Twos and Blues...14/?

[zazajb]

Title: Twos and Blues: 14/? 
Author: zazajb
Rating: R - N/C-17 overall, adult concepts, occasional language, M/M
Pairings/Characters: Jack/Ianto, [past]Jack/John, Tosh/Owen, Gwen/Rhys, Andy, Gareth, Harris, Nick, Pete, Mica, Rhiannion
Spoilers – none – totally AU
Summary:  Jack is the Station Commander of a retained* fire station. This is the story of their adventures. Words:  this chapter 5850

Previous chapters: http://zazajb.livejournal.com/6286.html

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters – anything you recognise is owned by RTD & BBC, even if they don’t know how to look after them properly...
With thanks to the wonderful fjorda77 for the awesome banner *hugs*

A/N So, I’ve finally gone completely AU...new departure for me – thank you for all the comments so far...and please excuse the liberties I’m taking with Welsh geography! Updates will now be posted to both LJ and DW

A/N1 Retained stations are crewed by part-time firefighters who live and work locally, responding to a bleeper signal when the fire appliance is needed – in all other respects they are the same as whole-time firefighters... SWFRS= South Wales Fire and Rescue Service PDA= pre-determined attendance [the minimum number of appliances sent to a particular premises no matter what the call]

A/N2  So, back to school and my writing time is seriously curtailed. I will post once a week, and once my lesson planning gets back into a routine you might get an extra one midweek as well... I’m seething with the loss of my Ianto Big Bang – all I have left is the prologue and half of chapter one...was up to 18600 words...blasted computers, now have to do it all again. This was waaaaaay too long so cut into two chapters...

Cross posted so you might get this more than once – sorry!

Twos and Blues 14/?

   

Chapter 14

By the time Jack returned early evening, charging up the stairs noisily belting out ‘I’m so excited’ at top volume, Ianto had done four lots of baking, been to the bank to pay in his takings so far, taken delivery of and unpacked his cash and carry order and was in the middle of preparing Paprika chicken for their dinner. He sank into the embrace as Jack dumped his laptop bag on the worktop and wrapped his arms around him, claiming his lips to kiss him hungrily, their tongues tangling delightedly.

They broke apart somewhat breathless many minutes later, and gazed into each other’s eyes, no need for words as hands caressed faces and bodies pressed close, enjoying the simple pleasure of just being together.

Jack’s phone rang and he dug it carefully out of his pocket without releasing his hold, glancing at the caller ID before pressing call accept. “Owen..!”

Ianto pressed a light kiss to Jack’s cheek and moved out of the warm circle of his arms, pointing at the coffee machine.

Nodding, Jack moved into the dining area as he listened to his friend explaining the exercise planned for Thursday’s drill night. It was a simulated head on crash with a drunk driver in one car and an elderly couple in the other. Tosh and Owen had planned it between them, Tosh would run it on the night...it would be a good one for Ianto to watch to give him an idea of the kind of things that happened on drill nights. They discussed a few of the finer details and Jack rang off, sipping his coffee with obvious enjoyment.

“Can dinner travel?” his rather strange question was met with an inquisitive arch of an eyebrow as Ianto stood with the baking tray containing the roasting bag poised to go into the oven.

“It could – it’s only this tray and the rice is Tilda heat and serve...what’d you have in mind?” he put the tray back on top of the hob and turned the oven off.

“Thought I might tempt you out...now the sun’s come out...finish showing you some more of our fire ground – was thinking of the marina and then I could show you my house...we could have dinner there?” he looked hopefully at the younger man, the large puppy dog eyes drawing a chuckle of fond amusement from the Welshman. Jack made a mental note to remember that the ‘eyes’ seemed to work...file away for future use!

“That’ll be nice...I’d like to see where you grew up...I bet it’s a lot posher than this place!” he bit his lip as sudden insecurity washed over him, remembering that Jack’s circumstances were very different from his own...

“Just remember it’s the Doc’s and Rose’s house...and it was there way before the marina was even thought of so value is purely geographical chance...” Jack drew Ianto towards him and folded him into a tight hug. “I’d live in a cardboard box if it was where you were...” he tipped Ianto’s chin up to kiss him softly, “okay..?”

“mmmmnn...” Ianto moaned into the kiss as Jack flicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and his knees buckled, tightening his hold to stay upright. When they parted, Ianto was light headed and powerless to prevent the huge dreamy grin that spread across his face. Jack drank in the sight of his young Welshman – lightly flushed cheeks, dishevelled hair, dancing lights in his crystal blue eyes and deliciously pink, kiss swollen lips. It was a vision he’d never get enough of...

“I’ll just sort out my dirty laundry to take home and...”

“Er...”

“Yanno?”

“I did your washing...” his face falling at the unreadable expression that crossed his Captain’s, “I’m sorry...” he muttered “if I’ve...if it’s...too much... bugger...just...sorry...”

“Yanno...look at me!”

Ianto lifted his eyes slowly to meet Jack’s, gasping at the love that blazed out of those blue grey depths. “I was doing mine so...” he smiled tentatively, “is that okay...”

“Definitely..! Let’s go, and we can pick up my ironing while we’re there!” Jack’s eyes twinkled at him, teasing him...reassuring...

“Ha ha!” Ianto stuck his tongue out, “do we need to take coffee with us – I’m not drinking instant!” he frowned, the sudden switch of expression drawing a bellow of laughter from his Captain.

“We’ll take coffee with us...yes, I have instant in the cupboard...and I have ground too, but it won’t be anything like as good as yours...”

Ianto grinned at him and quickly made up a flask, adding it to the bag with the container with the chicken in it and the packets of rice. Jack picked up his overnight bag, “I do need to bring a few things back...if that’s okay..?” he grinned, “and no...not the ironing!” He cupped Ianto’s face and brushed his thumb lightly over his cheek, “I don’t want to out-stay my welcome...” he whispered softly, “I’ll go home if...”

Ianto tugged him into a fierce kiss, driving his tongue into Jack’s mouth where it mapped every contour possessively. “Let’s go get your ironing!” he panted when he finally released him and they grinned at each other, both suddenly realising that this was as close to a conversation about their living arrangements that they’d had!

In the living room, Jack’s coat hung from the hanger on the bookcase. Ianto pulled it down and held it out, the Captain sliding into it and leaning into the touch as the Welshman smoothed it down over his shoulders, the action intimate and familiar. Handing Jack the canvas bag with their supplies in, Ianto retrieved his own coat from the hall cupboard and shrugged into it and they headed down the stairs to the yard.

Moments later they were pulling out into the traffic. En route Jack pointed out several buildings or turnings that housed relevant significant homes, adding the details of their PDA and other risk factors as they drove past. It wasn’t long before they were approaching Penarth Quays Marina, the boats galore a sight to behold as the sun reflected off the water.

“It’s built around the basins of the historic Penarth Docks – it’s sheltered and so is an ideal location. The Cardiff Bay Barrage’s got a huge boating lake and there’s all sorts of businesses and amenities springing up along the shoreline. It means we have to keep an eye on it so we’re always ready...

The marina itself’s got berthing for three hundred and forty, there’s boat building, repairs, sail making, rigging repairs, a fuel pontoon, plus restaurants...there are so many potential hazards here it’ll make your head spin!” He paused for breath, “So, seen enough here?” his voice dropped an octave, sending a thrill of anticipation racing through Ianto’s body.

“Yes...” he squeezed Jack’s thigh briefly, his touch burning through Jack’s trousers to send desire laden sparks directly to his groin. Their eyes met briefly as Jack took a left into Marine Drive, passion smouldering in twin sets of blue.

Jack turned into the driveway of number ten, an imposing Victorian detached house with a neat front garden laid to lawn edged with mature shrubs for colour and character. They climbed out of the car and headed to the front door. The entrance hall was large and elegantly furnished, a grandfather clock commanding the eye immediately, along with an original fireplace. A grand staircase led upstairs.

Jack looked anxiously at the Welshman who was gazing around him in obvious awe, “this is all Doc’s and Rose’s stuff – basically I’ve not changed anything since they moved to Norway... He led the way to the kitchen which was a complete contrast – ultra modern with every conceivable labour-saving device, yet retaining an elegance and old-world feel by subtle use of stained glass panels in cupboard doors and textured tiles on the walls and floor.

Jack moved to the oven and turned it on. “Let’s get our dinner on first before I give you the tour...” he grinned, “I’m hungry! Oh this kitchen...” he waved his hand at the huge room ”Rose was very specific what she wanted – she said Doc could have a say if he was going to be cooking...” he chuckled, “Doc left it completely to her! His cooking usually comprised of peeling a banana whilst telling you, like it was the first time you’d ever heard it, that bananas are good!”

Ianto smiled and Jack’s heart skipped a few beats. “Here, gimme that roasting bag..!” he took it quickly from the young man’s hand, chucked it into a tray and on to the oven shelf and shut the door. Setting the timer for thirty minutes, he grabbed Ianto’s hand and tugged him, laughing delightedly, back out into the hall and up the stairs. “Stairs, bathroom there, Doc and Rose’s room there, guest room one, guest room two...” he pointed at the various doors as they whizzed past, stopping at the door to the room at the end of the landing, “my room”

Cupping Ianto’s face, he pressed their lips together softly, the kiss slow and tender, the Welshman’s arms snaking around his Captain’s neck as he melted against him and they lost themselves in the moment.

Breaking apart for air they panted softly, foreheads resting together as they shared warm breath. “Great tour..!” Ianto teased, his hands sliding down Jack’s body to settle on his hips as he arched against him.

“Best bit still to come...” Jack’s throaty chuckle against his ear sent a surge of heat to the Welshman’s groin, a low moan sounding from his deliciously pink, kiss swollen lips. “Close your eyes...” As Ianto’s eyelids fluttered closed, Jack reached behind him to open the door and led the younger man into the room, “keep them closed, I’ll be right back...”

Ianto nodded obediently, his head tilted to one side as he listened to the sounds of curtains drawing and the intensity of light against his eyelids increased. A click and a rush of air brushed his skin.

“Okay, you can open them now!” Jack’s arms slid around his waist from behind and nestled his chin into the crook of the Welshman’s neck, grinning as Ianto’s mouth dropped open.

“Wow...that view is fantastic Jack...” he turned in the embrace and pressed a light kiss to the other man’s lips. “Can we go out there?”

“Course! I thought we’d have dinner out there...watch the sun go down...” he slid his hand into Ianto’s and led him out onto the balcony where they gazed out over the sea, the marina and her boats to the left, reflecting the sun as it sank slowly in the west.

“This is beautiful...so peaceful...” they laughed as the sound of a motorbike starting noisily cut into the  quiet.

“I know, I never thought I’d ever want to leave here...that view captivates you and steals your soul...the sunrise...sunset and watching a storm way out at sea is simply breathtaking...”

“You’re leaving?” Ianto spun anxiously.

“I found a better view..!” Jack cupped his hands around Ianto’s face and kissed him softly. “Waking up with you beats anything that nature can offer...” he whispered, his eyes locked on the Welshman’s, love blazing fiercely from twin pools of blue. “...and you’re still adorable when you blush!” he added as pink hues coloured the young man’s pale cheeks.

They stood motionless, wrapped in each other’s arms, for long minutes as they absorbed the view from the balcony and the quiet bliss of togetherness. Eventually they pulled apart and made their way back down to the kitchen where the enticing aroma of paprika chicken made their stomachs rumble. Jack sorted out plates and mugs before dealing with the chicken, Ianto put the two packs of fragrant jasmine rice into the microwave and then poured the coffee. Less than five minutes later they were heading back upstairs and out on to the balcony.

Sat at the small round table they clunked their mugs together “to perfect views...” Jack grinned, “indoors and outdoors!” Once they’d finished their dinner they dragged their chairs next to each other and entwined their fingers, watching the sun as it completed its elegant slide off the horizon and the rich golden and orange shades slowly gave way to twilight and the first stars appeared in the sky way out to sea...

Jack lifted their joined hands and kissed Ianto’s knuckles. “Do you want the proper tour now? I’d really like to show you the Doc and Rose...only a picture, but it’s all I’ve got at the moment.” He smiled as the Welshman nodded and hauled his Captain to his feet, only to be gathered into the older man’s arms and kissed soundly. When he was released, breathless and weak at the knees, he shivered with anticipation as Jack whispered into his ear “and once you’ve seen the house you’ll be exploring the bath...and then my bed, in lots more detail...while I explore you from top to toe!” He nipped lightly at Ianto’s earlobe before pulling away and picking up the plates and mugs.

Ianto followed on slightly wobbly legs, Jack chuckling at the very obvious signs of arousal straining against the Welshman’s jeans as they quickly washed up the plates and put everything away. The house was beautiful; a seamless merging of classic Victorian styles in keeping with the building itself, and the best of modern design and materials. Ianto found himself gaping in awe as he was led into room after room, his Captain finally stopping in front of a family portrait on the wall in the sitting room. It was about eighteen inches by twelve inches and surrounded by an impressive beech wood frame, the three faces smiling out at them were relaxed and beaming.

“The Doc...” Jack pointed at the thin faced man with a wild shock of brown hair, wide dancing eyes and a huge grin, dressed in a brown pinstripe suit that had obviously seen better days, but somehow suited him perfectly. “Rose...” the huge open smile dominated her friendly face under a long blonde bob and big blue eyes, the purple t-shirt and jeans accentuating her youth. They both had one hand proudly on the young man’s shoulder in front of them, whose twinkling blue grey eyes and gorgeous grin were instantly recognisable “...and me! I was seventeen and I’d just passed my driving test – they were so proud...” he smiled fondly as the memory scampered through his head.

“Mum, dad...this is Ianto...the one I’ve been telling you about...” He grabbed Ianto’s hand and squeezed it tightly. “They’ll love you, just like I do...” His voice broke and he blinked away sudden tears, dragging the Welshman back up the stairs and into the bathroom where he pressed him up against the door and claimed his mouth in a kiss that quickly grew wild and messy as their hands raked hungrily over each other’s bodies and they shed their clothing rapidly.

Pulling away, briefly, to turn the taps on in the giant corner bath and add some scented oil to the running water, he returned to Ianto’s warm embrace and reclaimed his lips in a searing kiss, tongues swirling deliciously, first in one mouth and then the other. They broke apart, panting hard as Jack tugged him towards the bath and they stepped in. “You sit down first and I’ll wrap around you...” Jack ran his hands down Ianto’s body, pressing soft kisses to his back and shoulders as the young man sat down carefully.

Leaning on the Welshman’s shoulders to steady himself, Jack was about to lower himself into the water when a familiar and unwelcome insistent bleeping sounded from the depths of his trousers on the bathroom floor. “Shit shit shit!” he swore profusely as he stepped out of the water hurriedly and dragged his trousers on, not bothering with boxers, grabbing his t-shirt as he planted a hasty kiss on Ianto’s lips. Seconds later he was gone.

Ianto swirled the water around him and leant back, resisting the urge to take himself in hand for the release he’d been deprived of... He closed his eyes and contented himself with picturing the events of the past week as he relaxed in the fragrant steam-filled bath...

Meanwhile Jack stopped in front of the watch room and leapt out. Sprinting through the door he flicked his name on the board and the little white wooden ball with a broad black stripe around it had dropped noisily and rolled lazily down the chute to join the others already stacked up. The wagon had passed him, twos and blues active, as he approached the station and the second set of doors were still closed so he knew it was a single pump shout before he’d even got to the watch room...

“What we got?” he asked, addressing the assembled group generally.

“Car fire, Pete went with five...” Pup supplied helpfully as they followed the progress of the incident on the computer.

“You’re slow off the mark tonight Captain! All getting a bit much for you is it?” John Hart drawled from his chair at the computer.

“I was in the bath if you must know...” Jack replied mildly, seeing instantly that John was in a foul mood and looking for an excuse to blow his top.

“We’ve not seen much of you this week at all...normally you’re here all the hours...” Hart was pushing.

Jack shrugged, shaking his head minutely at Pup who mouthed “you want us to leave?” over John’s head, “been a busy week at work – got a huge new client from it though so worth all those late nights and early mornings...” he deliberately left it vague, wondering if Hart had picked up on him and Ianto. He wasn’t sure he wanted John to know just yet – not that it was a secret, but he knew it would not sit well with his volatile ex...

He turned to Andy, “how’re your competency drills coming on then Spook? Do you think you’re ready for stage five assessment yet? I was talking to Rhys the other day and he said you’re doing well...”

Andy grinned happily. “Rhys and Pete have been really good to me and Nick – they’ve been practicing the drills with us every week. Think we’re almost ready now...”

They stopped and turned their attention back to the computer as Hart slapped the desk “Yes!” The stop message popped up on screen, car destroyed by fire... Moments later the phone rang, Jack conversing briefly with the control operator before the stand-by crew were dismissed. Pup and Spook called their goodbyes while Hart shut down the computer. Jack went through to the appliance bay and hit the button to close the doors. When he returned to the watch room, Hart was stood leaning against the desk “come for a drink with me, Jack?”

“Sorry, can’t John, I’ve got things to get back to...” a bath and a hot wet Welshman...the thought sending tendrils of desire through his body.

“You never want to spend time with me now...you never call...we were close once...” John’s tone was petulant, his eyes narrowing in a familiar and somewhat worrying manner.

“We had our time...now it’s in the past...” his tone softened slightly “you need to let go John, move on...” He headed out of the watch room door, Hart on his heels. As they parted at the station door John sighed heavily.

“You were the best thing that ever happened to me Jack, but you’re right, I need to move on...”

Jack’s relieved grin froze on his face as the other man continued, “you did say that eye candy was joining us on Thursday? Now, there’s a pretty face, eh Jack!”

Jack’s hands clenched into fists as he struggled to maintain his neutral expression. “Let him join first, settle in...we need decent new firefighters and I won’t have you intimidating him...got that?”

The urge to punch the smirk off Hart’s cheekbones was overwhelming as the infuriating man shrugged, “whatever you say, Captain...” Hart jumped into his car and sped off, leaving Jack a seething mass of fury. He was going to have to keep a very close eye on his ex-partner. “Fuck! “ he didn’t need this all kicking off again. Taking a deep breath, he shoved the worries and apprehension to one side and turned his thoughts back to the welcome images of a naked Welshman waiting for him at home, the vision sending him striding to his car and minutes later he was opening the front door.

Kicking off his shoes, he took the stairs two at a time and burst into the bathroom...

Ianto was considering getting out, having no idea how long Jack would be gone for and he didn’t want to look like a wrinkled prune! However, for the moment he was warm and relaxed so he topped up the water with some more hot and settled back... A couple of minutes later the door flew open and a blast of cold air accompanied his Captain into the room.

“You miss me?” Jack set his bleeper on the windowsill and perched on the edge of the bath to plant a sloppy kiss on Ianto’s lips.

“You were gone?” a teasing smile curved up the corners of his mouth as he gazed into Jack’s eyes, suddenly grabbing the older man and dragging him into the bath, clothes and all.

Water sloshed wildly over the sides and onto the floor as they kissed frantically, finally surfacing for air laughing helplessly. Together they stripped off Jack’s sodden clothes, tossing them into the sink before laying back in each other’s arms as hands and mouths explored to their mutual satisfaction...

Encased in fluffy white towels they padded through to the bedroom and tumbled onto the bed, soft caresses and gentle kisses gradually building in intensity until they were both panting with desire. Ianto moaned and arched and floated amongst the stars as Jack made love to him, finally falling into a sated sleep, wrapped in his Captain’s arms, a contented smile on his lips.

Jack snuggled closer and buried his nose in Ianto’s hair, thanking the fates for the hundredth time for bringing this gorgeous man into his life. He’d never felt like this before, not even back then – Ianto had captivated him, totally, utterly...it was intoxicating and wonderful and scared the living shit out of him...’what if’s’ bouncing around his head as old memories were dredged up... Closing that particular door firmly, he immersed himself in the unique scent that was simply Ianto and eventually drifted off...

He awoke with a start and peered at the bedside clock, 2:12am, wondering what had woken him, hearing nothing but the slow steady breathing of his young lover and the distant sounds of the boats at their moorings, rhythmic and soothing as they moved with the gentle swell of the sea. Closing his eyes again he settled back down, only for them to fly open as he heard his phone ringing, the sound muffled inside his coat pocket that hung up in the hall downstairs.

He sighed, moving slowly and carefully out of Ianto’s embrace – no need to disturb them both. He paused to gaze down at his young Welshman, catching his breath at the sheer beauty and innocence of his face, serene in sleep God I love him...

Padding naked down the stairs he tugged his phone from his pocket, hoping that it wasn’t a call from control asking for a relief crew as happened from time to time. It was cheaper and more personnel friendly to call the Station Commander and let them phone a crew directly – that way, those unavailable wouldn’t have their sleep disturbed unnecessarily...which was great, Jack mused, if you weren’t said Station Commander! Sliding his phone open he blinked at sixteen missed calls, twelve from John Hart, two from his messaging service and two from a withheld number.

He sat on the stairs and pressed his voicemail service. You have nine new messages... Grimacing, Jack listened, “Captain, it’s Sergeant Stone here, Cardiff Central police station. We’ve had to arrest John Hart for drunk and disorderly conduct. He refuses to talk to anyone, just keeps asking for you. Sorry to disturb your sleep – can you give me a call when you get this, thanks...” Jack swore under his breath, pressed two to save the message and move on to the others, which were, as he’d already feared, a series of slurred drunken and ranting outpourings from John, ranging from the sorrowful and morose “you used to love me Jack...why don’t you love me any more...” to the more threatening “if you’re shagging anyone else you bastard, I promise you, I’ll get ‘em...you’re mine and you’d better fucking remember it!”

Rubbing his jaw, the stubble rough against his palm, he dialled Cardiff Central Police station and was soon speaking to the custody Sergeant, Stone. Hart had now fallen asleep and they agreed that Jack would go down to the station later that morning. Stone thanked him for calling back, apologised again for disturbing him and rang off. Jack buried his face in his hands, jumping when two warm arms slid around him and the heat from Ianto’s body pressed close. “What’s wrong, cariad?” Ianto’s lips brushed against his ear, grounding him instantly and he leant back against him.

“Hart! Got himself arrested for drunken behaviour – seems he was mistaking some elderly couple’s garden for a toilet...I’ll have to go and sort it out later...” he sighed heavily.

“That’s later...now come back to bed?” he kissed Jack’s neck softly, “please...” Threading his fingers in between the older man’s he led them back upstairs and they snuggled together under the quilt. Ianto kissed him sweetly, his eyes closing and was soon sound asleep. Jack held him close, listening to the gentle sound of his breathing, but with the problem of Hart weighing heavy on his mind, it was a long time before Jack went back to sleep.

The alarm went off at five thirty, and it seemed to Jack that he’d only just shut his eyes as he yawned groggily and reluctantly forced his eyes open. Reaching for his Welshman, his arms met empty space and he sat up in alarm, only to heave a sigh of relief as the object of his thoughts came into the bedroom bearing two mugs of aromatic coffee, rather a feat with Jack’s coffee supplies, although Jack’s attention was more drawn to the way his shirt flapped enticingly around Ianto’s otherwise naked body.

“Morning sleepyhead!” Ianto leant down to kiss him lightly, gasping as Jack grabbed him and tugged him onto the bed to be well and truly kissed into oblivion. Once Jack was satisfied he’d rendered him speechless, they sat up in bed and drank their coffee, talking over their plans for the day. Hart wasn’t mentioned by name, but his presence hung heavy in the air – Jack was reluctant to talk about his past relationship with the man and Ianto didn’t want to spoil the good mood they had now...so it remained firmly unspoken...for the moment.

A quick shower, some toast and they were on the road, Ianto grinning at the neatly folded bag of ironing he’d insisted on bringing with them, telling Jack it was symbolic! Jack had merely shaken his head as he’d packed more clothes into his overnight bag.

Dropping Ianto, ironing and clothes back at @Yanno, Jack kissed him softly and headed for Cardiff. Once Jack had driven away, Ianto threw himself into preparations for the day and was stood at the front door gazing idly at the world as he pondered what to do about John Hart, when Pete and Nick came jogging down the road. They slowed to a walk as they approached, ginning somewhat breathlessly.

“Morning!” Ianto grinned back, “energetic start to the day?” the shared look between the two didn’t go unnoticed and he laughed, “okay, a follow up to an energetic start...” and they blushed before chuckling. “Coffee?”

“Not right now, thanks, but I’ll be back for breakfast in a bit...we’re on a fitness drive, aren’t we hon..?” Pete said fondly as Nick nodded, concentrating on getting his breath back.

Ianto smiled, “if you come before we open I’d like to pick your brains, if you don’t mind...breakfast on the house!”

“How could I refuse an offer like that!” Pete winked at him, “see you soon...”  Nick waved wearily as Pete took off at a steady pace, Nick’s longer legs catching him easily by the time they turned the corner.

With his decision made and everything ready for the day, Ianto went upstairs to change and was flicking through his recipe book when Pete tapped on the window at just after seven thirty.

They went through to the kitchen where Ianto had sorted out a selection of breakfast pastries, taking them out of the small oven before returning to the coffee machine to make two signature blends which they took to one of the booths. “So, what’s on your mind, Ianto?”

“You said the other day that you’d keep Hart away from me. What did you mean?”

“Ah, our old friend Hart...what’s Jack told you?”

“That John is his ex, they had two exciting weeks together that took them five years to end – those were his exact words. He said it wasn’t a good ending and Hart went into rehab for drink, drugs and sex, but he’s a good firefighter and he knows that any more trouble and he’ll be out...”

“Well that’s as good a summary as any. I was there for the end as I joined towards the end of ninety eight and they were well into meltdown by then. Jack tried to break it off numerous times, Hart would go completely off the rails, drinking, drugs, inappropriate  guests...he’d get arrested, Jack would sort it out, but it was ripping him apart – and the station was suffering as well...Jack wasn’t sleeping, wasn’t eating...he didn’t know what to do for the best – for him or the brigade... Owen was more or less running things here until John lost it again one night and shoved Jack off a roof – he was lucky, landed in a pile of bin bags so the only injuries were a few bumps and bruises. After that he put John into rehab.

It killed him to do it, but it was the only thing he could do... It was six months before John came back to the station – on probation – and he seemed a changed man. Since then he’s had a string of short term relationships but I don’t think he’s ever given up hope that Jack will take him back...which he won’t ever do and I’ve seen the way you look at each other...Jack’s yours from the tips of his toes up to the roots of his hair; I’ve never seen him so happy...and I’m so pleased for you both...I hope Nick and I can find even a tenth of what you have...

If you want to know more about the Jack and John era you need to talk to Owen, they go waaaay back...” Pete drained his coffee and slid from the booth. “Now, I have to run or I’ll be late for clinic. Thanks for breakfast and remember I’m here for you anytime...me and Nick...okay, just shout!” he pressed a brief kiss to the Welshman’s cheek before letting himself out the front door.

Ianto was still sat in the booth when Rhi came through with Sue. “What was that all about?” she narrowed her eyes, “you better not be cheating on your lovely Captain!”

Ianto rolled his eyes, “as if! That was Pete, another firefighter. He was helping me with some research and background...and he’s happy in a relationship, okay! Now why don’t the two of you have your breakfast and stop bugging me” he snapped testily, stalking to the coffee machine where he made Rhi’s cappuccino and a chocolate truffle for Sue before clearing the table from his and Pete’s breakfast and throwing the crockery bad temperedly into the dishwasher.

He felt a little better when his phone beeped in his pocket and he tugged it out to see a message from Jack. Hart sorted. Seemed contrite, apologised, accepted a caution. I’ve put him on leave for 24 hours. Off to work now. Will see you at lunch. ILY J x 

Tapping a swift reply, Ianto smiled as he pressed send and order was restored in his head. Jack loved him and no other and the green goblins receded...

The morning passed swiftly, both Ianto and Sue elated when he sold several fruit teas...little things he told himself, laughing. Jack popped in at lunchtime with Gav and they had a coffee and a bagel each, chatting about nothing in particular in between Ianto’s customers until, with a squeeze of his hand that said far more than the casual eye would discern, they were gone again.

Two fifteen saw the shop empty, prompting Ianto to note in his book to monitor opening times... So with most of the clearing up already done, it was a swift exit at three for the ladies, Ianto waving them off with a smile before locking up behind them. As he made himself a vanilla blend, a tapping on the front door drew a deep groan- he wasn’t in the mood for visitors...

 

Continued in Chapter 15 http://zazajb.dreamwidth.org/49440.html