Is There A Solution?
Ianto went down to the archives, trying to busy himself in his work. He knew Jack of old and the older man wouldn't rest until he'd talked it through with him.
Ianto collated paperwork, did photocopies and filed artifacts until his head began to spin. He was so engrossed in what he was doing, that he didn't notice Jack standing at the end of his desk, arms folded, jaw set.
"Ianto? We need to talk." He sighed at the look on his lover's face. "Please." Begged Jack.
Ianto almost jumped at the sound of his own voice. "No, we don't." It was louder than he'd intended.
"Ianto!"
The younger man sighed. "I have work to do, so if you'll excuse me..."
Jack grabbed him by the arm. He realized his mistake straight away. Ianto pulled his arm free and glared at the older man .
"Don't! Just...don't. Not now, Jack."
Jack sighed heavily. "You can't keep acting like nothing's happening with you!"
Ianto swung round, making Jack step back. "You promised! You lied to me!"
"Oh, come on! Owen knew there was something wrong. They all do!"
"All?"
Jack moved forward again. "Let Owen help."
"I don't need help."
"Yeah, you do."
Ianto walked back down to a row of old filing cabinets. "Just...leave me alone, Jack." Then he added, "Please?"
"I want to help, Ianto."
"Then just go and let me get on, yeah?"
Admitting defeat for now, Jack left.
Ianto ran a trembling hand through his hair. Closing his eyes, he tried to stem the flow of tears that he knew were threatening to fall. A single drop rolled down his left cheek, as he brushes it away with his thumb. He hated how Jack made him feel so out of control. He hated how weak he became. But he knew this wasn't the end of it. Jack didn't give up that easily. That was just round one.
TWTWTW
Jack went down to the autopsy bay where Owen was working on the body of a young Weevil.
"Any luck?" asked the medic.
Jack shook his head.
"Digging' his heels in."
"Yeah." Jack nodded at the body. "Know how she died yet?"
Owen waved a gloved hand in the air. "Not a clue."
Jack walked toward the stairs leading to his office. "Keep me in the frame."
"Yep, and you, me, with Tea Boy, yeah?"
Jack just nodded.
Once in his office, Jack sat behind his desk. The paperwork was still in his 'IN' tray. He sighed, leaned forward on his elbows and peered at the top sheet of paper. It was a requisition sheet from Ianto. Jack picked it up and looked at it. It was for medical and stationary supplies. Jack smiled at the meticulous handwriting. The attention to detail, that could only be Ianto Jones. Looking through the list, he made a few alterations and additions, signed it and put it to one side. Ianto liked to have it straight back after getting it signed, that way, it didn't go astray.
Ianto Jones...what a man! Beautiful to look at. Those Welsh vowels just rolled off his tongue. He was never late and he looked damn sexy in a three piece suit. Everything about him, drove the immortal crazy with desire.
TWTWTW
Owen finished his autopsy and sat at his workstation to write out his report. It was just about now, that he needed Ianto to help him. He shook his head, a wry smile on his face.
'He can be a right pain in the arse when he puts his mind to it' he thought. 'But it can't be easy, livin' with those memories. Glad I was there after it happened' He looked up at Jack's office. 'I'm just glad he's got Jack to confide in' He put his feet up on the desk, found his Game Boy and started to play a game. Soon he was so involved in what he was doing, that he didn't notice Gwen standing beside him.
"Busy, are we?" she asked, frowning.
Owen didn't look up. "Yes, so if it isn't life threatening...go away, Cooper."
"Charmin', that is."
Owen frowned, putting his Game Boy down. "Okay. What?"
"How's Ianto?"
Owen shrugged. "Search me. He's tighter than a ducks arse, if you ask me."
Gwen looked up towards Jack's office. "I thought Jack might know."
He shrugged. "Yeah, well."
Gwen frowned. "They're okay, aren't they?"
"They're still shaggin', if that's what you mean."
"Right."
Owen eyed her for a few seconds. "You've got no chance, Cooper."
"I don't know what you're on about."
"Right." He laughed, picked up his Game Boy and carried on playing.
TWTWTW
Ianto sat at his computer and brought up his personal e-mail address. He sighed and started to compose a note to Jack...
'Jack, I'm sorry I'm being such a pain, I really don't mean to be. I...just can't share these nightmares with everyone. I know, Owen is part of the team and I should talk to him. But you know me, Jack... tight lipped. I keep it all bottled up inside. It's inbreed, I'm afraid. Tad beat it into me. But I told you about him, didn't I. If you want to talk...just us, no one else...then I will. Dinner tonight at mine, aye?
I hate when we have 'words'. I'm sorry.
Will be up to make coffee in twenty minutes...
Love you, Ianto x'
He read through what he'd written then pressed 'Send'.