Jack - Chapter Two

A month later, Ianto Jones was running the floor like it had never been run before. He was organized and efficient, just like the Doctor had said, but he was also clever, innovative, and most importantly, able to get others to do exactly as he wanted without resorting to threats, bribes or Jack's personal preference in the kitchen, shameless flirting. His manner was friendly and polite, and because he presented his ideas in such an unassuming manner, and because they made perfect sense, just about everyone was willing to adapt to the small changes he made. Only Suzie and a few of the servers complained. Jack didn't understand why Suzie, who worked in Jack's more bustling area, had a problem with the calm Welshman, but then, Suzie didn't get along with half the staff anymore. He was starting to worry about her; she had once been friendly and outgoing, joining everyone after work and joking in the kitchen, but now she seemed more detached from the staff than Ianto at times.

Jack was still getting used to the newfound order of the restaurant, but he found it a welcoming change. Ianto's work up front did not change Jack's controlled chaos in the kitchen, though it did help things run more smoothly, and the dining room was soon full to capacity every night. Yet aside from an occasional exchange of banter and the continued use of the 'Captain' moniker, Ianto Jones was still a mystery to Jack, one that he wanted to know more about every day.

"This place is sure hopping these days," Owen Harper grumbled one Sunday night. It was near to closing and the dining room was almost empty, but for a Sunday they had done remarkably brisk business yet again.

The kitchen was closed, and Jack was taking a break before heading back in to clean and pack up until the restaurant opened again on Wednesday afternoon. He stood at the bar with Owen, having a soda and a roll while watching the servers begin their own side work as the last remaining diners finished their drinks and dessert. Ianto Jones was at the host station, scribbling away in the small journal where he apparently noted everything about the Hub. He glanced up and saw Jack watching him and nodded once, which Jack returned with a flippant salute, earning him a much wanted eye roll.

"I think we have Jones to thank for a lot of it," Jack replied. Owen snorted in response as he wiped down his area and started some basic cleanup behind the bar. "What?" asked Jack, turning toward the bar and leaning forward. "It's true."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it," Owen grumbled.

"Owen, if we get more business, you make more money," Jack laughed. "What can you possibly complain about?"

Owen cocked his head toward the front. "He's a bit of a stiff, isn't he? Almost makes me wonder if he did a deal with the devil for all this success and gave up his personality in the process."

Jack frowned at Owen, not particularly understanding the other man's issue. Ianto Jones certainly had personality. Yes, he was still quiet and unassuming, blending easily into the background, but he was not arrogant or unfriendly, two things Jack hated to see in the restaurant. And Ianto seemed less quiet and distant now than he had a month ago. He didn't socialize much with the staff after hours, but Jack had noticed the Welshman starting to talk and joke with the others more, as if he were finally settling in. He had even parried one of Jack's flirtatious innuendos earlier, thoroughly insulting Jack's manhood in the process and earning a good laugh from everyone within earshot, including Jack.

"He's still trying to find his place here," said Jack, turning back to watch the Welshman. There was something intriguing about the other man's calm silence, something that drew Jack's eye every time the other man was in the room, and it wasn't just the man's impeccable suits, intelligent eyes, and dry wit. Jack sometimes felt a ridiculous urge to comfort and protect Ianto, knowing what he had gone through in London, but more than that, he wanted the other man to open up, become part of the team, and be happy there. The Hub was a good place to work, and Ianto had made it better in the short time he had been there. Yet it felt like he wasn't a part of the team and didn't share in the success, and Jack wanted to change that. Ianto Jones deserved to be happy, and for some reason, Jack wanted to be the one to make him happy.

Pushing himself away from the bar, Jack finished his soda and slid the glass down to Owen. "Are we getting drinks after work tonight?" he asked. Owen nodded.

"I'm in, and Martha's coming as well, maybe Donna or Mickey. Suzie said no. Again."

Jack nodded as he strode toward the front of the restaurant. Suzie hadn't joined them for several weeks, and Jack wasn't sure whether to ask her about it or let her work it out on her own. "I'm asking Ianto. He needs to get out, get to know us."

He could almost feel Owen rolling his eyes behind his back.

Ianto was watching him curiously as Jack approached, enough to put Jack on his guard, cramming hands in his pockets as he felt a sudden burst of nerves. It wasn't like he was asking the man on a date; he was asking a new coworker to join the rest of the team for drinks. How hard was it, and why was Jones looking at him like Jack was going to do something even worse?

"Looks like we had another good night up front, Mr. Jones," Jack opened with, inclining his head around the restaurant. He tried not to stare at the brilliant grey pinstripe the man was wearing, deep purple tie standing out against a crisp white shirt.

"I heard several compliments for the chef," Ianto replied. "Particularly for the herb crusted salmon." He had the habit of turning away compliments from others, and Jack wondered why Ianto did that when the man was so incredibly competent and more than deserved them.

"Thanks," he grinned. "But I'd have no one to cook for if you weren't out here keeping the floor busy and running it like a tight ship."

An unusual look of surprise and uncertainty crossed Ianto's face before he glanced down and shook his head. "I try my best," he murmured.

Jack cleared his throat. "Look, Ianto," he said, and the man glanced up, whether at the change in tone or the fact that Jack hadn't called him 'Mr. Jones'. "A few of us are going out for a drink once we close. I know it'll be late, but we've got the next two days off, so how about joining us?"

Ianto stared at him as if he hadn't quite understood, before shaking his head and glancing away again. "Thanks, but I should head home. Lots to do tomorrow."

"Like what?" asked Jack, leaning against a nearby wall. He was curious whether Ianto really had plans or was begging off a social outing because he really was so introverted—or maybe scared.

"Normal, day-off type things," Ianto shrugged.

"Laundry, bills, shopping?" Jack suggested, and the other man nodded with a sheepish grin. Jack stood straight and placed a hand on the man's shoulder. Ianto felt strong and warm under his touch, and Jack's mind immediately went all sorts of places it probably shouldn't knowing the man's recent background.

"You can sleep in tomorrow, do your chores in the afternoon," he said. "That's what I do. Come out with us. You deserve it."

"Harkness, I'm—" said Ianto, glancing briefly at Jack's hand. Jack dropped it, hoping he hadn't made the other man uncomfortable.

"You're coming? Great!" Jack grinned and winked. "You should know by now I don't like taking no for an answer."

"I'd gathered," Ianto replied dryly.

"Will you come anyway?" Jack asked, reverting back to serious. For some reason, he did not want to con or bully this man into spending time with them. He wanted Ianto to join them of his own free will.

Ianto nodded with a sigh. "Yeah, I'll come. Thanks for asking, Jack."

Jack cocked his head. That was the first time he'd heard the Welshman use his first name; every other time it had been 'Harkness' or 'Captain' or even the rare 'sir' that Jack sort of loved and hated at the same time. But hearing Ianto Jones wrap that Welsh accent around his first name was so wonderful, Jack said the first thing that came to mind.

"Thanks for saying yes. I'm looking forward to it." He smiled, not the one he used to flirt and get his way, but one he meant, the one that he saved for special occasions and special people. He was thrilled that Ianto was joining them. Maybe he could finally get to know the man better.

Ianto's brow furrowed slightly before he smiled back. "So am I. I'll see you in a while. I believe you have a kitchen to close, Captain?"

Jack laughed as he turned and headed toward the kitchen, a literal spring in his step. He couldn't help it when he turned around, waved at Ianto, and continued with a whistle as well. It wasn't as if he had asked the man on a date, but who knew. Maybe someday.

Ianto was quiet the first time he joined them after work, sitting next to Jack and talking only a bit with him and Martha Jones, Jack's sous chef. Jack was able to watch the man, and yet again he sensed that there was much more under the surface, a man holding himself back from happiness because he'd been hurt. Jack wanted more than anything to break through those barriers and bring out the real Ianto Jones.

By the fourth time Ianto joined them for drinks after closing, he was starting to open up to the others. He almost always sat next to Jack, which Jack loved because he was finding himself more and more attracted to the man. Even though he was fairly sure Ianto Jones was straight, Jack liked to sit next to him and imagine the things they could get up otherwise. Plus they had more opportunity to talk than at the restaurant, where more often than not Jack was working like a madman in the back while Ianto calmly ran the front. Jack enjoyed getting to know the man who was so reserved at work, finding Ianto a great listener as well as a fascinating conversationalist once he actually started talking.

Owen was slowing warming to Ianto, bringing out the Welshman's quick wit and striking ability to parry back anything Owen threw at him. Soon there wasn't an interaction between them that didn't involve snarky insults of some sort, and Jack was fairly sure that Owen was having as much fun playing verbal tag with Ianto as the rest of them enjoyed watching them have a friendly go at one another both at work and at the restaurant.

It was a Saturday night, and Martha had joined them again, as well as Lois and Donna, though they were quickly dragged into a game of pool by two rather attractive men. Suzie still hadn't made an appearance since dropping out over a month ago, but Toshiko had joined them for a rare appearance. Apparently she had come in for a late dinner to get some work done, and Ianto had asked Jack if he might invite her along.

Diane, their part-time sommelier, arrived with Owen. Jack suspected that Owen was sleeping with her, though for once Owen wasn't talking. Usually he bragged on his pulls, but as Jack watched them talk, sitting close and touching constantly and sharing secret smiles, he wondered if perhaps it was a bit more serious than most of Owen's past relationships.

Tosh was sitting on the other side of Ianto, and they were having an in depth conversation about something Jack knew nothing about. He felt lonely, even though he was surrounded by friends in a pub full of people. Martha was eyeing both sets of conversing couples and leaned over to Jack.

"We're the odd men out tonight," she whispered, and he turned to her with a sigh.

"Certainly looks like it," he murmured back. Ianto and Tosh kept talking, while Diane and Owen excused themselves for another drink. Jack hated to admit it, but as much as he liked Martha, he'd really wanted to talk to Ianto after work. Not about anything in particular, but simply because he enjoyed the man's wit and intelligence.

Martha was watching him with narrowed eyes. "Oh, I see what's going on," she said. "Let me see what I can do for you." She stood and leaned over the table. "Hey Tosh, want to go get these blokes another pint with me? Jack's bored of my company."

"I am not!" Jack protested, but Tosh and Ianto laughed as Tosh stood and joined Martha, leaving Jack with Ianto, who was toying awkwardly with his empty glass. He'd taken off his suit jacket and loosened his tie, and Jack thought he looked as good casual and relaxed as he did all buttoned up.

"You seem to be getting on great with Tosh outside the office," said Jack, knowing it was a ridiculous opening to start a conversation but unable to take it back once he'd said it.

"She's an easy person to talk to," replied Ianto with a fond smile.

"Are you thinking…" Jack let the sentence trail off, the implication unsaid. He was surprised to find that a tiny bit of him was bothered by the thought.

Ianto glanced up at him in confusion. "Am I thinking…what?"

"That you, er, might…" Jack floundered a bit. "Might fancy her? She seems to like you."

"Shit, do you think so?" Ianto gasped, choking on his beer. "I'd like to think we've become good friends, but I'm really not looking for anything else."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything," Jack said, feeling like he had stuck his foot in his mouth, yet relieved at the same time. "And I'm sure Tosh is happy to have made a good friend." He paused and plunged on. "I think we all are. Are you enjoying The Hub?"

Ianto sat back and laughed through his nose. "You certainly know how to ask the hard questions, don't you?" Jack shrugged sheepishly, and Ianto grinned. "Yes, I'm enjoying it very much. Everyone has been so welcoming. It's a good place."

"You've done wonders with it," Jack said, and Ianto shook his head in protest. Jack reached out and touched the man's arm, feeling the same spark he felt every time he touched the other man. "No, I'm serious. Our previous floor manager couldn't change with the times, and the woman before that was too much of a bitch to get anyone to do anything. You've really pulled it all back together and done a great job."

"Thanks, Jack," Ianto said. He met Jack's eyes briefly, then glanced away. Jack felt as if he could gaze into Ianto's blue eyes forever at that moment. The man had no idea how gorgeous he was, or how he was starting to affect Jack more and more each day with his simple smile, quiet demeanor, and steady presence.

"So, not looking for anything with Tosh or anyone at all?" Jack asked casually. Martha and Tosh were still at the bar, laughing with the bartender and a dark-haired man. "Because I think she just got someone's number, so she might be taken soon."

"Good for her," Ianto murmured, watching the girls with a smile. "And honestly, I'm not looking for anything at all. My last relationship ended…badly."

Jack whipped his head around, aghast that he had forgotten Ianto's experience in London and brought up the idea of starting a relationship with someone new. Of course Ianto wasn't interested, he was probably still mourning his girlfriend. If Jack had put his foot in it before, this time he wanted to swallow himself whole for being so thoughtless.

"I'm sorry," he babbled, running a hand through his hair. "I am so sorry, I completely forgot about…that you…" He stopped at the look on Ianto's face.

"Forgot what?" Ianto asked quietly. His voice was flat and emotionless.

Jack let his eyes slip closed as he swore to himself. "I know what happened in London," he said, leaning closer and keeping his voice down. "And I'm so sorry for your loss, Ianto. I can't imagine what you went through."

Ianto stared at him, blue eyes flashing with cold anger. "I see." He looked down and took a deep breath before meeting Jack's eyes again. "Does everyone know then? Is that why everyone is so nice to me? Pity?"

"What? No!" Jack exclaimed. He reached out for the man, but Ianto moved back, eyeing him warily, so Jack let his hands fall to the table. "No, I was told not long after you came on, and as far as I know, no one else is aware. I don't gossip like that. Your life is no one else's business."

Ianto's eyes closed. "Thank you, Jack," he whispered, and took another shuddering breath. "I appreciate your discretion. It's been hard enough. Having the staff look at me differently because of it would only make it worse."

Jack placed his hand over Ianto's hand and squeezed. "You're a strong man, to survive something like that, come back, and move on."

"I survived by dumb luck and came back because it's all I know," Ianto murmured, staring at their hands. "And sometimes I'm not sure I'll ever move on."

"You're back at work, doing an amazing job," Jack pointed out. "That couldn't have been easy."

"No, it wasn't," Ianto agreed. "Those first few weeks were hard."

Jack eyed him in surprise. "You handled yourself really well, you know."

Ianto cocked an eyebrow at him. "I hardly said more than a few words to anyone. I'm surprised I'm still here."

"Trust me, you've earned it," Jack said. "You're doing great at the restaurant. And if you ever need to talk about it, I can listen." When he got a slightly skeptical look in return, he continued earnestly, lowering his voice even more. "I was in the army. I've been shot, and I've lost friends to bullets and bombs. They may not have been people I loved dearly, but they were my teammates, I cared about them, and it was hell every time it happened. So I can listen."

Ianto was looking at him with surprise and something else now, and Jack had to glance away before he was drawn back by Ianto's voice. "Thank you, Jack. I might take you up on that."

Jack felt his heart flutter, that Ianto might actually want to talk with him sometime. It was morbid as hell, offering to be a shoulder to cry on for a man who had lost his girlfriend eight months before when all Jack wanted to do was wrap his arms around the man and kiss it all away. But Jack wanted to be there for Ianto, however he could. Ianto needed it and deserved it.

Tosh and Martha came back at that moment and sat down with drinks for them all, laughing about something that had happened at the bar. Yet before Jack could ask them what was going on and whose number Tosh had scored, Owen came rushing back over, his face pale and upset.

"What's happened?" Jack asked, standing immediately as he sensed something was terribly wrong. The bartender glanced around at them all, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Suzie's gone," he finally croaked. "Alex just called. She's…she's dead."

Author's note: Thank you so much for all the follows and reviews! It's overwhelming and I hope you enjoy the story! Thank you again to Taamar for looking this over.