m_findlow

Title: In a flash
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters/Pairings: Jack, Ianto
Word Count: 500 words
Rating: PG
Notes: Written for Challenge 9 - Flash at anythingdrabble
Summary: Jack is having difficulties with his favourite subject: Ianto.

'Can we try again please?' the man asked, trying not to show his frustration.

'Ianto...' Jack complained, trying not to sound frustrated himself.

'What?'

'Can you at least try?'

'I am trying,' he argued.

'Well, it's clearly not working.'

Ianto let out a growl. The flashing lights were beginning to make his eyes water and his head ache. 'This is stupid.'

'It's not stupid. It's your sister's Christmas present so you're gonna like it or lump it.'

'Why did I let you make me agree to this?' Ianto moped.

'Your sister thought it'd be nice to have a proper photo of us.'

'Great,' he moaned. 'Just what I need when we go round there for tea; some giant poster shot of us in the living room.'

'I think it's sweet,' Jack said, wrapping his arms tight around his lover. He didn't want to mention at this point that he was getting numb from the waist down, having sat there for nearly an hour posing for the photographer.

'Try and smile this time,' Jack told him.

Ianto sighed again. He hated photos. It felt so fake having to smile for the camera. Waiting in the reception area had been even worse, having to suffer all the sample photos hung around the room of happy couples and loving families in their perfect little moment before the camera. Why couldn't his sister just ask for something practical for Christmas, like a blender.

The photographer clicked a few more times and Ianto tried to force the expression onto his face, but Jack could tell from the photographers own face that it wasn't working.

'I'm sorry,' he said, apologizing on Ianto's behalf.

'It's okay. I work with children and animals. I'm used to difficult subjects.' Ianto felt affronted at being called difficult.

'Can I suggest something else?' the photographer asked.

'Please,' Jack said.

'I know you booked a portrait shot, but maybe something more off the cuff might work?'

'I'll try anything,' Jack replied. 'What do you need?'

'Just act natural. Make conversation, hold hands, kiss, laugh, whatever. Pretend you're at home and I'm not here.'

'But you are here,' Ianto replied.

'Shush,' Jack chided.

'I'll leave for ten minutes so you can try and relax a bit more.'

Once he was gone, Ianto turned to Jack, standing up. 'This is silly. Can we just go home?'

'It's just one little photo, Ianto. I love that smile.'

'That's different. Then it's just us.'

'It's just us now,' Jack said, pulling him back down until he was sitting in Jack's lap.

'I feel stupid,' he said, resting his arms around Jack's neck. Perhaps if he was sulky enough, Jack would let them go home.

'Please?' Jack begged. 'Just one little smile for me? I'll make it worth your while,' he teased.

'Oh, and what will my reward be?' he asked, leaning in closer.

Jack kissed him, pulling him closer. 'That, and more,' he promised.

The photographer returned before Ianto could respond. 'Got it. That was perfect.'