Challenge 471 - Off track

[m_findlow]

Title: Off track
Author: m_findlow
Characters: Jack, Ianto
Rating: PG
Challenge: 471 - Track at tw100
Notes: Jack wishes he knew what to do to make things right. A double drabble.

Jack fidgeted as he stared out through his office window. He could see Ianto pottering about, cleaning, tidying, doing whatever it was that filled in his days.

He shouldn't even be here, by rights. The others had gone home hours ago. Only they remained. He didn't want to go out there and tell Ianto to go home. What would he be going home to? An empty house, a lack of purpose? Better he stayed here where Jack could keep an eye on him. Lisa was gone, and Ianto was far from okay.

Jack sighed. How had things ended up in such a mess? They'd been doing so well. He loved those private little moments they'd shared when everyone else went home. Now he dreaded them. He dreaded that honesty that Ianto reserved for when no one else was listening. At the same time, he loved that Ianto could be honest with him. Or so he'd thought.

How to get their friendship back on track? His growling stomach provided the answer.

'Ianto! It's late and neither of us have eaten. I'm craving dumplings.'

'I'll call them and place an order.'

'No need. It'll be quicker just to go and eat there.'