When Gwen entered Jack's office, the immortal's desk looked busier than usual. Along with the usual backlog of reports and paperwork from tech being tested, budgets and other correspondence, there were now samples for paint, wood, wall and floor covering. He had a pile of design magazines on the edge of the desk threatening to fall over, next to a tube containing the architect's floor plans. Next was a folder with the CVs and other information found on contractors that had made their short list.
"You look busy," she commented.
Jack glanced up at her and smiled. "Keeps me out of trouble," he replied.
"We can hope," Gwen said with a sigh.
"Careful now. You're starting to sound like Ianto. Minus the eye roll," Jack said, looking amused.
Gwen shook her head. "Speaking of, he just called up saying he put that transmat thing on the safe list."
"He called you?" Jack asked, looking affronted.
"He called Tabitha so she could change the status in the system while he moves it into the testing area. I'm sure he'll be letting you have a go with it soon."
"And Tabitha told you?"
"Actually she told Shandi. I just overheard," Gwen replied with a shrug.
Jack frowned. "I suppose Shandi will decide if I can go down there and figure it out?"
Gwen shrugged. "I don't know, Jack. You know Shandi, but if she wants you to know something, you'll find out."
Jack shook his head in annoyance and took a drink of tea. He was in charge of Torchwood, so why did it seem he was always the last to know lately. "Is that why you're here?" he snapped.
"No. I know I promised Ianto to wait, but he keeps holding off, so I decided to take it upon myself. Obviously he doesn't agree with me on this after all, or he would have said something already," Gwen stated.
Jack indicated for Gwen to sit down, wondering just what the hell she was babbling about. He did catch onto one thing, the main thing as far as Jack was concerned and intended to do something about it. He did not like the idea of one of his Seconds going behind the back of the other. Ianto also being his spouse had nothing to do with how he felt about the situation Gwen was about to dump on him.
He glanced at his watch. "Just remember Ianto and I are meeting with Iola for lunch in a half hour." His frown deepened and then he turned on his Bluetooth. "Ianto!" he bellowed through the comm link. "Don't' forget your sister in a half hour."
The immortal nodded his head, seeming satisfied with his partner's response. His eyes flicked in Gwen's direction. "You might want to come up sooner, like now, because Gwen's about to tell me something you told her a while back that you would."
Gwen cursed under her breath and flashed him an annoyed look. The Captain smirked back. "Jack!" she squawked indignantly. "Why did you do that?"
"For the record, if the situation was reversed, I would have contacted you." Jack leaned back in his chair and stared at Gwen.
"That's not the point, Jack!" Gwen protested, clearly aggravated.
"No, but the point is that one of my two senior staff is about to go behind the back of the other. I won't have that, be it you or Ianto. So I'm stopping it before it starts."
"This is important, but Ianto wasn't saying anything. It's been over a month since he said it," Gwen argued.
"You mean since you promised not to mention it before I did say something," Ianto's voice came from the door, slightly out of breath and extremely agitated.
He stepped into the office as Gwen flashed a guilty look and then glared at him. "That was over a month ago!" she accused.
Ianto rolled his eyes and sat on the corner of the desk. He folded his arms and glared at Gwen. "Perhaps I was still waiting for the right time," he said.
"For a month?" Gwen countered.
Ianto sighed and twisted to glance down at Jack, giving him an apologetic smile. "Jack, please don't get too offended, but it is the truth." He looked back at Gwen and started to talk calmly even if he sounded like he was speaking a child. "Jack's emotions have been all over the place this month. It's not easy on him when he's stuck behind a desk while the rest of us go out and put our lives on the line. It's frustrating to him. He gets angry and scared. He also has the added stress of all the renovating and rebuilding going on between the house and here. I don't expect him to be constantly in such moods, because soon some of the madness will calm down. I was planning on telling him after we were moved in and settled in the new house."
"But in the meantime, what scares him might not be necessary if we have more people on the team," Gwen replied. "Did you think of that?"
"Yes, I did. And as much as having a few extra helping hands around here would relieve the situation, there is also the training to consider. We are still completing Tabitha's and Rhys's training. They'll be ready to be signed off soon. Then I can bring up more suggestions to the team to Jack, at a time when I know he will listen and not react through his hormones. And should he agree, there will be more time for proper training."
Jack looked from Ianto to Gwen. "I get the idea of it now, and I have to say that until everyone is signed off as completed training, it still won't be easy for me. And just because the three of us decide someone is ready, it will not stop me from worrying for everyone while in the field, especially since I can't step in like before. I can't until these babies are born." He scowled as he glared at both Gwen and Ianto. "I'm going to make this easy for the two of you because I'm putting a stop to it right now. Ianto's right. At this moment, we do not have the time to properly train any new agents."
"Who said anything about training?" Gwen cut in. "I don't understand why even Rhys needed to go through it. It's not like he never worked with us before. The same goes for Andy."
"Andy!" Jack exclaimed, leaning forward. With narrowed eyes, he fixed his glare on Ianto. "You were going to suggest Andy?"
Ianto let out a heavy sigh and turned to fix an annoyed glare on Gwen. He adored the feisty Welshwoman and called her his best friend with pride, but sometimes she could be a bit too much feisty at times. "So much for not waiting until a good time. Thank you, Gwen. Consider it that now Andy will never join Torchwood. Not in the foreseeable future," he commented, his voice even. "Not in the next few weeks." He folded his arms, his frown deepening.
"Or months," Jack added. "No. I don't want him on the team. That's final." He glared up at Ianto. "Were you really waiting for the right time to pitch this?"
"I was," Ianto admitted. "And I was waiting for the right time because I knew what bringing this up if the time wasn't right would mean." He frowned again at Gwen. "And this is why. Thank you, again."
Gwen opened her mouth to say something but Jack jumped in quickly. "Look, I understand the need to add to the team. I get that. But I don't want us dragging in people without any other reason than to have a bigger team as soon as possible. It doesn't work that way.
Ianto's eyes met Gwen's. Jack stared as the two came to an unspoken understanding. Gwen nodded her head, and Ianto let out a heavy sigh. Crossing his arms, he turned back to Jack. "Bringing Andy in wasn't a snap decision. We almost brought him in while you were away with the Doctor."
Jack's eyes went wide with shock.
"He helped us at times while you were away," Gwen added. "We were going to make it official and then you came back. Since then, every now and then, he does help us."
"Yes, I know he does, but he never got so involved in the cases he helped us with. He never knew the specific details," Jack snapped.
Ianto had to nod in agreement with Jack. "Not as much as Rhys," he added, "especially after we lost Tosh and Owen. Which is why I suggest that Rhys join us first. Rhys only needs to go through the training as a means to sign him off as a full agent, as per our protocol now."
Jack nodded. "Had I listened to Ianto when I had hired you, you would have had the same training."
"But I was just the coffee boy back then," Ianto said with a smirk.
"You were never just the coffee boy, Ianto Harkness-Jones, but you weren't second in command back then either," Jack said.
"After Suzie's second return and the problems with Owen, and yes, at times even you, I decided if we ever do bring in new people, we needed a proper training program, so I had Ianto start on what we have in place. Both Tabitha and Sabrina have gone through it. Rhys isn't taking so long because he's just getting his certification as a field agent, and we decided to bypass the probation period because we already know he's not a security risk. Bringing anyone else on would include the probation period, which includes background check and observation, along with full training. Yes, Andy included because while he has an idea of what we do, and showed up at times to assist us, he does not have near the experience that Rhys has at this point."
Gwen looked hopeful at Jack. "So are you saying at some point, we can bring him on the team?"
Jack leaned back in his seat and studied Gwen and Ianto. Now that it was on the table, Jack could see that Ianto actually did agree with Gwen about Andy. "No." He tried not to smirk at Gwen's annoyed look. A quick glance at Ianto out of the side of his eyes showed his partner rolling his eyes, as Jack expected. Jack was not worried about Ianto, because with the exception of his wanting a job with Torchwood Three, the Welshman was more likely to let something drop especially when it came to making command decisions. Ianto respected that Jack was the Director of Torchwood. If it was something Ianto really believed Jack was wrong about, he wouldn't get into his face as Gwen would, until Jack would either give in or he seriously threatened to Retcon and fire her.
"I'm open to looking at recommended CV's once we are finished with training. As for Andy, I prefer he stays where he is. We could use someone on the inside."
Gwen gaped at him with surprise, while Ianto covered a laugh with a cough.
"Now that we have that sorted, you can go back to work until lunch, while I make certain Ianto is finished with his by lunch so we could meet his sister. Back to work now."
Ianto glared at Gwen, who shrugged apologetically. "I was just doing what I felt was best."
"We'll have a talk about this later," Ianto stated, "because we need to trust each other if we are to continue with our new positions."
Gwen nodded. "You're right Ianto, and I'm sorry."
Ianto nodded back, but remained where he was while Gwen left the office. Ianto turned back to Jack. "I knew what your reaction would be, which was why I wanted to wait until the right time. Based on what you said, I assume we'll be taking him on uncontracted?"
"Yes. Arrange to meet with Andy sometime this week, and have the paperwork ready should he say yes. And start collecting CVs. I'm willing to go over them with you and Gwen so we'll be ready to approach someone when it's time."
"Good," Ianto said, finally standing up. "I should get back to work now."
"You left Tabitha in the Archives?"
"Yes. As was said, she's about ready to start working on her own, but I want to take her down to the firing range until lunch. She needs more work on that." He smiled and leaned over to gently kiss Jack's lips. "I'll be up in time to go meet Iola."
"If not, I'll have to go and collect you." He winked at Ianto.
As he went to the door, he paused and looked back at Jack. "Two things, Jack. One, we will meet Iola on time providing we aren't called out on a mission. Two, Tabitha will be there with me. So save it for when we get home tonight." With a wink he left the office, leaving the door open.
OoOoOoO
"So how is the first day on the new job?" Jack asked his sister-in-law, who sat across from him with Ianto sitting next to his sister. She had just joined the couple in Eddie's Diner, which was just up the stairs from the Tourist Information.
"It's going as well as a first day can go, but two runs this morning and already it feels rewarding," Iola replied. She leaned on the table and smiled. "It's not easy, but I feel like I'm making a difference. It's much better than being a secretary."
Ianto slipped an arm around her shoulders and smiled warmly. "I'm proud of you, Iola."
"So am I," Jack added.
"We know it's only your first day on the job, and things will get tough for you, but Jack and I have faith that you did find something you believe in," Ianto said.
"So you're treating me to lunch to celebrate?" she asked with a grin.
"Well, that yes, but Jack and I have a proposition for you, Iola."
Ianto's younger sister looked from her brother to Jack in curiosity. "Is this a good thing?" she asked both men.
Jack nodded, grinning widely, while Ianto replied, "We're hoping that it's a very good thing for you."
"What is it?" she asked.
With a tender smile for his partner, Ianto pulled his arm away from his sister and said, "It was your idea, Jack, so you can tell her."
"Iola," Jack started, and then paused as a waiter came up for their drinks order.
They gave their orders, saying they were not ready to order their food yet, and as soon as the waiter walked away, Iola looked at Jack. "What is it?" she asked.
He smiled warmly at her. "As you know, Ianto and I are moving into our new house in a couple of weeks." When Iola nodded her head, he continued. "We decided to offer you a chance to rent our flat until you're ready to find something else. We know you'll need a bigger place eventually when Drew is older, but you already said you'll take a one bedroom for now just to be in Cardiff."
Iola's mouth dropped as she stared at Jack in disbelief. She turned her head to look at Ianto. "Really?" she asked.
"Really. We'll work out rent at a later time. First get settled with the new job, find out what your expenses will be living on your own, and then we'll work out a fair rent," Ianto stated. "We discussed letting you stay for free…."
"I don't want handouts," Iola interrupted.
"We figured that too, sweetheart," Jack stated. "We both know that you're a remarkably responsible young lady. I think responsibility at a young age runs in the family, because you're so much like your brother. So think of this as a move-in special – you get the first two months free."
"We figure by then you would have a firm grasp of your budget and work out what you can afford to give us," Ianto said.
"I don't believe you two," Iola exclaimed. "I mean, this is brilliant." She pulled Ianto into a hug and kissed his cheek. "I love you, big brother!" She jumped up from the booth and went over to hug and kiss Jack. "You two have always been too good to me."
"You're my sister, Iola, and I love you," Ianto replied as she sat down again next to him.
"I love you both, and I'm really grateful for this. Really, this is huge."
"We'll be moving into our new place on the 30th. So how does the next weekend moving you in sound?" Ianto asked.
"It's not too soon, is it?" Jack asked, attempting hard not to smile, but failed.
"Too soon?" Iola exclaimed. "I could hardly wait until then. I really want to get Drew out of the house."
Ianto sighed. "How's the situation with Mam?"
Iola shrugged. "She's acting like nothing happened. Between you and her, that is, sprinkled with occasional outbursts of what a mistake you both are making. Thing is, Ianto, she loves you, and thinks she's only doing what's best. You too, Jack. You're not written out of the family. She just expects you both to bring over wives and Ianto to give her real grandchildren. She won't complain about a few extra ones from you either, Jack."
"I still can't face your mother after that day," Jack said. "I'm sorry to say, but she's not on my list of favourite people right now." He glanced at Ianto. "But I keep insisting that Ianto should not completely break off ties with your mother," he added, still looking at Ianto. "As you said, she still loves you, and she is your mam," he continued to his partner.
"I still need time, Jack," Ianto said. "And I'm still not planning on attending Uncle Anwyl's anniversary party."
"We'll discuss this later," Jack stated as he reached across the table for Ianto's hand.
"Here comes our drinks," Ianto said. "Shall we order now, or do we still need time?"
"I need to know if Tad is still on your good side," Iola said.
"Of course he is," Ianto replied. "We spoke to him last week. He was full of questions on how the surrogate is doing."
Jack smiled. "At least he realises that he's going to be a grandfather again and looking forward to it."
"He thinks that it's great that your babies are going to be close in age to Drew so they could grow up together," Iola said, as the waiter set their drinks down.
"We're going to need more time before we order," Ianto said to the waiter.
"Just signal when you're ready," the waiter said and then went back toward the kitchen.
"Anyway, Tad had today off and offered to take Drew out of the house for the day. He's been taking his days off during the week and taking Drew for me, so Mam doesn't have him all week. I'm still trying to find a daycare for him but I do have possibilities. Anyway, he's outside right now with Drew, hoping to have lunch with you two."
Ianto looked over to Jack, who nodded with no hesitation. "Sure. We'd love him and Drew to join us," he replied to his sister.
With a smile, she jumped out and rushed out of the diner only to return a few minutes later with Michael Jones in tow. Iola was holding her son while Michael had the pushchair. The older man grinned happily when he saw Jack and Ianto, and came over. Iola settled next to Jack, with Drew between them, while Michael sat next to his son. Drew bounced, excited at seeing his uncles and started to wave, saying hi. Jack gave most of his attention to his favourite nephew, but also watched as Ianto turned to his father.
"I'm pleased you could join us, Tad."
"I'm doubly pleased that you allowed this," Michael said.
"Tad, once again, my problem is not with you. You are welcome to call and ask to spend time with me at any time," Ianto stated.
"I know, but it's not easy," Michael said. "I'm trying to work things out with your mam, and if she knew I was still in touch with you two, she would not make it easy. I'm afraid this could separate us. However, when Iola suggested I bring Drew to Cardiff for lunch, I was not going to pass it up."
Ianto looked at Jack. "We should order because I would like to have eaten by the time we get back to work."
"Agreed," Jack said. "Michael… uh Tad," he corrected himself at Michael's warning glare, "don't feel pressured, but it would be wonderful if you could join us for dinner tonight."
"Jack's cooking," Ianto added, smiling at Jack for thinking of it. "So dinner won't be burnt."
Michael laughed. "Ianto, my son, you may make coffee that outdoes your Mam, but you can't cook beyond heating up takeaway."
"Now you know why I married Jack," Ianto commented as he picked up his menu.
Soon the waiter was called over and orders were given. During the rest of their lunch, Iola told Michael about the offer to move into Jack's and Ianto's flat. Michael was just as amazed as Iola, and extremely grateful to them for looking after Iola and Drew. He had volunteered himself to help with her move, and then extended the offer to help Jack and Ianto. The lunch was pleasant, catching up with not only Iola, but Michael.
When they went on their own ways, Iola to head back to work, Michael wanting to go to City Centre with Drew, and Jack and Ianto heading toward the Plass, they all agreed to meet up at Jack and Ianto's flat, assuming work didn't keep them out later.
OoOoOoO
The evening turned out to be very pleasant. Jack arrived just a little later than planned to meet with Iola, who was also running late, and Michael, who was waiting in the carpark to their building with Drew.
As Jack and Ianto were getting ready to leave, there was a Weevil alert. Since he was not to go out on a call, Ianto insisted that Jack head home and start dinner. As Ianto prepared to head out with Gwen and Tabitha, he assured Jack that he would be home before dinner was ready. He still had to promise Jack that he would call once they had the Weevil contained or sent off back down the sewers.
When Ianto arrived home with dinner not having to be warmed too long, the younger man told Jack while they plated the food that with the Rift promising to be quiet for the night that Shandi and Rhys were on call. Ianto was pretty certain that if they were called out that Gwen would also go since she would already be with Rhys. He was also hoping that if there was a call that Gwen would stand back and observe and only join in if she was needed, just as Ianto did on the last call. He had observed Tabitha and was pleased with what he saw. He would be writing a most favourable report in the morning to add to Tabitha's training folder bringing her one step closer to being a certified field agent.
Being that the women had chosen to run the stray Weevil into the sewers, Ianto did not need to offer his assistance with carrying a dirty, smelly Weevil to the SUV. That meant he did not need to shower right away when he got home, as he had already had taken one and changed his clothes when they got back from the call after lunch, which had been retrieving a 39th century portable video game from a dumpster.
He went to help Jack serve up dinner, but the immortal gave him a beer and told him to join his family who were already seated at the dining table. Soon after, Jack served up a beef stir-fry and white rice and then sat down next to Ianto.
The meal was filled with small talk and laughter, interspersed with squeals and babbling from Drew who sat happily in his high chair. When the meal was done they moved into the lounge. Ianto took out the Wii and they played Carnival Games. The adults even helped Drew with some of the simpler ones making the baby happy to be joining in. It was one of the games that they would play when they had Drew around because they were able to involve him. Iola wanted to play the duck shooting game against Ianto, who shook his head while Jack laughed.
"She never learns," Ianto commented to his father, who looked on in confusion while he held Drew. "Tad, Jack and I both had gun training, and yet she still insists on going against us."
"I could hope to get you on a bad day," Iola said and then stuck her tongue out at Ianto.
Jack laughed more with Michael joining him. "I say give her another beating, Ianto."
Iola came over to slap Jack on his arm. "Hey, you're supposed to be on my side, favourite brother-in-law of mine."
Jack struck out to start tickling her. "Not when it comes to Carnival Games," he remarked, laughing when she screeched and jumped away from him. She took her son from Michael and held him in front of her.
"For shame Iola, hiding behind your baby son," Ianto tsked.
"Just shut up and start shooting."
"You never can say you weren't warned," Ianto replied.
It was later than planned when Michael announced it was time for him and Iola to head home. Drew was already asleep in his playcot. Iola picked up the baby and with Ianto's help, carefully bundled him for the outside, since it had started to rain during the evening. Michael took his leave, with promises from Ianto and Jack to call and give him specifics on their move.
Iola kept Drew with her for the ride home. Jack and Ianto walked her outside and once she had Drew buckled in his car seat, she hugged both Jack and Ianto tightly, thanking them again for letting her use their apartment once they moved out. She was excited because in a few weeks this would be home for her for a while. She would have been happy before what had happened on Drew's birthday, but since then she was anxious to get out of the house and on her own. She could hardly wait.