Slashthedrabble Challenge 583 - From behind

[m_findlow]

Title: From behind
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters: Jack, Ianto
Author: m_findlow
Rating: PG
Length: 500 words
Content notes: none
Author notes: Written for Challenge 583 - Overcome at slashthedrabble
Summary: Ianto gets more than he bargained for on his nightly dog walk.

Jack groaned as the sound of a dog barking interrupted the blissful silence from where he’d been ensconced in the kitchen. He had thought he’d have plenty of time to start preparing dinner, since he’d volunteered for the task, and also since he'd been promising Ianto his famous chicken pie recipe for what felt like months. Now it seemed like both he and Buddy were back from their walk a whole lot earlier than Jack had anticipated.

The barking continued unabated and Jack set the knife down to go find out why their dog was making such a racket. He tugged open the front door, about to yell at Ianto for an explanation, but there was no Ianto. The labrador ceased its barking and just about tumbled into Jack, whining and frantic. Jack grabbed the end of the unmanned leash, confused.

'Where’s Ianto? Where’s Daddy?'

The dog tugged on the leash, dragging Jack forward. Jack knew better than to ignore it and fight for control, even if it meant leaving their house open and unlocked. He let Buddy tug him down the street and around the corner, down the T-junction and into the next street along. Even at a distance, he could make out the body lying on the path and dropped the leash in shock. Buddy bounded back towards his master and Jack was hot on his heels.

As Jack reached him, dropping to his knees, there was a groan and Ianto was already beginning to try and sit up.

'Hey, easy,' Jack said, full of worry.

'Ow,' Ianto groaned again, reaching up to touch the back of his head.

'What happened?'

'I think I got mugged,' Ianto said, not sounding sure until he patted himself down and found his wallet and keys gone. 'Someone grabbed me. I was overcome from behind, I remember that much.'

Jack was stunned. Mugged in their own neighbourhood? And no one in the street came out to help, not even after the mugger had left! His husband had been lying there in the street for at least ten minutes. It mad him so mad.

'I can’t believe someone would try to mug a guy with a dog,' Ianto said, giving Buddy an affectionate and reassuring pat. 'Not that this poor mutt knew anything about it. I barely registered it was happening.'

'I can’t believe someone would try to mug a Torchwood agent,' Jack replied.

'Well, I don’t think they knew much about that.' He rubbed his head again. 'Great. Now I get to spent all night calling to have my cards cancelled and our locks changed.'

Jack gave his own reassuring touch. 'Those things we can replace. We can’t replace you.'

'That is true, I suppose. And maybe I’ll learn to be less away with the fairies on my dog walks. So much for relaxing and switching off.'

'Maybe Buddy needs some of that special police dog training, so he can chase after muggers.'

'I much rather that he came and found you.'