed Jack.
“Wow Mr Jones you are full of surprises today.”
“Am I going too fast Jack?”
“No sweetheart, you’re not going too fast, you’re becoming more confident with your feelings, and I’m happy. Yes you can run us a bath, one day soon I hope, and you can carry on kissing me behind closed doors at work and you can definitely keep calling me cariad.”
Ianto was about to kiss Jack again when the door burst open and Owen walked in. “Ooops sorry boys, not interrupted anything have I?” he grinned.
“Erm….no….no Owen, I was hoping to speak to Chris but he’s rung off.”
“Right. Erm, Ianto, Jack, is there something you want to tell me?” Owen looked at his friends and closed the door when he saw a look of surprise and happiness on Jack’s face, and a look of shock and blushing on Ianto’s.
“I….we….we don’t know what you mean Owen, what would we have to tell you?”
“Oh come on, Costa Coffee this morning, both arriving for work together. Explain!”
“I stayed at a friends last night, called there for a coffee, saw Jack who offered me a lift to work.”
“Yeah, right, so who was this friend then Ianto? Do I know him?”
“Erm….no….another contract, long time ago.” Ianto could feel his face getting warmer.
“Oh come on, you can’t fool me. I saw you both arrive together….at the coffee shop. I saw you Ianto Jones lean over and kiss the captain here. So don’t kid me. Hey we’re all friends here and I promise I won’t say anything to anyone….except Tosh. Jack? Ianto?”
Ianto looked at Jack then at Owen, then back at Jack and nodded. Jack reached for Ianto’s hand to reassure him. A gesture which didn’t go unnoticed by Owen.
“Ok, but you’ve got to promise us what we’re going to tell you doesn’t leave this office. Tosh is ok, but no one else.”
“What do you take me for boys? You should know me better than that.”
“Ok, Ianto and I….well….we’re….”
“Shagging, I knew it!”
“No Owen, we’re not, we’re taking things slowly. Trust you to bring something special down to your level.”
“Jack, you’re slipping, you’ve usually bedded them by now. What’s different?”
“Ianto’s different, Owen. He’s….” he looked into the young man’s eyes as he stood and spoke “Ianto is special, he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever known and….well you know what he’s been through. Well we didn’t want to rush things. We’re taking things one day at a time. We are exploring our feelings and we’d appreciate it if, for now, you kept it just between us….and Tosh of course.”
“Hey, I’m sorry guys, forgive my big mouth. Seriously, I’m pleased for you, and if the pair of you hadn’t sorted yourselves out, Tosh and I would have been kicking you together.” They all laughed.
“That’s just what Chris and Damien said.”
“Oh, they know do they?”
“Yeah, Ianto confessed right here in this office yesterday.”
“Right, I promise I’ll not say anything. I really am happy for you.” He left the two good looking men to get back to work. He was smiling as he went through Gwen’s office.
“Owen, you ok?”
“Yeah, couldn’t be better.”
“Have you seen Rhys today?”
“No not yet, still time though, why?”
“Oh we thought you, Tosh, Rhys and me could go out for a drink and meal Friday night. It’s ages since we caught up.”
“Sounds like a great idea. I know Tosh would be pleased to see you and it’ll give her a break from the designs she’s working on. Ok, Friday it is, say 7.30pm at Giovanni’s”
“That’s great, then maybe you could both come back to ours?”
“Fine, we’ll see you then. Tell Rhys he does have some good ideas.” He went back on site.
Gwen was happier than she’d been since starting the new job on Monday. Her plans were starting to come to fruition. First step would be tonight.
Ianto pulled away from kissing Jack “I really must get back out on site. I’ll see you tonight, around 7?”
“That’s a date Mr Jones. I’ll be counting down the hours. Now, let’s get this house built.”
Ianto left the offices and Gwen noticed a huge smile on his face. Everyone seemed happy today and she was going to make Jack happy later on.
The rest of the day passed off without any problems, the brickies made a good start on the south wall of the house. The roof timbers were delivered and Ianto was clock watching. Something he rarely did, but he found himself wanting it to be 7 o’clock. As he was leaving the site he sent a text to Jack. If he’d gone to say goodbye, they might not have got home. Instead he sent Just going to pick more clothes for you to take off me. See you at 7, can’t wait. Yan xxx.
Jack’s phone buzzed as he was leaving through Gwen’s office. She hadn’t left, Rhys had offered to help with some of the unloading, so the wagons could leave site, she watched Jack as he read his text and answered it. He’d be getting a text from her in the next hour or so.
Jack read it and smiled, then answered Mmm can’t wait sweetheart. I always love taking your clothes from you. See you at 7. Jack xxx. “I’m off Gwen, don’t stay too late. I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night.”
“Night Jack. No I’m just going to finish this letter, then I’m off. See you later.” Jack disappeared and Gwen checked her watch, 5.30, give it another hour then put plan into action.
Ianto raced home and started sorting through his clothes working out what he’d need until Sunday at least. He was looking forward to there just being the two of them.
Jack had been home, put some champagne on ice and was just going to pick Ianto up when his phone buzzed. He smiled you can’t keep away can you Yan? He looked, not Ianto, Gwen. It read I’m sorry Jack, I’ve broken down, Rhys still at the site and I need help. Gwen. He looked at his watch 6.25, he was picking Yan up in 35 minutes. He texted back Where are you? I’ve got a meeting at 7. He was making his way to his vehicle when his phone buzzed again the back of the Millennium Centre. Sorry.
He worked out, five minutes to get to her, ten minutes to see what was the matter, then ten minutes to get to Yan. Ok he’d go see what was wrong. Gwen, will be with you in five minutes, but do need to get to my meeting.
Gwen had been waiting patiently and when her phone buzzed she grinned. Oh Jack you’ll not want to go to your meeting when I get hold of you. She texted back Great Jack, thank you so much.
Jack headed to see what was wrong with her car. He’d text Ianto when he found out.
Ianto looked at his watch 6.25. He was nervous. He went down to wait in his mam’s front room.
“Ianto, you ok?”
“Yeah mam, I’m good.”
“You seem on edge. Who are you waiting for?”
“Oh, erm, a friend. I’m….”
“What’s wrong Ianto, please, I’ve not seen you so on edge before.”
“I’m sorry, I want to tell you, but can we wait until my friend arrives?”
“I’m worried about you, but ok, I’ll respect your wishes.”
Ianto looked at his watch again, 6.35. He wanted to tell his mam everything, but he wanted her to meet Jack first.
Jack arrived at the back of the Millennium Centre and saw Gwen stood outside her car with the bonnet up. “Gwen, hi. What seems to be wrong with the car?”
“Not sure Jack, it just stopped and won’t start again.”
“Ok, let’s have a look. Are the keys in the ignition?” Gwen nodded. Jack went to start the car and it started first time.
“I’m so sorry Jack. I was worried, I didn’t know what to do.”
“Hey, no worries, I’ve had cars that have done that to me before. You just need them to cool down, then try again.”
“Please, don’t tell Rhys. He thinks I’m stupid when it comes to cars as it is.”
“No problem.” He looked at his watch, 6.40 “Look, I really need to get to my meeting, so if you are ok to get home I’ll love you and leave you.”
“How can I thank you Jack, you’ve saved my blushes with Rhys.”
“Look, as I said, it’s not a problem.”
He was just about to get back in the SUV when Gwen grabbed his arm. “Jack….please let me thank you properly.” She pulled him close, wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss.
Jack grabbed her wrists and pulled her away “Gwen! What do you think you’re doing?”
“Kissing you Jack. It’s what we both want. I’ve seen the way you smile at me, you wink sometimes and you’ve called me a lovely lady, you’ve just said you’re going to love me and leave me for now. I feel the same Jack, ever since that first day in your office.”
“Gwen, hang on, listen”
“No Jack, let me finish. Remember when the copying of the drawing went wrong? I was thinking about you standing close to me. It sent shivers down my spine. I….I want you Jack.”
“Gwen! Listen, you’ve got Rhys, he loves you. I….can’t I’m….Gwen you’ve got the wrong idea about me. You’re just grateful for my help with the car. Now we’ll leave it at that. You were frightened, worried about what Rhys would say. I was your knight in shining armour.”
“No Jack, I know you feel more, just like I do. Give us a chance, I’ll show you.”
“Gwen, you’re not listening. We have a working relationship, nothing else. I’m not going to mention this to anyone, let’s just chalk it up as a misunderstanding and get back to normal at work tomorrow.”
“But Jack….I….please, just come for a drink with me and we can talk.”
“No Gwen, like I said I’m not going to mention this….incident, again. So let’s leave it at that. I’m going to be late for my meeting if I don’t leave now.” He looked at his watch, 6.55, it would take ten minutes to get to Ianto’s. “And besides Gwen, I’m seeing someone.” He left it at that, got in the SUV and drove off, leaving Gwen watching the vehicle disappear, her mouth open.
tbc
Chapter 21 http://iantosdreamer46.livejournal.com/41342.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: 3,251
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
Gwen had noticed the two men stop walking, their conversation looked serious, she wanted to hurry up to see what they were talking about, but Rhys was nagging away about going out for a drink with Owen and Tosh. Why would she want to go for a drink with them? Wait, Tosh gave Jack her number, she’ll know all about him and so will Owen. Mmm good idea Rhys, for once.
“Rhys, hang on a minute. This drink with Tosh and Owen, when did you have in mind?”
“Tomorrow night. Owen mentioned it again. You know what Tosh is like when she gets an idea into her head.”
“Yeah, I do. Look tell them it’s a great idea, we’ll be there, wherever there is.”
Rhys looked at Gwen “wow that was a quick decision. Not like you Gwen.”
“Well….you and Owen will have a lot to talk about too, so don’t start.” She smiled, not at what she’d just agreed to, but the thought that she could get information about Jack from her friend.
“Great, I’ll tell Owen when I see him.”
She quickly kissed Rhys and headed into her office. “You taking me for lunch or are we staying on site today?”
“Oh….erm….I’ve brought us sandwiches.”
“Great, see you at lunchtime!”
Rhys looked as Gwen disappeared something’s made you happy this morning lover, I like it when you’re like this. Mmm maybe we can do some practicing tonight? Rhys smiled to himself as he went off to do some work and look for Owen.
Ianto was just putting the coffee on when Gwen bounced into the office “Morning Ianto, morning Jack. Great morning isn’t it?”
Jack came through from his office “yeah a fantastic one.” He looked at Ianto and smiled “what are you so happy about? Did you and Rhys do a lot of making up last night?”
“What?....oh….no.”
“I’m disappointed in you Gwen. I told you that’s the fun part.”
“Mmm, yeah, I suppose.”
“Gwen, you can’t stay angry at each other, it’ll spoil any relationship.”
“Isn’t that right Ianto?”
“What….sorry Jack, I was just thinking about something. What did you say?”
“I said you shouldn’t stay angry with each other in a relationship. Who were you thinking about?”
Ianto blushed, “erm….no you shouldn’t stay angry. Thinking about?....erm….oh just my friend from last night and something he said.”
“Oh yeah! Something good I hope?” Ianto was staring into space “Ianto! I asked was it something good?”
“Oh sorry Jack, yeah it was something good. Now, I’ve got work to do, if you’ll both excuse me.” He left the office. He’d nearly let slip his feelings about Jack, then he remembered the conversation of Gwen’s he’d overheard.
Jack smiled as Ianto left the office. He’d so wanted to touch Ianto when they’d been talking about practicing and making up, but he respected the young man’s wishes, he could wait.
Gwen had been watching the exchange between the two men. Don’t be stupid Gwen there is nothing between them. What did Owen tell Rhys? They’ve both just split from their girlfriends. Yeah, that’s right. Maybe they’ve been talking about that. You know Gwen, someone to talk to about their problems. She now had two ways to find out more about Jack. And one of those was going to happen that night, the other when she saw Tosh the following night. She switched her laptop on ready to get on with the letters she didn’t finish the previous day.
Ianto was taking a slow walk around site checking the remainder of the concrete had been poured for the foundations of the double garage, when his phone buzzed. He smiled when he saw the caller ID said it was Jack. He stopped walking to read. Morning sweetheart, I miss you. Want you so much. Thank you for last night. Can’t wait till tonight! Jack xxx. He read it again then answered Morning cariad, I miss you too and after last night I want you too. Can’t wait either. I’ll be back in the office soon. Ianto xxx. He pressed send. He felt like a teenager and realised he like how he was feeling. He continued around the site, stopping to chat with the contractors. He remembered what Jack had said treat the contractors as you wanted to be treated then everyone would get on well. Jack had been right. He was finding all the men friendly.
Jack had watched Ianto leave the office. He was finding it very difficult to keep his hands off the young man. But he’d promised Ianto he wouldn’t do anything until he was ready. He took a coffee and went to sit back in his office. He was missing Ianto don’t be stupid Jack, you’ve only been with him less than 24 hours. What’s got into you? He knew the answer to that. He was falling in love with the young Welshman. But there was no way he could say anything, not yet. He had to let Ianto become comfortable with his own feelings before giving him something else to think about and probably frighten him off. He picked up his phone, smiling he sent a text. Not long after his phone buzzed and he smiled when he read Ianto’s reply. There was that word again cariad. What had Ianto said it meant? That was it love or my love. Yeah, he liked that.
“Jack….sorry Jack, I’ve got Chris on the phone.”
“What….sorry Gwen, what was that?”
“Chris is on the phone.”
“Oh right….erm, yeah put him through.”
Jack Harkness, concentrate on the job, you’ll see Yan soon enough!
His phone rang “Morning Chris, what can I do for you?”
“Morning Jack. Just checking to see how things are going?”
“Great, the concrete’s poured for the foundations on the house and I believe they’re just doing the pour for your garage. The brickies will be starting on the breeze-blocks later this morning and the second gang will be preparing….”
“ JACK! Stop!”
“Chris, what’s wrong?”
“I don’t want to hear about the house, we trust you. No I want to know how you and Ianto are getting on. You know, after we left the other day.”
“Oh….erm….right. Hang on a minute.” Jack saw the office door was open and didn’t want Gwen to hear what they were talking about. He pushed it to. “Sorry Chris, office door was open, didn’t want anyone to hear.”
“So, come on then, what’s happened?”
“Oh, just that Ianto stayed over last night and he’s going to be coming back tonight, till the weekend.”
Chris could hear the happiness in his friends voice. “That’s fantastic Jack, I’m so pleased for you.”
“Chris we….we are taking things slowly so don’t jump to conclusions.”
“Ok, but it’s a start, right?”
“Yeah Chris it’s a start and he’s gorgeous.”
“So you keep telling me. Look we will be here for another week, they’ve decided to bring the auditions forward, so….” He laughed “so Jack you can do whatever the pair of you want, without being disturbed.”
“Thanks….I think. When you get back can we talk. There’s something I have to ask you.”
“Sure, it sounds serious, can’t you give me a hint?”
“No….too many ears. I’d rather it just be you and me, no phone line or possible interruptions. Ok?”
“Yeah, sure Jack. Look, gotta go, Damien’s just run a bath for us and….well you know?”
“Yeah Chris, I’m beginning to. I’ll see you next weekend. And thanks.”
“For what Jack? Giving you a kick in the right direction? No my friend, you’ve done that all by yourself. Now I’ve got to go, I don’t want to disappoint my hottie. And Jack….”
“Yeah?”
“I want to hear about all the hot sex the pair of you have had. Bye!”
And he put the phone down before Jack could say anymore. His office door opened making him jump. He looked up to see Ianto stood in the doorway grinning.
“Jack, sorry to disturb you, Gwen told me you were on the phone to Chris, I was hoping to have a quick word with him.”
“Sorry Yan.” Jack looked past Ianto to see if Gwen had heard, but she was talking to Owen. “Sorry, but he was in a hurry, he rang to see how we were getting on.” He saw Ianto start to say something about the house. “No, not the house us me and you.”
“Oh….erm….what did you tell him?”
“The truth. That you stayed with me last night. I hope that was ok?”
Ianto smiled and closed the door behind him “of course it was cariad. I don’t mind them knowing. How are they?”
“Apart from having to stay all next week too, they’re good. Damien had just run them a bath.”
“Mmm that sounds a wonderful idea. Perhaps I could do that for you one day?” He quickly kissed Jack.
“Wow Mr Jones you are full of surprises today.”
“Am I going too fast Jack?”
“No sweetheart, you’re not going too fast, you’re becoming more confident with your feelings, and I’m happy. Yes you can run us a bath, one day soon I hope, and you can carry on kissing me behind closed doors at work and you can definitely keep calling me cariad.”
Ianto was about to kiss Jack again when the door burst open and Owen walked in. “Ooops sorry boys, not interrupted anything have I?” he grinned.
“Erm….no….no Owen, I was hoping to speak to Chris but he’s rung off.”
“Right. Erm, Ianto, Jack, is there something you want to tell me?” Owen looked at his friends and closed the door when he saw a look of surprise and happiness on Jack’s face, and a look of shock and blushing on Ianto’s.
“I….we….we don’t know what you mean Owen, what would we have to tell you?”
“Oh come on, Costa Coffee this morning, both arriving for work together. Explain!”
“I stayed at a friends last night, called there for a coffee, saw Jack who offered me a lift to work.”
“Yeah, right, so who was this friend then Ianto? Do I know him?”
“Erm….no….another contract, long time ago.” Ianto could feel his face getting warmer.
“Oh come on, you can’t fool me. I saw you both arrive together….at the coffee shop. I saw you Ianto Jones lean over and kiss the captain here. So don’t kid me. Hey we’re all friends here and I promise I won’t say anything to anyone….except Tosh. Jack? Ianto?”
Ianto looked at Jack then at Owen, then back at Jack and nodded. Jack reached for Ianto’s hand to reassure him. A gesture which didn’t go unnoticed by Owen.
“Ok, but you’ve got to promise us what we’re going to tell you doesn’t leave this office. Tosh is ok, but no one else.”
“What do you take me for boys? You should know me better than that.”
“Ok, Ianto and I….well….we’re….”
“Shagging, I knew it!”
“No Owen, we’re not, we’re taking things slowly. Trust you to bring something special down to your level.”
“Jack, you’re slipping, you’ve usually bedded them by now. What’s different?”
“Ianto’s different, Owen. He’s….” he looked into the young man’s eyes as he stood and spoke “Ianto is special, he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever known and….well you know what he’s been through. Well we didn’t want to rush things. We’re taking things one day at a time. We are exploring our feelings and we’d appreciate it if, for now, you kept it just between us….and Tosh of course.”
“Hey, I’m sorry guys, forgive my big mouth. Seriously, I’m pleased for you, and if the pair of you hadn’t sorted yourselves out, Tosh and I would have been kicking you together.” They all laughed.
“That’s just what Chris and Damien said.”
“Oh, they know do they?”
“Yeah, Ianto confessed right here in this office yesterday.”
“Right, I promise I’ll not say anything. I really am happy for you.” He left the two good looking men to get back to work. He was smiling as he went through Gwen’s office.
“Owen, you ok?”
“Yeah, couldn’t be better.”
“Have you seen Rhys today?”
“No not yet, still time though, why?”
“Oh we thought you, Tosh, Rhys and me could go out for a drink and meal Friday night. It’s ages since we caught up.”
“Sounds like a great idea. I know Tosh would be pleased to see you and it’ll give her a break from the designs she’s working on. Ok, Friday it is, say 7.30pm at Giovanni’s”
“That’s great, then maybe you could both come back to ours?”
“Fine, we’ll see you then. Tell Rhys he does have some good ideas.” He went back on site.
Gwen was happier than she’d been since starting the new job on Monday. Her plans were starting to come to fruition. First step would be tonight.
Ianto pulled away from kissing Jack “I really must get back out on site. I’ll see you tonight, around 7?”
“That’s a date Mr Jones. I’ll be counting down the hours. Now, let’s get this house built.”
Ianto left the offices and Gwen noticed a huge smile on his face. Everyone seemed happy today and she was going to make Jack happy later on.
The rest of the day passed off without any problems, the brickies made a good start on the south wall of the house. The roof timbers were delivered and Ianto was clock watching. Something he rarely did, but he found himself wanting it to be 7 o’clock. As he was leaving the site he sent a text to Jack. If he’d gone to say goodbye, they might not have got home. Instead he sent Just going to pick more clothes for you to take off me. See you at 7, can’t wait. Yan xxx.
Jack’s phone buzzed as he was leaving through Gwen’s office. She hadn’t left, Rhys had offered to help with some of the unloading, so the wagons could leave site, she watched Jack as he read his text and answered it. He’d be getting a text from her in the next hour or so.
Jack read it and smiled, then answered Mmm can’t wait sweetheart. I always love taking your clothes from you. See you at 7. Jack xxx. “I’m off Gwen, don’t stay too late. I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night.”
“Night Jack. No I’m just going to finish this letter, then I’m off. See you later.” Jack disappeared and Gwen checked her watch, 5.30, give it another hour then put plan into action.
Ianto raced home and started sorting through his clothes working out what he’d need until Sunday at least. He was looking forward to there just being the two of them.
Jack had been home, put some champagne on ice and was just going to pick Ianto up when his phone buzzed. He smiled you can’t keep away can you Yan? He looked, not Ianto, Gwen. It read I’m sorry Jack, I’ve broken down, Rhys still at the site and I need help. Gwen. He looked at his watch 6.25, he was picking Yan up in 35 minutes. He texted back Where are you? I’ve got a meeting at 7. He was making his way to his vehicle when his phone buzzed again the back of the Millennium Centre. Sorry.
He worked out, five minutes to get to her, ten minutes to see what was the matter, then ten minutes to get to Yan. Ok he’d go see what was wrong. Gwen, will be with you in five minutes, but do need to get to my meeting.
Gwen had been waiting patiently and when her phone buzzed she grinned. Oh Jack you’ll not want to go to your meeting when I get hold of you. She texted back Great Jack, thank you so much.
Jack headed to see what was wrong with her car. He’d text Ianto when he found out.
Ianto looked at his watch 6.25. He was nervous. He went down to wait in his mam’s front room.
“Ianto, you ok?”
“Yeah mam, I’m good.”
“You seem on edge. Who are you waiting for?”
“Oh, erm, a friend. I’m….”
“What’s wrong Ianto, please, I’ve not seen you so on edge before.”
“I’m sorry, I want to tell you, but can we wait until my friend arrives?”
“I’m worried about you, but ok, I’ll respect your wishes.”
Ianto looked at his watch again, 6.35. He wanted to tell his mam everything, but he wanted her to meet Jack first.
Jack arrived at the back of the Millennium Centre and saw Gwen stood outside her car with the bonnet up. “Gwen, hi. What seems to be wrong with the car?”
“Not sure Jack, it just stopped and won’t start again.”
“Ok, let’s have a look. Are the keys in the ignition?” Gwen nodded. Jack went to start the car and it started first time.
“I’m so sorry Jack. I was worried, I didn’t know what to do.”
“Hey, no worries, I’ve had cars that have done that to me before. You just need them to cool down, then try again.”
“Please, don’t tell Rhys. He thinks I’m stupid when it comes to cars as it is.”
“No problem.” He looked at his watch, 6.40 “Look, I really need to get to my meeting, so if you are ok to get home I’ll love you and leave you.”
“How can I thank you Jack, you’ve saved my blushes with Rhys.”
“Look, as I said, it’s not a problem.”
He was just about to get back in the SUV when Gwen grabbed his arm. “Jack….please let me thank you properly.” She pulled him close, wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss.
Jack grabbed her wrists and pulled her away “Gwen! What do you think you’re doing?”
“Kissing you Jack. It’s what we both want. I’ve seen the way you smile at me, you wink sometimes and you’ve called me a lovely lady, you’ve just said you’re going to love me and leave me for now. I feel the same Jack, ever since that first day in your office.”
“Gwen, hang on, listen”
“No Jack, let me finish. Remember when the copying of the drawing went wrong? I was thinking about you standing close to me. It sent shivers down my spine. I….I want you Jack.”
“Gwen! Listen, you’ve got Rhys, he loves you. I….can’t I’m….Gwen you’ve got the wrong idea about me. You’re just grateful for my help with the car. Now we’ll leave it at that. You were frightened, worried about what Rhys would say. I was your knight in shining armour.”
“No Jack, I know you feel more, just like I do. Give us a chance, I’ll show you.”
“Gwen, you’re not listening. We have a working relationship, nothing else. I’m not going to mention this to anyone, let’s just chalk it up as a misunderstanding and get back to normal at work tomorrow.”
“But Jack….I….please, just come for a drink with me and we can talk.”
“No Gwen, like I said I’m not going to mention this….incident, again. So let’s leave it at that. I’m going to be late for my meeting if I don’t leave now.” He looked at his watch, 6.55, it would take ten minutes to get to Ianto’s. “And besides Gwen, I’m seeing someone.” He left it at that, got in the SUV and drove off, leaving Gwen watching the vehicle disappear, her mouth open.
tbc
Chapter 21 http://iantosdreamer46.livejournal.com/41342.html