(no subject)

[othercaptjack]

This is going to be difficult.

Jack steeples his fingers for a moment, elbows on his desk, and rests his forehead against them. His fingers feel cold. He'd wondered whether it was wise or not to hold this particular chat in his office, but... it's mostly private, especially with the rest of Torchwood at home for the evening, and if it's a little coldly professional, well- it is, mostly, a professional matter.

It should be entirely professional. Maybe talking to Ianto Jones in his office will help him remember that. He'd sent the boy home in a cab, after Lisa was dead, and more or less ordered him to sleep for no less than ten hours, then stay at home, and not come back until this meeting. Which Jack is now kicking himself for, because preofessionalism or not, this is still in the hub, and that can't be helpful. He wants to be logical before going into the emotional side.

Myfanwy screeches somewhere high above, and Jack sighs to himself. He can only hope that he can be of some help, today. This isn't just a disciplinary talk. This has to tell him more about Ianto than rereading his file will give.

He just hopes he won't get shot again. That's always so hard to explain.

Comments

[likesthecoat]

Ianto's face twists.

He knows--in his heart he knew--but the words still stab.

"Torchwood won't be happy until it's stripped us of everything," he says bitterly.

[othercaptjack]

Jack doesn't even notice that he's stepped closer, and is on the verge of invading personal space that Ianto probably really needs right now.

"No," he says, almost softly. "It's a job that takes, and destroys, and never stops. And I think it's worth it - but if you don't, that's what these two weeks are for. So you can decide."

[likesthecoat]

"And what if I have nothing left to give," he says in a voice that's flat and empty.

[othercaptjack]

"You'd be surprised how many employees carry on because of just that," Jack says.

Owen. Tosh.

Jack, and his spartan existence in a room just above the main hub. The pause stretches just a little further than is comfortable.

"It's better than nothing."

[likesthecoat]

Ianto shakes his head.

He's young and in love and grieving, and that doesn't make for wisdom. Or even reason.

"There's a difference between nothing left to give and nothing left to lose."

[othercaptjack]

Jack just looks at him, very tired all of a sudden, but calmer.

"If that's true, then you can still change your mind," he says gently, and resists the urge to touch Ianto's hair or shoulder - just something. He always was physical in relating to other people, and not just when it came to sex. He folds his arms instead, watching Ianto's pale, anguished face sadly but steadily.

[likesthecoat]

Ianto closes his eyes.

"If I have nothing left to lose, I stay. If I have nothing left to give, I go." He laughs mirthlessly. "Never a man for easy questions, sir."

[othercaptjack]

"Never, unless you count the odd 'your place or mine?'" Jack confirms, truthfully.

[likesthecoat]

"My bed's bigger," Ianto says automatically.

[othercaptjack]

...Okay, and Jack's not forgetting that in a hurry.

He quirks an almost amused eyebrow.

"And don't think I won't bear that in mind," he says. But... Ianto's grieving, and damaged, and probably at least partly hates him, and the last thing he wants to do is manage to shatter him even more.

Dammit, when did he get responsible?

[likesthecoat]

Ianto looks away and mutters, "Sorry. Habit.

"I should go."

Before he says something worse.

[othercaptjack]

"Never apologise for flirting, intentionally or not," Jack reproves lightly, before nodding, and finally taking a step back, tension lessening.

"Can you get back all right?"

[likesthecoat]

"Yes, of course," Ianto says and opens the big round door. As it rolls back He glances at Jack. "Goodbye, Jack." He steps through.

[othercaptjack]

Jack chews on his lip without quite realising what he's doing, for only a few moments, but long after the door had closed.

Finally he sighs, and heads back up to his office.