AN: This is for JonesIantoJones who is having another 'snow day' (rather her than me) and writing lots of her amazing story 'Snow Day' thanks for all your help.
Disclaimer: Don't own them just like playing with them.
Returning to London part 9
The following morning saw Ianto wake at a more reasonable hour. He felt slightly disorientated and still a bit tired, but at least he hadn't had any nightmares. He lay in his bed running over the events from last night. He smiled to himself as he remembered the feeling of Owen holding and stroking his hand and the concern he showed - it had felt so good. He also remembered the warm feeling he got when he hugged Owen goodnight. Ianto hoped he wasn't reading too much into Owen's actions and that he just might have feelings of more than friendship in mind. But like him, Owen had to deal with his own demons first, so Ianto was going to be there for him as a friend first and if anything more came out of it, well he wasn't going to say no. He showered and dressed and then made his way to work. As always he was the first of the team in, apart from Jack. He followed his normal routine; coffee machine on first then feed Janet and Mafanwy. As he returned to the coffee machine Jack was stood waiting for him "Morning Ianto thought I'd better wait for you to finish the coffee.
"Wise choice Jack." Commented Ianto.
"How are you this morning?" Jack hesitatingly asked.
Ianto started making the coffee before replying, "Owen gave me a sleeping tablet last night so that I could actually get more than three hours sleep."
Jack sucked in a breath "Jeez Ianto no wonder you've been looking like death these past weeks. Why didn't you say anything? If not to me then to Owen who is your doctor as well as your friend."
Ianto thought carefully about how he was going to say the next bit. "Look Jack I know I should've said something but I thought I could handle it. You have enough to deal with running this place and keeping Unit happy and Owen, well he has his own problems to deal with. I did talk to Owen about part of the problem and yes you were right it all stems from London. I don't really want to go into details about what happened there but I will talk to Owen. In fact when he gets here he wants to give me a complete physical just in case I've damaged my lungs with all the cleaning products. Oh and he'll probably pull me from the field."
Jack looked shocked at this revelation, "Why would Owen pull you from the field?"
Ianto didn't want to admit that he might be a liabilty but he owed Jack the truth, "He thinks I might put the team at risk." Jack went to say something but Ianto held his hand up and continued, "And he's right. You know as well as I do that lack of sleep slows your reaction time down and also hinders your perception of things. So I guess I'm confined to base until the good doctor deems I'm fit for duty." As Ianto finished making the coffee and handing Jack his he said, "I'll be in the archiives if you need me. Tell Owen to come get me when he wants me." He then picked his mug up and leavng Jack standing there he walked away.
******TORCHWOOD******
Owen woke in his own bed and with a clear head for the first time since London and he'd never felt better. When he had returned last night he had kept replaying all the things that had happened between him and Ianto. He couldn't believe he had held Ianto's hand, and it had felt so good, and that Ianto hadn't been freaked out by it. Also that hug and the way Ianto had whispered in his ear, "Remember anytime you need me I'm here for you." Well that had sent shivers down his spine. He shook his head, "Since when have I thought of Ianto as anything more than a friend?" Then his other voice answered him "Since you saw how vulnerable he was in London."
Owen groaned - he really didn't know what he was going to do. First and foremost he was going to be there for Ianto as a friend. The rest he would have to play by ear, as although there were signs that Ianto might be interested in being more than friends he didn't want to push him if all he wanted was friendship. For now he had to get to work and do Ianto's physical and then talk to Jack.
******TORCHWOOD******
When Owen got to work just after nine thirty he went straight up to talk to Jack.
"Jack have you spoken to Ianto this morning?" Owen said without preamble.
"Good morning Owen." Jack sarcastically responded, "And yes I have. Why?"
"Did he say anything about last night?" Continued Owen
"Not much, he did say that you were going to give him a physical this morning - something about he might have damaged his lungs. Is that a real possibilty? Oh and he also told me how much sleep he's been getting and that you will probably pull him out of field duty. Do you think thats necessary? Jack asked concerned.
"If he's been doing as much cleaning as you think then there's a real chance of lung damage. Also I want to take a proper look at him because, although he didn't say anything, I don't think he's been eating properly. He barely touched his dinner last night and when was the last time he joined us for lunch? Cos I can't remember. As for taking him out the field, yes I do think it's necessary. His reaction time is going to be severly compromised due to his lack of sleep. He can go out on routine pick-ups, do witness statements liase with the police, that sort of thing. But if there is anything involving runnung and aliens that might put us in the firing line then I think he should co-ordinate from here." Explained Owen.
Jack mulled over what Owen had just told him before nodding his head in agreement, "Ok when do you want to check him over?"
Owen smiled at that. He was looking forward to checking Ianto over "Now is as good a time as any. I think it would be best if you take Tosh and Gwen out while I examine Ianto. You know how private he is and they will only ask questions which I don't think he's ready to answer just yet."
"Sure we can go check out reports of people seeing purple aliens over in Tremorfa Park." Laughed Jack putting his coat on. "Ianto's in the archives."
Owen followed Jack down to the main area."Tosh, Gwen get your coats on, we are going to the park." He said heading for the cog door.
Gwen looked up from the programme she was running and moaned. "It's cold out there, can't you take Owen or Ianto?"
"Nope they have things to do here that can't wait. Besides you're prettier than them." Jack answered chuckling at Owens indignant face.
Jack then left with both women, one on either arm and with a parting "Don't do anything I wouldn't."
"As if." muttered Owen as he went down to get Ianto.
