Title: Sea of Love - Chapter 2
Author: iantosdreamer46
Genre: AU
Pairings/Characters: Ianto/Jack, Tosh/Tommy, Owen, Martha Jones
Summary: Jack is the Foreman at a shipyard in Belfast. They are building what is rumoured to be the biggest and best cruise liner of all time - The Titanic. Ianto arrives at the shipyard having left Cardiff quickly to get away from his family and his ex-girlfriend, Lisa.
Rating: NC-17 Overall
Wordcount: 2,476
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 This AU is a subject close to my heart. Having researched the history of it for English lessons at school, I decided to give it the Jack and Ianto treatment. I hope I do it justice and that you all enjoy it.
A/N2 Apologies for any of you who are getting this multiple times, it's cross posted
The remainder of the morning went off without any hitches and when the claxon sounded for lunch Jack made his way back to the workshop. He knew some of his men would join him, but he wasn’t prepared for the young Welshman to be there too. He’d assigned him to Tommy who always remained outside at lunch and he thought Ianto Jones would do the same. But the young man was one of the first through the door. Jack had to take a deep breath.
“Ah, Mr Jones, how are you finding things?”
“Erm, fine, thank you Sir, and please, it’s Ianto. You make it sound as though you’re talking about my father when you call me Mr Jones.” Ianto could feel something stirring again and had to really concentrate on what he was saying. He was having difficulty understanding why this was happening to him.
“Oh….erm ok….Ianto. And you’ll find that my men call me Jack or Captain. I’m only a labourer, the same as the rest of you. So Sir is rather too formal.”
“Oh ok, er, Jack. Can I….erm….can I ask you a question?”
“Sure, anything.”
“You said Captain - why?”
Jack laughed “oh it’s my coat, my men think it looks like something someone would wear in the Army. I erm, found it in a junk shop. Anyway it’s warm and you’ll find it gets cold here so warm clothes are a must.” Jack knew he was rambling. “My men thinks it’s a joke to call me the Captain, but hey, I’m all for having a joke with people. And besides I’ve also been told I look good in it.”
Without thinking Ianto replied “Oh yeah you certainly do look good in it.” Then he blushed when he realised what he’d said. “I’m….I’m sorry.”
Jack noticed the young man’s blushes and instantly reacted. Shit Jack, you’ve got to calm down, what’s he going to think if he sees? “Oh that’s ok, no harm done, besides I can take all the compliments people give me.” They both laughed.
God Jack you’ve got a gorgeous smile to go with that gorgeous accent. Ianto what the Hell are you thinking? Ianto looked down. “I….I’d better get back to work.”
“No, don’t disappear just yet, we’ve still got ten minutes left.”
“Oh, ok, if that’s ok with you?”
“Sure, I’m the Foreman and I can decide what we do.” Jack looked intently at his new recruit.
They finished their lunch in silence, each not really knowing what to say next and each stealing a glance at the other when they thought they weren’t looking.
The claxon sounded again for the end of lunch and as Jack stood to go, Ianto asked “is there anywhere near here that I can get a drink tonight?”
“Oh, yeah there’s a good ale house just up the road from here. It’s called the Kings Head. I sometimes go there at a weekend.”
“Great, thanks. I might see you in there sometimes then.”
“Sure.” Jack smiled as he watched Ianto go back to work. Mmm Mr Jones, I wonder if you realise the effect you’re having on me? Jack made his way back to work checking on the remainder of his men as he went.
At the end of the day Jack made sure he went to all the new men to make sure they had been alright. He purposely left Ianto until last.
“Ah Ianto, so how have you found things today?”
“Oh, erm, fine thank you Jack.”
“So we haven’t put you off working for us then?”
“No, just the opposite. My last job was nowhere near as good as this. The guys weren’t that friendly either.”
“Well I’m pleased to hear that. We’ll see you tomorrow then?”
“Most definitely. And thank you.”
“For what?”
“Making me feel welcome. It’s difficult moving from Cardiff not knowing anyone.”
“I’ll make sure you don’t feel left out of things. I look after my men. So when we have a night out at the end of the week you are welcome to join us.”
“Thank you Jack, I might just take you up on that.”
“Great. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going home for a much needed rest and bath. See you tomorrow Ianto Jones.”
“Yeah, night Captain, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Jack left the young man and smiled at the thought of him going for a drink with them at the end of the week. He couldn’t stop thinking about the blue eyes and that gorgeous Welsh accent.
Ianto watched as Jack walked off. This was going to be a good contract. And he smiled at the thought of going for a drink with Jack and the rest of the men. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been out. Lisa had complained so much that he’d just given up going. He’d kept a peaceful existence to keep her happy.
The week flew by and Ianto found he was really enjoying his job. The men were great to work with and Tommy was always on hand if there was something he didn’t understand. He’d forgotten about going for a drink, so when Jack approached him he was surprised.
“Ianto, are you still coming for that drink with us tonight?”
“What?....oh….erm….if that’s still ok? I thought you were just being polite.”
“No. You’ll find I’m really easy to get on with outside of work and I said the other day you’re more than welcome.”
“Right, thank you. What time are you all meeting?”
“We usually go straight from work for a couple of hours, that way we’re not late getting home. Some of the men, like Tommy, are married.”
“Oh I didn’t realise.”
“He’s a quiet guy, hard worker and his wife is beautiful.”
“I see. And what about you Jack? Are you married?” Ianto why on earth did you ask that? It’s his business not yours. He probably doesn’t want anyone to know.
Jack laughed. “No Ianto I’m not married. I’m single. There is no one special in my life just yet.” Interesting, are you asking for a reason Mr Jones, or is it that you’re just being polite? “So Ianto are you going to come with us?”
“Yep, just let me put my tools away then I’m all yours.”
Mmm now that would be nice. Harkness stop with those thoughts, he’s probably married or at least with someone. “I’ve confessed to being single, what about you?”
“Oh….erm…. I’ve just split from my girlfriend. She was….how shall I put it? Rather possessive. She didn’t want me moving to Belfast, she told me to stay with her in Cardiff.” Ianto looked at Jack and thought he saw disappointment in the older man’s face. “But you don’t want to hear about my troubles.”
“On the contrary, if I can help in any way, just let me know.” Single mmm, but straight. Oh well.
“Thanks Jack.”
“Right, shall we go join the others.”
“Great. It’s been a long time since I had a night out and if I’m honest I’m looking forward to just relaxing.”
“Fantastic, let’s go.”
They made their way to the Kings Head and as they entered the rest of the gang had arrived and Tommy was just getting the drinks in.
“Captain, Ianto, what would you like to drink?”
“My usual please Tommy.”
“Oh, erm, whatever you’re having. Thanks.”
Tommy nodded and pointed to where the rest of them were sat. The only seats Ianto noticed were on the bench at the back of the table. Jack went to sit down and motioned for Ianto to join him.
Sitting down Ianto’s leg accidentally brushed against Jacks and he felt a shiver travel up his spine. This should not be happening Ianto. This is the second time I’ve felt this, what the Hell is happening? He didn’t look at Jack for fear of blushing and he really didn’t want the older man to see that he was affecting him in an inappropriate way.
Mmm Ianto, that felt nice. Are you feeling the same? Harkness what are you thinking. He’s confessed he’s straight, stop you’ll scare him away. Jack had felt a shudder travel up his spine as Ianto’s leg brushed his. This was, he realised, a nice feeling and wondered what the young man was thinking. He’d noticed as their legs touched, Ianto’s eyes dropped to the floor as if he couldn’t look at Jack.
Jack wanted to ask him more about himself and what he’d just felt, but he would have to wait. Wait for the appropriate moment. He liked the young Welshman and didn’t want to lose him as a worker.
Tommy arrived at the table with their drinks. He handed Jack a glass with a clear liquid in it and to Ianto he gave a glass of whisky.
“What’s that you’re drinking Jack?”
Jack smiled as he answered, “water. I don’t drink, never have done.”
“Oh….right….I thought….well I don’t really know what I thought.”
“That because I suggested you come with us for a drink, I liked a good ale? No, I saw what it did to a good friend and I vowed never to have any.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No, that’s fine. I find this to be a great time to get to know more about my men.”
“How long have you worked here Jack?”
“I arrived in England five years ago. I came from New York and I’ve worked on this contract right from the start. I’m looking forward to seeing it completed.”
“What made you leave America?”
Ianto saw Jack hesitate. “I’m sorry I’m asking too many personal questions aren’t I?”
“No, that’s ok. I just….well it’s a bit awkward. Maybe I can tell you some other time, when there aren’t too many people around.”
“Sure….look I’m sorry if I’ve embarrassed you.”
“It’s not that Ianto, I just don’t want the men to know. It’s not something everyone is comfortable with.”
“Hey if you’d rather not say I’ll understand.”
“I trust you Ianto Jones, but there are some I don’t. Look if you want to have your lunch with me next week I’ll explain everything then. I’m sorry I’m not making much sense but….”
“Jack, it’s fine. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. But thank you.”
“For what?”
“Trusting me.”
“Hey, you’re a nice guy and….” Steady Jack don’t scare him away “….and I’d like to get to know you better. That’s if you’ll let me? I think you’re going to do well here.”
“Oi Captain!”
“Yeah Owen?”
“Let the new guy speak will ya. We’ve found out more about these four here. Let’s see what Ianto has to say for himself.”
“Ianto, you’ll have to excuse the Doc, he can be a snarky sod.”
“Doc?”
“Oh, yeah, sorry. Let me formally introduce you. Ianto Jones, this is Owen Harper, the nearest thing we have to a medic….hence, Doc.”
“Oh I see. Nice to meet you Mr Harper.”
“Oh boy. I can see we’re going to have to educate the young man. It’s either Owen or Doc. No-one calls me Mr anymore. Well not unless I’ve done something wrong. So come on then tell us a bit about yourself.”
For the next half an hour Ianto explained why he’d moved to Belfast and how he’d split from Lisa. Jack was listening with renewed interest, and as Ianto had been explaining about Lisa he’d looked straight at Jack.
“Anyone new on the horizon?”
“No Owen, I’ve only been here just over a week so not really had the chance to look.” He didn’t know why he kept glancing at Jack, but he was drawn to the blue grey eyes and the….what? The interest in them, the curiosity? He had to look away, he could feel himself start to blush and his reactions below the waist were beginning again.
“So Ianto you’re single? Hey just like our Captain here. He says he’s not looking for anyone but I’m sure if the right woman came along….”
“That’s enough Doc, I’m fine on my own. I don’t need you match making for me.”
Jack tried to laugh, but Ianto could see that Owen had hit a raw nerve. What is it with this good looking American? What did he have to tell me that he felt he can’t tell the others?
“Hey, I’m only trying to help. Besides, my cousin Suzie has been hinting enough for you to ask her out.”
“Owen, tell Suzie although I think she’s a lovely girl, I’m way too old for her. Now, can we change the subject? I’m sure Ianto doesn’t want boring with my love life.”
“Lack of Jack!” They all laughed, but Jack noticed that Ianto only smiled as he looked at him. Mmm what are you thinking Ianto Jones?
Ianto didn’t know why, but he felt there was something more than Jack being too old for Owen’s cousin. He wanted to ask but didn’t want to upset Jack. He would wait. He didn’t know why he had these feelings towards Jack but he was pleased that Jack had wanted to confide in him. He liked this American. STOP! How do you like him? What are you feeling? He had to go.
“Erm….if you’ll excuse me I really must get home. I’ve got to find somewhere permanent to live. I’ve only rented this place short term.”
Jack sounded disappointed when he answered “Oh, ok. We’ll see you Monday then?” Ianto nodded and went to stand “if you need any help then you’ve only got to ask.”
“Thanks Jack, I might just do that.” Why he’d said that he didn’t know, he was quite capable of looking after himself. But he wanted to see more of Jack and this was a way of getting to know him.
“Ok, look I live at 12 Yardman Walk, if you hit any problems over the weekend then just call around. I’m not planning on going anywhere.”
“Thanks Jack.” Ianto went to go and tripped over a chair leg.
Jack’s reflexes kicked in and as Ianto fell Jack caught him. A shock went through his hands and travelled up his arms. Wow what was that? Jack looked into the blue pools that were Ianto’s eyes.
“You ok?”
“Mmm yeah, thanks Jack, I nearly went there. Erm, you can let go now, I’m fine, honest.” Wow that was a nice feeling. Stop, Ianto you’re not supposed to feel things like that.
“Oh, sorry, just making sure you’re ok.”
Ianto extracted himself from Jack’s grasp and made his way out of the pub, not realising he was being watched.
Jack reluctantly let go, hoping no-one had seen his hands linger on the young Welshman just that little bit longer. He watched as Ianto left the pub, hoping he’d take him up on his offer of help.
tbc
Chapter 3
http://iantosdreamer46.livejournal.com/52762.html