Ianto was sitting on the edge of Jack's desk, hands clasped in his lap. He let out a slow breath, eyes flitting over to Jack's coat. It was draped over a chair, carelessly. Ianto's hand twitched, remembering the feel of the coat under his hands, the warmth he'd felt when Jack had covered him with it last spring.
The door opened, Toshiko stepping in, surprised. "Ianto? Where's Jack?" She asked. Ianto shrugged, sitting up. "Went off somewhere. Didn't say a word." He said softly. Tosh blinked, mouth twisting in confusion. "But, I- oh, Ianto I'm sorry." She said, moving forward. Ianto nodded, looking somewhat dejected.
Tosh touched his hand, searching his face. "And Owen?" She asked. "Out with Gwen on the Plass. She's headed home, he was arguing with her about nothing." Ianto kept his face blank, voice level. "You want to come sleep over at mine? Door's always open. You shouldn't be here all alone." Toshiko shifted her satchel, letting go of Ianto's hand to adjust her coat. "Thank you, but no Tosh. You and Alex deserve a night alone." "Well actually she won't be home until the bar closes. And then she'll be exhausted." Tosh said honestly. "But really, don't worry about Jack. I'll check CCTV on my way out, if it makes you feel any better. See where he went." Toshiko offered.
Ianto forced a small smile. "Thank you, Toshiko." She smiled, nodded, and ducked out of the room.
"Fucking wanker!" Gwen cried, shoving Owen away. "Oi! I'm just trying to help here!" Owen protested. "Well it's none of your bloody business, you prick!" She snapped, throwing her car door open and flipping him the bird. "Fine then, hope you're having fun screwing the Captain behind your husband's back-!" Owen roared. Gwen started the car, revving the engine, turning the wheel hard and accelerating towards Owen. He scrambled back towards the Plass, Gwen managing to bump his leg with the car bumper. Owen cursed angrily, Gwen yelling vulgar insults at him through her window as she drove off.
Owen stumbled back into the Hub, brushing past Tosh angrily, ignoring her hurt and flustered look. He walked over to his desk, picking up his things, walking up to Jack's office. He knew Ianto would be here. Freaking out over the Captain's latest disappearance. And sure enough, here he was. Exactly how Owen had expected him to be. All except for one vital difference.
Ianto was shaking slightly, head bowed so that his face was shadowed. Owen stepped forward, head tilted to the side, watching, cautious. The Welshman's face was contorted, breaths coming in short gasps. He didn't notice Owen coming closer. He was too numb to feel the arms wrap around him, the whispered words of comfort, or the soft kiss on his temple. But he felt Owen pull him closer, allowing Ianto to lean into his touch, press his head against Owen's chest. Let it go.
sorry it's been a while, and it's short. should be updating more often now :) [review?]