Picture Perfect Chapter 6
Jack waited for Tosh to arrive and then explained to her what had happened at Ianto's flat. She and Ianto were quite close since Lisa, so she was quite upset.
"Can we go and see him?"
"I don't think they'll let anyone see him but Jack at the moment," said Owen, touching her arm.
"Shouldn't we tell his sister?" said Tosh.
Jack looked shock. "I never gave it a thought."
'Shit,' mouthed Owen.
"I better go do it now, before I go to the hospital." Jack went back up to his office, looked up Rhiannon's number and called her.
"Rhi, it's Jack. Have you been listening to the news?"
"No, it's too depressing. Why?"
"There was a fire last night in Ianto's building. Teenagers put petrol through the letterbox.
"Is Ianto alright?"
"It was his letterbox."
"Oh, god! Jack!"
"I'll come pick you up. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."
Silence.
"Rhiannon!"
"I'm still here. What happened, Jack? Was it to do with work?"
"No, they got the wrong floor. They weren't after Ianto." He sighed. "I'm on my way, okay?"
"I'll be ready."
Jack put the phone down, grabbed his coat and headed out of the office, down the stairs and towards the cog door.
"Let's us know how he's doing." Owen called after him.
Jack just waved.
Gwen watched him go then turned to Owen. "How long's this been goin' on, then?"
Tosh looked confused.
"Since yesterday, apparently." Owen told her.
"Yesterday?"
""Yeah. Jack told Ianto about going out in the field, remember? He thought Ianto was taking it badly, so he went down to the archives. Apparently they confessed their love for each other. Jack asked Ianto out on a date and he accepted."
"Jack and Ianto?" said Tosh. "That's great."
Gwen was unconvinced.
"Come on, Gwen. You've got Rhys," said Owen.
"And Ianto deserved a bit of happiness after what he's been through," added Tosh.
"I'm not sayin' he doesn't."
"So what's the problem?"
Gwen shook her head, walking to her workstation. "No problem."
Jack arrived at Rhiannon's and saw her waiting at the curb side. He got out and opened the door for her.
"How bad is he, Jack?" she asked.
"Burns to his arms and chest."
"Have you seen him?"
Jack nodded. "Briefly, last night."
She leaned her head back, closing her eyes.
"And his face?"
"Untouched."
"Thank God!" Rhiannon looked out of the window. "Were you with him?"
"No." Jack moved uneasily in his seat. "I heard it on the car radio."
Rhi laughed nervously. "We don't have the news on in our 'ouse. It's depressin'. Johnny hates it." She thought for a moment. "I ought to phone Johnny. He'll wanna be there."
Jack turned to her, putting a hand over hers. "We can do that from the hospital." He forced a smile.
"Ianto thinks a lot of you, did you know that?"
"Yeah."
"When he phones, or calls round it's 'Jack this and Jack that'," she laughed. "I know my brother very well. Better than he thinks I do. Is he in love with you?"
Jack took a deep breath. "Yes."
"And do you feel the same about him?"
"Yes."
"That's alright then. I'd hate to think of him being in love and unhappy." Rhiannon smiled. "When did he tell you then?"
"Yesterday."
"Oh, God! And now…."
"He's going to be fine. His left arm might be scared, but he'll get better. I really do love him."
"I'm glad. All I want is for him to be happy."
"So do I."
Jack pulled into the hospital car park and they got out of the car and headed for the main entrance.
When they reached the burns unit, Jack asked to speak to a doctor.
"I'll just see if I can find him," said the nurse.
"Thanks."
A few minutes later, she walked back towards him followed by a doctor.
"I'm Dr Singh, I'm looking after Mr Jones. You must be Captain Harkness."
Jack nodded as they shook hands.
"This is Ianto's sister."
They also shook hands.
"He had a comfortable if not a bit of a restless night. We managed to get all the dead skin off, but….it was painful and he is in a little discomfort at the moment." He motioned for them to follow him. "We have him in a private room, to lesson the chance of infection, you see."
They stopped outside a room. The door was closed.
"All I ask is that you do not stay too long. Rest promotes a speedier recovery."
The Doctor opened the door and then left.
Rhiannon and Jack went inside. Ianto had his eyes closed, as if sleeping. When he heard their footsteps, he opened them.
"Rhi, I wasn't expecting you today. But I'm glad you're here." He smiled.
"Jack called me this morning. You know us and news." She smiled back, kissing him on the cheek. "How are you, then?"
"My left arm hurts quite a bit. I've had my painkillers for the next 4 hours. The other arm and my chest sting." He turned to Jack. "They got the wrong flat, I'm told."
"Yeah." Jack could feel his eyes filling with tears. "I'm gonna let you guys talk. I'll be outside."
"Jack," said Ianto. "Stay. Please."
Jack wiped at his eyes. Rhiannon took his hand and squeezed it.
"I hate seeing you like this. I can't do anything for you."
"Yes you can. You can stay."