m_findlow | Slashthedrabble Challenge 532

Title: Sunny holiday
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters: Ianto, Jack
Author: m_findlow
Rating: PG
Length: 500 words
Content notes: none
Author notes: Written for Challenge 532 - Sunburn at slashthedrabble
Summary: Ianto's holiday is ruined by a trip to the doctor.

'You can put your clothes back on now,' came the instruction. Ianto cringed at the suggestion. As much as he'd disliked getting undressed for a complete stranger - even if that stranger was a doctor, or at least the alien equivalent of one - he liked the idea of redressing even less. It felt like every inch of his skin was on fire, hot to the touch and as red as a freshly cooked lobster. Taking off his clothes so that the doctor could take a look had been an exercise in agony. Now that he'd finally dispensed with them, having to tug them all back on was more than he thought he could bear.

Yesterday he'd been fine, without a care in the world, enjoying their latest destination as befit two travelers with nothing but time on their hands and an exorbitant accrued leave balance. There was no mistaking that he and Jack had earned their vacation,

Whilst some of Jack's choices for holiday spots had been a bit off the mark, this one was much more to Ianto's liking. Really it was just an intergalactic beach resort, complete with white sandy shores, sparkling blue water and lots of green palms that rustled in the balmy breeze. This was the kind of place you sent home a postcard from to make your friends envious of the good time you were having.

At least it had been until he'd woken up this morning in agony. Jack was beside himself with worry at the angry red rash covering Ianto from head to toe. He'd immediately called their hotel reception and asked them to put him in touch with the closest doctor, demanding an immediate appointment.

Ianto perched on the edge of the gurney and hesitated a moment before he tried to reach for the clothes to begin the painful process once more. 'So, what is it? Allergic reaction, tropical disease?' He didn't mention any of the other more dire possibilities.

'It's sunburn,' the doctor announced.

'Sunburn?' Ianto shook his head. 'No, it can't be. I was extra careful.'

'He was,' Jack agreed, wanting to put a reassuring hand on Ianto but unable to find a spot that wasn't red and sore. 'You can see his complexion. He burns easily. That's why he always uses sunscreen. And lots of it.'

'Here, I've still got it in my pack,' Ianto said, reaching down to pull it out and show the doctor.

The doctor studied the bottle. 'No protection from UVD rays. This is only for UVA and UVB rays.'

'UVD rays? What on earth are those?'

'That's what the stars in this system emit. Different nuclear material that makes up their core and when it burns it emits UVD rays. You should read your travel guides more carefully.'

'But will he live?' Jack asked.

'Yes. Now, is that all? I've got patients with real problems to see.'

Jack shook his hand. 'Okay, thanks Doc. Let's get you back home Ianto.'

The doctor sighed. 'Stupid Earthlings.'

Slashthedrabble Challenge 532 - Sunny holiday

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