7

Ianto found Gwen sitting in the community garden with a tomato in her hand, chewing from the bite she had taken.

"Gwen" he said softly as he settled next to her "I want to say a few things and this is not going to take long but it is best if you do not interrupt, I need to keep my train of thought, OK?"

She nodded.

"You do not understand me, I get that. I do not totally understand you either but we need to move forward here. We have been given a second chance when most of the world is gone. I suggest we keep this in mind and act like grups. Like … do not step on my toes and I will not rip your head off … yeah?"

She stared at him with shock as his voice got lower, his body leaning in as he hissed "I will drag you out and let you drown in the bottom of that lake where there are things that will take you to the bottom and hold you there in their loving embrace until time winds down. Do you understand me? Do not question things given, do not challenge leadership and above all else … stop thinking of a way to get back out there to hunt for your parents!"

"I didn't say…"

"You do not need to. I know you are still stewing and thinking there is a chance to snatch them. There is not. Probably dead. Long gone, I lied to get you to keep it together for the kids."

"Why are you being so mean?" she whimpered as tears threatened.

"Because it's a mean, nasty world now and you need to learn that this is paradise surrounded by Hades!" Ianto sighed, "Sooner you get that into your head, the sooner you stop thinking you can go out there without burning alive."

"But they might still be alive" she said petulantly.

"If they are, we will find out. If they are … they will probably be bait now. So heavily fortified while those who try to get to them are picked off like woodlice. Gwen … we need to stop living with our heads in the clouds and start thinking of them as gone" Ianto rose, flicking his hand over his immaculate trousers "suicide just to try."

"How can you say that?" she roared with anger "Look around. Tell me not to live in the clouds while we sit in … in … some crazy Never-Never Land. You just don't care. Just because you hate your father, I love mine. I LOVE MY DADDY!"

"Well, maybe you can get a tattoo or something" Ianto said blandly, done with this conversation. He had learned what he wanted to, saw that she would not let it go and continue to make waves about a rescue mission. He looked over at Rhys who was approaching with a look of doom and felt sorry for the man who must be fed up with the bullshit too.

This was not his problem, this was up to Rhys now and as they passed one another, their hands brushed and Rhys lowered his head to show respect.

Jack watched the exchange, saw Rhys look up again with affection before back to his wife with annoyance and knew what the conversation had been, also from Ianto's stilted walking that it had not gone well.

He pondered talking to her too then saw that it was not his place. Rhys could handle her.

Or let her go?

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Jack watched Ianto walking along towards the eating tables set up outside and knew he was still pissed about something, his fists clenching in his pockets. Even in temper mode, he was refined moving with a natural grace.

"Hey" Jack called out, jogging over to the man who had paused to wait for him "OK?"

"Yeah. Annoyed with Gwen. Nothing new there" Ianto smiled wanly, "Hungry. Might help to eat something, swallow it all down."

"You don't have to" Jack said as they chose seats for an afternoon meal "could always go rogue and turn ninja or something."

Ianto stared at him and then snorted, amusement apparent "Ninja?"

"Yeah. A hot one, of course" Jack nodded "This is a good idea. Eating in shifts, those who had lunch at lunchtime were doing a lot more work, now we eat in early afternoon so there is not so much of a crush."

Ianto was glad Jack had changed the subject, letting him stew "Yes. Early lunch about 11.30, a 12.30 sitting and this 1.30 sitting too. Three chances and less traffic."

"Is that Rhys?"

"Man can cook, what can I say" Ianto shrugged and Jack smiled as a plate of hot food was offered, accepting it and sniffing the wonderful steak and gravy.

"Wow, for Lunch?"

"Important, for an afternoon of work. Evening meals are lighter with salads and such for digestion. Big breakfast, big lunch, light tea. Works for us as the evenings are spent quietly."

Jack liked that too.

Like Boeshane.