Title: Carry on the Go
Fandom: Torchwood
- Characters: Jack, Ianto, Gwen
Rating: PG
Summary: They aren't okay just yet.
Notes: Viewing how Ianto handles his job post-Exit Wounds through Gwen's POV. I was trying a different style, and I think in the process I skewed Gwen and skewed how people really think during instances like these, but hell. Worth a shot (and I ruined it~).
- b - e - g - i - n -
"What the hell were you thinking?"
Why is Jack mad?
"I was thinking that a guklett could use a few extra bullets before it could eat you."
It's very much appreciated too. Jack, why--?
"You're carrying two guns! And as sexy as the double holster must look on you without your jacket, I'm thinking you're not wearing them for my benefit!"
Not in the field, certainly!
"It's an extra gun, Jack--"
Yeah, so?
"--That you are suddenly carrying and using tandem instead of consecutive! Proficiently. If I went and looked back at the video for the range, am I going to find you practicing double shooting?"
What's wrong with double shooting? I thought it was cool when I played with the idea.
"What's it matter I started shooting double?"
Especially if it works?
"It matters that two people very dear to us died and I haven't seen you grieve!"
But he did! Didn't he? He was there with us for Toshiko's message! He mourned!
"...That's not fair, Jack--"
I agree!
"Whose weight are you shouldering, Ianto? Which one are you shooting this gun for?!"
Jack, what are you doing?
"It's not like that--!"
"Yes it is. You're a wonder liar when there's no reason to suspect anything's wrong-- and by the way that's a compliment-- but you don't do it nearly as well on adrenaline! But knowing you..."
Hey! This is no time to grope his arse--
"Hey!"
--a third?
"...you're picking up thrice the slack. Efficiency is your job, and how self-destructively guilty you must be feeling. 'Should've been you at the plant' and 'should've stayed with Tosh instead of dragging a weevil to the cells'."
Too far!
"Sod off!"
Oh don't, please don't walk away. Idon'twanttobealonewithhimlikethis.
"Don't get any ideas, Ianto! Once you get back to the hub, we are going to have one hell of a heart-to-heart, with a pay-cut or a pill if it comes to it! And don't get any bright ideas while you're schlepping it back! ...And your cab fare won't be tax deductible!"
STOP IT!
"Gwen!"
She jerked out of her spell, and brought her hands down to her sides, from where she held them at her neck. What must she look like, all wide-eyed and mystified? "Jack?"
"Car," he clipped, and got in without even a glance back to where Ianto was stalking off. But Gwen did, looking between the SUV and the retreating, suited back. Was that their version of a domestic? Or a row simply long overdue? Getting in the passenger seat, however, with the smell of the guklett's gelatinous blood faintly wafting about the cab, Gwen made to effort of not saying another word. Especially when Jack's dark expression hadn't lightened.
Once upon a time, she used to fantasize scenarios similar to this: a fight that drove Jack and Ianto to break and walk. It was private, black, and shameful, where Rhys didn't exist. Watching the real thing didn't leave her with the hope she half-heartedly toyed with, not that she expected it to be so, but...
It scared her. Real life never presented itself like in your dreams. You don't want to feel for the friend seeing the man you have Twinges for, but that's what reality was. Gwen...felt frightened. And didn't want this to be It. But how could it be It? It couldn't be. Tosh and Owen were gone, and Jack and Ianto were fighting.
It couldn't be It. It had to get better. Make him come back okay they had to talk and smooth out the lines it had to be all okay soon please don't let this make it worse help him.
Help them all.
