Eternity Chapter 4

TWTWTW

Jack took Ianto down stairs to the archives, one floor below the cells. As they entered the huge room, Ianto blew out his cheeks.

"Wow, it's huge!"

"And in need of tender loving care."

They walked to the desk.

"Computer, do your own username and password. Photocopier. Phone, internal only, no outside line." Jack opened the first filing cabinet. "It's a bit of a mess I'm afraid."

Ianto looked into the cabinet. "It certainly is." He ran his finger through his hair.

"Think you can get on top of this in a week?"

"I'll certainly give it a go."

Jack walked to the door. "I'll come get you for lunch."

"Jack, you will let me leave won't you?"

Jack didn't look at him. "If that's what you want, yes."

With that, Jack turned and left.

Taking out the first few files, Ianto looked at their contents. He walked over to the copier, switched it on and began to copy files, placing the original and coy back in the file, naming it and replacing it in the cabinet in alphabetical order.

"Everything in its place," he muttered to himself, getting the next file ready.

Jack potted around, not quite sure what to do with himself, looking quite lost at times.

Owen entered his office. "Jack?"

Jack looked up. "Hmm?"

"Don't get your hopes up, okay?" He's straight. You knew that."

"And he's the first man I've fallen in love with."

Owen shook his head. "Even so…."

"I won't push him. I told him I'd let him go if he didn't fall in love with me within a week."

"You're asking an awful lot of him."

Jack closed his eyes for a second. "I know."

"And will you let him go?"

"Yes."

"Then what?"

Jack shrugged. "I guess I'm on my own." He lowered his head.

Owen took this as sign to leave, so got up and left the office.

Jack sighed and looked at the CCTV monitor. He was watching Ianto in the archives.

Shaking his head, Jack switched the monitor off, got up, grabbed his coat and left his office. Going to the cog door, he went through and up to the tourist office and out into the fresh air.

He closed his eyes, breathing in the air. Taking great gulps, filling his lungs to capacity, before breathing out slowly, trying to calm himself.

What was this hold that Ianto Jones had over him?

In all his years, Jack had never felt this way about anyone, mortal or his own kind. Even his lost love, Lilly, was nothing like Ianto Jones.

Walking along the boardwalk, Jack tried to make sense of it all. But it was no use, he couldn't.

His heart had taken over, telling his head what to do. No longer rational. No longer in control. No longer wanting to be.

Jack walked around the Bay until it was time for lunch.

Going back into the Hub, Jack went down to the archives to get Ianto.

"It's time to eat," said Jack, making Ianto jump.

"I-I didn't hear you."

"Sorry."

Ianto followed Jack up to the boardroom.

"Wasn't sure what you liked, so I got an assortment of sandwiches, yogurt and salad." said Owen.

Ianto smiled. "Thanks."

Sitting down, Ianto poured himself a glass of water, taking a long drink from it.

Jack noticed how thirsty he was.

"I'll put a water machine in the archives for you. You must be really thirsty."

Ianto nodded. "It was thirsty work. I managed to clear a couple of drawers."

"Good."

Tosh smiled at Ianto. "It will be a lot easier for me to find documents now," she took a bite of her sandwich. "Used to take forever."

"I can see why," replied Ianto.

"So, Ianto," began Gwen. "You're a PA I hear."

"Yes, for a firm of surveyors."

"Good, is it?"

"Not bad. Hard work." He elaborated. "Do filing, typing, make appointments, go out on business."

"Rewarding, is it?"

"At times, yes."

Jack tried not to stare, but he couldn't keep his eyes of Ianto's beautiful face. His voice was like angels singing.

"Maybe you've had enough down there for today," said Jack, not looking at Ianto.

"I'm fine." Ianto eyed Jack. "I can do another couple of hours."

Jack stood up and went to leave the boardroom. "As you wish." Then he was gone.

Owen looked at Gwen and then at Ianto.

Ianto tried to smile, feeling embarrassed.

They finished their meal and Ianto went up to Jacks office.

"If you're having second thoughts," said Ianto, as he entered the office. "Let me go."

Jack didn't look up. "No," was all he said.

Ianto sighed.

"I-I want this to work for us," Jack made eye contact. "I have to give it a try, for me."

"Why? You can have anyone. Why me?" Ianto sat down.

Jack put his forearms on the desk and leaned forward. "Have you ever wanted something so back that you could taste it? Wanted it so much that you'd do anything to get it? Well," Jack said, leaning back. "that's how I feel about you."

"What if you don't get what you want?"

"Then I'll live alone for eternity."

Ianto blew out his cheeks. "That's an awful long time."

"I know."