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[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[Torchwood's autopsy bay can be found in what Ianto usually finds to be one of the less populated areas of the Plane. Ianto himself is crouched at the foot of the stairs, scrubbing at an especially persistent blood stain. There are a few other patches trailing up the stairs, though the mop leaning against the wall indicates Ianto's already cleaned up the worst of it.

His jacket is thrown carelessly across the autopsy table along with his tie, both saturated with dust. The clothes Ianto's still wearing are in a similar state, and though he's no longer crying his cheeks are streaked with tears.

He hasn't been around the Astral Plane that much lately, but the last few days have been tough, particularly the past few hours, and he really does need the time away from the rest of his team.

He stops scrubbing for a moment, pausing to rub at his left shoulder. Only a few moments later, and the scrubbing brush is back in his hands. He can barely stand the thought of the blood being there any longer than it needs to be.]

((Canon bumped to Exit Wounds.))

Comments

[itsthecoat.livejournal.com]

[Jack watches him silently. He doesn't need to ask to know what's happened, he knows very well. When he speaks up, his is lacking it's usual volume and strenght]

Do you want me to stay, or leave you alone?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[Ianto doesn't respond straight away. When he does, he doesn't make any move to look at him.]

Whichever you'd prefer. Either way, it won't change anything.

[itsthecoat.livejournal.com]

[He moves closer, but stops short of actually stepping into the medical bay]

I didn't do anything last time, I was too busy mourning. I want to know if changing that would mean anything.

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[He shakes his head, voice perhaps a little sharper than he intends it to be.]

It wouldn't.

[He stops, sighing, and looking up at him.] She wasn't your Tosh, Jack. You didn't know her. I appreciate you offering. I do. It's just...

I couldn't save her. I know that. But I should've been able. She deserves this much from me, at least.

[itsthecoat.livejournal.com]

[He smiles at him, but the gesture is far from reaching his eyes]

And you're not my Ianto. It would still hurt. And you're forgetting, I lost Tosh, too. I lost a lot that day, we all did.

You need to learn to accept that you can't always save them. The sooner you do, the better.

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

Tosh wasn't your only friend for seven months though, was she?

I already said I knew I couldn't save her. That doesn't mean I can't do what I can to make up for it.

[itsthecoat.livejournal.com]

No. I was just the person who got her into all of this years before you joined.

[He sighs, placing his hands in his pockets] Don't overwork yourself. You wont do anyone any good.

[rude-not-ginger.livejournal.com]

Blimey, brought the whole bay with you, did you?

[quiet, more serious, realizing Ianto's not in a joking mood]

Everything all right?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[He pauses, though he doesn't look up at him. When he speaks, his voice is perhaps a little terse. He's really not in the mood for humour right now.]

What does it look like?

[rude-not-ginger.livejournal.com]

Cleaning up an autopsy bay's never an exciting job. Though---

[walks around, looking at the trail of blood]

--it's not often one finds this sort of thing here. And all the dust. Was there an accident?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

Several things happened. None of which I'd consider to be an accident.

[rude-not-ginger.livejournal.com]

No. [slips on glasses and leans down to examine it] From the markings here, I'd say someone dragged themselves down these stairs.

[looks over to Ianto] But from the fact that you're cleaning it up, I think you already knew that.

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[He nods, rising to his feet.]

She was shot. Probably came down here for painkillers and something to stem the bleeding.

[shewalks-away.livejournal.com]

[she smiles for a moment, one of her favorite people to tease. The smile quickly disappears transforming into a more worried and sympathetic expression as she takes in the scene, watching him, then approaches quietly]

Hi.

[she gently puts a hand on his shoulder]

You need some help?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[He tenses at first, then sighs and shakes his head.]

No. Thank you. I should do this.

[shewalks-away.livejournal.com]

[crouches down next to him]

Yeah, probably for the best. I'm sorta rubbish in the cleaning and domestic stuff sometimes. [small smile] Not that you'd find that surprising, yeah?

[rubs his arm comfortingly]

You gotta fresh set of clothes you wanna put on? I can stay here while you do that, if you want.

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[Laughs emptily at that, wetting the scrubbing brush and continuing to scrub at the blood.] Not what I meant, but no. That's not especially surprising.

[Shakes his head.] I've got clothes, but there's not much point in changing until this is done. No sense in ruining a fresh suit when I don't have to.

[shewalks-away.livejournal.com]

[teasing] Knew you'd say that!

[concerned] Maybe a break? You're gonna wear yourself out the rate you're going. Good thing about this place, time stops and gives you a breather. Take advantage of it, yeah?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

You always do.

[Shakes his head again, this time more firmly.] I'm fine. I can have a break when I'm finished here.

[madamemoiselle.livejournal.com]

{Diva is drawn to the blood, but she pauses in front of Ianto, frowning}

Ne, Ianto...

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[Stops, rolling his eyes in exasperation before he says anything.]

What?

[madamemoiselle.livejournal.com]

{:|!! But no, she is trying to be nice}

Would you like my help?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[Well, tough. Ianto is going to be a bitch about it. :|]

Not really.

[madamemoiselle.livejournal.com]

Is that because it's me, or just because you're upset?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[Sighs, dropping the scrubbing brush into the bucket and turning to face her.]

Both. Mostly the latter. I didn't let Jack help, either.