(Author's note: Sorry for the long delay between chapters. The problem was, while I had an idea where I wanted to take the story, I couldn't think of a way to get there that I found all that interesting. But it turns out the break was a good thing! I've been inspired to do something completely beyond what I had planned when I started the story, and I'm really excited about it! I'm hoping this means I will be able to update more frequently from now on. :)

"How are you feeling, Ianto?" Jack asked, taking his eyes off the road for just a moment to glance at the Welshman in the passenger seat.

Ianto stared out the window, watching the countryside pass by, a thoughtful look in his eyes. But at Jack's words, he turned to look at the older man, opening his mouth to speak a few times before answering. Seemingly searching for the right words.

"I...I'm fine, Jack. Feeling much better. Thank you," Ianto finally answered with a small smile, his tone soft and timid, yet filled with gratitude.

And that was enough to set Jack's mind at ease. Ianto's body language was more relaxed, and his smile genuine. Most telling, though, was Ianto's speech. His stutter was barely present. Earlier, at the Hub, Ianto's stutter was so bad, it was often difficult to understand what he was saying. But now, Ianto was more likely to take a thoughtful pause, only stuttering occasionally.

Jack realized now that Ianto's stutter was a good way to gauge how stressed or overwhelmed he was feeling. The worse his stutter, the harder a time he was having in the moment.

Secretly, Jack was glad for this knowledge. Ianto had never been one to ask for help. This way, Jack could help Ianto adjust to his new life, and Ianto wouldn't need to say a word.

Smiling back at the Welshman, Jack reached over, giving his knee a light squeeze, before turning his attention back to the road.

They rode in what Jack considered a comfortable silence for several minutes before Ianto spoke up softly.

"A-am I being punished?"

Jack turned to face Ianto, eyes wide, mouth open; thoroughly confused by the younger man's question.

"What do you mean? I thought you wanted to go on holiday."

"No. That's...not..." Ianto gave a frustrated grunt, then closed his eyes and took a few calming breaths before continuing.

"Letting me live. Is it a p-punish-ment? Do you enjoy watching me s-struggle?"

Jack sighed sadly. "No, Ianto. Of course not. I...Hang on a sec."

Jack pulled the car over to the side of the quiet country road, turning off the engine.

Turning to Ianto, Jack reached for the younger man's hand. And with a little effort, Ianto stiffly moved his own hand to Jack's, letting their fingers intertwine.

"Tell me what it's like for you, Ianto. I want to understand what you're going through, so that I can help you."

Ianto looked down, licking his lips nervously. "G-give me a moment to...find my words."

"Take all the time you need," Jack said with an understanding smile, giving Ianto's hand a reassuring squeeze.

Returning the smile, Ianto looked down at their joined hands, sorting out his thoughts.

"What I...f-feel...I don't have the right words at first. It's just emotion. I don't always know what it means. And once I s-sort out...my thoughts, I need to translate them into words so that I can...talk to you."

"That all sounds quite overwhelming," Jack said, with a sympathetic tilt of his head.

"You have no idea," Ianto murmured, shaking his head. "My body doesn't always move the way I want it to. Every step, every...every wave of my hand...I need to put great thought into what I'm doing. This is why I'm often so c-clumsy. "

Ianto leaned back in the passenger seat, sighing. "It's...it's eh-exhausting."

Looking at Ianto, so frustrated, sad and despondent, Jack once again felt guilt weighing heavily on his heart. Not for his part in bringing Ianto back from the brink of death. But for helping to create the circumstances that had gotten him to that point.

Reaching over and brushing Ianto's cheek, Jack wished more than anything to see the Welshman smile again.

"Ianto, I'm sorry. When I found you in your flat that day, and asked Owen to save you, I had no idea this would be the outcome. But I'm glad you're still here. And I hope that maybe spending a little time outside of Cardiff will do you some good."

Ianto laughed joylessly, his smile a mask of bitter realization. "It really has been one c-catas-trophe after another these last few years, hasn't it?"

"Yeah," Jack agreed, smiling sympathetically. "Life hasn't let up for you. Getting away for awhile could be just what you need to clear your mind and get some perspective. Who knows? Maybe you'll even find a way to enjoy life again."

"Yeah. Maybe." Ianto smiled gratefully at Jack. "Thank you for b-believing I'm worth saving."

Returning the smile, Jack leaned over, kissing Ianto chastely on the cheek. "Thank you for reminding me what it means to be human."

Giving Ianto's hand a final squeeze, Jack turned his attention back to the road and started up the engine.

Having this new insight into Ianto's reality, Jack was more determined than ever to help him find joy in his existence.

Something told him they were at the beginning of an important journey.