Jack hated having 'talks.' Listening was one thing, but he really hated having to bring up tough things. It wasn't what he was good at. He'd been a good captain, yes, but deep down, he was a soldier first and foremost. After sending Tosh, Owen, and Gwen home, it was all there was left to do though.

Jack ran a hand through his hair and let out a long breath. He got up and headed down to the archives where he knew Ianto was blocking things out by double-checking that nothing was out of place in the 100 years of Torchwood files he controlled.

Jack stood for a moment watching Ianto work. People called Jack an enigma on a regular basis. They clearly hadn't met Ianto Jones.

"So… was there something you wanted, sir?" Ianto asked without turning or stopping what he was doing.

Jack grinned to himself. "Hey."

"Hi."

"No, I didn't want anything, exactly. I just thought we should probably talk."

Ianto did turn then. "Yeah, I was waiting. A week, then?"

Jack cocked his head quizzically.

Ianto shrugged. "Day or two?"

"What do you mean?" Jack asked, brows furrowed.

"How long am I off? See, I was just trying to get caught up here, so there wouldn't be too much -"

Jack shook his head. "No, none of that. Why would I?"

Ianto gave him a look. "I shot one of my colleagues today?"

Jack sighed. "Well, I was planning to talk about that, but that's all. I mean, frankly," Jack said, cracking a smile, "you probably showed more restraint than I would have if I were you."

Ianto didn't return the smile. "I would never have…."

"I know that," Jack said quickly. "And, seriously, I am impressed with your judgment. I know you hate guns, but you did what you had to, no matter how difficult it was for you."

"You don't know the half of it."

"But you did what you needed to; you did what I would have done."

"Because I put aside my first inclination which was to get you back here at all costs?"

"Also because you knew it wasn't strictly related to the Rift."

"And because I knew what might happen if it was the Rift and you came back through. Though… probably wouldn't happen to you. But still, I guess there was a chance. And I don't know how I'd have taken having to put you on the boat to Flat Holm."

"Yeah, actually, that really wouldn't happen to me at this point. But I know it went through your mind," Jack said, stepping close and putting a hand on Ianto's arm. "So, you want to sit down and talk?"

Ianto took a deep breath. "Actually, I don't think I do," he said, glancing at Jack's lingering hand. "At least, not right now."

"I know you like to have a little time to put these kinds of things into little boxes, mentally…."

"I can think of something that would be more helpful at the moment," Ianto said.

Again Jack looked curious.

Ianto reached up to thread his fingers in Jack's hair, pulling him into a searing kiss.

Jack was left momentarily breathless before fixing Ianto with his trademark cocky smirk. "If you're trying to distract me…."

"I'm trying to distract myself," Ianto said. "Or at least to clear my mind. You know I talk more afterward."

"I do know," Jack grinned, bearing Ianto back against a wall of files.

Ianto pushed back though, turning Jack to the wall and pressing an arm into his back while reaching around to undo Jack's zip.

Jack chuckled against the tiled wall. If all 'talks' went like this, he might be willing to change his opinion of them!