m_findlow

Title: Playing favourites
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters: Ianto, Jack
Author: m_findlow
Rating: PG
Length: 500 words
Content notes: none
Author notes: Written for Challenge 548 - Compete at slashthedrabble
Summary: Ianto knows Jack flirts but that doesn't mean he always has to like it.

'You are just the sweetest thing,' Jack crooned, giving the young man his best smile as he handed over the alien device, which ten minutes ago had been locked in the lord mayor's personal chambers. 'You're sure you're not going to get in any trouble over this? It is stealing, after all.'

The aide made doe eyes at Jack. 'I can take care of myself.'

'That's a shame,' Jack replied. 'I kinda like helping damsels in distress.'

'I bet you do.'

Ianto rolled his eyes, his annoyance growing as he clipped the case shut, sealing the device inside. 'We're good to go now if your ready,' he said, throwing an icy glare at the pair of them. 'In fact, we're actually running late.'

'Nice meeting you,' Jack said, tipping him a salute. 'Don't forget me, hey?'

'Never,' he promised. 'Any time you need something from the mayor's office, just call me.'

'I might call even if I don't need anything.'

'Ahem,' Ianto coughed loudly, interrupting them. 'If we could get going?'

'Sure,' Jack replied. 'We'll see you around.'

Back at the SUV, Ianto thrust open the door and practically threw the case in the back, slamming the door harder than was necessary.

'What's up with you?' Jack asked. 'You could at least try being friendly.'

'To him or you? I shouldn't have to compete for your affection.'

Jack frowned. 'That sounds oddly like you're jealous.'

Ianto bristled at Jack's response. 'Perhaps I am. Why should you be the only one who gets to be jealous? At least you never have anything to be genuinely worried about.'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

How was he supposed to explain to Jack what was abundantly clear to everyone else? There was never any risk of Ianto taking off with someone else. Who'd want him, all plain and ordinary, with all his baggage? Jack on the other hand? Everyone wanted Jack. And why not? He was gorgeous and funny and brave and smart. He could have anyone he wanted and anyone had to be more interesting than Ianto.

'Come here, you idiot,' Jack said, pulling him into his arms. 'You have absolutely nothing to worry about. I want you and nobody else for as long as we have, which I hope is a very long time. I just can't help it that I flirt with people sometimes. It doesn mean anything, I promise. It's just me.'

'I know,' Ianto said, sighing and melting into Jack's touch. 'That doesn't mean it's easy watching you lead everybody on all the time. Sometimes it's like I don't even exist.'

'Oh, Ianto,' Jack said, pressing a kiss to his forehead. 'Just when I think it's not possible I could adore you anymore. No one is getting between us. Ever. I'd be more worried about someone flirting with you.'

'Never gonna happen.'

'Why not? Who wouldn't want someone as sexy as you?'

Ianto managed a smile at that. 'Flattery will get you everywhere.'

Jack chuckled. 'Don't I know it?'