Slashthedrabble Challenge 638 - Late for tea

[m_findlow]

Title: Late for tea
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters: Ianto, Jack
Author: m_findlow
Rating: PG
Length: 500 words
Content notes: none
Author notes: Written for Challenge 638 - Delay at slashthedrabble
Summary: Jack can't understand why Ianto hasn't shown up and takes matters into his own hands.


Jack had lost patience. He'd been standing outside the restaurant for over an hour and Ianto still hadn't shown up. Meetings with heads of departments in London were bad enough, but this was ridiculous. Jack knew Ianto must still be stuck in their meeting because he hadn't answered his phone or texted. He should have had time to spare, finishing at six, time to go back to the hotel to freshen up, and be ready for a 7.30 pre-dinner cocktail.

Jack hailed a black cab and gave him the address. It wasn't far but Jack didn't feel like walking when he had a head of steam to let loose in short order. He was through security, up the stairs and through the double mahogany doors before anyone could tell him no.

Jack half expected Ianto to look furious at him for interrupting their meeting, or at least a little embarrassed. Instead he seemed to be relieved, like Jack had come to the rescue at just the right moment.

A UNIT general frowned at Jack. He couldn't remember the guy's name. 'What's the meaning of this?'

Jack checked his watch. 'Well, this was supposed to finish by six and it's now nearly nine. I had a dinner date with Ianto and wondered what was taking him. He's a punctual kinda guy. Never late. So, what's the delay here? I thought this was meant to be a simple catchup to clarify responsibilities.'

'It was,' Ianto said. 'Until UNIT and MoD here realised neither of them could agree on who is meant to take on ultimate oversight for international alien surveillance operations.'

'The Ministry has limited intelligence on alien matters.'

'Because you won't share. And you have limited military capabilities.'

'Because we don't get the same generous funding as you.'

'So take it up with the government.'

Jack sighed. 'So, let me ask you, are either of you prepared to concede to the other under any set of circumstances?'

'No,' they both replied in unison without a moment's hesitation. Oi. No wonder Ianto looked like he was desperate to get out of there.

'Okay,' Jack said. 'That seems to make the solution really simple. We'll take over responsibility.'

'Jack, I don't think-' Ianto began, about to protest that they didn't have the time or energy to do other department's jobs for them, but he was cut off by a sputtering of protests, though they quickly became feeble as Jack tossed a cold blue-eyed glare in their direction.

'You're not giving us any other options here, so it's up to you. All I really wanted was to make our dinner date. We had reservations at La Chateaux and I drove three hours from Cardiff to be here. I didn't think I was going to have to knock heads together.' He held out a hand. 'Ianto, we're off for dinner. These two can stay here and argue all night why Torchwood shouldn't be in charge. Maybe then you'll find a way to work together.'