[Jack doesn't have to look at John's face to know that just the barest facts of the story so far are getting to John. He expected that, which is a good part of why he's going to avoid anything that isn't necessary. Still, he doesn't get the chance to get hung up worrying, and he can't help laughing as he realizes what John's done to Ianto. It's a short, soft laugh, but genuine. Which, he hopes, will reassure both of them a little more that despite--everything about that day, it really isn't a memory that hurts nearly as much as some that are superficially a lot less tragic.
After a moment, he clears his throat]
Neither, at that moment. I just got her to her feet. Another guy who got smart at me, made a comment about my taste in 'older women'? He got a verbal assault I wish I'd been able to record. Not that I didn't want to break his nose, but unfortunately needed him around. And he did help me later, when we had to evacuate the town and…
[he draws in a slow breath, as he fully acknowledges a good part of why he's thinking of Valeria now. But having John and Ianto pressed against him keeps that rage and sorrow from pulling him under]
Her father left her behind. [he says, only a little of that remembered anger slipping into his voice] On purpose. Didn't see the point in taking care of her, the way she was, so he thought it would be better to leave her for literal monsters . So of course I went to get her. Which involved a couple brushes with tentacles that were a lot less pleasant than most I've had, and getting my shirt a little singed. Would've been worse, but Rose saved our hides by getting into a damn bulldozer.
[He knows John will appreciate that image, and won't be at all surprised by it either.] Couple assholes still took her captive to get at me, but we got it all sorted. Besides…fixing what happened to her. Couldn't do anything about that. But at least her father realized what a selfish ass he'd been, by the time we had to leave. Hope he kept his word that he'd take care of her, for however long he had to.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2024-03-29 03:51 am (UTC)After a moment, he clears his throat]
Neither, at that moment. I just got her to her feet. Another guy who got smart at me, made a comment about my taste in 'older women'? He got a verbal assault I wish I'd been able to record. Not that I didn't want to break his nose, but unfortunately needed him around. And he did help me later, when we had to evacuate the town and…
[he draws in a slow breath, as he fully acknowledges a good part of why he's thinking of Valeria now. But having John and Ianto pressed against him keeps that rage and sorrow from pulling him under]
Her father left her behind. [he says, only a little of that remembered anger slipping into his voice] On purpose. Didn't see the point in taking care of her, the way she was, so he thought it would be better to leave her for literal monsters . So of course I went to get her. Which involved a couple brushes with tentacles that were a lot less pleasant than most I've had, and getting my shirt a little singed. Would've been worse, but Rose saved our hides by getting into a damn bulldozer.
[He knows John will appreciate that image, and won't be at all surprised by it either.] Couple assholes still took her captive to get at me, but we got it all sorted. Besides…fixing what happened to her. Couldn't do anything about that. But at least her father realized what a selfish ass he'd been, by the time we had to leave. Hope he kept his word that he'd take care of her, for however long he had to.