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[ ACTIVE / CLOSED ]

Who: John Sheppard & Ianto Jones
What: Extremely Serious Guard Dog Adoption
When: Early October
Where: Olympia
Warning(s): None!

John has what could be generously described as part of a plan.

He knows what the end looks like, it's the connecting tissue he's really missing. It's Sunday morning, and he's already been for a run and come back for a shower -- is mulling over the best way to try and steer Ianto in the right direction without being instantly overt about it. He's still in the process of making coffee, and John watches him thoughtfully as the room begins to fill with the strong scent of something freshly ground.

"You up for a trip out into Olympia today?" he tries, because maybe he'll get away with being vague. "Just some light recon. I could use a second opinion on some things."

There, space for Ianto to assume something. Like clothes, or furnishings, or something. Actually, they could probably use some of that too. He glances around the place thoughtfully, frowning as he weighs up how boring and annoying both shopping for new sheets might be.

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Ianto raises his eyebrows as he considers it. It'd be nice to have a place to keep his things, to work at home, even when he does have an office, truth be told. He takes another sip of his espresso as he considers it. Smiling softly as he thinks about John planning this, and wondering how long it had been in the works before he'd brought it forward to him.

"Just give me a few minutes to get dressed," he says, taking a few more sips of the espresso before leaving it on the counter to cool. Stepping out across the apartment to grab an outfit to change into before disappearing into the bathroom. Emerging a few minutes later (true to his word) dressed in his trousers and a shirt and waistcoat, frowning as he tries to smooth the wrinkles from his sleeves.

"Wherever we go next, I vote that it has a closet," he fusses, crossing back to the kitchen and picking his coffee back up. Cooler now, he's able to sip it much quicker.

John debates a joke about driving Ianto back into one for a long moment before deciding it's going nowhere good. Instead he finishes zipping up his jacket, drops to sit on the edge of his bed and begins pulling on his shoes.

"That much we can do," he assures him, and pull his laces tight. "You can make a list. Closet, couch, more kitchen space..."

What else. Bigger bathroom? More storage? He grabs for his other shoe and pulls it on, begins doing up the laces quickly.

"Outside space? If you're the gardening type you better speak up now."

Ianto flicks a smile at the other man, tipping back the last of his coffee before reaching into his lapel to pull out a small notepad and pen.

"Closet," he muses aloud, jotting the word down in shorthand as he does. "Couch, kitchen space..."

Maybe John was being facetious when he'd mentioned making a list, but never put it past Ianto Jones to pass up the opportunity for further organization.

He glances up at the other man at the suggestion of a space outside, rattling the idea of it about in his head before he allows himself to answer.

"Do you mean. A garden?"

Does he mean a garden...?

John finishes tying his laces and squints up at Ianto, pushing to his feet and shoving his hands into his pockets to check for his keys and wallet.

"Yes, Ianto, a garden. That's generally where gardening happens."

Right? Does... garden have some alternative meaning in Wales? He lofts an eyebrow, tilts his head toward the door in a silent question. Are they ready, or was there something else Ianto needed before they head out?

Ianto rolls his eyes at the other man's answer, moving to tuck his notepad back into his pocket and moving to cross the room and tie his own shoes on.

"I meant," he speaks up to counter, "a proper garden. You know. Rather than just. A patch of dirt by the front steps, or a planter on the back porch." He glances up at John in the middle of tying his shoes on. "There is a difference, you know. But technically you can garden in all of them."

He moves to tie his other shoe on as well as he continues to admit, a little shyly, "I've never lived anywhere with a garden, honestly. I mean. It would be nice, really. A novelty, in a way. But it's not, you know. A requirement, or anything."

"That I can't promise. Depends what we end up able to afford, it might have to be a patch of dirt to start with."

Outside space in cities tends to be priced pretty high in his experience. John doubts Olympia is any different in that respect, but they can always look. Especially if Ianto would actually like that. He slowly steps closer as Ianto laces his shoes, studying him in thought.

"Guess we need to put the list in priority order too, in case we can't get everything on it."

Which is more important? Temporary office space to use, or a garden?

Ianto straightens from tying his shoes on and reaches for a pair of gloves in the bag by his bed. Black cotton, he thinks they make him look like a butler but he supposes they're not too inconspicuous. And they help with the people on the street, while they're out and about.

"Well, I'm not going to throw a tantrum if I can't grow tomatoes," he teases as he rises to join the other man. "So let's probably put the garden further down the list, unless we can think of some other reason why we might need one."

He raises an eyebrow at John, tilting his head at the door in question of whether he's ready to go himself, before asking aloud, "What about you? What would you be looking for in a new place yourself?"

"A bigger bed."

It's a good starting point, he's sticking to it. That, and honestly? John's requirements are pretty low. He doesn't know what else he wants, because he's really thinking in terms of needs. He's got most everything he needs to survive. Fancy places are nice but he wouldn't strictly mind staying in the one they have.

Moving to the door at the cue he checks his pockets one last time before opening it, holding it open for Ianto.

"More storage," he adds, because that's just functionally useful for stuff in general.

A bigger bed. Ianto likes the sound of that and he turns to flick a smile at John as he walks through the door beside him, demonstrating as much.

Of course the question flickers though his mind a second later and he shoves his hands in his pockets in the attempt to seem nonchalant. Even if there's more weight to the answer than he would like to pretend.

"How many bedrooms would we be looking for?" Considering they’d be moving on from a studio setup it’s not that off-hand of a question after all.

How many bedrooms? John scrunches his face in thought, pulling the door closed behind them and beginning to walk -- hands still pushed into his pockets.

"Two, maybe? Could use the second as your temporary office day to day unless we have a guest or one of us gets sick. Or we get sick of each other, you know. Seems a safe minimum."

Only one seems like it's asking for trouble -- harder to avoid each other and sleep well, and no space for a guest.

"Might not be able to afford more yet," he adds, "unless they're all box rooms."

The perils of being on a limited wage. Compromises will have to be made in more than a few places, but at the same time he's sure they can find somewhere an overall improvement on what they have now.

Ianto flicks John a smile as something warms deep within him at the other man's answer. Sharing a bedroom by necessity is different than sharing one by choice. It makes sense to have a second room in case -- yes, perhaps they might have guests, or if perhaps one of them gets sick and needs the space. Or perhaps if they get in an argument and need the space as well (they've fought before, it's not that far outside the realm of possibility). But to plan for it is... Nice. A bigger bed. One to share. Together.

"Sounds lovely," he says, turning back to glance ahead of them so he doesn't embarrass himself too much in the moment. Collecting himself for a moment before deciding instead to go back to the list of things they'd be looking for.

"Maybe we'd have enough space for a microwave this time," he wonders aloud. You know. So not everything needs to be heated up on the stovetop. Although there's an idea -- "Or a real oven?"

"Real oven would be good time. Why not aim for both? Microwave and real oven!"

Oh, the luxury! John grins, steering his way through the little streets.

"So, two bedrooms, bigger kitchen with preferably a real oven and space for a microwave. Some kinda storage for clothes -- preferably a closet to hang stuff, a couch or space for one..."

What else?

"Possible outside space, but that's not necessarily a deal breaker. You fussy about bathrooms?"

Does Ianto have a preference when it comes to a bath or shower? Does he particularly hate something about their current one?

Ianto throws the other man a sideways glance at the question. Are you honestly asking Ianto Jones whether he's fussy about something? Is the sky blue? Ianto isn't even ashamed to admit the truth at this point.

"Bigger," he says, automatically. "Shower, if I have to choose. Though both would be a luxury." He glances aside at the other man, quirking another smile at him and raising an eyebrow to make certain he catches his drift before repeating himself again.

"Definitely bigger."

"Didn't realise you were such a size queen. Bigger bathroom it is, shower preferable."

He steers Ianto around out of the residential distract into the beginnings of the shops, clearly with a goal in mind, and frowns in thought.

"I think you're probably pickier than me. Maybe you should just pick a top five or something within our budget and then I can look at those."

Since John really isn't as fussed about things like bathrooms or kitchens, he could live pretty much anywhere if he had to.

Having no idea where in particular they are headed, Ianto allows himself to be gently directed as John walks. Making something of a face at the other man's suggestions (size queen, really John?) but it's not a bad idea in the end. Narrowing it down for John to choose a favorite from, they're still both technically choosing together in the end, right?

"Any further requests about what I'll be looking for yourself, then?" he asks. "Location, I suppose. I can keep in mind how far you'd have to go for work. And myself. It's not as though I'd hit the ground running, with what I've got lined up." They might both be working these other jobs for a while yet, even after they've moved into a new place. Just to tie things up and make ends meet.

"Reasonable distance to work would be nice," John admits, "since I'm walking back at awkward hours in the dark."

It'd be nice to not have to walk for an hour in the dark through suspicious narrow streets, but he supposes he could if it was worth it.

"Decent size living area?" he adds, "for our new friend," and he turns to push his way into what -- on glancing around the inside -- is immediately obvious as an animal themed shop. There's rows upon rows of collars, bowls, blankets, food items. The guy behind the counter looks up from reading a magazine and closes it on seeing John, squints between him and Ianto.

"Here to see her again?" he prompts, and John shrugs in answer.

"I needed a second opinion."

Ianto registers that John is leading him into a storefront, but it doesn't click just what sort of a business it is until he glances around the room at the various items on display that he realizes it's a sort of store for pets of some sort. One that apparently actually has animals, as the man at the counter speaks up about her and John replies back in turn.

See her again. Again? Ianto turns to glance aside at the other man, his eyebrows high on his forehead, obviously taken aback. John had mentioned a pet -- a dog -- and Ianto had answered honestly that he'd be interested. But he'd not honestly been certain that John had been serious. Yet here they are, in the shop, and John's already been here before?

"Again?" he repeats aloud. It's the only thought that seems to want to escape him, even though hundreds of others are rattling around his head. Our new friend? Here to see her? Again?

The man behind the counter shrugs and vanishes through a door. There's the sound of something like metal clanging, then a scuffling sound, then he appears backing through the door again and turning. There's an excited yap, and John moves forward and crouches down.

"Heeeeeeeey, hello! Do you remember me?"

He stands up and turns, and in his arms there is a mass of excitable fur that seems to mostly be intent on licking his face.

"Hey, sshhh steady now you're going to make Ianto jealous."

John moves closer, lofting an eyebrow at Ianto, and smiles as the puppy turns and focuses her big ears on the new person. Hello, potential friend!

Here to see her again. The words echo through Ianto as he watches the man disappear through the back and return. As he watches John bend and scoop up a small bundle of fluff that licks excitedly at his face. As he turns to Ianto and smiles and she turns her attention onto him as well.

A puppy. He'd mentioned a puppy before, but now she's here in John's arms and she's precious. And he's gone to look at puppies in secret before bringing this one to Ianto's attention, that's pretty much the icing on the cake here as Ianto reaches forward and ruffles her big fluffy ears. So young they're not both even standing up yet.

"Hallo, there," he murmurs, a gentle smile spreading across his face as she licks at his hand in turn. She's only just a baby, she'll need so much attention and care, Ianto doesn't think -- but then again, he doesn't work for Torchwood anymore, he has to remind himself. And he wouldn't be doing this alone.

He glances up at John from the puppy, momentarily stunned and lost for words.

"This is Ianto," John carries on, since Ianto himself seems to be at a loss for how to handle a puppy. "Do you think you can show him what a good girl you are? Come on, just like we practised."

The puppy wiggles and John turns to set her down. She lunges for Ianto's legs and John clicks his fingers to get her attention, lofting an eyebrow.

"Hey," he says sharply, and she turns quickly to him instead. "She's only nine weeks old," he adds wryly, and shoots Ianto an amused smile as he tries to hold her attention. "Okay, sit!"

She plonks down on her hindquarters and watches him, expectantly. This is sitting, yes? Is it good sitting?

Just like we practiced. Ianto watches as John sets the puppy down at his feet and waits for this good girl trick to be demonstrated. Biting his lip as John struggles with her attention span. Nine weeks old? God, she is young though. So young and so... God, she's so sweet. He can't help but smile down at her as she sits for John at his command.

"Good girl," Ianto praises her softly, before glancing back up at John as he does.

"You practiced this," he repeats again. "John, I... How many times have you visited -- our little friend here?"

Maybe practised sounds weird. John turns to Ianto and his face scrunches a little.

"Twice? I went around a few places seeing the kinda dogs they have."

He didn't come every day for a week or anything, he just wanted to see how obedient she was on the visits so they practised some instructions! Sit and stay and come and that kinda thing. She is meant to help Ianto with his PI stuff after all.

Good girl is enough to get her attention, though, and she turns and makes for Ianto -- stands up on her hind paws to scrabble at his legs. Hello, Ianto! You are very tell and she cannot quite reach you properly!

At the scrabbling at his ankles, Ianto turns back to the little wiggly puppy, bending down to gently shush her and discourage her from attempting to climb any higher up his leg.

“Hey now little one,” he murmurs, easing her off. “Are we ignoring you?” He reaches out to stroke a hand through her soft puppy fur, scratching behind her giant ears —she’s going to grow into them someday but for now they are so big — and ruffling her fluffy scruff as she mouths at his hands.

“Did you hear that?” He continues to ask the dog, though in truth he’s addressing John himself. “John likes you so much he’s brought me along for his blessing to take you home.”

"If you still think it's a good idea," John says, because maybe he doesn't. Maybe Ianto has changed his mind. Maybe he was never that into the idea of a dog to begin with. Maybe he didn't think John was serious?

"We don't have to," John adds, "or, we can wait until we find a place to move to if you want."

Since John can understand that it might all be... too many things at once.

The puppy bounces and begins trying to paw at Ianto's hand while chewing on it, as if fighting a fearsome beast, and John says hey sharply. She lets go reflexively and turns to him, ears perked forward, and sits down against just in case this is the right thing. Sitting is good? The people like when she sits, so she can do it again! Is this right?

"No biting," he says more softly, and she tilts her head, looking around in confusion. Is the sitting working? She isn't sure. How long must she sit?

While he hadn’t honestly thought that John had been serious at the time, the idea of walking away from here and leaving her behind — especially when John has gone through the effort of visiting several times already and picking her out just for them — it just about breaks his heart. No, whatever surprise Ianto might have felt upon arriving in the store and realizing where John had taken him, this is his decision too. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

“What I want,” Ianto replies, watching as the little puppy sits for him and smiling softly as she does before glancing back up at John. “What I want,” he repeats himself, “is to give her a good home. If you think that’s what you want as well.” He looks back to the puppy, smoothing a hand through her fur again as he asks, “How soon would we be able to take her home? We don’t. There’s nothing at the house for her. Are you sure we can really—“

But he stops himself from voicing that last thought aloud. Can they really afford this? If ithere’s anything he’s learned from the way he had grown up, it’s that there is always a way to make ends meet, if need be.

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