Title: Slip Sliding Away
By: minimumstitch
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Torchwood is not owned by me but is owned by the BBC and RTD and I am just enjoying playing with their characters.
Summary: Jack causes much hilarity.

***

Gwen stopped short at the unfamiliar sound. It took her a moment to figure out what it was, but when she did, a huge grin stole across her face.

She peered around the door and watched as Ianto laughed at something on the CCTV. One part of her desperately wanted to find out what had changed the sombre young man into a giggling teenage girl. The other part of her just wanted to savour the moment…it had been so long since she had heard him laugh, not that he'd had anything to laugh about lately.

The choice was taken out of her hands a moment later when Ianto leaned back into his seat and called out. "Gwen, c'mere! You have got to see this!" As she stepped into the room, Ianto beckoned her closer.

He replayed the CCTV footage and Gwen watched as Jack strode confidently out of the Tourist Information Office, leaving his tracks in the crisp, white snow that had fallen overnight. She rolled her eyes; how Jack thought that he could ever be unnoticeable she didn't know.

As she watched, Jack began to wobble, his arms wind-milling as he tried to keep his balance. He stopped, knees bent and arms outstretched, looking like an Olympic gymnast after a perfect dismount. He looked around him, then moved on, satisfied that his stumble had not been noticed.

Gwen felt Ianto's shoulders shake beneath her hands, she grinned knowing that the best was yet to come, and just moments later she joined Ianto in laughter. Jack had resumed his confident stride and was a little further down the Plas when he skidded on ice hidden by the snow and tumbled spectacularly to the ground. His legs flew out from underneath him and he landed on his butt, legs in the air. This however, was not what had Ianto and Gwen laughing hysterically. It was the sight of him clinging desperately to the little old lady that had come to his assistance that set them off. He reminded Gwen of Bambi on ice, his legs moving out in all directions. He finally righted himself and gingerly resumed walking, this time staying upright (despite a few more wobbles).

Gwen and Ianto had just got themselves under control (after watching the footage several times) when Jack returned, his greatcoat swishing behind him. "Did you enjoy your walk sir?" Ianto asked him, a twinkle in his eye.

Jack flushed, knowing immediately knowing that he had been rumbled. He glared at them, but as Ianto began to laugh, his expression softened. The humiliation had been worth it, just to see his lover laugh again. Not that he would be repeating the experience; he'd just have to find another way to make him laugh, perhaps if Gwen fell…

***