Picture Perfect Chapter 8

Jack smiled down at Ianto. "Welcome back to the land of the living." He touched his cheek tenderly. "You had us worried there for a while there."

Ianto put a hand to his forehead. "What happened? It's all a bit fuzzy."

"Do you remember collapsing when you were giving me directions earlier?""Sort of." Ianto looked around the autopsy bay. "My arm was hurting and I remember thinking I wanted something to drink then," he shrugged. "Nothing."

"At some point over the last few days, you broke the skin on your arm and got an infection. I've given you a few shots and I'll prescribing antibiotics for the next week. That should clear it up."

Jack took Ianto's hand in both of his. "I was thinking. If you're up to it. Dinner. Movie. Maybe a few shandys when we get back. Jack smiled. "What do you think?"

Ianto squeezed Jack's hand. "I'd like that."

They stared at each other for a while.

"Okay you two," began Owen. "Ianto needs to rest a bit longer. You, Captain Harkness, need to get those files signed that I put on your desk, or we'll have UNIT breathing down our necks. They were due a few days ago."

"Owen's right, Jack. I can sit on the couch for a while. I'm feeling a bit better now. I'll make coffee or something. Type up reports. What time is it anyway?"

"Take a breath, Ianto." Jack looked at his watch. "It's almost 10.35am."

"I should be down in the archives." Ianto sat up slow, swinging his legs over the edge. "There's so much to be done down there."

"It can wait a few days." Owen told him. "Your health comes first."

Jack walked beside Ianto as they walked up the stairs to the old couch. Ianto seated himself and leaned back. "I think those shots are working. My arm feels okay and the world looks….brighter."

Owen went to the cabinet and took out a box. He threw it to Jack. "Make sure he takes two after every meal."

Jack nodded, reading the label.

"Jack," said Tosh. "There's Rift activity outside in the Bay. Are you sure you sent that thing back?"

Jack looked at Gwen. "Yeah. I saw it go."

"Then there's something else out there."

"Put it up on the screen, Tosh."

Jack and Gwen moved so they could see the screen above the workstations.

Jack smiled.

"What is it?" asked Ianto.

"A gift from that Zaneokite." Jack smiled. "He just wanted to get home."

"And what exactly has he sent us?" asked Owen, frowning.

They looked closer.

"Looks like a friend for Myfanwy."

"Another bloody bird!"

"Of sorts," snorted Jack. "But a little smaller."

"I hope it like chocolate," said Ianto, looking at the coffee machine. "Think I'll make coffee now." Getting to his feet, Ianto wobbled slightly, before walking passed the other members of the team to the kitchen.

While Jack went out to retrieve the 'bird' sent to him, Ianto made the coffee and put the tray on Gwen's workstation.

Walking back through the cog door, Jack let the alien bird free and it flew up to perch near Myfanwy.

"If she doesn't eat it, they'll be great friends," said Ianto, returning to the couch with his cup of coffee.

Jack took his cup up to his office. Gwen stayed at her workstation, as did Tosh. Owen went back to clean up the autopsy bay.

"Let me know when you want lunch ordered." Ianto told them. "I can order it them."

Owen shook his head. "Can't you think about yourself just for a few hours?"

Ianto thought for a moment and then shook his head. "Suppose I could, but that wouldn't be any fun."

Two hours later, Ianto was on the phone to the local Pizza Takeaway Shop.

"Hi, I'd like to place an order for delivery, please." Silence. "Yes. One large Pepperoni. One large Farmhouse. One small meat feast. Three garlic breads. One salad and 10 Spicy hot wings." Pause. "Yes, to the Information Centre at the Bay." another pause. "Yep, Ianto Jones. Thanks." replacing his phone, Ianto looked around him. "Lunch in half an hour. Coffee, tea or cold drinks?"

"Coffee, Ianto." Jack called down.

"Of course."

"Tea, please, Ianto," said Tosh.

"Cold drink," said Owen.

"Same for me, Ianto. Thanks," said Gwen.

"So that's, two coffee, two cold drinks and a tea." He sighed.

"You okay, Ianto?" asked Tosh.

He smiled. "Fine. Really. I feel much better, thank you."

Tosh smiled.

"Well enough for our date tonight?" asked Jack, walking up beside him.

"Yes," said Ianto.

Jack snaked his arm around Ianto's waist. "Good. I thought maybe we could try that new French restaurant in town. The one by the monument. Maybe a movie after."

Ianto smiled, moving closer to Jack. "Sounds good to me."

"I've finished those files, by the way." Jack told Owen.

"Good. They can go to UNIT now."

"I'll post them on my way home, shall I?" asked Gwen.

Jack nodded. "If you don't mind."

Gwen just smiled.

Ten minutes later, lunch arrived. It was taken up to the boardroom where they all sat around the table chatting and laughing.