It doesn’t really explain anything, no. It’s frustrating, the way that John keeps clamming up here. It’s pretty clear that he doesn’t want to answer Ianto’s questions, but Ianto wants to understand why. Why, when he’s pretty certain that John is interested too. Even if he won’t admit to it so directly. He’s seen it, here and there, in moments John has let him get away with. In moments John has gotten away with. And yet.

“Then what is it, John?” Ianto presses. His expression tight for the fact that he has to. It’s not like he wants to make the other man uncomfortable. But he doesn’t know why John just can’t answer the question either. “Just talk to me. Make me understand. Because right now... I don’t know what to think. Are you trying to protect me, then? Is that it? Are you trying to protect yourself? Is it because I’m...” He gestures at himself, awkwardly.