Ianto asks for a raise
Who: troellwr, not_as_factual, Gwen Cooper (no LJ)
Where: hub_nightclub
When: a couple of weeks after Christmas
Rating: PG 13
Its only a couple weeks after Christmas, when Ianto knocks on Jack's door. Normally, he doesn't knock, but well, he's here as Jack's employee, not as his boyfriend. He needs to be the employee, not the boyfriend, right now and hopefully Jack will recognize that.
Jack is in his office and has been for the majority of the morning, still trying to work out the club's books, as he has been these past few weeks since Christmas. It's giving him a headache and his mind wandered to his email for a needed break. At the knock, Jack tabs out of the window and brings up his screen saver with a few keystrokes. "Come in."
"Hey," Ianto says, stepping in. "I was wondering if you had a few minutes."
"Sure," Jack says casually, standing to usher Ianto inside with a gesture. "What's up?"
Ianto moves to take a seat. He starts, "I've been giving it some thought..."
"Jack, I was wondering if you'd found a..." Gwen cuts him, as she enters, entering the room. She pauses seeing the two of them. "Oh, sorry."
Jack has just barely sat back down at his desk when Gwen bursts in. He gives her an unimpressed, but ultimately indulgent, look. "Raised in a barn, I swear," he teases.
"I'm sorry, but I think we should consider a drink special for karaoke night?" Gwen said, moving to Jack's desk. She's assuming Ianto is up here visiting.
Ianto frowns, but holds his tongue.
"It's on the agenda," Jack agrees, glancing between Gwen and Ianto with significance. "Can we talk about this with Tosh in a bit? I was actually in the middle of something." And, he's sure his voice implies, the bar isn't going to burn down because they don't have the special planned yet.
"Oh, was there something going on?" Gwen asks, blinking innocently between the two of them.
"Yes, actually, I wanted to ask my boss a question." Ianto states.
"Yes, Gwen," Jack answers with amused patience. "I'm free when the door's open. Knock when it's closed."
"Sorry," Gwen says to Ianto.
Ianto nods, slightly. "It's alright."
Jack smiles. "So, give me a few minutes, Gwen?"
Gwen leans in close to Jack, and whispering softly, "Do you think that's a good idea, seeing how you and Ianto are in a relationship?"
Jack leans back, giving Gwen a rather ... confused look. "What exactly are you implying?"
"I'm trying to protect you, do you really want to be accused of favoritism?" Gwen asks.
"That's ridiculous," Jack growls. "Everyone knows I'm not like that."
"I'm trying to help you, Jack. The old staff may know that, but we've talked about expanding the staff once we start making more money and they won't know that." Gwen points out. Its best he get used to thinking of these things.
"Fine," he mutters, standing from his desk to work off his ... well, rather pissed energy. "Ianto, Gwen's going to stay because we need chaperoned so I don't shower you with favoritism. Is that all right?"
Ianto wasn't exactly far enough a way to not overhear everything. "Unfortunately, I can see her point if you're planning on hiring more people." He's more annoyed that Gwen thought that the conversation was completely private.
"For the record, Gwen? This is ridiculous." Jack paces to the window and stares out at the club, trying to work off his ire. "What did you want to talk about, Ianto?"
Gwen settles on one of the sofas, smiling at Ianto.
"Well, I've been working here several years, I haven't heard too many complaints about my work." He glances at each of them for verification of this statement. Once he has that, he continues, "When I broke my leg, you had me doing the books so I could draw some pay. Since I've taken my DJing duties back up, I've continued to do the books, so I deserve a raise."
"You're right," Jack agrees, without looking at Gwen for confirmation. He doesn't need her to help make that decision for him. Ianto is right. "To be honest, I didn't anticipate you continuing with your accounting duties after you were back in the booth, but I appreciate the help and you do deserve to be compensated for your workload."
Ianto is slightly surprised by that, but he doesn't smile. "Thank you."
Gwen does agree with Jack, but she also knows there isn't much money for that.
"In fact," Jack goes on, "I think given performance and the amount of time a lot of my employees have worked here, several people deserve raises this year." He pauses, giving Ianto a tight smile. "Unfortunately, business isn't as good as we hoped it would be. The last quarter, you must've seen for yourself, has been ... substandard. I'm hoping that our new promotions and specials will help business pick up again, but in the meantime we're leaking money, to be honest."
Ianto bites his lip and nods, he understands. He doesn't like it. "Yeah."
"Actually," Gwen says slowly, "I think we could do a little raise."
"You're the one telling me not to be biased, Gwen," Jack snaps. "Can we do a little raise for everyone who deserves it in addition to Ianto?"
"Well, we don't need Ianto for karaoke nights," Gwen explains. "So he can have that night off and do the books instead, and his weekly paycheck will remain the same."
That sounds like just the same amount of work for the same amount of pay, only without doing what Ianto actually loves about his job. Jack sighs. "Ianto?"
Actually he'd be doing a little less work. Ianto frowns, he bites his lip considering. "Can I think about it?"
"Yeah," Jack agrees. "Take your time. I won't change your schedule until you get back to me."
"Thank you," Ianto said, standing and heading out.
Jack just nods, then deflates back into his desk chair once Ianto leaves. He hates this.
Gwen looks at him, before standing up and going over to him. "Are you okay?"
"Fine," he says, "but don't do that again."
"We weren't sure what Ianto was going to do during karaoke nights," Gwen reminded him. "And you didn't want to cut his hours."
"I appreciate your input," he says tactfully, "but I kind of feel like you want to be running this place sometimes."
"I want this place to be successful and keep the staff happy will do that."
"I'm not arguing that point, just your methods. Bursting into my office, shoe-horning into my meetings, announcing your ideas as absolute options instead of just ... ideas. I'd appreciate knowing in advance and weighing all the options before you put any idealistic solutions into anyone's head."
"Well, I'm sorry, it popped in my head and seemed like an ideal solution," Gwen says. "I'm sure if you come up with another solution, Ianto would be happy to hear it."
"I'm sure. Anyway ... give me a few minutes and I'll join you downstairs? Find Tosh and we'll talk about drinks."
"Alright," Gwen agrees, before heading downstairs.
Jack turns his attention back to his computer and finishes up his email before locking it up and heading down to join her.
Gwen is waiting for him downstairs with Tosh. Music is already drifting from the booth.
Jack joins them to discuss the drink options, going with whatever Tosh thinks will be best.
Gwen offers her suggestions, though she doesn't seem a bit phased by Jack dressing her down. Tosh has a couple of ideas on what she thinks will work and maybe rotating what it will be.
"I think a rota would work," Jack decides, leaning against the counter. "Maybe discount drafts, select microbrews, then a mixed drink?"
Both Tosh and Gwen seem to like that idea. The only thing to decide is its the rota is for a couple hours or the whole night.
"Drafts all night, mixed drinks until 11?" he suggests.
"Sounds good," Gwen agrees. Tosh nods.
Jack drums on the bar, leaning up a bit. "Give me some suggestions on prices, then, and we're good."
"Okay, give me a couple days to run some estimates, talk to our supplier, and Ianto about what we can afford?" Tosh asks
"Sure," Jack agrees, grinning easily.
Tosh smiles at him, "Shall I get to work then?"
"Please," he answers. "I
"I'll let you get to it, shall I?"
Tosh nods, and stands heading over to the bar to get it ready.
"Let me know if there's anything else, Gwen," Jack says by way of excusing himself.
Gwen nods, already turning and heading out to get to work on something else.
Jack moves on, heading toward the booth to see Ianto.
Ianto is up there, going through his usual routine.
"Hey," Jack greets, trying to stay out of Ianto's way.
Ianto glances up, "Hi"
"How's it going?"
"Fine," Ianto says, shrugging. "Just about ready to go."
"Good," Jack says, pausing for a moment. "Sorry about earlier."
Ianto shrugs, "You did what you had to do."
"Yeah," Jack agrees, smiling a little. "I really want to sort something out, though. You deserve more."
"So does everyone else," Ianto murmurs. He hasn't even been here the longest.
"I know," he answers, just a little offended.
Ianto nods, he doesn't know what else to say.
Jack smiles a little apologetically. "I'll let you get on with this, then."
Ianto pauses and turns to look at him, "Jack."
"Yeah?" he asks.
"If I talk about this at home, I don't want to talk to my boss, okay?" He knows this is going to be hard on both of them, but would rather that any drama is left here and not at home.
"Sure," Jack agrees, trying to be casual about this. "Will do."
Ianto smiles, "Thank you."
"Welcome," he answers. "I'll bring you some dinner later?"
"If it’s busy," Ianto says, "If not, I'll try to head over myself."
"Okay." Jack likes bringing Ianto food, but there's no need to keep him trapped in the booth.
"If I do, I'll come get you," Ianto promises.
He smiles. "You know where to find me," Jack answers, turning to head back to the bar.
"I do," Ianto agrees, giving him a small smile.
Jack gives a wave as he walks away.
Ianto watches him, sighing to himself, before turning aback to work.
Where: hub_nightclub
When: a couple of weeks after Christmas
Rating: PG 13
Its only a couple weeks after Christmas, when Ianto knocks on Jack's door. Normally, he doesn't knock, but well, he's here as Jack's employee, not as his boyfriend. He needs to be the employee, not the boyfriend, right now and hopefully Jack will recognize that.
Jack is in his office and has been for the majority of the morning, still trying to work out the club's books, as he has been these past few weeks since Christmas. It's giving him a headache and his mind wandered to his email for a needed break. At the knock, Jack tabs out of the window and brings up his screen saver with a few keystrokes. "Come in."
"Hey," Ianto says, stepping in. "I was wondering if you had a few minutes."
"Sure," Jack says casually, standing to usher Ianto inside with a gesture. "What's up?"
Ianto moves to take a seat. He starts, "I've been giving it some thought..."
"Jack, I was wondering if you'd found a..." Gwen cuts him, as she enters, entering the room. She pauses seeing the two of them. "Oh, sorry."
Jack has just barely sat back down at his desk when Gwen bursts in. He gives her an unimpressed, but ultimately indulgent, look. "Raised in a barn, I swear," he teases.
"I'm sorry, but I think we should consider a drink special for karaoke night?" Gwen said, moving to Jack's desk. She's assuming Ianto is up here visiting.
Ianto frowns, but holds his tongue.
"It's on the agenda," Jack agrees, glancing between Gwen and Ianto with significance. "Can we talk about this with Tosh in a bit? I was actually in the middle of something." And, he's sure his voice implies, the bar isn't going to burn down because they don't have the special planned yet.
"Oh, was there something going on?" Gwen asks, blinking innocently between the two of them.
"Yes, actually, I wanted to ask my boss a question." Ianto states.
"Yes, Gwen," Jack answers with amused patience. "I'm free when the door's open. Knock when it's closed."
"Sorry," Gwen says to Ianto.
Ianto nods, slightly. "It's alright."
Jack smiles. "So, give me a few minutes, Gwen?"
Gwen leans in close to Jack, and whispering softly, "Do you think that's a good idea, seeing how you and Ianto are in a relationship?"
Jack leans back, giving Gwen a rather ... confused look. "What exactly are you implying?"
"I'm trying to protect you, do you really want to be accused of favoritism?" Gwen asks.
"That's ridiculous," Jack growls. "Everyone knows I'm not like that."
"I'm trying to help you, Jack. The old staff may know that, but we've talked about expanding the staff once we start making more money and they won't know that." Gwen points out. Its best he get used to thinking of these things.
"Fine," he mutters, standing from his desk to work off his ... well, rather pissed energy. "Ianto, Gwen's going to stay because we need chaperoned so I don't shower you with favoritism. Is that all right?"
Ianto wasn't exactly far enough a way to not overhear everything. "Unfortunately, I can see her point if you're planning on hiring more people." He's more annoyed that Gwen thought that the conversation was completely private.
"For the record, Gwen? This is ridiculous." Jack paces to the window and stares out at the club, trying to work off his ire. "What did you want to talk about, Ianto?"
Gwen settles on one of the sofas, smiling at Ianto.
"Well, I've been working here several years, I haven't heard too many complaints about my work." He glances at each of them for verification of this statement. Once he has that, he continues, "When I broke my leg, you had me doing the books so I could draw some pay. Since I've taken my DJing duties back up, I've continued to do the books, so I deserve a raise."
"You're right," Jack agrees, without looking at Gwen for confirmation. He doesn't need her to help make that decision for him. Ianto is right. "To be honest, I didn't anticipate you continuing with your accounting duties after you were back in the booth, but I appreciate the help and you do deserve to be compensated for your workload."
Ianto is slightly surprised by that, but he doesn't smile. "Thank you."
Gwen does agree with Jack, but she also knows there isn't much money for that.
"In fact," Jack goes on, "I think given performance and the amount of time a lot of my employees have worked here, several people deserve raises this year." He pauses, giving Ianto a tight smile. "Unfortunately, business isn't as good as we hoped it would be. The last quarter, you must've seen for yourself, has been ... substandard. I'm hoping that our new promotions and specials will help business pick up again, but in the meantime we're leaking money, to be honest."
Ianto bites his lip and nods, he understands. He doesn't like it. "Yeah."
"Actually," Gwen says slowly, "I think we could do a little raise."
"You're the one telling me not to be biased, Gwen," Jack snaps. "Can we do a little raise for everyone who deserves it in addition to Ianto?"
"Well, we don't need Ianto for karaoke nights," Gwen explains. "So he can have that night off and do the books instead, and his weekly paycheck will remain the same."
That sounds like just the same amount of work for the same amount of pay, only without doing what Ianto actually loves about his job. Jack sighs. "Ianto?"
Actually he'd be doing a little less work. Ianto frowns, he bites his lip considering. "Can I think about it?"
"Yeah," Jack agrees. "Take your time. I won't change your schedule until you get back to me."
"Thank you," Ianto said, standing and heading out.
Jack just nods, then deflates back into his desk chair once Ianto leaves. He hates this.
Gwen looks at him, before standing up and going over to him. "Are you okay?"
"Fine," he says, "but don't do that again."
"We weren't sure what Ianto was going to do during karaoke nights," Gwen reminded him. "And you didn't want to cut his hours."
"I appreciate your input," he says tactfully, "but I kind of feel like you want to be running this place sometimes."
"I want this place to be successful and keep the staff happy will do that."
"I'm not arguing that point, just your methods. Bursting into my office, shoe-horning into my meetings, announcing your ideas as absolute options instead of just ... ideas. I'd appreciate knowing in advance and weighing all the options before you put any idealistic solutions into anyone's head."
"Well, I'm sorry, it popped in my head and seemed like an ideal solution," Gwen says. "I'm sure if you come up with another solution, Ianto would be happy to hear it."
"I'm sure. Anyway ... give me a few minutes and I'll join you downstairs? Find Tosh and we'll talk about drinks."
"Alright," Gwen agrees, before heading downstairs.
Jack turns his attention back to his computer and finishes up his email before locking it up and heading down to join her.
Gwen is waiting for him downstairs with Tosh. Music is already drifting from the booth.
Jack joins them to discuss the drink options, going with whatever Tosh thinks will be best.
Gwen offers her suggestions, though she doesn't seem a bit phased by Jack dressing her down. Tosh has a couple of ideas on what she thinks will work and maybe rotating what it will be.
"I think a rota would work," Jack decides, leaning against the counter. "Maybe discount drafts, select microbrews, then a mixed drink?"
Both Tosh and Gwen seem to like that idea. The only thing to decide is its the rota is for a couple hours or the whole night.
"Drafts all night, mixed drinks until 11?" he suggests.
"Sounds good," Gwen agrees. Tosh nods.
Jack drums on the bar, leaning up a bit. "Give me some suggestions on prices, then, and we're good."
"Okay, give me a couple days to run some estimates, talk to our supplier, and Ianto about what we can afford?" Tosh asks
"Sure," Jack agrees, grinning easily.
Tosh smiles at him, "Shall I get to work then?"
"Please," he answers. "I
"I'll let you get to it, shall I?"
Tosh nods, and stands heading over to the bar to get it ready.
"Let me know if there's anything else, Gwen," Jack says by way of excusing himself.
Gwen nods, already turning and heading out to get to work on something else.
Jack moves on, heading toward the booth to see Ianto.
Ianto is up there, going through his usual routine.
"Hey," Jack greets, trying to stay out of Ianto's way.
Ianto glances up, "Hi"
"How's it going?"
"Fine," Ianto says, shrugging. "Just about ready to go."
"Good," Jack says, pausing for a moment. "Sorry about earlier."
Ianto shrugs, "You did what you had to do."
"Yeah," Jack agrees, smiling a little. "I really want to sort something out, though. You deserve more."
"So does everyone else," Ianto murmurs. He hasn't even been here the longest.
"I know," he answers, just a little offended.
Ianto nods, he doesn't know what else to say.
Jack smiles a little apologetically. "I'll let you get on with this, then."
Ianto pauses and turns to look at him, "Jack."
"Yeah?" he asks.
"If I talk about this at home, I don't want to talk to my boss, okay?" He knows this is going to be hard on both of them, but would rather that any drama is left here and not at home.
"Sure," Jack agrees, trying to be casual about this. "Will do."
Ianto smiles, "Thank you."
"Welcome," he answers. "I'll bring you some dinner later?"
"If it’s busy," Ianto says, "If not, I'll try to head over myself."
"Okay." Jack likes bringing Ianto food, but there's no need to keep him trapped in the booth.
"If I do, I'll come get you," Ianto promises.
He smiles. "You know where to find me," Jack answers, turning to head back to the bar.
"I do," Ianto agrees, giving him a small smile.
Jack gives a wave as he walks away.
Ianto watches him, sighing to himself, before turning aback to work.