Picture Perfect Chapter 10
A week later, Ianto was out of hospital and on his way back to the Hub in the SUV. Jack kept an eye on him, as he drove.
Ianto's face was unreadable. Jack wasn't sure what the younger man was thinking.
The bunker they were to share was all ready. Owen had put bandages, creams, swabs and sterile water on a table near the bathroom.
Jack had put a pillow and blanket on the sofa where he'd sleep until Ianto was well and truly healed.
"It'll be good to have you home." Jack told him. "The girls missed you.""I missed them," he admitted.
"Owen said the blistered skin is healing well."
"Yeah. It itches like mad."
Jack smiled. "A good sign."
They passed the Water Tower and drove down Roald Dahl Plass where Jack parked the car. Getting out, he went round to help Ianto.
Once inside the tourist office, Ianto looked around. It was just as he'd left it.
"It's been closed."
Ianto nodded, pushing the button so they could go through to the Hub below. As they walked through the cog door, Gwen, Owen and Tosh were there to greet them.
Tosh stepped forward, kissing Ianto on the cheek.
Gwen smiled. "Welcome back."
"Thank you."
Owen tried to guide him to the stairs leading to Jack's office and the bunker.
"I don't want to lie down. Not yet." He moved to the battered old couch. "I'll sit here for a while. I won't get in the way." He sat down.
Jack nodded to Owen, and he backed away from Ianto.
"Okay, but you let me know when you need painkillers. I don't want you goin' all macho on me."
"I will."
"And drink plenty of fluids," Owen told him.
"Yes."
"And eat something." Jack added.
"Fine."
"It's for your own good, Ianto."
"I know. It's just….it makes me feel…."
"Too needy?"
Ianto nodded.
"We're here for you, mate." Owen told him.
Ianto smiled. Can I at least make some coffee? I'll be careful."
Owen nodded.
"Thanks."
Getting up, Ianto walked to the kitchen and his beloved coffee machine.
"I've missed you," he said, gently caressing the filter, then he smiled.
Turning it on, he blended three different coffee beans then added hazelnut essence. Within seven minutes, the coffee was ready.
"Come and get it," he called.
Owen and Gwen were the first to get a cup, followed by Tosh. Jack hung back until there were back at their workstations.
"Smells good." He poured two cups. "Back to the couch?"
"Or your office."
Jack smiled. "My office it is."
Carrying both cups, Jack followed Ianto up to his office.
Sitting down, Ianto said, "It's good to be back. I missed all this."
"I bet you didn't miss cleaning up after us."
"No."
"Or cleaning out the Weevils cells."
"No," he sipped his coffee. "Will I be sleeping with you?"
"No. I'll be on the couch."
Having done Jack's ironing down in the bunker, he knew where the couch was.
"Oh, I thought…."
"I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't. I…." he closed his eyes for a second. "I want to be with you."
"That's what I want too, Ianto. But not at the risk of hurting you."
"Can we at least try? Please."
When Ianto looked at Jack that way, he could refuse him nothing.
"Okay, but if I think I'm hurting you, I move to the couch."
"Agreed," said Ianto, smiling.