In Sickness and in Health (11/?)
I've finally managed to post something which in itself is a miracle. I am so sorry it took this long, I blame Ianto, he was not talking to me. Well, he was which was kind of my problem. Anyway, this chapter is a lot shorter than I intended it to be but it kind of felt right to stop at this point. Huge thanks tounrequited1984 anddark_oracle_ran for their many suggestions and patience:) The part of the conversation starting "I'm not a child etc" was largely influenced bydark_oracle_ran Anyway, enjoy:)
When Jack awoke, the bed was empty, the sheets cold. Running a hand over his face, he got up and padded down the hall, stopping to lean in the doorframe to watch his young lover sweeping up the last of the glass. He also noticed Ianto was dressed in his work clothes though not a tie.
“I’d’ve done that,” he said quietly. It was slightly disconcerting how quickly and efficiently Ianto had managed to clean up. As if he were trying to pretend nothing had happened.
“I can manage,” muttered Ianto, wincing as he straightened.
“You’re in pain,” stated Jack, not missing the look of discomfort pass over the younger man’s face.
“I said I can manage, Jack,” snapped Ianto, as he brushed the glass into the bin.
“And I’ve said you don’t have to,” said Jack calmly, perching on the arm of the sofa.
“I am not a child, Jack,” said Ianto curtly as he moved into the kitchen. He was embarrassed enough as it was without Jack pitying him.
“I know you’re not,” said Jack quietly, keeping his tone and body neutral as he regarded the young man who still refused to look at him.
“Then stop treating me like one,” snapped Ianto a lot more confrontationally than he’d intended. Why wouldn’t Jack believe he wasn’t worth his concern?
Jack stayed silent for a moment, taken aback by Ianto’s abruptness before it all started to fall into position; Ianto felt unnecessarily ashamed about what had happened to him and would wrongfully interpret any kindness shown to him as pity. Hence the unreasoned outburst. It made Jack wonder how he’d coped in the past. He hadn’t was the short answer.
“I’m not the enemy here, Ianto,” he said calmly, holding Ianto’s gaze, refusing to lose his temper as he knew that if he did, it would only confirm Ianto’s insecurities and that was the last thing the kid needed.
Ianto kept eye contact for a moment before dropping his eyeline to the floor. “I’ll see you at work, Sir,” he murmured, choosing to force a change in subject.
“No. I’m not having you at work whilst you’re like this,” said Jack firmly, causing Ianto to look back up, his eyes blazing with anger.
“You can’t dictate what I do!”
“I am your boss. You are hurt and upset. You will make mistakes. I’m not having you kill yourself because you want to prove some kind of point!” said Jack coldly as he stood in front of Ianto, invading his personal space, hoping to make him see sense so he’d back down.
“I’ll manage,” said Ianto just as forcefully.
“You can’t. Please, Ianto, whatever self destruct button you’ve pressed just...cancel it hey? Get some sleep, have something to eat, I’ll stay but please, stop blaming yourself,” said Jack softly, gently stroking his hair back.
“I can’t. I won’t be a victim, Jack,” said Ianto quietly, his eyes pleading with Jack to let him have this one ounce of control.
Upon seeing he wouldn’t be able to get through to the young man, Jack nodded his assent. “Okay, but I want you to get Owen to look you over.”
“No.”
“Yes. Your ribs are badly bruised for all we know they could be fractured and you’ve fainted twice in the last five or so days. Please, Ianto, if you can’t do this for yourself, do it for me,” pleaded Jack, keeping eye contact as he pressed a kiss to Ianto’s cut hands.
Reluctantly, Ianto nodded, withdrawing his hand from the Captain’s hold. “Fine. But I’m not telling him what happened,” he said as he walked down the hallway.
Jack sighed; grudging acceptance of his help: he could work with that.
http://welsh-scotsman.livejournal.com/9742.html chapter twelve