Vocab_Drabbles Challenge #003 - Hard nut to crack

[m_findlow]

Title: Hard nut to crack

Fandom: Torchwood

Author: m_findlow

Rating: PG

Word Count: 200 words

Characters/Pairings: Jack, Ianto

Author notes: Written for Challenge #003 - Agelast at vocab_drabbles 

Summary: Jack doesn’t know what to do to build a rapport with the Home Office.

'So… how was it?' Ianto asked, preparing himself for a diatribe from Jack about how unfair his life was because he was the one having to go to London and make his quarterly report to the Home Office. No one enjoyed it, and Ianto suspected London enjoyed it even less than Jack did. Only a broken ankle and a set of crutches prevented Ianto from going in Jack's stead.

'Its usual pointless exercise,' Jack said, dropping his coat over the desk and slumping into his leather chair. 'That man has absolutely no sense of humour.'

'That's John Frobisher for you,' Ianto replied. 'All business.' Not that there was much amusement to be found in Torchwood's carefully curated reports.

'I even tried my squirrel joke on him.'

Ianto subtly facepalmed. 'Oh, God. You didn't.'

'Hey! Everyone laughs at my squirrel joke. Even you. It's a tried and tested winner. Even saved me from getting punched in the face once. But Frobisher? Nothing. Remind me to run a background check. I swear we're gonna find out he's half cyborg.'

Ianto shrugged. ''Or just human with no funny bone.'

'In which case next time I think I'd rather a punch in the face.'