Ollie hadn't told the team about his past with Ianto. He thought the other man ought to do it, since they were his friends and Ollie was just an outsider. The team had gathered in the middle of the Hub, Jack stood in front of them holding Charlie. Ianto was beside him but didn't meet anyone's gaze. This was something he could do without until he'd recovered from what he'd just been through. Or at least until the nightmares stopped.
"You might as well all be here since what I'm about to say applies to all of you," Jack began quietly, glancing at Ianto.
"Jack," Gwen cut in but Jack shot her a look that said now was not the time to stick her ore in.
"Everyone knows what we've been through this last week," Jack continued. "And we're not going to mention it again. This is our fresh start. Ollie, I'll find you somewhere to set up a desk and things."
Ollie nodded, slightly surprised that he was still expected to say. He guessed Jack would've been told by Ianto exactly what had happened between the pair of them and he thought he would be sent packing.
"Gwen, Tosh, Owen. I want a word with you three alone," Jack said. "Wait here Ollie and I'll get you sorted."
Ollie nodded again and as Jack led the other three a little way towards the base of the water tower, he glanced awkwardly at Ianto.
"I'm sorry," Ollie began, but Ianto brushed past him heading for the kitchen. Just because they had to work together didn't mean Ianto had to talk to Ollie. Not straight away at least.
"No more than I deserve," Ollie sighed.
Jack looked at Tosh, Gwen and Owen long and hard, before he finally spoke, shifting Charlie into a more comfortable position in his arms.
"I do not want you to approach either Ollie or Ianto on the matter of their past," Jack watched them carefully knowing how nosey the team could get at times. "If Ianto wants to explain he'll let you know in his own time. If I get wind that you've been speculating, I will RetCon the lot of you. Understand?"
Gwen and Tosh nodded obediently. Only Owen looked miffed, evidently a lover of gossip. But they all agreed and Jack knew that no matter how much they got on each other's nerves, they were loyal.
Jack set Ollie up near to Owen and Tosh, magic-ing up a desk from nowhere and giving Ollie the basic essentials. Computer, files about Torchwood that every new member received and a comm.
"Tosh and Owen can show you the ropes," Jack said, rocking Charlie as he began to sniffle. "I've gotta take care of this little guy."
Ollie nodded setting up his workstation as Tosh came to help and Owen shot Jack a dark glare. Surely it was tempting him to ask about his past if he had to work with Ollie so closely.
Jack wandered towards the kitchen. He knew Ianto had taken refuge in there and was worried what the other man was doing. But when he went in he found the coffee machine on and working and Ianto washing up.
"Ianto?" Jack said standing in the doorway.
Ianto turned and Jack froze as he caught sight of the knife. Ianto frowned at the look on Jack's face and followed his gaze towards the knife.
"I'm just washing up," he said holding up his hands so Jack could see there were no fresh scars. Well… not ones he'd done right that moment anyway.
"Sorry, I shouldn't assume," Jack sighed and wandered towards the other man.
"Well, you find a self harmer holding a knife you're ever likely to jump to conclusions," Ianto shrugged. "Especially since Ollie's here."
"Look, if you want me to boot him out, just say the word," Jack replied, leaning against the unit next to Ianto, watching the other man carefully.
"No, it's fine," Ianto finished the washing and dried his hands on a tea towel. "Ignore me. I'm just being stupid."
"You're not being stupid," Jack replied gently. "You were abused and now one of your abusers has come back. It's ever likely to affect you."
"I was fifteen when I finally told him!" Ianto sighed exasperatedly. "I should've been smart enough to realise what he'd do if I told him about the abuse. Or at least been strong enough to fight him and the others off."
"You are strong Ianto," Jack said, cupping the other man's cheek.
"Yeah, course," Ianto said in a tone that clearly said he didn't believe Jack.
"Ianto, you…" Jack paused. "You faced Cannibals, Faeries, you of all the team are the one I would trust with my life."
"Yeah, but you're biased," Ianto smiled slightly.
"Even before we got together, I'd have still picked you to save me," Jack pulled Ianto into a hug, careful not to squash Charlie who had fallen asleep. "I better put him down."
Ianto nodded and let Jack go. He gave Ianto one last fleeting smile as he wandered back out into the main part of the Hub. He went up to his office and through to the back room.
Ollie watched enviously as Jack walked straight past him. He'd caught a glimpse of what had been going on in the kitchen and felt a pang of jealousy. He knew he had no right and it made him feel bad, but Ianto had once been his best friend.
"Ianto will come round in time," Tosh said confidently, putting a hand on Ollie's arm. "You'll see."
No he won't, thought Ollie. And you wouldn't think so either if you knew what I'd done.