[internet cafe] Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff

[likesthecoat]

Ianto sits by the water tower, watching the passers-by.

He looks contemplative. Yes, even more contemplative than usual.

Comments

[lovethisplanet.livejournal.com]

Jack is silent for a long time.

Perhaps a little too long, truth be told. When he speaks, his voice doesn't quite sound like him.

"I have. A long time ago. Which - It's part of the reason I feel so badly about how I treated you." He stops, and swallows. "Even then. I kind of knew, and yet..."

The look on his face is bleak, almost empty. He's lost them. He did- so long ago, but he still can't stop.

And even if he wanted to stop, what then?

[morethanteaboy.livejournal.com]

Ianto waits during the silence. He likes silence. He understands it.

And when Jack stops speaking again all Ianto can do is put his hand lightly on Jack's back.

[lovethisplanet.livejournal.com]

Jack glances over, unsmiling, and sighs - softly enough to be invisible, but tangible under a hand touching him.

"I'm sorry, Ianto."

He was right. It needed to be said.

[morethanteaboy.livejournal.com]

"Apology accepted, sir," Ianto says.

There's a flicker of a smile when he says, "Now what?"

[lovethisplanet.livejournal.com]

Jack takes a deep breath, and shrugs.

"Now," he says, "I guess we take the night off. What do you think?"

[morethanteaboy.livejournal.com]

"I think that could be very nice."

He pats Jack's back one more time and removes his hand.

"By the way," he adds in a lighter tone, "some of the blokes from the Cafe have decided we're doing an video-games-and-jam day at some point. You're invited."

[lovethisplanet.livejournal.com]

Jack almost laughs, crushing the regret at the loss of Ianto's hand on his back.

Not many people touch him, now. It had been odd for such a long time.

"Really?" he says. "Where are they doing that? Online, or someplace most people can gather?"

[morethanteaboy.livejournal.com]

"In person, supposedly. My place. Once Lorne gets back from his super-secret assignment.

"We'll settle once and for all which is better, coffee or apricot jam." He looks at Jack. "You'll be on my side, won't you?"