AN: Half days off work brings enthusiasm for updates, so here's another chapter. Chapter 45 already – this fanfic is out of control! Might add a new chapter to "Snow Day: After Dark" this weekend, so keep your eyes peeled.
Please review x
Jack strode down from his office the following morning and stood in the midst of his team. Gwen and Tosh were each sat at their workstations, whilst Owen was monitoring the Weevils from his medical bay. Ianto had just emerged from the kitchenette with a tray of fresh coffees, and was beginning to distribute them. The mood in the Hub was still tense and uncomfortable, and Jack had had enough.
"Gwen can you take your coffee up to my office – I need to talk to you." He said simply.
Gwen nodded, taking her coffee from Ianto with neither a smile nor thanks and walked up to Jack's office. Ianto handed Jack his mug.
"I am going to suspend her for one week." Jack said quietly to the Welshman.
Ianto's eyes widened. "Really?" He asked.
Jack nodded. "The atmosphere in here is not one I expect from my team, and from where I'm sitting she is only making it worse. I just thought you should know before I tell her and she comes after you or Owen." He explained with his tone still low enough for the others to not overhear.
Ianto nodded. "I'll warn Owen." He said before Jack walked back up to his office. Ianto set the tray down on the nearest desk before taking his coffee and Owen's down to the medical bay. "Coffee's up." He said handing a mug over.
"You're a lifesaver. Please distract me from the monotony of watching Roger fawn over Janet." Owen smirked.
"I can do that." Ianto began. "Gwen is currently in Jack's office, and he is going to suspend her for one week." He said calmly.
"What?" Owen gasped.
"I don't know. I'm pretty surprised myself. He just wanted to give us a heads up in case she hunts us down when he's finished with her." Ianto explained. As Owen opened his mouth to speak again the sound of Jack's office door slamming shut echoed around the Hub. Ianto crept carefully up the medical bay steps and peered around the wall to the main area where he watched as Gwen gathered her bag and her coat and stalked towards the cog door. As it rolled open she turned back. Looking at no one in particular she snapped "I hope you're happy" before storming out the door. Once the cog door had returned to its position Ianto stepped out into the main Hub area with Owen close behind. Jack stepped out of his office and Owen looked up at him.
"I appreciate what you've done Jack, but don't you think that was a little drastic?" He asked.
"If we get called out I need the team all fighting from the same corner and on the same side. At the moment, I can't guarantee that. I can't guarantee that this ridiculous feud won't come between the team at a crucial moment, and I will not risk the lives of any member of this team. I have told her to go home, to get her head sorted out, and to come back and remember what its like to be part of this team. I suggest you two do the same." Jack barked angrily.
"With all due respect Jack, Ianto has been trying to make the peace with her. Did she tell you what she said to him?" Owen asked. "She called him a slut, and a freak."
"I had two choices Owen. Either I suspended her, or I suspended you. If I'd suspended you, Ianto and Gwen would have been at each other's throats even more than they are now. Count yourself lucky that you are our medic and less expendable than she is at this point. Now we are one member down, so lets get to work." Jack explained. "Ianto – my office." He barked before striding back into his office.
"Wish me luck." Ianto muttered as he walked away from Owen and climbed the steps to Jack's office, walking inside and closing the door.
"How are you Ianto?" Jack asked, his voice altogether calmer than it had been moments before.
Ianto nodded. "I'm okay. I have been trying with Gwen I promise, and I'll make sure to keep trying when she gets back. And I'll have a word with Owen too."
"I'm not talking about the Gwen situation." Jack began. "Have you decided what to do about your mother?" He asked.
"Oh." Ianto replied. "Yes, I saw her yesterday actually. We had dinner. It was good." He said.
Jack smiled. "I'm glad for you Ianto. I know things were hard for you with your father. I'm glad you've found your mother again." He said sincerely.
"Thanks." Ianto said. "Anything else?" He asked.
Jack shook his head, and Ianto turned and left, going back down to Owen.
"You survived." Owen commented with a smirk.
"Yeah I did. Anything you need?" He asked.
"I need to do bloods on Janet again later today, but other than that, nothing that we can do here." Owen winked.
Ianto smirked and bobbed his head down and kissed Owen lightly before walking over to Tosh. "Anything I can get for you?" He asked.
"Well I'm assuming you aren't dishing out kisses to everyone, so no, I'm good thanks." She answered.
Ianto squeezed her shoulder fondly. "Right then, I'll be upstairs. Give me a shout when you want to do bloods." He said before disappearing up to the Tourist Office.
"We do appreciate your support Tosh." Owen called across the Hub.
Tosh spun around on her stool and smiled at him. "You're good together Owen – you've both changed since you've been together, and I think for the better. You won't forget what next weekend is will you?" She asked.
Owen looked blankly at her.
"Oh Owen." Tosh admonished with a gentle laugh. "February 14th? Ring any bells?" She asked.
"Tosh you are a lifesaver." Owen said as realisation hit.
"Just don't forget again. Do something for him. Something special." She suggested.
Owen nodded. "I have the perfect idea. Thanks Tosh." He said before jumping to his feet and going back down to his medical bay, an almost smug expression on his lips.