Sorry, this is very short but I am really busy but I wanted to keep this story alive and hopefully I want to take some time and work on this.

When he entered his flat the first thing Ianto wanted to do was take a long shower and wash a week's worth of dirt, grime and blood off of him. It wasn't until the water began to cascade down on his worn shoulders that the gravity of his situation became clear to him. He was home now, in their home, without her. He couldn't stay, really could he? He would have to move house. He couldn't be there with memories of her echoing down every hall. That would be worse than any punishment Jack could think of really. Oh yes, there would be a punishment. Of that Ianto was certain. Jack had acted all kind and concerned the past week and they even kissed but once the smoke had settled Ianto knew there would be hell to pay.

Did Jack think that allowing Ianto to go home was a reward for good behavior? It wasn't. Ianto would much rather be in that cell where he could still hide behind his shields and act like the victim in his own way, even if no one was watching. Now he had nothing to do but sit with his thought that he was trying so hard to suppress, but it was impossible, not when he was there in her house. Her house that they were going to live in together.

Loud bangs woke Ianto up. He moaned when he recognized Jack's shouting coming from outside his door. Slowly getting up he made his way to the front door. Jack's protests were getting more rapid and Ianto reached for the handle to let his annoyed boss in when the door was kicked open and he tumbled to the floor from the force.

"Ianto!" Jack shouted before noticing the man on the floor. "Oh there you are. Oh! I am so sorry!" Jack scrambled to help the young man off the floor.

"Dammit Jack, what was that for?"

"You weren't answering and I was scared."

"Why?"

"You haven't been answering your phone and I thought the worse. I am sorry."

"Jack, I was sleeping," Ianto moaned.

"All day?"

"What time is it?"

"Five."

"Oh...yeah."

"That tired huh?"

"It's been a bad week. Coffee?"

"Yeah that would be great," Jack said taking off his coat and throwing it on the couch. "I'll fix your door I promise."

"Yeah you better. I don't think I'm up to it right now." Ianto came back and gave Jack a mug.

"Not having any yourself?" Jack asked.

"No."

"How many times last night Ianto?" Jack's voice was filled with concern.

"Three, why four but there was nothing less in my stomach so I don't think that counts, sir."

"It counts."

"Four then."

"I'll send Owen over later."

"Okay," Ianto paused, "why are you here?"

"Making sure you are okay. Also, the rift is looking bad, so you may be on call. Also, due to recent events your security clearance has been lowered. Not forever, but you need to rebuild some trust. Also I am starting you on field training."

Ianto froze.

"Ianto, do you understand?"

Ianto nodded.

"I'll call tomorrow," Jack grabbed his coat, ran his hand through Ianto's hair once, and left. Ianto was still frozen. There it was, his punishment. The lower security clearance wasn't a surprise. The field ops on the other hand was not what he expected. He sighed. Was Jack even aware of what he did? Ianto thought not. Field ops to a man who can't die is fun, but to Ianto, a man who was born to be in an office, it was a death sentence. No one survived long in Torchwood, and being the office boy extended his life a little longer. He was on the front line now and he wasn't sure if he would last long. Wasn't that what the front line was for? First to fall?

Tell me what you think. - TOL