With help from my very good friend, Ianto
Job Prospect
Ianto Jones was a junior archivist at Torchwood London. He enjoyed his job and the pay was good. But there was something missing, he couldn't put his finger on it.
He stood in the lobby of Canary Wharf, waiting for a Captain Jack Harkness. He was supposed to be bringing in something to be archived. Ianto pushed his glasses up his nose and checked the time.
Jack sauntered in through the revolving door, smiling at it's simplicity. He noticed the cute, preppy looking guy waiting inside. For him? He hoped so. "Hi, Captain Jack Harkness. I'm expected."
Ianto took a second to take in his appearance; Someone should tell him it's 2011 he thought, but he cleared his throat. "Yes, you are. My name is Ianto Jones, please follow me."
As the younger man turned to lead the way, Jack looked him up and down. He was not disappointed.
Ianto swiped them both in through several doors, going deeper and deeper into the building, until they got to the archives. It was neat and tidy.
Ianto turned to Jack. "Do you have the item?"
Jack was getting more and more impressed with the young man, as they approached the archives. "Yes," Jack answered, handing the young Welshman a package. "A bit far from home, aren't you?" He smiled that 'Harkness' smile, hoping to impress.
Ianto smiled back. "Hard to hide to accent. "
He took the package, carefully unwrapping it and placed it on a platform as he got a camera out and took pictures of the item.
Jack watched as the young man took photos of the artefact. "Get many of these through Torchwood 1?" He smiled. "Great place you have here, neat." Jack chuckled. "Could use you at Torchwood 3."
Ianto looked at the artefact as if studying it. "We only have one here, found in 1953 in Giza," he saw the look on Jacks face. "Photographic memory or close to it."
"You impress me, Ianto Jones." Jack's eyebrow went up. "Sure you won't move back home to Wales and come work for me?"
"I didn't think you had any jobs going with you."
"I...could make room, for you. Your skills are needed at Torchwood 3, believe me."
Ianto fell silent as he carried on to survey the object. He was trying to figure out if the job offer was serious.
"Don't look so serious, I don't bite...and yes, I'm serious about the job offer." Jack took a card out of his inside coat pocket. "Give me a call anytime, if you're interested."
Ianto took it off him, putting it into his inside jacket pocket. "Thank you, I'll show you out."
Jack walked forward and then stopped. "Are you free for dinner tonight? I know this little Italian restaurant near the river."
Ianto stopped was he asking him out. "I cant tonight, " he lied
"Oh, pity. I have to be back in Cardiff by lunchtime tomorrow. I just wanted some company this evening." Jack continued to walk back towards the main entrance. "Maybe some other time then."
"Yeah, maybe," he smiled and walked out to the lobby. "See you around Captain Jack Harkness"
"Mmm, I hope so." Jack left the building but stayed just out of sight. He wasn't finished with the young Welshman yet.
Ianto finished work late as usual that night and walked out pulling his coat tightly around him.
"You keep rather long hours, Ianto Jones. I know a place that stays open late and does great lasagne. Interested?"
Ianto stopped. He's had been waiting for me! "No thanks, I'm not hungry," he quickly walked to his car.
"Okay...mind if I walk you to your car?"
Ianto pointed to the car in front of them.
"I'm here."
He unlocked the door and got in.
Jack tapped on the window as Ianto closed the door. "You're sure I can't tempt you to anything? Drink...nightcap...walk in the park?" Jack smiled.
Ianto looked at Jack, thinking, God this guy is persistent! He sighed and wound down the window. "A walk then."
Stepping back, Jack opened the door to allow the younger man to get out of the car. "Thank you."
They began to walk at a slow pace.
"So, do you like livin' in London? I'd hate it. Give me the open spaces anytime."
"I don't really have an opinion on it." He knew London, but he never went out to explore. "Its a place to stay."
Jack stole sideways glances at the Welshman. "Dangerous though, wouldn't you say? Compared to Cardiff."
"Not really statistically London and Cardiff have equal amounts of crime," he shrugged.
Jack frowned, could he make it any more obvious that he thought this guy was hot! "So, do you live near here?" Jack looked around.
"About a mile away."
He wasn't giving anything away
Jack sighed, pulling his greatcoat tighter around his body. "Why so cagy Ianto Jones? You afraid I might stalk you?" He smiled, gleaming white teeth showing up in the dark.
"I don't know you. I know of you. Have heard stuff and its not all polite."
"So, I flirt a little. I enjoy life. But, I'm faithful, like a dog. You'll like me, once you get to know me...and I do want you to get to know me. The job offer still stands."
"I'm going to decline it, I belong here with Torchwood 1." Ianto had his own reasons for not wanting to go back to Wales.
Jack shook his head. "Okay. You have my card. If you change your mind, call me...anytime."
Ianto nodded and stopped, walking back to his car.
Over the next couple of weeks, the offer really bugged Ianto. One night around midnight, he dialled the number Jack gave him and waited
"Captain Jack Harkness. Leave your name, age and number and if I like the sound of your voice, I'll get back to you." He laughed. "Sorry, couldn't resist. What can I do for you, caller?"
Ianto thought he might hang up before anyone answered, but he cleared his throat and said, "It's Ianto Jones."
Jack sat bolt upright, his heart rate picking up. "Ianto Jones, what a surprise. Changed your mind?"
"Not decided yet. Thought I could pay a visit?"
"Of course. Come whenever you like. There are guest quarters here. When did you have in mind?"
"Tomorrow…." He found himself saying, before he could stop himself.
Jack didn't hesitate. "No problem. Text what time train you'll be on and I'll meet you at Cardiff Central."
"Okay, see you tomorrow." Ianto hung up and leaned back in his chair looking at his already packed cases
Jack held on to the phone for a few seconds after Ianto hung up. He didn't want to break the connection. There was something about the young Welshman that drew Jack to him...and it scared and intrigued him at the same time. "See you tomorrow, Ianto Jones."
Ianto got the earliest train out of the station the next day. He pulled his phone out texting Jack to let him know that he would be there about 1 pm that day.
Jack felt the phone vibrate in his inside pocket. Taking it out, he opened the 'message' box. A smile spread across his face. This wasn't lost on Doctor Owen Harper.
"Got a date then, have we?"
Jack smiled. "Oh, yeah."