SITE FOR SORE EYES - CHAPTER 24
Title: Site for Sore Eyes - Chapter 24
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: 2,447
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….hey Gwen, you ok?”
“Mmmm sorry Tosh, yeah I’m fine.” No you’re not come on admit it. “I’ve had a headache all day, plus not having much to eat, I just felt a bit wobbly. Once I get food in me I’ll be fine.”
“Ok then, table’s ready, let’s go sit down.” Tosh pointed to a table on the opposite side of the restaurant to Jack.
Gwen realised that if she sat at the back of the table facing the door, she could see Jack and Ianto. She thought she’d imagined the kiss so she kept an eye on the two men, hoping that none of the others spotted who she was watching.
Tosh was sat to her left with Owen opposite his girlfriend and Rhys opposite Gwen. She was pleased Rhys had sat there, he couldn’t see who she was looking at. She made it look like she was watching him.
They ordered their meals and as they waited for the starter to arrive Tosh asked her how she was getting on.
“Thanks for giving Jack my number, I was beginning to think I wouldn’t get a job.”
“So, what’s it like on site? The only female with all those men?”
“Can’t say I’ve noticed what the men are like, I’ve got Rhys.” She forced a smile at Rhys when he’d heard his name.
“What about Jack? What’s he like as a boss. I’ve known him for several years, but only as a friend. I’ve only just started working for him, but mainly from home. What’s he like on site?”
“Oh he’s a decent guy. He expects high standards, but is not a tyrant like some I’ve worked for. Doesn’t say much about himself though, what’s his story?” She needed to know more. She still didn’t believe what she’d seen, she would change his mind, he would be with her.
“Oh he’s got a wicked sense of humour.”
“What about a girlfriend?”
Tosh laughed.
“What’s funny Tosh?”
“Hey Owen, Gwen here wants to know if Jack’s got a girlfriend?”
Owen laughed too, “sorry Gwen. We shouldn’t laugh, but that’s the last thing Jack will ever have.”
“Oh is he married then?”
“No….no our Jack’s not married.”
“So….so what’s with him then?”
“Gwen love, you ask too many questions.”
“Rhys I’ve told you, if you don’t ask you never find out anything. So come on then Owen, what gives?”
“Owen sweetheart, do you really think it’s our place to say.”
“Hey we’ve known Jack a long time, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”
“Look, if you’re not going to tell me, I’m going to ask him myself.” Gwen was getting angry, she thought they were having a joke at her expense.
“”Ok, ok. Jack Harkness is gay.”
Gwen choked on the food she’d just put in her mouth. “No that can’t be true. He’s….he’s….”
“No, he doesn’t come across as being gay does he? And a builder. People have preconceived notions about gay men, well our Jack breaks that mould.”
“Is he seeing anyone at present?”
“Gwen!”
“Oh Rhys, be quiet!”
Owen knew that Ianto didn’t want it known about him and Jack, “no, I don’t think so. I’ve not really had time to talk to him much lately, what with Damien and Chris’ house. Didn’t you get an idea when the boys came to site?”
“No, I just thought they were Jack’s clients.”
“Yeah, but Jack and Chris go back a long way.”
“What, they were….?”
“Oh no, nothing like that. They’ve known each other since they were at college.”
“Right, so he’s never had a girlfriend at all then?”
“Gwen!” Rhys was getting annoyed with her now, “I don’t think Captain Harkness would want his private life bounded about, do you? What was it you said the other day? You didn’t want our private life broadcast.”
“Oh Rhys, be quiet, Owen’s talking.”
Tosh looked at Gwen then at Owen, she’d known Gwen a few years and never seen her in this mood before.
“Well Owen, you were going to say?”
“Oh….erm, Jack….girlfriend, yeah. Well a long time ago, I think, before he came out. But it was only briefly.”
“Oh, right.” She smiled inwardly. So Jack you have had a girlfriend and you are going to have another one I’m going to see to that.
Rhys looked at her, he was getting really fed up with her mood swings. He needed to talk to her. He couldn’t carry on like this much longer.
Their meal continued pleasantly and Jack wasn’t mentioned anymore. Although Gwen kept glancing over to where he was sitting, but no more kisses were given to his dinner partner. They were laughing and joking but nothing more. She must have imagined it.
Jack had continued to hold onto Ianto, then the young man had surprised him.
“Jack will you do something for me?”
“Anything sweetheart, just name it.”
“Kiss me.”
“What, here?”
“Yes Jack, right here, right now. I want people to see how lucky I am.”
Jack smiled and snaked a hand around Ianto’s neck. He expected a brief kiss, but Ianto pulled him closer and a soft kiss became a passionate one.
Breaking apart “Ok Yan, want to explain what that was about?”
“I’m sorry Jack….but I thought….”
“Thought what?”
“You wanted to kiss me the way I just kissed you. It felt as though you were only going to kiss me quickly.”
“Oh Ianto, I want to kiss you so very much. I’m just taking things slowly like we said. I don’t want to rush you.”
“I’ve been doing some thinking cariad. If we’re going to be together then I’ve got to get over this fear of everyone judging me. And what better place to show my feelings for you than in a restaurant, in front of people who see a man and woman holding hands, kissing, there’s no difference to us. We love one another and I don’t want to hide anymore.”
“Wow Yan, you have been doing a lot of thinking haven’t you?” Jack held off saying anymore as their meal had arrived. As the waitress left them, “you don’t know what that means to me to hear you say that. I know how difficult it’s been for you, but in a matter of days you’ve become so confident, I’m proud of you. I love you so much.”
Ianto squeezed Jack’s hand. “I love you too Jack. Now we better eat before this goes cold.”
“Mmmm but you’re hot Mr Jones and you promised me desert when we get home.”
“Oh yes Jack, desert at home is still on the menu.” He smiled and squeezed Jack’s hand again before they began eating.
Their conversations focused on past jobs and the mishaps and highlights of their work. Jack telling of how he took over a contract when the original contractors went into administration. Ianto’s story of how a contractor failed to harness himself to the scaffolding in high winds and was blown off.
All the time they kept glancing into each others eyes oblivious of the stares from other diners.
The waitress came to retrieve their empty plates. “Is there anything else I can get you gentlemen?” She thought they were the most gorgeous couple she’d seen and smiled when she’d seen them kiss earlier.
“You want anything else Ianto?”
“Erm….just a coffee please. Do you have vanilla?”
“Yes sir.”
“Jack?” he nodded “Two vanilla coffee’s please.”
As the waitress left Ianto whispered “there is something else I want, but that’ll have to wait till we get home cariad.”
“Can’t wait my love.” Jack leant across and kissed him again.
Gwen was too engrossed in her meal and the conversation, so didn’t see the kiss.
“Here you go gentlemen. I hope I’m not out of order here, but you are a gorgeous couple.” She blushed and walked off.
“There, what did I tell you? There are lots of people who are comfortable with two men together.”
“Yeah….I can see that now.” Ianto held Jack’s hand again whilst they drank their coffee.
“Right Mr Jones, it’s getting late, I need to get you home to bed, otherwise you’ll be too tired to do anything.” Jack had a wicked grin on his face.
“Oh Captain Harkness, bed sounds wonderful and we can have desert there if you wish? And, it’s Saturday tomorrow so we don’t have to be up early.”
“Oh believe me Ianto, we are going to be up most of the night.” He winked at his lover who grinned.
As they stood to go “Jack, will you do one more thing for me?”
“Of course sweetheart.”
“Will you….will you.” Instead of asking he pulled Jack close and kissed him. Pulling apart slightly Ianto left his arm draped around Jack’s waist. Jack took the hint and draped his arm around Ianto’s shoulders.
Realising people were watching them, Jack smiled “you ok with this?”
“Yes Jack, I want people to see how much you mean to me.” He kissed Jack quickly.
They were making their way to the door when Ianto spotted Owen and Tosh. Then he realised Gwen and Rhys were there too. He tensed, which Jack felt. Jack went to let go but Ianto stopped him. “No Jack don’t let go.”
“What’s the matter sweetheart?”
“Over there, look.” He pointed to their friends and colleagues.
“You want to leave?”
“No Jack, I want to go and say hello. It’s what I need to do. I’m not hiding any longer. Will you help me?”
“Without a doubt my love. Have I told you you’re gorgeous?”
“Not lately, but keep telling me please.” He smiled at Jack. “Come on I don’t think they’ve seen us, let’s go and say hello.”
Jack held tightly to his young lover as they went across to Owen’s table. Tosh saw them approaching and a huge grin spread across her face.
“Tosh, lover, what’s happening? What are you grinning at?”
“Oh just the most gorgeous sight I’ve seen for a long time.”
“But you see me every day!”
“No, not you Owen.” He pretended to look disappointed, “those two, over there.” She said, pointing to her friends as they approached.
Owen turned around. Seeing Jack and Ianto approaching wrapped in each others’ arms he too smiled. It was the best sight he’d seen for a long time.
Rhys looked to where Tosh was pointing, seeing his bosses entwined in each others arms he too smiled. He couldn’t believe how good they looked. He’d just found out his boss was gay, but to find out he was seeing Ianto was the biggest shock. He’d no idea.
Gwen looked in the direction of Tosh’s indication and saw Jack and Ianto approaching. She looked down into her desert trying to compose herself. She’d not imagined that kiss earlier. Here was proof, Jack was seeing Ianto Jones. How long had this been going on? Is that why Ianto got the job? Because he was shagging his boss? Stop thinking like that Gwen, Ianto will be history once Jack’s seen what he’s missing. When he’s realised I’m better than any man.
The two men approached the table. “Good evening, didn’t realise you were coming here tonight. Ianto and I decided on the spur of the moment.”
“Well, well, well Captain, you are a dark horse.”
“Tosh, doesn’t Owen talk to you? He knew about us.” Jack looked at Ianto and smiled.
“No Jack….he didn’t.” Tosh tried to glare at Owen, but found she couldn’t keep a straight face. “How long’s this been going on then?”
It was Ianto who answered her “only since Tuesday.” He’d seen the look on Gwen’s face, and wanted to see her reaction to his answer.
“Wow Harkness, you certainly worked quick there.” Owen grinned.
“Mmm and Ianto’s the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time.” Jack looked into the blue eyes of his young lover and without warning Ianto kissed him.
“Erm tea boy, we’ve not finished our desert yet. Don’t want to be put off!” he laughed till Tosh kicked him under the table. “Ow! What was that for?”
She smiled, “leave them alone, they look great.”
“Gwen, you’re quiet, not got anything to say?” Ianto was determined to get her to say something. He felt Jack tighten his grip on his waist.
“Oh, erm, congratulations. Both of you. I hope you’ll be very happy!” Not when I’ve finished with you, you won’t be.
“Thanks Gwen, we are.” Replied Jack, “now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re just on our way home….” He looked at Ianto with a wicked grin, “for desert!”
“Eugh! Too much information Harkness.”
“Owen, we’re only doing what any other couple do. So, night all, see you Monday.” They left everyone smiling, but Gwen.
“Hey Gwen, you ok?”
“Mmm….sorry….yeah Rhys. Actually no I’m not. My headache’s turning into a migraine and if I don’t go take my medication, I’m not going to be any good for anything. Do you mind Tosh, Owen, if we went?”
“No worries Gwen, you sure you’re going to be ok?”
“Mmm yeah, I’ll take my tablets then go straight to bed. Should be ok by morning.”
“Alright, you’ll have to both come around to ours sometime soon. Lots to talk about, now, especially Jack and Ianto.”
Gwen got up. Rhys had noticed that this headache had suddenly appeared when Jack and Ianto had come over. What was going on with his fiancée? He was going to find out, but he would bide his time tonight, she wouldn’t want to talk about it. He’d wait until tomorrow then ask her.
“Right, erm, I’m sorry again. I’ll see you Monday Owen, night.” She was making her way to the door.
“Sorry guys, I’ll see you Monday too Owen. Sorry.”
“Rhys, you coming?”
He looked apologetically at Owen and Tosh then went to catch up with Gwen.
“I hope she’s ok?” exclaimed Tosh. “Hey, what about Jack and Ianto then, that was a lovely surprise.”
“Yeah, they make a great couple don’t they? They weren’t going to say too much just yet. Ianto’s still coming to terms with his feelings. Wonder what changed his mind? I’m really pleased for them.”
“Yeah, they’re hot together.”
“Oi, I thought I was hot?” he laughed.
“Oh you are lover, but you’ve got to admit, they’re so good looking, didn’t you see the jealous stares from other diners?”
“Yeah, I did notice. Hey wonder if that’s what’s wrong with Gwen?”
“What….jealousy over Jack and Ianto?”
“Mmm”
“Wouldn’t have thought so, but I’ll try and find out. Anyway, let’s finish these and go home and have extra desert.”
“Sounds a great idea. That’s why I love you Toshiko Sato.”
tbc
Chapter 25 http://iantosdreamer46.livejournal.com/42486.html