Picture Perfect Chapter 9
The next morning, Ianto's burns were cleaned and redressed. Jack could see how painful it was and would have given anything to take his place.
Next was breakfast. Jack hadn't seen Ianto eat anything since being in hospital.
The nurse put a tray in front of Ianto, but he turned his nose up.
"You really need to eat something," she told him.
"Not hungry," he replied.
"The how about something to drink?"
Ianto shook his head and Jack smiled sadly.
"Do you have any chocolate milk?" Jack asked.
"I can soon get some made up."
"That would be great. I'm sure I can get him to drink that."
The nurse left.
"Good health promotes a speedy recovery," Jack told Ianto.
Ianto rolled his eyes. "There's nothing wrong with my health.""There will be if you stop eating and drinking."Ianto shook his head. "What are you now, my doctor?" he said, a touch of sarcasms in his voice.
He regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth.
"Sorry."
"It's okay."
Ianto closed his eyes. "No, it isn't," he sighed. "It isn't your fault I got burnt," he made eye contact. "I really wanted to go on that date with you."
"And you will, just as soon as you're well enough. Hell, we'll make a weekend of it." Jack smiled. "Wherever you wanna go. Just the two of us."
The nurse returned with the flavoured milk, giving it to Jack.
Taking a straw from the water beaker, Jack placed it in the milk and put it to Ianto's lips. He drank almost half in one go.
"Thirsty?"
Ianto didn't answer.
"I can get more," the nurse told them.
"Thanks. I appreciate it."
Ianto offered up a half smile. "Thank you."
"You can drink as much milk as you can drink. It's full of goodness."
"Will I need a skin graft?" Ianto asked out of the blue.
"No, I don't think so. The burns are bad but not deep enough for grafts." She smiled. "How's the pain relief?"
"I'm okay at the moment. I don't want to become dependant on painkillers."
The door opened and Owen walked in. "Hello, campers. How are we this morning?"
"What are you so pleased about?" asked Jack.
"They got Michael Bryant. He was selling crack outside Queen Street Station, oblivious to the fact someone was trying to kill 'im."
"The police or those who were behind the fire last night?" asked Jack.
"The police," answered Owen. "He'll go away for quite a while. The kids have been charged with arson and attempted murder."
Ianto leaned back against the pillows and sighed.
"The insurance company guy is going round your flat tomorrow to assess the damage and put it right. It could take up to 3 months to do the work."
"No problem. You can stay at the Hub," Jack told him.
Ianto looked from Jack to Owen. "With you?" he asked, "Or the guest quarters?"
"Whichever you prefer," he answered.
A smile crept across Owen's face.
"Let me know, cos I'll be lookin' after ya."
Ianto blushed, not looking at either of them. "With Jack," he said.
"Fine. I'll set up a table down there, with things I'll need before you get back."
"Are Rhiannon and Johnny coming today?"
Ianto nodded. "They're bringing the kids."
"Are you up to that?"
"I need to see them, Jack. It's been a while."
Jack nodded. "I'll get out of the way when they get here."
"You….don't have to."
Jack took his hand in both of his. "I'll be back later."
Ianto forced a smile. "Okay."
"I'm gonna have a word with the doctor, if I can find him," said Owen. He nodded to Ianto and left.
"I won't be able to work for a while," began Ianto. "But I can sit in the tourist office."
"We'll see," answered Jack. "Owen'll let you know what you're capable of."
Ianto looked away. "I can't sit around and do nothing, Jack. I'll go crazy." He pulled his hand away from Jack's.
"I'm not a doctor, Ianto. Bit I do know that if you don't do as you're told, you could get an infection." Jack sighed. "Let's just wait and see. Okay?"
Ianto didn't answer.