I *adore* that description!

I'm particularly proud of that phrasing. I had to rework it a few times to make it work, but it was worth it.

I can't believe that this never occurred to me before. I mean, it's obvious that one reason Ianto becomes to attached to Jack is because he can't lose him, but that is not an issue at this point. I must re-watch 'Countrycide' with this in mind! Thank you - I love it when fic makes me think.

You're most welcome! Ianto is relatively-functioning, given the horrible events at Canary Wharf, but at this point in time, he's still damaged, healing but not healthy yet.

In Countrycide, I always notice Ianto's moodiness -- understandable given Lisa, but watching him sullen and upset, outright terrified by the shoes and then recklessly brave in attacking their captors -- and to me, it makes sense that Ianto has a different past to the others so his reactions are a little different. But I think any reason to rewatch Countrycide is good, because that little smirk Ianto gives right before the headbutt is so damn hot. It deserves rewatching.