Events that immediately follow on from the end of 'Meat' a short ONE SHOT

'STUPID'

Jack's attention was diverted from the CCTV monitor by the slamming of his office door. Half expecting to see Ianto standing there Jack was more than a little taken aback to be confronted by Owen. Before Jack could breathe in let alone plaster a gleaming smile on his face Owen leaned himself across Jack's desk, hands splayed on the paper work, his face a livid red mask.

"Were you born stupid?"

Jack's eyebrows climbed into his hairline. He opened his mouth to respond to the insult, but Owen just kept on.

"You are the biggest twat on the planet Harkness. Aside from breaking every single one of your own rules, you proceed to hurt your boyfriend's feelings by declaring your love for some one else in front of the entire team!"

Jack gaped at him and Owen was shocked to discover that Jack was actually surprised by his revelation.

"What is the matter with you Jack? You have no idea what you have just done, do you?"

More than a little stunned Jack just shook his head. "Enlighten me Owen." He flashed his smile, which had the opposite intended effect.

"Jesus, you are denser than I thought. Everyone moans at me about being insensitive. For a start off YOU should have Retconned Rhys, not given the Gwen the option and secondly you need to apologise to Ianto."

The light dawned. "Oh."

"Yes. Oh. That boy has spent the day being tied up and held at gun point and all you can do is say Oh, and to top it off, you shout through the Hub about how you'd rather be with some one else other than him. Do you have any idea how difficult it is for him to be in a relationship with you? That idiot tea boy loves you beyond reason. You are the only thing that matters in his world and all you do is treat him like shit….."

"I do not!"

Owen sighed at the retort. "When was the last time you took him out? Or made HIM a cup of coffee, or asked how his day went? Come on Jack, when?"

Jack shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"Thought so."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Jack, when you came back you promised him things would be better between the two of you….."

Jack's eyes narrowed. "What's he said to you?"

"Nothing Jack, he hasn't said a dam thing, he's going back into his shell again because you are falling back on old habits. He was brilliant whilst you were away and it was hard work for him to get over being abandoned like that. You broke his heart, you keep breaking it. If you really don't give a shit then cut him loose." Owen slumped down on the other chair.

"Since when you did you care about him?"

That did it, Owen launched himself to his feet and drew his fist back about to punch. He thought the better of it and instead he wagged his finger in Jack's face. "Because Harkness, whilst you were away that boy nearly died saving my life, he spent two weeks holding Gwen and Tosh because they kept balling their eyes out over you and he took on all your work without a single word of complaint. He lived in this shit hole Hub for 5 months so the rest of us didn't have to. You do not deserve that kind of loyalty and you certainly do not deserve his love." He lowered his hand.

Jack was looking suitable chastised.

"Have I really been that bad?"

Owen nodded.

"Why hasn't Ianto said anything to me?"

"You've run out on him before Jack, he's afraid you'll do it again."

Jack leaned back in his chair and let out a huge sigh.

"You Know what Owen?"

"What?"

"You're right. I am stupid."