(no subject)

[othercaptjack]

Jack has spent the last couple of weeks in a strange balance between relaxing and becoming increasingly stressed. The Doctor is conspicuously absent, and it seems almost certain that if he wants to get back to his home universe - Cardiff or otherwise - he needs to go out to the same place he came in from.

That wasn't fun last time.

So instead of going over options in his head again, he's sitting in his new room drafting a hugely belated resignation letter to Lilly - she's another one he can't find.

Comments

[likesthecoat]

"No." He holds Jack's hand tighter. "And even if it were--it's too strong, even for you."

He takes a deep breath and says, almost in a whisper, "Stay with me."

[othercaptjack]

"I'm not going anywhere."

Something he keeps saying and then proving wrong. He exhales softly, and turns toward Ianto again with more purpose.

"Come on, let's get you out of that jacket. I want to check you're in one piece."

[likesthecoat]

Ianto nods and starts pulling off his jacket, wincing as it pulls on the bruised spots.

"Sorry this is such a bad time."

[othercaptjack]

Jack snorts, giving him a hand as best he is able - assisting with undressing in an entirely non-sexual capacity is really Ianto's area of expertise.

"Because of course this was entirely your idea," he says dryly.

[likesthecoat]

"You know what I mean," Ianto mutters.

[othercaptjack]

"Yeah," says Jack, laying the jacket down and beckoning Ianto closer to he can start on his shirt buttons.

"I know."

[likesthecoat]

Ianto moves closer but lets Jack unbutton his shirt without getting in his way.

"Could be worse, I suppose."

[othercaptjack]

Jack nods, just a little grimly.

The other reason that he tends to run into danger first (apart from poor impulse-control) is that he's the one who gets up after.

The shirt that he's unbuttoning slowly reveals the bruised skin underneath, and Jack takes a moment to grit his teeth before undoing the rest.

[likesthecoat]

Ianto looks himself over and finally the tension in him relaxes. "No bleeding."

[othercaptjack]

"Yes," Jack confirms, "The suit will be fine. It's the rest of you that concerns me. Stay there, I'll get a cold towel."

It's one thing he could get used to about staying here - the en-suite bathroom.

[likesthecoat]

Ianto cocks an eyebrow at him but stays put as Jack goes for the towel.

Oddly enough, he was not overly concerned about the suit. He knows how to get blood out. He has to, with this job.

[othercaptjack]

It's one way to handle things; direct flippant remarks every which way. Jack does it a lot.

He also returns with a creditably icy-cold towel. "Okay with me doing this? Put that blanket around your shoulders. No need to get colder than necessary."

Also, Jack's seen shock before, and few things are as therapeutic yet simple as a soft quilt wrapped around you.

[likesthecoat]

Ianto nods and pulls the blanket around him. "I'm ready."

[othercaptjack]

Jack gets down on one knee beside the bed to apply the cold, wet towel to as much bruised skin as he can manage, smoothing it down from shoulder to Ianto's lower back.

"How's your head feeling?" he asks.

[likesthecoat]

"Okay, I think. I'm not nauseous or anything. Just a headache."

He touches Jack's hair in a silent thank you.

[othercaptjack]

Jack half-smiles up at him, still holding the towel on.

"Good," he says. "We'll leave a message about this demon later. People will need a heads-up if it comes back."

[likesthecoat]

"All right. I don't know if security can do anything about it, though."

[othercaptjack]

"They can be aware," Jack says.

"And some of the patrons may pitch in, if this thing is that powerful. They do, on occasion."

By they, Jack means 'we.' Even in his immoral, irresponsible youth, he has his uncontrollably heroic moments.

[likesthecoat]

Ianto glances at him and smiles. "I'm sure they do."

[othercaptjack]

Jack nods.

"What's your friend's name?" he asks.

Might as well be thorough.

[likesthecoat]

"Sam. Sam Winchester. Tall bloke--like, tall, and messy dark hair."

[othercaptjack]

He hasn't met him. Jack is uncomfortably aware that that will make it easier to shoot him if it comes down to that at any point.

But hopefully it will be taken out of his hands.

"Right." He carefully lifts the towel up. The heat of Ianto's body has taken the chill from it somewhat, and some of the redness around the bruising has gone down.

[likesthecoat]

"How's it looking?" Ianto asks quietly.

[othercaptjack]

"Could be worse," Jack says quietly.

"I'm going to run this under the tap again. Don't go anywhere."

[likesthecoat]

"Yes, Captain." He draws the blanket a little closer around himself. "I'd like to stay with you tonight. Is that all right?"