Ianto and Jack | Backdated to June 6

[om_griffin]

Ianto has a stronger reaction to his classmates getting kidnapped by Mojo than he anticipated. Jack tries to reassure him, but just causes more distress when he reveals the nature of his mutation.



Ianto drew a slow breath through his nose, clenching his right hand every few seconds as he waited for the kettle to boil. He had closed his eyes to encourage calm, but instead he felt like he could see his thoughts race across the backs of his eyelids.

Christ, he chastised himself. It wasn't like he had even known the students who had been taken, or not well. He'd seen them, obviously. Had watched them the way he watched everyone - silently observing their lives unfold in public spaces, their joy and annoyance, raucous Friday meals and sleepy Monday mornings.

And they had been taken, kidnapped by some madman with no one the wiser. For a bloody week.

He clenched his fist again.

Seeing Ianto's intense concentration (and suspecting that it wasn't actually related to the kettle in front of him), Jack knocked on the empty door frame before coming in. "Working on a new ability there?" he asked dryly.

Ianto jerked his head upwards at the knock but calmed down quickly when he heard Jack's voice. Softening his quirked eyebrow with a smile, he replied, deadpan, "Oh yes, I'm seeing if I can will the tea into brewing itself. If hundreds of thousands of Brits haven't managed yet through pure determination, though, I don't have much hope."

"Never give up on a dream," Jack told him, nodding sagely. "A little jumpy there. You doing okay?"

Ianto's eyes slid right back to the kettle at that. "Perfectly fine," he attempted to sound cheery, or at least neutral. Thankfully the kettle decided to finally whistle.

Jack sat down at the table, raising an eyebrow at the younger boy. "Care to try that again? Wasn't very convincing the first time."

Ianto huffed out an exasperated breath - of course Jack wouldn't bother picking up on his not-so-subtle cues. He absent-mindedly pulled down another mug and filled it with hot water, dropping teabags into the two mugs before turning around. "Of course I'm fine," he dropped the mug in front of Jack with a small thud. "Several students have been kidnapped and held against their will with no one the wiser, but they've been rescued now so apparently there's no reason for concern."

Ianto blinked, surprised at the vitriol in his tone, and sat down across from Jack heavily. "Alright, maybe fine is an exaggeration."

"Ya think?" There was no bite to it. Jack was still eying the tea that had just been put in front of him, a bit of a smile on his lips. All you had to do was exist near Ianto and he'd start taking care of you.

Ianto rolled his eyes. Jack was like a lighthearted older brother who happened to make occasional scandalous comments; Ianto could always count on him for a smirk and a piece of advice from his student days. "Oh," he suddenly recalled, "you're in security now. Were you involved in," he made a loose gesture with his hand to indicate 'all that.'

Jack nodded. "Peripherally, but yes."

"Jack," Ianto looked up at him, eyes serious and sad, "what happened?"

More solemnly now, Jack answered honestly. "As soon as we found them, the team went in. The students were well-trained, they were already staging a breakout. We got them back."

Pursing his lips, Ianto asked the obvious question, "But how did they get taken."

"Individually, outside the school." It was the best answer Jack had so far. There were leads, but nothing solid yet. "It didn't appear to be tied to us."

Ianto narrowed is eyes slightly. "So it's pure chance that multiple students got kidnapped as soon as they left the school."

Jack sighed. "Unfortunately, New York seems to be a high-traffic area." After all, he'd been working in New York with the Facility... Wryly, Jack added, "If it makes you feel any better, there are dangers worldwide."
"Ta for that," Ianto sighed. "You know, Daniel and I have been planning trips into the city. Should we not?"

"Nah, you should be fine. Maybe give it a week or two, but neither of you are out, and I doubt you're planning to show off any flashy abilities." A fair assumption, given that that Ianto basically turned invisible and Daniel, at best, sounded like a crazy person. "Of course, if you want an escort, just let me know."

"And you can protect us from, from secret organizations targeting mutants?" He could have sounded disbelieving but it came out wistful, missing the sense of security he'd had only yesterday.

"Better than most," Jack offered, mostly aiming for helpful. He also knew how quickly that sense of safety could disappear. "I know what to look for."

"How," Ianto asked, a little abrupt. "How can you, or anyone, know what to look for. Do they wear matching shirts?" Yeah, defensive sarcasm wasn't exactly his best trait.

Jack set his jaw against Ianto's tone, but reminded himself to be patient. "No, that's typically the tourists," he replied tartly, despite his effort. He exhaled. "Just trust me, I've got field experience."

Ianto looked down briefly, abashed at the tone he'd taken - Jack wasn't the source of his stress, it wasn't fair for him to react like that. The apology on his lips was quickly replaced when he remembered that Jack had only graduated and started working security recently. "But didn't you only graduate last year? How many threats does the school face in a year?"

"Didn't say I got it here," Jack replied flatly, partly out of crankiness and partly to avoid the specifics of his job. Plenty of threats cropped up, especially now that the school was public.

Ianto was a little taken aback, not so much by what Jack said but because this was a very different Jack than the one he was used to. He also wasn't distressed enough not to sense the 'keep away' aura Jack was putting out. And he didn't have a right to Jack's history.

"Alright," Ianto said, conciliatory, adding, "I do trust you, you know."

...what? Jack raised an eyebrow, not sure he understood Ianto. "Come again?"

Ianto raised his eyebrows in turn, only slightly mocking. Did Jack have no memory? "I trust that you're telling me the truth. And to protect us in the city, I suppose. I doubt anything will make me less paranoid that we're all going to end up murdered in an ally, though. Not for a little while." And not while he was with people he cared about.

Despite himself, Jack huffed a laugh. "No, probably just me. I have that effect on people." He raised his tea for a big drink, eyebrows flicking upward. "At least it doesn't stick, right?"

Mug halfway to his mouth in a mirrored move, Ianto furrowed his brow. "What?"

"What, no one told you I'm the walking dead?" Everything in Jack's expression was carefully arranged to say disbelief and amusement. He was surprised that Ianto didn't know - though it probably followed, since he didn't seem to know about Jack's "previous work experience" either.

"I, what?" The mug hit the table with a soft click. He felt like he should be able to put together what Jack was saying, but his mind was shying around the implications.

Apparently Jack had managed to short circuit the younger boy. Something twinged inside him at the thought, at the way Ianto was looking at him right now. He took another big gulp of his tea before shaking his head dismissively. "It's a dumb joke, nevermind."

"Oh, Jack," sympathy infused Ianto's voice as he made himself accept what Jack had said. "Claudia said something about resetting back, but I had no idea." After all, it wasn't exactly a power you stumbled upon by accident. His 'previous experience' was now seen in a much more sinister light. "Oh, Jack," he repeated helplessly.

Now that was even worse, as far as Jack was concerned. "Would you cool it? I'm not dead."

Ianto didn't understand why Jack was so adverse to his reaction, so he decided to just respond with the truth. "Not now, no. But you were - at least once - and the idea of you having to go through that makes me incredibly sad."

Jack snorted - because what else could he do? - and drawled, "Well, no one was sad then, and no point being sad now. Like I said, it doesn't stick. Which, if you think about it," and yes, Jack was absolutely being flippant and trying to steer them back toward humor, "is a really excellent quality for someone in my line of work."

Ianto's eyes narrowed dangerously for a moment. "Well, then it's good you have better friends now." He wasn't going to completely let Jack laugh off this revelation. He did admit, "Since your power means that you are here when you might not have been, then yes. It is a good power for you to have."

"Great, now I'm getting lectures from freshman," Jack replied flatly. "I'm fine," he stressed. This was not the conversation he'd set out to have. "You're the one I'm worried about."

"And I'm worried about everyone equally." That was only partially a lie - Ianto definitely had favorites. "And if it makes you feel better, I'm in year 11 now." He gave Jack a small grin.

Jack pointedly rolled his eyes. "And my point is that if you want someone keeping you safe, it's good to have someone who can take a hit and get right back up. And another thing," he said, gesturing at Ianto with his mug of tea, "this is America. You'll only be in tenth grade."

"Yes yes, America," Ianto rolled his eyes. While he desperately wanted to make a comment about not taking needless risks, he hadn't actually been in a position to see if Jack sacrificed himself for no reason (based on how he was talking, though, Ianto had his suspicions). "I prefer Sophomore - it's less confusing."

"The point stands," Jack replied. "No lectures from sophomores."

"No lectures," Ianto looked down at his mug. "Is concern allowed?"

"Yeah, but only when it's appropriate," Jack replied. What was going on in this kid's head? He'd expected more of a 'you came back from the dead? what was it like' line of inquiry, not... whatever this was. "Which it's not right now. Right now, I'm here to see how you're doing in the wake of everything."

Ianto wouldn't deny he was curious, but those weren't the sort of questions you asked over the kitchen table. He let out a long sigh. "Is there an appropriate way to react to these sorts of things? Daniel seems to be handling it just fine."

That made Jack smile. "Daniel's got a loose grip on reality at best," he pointed out affectionately. He liked visiting the pair, but Daniel always seemed surprised to see him, always looked like his mind was somewhere else entirely. Ianto, on the other hand, managed to be in tune with Daniel and the rest of the world.

God, they were gonna be a cute couple. "But mostly people are unnerved. Some are angry, others are scared." Harley, the girl who still aggressively resented his presence, came to mind in the latter category. "Mostly I think people are looking after each other."

"Hmm, I can do that, at least." Taking care of other people was second nature for Ianto. He couldn't protect them from threats the way Jack or some of the others could, but he could try to make them happier in the safe times.

Though, maybe he could try to see if his power could extend to others - keep more than just him hidden away.

I don't think you could *not* do that, Jack thought but didn't say. Which, now that he thought about it, was probably why he'd wanted to check up on the younger boy. Daniel, bless him, certainly wouldn't.
Instead, he went with, "Just don't forget to watch out for yourself too."

Ianto tilted his head slightly. "Likewise."

A little smirk pulled at one side of Jack's lips. "You worried about me?" It seemed ridiculous - Jack had, what five years on him? And an entire life and death of experience on top of that.

Apparently Jack's memory was really going in his old age. Ianto blinked once and took a sip of his tea. Probably simple answers were best. "Yes."

Still amused, Jack's forehead furrowed. "And why's that?"

"Because you're my friend," Ianto was working very hard at avoiding sarcasm, since that would just be a reason for Jack to ignore what he was saying.

"Heh. Well thanks," Jack said, meaning thanks for the friendship. "But there's nothing to worry about. Scout's honor." He even pulled the scout sign. ...or, something that approximated it probably, but Ianto wasn't from around here.

Ianto brushed aside Jack's frivolity, leaning forward with a serious expression. Apparently Jack really was this oblivious. "It doesn't matter if you're healed instantly, or if every death feels no worse than a paper cut. I will worry for the same reason you thought to check up on me today - lack of physical damage doesn't mean that everything is well."

After all, he could feel the presence of his father like a spectre every time he got too familiar with Jack or Felix or Caius, even though he was thousands of kilometers away.

Jack's smile nearly faltered as Ianto's words made something in him twinge, and he found himself searching Ianto's eyes for something to make sense of it - and completely unaware that his own guard had fallen in response. His smile didn't reach his eyes anymore, because something sad had settled there.

A few beats of silence passed, then Jack said, "You're an unusual kid, you know that?"

"I've been told that, yes," Ianto said completely serious.

That tugged a half-smile from Jack again, and he remembered his tea. "Bet you have."

Ianto shrugged. 'Unusual' was nicer than most had put it, but that wasn't exactly a rare experience among the students here. "So are we agreed, that we are each allowed to be concerned about the other? Over both mental and physical security?"

Jack looked over his mug with a vaguely alarmed look. "Do I have to sign something?"

"No, Jack," Ianto shook his head with a soft smile. "I just wanted to make sure we were clear." So hopefully Jack wouldn't get that wounded look on his face the next time Ianto expressed any concern over his wellbeing.

"Not sure I've ever had to make a promise like that without getting laid first," Jack retorted with dry amusement, finishing off his tea.

Ianto tsked in admonishment. "See, you had terrible friends." And then he raised one eyebrow at Jack, fully aware that he hadn't actually promised anything yet. Not that he really thought that he was asking for a promise, per se - to his mind he was simply establishing that he had a right to experience his emotions as he felt them, as did Jack.

Jack huffed a laugh, not realizing that he was looked away as he did. "You have no idea." And he was starting to suspect he needed something stronger than tea if this kept up.

Squinting at Jack's profile, Ianto considered prodding at what was an obvious wound. Jack was revealing layers upon layers of new depths today, and he was dreadfully curious. But his curiosity was nothing to Jack's right to privacy, so he smoothed out his frown and stood. He occasionally knew a losing battle when he saw one. "Alright, I suppose I'll just worry without your permission. Want me to refresh your cup?"

"No, I'm good," Jack said, still looking a little far away as he looked up at Ianto. "And I'm guessing this cup was originally intended for Daniel. Put some food with it, that kid's gonna waste away in those books of his."

"But if I give him food now, he'll feel less of a need to come down for dinner later," Ianto sighed and set the kettle up again. He still had tea left, but Jack was right in that it felt odd to return to the room without something for Daniel. "It's a delicate balancing act."

Jack chuckled. Of course Ianto had this down to a science. "I'll have to leave that to your professional judgment."

"Indeed," Ianto leaned against the counter heavily, waiting for the water to boil. "Thanks for checking on me, Jack."

Jack just smiled as he stood and rinsed the mug out at the sink. As he turned to go, he added, "Right. If you need anything, you know how to find me."

"Follow the yellow brick road, yes." Ianto nodded mock-seriously before adding, "Oh, I'm thinking of experimenting with coffee brewing. Care to be a test subject?"

Drying off his hands with a dishtowel, Jack raised an eyebrow. There was still that knee-jerk reaction in his gut to being called a 'test subject', but by now he had it well-controlled. "Are you asking me to drink free coffee?"

"And rank it by preference, yes," Ianto was busy setting up another mug and wouldn't have noticed any reaction Jack might have had to his phrasing.

Jack's raised eyebrow stayed put. He couldn't help but be amused. "...and this has nothing to do with that ability we were discussing before, right?" he teased. Probably in poor taste.

"Ability?" Ianto frowned before realizing Jack was talking about his power. To raise from the dead. He scowled, then sniffed in pretend disdain. He had no wish to return to that particular topic, not just yet. "I'm sure I'd come up with a better way of killing you than coffee, Jack. I'm Welsh."

"What's that mean?" Jack asked suspiciously.

Ianto shook his head sadly. "Someone hasn't read the Four Branches of the Mabinogi. We can be very creative, and we hold a grudge." A stereotype, sure, but one that proved useful from time to time.

"I think it's more impressive that someone has read it," Jack deadpanned back. "And as long as you're not expecting these experiments to have a high fatality rate, sign me up." He grinned. "And no decaf. That'd be even worse."

"You'd think a man who doesn't want decaf would be a little more polite about his barista's native land." Ianto bit the side of his tongue. "Next Saturday morning work for you?"

"I'll be there," Jack replied, one of those all-natural million dollar smiles on his face.

Ianto blinked, then spun on his heel to putter with the mugs. He hated that Jack could make his stomach flutter like that, without even trying. Or meaning anything by it. "I'll be waiting."