Slashthedrabble Challenge 578 - Plans interrupted

[m_findlow]

Title: Plans interrupted
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters: Jack, Ianto
Author: m_findlow
Rating: PG
Length: 500 words
Content notes: none
Author notes: Written for Challenge 578 - Interrupt at slashthedrabble
Summary: Ianto isn't having much luck trying to multitask.

Ianto began crossing things off his notepad in order as he covered them off on the phone with the party planner. Each was carefully marked in shorthand so that no one knew what he'd written. He didn't want Jack a mopping in here and finding his list. It was meant to be a surprise after all. He didn't need a planner so much as he needed a spare pair of expert hands to make sure it was all done on time.

He was halfway through finalising the table decorations when Jez knocked and held up some files. 'Can I drop these off for you?'

Ianto nodded. 'Yeah, okay, leave them there.'

'I thought you wanted the balloon ornaments on the food tables, not the guest tables,' said the voice on the other end of the line.

'Yes, no, of course. I want people to be able to talk to each other across the tables, not have them blocking everyone's view. On the back wall of tables behind the food would be fine.'

'We've got smaller ones if you like. They're only half as tall.'

'No, just stick to the confetti and sequins on the tables.'

'Okay. Now, we'll be wanting to check out the hall you've hired and to take up some measurements for the streamer chains.'

Ianto ticked another thing off his list. 'Yes, I've got the keys you can pick up. I'll leave them in the letterbox.'

Adelaide stuck her head through his door. 'Boss, when did you say that costings report had to be done by?'

'Tomorrow.' Adelaide nodded and left.

'Tomorrow? I thought we said Wednesday?'

'Sorry, I was talking to somebody else. Wednesday the keys will be there.'

'No worries. Might not be until the afternoon though. Got a bar mitzvah to arrange in the morning.'

'Ianto, I borrowed those files on the immigration policy!' Jack called out using his office as a shortcut to his own, clutching them under his arm.

Ianto ignored him. 'No problem. Pop them back when you're done. I probably won't be home until late.'

Jack frowned. 'What? You promised no more crazy hours, and I'm cooking tonight.'

Ianto gripped the receiver. 'Not you, Jack! I'm on the phone!'

'But...'

'I will be home in time for team. Now bugger off with those files and let me finish my phone call in peace, for pity's sake!'

'Okay, okay, no need to be so grumpy! Jack left, sulking.'

'I'm really sorry about that. Now where were we?'

'Just about done I think. Foods ordered and paid for, balloon ornaments back tables, confetti for the guest tables and we'll have all the other decorations measured up and installed by Friday morning ready for your big do on Friday night.'

'Excellent.'

'Sounds like you're knackered before you've even got there. Won't be much of a surprise party if the one organising it is too tired to enjoy it.'

Ianto sighed. 'I swear, next year I'm just buying him a nice box of chocolates.'