AN: Thank you for the reviews – particularly to the person who suggested that Jack was going to "do away with" Owen when he found out about him and Ianto. Jack is many things, but I don't believe murderous is one of them! I promise nobody will die during this story, not even out immortal friend. Please keep reading and reviewing x
Snow Watch: Six inches fell outside my flat overnight, and it has continued to fall none stop since seven o'clock last night. Needless to say I have not been at work today, and to be honest its not looking promising for tomorrow either. If you are experiencing snow where you are – and I believe most of the nation is – please be careful. Whilst the snow continues, so does my writing – I need to pass the time somehow, and I can't think of a better distraction, can you? x
"Take a seat." Jack said from his chair, gesturing the free chair at the opposite side of his desk with one arm as Ianto deposited his mug on his desk, keeping his own coffee clasped in his hands. Ianto settled into the chair he was being offered and took a sip from his coffee as he waited for Jack to begin.
"How's Gwen?" Jack asked as he leant back in his seat.
Ianto nodded. "She's okay. Owen's just finishing up the stitches." He explained.
"Good." Jack replied. "The rift predictor seems to imply that we're going to have a pretty quiet afternoon, so I was thinking of sending the team home early." He said.
"Sounds like a good idea. Maybe the rift isn't a big fan of all this snow either." Ianto offered with a smile.
Jack grinned. "Maybe not." He conceded.
"Is there anything you need before I head off?" Ianto asked making to stand up.
"I was hoping you'd stay." Jack said simply.
Ianto faltered in his quest to become upright so instead sat back down somewhat abruptly. "What for?" He asked.
"Really?" Jack asked with one eyebrow raised and a smirk twitching across his lips.
Ianto shook his head lightly as he regained the use of his legs and stood up. "We've been through this Jack, and you know where we stand. I'll finish up my coffee and let everyone know they can go." He said as he made his way towards the office door.
"Are you seeing someone else?" Jack asked.
"Whether I am or not is irrelevant to this conversation. I'm not staying." Ianto replied as he took hold of the door handle.
"Why?" Jack asked, his tone neutral bordering on conversational, like whatever answers Ianto provided wouldn't touch him.
Ianto released the handle from his grasp and turned to look back at his former lover. "Because I'm not that stupid anymore. I'm not stupid enough to come running when you throw some attention my way, whilst knowing you spend the time you're not with me with somebody else. I'm not going to let you use me anymore. Not when…" He stopped speaking.
"Not when what?" Jack probed.
Ianto sighed. "Not when there are people out there that want me and only me. I'll see you tomorrow." He said cryptically before turning his back to Jack and leaving the office before the immortal man had chance to respond. He navigated the steps down from the office and wandered over to Tosh who was still tapping away at her workstation.
"Once you've finished your coffee you can go home. The predictor seems to think we're going to have a dull afternoon, so make a run for it before he changes his mind." Ianto said with a small smile for his friend.
Tosh nodded. "Thanks Ianto." She said downing the last of her drink and scurrying out the cog door.
Ianto walked over and leant on the railings that overlooked Owen's medical bay. Gwen was still asleep on the table, her wound covered with a simple bandage and the barriers raised at the side of the table to ensure she wouldn't fall off. Owen had even covered her with a blanket. The medic himself was sat on the lowest step, his legs stretched along the length of it as he leant back against the wall cradling his mug. He soon spotted Ianto standing there and chanced a soft smile at him.
"Ready to go home?" Ianto asked.
Owen raised his eyebrows. "Really?" He asked.
"The rift predictor is all quiet, so we can leave if we want to." Ianto said simply.
Owen pointed upwards in silent reference to Jack and whether or not Ianto thought he was listening in.
Ianto nodded. "I'm going to go and put the empties in the kitchen, then I'm heading off." He said.
"Okay. Enjoy the rest of your day off." Owen replied.
"I intend to." Ianto replied with a wink and the briefest of smirks before disappearing from view. Owen pushed himself up from his position on the floor and dusted the back of his jeans off. Glancing at Gwen it was clear she would be out for a while yet. Jogging up the steps of the medical bay Owen reached the main work area as Jack strode out of his office.
"How's the patient?" He called.
"Stitched up and bandaged. She's still asleep, but it's probably best for her. I've left her safe and warm. She'll be fine when she wakes up." Owen explained.
Jack nodded. "Do you have a minute before you go?" He asked before disappearing back into his office.
Owen nodded unseen as he made his way up the steps to Jack's office as Ianto walked out of the kitchen. He threw a questioning glance at Owen. "Not heading home?" Ianto asked trying to keep his tone normal.
"One last chat first." Owen replied.
Ianto shook his head lightly and rolled his eyes. "Guess I'll be going then. Bye Owen." He said as he walked towards the cog door, waving his mobile in the air for the briefest of moments as the door rolled open.
"See you Ianto." Owen replied before walking into Jack's office. "What can I do for you boss?" He asked brightly as he settled into the available seat without invitation, much the same way as he always did.
"What did you find out?" Jack asked.
"What about?" Owen replied.
"Ianto." Jack said as though it were obvious. "Is he seeing anyone?"
"To be fair Jack we didn't spend the brief time we were at his apartment talking about you. The snow ball fight got a little out of hand and we were both soaked at the end of it. We went back to his to dry off a bit. What do you care anyway, its not like you were ever serious about him. Cardiff run out of new warm bodies already has it?" He smirked, trying to not flinch as he felt his mobile vibrate with a text in his pocket.
"What did you mean earlier, about me taking arrogance to a whole new level?" Jack asked, ignoring the question Owen had asked.
"I just don't like you messing with his head. If you're after a quick shag Jack I can point you in the direction of several less than salubrious clubs." Owen offered.
Jack shook his head. "No thanks." He said simply. "Go on then – enjoy the afternoon. Keep your phone on mind in case I need you."
Owen nodded as he rose to his feet. "Don't work too hard." He said as he wandered out the office, pulling his phone from his pocket as he made his way towards the cog door and reading the text.
"I'll be waiting on the Plass. You promised me dinner."
Owen grinned as the cog door rolled closed behind him and he rode the lift to the tourist information office. Stepping out onto the boardwalk he climbed the steps and went up onto the Plass, spotting Ianto sat on the large steps that surrounded the area and were used as seating. Strolling over he smiled as Ianto looked up and saw him approaching.
"So what do you fancy for dinner?" Owen asked.
Ianto grinned.