Fic - Three Months Later
Hi, you remember I wrote Under New Management for tw_exchange. Then I said that there wouldn't be a sequel.
Well here it is. *glares at tanarian*
Title: Three Months Later
Author: szm
Pairing: pre Jack/Ianto
Summary: Jack goes back to London.
A/N: This is an AU where Ianto is defacto head of Torchwood One, absolutely will make no sense without Under New Management.
“So what are you all dressed up for?” asked Andy looking up from Suzie’s work station.
“Where’s Suzie?” countered Jack frowning.
The younger man shrugged “She took Gwen off somewhere, something about that bloody glove.”
Andy screwed up the paper he been writing on with unnecessary force and threw it in the general direction of bin, missing by several inches.
“You know I should hire a maid for you lot,” said Jack with a grin. “Look I now your worried about Suzie and Gwen, but Suzie’s been at this game a while now, she knows what she’s doing.”
Andy snorted, “I’m worried about Gwen, the creepy obsessive weirdo is on her own.” Andy looked up at Jack. “Jack… I talked Gwen into this, and now she’s…”
Jack understood. He had approached everyone on Ianto Jones’ list but Andy and Gwen were the only two that struck him as being any use. A big part of that was that they had lives, families and interests outside of Torchwood. Gwen even had a steady boyfriend. But in the two months she’d been working at the Hub she’d let it slide. She’d found a kindred spirit in Suzie, now you rarely saw one without the other. All either of them seemed to be interested in was the glove. Jack knew, from Andy, that Gwen’s relationship was on rocky ground.
“We all get a little obsessive from time to time, comes with the territory,” said Jack trying to be reassuring but in all honesty it was worrying him too.
“It’s not like Tosh and that alien i-pod thingy, or even you and the hand-in-a-jar. I know Gwen, this is something else.”
“Look, I wouldn’t have hired either of you if I thought you couldn’t handle it, Andy.” Jack rested a hand on Andy’s shoulder.
Andy smirked without humour, “Yeah Boss, ‘cus you’re never wrong. You never answered that question anyway. Why are you all dolled up?”
Jack shrugged removing his hand, “Just a meeting with the head of Torchwood One, got to go to London.”
Andy grinned, “You’re off to see the teaboy!”
“You’ve been talking to Owen,” said Jack with mock disapproval
“He’s very talkative when we’re playing poker and Tosh’s taking all our money off us. You’ve got a date!”
“I have a meeting,” replied Jack, trying not to smile and failing miserably.
“Hey,” said Andy holding his hands out in mock surrender. “I think it’s great, it’s not like you get a lot of action.”
Jack raised his eyebrows at that.
“Oh you talk a good game, sure,” Andy teased.
“I’m leaving now,” said Jack turning to go. “Try to keep Cardiff in one piece while I’m gone.”
**
When Jack arrived he was led to the boardroom by a pretty blonde woman who giggled a lot. She introduced herself as ‘Tammi Wilson’.
“Mr Jones maybe a little delayed, he sends his apologies,” said Tammi in a high breathy voice. “Can I get you anything?”
“A cup of coffee would be wonderful,” answered Jack with a smile. “Any idea how long Mr Jones will be?”
“I’m sorry, Sir,” replied Tammi, exiting the room.
She returned a few minutes later with a cup of coffee, Jack tried to draw her on the subject of where Ianto was but she refused to be led. Jack sat by himself, sipping the coffee for nearly fifteen minutes before the door opened again.
This time a heavy set dark haired man walked in, he offered Jack his hand and Jack rose to shake it. “I’m sorry Captain but Mr Jones has been unavoidably detained, I’m John Denver. Shall we make a start?”
John had several pages of notes in Ianto’s strangely loopy handwriting. He raised several good points, including asking why several goldfish were listed as ‘research expenses’.
“Aren’t mice or rats more traditional?” asked John.
Jack gave John a big smile. “We like to be different.”
John gave Jack an odd look but carried on. Jack sighed inwardly. He was glad Denver had let it drop, the last thing Jack wanted to do was try and explain Suzie or the glove, but he couldn’t help feel a little disappointed. This meeting was much more what he imagined the first one would be. Lots of smiling and nodding and not really paying attention, although this time no rude comments from Owen to break the boredom.
**
Just over three hours later Jack found himself being escorted out by Tammi.
“So Miss Wilson,” started Jack.
The blond giggled, “Call me Tammi, please.”
Jack smiled at her. “Then I’m Jack.”
Tammi stopped and shook his hand. “Very pleased to meet you Jack.” She smirked in a slightly disturbing way and carried on.
“So can we call in to see Mr Jones on the way out?” asked Jack in his most charming voice.
Tammi giggled again. That was starting to be far more annoying than cute. “I’m sorry Jack,” she said with what Jack considered to be an overabundance of sympathy. “But we’ve got an internal issue that requires Mr Jones’ presence.”
“If I was a suspicious man I’d accuse him of avoiding me,” said Jack lightly.
“Then it’s a good job your not a suspicious man, isn’t it Jack?” replied Tammi.
They walked a little further down the corridor in silence.
“Could I possibly use the toilet?” asked Jack politely.
“Of course,” replied Tammi with a bright smile. She led Jack down another corridor. “Just to your left, second door. I’ll wait here.”
Jack nodded and left Tammi. He walked straight past the indicated door and headed back towards the main part of the building. He knew roughly where Ianto’s office was. However he hadn’t been travelling very long when he ran straight back into Tammi.
“Did you get lost?” she asked innocently. “I apologise for my lack of clarity in my directions.” She linked her arm with Jack’s in such a way that he couldn’t easily break free without causing a scene or hurting her. “Now then Jack. Lets get you home.”
**
It took Jack far longer than he would have predicted to lose Tammi, and then he’d had to knock her out. Something was clearly going on and he didn’t like being kept in the dark. He headed up towards Ianto’s office.
As expected Ianto wasn’t there, Jack couldn’t just wait for him. As soon as Tammi woke up she was sure to sound the alarm. He glanced round the desk for some clue as to what was keeping Ianto tied up, assuming of course that the other man wasn’t just avoiding him. But from what Jack had seen of Ianto, he was quite capable of brushing Jack off without having to hide behind his staff.
Ianto’s desk was immaculate. Jack was used to desks at Torchwood Three, all of which were in various states of disarray. His own being the worst, marginally beating Owen’s for the title. Just as Jack started to rummage through the desk drawers the office door opened and two figures walked though. Jack ducked behind the desk and hoped that the two people would leave.
“Really, Sir I apologise again.” That was Tammi, although now her voice had lost the breathy, giggly quality it had before.
“Tamsin, don’t worry about it. He’ll turn up. Least of our worries right now.” And that was Ianto.
“Honestly, I’m so mad. I can’t believe I let him get behind me like that.”
Ianto sighed and Jack could hear footsteps approaching the desk. He didn’t have anywhere to go so he jumped up.
“Well kids, looks like you found me. Hey whoa there!” Jack raised his hands as Tammi pulled a gun on him.
“Tamsin,” started Ianto sounding exhausted. “Put the gun down please. I’m sure Captain Harkness doesn’t plan on doing anything untoward.”
Tammi didn’t look convinced, but lowered the gun anyway. “Sir, would you like me to call security?” she asked never taking her eyes off Jack.
“No that’ll be fine. You get off home,” said Ianto.
Tammi’s eyes flicked from Jack to Ianto for a second. “Sir…” she began to argue.
“Tamsin,” said Ianto firmly. “You’ve been here since half past five this morning, go home, before Jordan forgets what you look like.”
Tammi glared at Ianto. “You fight dirty. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
Ianto just smiled. With one last dark look at Jack, Tammi left the office.
“So that Tamsin, not just the secretary?” asked Jack with a wry smile.
Ianto sank heavily into his chair. “Did she say you could call her Tamsin?” he asked.
“Erm… no?” replied Jack.
“Well then I wouldn’t if I was you, and no she’s not a secretary… She’s a personal assistant.”
“And that’s all?” said Jack disbelief clear in his voice.
Ianto sighed, “She was a field agent before Canary Wharf. She took the office job for personal reasons. What do you want Captain?”
“I promised to take you out to dinner,” said Jack hopping up onto the desk. “And to be frank you look like you could use a break.”
Ianto looked like he might argue for a moment, then he pulled his tie lose. “Wanna order in?" he asked tiredly.
“Sure,” repiled Jack with a grin.
Ianto reached into his bottom drawer and pulled out several take away menus and half a bottle of whiskey.
**
Nearly two hours later Jack and Ianto were sitting on the floor of Ianto’s office, surrounded by empty cartons and with all of the whiskey gone.
“… and then she said, ‘but I’ve never seen one that colour before’!” Jack finshed his story and the two of them burst into laughter.
“I don’t believe a word of it!” exclaimed Ianto though the laughter.
“Sure you do!” replied Jack with a cocky grin. He shifted slightly closer to the warmth of Ianto’s body. The younger man froze.
“Jack?” he asked breathlessly, turning his head as Jack turned his. Their lips brushed and Ianto jumped back.
Ianto looked at the clock on the wall. “It’s nearly nine, we should clear this up.” He pulled himself to his feet and started to gather up the rubbish.
“I’ll help,” said Jack jumping up. Between the two of them they managed to make short work of the mess. “Ianto?” asked Jack as they finished, but Ianto interrupted him.
“I should get home. It’s been a long day and it promises to be a longer one tomorrow.”
“What happened today?” asked Jack as he watched the shutters fall behind Ianto’s eyes again. Kicking himself for not asking before, but he’d been having too much fun.
Ianto gave him a blank smile, “Just got caught up in some red tape, you know how it is.”
Jack found he was developing a special loathing for that smile. “Well then see you in three months.”
“Yes, good luck with the inspection,” said Ianto holding out his hand.
Jack eyed the hand wearily. “What inspection?”
Ianto frowned, “I asked John to talk to you about it, some of your research notes are a little vague. I’m sending someone to look them over in a couple of weeks.”
Jack knew with a sinking heart that Ianto was talking about Suzie’s glove research. “No way,” he said, taking a step back from Ianto and folding his arms across his chest. “We don’t need you looking over our shoulder.
“Yvonne Hartman fell so far so fast because no-one watched what she was doing. I’m not having another Canary Wharf, Captain.”
Jack found himself loathing the word ‘captain’ too. “If you really think that’s true, then tell me what happened here today, Mr Jones.”
Jack’s statement was met with stony silence from Ianto.
“Thought not,” replied Jack with a smirk.
“Dr Harris will be with you by the end of the month,” stated Ianto coldly. “Now if you don’t mind…”
“You,” interrupted Jack.
“I’m sorry?” asked Ianto.
“You do the inspection, because I’m not letting anyone else from London through the front door.”
“Fine,” said Ianto through gritted teeth.
“Fine,” agreed Jack.
“I’ll get someone from security to escort you out.” Ianto reached for the phone.
“I know the way,” countered Jack.
“No Captain,” replied Ianto. “I insist.”
**
Jack got back to the hotel and dropped on the bed heavily. Well that went well! Just then his mobile rang; he dug the handset out of his pocket and accepted the call.
“Tosh,” he said tiredly. “This had better be good.”
“Suzie and Gwen have been arrested for murder,” replied Tosh, voice tinny over the phone. “Good enough?”
*****************************
Sequel now posted: Three Months Later - Ianto
Well here it is. *glares at tanarian*
Title: Three Months Later
Author: szm
Pairing: pre Jack/Ianto
Summary: Jack goes back to London.
A/N: This is an AU where Ianto is defacto head of Torchwood One, absolutely will make no sense without Under New Management.
“So what are you all dressed up for?” asked Andy looking up from Suzie’s work station.
“Where’s Suzie?” countered Jack frowning.
The younger man shrugged “She took Gwen off somewhere, something about that bloody glove.”
Andy screwed up the paper he been writing on with unnecessary force and threw it in the general direction of bin, missing by several inches.
“You know I should hire a maid for you lot,” said Jack with a grin. “Look I now your worried about Suzie and Gwen, but Suzie’s been at this game a while now, she knows what she’s doing.”
Andy snorted, “I’m worried about Gwen, the creepy obsessive weirdo is on her own.” Andy looked up at Jack. “Jack… I talked Gwen into this, and now she’s…”
Jack understood. He had approached everyone on Ianto Jones’ list but Andy and Gwen were the only two that struck him as being any use. A big part of that was that they had lives, families and interests outside of Torchwood. Gwen even had a steady boyfriend. But in the two months she’d been working at the Hub she’d let it slide. She’d found a kindred spirit in Suzie, now you rarely saw one without the other. All either of them seemed to be interested in was the glove. Jack knew, from Andy, that Gwen’s relationship was on rocky ground.
“We all get a little obsessive from time to time, comes with the territory,” said Jack trying to be reassuring but in all honesty it was worrying him too.
“It’s not like Tosh and that alien i-pod thingy, or even you and the hand-in-a-jar. I know Gwen, this is something else.”
“Look, I wouldn’t have hired either of you if I thought you couldn’t handle it, Andy.” Jack rested a hand on Andy’s shoulder.
Andy smirked without humour, “Yeah Boss, ‘cus you’re never wrong. You never answered that question anyway. Why are you all dolled up?”
Jack shrugged removing his hand, “Just a meeting with the head of Torchwood One, got to go to London.”
Andy grinned, “You’re off to see the teaboy!”
“You’ve been talking to Owen,” said Jack with mock disapproval
“He’s very talkative when we’re playing poker and Tosh’s taking all our money off us. You’ve got a date!”
“I have a meeting,” replied Jack, trying not to smile and failing miserably.
“Hey,” said Andy holding his hands out in mock surrender. “I think it’s great, it’s not like you get a lot of action.”
Jack raised his eyebrows at that.
“Oh you talk a good game, sure,” Andy teased.
“I’m leaving now,” said Jack turning to go. “Try to keep Cardiff in one piece while I’m gone.”
**
When Jack arrived he was led to the boardroom by a pretty blonde woman who giggled a lot. She introduced herself as ‘Tammi Wilson’.
“Mr Jones maybe a little delayed, he sends his apologies,” said Tammi in a high breathy voice. “Can I get you anything?”
“A cup of coffee would be wonderful,” answered Jack with a smile. “Any idea how long Mr Jones will be?”
“I’m sorry, Sir,” replied Tammi, exiting the room.
She returned a few minutes later with a cup of coffee, Jack tried to draw her on the subject of where Ianto was but she refused to be led. Jack sat by himself, sipping the coffee for nearly fifteen minutes before the door opened again.
This time a heavy set dark haired man walked in, he offered Jack his hand and Jack rose to shake it. “I’m sorry Captain but Mr Jones has been unavoidably detained, I’m John Denver. Shall we make a start?”
John had several pages of notes in Ianto’s strangely loopy handwriting. He raised several good points, including asking why several goldfish were listed as ‘research expenses’.
“Aren’t mice or rats more traditional?” asked John.
Jack gave John a big smile. “We like to be different.”
John gave Jack an odd look but carried on. Jack sighed inwardly. He was glad Denver had let it drop, the last thing Jack wanted to do was try and explain Suzie or the glove, but he couldn’t help feel a little disappointed. This meeting was much more what he imagined the first one would be. Lots of smiling and nodding and not really paying attention, although this time no rude comments from Owen to break the boredom.
**
Just over three hours later Jack found himself being escorted out by Tammi.
“So Miss Wilson,” started Jack.
The blond giggled, “Call me Tammi, please.”
Jack smiled at her. “Then I’m Jack.”
Tammi stopped and shook his hand. “Very pleased to meet you Jack.” She smirked in a slightly disturbing way and carried on.
“So can we call in to see Mr Jones on the way out?” asked Jack in his most charming voice.
Tammi giggled again. That was starting to be far more annoying than cute. “I’m sorry Jack,” she said with what Jack considered to be an overabundance of sympathy. “But we’ve got an internal issue that requires Mr Jones’ presence.”
“If I was a suspicious man I’d accuse him of avoiding me,” said Jack lightly.
“Then it’s a good job your not a suspicious man, isn’t it Jack?” replied Tammi.
They walked a little further down the corridor in silence.
“Could I possibly use the toilet?” asked Jack politely.
“Of course,” replied Tammi with a bright smile. She led Jack down another corridor. “Just to your left, second door. I’ll wait here.”
Jack nodded and left Tammi. He walked straight past the indicated door and headed back towards the main part of the building. He knew roughly where Ianto’s office was. However he hadn’t been travelling very long when he ran straight back into Tammi.
“Did you get lost?” she asked innocently. “I apologise for my lack of clarity in my directions.” She linked her arm with Jack’s in such a way that he couldn’t easily break free without causing a scene or hurting her. “Now then Jack. Lets get you home.”
**
It took Jack far longer than he would have predicted to lose Tammi, and then he’d had to knock her out. Something was clearly going on and he didn’t like being kept in the dark. He headed up towards Ianto’s office.
As expected Ianto wasn’t there, Jack couldn’t just wait for him. As soon as Tammi woke up she was sure to sound the alarm. He glanced round the desk for some clue as to what was keeping Ianto tied up, assuming of course that the other man wasn’t just avoiding him. But from what Jack had seen of Ianto, he was quite capable of brushing Jack off without having to hide behind his staff.
Ianto’s desk was immaculate. Jack was used to desks at Torchwood Three, all of which were in various states of disarray. His own being the worst, marginally beating Owen’s for the title. Just as Jack started to rummage through the desk drawers the office door opened and two figures walked though. Jack ducked behind the desk and hoped that the two people would leave.
“Really, Sir I apologise again.” That was Tammi, although now her voice had lost the breathy, giggly quality it had before.
“Tamsin, don’t worry about it. He’ll turn up. Least of our worries right now.” And that was Ianto.
“Honestly, I’m so mad. I can’t believe I let him get behind me like that.”
Ianto sighed and Jack could hear footsteps approaching the desk. He didn’t have anywhere to go so he jumped up.
“Well kids, looks like you found me. Hey whoa there!” Jack raised his hands as Tammi pulled a gun on him.
“Tamsin,” started Ianto sounding exhausted. “Put the gun down please. I’m sure Captain Harkness doesn’t plan on doing anything untoward.”
Tammi didn’t look convinced, but lowered the gun anyway. “Sir, would you like me to call security?” she asked never taking her eyes off Jack.
“No that’ll be fine. You get off home,” said Ianto.
Tammi’s eyes flicked from Jack to Ianto for a second. “Sir…” she began to argue.
“Tamsin,” said Ianto firmly. “You’ve been here since half past five this morning, go home, before Jordan forgets what you look like.”
Tammi glared at Ianto. “You fight dirty. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
Ianto just smiled. With one last dark look at Jack, Tammi left the office.
“So that Tamsin, not just the secretary?” asked Jack with a wry smile.
Ianto sank heavily into his chair. “Did she say you could call her Tamsin?” he asked.
“Erm… no?” replied Jack.
“Well then I wouldn’t if I was you, and no she’s not a secretary… She’s a personal assistant.”
“And that’s all?” said Jack disbelief clear in his voice.
Ianto sighed, “She was a field agent before Canary Wharf. She took the office job for personal reasons. What do you want Captain?”
“I promised to take you out to dinner,” said Jack hopping up onto the desk. “And to be frank you look like you could use a break.”
Ianto looked like he might argue for a moment, then he pulled his tie lose. “Wanna order in?" he asked tiredly.
“Sure,” repiled Jack with a grin.
Ianto reached into his bottom drawer and pulled out several take away menus and half a bottle of whiskey.
**
Nearly two hours later Jack and Ianto were sitting on the floor of Ianto’s office, surrounded by empty cartons and with all of the whiskey gone.
“… and then she said, ‘but I’ve never seen one that colour before’!” Jack finshed his story and the two of them burst into laughter.
“I don’t believe a word of it!” exclaimed Ianto though the laughter.
“Sure you do!” replied Jack with a cocky grin. He shifted slightly closer to the warmth of Ianto’s body. The younger man froze.
“Jack?” he asked breathlessly, turning his head as Jack turned his. Their lips brushed and Ianto jumped back.
Ianto looked at the clock on the wall. “It’s nearly nine, we should clear this up.” He pulled himself to his feet and started to gather up the rubbish.
“I’ll help,” said Jack jumping up. Between the two of them they managed to make short work of the mess. “Ianto?” asked Jack as they finished, but Ianto interrupted him.
“I should get home. It’s been a long day and it promises to be a longer one tomorrow.”
“What happened today?” asked Jack as he watched the shutters fall behind Ianto’s eyes again. Kicking himself for not asking before, but he’d been having too much fun.
Ianto gave him a blank smile, “Just got caught up in some red tape, you know how it is.”
Jack found he was developing a special loathing for that smile. “Well then see you in three months.”
“Yes, good luck with the inspection,” said Ianto holding out his hand.
Jack eyed the hand wearily. “What inspection?”
Ianto frowned, “I asked John to talk to you about it, some of your research notes are a little vague. I’m sending someone to look them over in a couple of weeks.”
Jack knew with a sinking heart that Ianto was talking about Suzie’s glove research. “No way,” he said, taking a step back from Ianto and folding his arms across his chest. “We don’t need you looking over our shoulder.
“Yvonne Hartman fell so far so fast because no-one watched what she was doing. I’m not having another Canary Wharf, Captain.”
Jack found himself loathing the word ‘captain’ too. “If you really think that’s true, then tell me what happened here today, Mr Jones.”
Jack’s statement was met with stony silence from Ianto.
“Thought not,” replied Jack with a smirk.
“Dr Harris will be with you by the end of the month,” stated Ianto coldly. “Now if you don’t mind…”
“You,” interrupted Jack.
“I’m sorry?” asked Ianto.
“You do the inspection, because I’m not letting anyone else from London through the front door.”
“Fine,” said Ianto through gritted teeth.
“Fine,” agreed Jack.
“I’ll get someone from security to escort you out.” Ianto reached for the phone.
“I know the way,” countered Jack.
“No Captain,” replied Ianto. “I insist.”
**
Jack got back to the hotel and dropped on the bed heavily. Well that went well! Just then his mobile rang; he dug the handset out of his pocket and accepted the call.
“Tosh,” he said tiredly. “This had better be good.”
“Suzie and Gwen have been arrested for murder,” replied Tosh, voice tinny over the phone. “Good enough?”
*****************************
Sequel now posted: Three Months Later - Ianto