thoughtformed | Soldier on

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Soldier on

Not usually much for these, but I have something of a business poll if you would. Answer it and you can have a cup of coffee on the house. Regardless of which way you answer.

Do you actually enjoy Starbox coffee or do you go for the convenience?
Would you go somewhere else if there were other options?

[Private - Tim]
I know you keep pretty busy, with school, your life and such. But I'll ask anyway.

How do you feel about management.

[Private - Aisling]
Fairly certain Jack thinks I am going to fall apart. How would you like to help me out? I was thinking the three of us could have a picnic if the weather holds. I found some flower seeds in the shop, think you might like them. They're a very nice blue.

[Private - Jack]
Just closed the Cafe for the night. Meet me outside.

[Private - Gwen]
How busy are you, tomorrow?

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Not gonna lie. You guys have spoiled me. If it weren't for the crippling awkwardness of having my ex working there, I'd totally be there all the time.

I'll be there. Everything okay?

If we had a second store, I imagine that would stop being a problem.

I am still fine, Jack.

I'd have to think about it. My people skills aren't at their best right now.

Jack's asking how you're doing, at the coffee shop specifically. What do you want me to tell him, and how are you actually doing?

You're franchising?

Tell him I'm fine. I've tried telling him but he doesn't seem to believe me.

[With good reason, but Ianto was an excellent actor when it came to lying about himself.]

I think I would rather have you here, with me. I am not sure I could tolerate anyone else for long.

[And no, Tim. He isn't fine. But he's managing. And managing to conveniently miss that part of the question.]

Considering a second store if there is actual interest, That is, assuming I find anyone capable of running it. Prospects do not look particularly promising on that front.

As long as you're sure. Be right there.

[action]

[ As promised, Jack steps out the side entrance to the cafe, making sure to lock it behind him. He looks around for Ianto, a curious look about him as he wonders what it is Ianto could want from him. ]

[Ianto doesn't leave him long, stepping up beside Jack with his hands in his pockets, squinting up at the night sky.]

Go for a walk?

I'm sure there's lots of unemployed people on the island. Shouldn't be too hard.

[Tim knows exactly how to read that answer.]

Will do.

You're the boss. Whatever job you want me doing, I'll do it.

If you ever want to talk about things you don't want to talk about...

My standards are quite a bit higher than 'unemployed'.

[ Jack eyes Ianto for a moment, but nods nevertheless, stepping up beside him and placing a kiss on his lover's cheek. ]

I don't see why not. It's a lovely night, and I've got lovely company. After you.

[ He sweeps an arm in front of him and likewise puts his hands into the pockets of his heavy coat as they begin their stroll. ]

Something on your mind, Ianto?

The last thing you need to be doing is playing therapist.

[Which is more than he meant to say, but since living through his death, Ianto has been a little off his game.]

I'm fine, Tim.

[And after a long pause, something even less often to come from Ianto. The whole conversation is very out of his usual character.]

Thank you.

Does there need to be?

[He smiles, it doesn't reach his eyes the way his real smiles do, but it doesn't seem forced.]

It's nice out.

[Ianto walks at an easy pace, alternately watching the sky and the sidewalk. It's not going to be a very conversational walk from his side, but it rarely is.]

No problem.

if you say you're fine, you're fine.

If you ever say you're not fine... remember you had admin access to my network months before Jack did. I'm good at secrets.

If I find myself feeling [Worse] the need to talk, you'll know.

I had admin access months before Jack knew I did.

[He's good with secrets, too. But he also trusts Tim. Something he's shown many times now, supporting him without questioning why he needed it. It's just not Ianto's 'way' to come out and tell Tim how much he means to the Welshman.]

[Stiff upper lip, and all that. Got it.]

Then no worries. I'm probably just projecting. My life's been kind of a mess this last month. Or since October, looking at it another way.

Or for the last seven years, looking at it a different way.

No. Doesn't have to be. But I thought maybe there might be. Considering... everything.

[ Since Ianto's memories... or timeline... or whatever it was, had made itself known to Ianto, Jack had been understandably worried about him, fretting in silence and wanting to reach out and discuss everything he'd gone through. It's been difficult, however, to actually approach the subject. Even more difficult when one party doesn't want to discuss it at all. ]

Do you want to talk about it?

[Small sigh and Ianto still isn't looking at Jack, but he doesn't stiffen up, either.]

I am fine Jack. There is nothing to talk about.

[There is so much to talk about, but Ianto refuses to. He doesn't want to think about any of it. Doesn't want to talk about it. Doesn't want Jack talking to him about it. He wishes he had never gotten those memories back at all. And he hates himself for wondering, in the back of his mind, if Jack, or even Ianto himself, had retconned those memories away the first time. It would make much more sense than him living all that time in the span of a night. No one realizing he disappeared and reappeared. It is the only logical explanation.]

I just wanted some fresh air. The warehouse still smells like disinfectant from the bug going around.

Too many people come in and out of that shop, Ianto. I can't have them bringing something in with them and contaminating everything.

[ Jack is quick to note how despite having been the one to ask him out, Ianto isn't exactly eager to make eye contact with him. Is he nervous? Scared? Mad? He takes a breath and clenches the object in his pocket briefly before stopping his stride. ]

Ianto... I know you didn't just want a walk. You'd have said so initially. We're alone and... it's been a couple of weeks now. I think we need to talk about what happened, whether you're fine or not. Because I know you're not. But that doesn't matter. Something happened to you, and we need to discuss it.

Please.

Actually... you might not need to talk, but I think I do. Is that okay?

[Giggles~]

He's worried about you! That's what happens when you care about someone a lot.

[Short, thoughtful pause...]

What's a picnic?

not gonna lie.
ive had better coffee.
but i spent seven months drinking shit that tasted like polystyrene once.
the cups tasted better.
this was like the fucking brown note of coffee.
so really i aint going to put in any complaints.

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