OOM: the Hub

[likesthecoat]

Ianto is filing.

It's repetitive and soothing and doesn't require much thought, so his mind is wandering a bit.

At the moment it's wandering to Milliways and Mike's job offer, and how much fun it would be to have a regular schedule where he can experiment a bit more than he does at Torchwood, and where he can have a permanent room there for him to sneak Jack to when they need some time away . . .

And he still owes Duck a fairy tale.

And Valentine's Day is coming up.

And the file folders sliding against each other sound like holding a seashell to your ear.

Comments

[othercaptjack]

"Picking up two paychecks instead of one, huh? Sneaky."

Jack grins to show he's not automatically against the idea, whilst turning it over in his mind.

"How does the time difference work out for you? Full time stop when you're there, or what?"

[likesthecoat]

"I'm considering some alternative methods of spending that paycheck," Ianto says. "Though I was pleased to hear about the gratis staff room. There are a great many things we could do with that."

From the look on his face you'd think he means things like fingerpainting. He doesn't.

"It comes to a full stop, even when I've been there for days."

[othercaptjack]

Ianto, Jack is very proud.

(Just because he doesn't have an innocent face himself doesn't mean he can't appreciate it in others.)

"That's good," he says thoughtfully. "Means you're unlikely to get burned out working too much. Your door's reliable?"

Jack has certain Experiences with disappearing doors.

[likesthecoat]

"So far, yes. It's never disappeared on me."

Another "knock wood" moment.

"So you're all right with this? Boss?"

[othercaptjack]

Oh right, responsibility and decision-making.

"I am, yeah. It's a good gig, and if you want it, I think you go for it."

[likesthecoat]

"I want it," Ianto says, beaming, and kisses Jack quickly.

[othercaptjack]

Jack grins, twisting a finger in Ianto's tie with no regard for wrinkles.

"I think you'll be damn good. Handpicked, no less."

Thoughtful beat.

"This means when we're at the bar, you'll be the one with the authority."

[likesthecoat]

"I'll try not to abuse it," Ianto says softly, and he doesn't even care about his tie.

[othercaptjack]

Jack looks mildly disappointed.

"Good," he says unconvincingly.

[likesthecoat]

This gets a twitch of amusement, and Ianto says in a low voice, "Oh, so you want me to ... well, that's different, isn't it."

[othercaptjack]

Jack transitions into a slightly filthy smile, leaning back against the wall more loosely than before.

"Good," he says again, in a rather different tone of voice.

[likesthecoat]

Ianto follows and leans into him, not quite touching. "I don't know how much authority bartenders actually have, but should you misbehave I'm more than happy to take you in hand."

[othercaptjack]

"You usually do, if I recall," Jack says dryly.

A little more circumspectly, perhaps.

"I definitely look forward to whatever you come up with."

[likesthecoat]

"Someone has to look after you." He lets his eyes wander over Jack's face. "I'd rather it be me."

He smiles and goes back to his filing.

[othercaptjack]

Jack grins slowly. Ianto is the only person who's taken care of him in a very long time. It's a rather nice feeling.

He pushes himself up from the wall, and leans over to kiss him just below the ear as he passes.

"Don't be too long," he says, the warmth of his voice softening the admonishment, and heads off up the stairs.