Previous part of Actions Speak Louder than Words - Restitution.

***

First Date

Taking the bags Ianto had been carrying of mostly gifts for his co-workers and friends, Jack made himself comfortable in the quiet booth in the small restaurant he had suggested. Placing the bags around his feet he picked up the menu. This was his treat because Ianto had insisted he pay for everything up until this point and had bought Jack lunch. Ianto, having only bought four hotdogs, had argued this was hardly a fair comparison, but Jack had quietly insisted was not going to take no for an answer.

The afternoon had been wonderful. Ianto was a great tourist and Jack had become caught up in his enthusiasm and was astounded at how much Ianto actually knew about the places they had visited. Spending time alone with him meant he could give him his full attention. As the afternoon unfolded they had both relaxed and eased into each other's company. He had felt a huge weight lift from him as Martha's revelation began to sink in. It opened up so many possibilities. This was a first date in all but name and Jack intended to make it count.

Having spent a lot of time in New York over the years he knew the prefect restaurant Ianto would appreciate and here they were. Ianto, returning from washing his hands now joined him, scooting along the seat and picking up the menu.

"New York is amazing," Ianto said as he looked down the choices

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Jack added as he now sat back and put down the menu.

"It was amazing," Ianto repeated. "Amazingly amazing. I've seen so many pictures but it's nothing like really being here," he enthused.

"If you ever came back is there anything else you would like to see?" Jack asked as he studied the menu.

"A few things," Ianto admitted. He looked at Jack as the waiter came over and took their orders. "Like the Rockefeller Plaza in winter with all the Christmas decorations up," Ianto admitted. "I sort of love Christmas, always felt that was kinda of romantic...ice skating..."

"I never knew you liked Christmas," Jack commented surprised at his admittance as ideas flooded into his mind.

"Well, it was a big thing for Lily after I came to live with her. She always tried to make it special because we only had each other. When I was clearing her house out I found a huge box of stuff she kept, old decorations, cards and things. She'd even kept some decorations I had made a school. It was her dream to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree and ice skating, but she never left Wales. I think she would have loved America," he said wistfully as their drinks were served.

"I think she would have too," Jack agreed warmly.

"Did you have anything like that when you were growing up?" Ianto asked

"We didn't have Christmas. Oh we had gift giving celebrations but nothing like Christmas on Earth," Jack said taking a sip of his drink as he saw their meals coming their way.

"Now be prepared for the best steak you have ever eaten," Jack told Ianto rubbing his hands together.

"You know this was once the best oyster house in New York?" Jack said as he cut into his steak.

"Were they imported?" Ianto asked thinking oysters and New York were not something that immediately came to mind.

Jack shook his head. "New York was famous for its oysters. Don't get me wrong there are still some amazing eateries serving oysters in New York but none of them can serve or compare with the oysters I had when I first arrived."

"When were you first here?" Ianto asked curiously.

"1892, the oysters were beautiful," Jack said taking a good bite of his steak.

"One of the things about America I will never get over is how big everything is," Ianto commented on the size of his steak, which was massive, and had come with chips, along with a side salad and a square basket filled just about every type of sauce known to man placed between them.

Taking a knife and fork he cut into the steak took a mouthful and groaned as it almost melted in his mouth.

"Told ya, best steak house downtown," Jack told him at the look of appreciation on his face.

"I've always been meaning to ask you this: if you're from the future how come you speak with an American accent?" Ianto asked.

"Not sure, just one of those things. I also lived here for a long time, and I've been back a few times, so I guess it kinda stuck," he admitted.

"It's something I've always liked about you, your accent," Ianto told him after a few moments had passed as they tucked in hungrily. "What in your opinion then was the best era in New York?"

Jack thought for a moment, and wondered what Ianto might say if he admitted that sitting here right now was just about the best. "Well I loved New York at the turn of the century and World War Two when I passed through here on my way to Japan. Nineteen sixties they were all special in their own way."

"You said there were some other places you would like to see? Rockefeller Centre...any others?" Jack added after some more time passed. Ianto looked a bit shy then smiled, looked away, laughed, then took a breath.

"If I tell you this you I'm not sure what you're going to think of me," Ianto told him.

"Oh secret obsession, now I am intrigued," Jack told him as Ianto leaned forward and whispered.

"I liked 'Friends'," he said quickly looking around to make sure no-one had heard.

Jack lent back and winked. "Ah now I get Central Park. I always felt for Ross that Rachel never got they were on a break," Jack replied.

"They were not on a break, they had an argument," Ianto answered back immediately.

"They were on a break," Jack replied.

"They just had an argument," Ianto said.

Jack chuckled. "I think Chandler was my favourite character," Jack admitted as he took another bite of steak.

"I have all the seasons on DVD. I loved the episode where Monica lost the apartment," Ianto told him.

"Over that stupid quiz and it all hinged on what Chandler did," Jack laughed.

"Hang on, its sounds like you watched this," Ianto said as he realised they were talking about something on television.

Jack looked around. "Well yeah it's 'Friends,'" he whispered. "I've got all the episodes on DVD."

"I never knew that!" Ianto burst out.

"Yeah there's lots about me you don't know," Jack told him laughing as he moped up the remaining meat juices on his plate with a chip.

Ianto looked at him. "Alright then, favourite film?"

"I see where this is going. Let's make this interesting; guess," Jack said as he popped the French fry in his mouth and licked his fingers.

Ianto leaned back deep in thought. "'Lord of the Rings: Extended Version'."

Jack threw his head back laughing. "Lucky guess."

"Not really. You've got a tatty well-thumbed copy of the combined volumes on your bookshelf and I do know everything," Ianto teased.

"Yeah, bet you didn't know I've never read it all the way through. I've tried 17 times," he said with an exaggerated air. "Every time there's a long break in Rift activity I give it a go, but I get so infuriated I just want to bang my head against a wall." He leaned forward. "When I saw the films I couldn't believe they got that story out of the book, the films are brilliant."

"Your turn," Ianto indicated as Jack studied him.

"'Pirates of the Caribbean'." Ianto looked impressed. "Two words," Jack added, "Orlando Bloom." He smiled as Ianto went a bit pink.

"I knew I was going to love that film when Captain Jack," he tilted his head at Jack, "steps on to the quay in the first moments," Ianto admitted.

"Captain Jack eh," Jack teased.

"Let's make this much harder," Ianto said narrowing his eyes.

"Oh I like a challenge," Jack told him as the waiter cleared the table and handed them over a desert menu. "Do I get a reward?" he added as Ianto looked up at him.

"Okay," he nodded after some thought. He looked down the menu and ordered a slice of cheesecake.

"When I was young man, and I mean I would have been around fourteen, I loved one cartoon above all others. Guess it and a reward is yours," Ianto said, certain Jack would never guess.

Jack sat back deep in thought, his arms crossed as he thought, trying to work out what it could be. He tried to recall what he had seen Stephen watch but they were too modern.

"How many guesses do I get?" he asked after a few moments had passed.

"Well you either know it or you don't," Ianto told him looking very amused.

Jack suddenly recalled something on Ianto's desk in the Hub. "Danger Mouse," he said as Ianto looked stunned. "Ha I am right," Jack said with an air punch.

Still chuckling he now picked up the spoon and took a large spoon full of ice cream covered in chocolate sauce and looked triumphant. "I remember it was your birthday, you were telling Tosh that your sister had given you a set of Danger Mouse DVD's. You had brought them in and Owen teased you saying you were the small one, his side kick..."

"Penfold," Ianto answered for him as Jack clicked his fingers together then pointed at him.

"That was it, Penfold. So what's my reward?" He looked expectant.

"Well as I wasn't expecting you to guess I'll have to think of one," Ianto told him as he now dug into his cheesecake.

"I'll look forward to it," Jack told him honestly.

"Did you have anything television in the future when you were growing up?" Ianto asked him.

"I lived in a colony between two war zones. I was an outdoor kind of boy; there were always things to do. The colony was big on family. There was always something going on; you could join in the sort of imaginary games where you could play a role, someone would come up with a story and we were off."

"Not much of that around where I lived. Being a weedy kind of nerdy kid it was always safest to be in-doors," Ianto told him.

"You had a rough time a school?" Jack asked curious.

"That would be an understatement. I can safely say I was beaten up every day after school for years. There was this gang of boys, who hated me, they tried to catch me, cat and mouse type of thing. I went home a different way every day trying to avoid them. Sometimes we missed each other, but sometimes they found me and wham, bloody nose, black eye. Nothing I did worked. Lily kept telling me to stand up to them, but that only resulted in the worst kicking of my life."

"Did you have friends?" Jack asked thinking how rough this must have been.

"Not really, kept myself in the background and kept myself inconspicuous as I never fitted in anyway. I tried to just hide myself; decided I couldn't beat them outside so I poured everything into doing well at school. Lily said they were just jealous because they sensed I had a chance of getting out and they didn't."

"I've been defeated," Ianto said. He pushed away his half-finished plate away as Jack indicated to the waiter for the cheque, smiling.

Jack's Reward

The lift dinged indicating they had reached their floor and they stepped out and stood in the middle of the corridor.

Their rooms were down and away from each other. It had been a wonderful afternoon, and Jack got the distinct impression that Ianto did not want it to end, nor did Jack for that matter.

"Would you like a night cap?" Ianto said suddenly breaking the silence.

"Love to," Jack agreed in one breath as he followed behind Ianto. Reaching the door, Ianto fumbled for his swipe card. After several moments he realised he thought he knew where it was. He looked at Jack, then pulled out his wallet with relief he found it, pulling it out opened the door.

Each room came with a sort of coffee making function so Ianto busied himself as Jack took off his coat and threw it over a chair when Ianto turned to him.

"Sorry I should've asked you what you'd like?" he said as he stood nervously.

"Coffee sounds good," Jack told him as he sat on the sofa. A few moments passed when Ianto handed him a black coffee then sat down next to him.

Taking a sip Ianto struggled to find something to say. While they were out it was so easy but now they were back he couldn't find any words. He had Jack alone in his room; he was so nervous he could see he was visibly shaking so he placed both hands around the cup and took a sip to steady himself.

"It was great today, I had a wonderful time," he said finally as Jack nodded.

"Me too," Jack said not sure how he should act. He was alone in Ianto's room, should be make a pass, say something....so he took sips until he sat holding the empty cup. Not sure what to do he stood.

"Been a long day," he took his coat as he saw a look of disappointment on Ianto's face.

"Of, of course" Ianto said, standing. Intending to open the room door, but as he passed he realised Jack was staring at him with a look of longing on his face.

"It was the best," Jack said not sure what to do, he didn't want to blow this.

"Reward," Ianto said suddenly looking at him his whole face lighting up.

"Ah yes, my reward," Jack agreed.

"Reward, reward," he repeated as he tried to think of a way to keep Jack here.

He moved closer "I'm not sure, if ..." he reached out as Jack threw his coat down and pulled Ianto towards him. As Ianto wrapped his arms around him he brought his hands up to his shoulder blades. Finding each other's lips they kissed deeply. Jack wrapped his arms around Ianto pulling him in closer as he realised after all the months of yearning this was really Ianto he was kissing.

Just as the kiss began to build heat, they pulled back. "I like my reward," Jack told him as he now worked his way along Ianto's jaw line in small butterfly kisses as Ianto began to pull out Jack's shirt from his trousers and ran his hands up his back. Jack now worked his way back to Ianto's lips and kissed him more deeply tasting him and savouring the moment.

Ianto felt Jack's hands roaming over his body and he found himself doing the same. He pulled back and touched Jack's forehead, his heart racing as they caught their breaths.

"You okay with this?" Jack asked him kissing him gently on the lips. "I don't want to pressure you for something you're not ready for."

"You're not, I want this, I want you," Ianto said as placed his hands on Jack's arse and pulling him closer as they kissed some more, exploring each other's mouths.

Ianto became lost in the sensation of the moment, lost in Jack's kiss, and kissing Jack when he felt Jack rub his hand up and down his erection through his trousers, he flinched.

"Sorry didn't mean to spook you," Jack pulled his hand away concerned.

"Just been a long time," Ianto admitted. He realised Jack had never touched him there gently before and he had pulled away instinctively but as Jack now stroked up and down his length he relaxed and found Jack's lips again.

Jack's hand now began stroking Ianto firmly he slowed himself down. He recalled exactly what Ianto had told him and he wanted this to be the exact opposite of everything they had ever done before. He wanted to give Ianto as much pleasure as possible, but he had no idea how much experience Ianto now had so keep it simple.

They started kissing again with more heat and Jack realised they should really be lying in bed because all the times in the past they had been on their feet and clothed. He pulled back and started to unbutton Ianto's shirt, who joined in undoing his as they kissed each other more hungrily. Within moments they were both lying naked lying next to each other as Jack kissed Ianto with more passion and Ianto returned his kiss.

Jack could feel the man was literally melting in pleasure as he deepened their kiss. Reaching down he curled his fingers around Ianto's cock gently stroking him, Ianto was trembling and he could feel he was close because as he rubbed his thumb over his slit he felt pre-cum. Letting go he heard Ianto give a soft moan of disappointment. He pulled Ianto in as close as he could and slid even closer himself with his hands on Ianto's arse to ensure their bellies were touching and their cocks rubbed together. As they got close their hips began to move in sync thrusting against each other. Jack was close; very close, it had been over a year but he held on determined Ianto was going to come first. He was only just holding on when Ianto's rhythm faltered then he gasped digging his nails into Jack's arse in reaction as he shuddered his release, on this signal Jack now let go his control and he felt himself go over the edge as he spurted between their bellies adding to Ianto's come.

It took several moments as Jack held him close Ianto's head buried in his shoulder as their breathing returned back to normal.

"Good huh?" Jack said as Ianto still tried to form a coherent word.

"Oh yeah I've always wondered how this worked," Ianto admitted as Jack drew away and after a few moments returned with a wet flannel and cleaned them both up.

"So you and ...?" Jack left the question hanging.

"David; no, we only dated a couple of times then his brother got sick, cancer. He had to go back to New Zealand," Ianto explained quietly as the implications hit Jack. It meant that Jack was still Ianto's first and his heart soared as he realised all the things he could introduce Ianto to as he should have in the first place.

"I liked my reward," Jack said kissing him gently. Ianto laid his head on his chest as Jack wrapped his arms around him.

"I liked your reward too," Ianto told him gently kissing Jack's neck.

"Good because I would like to reward you often," he said kissing the top of Ianto's head.

"I think you've got confused this was your reward," Ianto told him and Jack took his hand and kissed it.

"Long as we can do that again," he added after a few moments as Jack lent down and kissed him.

"We certainly can," Jack told him as Ianto yawned and saw his eyes becoming heavy and he kissed his forehead. "Thank you," he whispered "for giving me a second chance."

"No, thank you," Ianto replied sleepily. Jack was about to say more when he realised he had fallen asleep.

***

Morning

As soon as Martha saw them enter the dining room she knew something had happened. The quiet air of desperation both of them had carried for months had dissipated. She observed them as they helped themselves from the buffet and realised they also had a recently shagged look about them as well. She smiled to herself. She loved it when a plan came together.

"You two looked like you enjoyed yourselves yesterday," she said with complete innocence. She saw them exchange a small smile with each other.

"Yes we did," Jack said spreading butter over some toast.

"See some good sights?"

"Oh yeah," Ianto replied as a hand went under the table and Jack squeezed his knee. Ianto jumped then gave him wanton look which made Martha stifle a laugh.

"I called at your room this morning because I wanted to go over our general strategy for today, but you must have been in the shower," she said as she took a sip of coffee.

"I was with Ianto, we were..." Jack started to explain

"Jack was giving me a hand in preparation for the first session of the day," Ianto added as Martha raised both eyebrows.

"I bet he was" she muttered to herself.

"And I needed a hand for my facilitation of the session I am running later today," Jack added as he paid attention to his breakfast trying to avoid the way she was looking at them.

"And you did this in Ianto's room?" Martha checked. Ianto pulled his lips over his teeth giving her a coy look and nodded. "And I suppose later today you be giving each other another hand," she teased

"Most likely," Jack added as he stole some jam from Ianto's plate.

"Absolutely definitely without a doubt," Ianto replied.

"Oh yeah," Jack replied looking at Ianto with a tinge of lust who, was returning his gaze then took a bite of his own toast.

"I need more coffee," Martha groaned as she stood up.

"Good save!" Jack whispered as Martha moved away from the table.

"Do you think she suspects?" Ianto asked.

"I don't think so," Jack said as she returned and opening her laptop bag handed out the e-pads

"Well you forget these," she told them.

"There they are," Ianto told her in surprise.

"We were saying earlier we wondered where these were," Jack commented.

"So while you two were giving each other a hand I picked up the revised schedule for today," she handed them both a copy.

"Thank you very thoughtful of you," Jack said reading down the sessions for the day.

"Very thoughtful," Ianto replied.

"I can see the two of you are going to be busy," she teased.

"Oh I certainly hope so," Jack muttered.

"Yes we will," Ianto agreed as he ran his hand unseen along the inside of Jack's thigh. Martha rolled her eyes at the look Jack threw at Ianto.

---

Typing into his e-pad Jack tried to keep up with the conversation around him but all he could think of was Ianto. Last night and this morning had been incredible. He had woken up with Ianto draped all over him, his morning erection awake before he was. He had turned over then kissed a sleepy Ianto fully awake. What followed was a long hot shower, and it never amazed him to the uses for shower gel...well, they were both left very clean. Again he was careful to ensure every touch was gentle but firm and most importantly Ianto came first.

He had never realised just how demonstrative Ianto was. He stopped himself; well, Ianto had laid it out so he knew but until now never understood just how important this was. Not only that it went both ways, as Ianto had washed him down something he found completely surprising and erotic, he found he had forgotten how good this felt.

A plan began to form in his mind. It was a way to ensure that Ianto could tell him exactly what he wanted without having to be put on the spot, something he knew Ianto was extremely uncomfortable with. Secondly he knew he was bad at missing the little things. Well he had that covered too. In fact he had come up with a way for Ianto to tell him exactly what he needed. As for the rest, that could now all fall into place.

A thought came to him and he pulled out his mobile and sent him a text outlining exactly what he wanted to do to him later as he recalled the huge bath in his room. 'Order in some champagne and strawberries and dark coffee chocolates' as he fantasised what that would taste like on Ianto's lips as he kissed him. He looked up as the opposite delegate glared at him so pressed send and snapped it shut.

Listening to the drone of the speaker Ianto tried to keep his concentration. He was trying to make notes but his mind kept drifting back to the events of the morning. He has woken spooned against Jack's back as the alarm had gone off. This had led to a very wonderful start to the day, by being kissed awake, followed by loads more kissing leading to a hot shower. He was glad he didn't have to pay for the hot water bill and he hoped the walls were soundproofed. It was heaven. The love making had been more heated than the night before doing each other in the shower with interlinked hands.

They had then washed each other down, something Ianto admitted he had enjoyed very much. As they had soaped each other up Jack has told him he has plans to kiss him all over and admitted what was going to be really difficult was waiting till tonight. His attention was pulled back as he felt his mobile vibrate. He flipped it open and read the message, it was from Jack. He felt himself blush deeply as he keyed in a response. Looked around and saw another delegate glaring at him; he pressed send then put his phone away and tried to concentrate.

New Beginnings.

Lying on Jack's bed, both dressed in hotel dressing gowns, Ianto's head on his chest as Jack wrapped his arms around Ianto kissed the top of his head.

"What happens now?" Ianto asked softly.

"Well I was wondering...you and chocolate sauce...emm...," Jack said.

"No, I meant after tomorrow? I mean this is our last night, tomorrow you go back to Cardiff and I head back to Glasgow," Ianto interrupted taking a deep breath. "It's one thing being here, but another going home."

"Well we can always pray for another conference," Jack suggested.

"Yeah but after your suggestion that what we really need is a 'Men in Black' type of organisation going in the final report I can't see you being invited again," Ianto pointed out.

"They could take it seriously, we do need alien border control, and you already look good in a suit, pair of dark sunglasses, you're already well-armed, perfect agent material," Jack teased.

"I'm serious," Ianto said bringing them back on topic.

"We make it work, we talk to each other," Jack told him honestly. "If that's what you really want?" he asked fearfully as Ianto took his hand and kissed the palm.

"Yes, I do I want us to work this out," Ianto replied looking up at Jack.

Jack put his finger under Ianto's chin. "I know you don't want a long distance relationship with us just meeting up every now and then, and I heard you when you said you want something real."

"Look I'm no fool Jack; I know how important Torchwood is to you. Mickey, Martha, Owen and Tosh have all told me about what you've done, it's no longer an outpost. I mean you've been fundamental in making major changes, moving Torchwood to fulfil its potential."

"And I don't want you to walk away from something you worked on from the ground up," Jack told him as Ianto sighed. "There is no way I want you to give up being Director of the Artefact Project to move to Cardiff."

"So how do we work this?" Ianto said sadly thinking there was no solution.

"For now we talk to each other, email, mobile, text. I will come up to you and you can come down, we can meet in the middle," Jack explained. He saw Ianto begin to speak and he kissed his words away.

"I don't want this either, but for right now that's what there is so please let's try and make this work," Jack continued. "I no longer live in the Hub, I have my own place, so if you do come down I have somewhere nice," he explained.

"To make this work we have to be together," Ianto said slowly. "Long distance relationships are kind of half and half...neither one thing nor the other."

"You want more Ianto and I hear you...I want more... "He hesitated for a moment then took a deep breath. "Three months, I can't say anything because in the past I have made so many promises and broken them and this new start," he kissed Ianto and cupped his face, "this wonderful new start shouldn't begin with me making a promise I may have to break, so I'm asking you to trust me that we can work something out. In three months we come back to this very conversation and we work out what we do next."

"Three months," Ianto checked out.

"That's all; three months. In the meantime we work at getting us right," Jack said.

"To get us right Jack we have to talk about one more thing, Gwen." He felt Jack take a sharp intake of breath.

Taking Ianto's hand he kissed it, "I swear to you nothing happened Ianto..." Ianto put a finger on Jack's lips.

"I've had a lot of time to think. I'm still not sure if you did or didn't. I know you're from the 51st Century..." Jack stopped his word with a kiss.

"I am not going to lose you over anyone else, especially Gwen Cooper," he stated firmly.

"If you do Jack, it's over. I will never speak or see you again."

"I hope my behaviour here has shown you how serious I am about us," Jack pointed out.

"This is an absolute deal breaker Jack. Cheating is the one thing I can't handle, if there is even a hint that you and Gwen or anyone else..."

"My actions will prove over time Ianto, you are enough for me. I won't look, I won't think," Jack stated.

"Now you're being unfair on yourself Jack. You can think, look and I know there will be times when you might have to use your charms, but this is a look, don't touch understanding."

"I will never put you in any situation where you will doubt my fidelity or my commitment to you again," Jack agreed as Ianto kissed him.

"New beginnings" Ianto said gently caressing his face when they pulled back.

"New beginnings," Jack agreed as he took his hand and kissed it.

Now," Ianto said as he fed Jack a truffle, " what happens if they really take on board your idea? We could turn Spud into some kind of talking mutt like that pug."

"If would be great until some alien appeared looking like a duck," Jack quipped.

"We could set up the base in some high rise building in London."

"I could be chief Zed," Jack said suddenly.

"Too good looking," Ianto told him. As he kissed him he pulled open Ianto's dressing gown and ran his hand along the inside of Ianto's thigh.

"Em, I see you've recovered," he heard Ianto moan in delight as he pulled him in closer.

"Stop talking and kiss me," Ianto demanded.

***

The Quest.

Staring at his screen, Ianto tried to concentrate on the task at hand, a half-drunk mug of now cold coffee at his elbow. He felt like slamming it into the wall in frustration. He had looked forward to this weekend so much and he had planned it out with real care. Jack was going to fly up cutting the travel time from hours to an hour. After picking him up from the airport he had planned to take him out to dinner at a small restaurant he had fallen in love with. Spud had got into the semi-finals in the local agility competition and Jack had been coming up especially to lend support and cheer her on. Jack’s offer was a watershed moment for Ianto, clear evidence Jack was staying true his word that he wanted more than just odd snatched moments. It meant his commitment to them as a couple was real.

It was so unfair; he railed and he cursed ‘Torchwood’ under his breath. An alien had come through the Rift. An odd creature comical in nature very friendly to everyone, the most likely explanation it was some sort of lost pet. Everyone had of course been captivated by its cute form and antics...captivated until everyone started getting sick that was. Everyone except Jack of course. So Jack was alone in Cardiff holding the fort while everyone else was at home suffering the equivalent of some kind of severe intestinal flu.

It was so frustrating; in the weeks after the conference every plan to meet up had been thwarted. So far they had only managed to meet once and that was unplanned. It had happened three weeks after they had returned from New York.

He smiled in recollection and sighed...

_________________________________________________

A soup for one packet in his hand, Ianto heard his mobile sound. Flipping it open he smiled at the ID as he saw who it was.

“Jack,” he answered as he put the soup packet back on the shelf and picked up another.

“What ya doing, thought you would be home by now,” Jack remarked.

“I was on my way when I realised I have nothing to eat so I thought I would pop into the supermarket and pick something up.”

“So what have you decided?”

“Well I’m standing in the soup aisle trying to decide on ‘Chicken with Sweet Corn’, ‘Mexican Tomato’ or, ‘Spicy Pumpkin’,” Ianto advised.

“Is this canned or the packet kind?”

“It’s the soup for one section so, it’s the packet kind,” Ianto replied.

“Very healthy,” Jack quipped.

“And what are you going to be having then?” Ianto raised an eyebrow as he read the ingredients on back of the soup packet.

“Can’t decide; pizza care of Jubilee Pizza, or some cold Chinese I can reheat in the microwave.”

“Very healthy,” Ianto repeated Jack’s earlier statement.

“Tell me the soup choices again?” Jack asked.

“Well I’m trying to decide between ‘Chicken with Sweet Corn’, ‘Mexican Tomato’ or ‘Spicy Pumpkin’.”

“You know that Mexican Tomato soup sounds tasty.”

“Not sure if I’m in the mood to be quite honest,” Ianto said as he placed the packet back.

“Not in the mood?” Jack repeated

“For soup,”

“Well if that’s the case why don’t I buy you dinner,” Jack said. Ianto looked up and saw Jack standing at the end of the aisle with a big grin on his face as he put his mobile away.

Walking over he pulled Ianto into a quick hug and a chase kiss of greeting on the lips.

“You should have called,” Ianto said as they pulled back grinning from ear to ear.

“And spoil the surprise? Never,” Jack declared.

“Well it’s wonderful,” Ianto told him his eyes shining.

“Archie called yesterday about some big decision he’s made and wanted to speak to me and so I thought I would come up early and take you out for dinner,” as he spoke he saw how tired Ianto looked. “I have a better suggestion why don’t we grab a curry and just sit and catch up,” he offered.

“That would be fantastic, I’ve been run off my feet since I got back...” he saw Jack grin. “Thanks for this,” Ianto said. Jack took his hand and interlinked their fingers as Jack pulled him in closer.

“You can thank me later,” he whispered.

It had been wonderful, an evening of conversation, and love making which had ended all too soon but since then......

_______________________________________

"You’ve been staring at that screen for twenty minutes,” he heard his colleague Magda say. He looked up to see her standing beside him holding out a package.

“Sorry bit distracted,” he admitted.

“This came for you,” she placed large a courier bag with his name on it into his hands. He turned it over and saw it was addressed to him personally, the return address was Jack’s new flat in Cardiff.

Taking some scissors he cut along the top and pulled out a box.

On top was an envelope with his name, stuck on with several strips of sello tape. Pulling off the envelope he opened it and read the message:

Ianto, I am sorry about this weekend. Please give Spud a hug of good luck form me. I was going to give this to you in person.

Jack

He opened the box and found a typewritten sheet. A quick look through the box he found a very odd collection of objects so he picked up the contents sheet.

_________________________________________________

Box Contents

· Instructions.

· Envelope with invitation.

· Yellow rubber duck with squeaker.

· Compass.

· Blank note book

· Pen.

· Leave request form.

· 12 space business card holder, which had ‘The Quest’ embossed in gold on the front.

_____________________________________________________

Confused he read through the instructions...

The Quest

The Quest is an exciting adventure with rewards and prizes.

Step one: Please text to the following number 021452899 to confirm you have you have received the package.

Step two: You will need to book leave for Tuesday 21^th June to the following Sunday 26^th June.

Step three: Spud cannot attend. Please make suitable arrangements for her to Sunday night 8pm 26^th June.

Step four: Please find in box gift as apology that she is not able to attend. (Rubber duck)

Step Five: Please tell Spud at a future date Jack will take her on walk where there will be ducks unlimited and he will endure all consequences of said wet and muddy dog.

Step Six: The Quest will be begin at 8am sharp on the 21st June.

You will need the following.

· Invitation.

· Contents of box minus rubber duck.

· Wear a good pair of trainers and or walking shoes.

· Wear comfortable clothing. (There will be lots of walking.)

· A backpack of some kind.

· Pack clothes for 6 days usual mix of comfortable and formal.

Love Jack.

Picking out the rubber duck, he turned it over in his hands and let out a sigh. He pulled out the leave form and found it filled in and just required his signature. He opened the large gold envelope and pulled out a fluted edged invitation with gold lettering.

The Quest Ianto Jones you are invited to an exciting adventure. Instructions for commencement At precisely 8am on the 21st June Press the embossed logo in right hand corner. Q

He groaned and felt his stomach sink and wondered what the hell Jack was up to. He didn’t want a grand gesture; he wanted time. A weekend, any two days in a row was what he actually wanted. Some place they could sit down and talk to each other, not over the phone, not by text, not by email, a real sit down conversation. He felt a familiar frustration begin to surface and the disappointment over the cancelled weekend churned over in his mind.

Jack had promised that after three months they would review how they would move forward. So far it was clear this was not working. He wanted Jack; he wanted to be with Jack and knew Jack wanted to be with him. Instead was a typical long distance relationship. They were back where they started. ‘No you are not,’ an inner voice spoke up. ‘Alright,’ he admitted to himself, the sex was much better; well the few times they had managed. They talked at the end of every day, often for hours both sprawled out in their respective flats sharing every aspect of their lives. In fact each day began with an intimate text and ended with them saying sweet nothings to each other. It was everything Ianto had hoped, except...Jack was trying and so was he and it was not their fault that events kept preventing them from seeing each other. He picked up the card holder, but this!

He looked through the contents of the box again. He picked up the letter and re-read it along with Jack’s message. On the other hand Jack had clearly gone to a lot of trouble and it was for nearly a week so maybe whatever he was planning meant they could at least be in the same room with each other. He pulled out his mobile and sent the message. Standing up he signed the leave form and headed towards HR.

21^st June

Standing just inside his front door wearing a light jacket, jeans, tee shirt, trainers, and a back pack filled with the contents of the box minus the rubber duck, Ianto waited. Beside him was a small suitcase. He had to admit he felt a sense of anticipation. No amount of questioning, no offers no matter how persuasive had encouraged Jack to tell him anything other than to follow the instructions on the invitation.

Looking at his watch, it was 7.59 am. Not sure if he was being set up, and feeling slightly silly he pressed the large Q in the right hand corner as the second hand touched 8. For a few moments nothing happened then he found himself surrounded with a white light and felt an unsettling sensation like he was covered in goose pimples but it passed so quickly he wondered if he was just imagining it. Once his eyes refocused he found himself outside in a forest next to a small building. He looked around and found his suitcase was missing.

“Err...hello?” he said as he looked around. He stood for several more moments as he took in his surroundings. He was in a forest at the end of a road. Just behind him was a small brick building next to a gully. Walking around the building he saw a strong wooden door and noted a stream flowed out of the building and headed down the gully.

He walked around the building again then, knocking on the door, he entered. Inside he found it was a well house for a large spring. On the floor there was a shiny brass lamp, bottle of water, a large key, and a large paper bag with several strong smelling peppery sandwiches. He closed the bag quickly and sneezed.

He stood there trying to work out his next move when he heard a ping, and realised that it was from the invitation he still held in his hands.

Hint.

You are allowed 20 hints.
Do you require a hint?

As he read the note a huge grin grew on his face, so he picked up the key, lamp, bottle of water and large paper bag he put them along with the invitation into his pack back and his felt excitement grow as he thought he recognised where he was.

***

Here there be Dragons.

Leaving the well house he now confidently followed the stream down the valley, until the water disappeared down into a two inch slit. Following the dry stream bed he found himself in a twenty foot depression floored with dry dirt. Set in the dirt was a large grate mounted in concrete. Taking out the key he unlocked the grate and climbed down. At the bottom he found himself in a small chamber, there was a low crawl over some cobbles leading inwards to the west.

He crawled over the cobbles into a low passage. Half way along he saw a small wicker cage and he grabbed it as he passed. At the end of the passage he found himself in a room filled with debris washed down from the surface. There was a three foot black rod with a rusty star on the end nearby. The light was so dim he could hardly see so he took out the lamp and turned it on.

As he did he saw someone has scrawled a note on the wall: "Magic Word 'Pugh.' Taking out his notebook and using the pen he wrote it down. He placed both the note pad and pen into his pocket and proceeded upwards into an awkward sloping east-west canyon. At the end he found himself in a splendid chamber thirty feet high. The walls were frozen rivers of orange stone. He looked around and heard a cheerful little bird sitting on a ledge nearby singing away. Using the cage Ianto caught the bird. His mind told him this shouldn't be this easy but he understood that in this case he was meant to catch the bird. After taking the small bird he took a moment to view the sight. It was a magnificent chamber and was as good as his imagination had recorded.

After taking in the view he continued west and noted a small pit breathing traces of mist and stairs leading down. Bracing himself he walked down the steps and found himself in a tall stone cavern and he looked around for the way through.

Looking down he noted the floor was covered with the fine mist which flowed over his feet. He took in his surroundings and noticed the mist was flowing downwards. Following the mist he came to some rough cut stairs and followed them down. They twisted around in a spiral and after multiple turns he found himself in a large room with passages leading off in almost every direction.

He was about to move forward when a huge green fierce snake bared the way. It reared at him and hissed. He let out an expletive and pushed himself into the wall. As he did the snake retreated to guard the entrances.

"I forgot about you," he said as he recovered.

"Thou shall not pass," it hissed at him.

"Are the snake," Ianto said to himself.

"I'm not scared of you," the snake hissed back glaring at him its fangs dripping with venom.

Ianto laughed "Yeah well, I remember you are not scared of me but..." he declared as he opened the cage. As he did the bird charged out, the snake's eyes widened in fear and it slithered off down one of the passages, the bird in hot pursuit.

Doing an air punch he headed for the room on the left. The room was filled with light. A large gold sword in true Arthurian fashion was buried to the hilt in the plinth that was the feature of the room and was glowing. Taking the sword with both hands he pulled it out. The room filled with a white glow and Jack appeared.

With a huge grin Jack pulled him to a hug then kissed him.

"Having fun?" he asked as they pulled back.

"It's brilliant!" Ianto told him. "When I was in my teens I fell in love with the game, 'Colossal Caves'.''

"I know, it's still on your computer," Jack said squeezing his arm. "Now for completing the first part I need to give you one of these." He handed Ianto a gold card. Ianto took off his back pack and took out the card holder and placed it the first slot. "Now 'The Quest' will get much harder, there are eleven more cards to find."

"So the object of the game is to find all twelve cards?" Ianto checked.

"Yes, each card represents something very special and we can't leave until such time as we have all twelve, as that was one of the parameters requested," Jack explained.

"So is this like a real life adventure game because you should know I aced 'Colossal Caves,'" Ianto warned him.

"Oh this was just a teaser. 'The Quest' has many levels, some far more difficult than others, it will be set to test the both of us, and be a lot of fun at the same time," Jack told him.

"This is wonderful," Ianto told him as Jack pulled him into another kiss.

"Now you should know I have a reason for all this. Each card we find is for you." Ianto looked intrigued. "As we find each one, please keep it safe in the card holder, at the end I will tell you what each one means," he raised his eyebrows up and down.

"So are the part of the prizes and rewards mentioned?" Ianto queried.

"All will be revealed," Jack told him as Ianto replaced the invitation and the card holder in his backpack.

"So are we ready?" Jack asked him.

"Well other than needing a coffee, yes," Ianto said holding Jack's hand.

"Your wish is my command," Jack said. Letting go he clapped his hands and a small dwarf like creature seemed to walk out the wall. He came forward with two mugs.

Ianto took deep sip savouring the fine flavour. "Where are we? Are we in the future?"

"No this is contemporary with 21st century Earth, it's like a holiday resort that arranges adventures which are completely safe, all very high tech," Jack explained.

"Are we on another planet?"

"That would be telling and spoil the surprise," Jack told him as he took a last mouthful of coffee.

"Ready?" Jack asked.

"Not quite," Ianto said. He handed over his mug and pulled Jack in for a massive snog.

"Oh for Orion's sake, get a room," the dwarf in disgust. It rolled its eyes as they groped each other.

---

Reaching down his hand, Jack helped Ianto climb up the last step. They were both relieved to finally escape Giant land. The Giant whose ability to smell had made their travel through this part of the Quest fraught with difficulty as the Giant's efforts to capture Jack were very annoying. They had several near misses and it required a lot of running and hiding under things. They had to hide in some unlikely places including a mouse hole complete with mice that would not have been out of place in a Beatrix Potter tale. The lady mouse, disgusted at the invasion of her home, chastised them with a large old fashioned broom as the Giant reached into the hole.

After things had calmed down they had finally made their escape up a very large series of steps, and they now saw a passage leading to their left. As they caught their breaths a similar dwarf to earlier now appeared with a tray filled with sandwiches, bite sized savouries and cakes complete with two steaming mugs of coffee.

"Lunch," the creature declared.

Sitting with their feet dangling over the edge of the last step, they set about demolishing the lunch. It was filling and delicious and the events of the morning had given them both a good appetite.

"This has been so much fun," Ianto told him taking a sip of coffee.

"There are some interesting bits coming up I think you might enjoy," Jack teased as he kissed him quickly before taking another bite of his sandwich. "And later definitely," he added.

"How did you come up with all the different lands? It's wonderful," he said thinking about the land of ice where they had to do a sort of slip and slide along the ice, hitting bouncing monsters with baseball bats which had proved to be such a challenge. The creatures were furry balls with fangs but had a funny cute death when you finally got them. It had taken several rounds before they realised no matter how many they seemed to kill they seemed to reappear. Finally it dawned on them there was a time element, they then worked together to get them all as they set out in the opposite direction to each other reaching the middle, the final monster vanquished they had slid into each other's arms with a kiss.

"I gave them the general parameters. It had to be fun, a challenge, and they worked out the rest. I insisted on the first part being close to 'Colossal Caves', and added a couple of elements and most important it needs to be able to be completed in one day," Jack said as he now stood and handed back his mug.

"Well it's been magic and only 6 more cards to go," Ianto said now standing and handing over his mug.

"And then I get to give you your reward," Jack said pulling Ianto into a kiss.

"You should know if this continues I will have to wash out my eyes with bleach," the dwarf told them. Ianto burst into laughter as he put his forehead against Jack's.

"I could swear that dwarf is channelling Owen," Ianto told Jack who now took his hand and they headed down the passage.

As they went further down the corridor they came to an arch, and as they approached a force field appeared.

"Behind this force field is a dragon to pass and to slay the dragon you must give it a name," the Arch announced.

"This is like Rumpelstiltskin," Ianto as Jack bit his lip.

"This is dragon known to you," the Arch stated. Ianto looked startled as he looked at Jack.

"I don't think, in fact I know, I have never met a dragon," Ianto told the Arch as Jack took his hand.

"Her ego is legendary, her blindness a cause for weeping, loud mouthed, opinionated, pushy, argumentative, stroppy," it declared.

"A dragon," Ianto said now looking at Jack. "Oh I know a dragon,"

"Then say her name and thou shalt pass" the arch declared.

Ianto said taking a breath shaking his head. "Gwen," he spat out and the Arch disappeared.

The room expanded and he saw a red and green fire breathing dragon sitting over a large horde of gold.

"Jack," he said as he ground his teeth and stalked off. "How could you make her part of this?" Ianto demanded as the dragon roared.

Jack caught up with him. "I knew this would be your reaction, but listen to me, this is a dragon we both need to slay. You said the worst part was the look on her face knowing she had won. Well this is your chance to cut her down to size. You told me how much my actions caused you pain well there were two us, me and Gwen. She accepted that invitation knowing how much pain it would cause..." Jack tried to explain but was interrupted by the dragon.

"Excuse me Jack, but could I have your attention? See this gold I have to offer you could all be yours. I have so much more to offer you than that tea boy, oh that weekend it was wonderful, we had a slow dance, dinner, and you held my hand. I am so much better than that Ianto!" she declared

Ianto looked into Jack's eyes.

"I do admit he does make good coffee, good hot and tasty but nothing like a kiss from Jack," she continued. "Ianto could never understand you as I do, he's nothing, a nobody, you only hired him because he looked good in a suit," the dragon continued. She looked at him seductively fluttering her eyelids.

"You never got to clear the air with her as you did with me Ianto, this is your chance," he argued as he saw a glint appear in Ianto's eye.

"Our children would be beautiful," the Gwen dragon started to speak then noticed she did not have the object of her heart's desire's attention. "Jack, Jack over here! What are you doing with him over there; I am here in all my magnificence. You have to get over her now and be witness to all I have to offer you, another weekend away and you would be all mine."

Ianto turned and pulled Jack into a massive snog as the dragon roared and stamped her feet.

"MINE! HOW DARE YOU!" the dragon thundered.

"Thank you," Ianto whispered as he pulled back and away.

"Bloody cheek kissing MY boyfriend, I have the whole wedding planned," Gwen snorted.

"No. Mine," Ianto shouted back as he pulled Jack into another kiss.

The Dragon roared its displeasure. "Can't see what he sees in you. It's me and Jack who are meant to be together. So no good kissing him, won't make any difference. You see when he kisses you it's me he's thinking about," she added as Ianto took a deep breath.

"I fucking hate you Gwen Cooper," Ianto shouted.

"Is someone speaking? It's so faint I can't hear," the dragon said before launching into another tirade about how wonderful she and Jack would be, all the times when they were in the field, and how Jack had touched her during gun training and what a big gun he had. A big gun alright and how she would knew just how to ride him.

"You are selfish egotistical BITCH," Ianto screamed at her.

"Well I have good reason to be egotistic I'm gorgeous no man can resist my charms, I have three: Owen, Rhys and Jack. Well Owen...got sort of tired of him now it's just Rhys and Jack," the dragon replied. "And I am certainly better than some tea boy."

"I was never just the tea boy," Ianto shouted back

"Yes you were, I bloody ran that place when Jack was away. He made me second in command on his return," she added.

Jack watched as Ianto worked himself up. He had only ever seen Ianto angry once before and it was a sight to behold. It took Ianto a while for him to realise that each time he replied with force and/or gave her a kick the dragon shrank a bit. It had been a risk to do this but knew she had been the cause of much hurt, he had taken responsibility for his part, and he knew Gwen would never admit to hers. So he had come up with a way to exorcise this demon once and for all.

Now the size of a goat, the dragon spat and cursed at how evil it was that he had won, Ianto turned to Jack.

"You know after I left Cardiff I came up with a great punishment for Gwen," Ianto said "I would love to end this by sending her to that special place if I ask for it do you think it could be recreated here right now?" he asked.

"Just ask," Jack said as he put his arm around Ianto's waist who was still catching his breath from cutting the dragon down to size.

"I want to see her trapped here surrounded by thousands of small demonic dogs who never stop barking, in this high bitched yelp. There is no escape and you can't kill them no matter how hard you try," Ianto said narrowing his eyes.

As he spoke they found themselves in a space surrounded with hundreds of small dogs who when they barked seemed to leap up at the same time baring teeth with a snap. Seeing Gwen, their little eyes glowed red with excitement and they moved towards her en mass.

"Jack," Gwen yelled. "Don't leave me here! You know how much I hate small dogs, that thing of Ianto's was bad enough, not a proper dog all fur and pink ribbons," she shuddered. She slapped one dog down as it leapt just missing her nose and another snapped by her ear.

"Jack, Jack, I demand you rescue me. I demand you take me away from all this, we can be so good together...Jack get me out of here," she whined as a demon type creature approached pushing a high sided barrow filled with more small dogs and handed over a small gold card.

"I've been meaning to say this for a long time Gwen," Jack said as she looked at him full of hope. "SHUT UP," he shouted as Ianto smiled and the dogs began to bark in earnest. They turned to leave and found they had come to a fork in the passage that led left or right. Without a second thought they turned right.

---

Authors Notes.*I wish I could say that the idea of the small demonic dogs was my idea. However it is from a game called 'Afterlife" created by Lucasarts and is one of the punishments from Hell called 'Isle of the yip dogs.'

*And for all those of you reading who recognised where Ianto was when he first arrived for 'The Quest' well done. For those of you who did not, Colossal caves is a wonderful text adventure game that is still available on line as a down load.

***

Wish Fulfilment

Standing before the two doors they noted a small plaque.

One door leads to your greatest desire, the other leads to back to the maze.

"Oh god not that bloody maze," Jack groaned.

Ianto grinned and then said in a rote voice, "You are in a maze of twisty passages."

"I hate mazes," Jack said.

"One wrong turn, and there we were," Ianto commented on their decision to turn right after the dragon instead of left.

"The passages were all alike, exactly alike," Jack repeated the frustration of the hours they had spent trying to work out their way through evident in his voice.

"So now we are faced with the two doors riddle," As Ianto spoke a face appeared in each door.

"I always tell the truth," the door on the right said.

"He always lies," the door on the left declared.

Together then intoned, "To discern which is the correct door you can ask one of us a single question."

"So," Jack started to speak, "one is lying and one is telling the truth, so if the door telling the truth never lies..."

"Got it." Jack looked at Ianto, startled.

"You sure? This is an age old riddle, I'm pretty sure, there's no correct answer."

"Yes but I know everything," Ianto told him with a smile as Jack crossed arms.

"Prove it," he said raising his eyebrow.

Ianto took a breath. "Door to the right, if I asked the door on the left which door led to the reward what would it say?"

"It would say it was the correct door," the door the right replied. Ianto grinned, taking Jack's hand and opening the door that spoke.

Ducking their heads they now found themselves in a passage that led to a large stone room. On the wall was a gold card. Plucking it Ianto placed it in the card holder along with all the others.

"How?" Jack said looking at Ianto in amazement.

"I told you I know everything," Ianto teased as he began to examine the room.

"No seriously how?" Jack asked again.

'Okay, one door tells the truth the other one tells lies." He saw the look on Jack's face as he pointed out the obvious. "If you ask the liar door it will lie about the correct answer. If you ask the truth teller it will tell the truth about the lie. So regardless of what answer the door you ask gives you always chose the opposite." He smiled.

"Ianto, have I told you you're a genius?" Jack told him. Ianto's smile grew and he was about to reply when the door slammed with a clunk, locking them in.

What seemed like hours later, Jack began to examine the walls again. They were trapped in a large sandstone box. It was tall enough for them to stand up in. The walls were covered in motifs of water: leaping dolphins, stylised waves, fish...one he could swear looked like a clown fish carved into the surface. No amount of pushing moved them. Running their fingers along the edges of the wall and along the outline of the motifs didn't reveal any hidden switches. Nor did Jack's rendition of a number of very risqué sea shanties release them from their prison.

The only thing the room had other than the wall motifs was a small dish-like depression in the centre of the floor. The card had pinged several times asking if they wanted a hint, but after using a large number to escape the several mazes they had found themselves in they only had four left and both agreed they would save them for later.

Ianto sat back into a corner trying to work out the clues. As he thought he opened his backpack and took out the bottle of water from the pump house. Jack joined him as he took the offered bottle and took a drink. He placed the open container down and pulled Ianto into a snog. They had got to the removal of clothes stage when Jack's hand knocked the bottle. Being their only water Ianto tried to save it but the water half glugged out before he could reach it. Picking it up he noticed that the water slowly ran towards the centre of the room, filling the small depression. Moving he poured the remainder of the water into the depression. As soon as it was filled they heard a deep boom, and the floor underneath them shifted.

Feet first, Ianto tried to slow his decent down the large pipe with his hands. There were so many twists and turns it proved impossible. The pipe did a final twist and he flipped landing heavily on one ankle and he let out a grunt.

"Yahooooo!" Jack said as he landed next to Ianto.

"What is that smell?" Ianto said still trying to catch his breath as a foul odour seemed to rise in a yellow haze.

Jack sniffed the air as he held out his hand and grimaced. Taking it Ianto pulled himself up. As he put weight on his right ankle he winced.

"You're injured," Jack said concerned. "This was not meant to happen".

"It's not too bad," Ianto pointed out seeing Jack was upset.

"But this was meant to be perfect," he said supporting Ianto.

"Jack, it's wonderful."

"I need to check your ankle," Jack fussed. Ianto grabbed Jack's shoulders.

"Listen we only have two more cards to find, and I'm betting that the rest of this holiday doesn't require much walking," he said kissing Jack gently on the lips.

Jack nodded. "It's just I wanted to give you the perfect experience and..." he tried to say but Ianto put his finger to Jack's lips to stop him.

"Jack being here with you is. I've had a fantastic time, the most fun I've had for years, honestly." He smiled and put his finger under Jack's chin and kissed him gently.

"Okay," Jack told him as Ianto leaned his weight on him.

Looking around they found themselves in a cavern, a wide chasm before them. They were standing on some kind of spongy mushroom growths which had softened their landing. Every step however caused the release of a pungent odour reminiscent of sour feet. With help Ianto hopped over to a convenient rock beside the chasm. One of the large growths was sporting a silver card which Ianto picked up as they passed.

Jack searched about for a clue as Ianto rested his ankle. The scene it was quite beautiful; there were giant crystals interspersed with columns that looked like spun sugar. His eyes following up one of the columns Ianto saw the ceiling was filled with twinkling stars.

Ianto had a thought and opening his backpack he took out the three foot black rod with a rusty star on the end. After carrying the awkward object for some time, they found the rod slid into itself decreasing its length somewhat. Pulling to extend it fully Ianto waved it. Nothing happened.

A few moments passed and the card pinged. Pulling it out Ianto pressed the 'Q'

'Magic Word'

appeared on the card. Ianto now took out his note pad and said out loud 'PUGH' and waved the wand. As he did a crystal bridge appeared. In the centre was a gold card. Jack gave him the thumbs up.

"That's eleven only one more to go," Ianto told him as Jack helped him up.

Placing some weight on his sore ankle he now found it wasn't quite so bad and they made their way across the bridge.

On the other side they found a short passage which lead to a large door.

On it was an inscription

This quest is almost ended, one step doth remain, answer me this riddle and wonderment will be gained

'Which creature in the morning goes on four legs, at mid-day on two, and in the evening upon three, and the more

legs it has, the weaker it be?'

Ianto lent against Jack, as he thought. "I think the answer's 'a human being'," Ianto replied.

As he spoke a gold card appeared where the inscription had been. Taking the card the door shimmered then vanished, replaced with a stunning view. It was clear they were high in orbit, the beauty of the Earth spread out before them. Hopping forward supported by Jack Ianto moved to the window, his mouth slightly open.

"Wow," he said after several long moments passed.

"You said a year ago you wished to see something wondrous," Jack said softly.

"Jack, I always dreamed, never thought..." he said as he breathed out as Jack wrapped his arms around Ianto's waist. "Incredible, beautiful," he said captured in true wonderment. "Where are we?" he asked not able to tear his eyes away.

"This is the Star Ship Magnificence. She passes through the Earth solar system once a year on a pleasure cruise. One of the services on board is 'The Quest'..." Jack got no further as Ianto kissed him and gave him a huge hug.

"I don't know how to thank you," he said as Jack held him. "I had no idea what you had planned, but all this," he said as Jack cupped his face and kissed him gently.

"Come with me, trust me the views will be just as wonderful," Jack promised. The large viewing area now started to close down as Jack took Ianto's weight and they slowly headed towards the exit.

---

Lying in Jack's arms Ianto sat back and took in the view. It was astounding; he had been trying to find the words for hours, but no words he knew seemed to sum up the view. They just watched the Earth turn below them from the large oval window that was a feature of their small suite of rooms. Jack was being very mysterious about the true purpose of all this and he was curious. Jack had promised that he would explain. Not tonight, it had been a long tiring day, this was time just to enjoy being in each other's company along with wine and good food. Ianto agreed; the 'company' they had taken in the shower was wonderful.

He has to pinch himself to keep reminding himself this was real. Right now they were high in orbit around the Earth, and in a few hours they would be moving out to the two gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, returning by Sunday when they would depart.

He felt incredibly touched Jack had recalled his answer, he had completely forgotten. He looked down and saw Jack was almost asleep. He leaned over and took the glass out of his hand before he dropped it.

"I think it's time we went to bed," Ianto suggested.

"I thought you would never ask," Jack joked as he stood and stretched.

Ianto now stood and gave him a hug. "I think I need to sleep out some of my aches," Ianto agreed as he pulled back the covers and they both laid down now just holding each other.

"You know this is a first for us," Jack said as he pulled Ianto into a hug.

"Well we did sleep in the same bed in New York and at my flat."

"I know, but this feels different," Jack tried to explain as he yawned and wrapped himself around Ianto.

As he drifted off to sleep a thought came to Ianto. Jack was right; this was different. This was a first for them both; they were experiencing a true intimacy and it felt so natural, so right. His eyes became heavy and within moments had joined Jack gently snoring.

***

Declarations

Lying back on the sofa in their suite, which they had discovered could be extended, Jack fed Ianto another morsel from the selection of subtly coloured cubes and spheres from the platter resting between them. The picture window had closed some time before sealing the hull into a seamless whole as the ship now moved to its next destination. Instead of a blank wall a series of starscapes played now across the surface.

"Emm," Ianto said as Jack kissed him sweetly on the lips then licked his own fingers clean before carefully choosing the next morsel.

"I could get used to this, lying under the stars being fed by my lover ..." His sentence was interrupted as Jack fed him another selection from the platter.

"That was divine," he said and was rewarded with the same. After waking and exploring the ship, taking in the views, they had retired back to their rooms. Jack had promised him a treat for lunch. Jack has asked if he could share a particular delicacy with him. It was from the planet Agaros and was a mix of small bite sized titbits that were a perfect combination of taste and textures. The platter also came with several small bowls of sauces which enhanced the taste or subtly changed the flavour of each of the selections.

"Try this," Jack said as he took a delicate gold fork and dipped an orange cube into some bright green sauce. Ianto leaned forward his mouth open as Jack placed it delicately into his mouth. As Jack moved the fork to spear a purple cube Ianto noticed Jack was trembling.

"I've never done this," Jack admitted softly.

"Fed a lover under the stars?" Ianto teased as Jack shook his head.

Jack now chose a pink sphere and covering in thick brown sauce which he delicately brushed along Ianto's lips who opened his mouth in readiness, but then popped into his own mouth.

"On Boeshane, today is the equivalent of the 22nd June," Jack told him as Ianto listened intrigued as he watched Ianto help himself to a pink sphere covered in brown sauce.

"Which means today is Valentine's Day," he explained.

"Like Valentine's Day on Earth: flowers, Hallmark cards, giant teddies holding red hearts?" Ianto asked as a bubble of excitement began to build in his chest.

"No, yes, sort of," Jack went on to explain. "Boeshane has an incredible sky, with twelve moons. Which led some very interesting extremes in weather and you should see the tides," he rattled a slight tremor evident in his voice. "Once a year on the 22nd June, they could all be seen in the sky at the same time. It was considered a day of particular good luck. People chose that day to mark new beginnings," he explained.

"Like New Years," Ianto suggested. He saw Jack nod.

"Sort of New Years, Valentine's Day all rolled into one," Jack added

"So that explains the twelve cards," Ianto checked out.

"Yes, there is a tradition surrounding the number twelve." The platter now empty he stood and moved it to the table and entered the bedroom. Ianto noted he returned with the card holder.

Lying next to Ianto he opened it and Ianto felt a wave of excitement.

"The day is very much like Valentine's Day on Earth: a day of love, romantic gestures, promises, and gifts. It is also a day to declare your intentions." He took Ianto's hand and took a nervous breath and kissed the palm of Ianto's hand. "Last year we actually talked, or I should say you talked and I listened." He saw Ianto draw back because he knew Ianto believed he had really hurt him so he pulled him back and kissed him gently. "I heard you, not here," he pointed to his ears, "but here." Jack placed the palm of Ianto's hand over his heart. "Your words made me seriously re-evaluate my life, about what I wanted, and who I wanted, where I wanted to be, who I wanted to share my life with. Your words made me realise what a self -absorbed idiot I had been ..."

"I felt so bad about that Jack, I was so hurt. I said things..." Jack put a finger against his lips.

"But you were right Ianto. My own actions caused the one person who had true feelings for me to believe they meant nothing to me." Ianto kissed his hand as felt teary. "I know because you became speechless when I asked your first wish question. Your greatest wish was that I would love you as much as you loved me. But you felt, you could never be that person because of everyone in my past. Ianto they are nothing compared to you. I know this because none of them have made me want to change my life." Ianto placed his hand on the side of Jack's face and stroked his thumb, overcome by Jack's declaration as he continued.

"You asked me at that time why I wanted a second chance so badly." He looked into Ianto's eyes. "I can answer that now. It's because I realised I loved you." Ianto kissed the back of his hand and held it to his chest.

"I want us to make a life together. A real life filled with all the everyday things you listed. But we have this problem: you live and work in Glasgow and I'm in Cardiff." He saw a flash of sadness cross Ianto's face.

"I have something very important to tell you. I told you that Archie called me up because he had made a decision; he also made me an offer. The Torchwood House charter states that he can hand it over to a successor as is required without all the normal bureaucratic nonsense. I accepted and in six weeks times he will retire and I will step in as head of Torchwood House."

Ianto's eyes widened. "You're moving to Glasgow," Ianto checked out not sure he had heard correctly. "But what about Torchwood Three, all your work..." Jack interrupted him with a kiss.

"Being with you is more important. You've had to come second so many times, for once you should come first," he declared. "I made a pledge that I would make you a priority in my life. This is me fulfilling that pledge."

"The active role you take, all your work, the hands on..." Jack stopped him with another kiss.

"I'm not losing anything. I gain you...us."

Ianto, overcome with emotion, found it hard to breathe and buried his head in Jack's shoulder. After a few moments he composed himself as Jack stroked his back. He pulled back and kissed Jack sweetly.

"You will do this for me," he said still coming to terms with Jack's announcement.

"You are my life Ianto, losing you made me realise that. You have no idea how empty I felt just knowing my actions had caused you to believe you meant nothing to me, to spend what life we had apart..." he became silent.

As Ianto pulled away he wiped Jack's face dry with his hand. Jack brought out the card holder, opened it then took out the first card.

"So a new starts where we are together. Each card I give you represents a foundation for us to forge not just a relationship but something long lasting so we can move forward together as a couple." He handed the first card over.

"When Lily died you said something that knocked me. You said you needed someone who would turn up and I never want you to go through something like that on your own again. It has a little embossed mark in the corner." He tipped the card in Ianto's hand who saw a tiny mark. "It's linked to my wrist strap, press it and I will be there. This card comes with a promise that no matter what I am doing, no matter how important, I will be there for you."

Taking the card Ianto kissed him deeply, speechless that his words had such effect. He had had no idea that Jack had taken to heart everything he had said. He saw Jack now take a second card.

"You had to resign to get my attention because I failed to make time to talk, so when you hand me this card," he placed it into Ianto's hand, "you will get my undivided attention to discuss whatever is needed, no matter how difficult. We will sit down and find a win-win solution that is fair to both of us."

He pulled out the next, smiling at Ianto who was looking at him his eyes filled with love. "This one goes with this," he pulled out another gold card," I will talk about those two later." He kissed Ianto quickly between cards.

"Now as you know I have an issue with seeing the little things, I get so caught up in what I'm doing I sometimes miss something important that I should have noticed. If that happens you can hand me this card and let me know, but I ask at the same time that you tell how it fits into the big picture."

"I promise," Ianto told him as he caressed his cheek.

"Talking about promises, after you left I actually attempted to list the number of promises I had made to you and broken." He shook his head as he became distressed as he recalled the pain he had felt when he had finally saw just how many times he had let Ianto down. "You asked for so little. Tosh told me once that you would have settled for us just sitting down and sharing a coffee somewhere. I never want you to feel that neglected again." He handed over another card. "If you give this to me I will arrange a romantic evening or time away where you and I can spend some time alone just the two of us, reconnecting." He looked at Ianto. "I plan never to break a promise to you again. Will you pledge to me that you won't let me?" he asked.

"Life happens Jack, you can't control life," Ianto said kindly.

"I've made and broken so many, promise me you will pull me up if I make a promise and fail to honour that promise?"

"I promise with all my heart," Ianto replied. "But I also pledge I will never blame you if you make a promise and due to circumstances you have to break it."

"Thank you," Jack said under his breath as he picked up the holder. Jack ran his fingers down cards, five, six, seven, eight, nine and ten. "These are wild cards, you get to decide what they mean: "you've been a Jerk card', or 'I need time to myself'. I will abide by the meanings you choose." He handed over the holder and Ianto laid it carefully down.

He looked deep into Jack's eyes. "I love you, and I want us to have a life together, so when you move up would you do me the honour of moving in with me?" Jack became misty and a tear tracked down his face as he nodded.

"Thank you," Ianto told him after a few moments as he took Jack's hand kissed the palm and studied Jack's hand. "I never thought after that final day I would ever be lucky enough to have a second chance. I thought I had hurt you beyond repair..."

Jack interrupted him, "You told me nothing but the truth, I needed to hear every word, and there is one more thing." Jack now took deep breath as he picked up the two cards he had put aside. "On that day I asked you a second wish question. Your answer shattered every illusion or should I say delusion I had about our physical relationship." He handed the silver card to Ianto who took it as he fought to recall what he had said.

"I hurt you, and I was damn selfish. I forgot I was your first and on top of that I bragged about my other lovers, and made you feel a poor replacement. I want you to know that you satisfy me in ways I never thought possible, you are everything I ever wanted. So this card represents a safe word, to be used at any time we are going too fast, or I am hurting you or your needs are not being met. The word you choose means I stop." He kissed him gently.

"And so this leaves us one card." He handed it over into Ianto's trembling hands to join the other.

"This card represents you greatest desire or fantasy." He saw Ianto blush a deep red and thought it adorable. "You told me that it would start with a perfect kiss, be passionate and tender where your lover would take care of your needs without consideration of their own. So I've got the big picture- but- I- need-to- know- exactly-what- it- is –you- would –like- me to- do- to- you." He kissed Ianto between each word starting by his left ear and working his way across and under his chin down his chest.

Ianto shivered as Jack kissed him. He tried to figure why he felt so embarrassed at telling Jack what he wanted, and he squirmed as he tried to form the words.

Finally he let out a deep breath and spoke at the same time. "It's something we've never really done, but something I, I've always really wanted but ..." Jack kissed along his jaw again.

"This is your reward Ianto, your fantasy, for me to fulfil it that you have to tell me." He waited a while when Ianto whispered in his ear.

"Fast or slow?" Jack double checked.

"Long and slow," Ianto said as he then bit his bottom lip.

Pulling Ianto towards him he kissed him deeply allowing the heat to build up slowly. Ianto became lost in the kiss as Jack's hands held him close then moved down his body, slowly mapping the contours of his back and arse. Pulling back for air, Jack stood and then eased Ianto to stand and they moved over to the bed where Ianto pulled back the covers in one move, and then returned his attention to Jack's lips.

Slowly running his hands under Ianto's tee shirt and breaking their kiss pulled it over his head. Ianto reached forward and began to lift off Jack's tee shirt. "I would like us to both be naked," he added as he kissed Jack first along one collar bone one then the next. Jack undid Ianto's belt, and pulled it out in movement then slid his hands down the curve of Ianto's arse. Then in one move fell to his knees and pulled his trousers down.

Ianto quickly stepped out of them as Jack now pressed his mouth against Ianto's boxers and teasing him with his tongue gently pulled them down revealing Ianto's cock which was throbbing. He saw a tiny bead of pre-cum form and he sipped it off the head of his penis. As he did he felt a tremor pass through Ianto, with gentle ease he manoeuvred him onto the bed.

Now lying next to each other he returned his attention to Ianto's lips and they kissed deeply until they came up for air. Then he then worked his way down Ianto's chest with small butterfly kisses reaching his nipples, giving them both attention as he heard Ianto make small moans as he lath his tongue around each. Then he moved down with small kisses and coming to his cock he steadied it with one hand, kissed the head then swirled his tongue around. As he did he felt Ianto was trembling and had twisted his hands in the sheets. Concentrating he licked the vein on the underside, as he began in earnest taking Ianto down deeply in slow pulses as he applied pressure. He alternated the depth, pressure and speed at which he worked. He glanced up briefly and saw Ianto's face was lost in ecstasy as he worked and was making the most deep delicious sounds interspersed with declarations to God.

Each time he took Ianto fully, Ianto tilted his hips and his hands were now on the top of Jack's head as he arched back. He could feel Ianto was close so he slowed down and slurped his way and kissed the head of his cock. Moving he cupped both of his balls in his hand and rolled them gently then in one move took Ianto fully and using the back of his tongue massaged the nerve-rich head. He felt Ianto explode coating the back of his throat. He waited until he was fully spent before he kissed his way back up Ianto's chest who wrapped his arms around him and rocked him. Still breathless Ianto was biting his lower lip his eyes closed.

"Good?" Jack asked gently as Ianto nodded and Jack chuckled. "I have few variations."

"There- are -variations," Ianto gasped.

"Oh yeah," Jack replied.

"What about you?" Ianto asked after he had come back to himself. "Please," he asked as he wrapped his hand around Jack's hard leaking cock and gently stroked him. "Let me see to you."

"This was about you Ianto, having someone take care of your needs without them..." Jack said losing all his breath as Ianto kissed him. His other hand grabbed the lube and coating his hand now used it to pump Jack. Skilfully he stroked his length with a slight twist until he heard him gasp and come spurted between them.

"Mutual pleasure is something very important to me," Ianto said as he now kissed Jack open panting mouth.

****

One hour.

Standing now in the main viewing gallery they took in the view of Jupiter. The ship had angled itself so it appeared you were looking down from above. It was simply massive, no picture could do true justice to the bands of swirling matter. It was mesmerising. Equally fascinating if you could pull your eyes away were the passengers, as used to aliens as Ianto was, he had never expected there to be so many sentient beings. Some were so odd, he had difficulty not staring. Jack kissed his hand, as he leaned his head against Ianto's shoulder.

"Who would have thought our boring solar system was the subject of an intergalactic cruise?" Ianto said.

"Well it's a bit out of the way but it has two wonders of the galaxy," Jack explained. "Two huge gas giants, one with rings."

"And Earth is pretty spectacular," Ianto said as the viewing panel now began to close to allow time for the radiation shielding to re-charge and the audience began to move off.

"Anything else you would like to see on board?" Jack offered as Ianto turned to him.

"I just want to spend time with you Jack. I've missed you so much and besides, I've a surprise for you this afternoon," he told him as Jack raised his eyebrows. He took Jack's hand and looked at him. "And I noted we had a huge bath we haven't used yet and I was thinking," he whispered in Jack's ear, who smiled then pulled Ianto into a kiss.

"That sounds wonderful," he said handing his glass back to the auto waiter.

---

Lying in the large deep red bath, filled with exotic bubbles that no matter how hard you tried seemed never to dissipate, Ianto lay seated next to Jack, lay with his arms around him.

"I could get used to this," Ianto said after a few moments.

"Em, you taste delicious, Ianto Jones and coffee chocolate," Jack said as he kissed Ianto.

"And I have a surprise for you this afternoon," Ianto said raising his eyebrows when they pulled back.

"Is my surprise like my reward in New York?" Jack teased after a few moments.

"It could be," Ianto teased back as he got out and pulled Jack with him.

"I loved my reward," Jack said pulling him into a deep kiss, his hands roaming over Ianto's body as Ianto pulled him in close.

"I'm all wrinkly, and I have a feeling this might get a lot more passionate so we should get comfortable," Ianto told him as the bubbles ran down their bodies.

Wrapped in towels, Ianto pulled Jack onto the bed and picked up the card holder and opened it.

"Yesterday you said there were several wild cards. I've done some thinking about what I want each one to represent," he said as Jack nodded. "You said you would abide with what I said each one meant no matter what."

"Absolutely I will abide by whatever you decide each one means," Jack said as he kissed Ianto's jawline; reaching an ear lobe he sucked gently.

"Oh god, that feels good," Ianto said as he struggled to keep to the task at hand.

"You've been saying that a lot lately," Jack said as he pulled Ianto into a long deep kiss.

Several moments passed as they explored each other's mouths.

"Okay," Ianto said pulling back. He tried to focus as Jack now worked his way down and reached a nipple and began to swirl his tongue around one and then the other.

Ianto pulled him up and kissed him.

"Surprise," he reminded him as Jack pulled back.

"My surprise," Jack repeated trying to bring his attention back from worshiping Ianto's body as Ianto handed him a card.

"You gave me a card yesterday that was for whenever I needed you. I was thinking that there will be times when you may need me. So I hand this card to you. I was hoping that we could set up some kind of ringtone and message set up on my mobile, use it and I will be there for you in any capacity." Taking the card Jack looked surprised.

"I was kinda hoping you might look like that," Ianto pointed out.

"Like?" Jack nudged still blinking as he looked at the card in his hand then back at Ianto.

"Surprised," Ianto replied. He now pulled the next wild card and caressed Jack's face and kissed him gently.

"Now I know that when you were away something terrible happened to you. I know I can never come close to understanding," he handed it to Jack. " I hand back this card to you so that you can give this to me when you just need space, time or support to deal with something that has come up related to that year. "

Jack's faced dropped in astonishment then immediately broke down as Ianto's words took effect. As he sobbed Ianto held him rocking him gently.

"I have been so alone with this Ianto, who do I tell?" he said as he recovered.

"You can tell me," Ianto offered gently.

"I don't want you to know the details Ianto; it would give you nightmares and I don't want you tainted with what happened," he said vehemently.

"Then this card is for when a painful memory has come up and you just need some space to sort things in your mind. So this is a year that never was card, use it and I will do whatever is in my power to support you through it."

Looking at Ianto, his heart filled with love wondering what he had done to deserve this generous being.

Ianto picked out another wild card. "We both have needs Jack, so this is what this card represents. Hand this to me and I will attend to your needs. Foot rub, being bossed about, me being submissive, maybe you need me to be rough or gentle, tie you up or vice versa or just listen, and I will do it."

"This was meant to be my gift to you," he stuttered.

"You've done so much to prove to me that you're worthy of a second chance, I can offer nothing less in return," Ianto said. As he kissed him he felt Jack tremble.

Pulling back he pulled another card out of the holder. "And I think you will enjoy this one. If there is ever a need for me to do something without question, then this card comes into play. Maybe you think I'm in danger for example and you know I will argue then you can use this card and I will obey you. It also comes with the proviso that you do not have to explain."

"You would give me that much trust?" Jack said stunned.

"I trusting you with my heart Jack, you broke it once; I'm trusting you not to break it again."

"Never, never will I break that trust, and I promise that I will only ever use this card when I need to keep you safe." He saw Ianto nod.

"And finally, and I hope this sets to right something I feel very badly about. That last day I laid everything out, but I never took true responsibility for my part. Over the months I realised that I gave too much, and put up with things I never should have. I blamed you for everything that went wrong but there were two of us. I never gave you a chance to put things to right as they happened. I let things build up inside me until I was so hurt...when I should have spoken out. So I hand you this card for you to give to me whenever I fail to take responsibility for my part in us as a couple. I want to build a life with you but it must be as equals, so this represents equality in everything we do on every level."

"I promise," Jack said.

"Any other cards however many are left over we should decide between us what they should mean but I do have one favour," Ianto asked quietly.

"Anything Ianto."

"Could we come back here on our honeymoon?" he said. He saw the effects of his words on Jack.

After catching his breath he took Ianto's hand. "I was hoping for a wedding with just the three of us, where we could take Spud," Jack added quietly.

"I don't think our friends will forgive us if we sneak off, but I'm all for sweet and simple," Ianto smiled as Jack pulled him into a kiss. They lay together as Jack's thumb did lazy circles on the back of Ianto's hand and he sensed Jack was trying to say something. He loved this vulnerability in Jack and realised in that moment it was something only he had been privileged to witness.

"I don't..." he started to say and lost his voice. Ianto lifted his chin with a finger to encourage him.

"I was thinking a year's a long time, and I was wondering how you might feel..." He faltered again as Ianto kissed him sweetly on the lips. Jack took a breath. "Holding a form of commitment ceremony here," he said in one breath "I would like to wear some kind of token, let people know, but I'm not sure how..." any further conversation was prevented as Ianto pulled him into a massive snog.

"To let everyone that you and me..." he tried to say when they drew back.

"Like a ring, like sort of a wedding, but not a wedding?" Ianto queried.

"Yes" Jack replied shyly. "And later we could formalise it on Earth with a civil partnership."

"I would love to marry... sorry have a commitment ceremony here," Ianto told him as he smiled.

"And renew our vows every year because I never want you to forget how much I love you and how privileged I am to have you in my life," he said looking at Ianto with love in his eyes.

"You know I've found a part of you that no one has ever seen," Ianto told him sweetly.

"Yeah?"

"It's very hard see, but you have a romantic soul."

"What can I say? You bring the romance out in me, "Jack teased as Ianto stifled a smile at the serious look on Jack's face.

"No doves then," Ianto stated after a few moments.

"What?" Jack burst out.

"I was just saying no doves then at our second wedding, sorry civil partnership."

"NO doves."

"Confetti?"

"Especially not confetti," Jack replied worried

"No doves or confetti," Ianto repeated as if he was memorising a list.

"Can I have at least one bridesmaid?" Ianto asked after few moments.

"As long as it's Spud," Jack told him.

"What about a groom and groom on a 4 tier cake then?" he added a moment later trying to remain serious.

"Only if I can throw it at you, then lick it off," Jack replied with a grin.

"A variation," Ianto said eagerly.

"I've created a monster," Jack told him sighing then pulled him into a kiss.

"I only want one thing," Jack told him. "On your ring I want to add the inscription 'one hour' on the inside," he told him as Ianto looked curious as they pulled back

"One hour?" Ianto repeated as Jack took his hand and kissed it. Jack whispered into his ear as Ianto melted.

"I love you," Ianto told him after they drew back as Ianto kissed his face.

"And I know something about you Ianto Jones" Jack teased. "You are a sucker for romance," he said with a kiss.

"That's so lucky because you have a romantic soul!" Ianto teased as Jack pulled away and used the ship's communicator to begin arrangements.

---

Authors Note: One Hour.

"If I had but one hour of love. if that be all that is given me. An hour of love upon this earth, I would give my love to thee."

Film Quote – The Lonely Bones.

***

Gwen

Sitting in her car, Gwen watched as Jack took several supermarket bags out of his car and headed towards his flat. She didn't know why she should feel so disconcerted. For some reason she couldn't explain; seeing Jack doing something so ordinary made her feel so uncomfortable. Jack supermarket shopping, it felt wrong. Everything about today was wrong. Jack was leaving, leaving to be with that Ianto. Going to Glasgow to a desk job. She placed her head on the steering wheel and took a deep breath then let it out slowly.

She knew she shouldn't be here but she had to speak to him because she was reeling. First Jack had called them altogether and made his big announcement. Her jaw had dropped; he was leaving to take over Torchwood House and announced his replacement. She swallowed; it wasn't her, at the least he could have discussed it with her as she was still second in command after all. Or was she? It seemed since all the new staff she had been relegated back to field officer.

She was about to demand an explanation when she realised Jack was wearing what looked like a wedding ring. Open-mouthed she had watched and listened to Jack admit to Owen and Tosh that it was apparently some kind of a commitment ring, He and Ianto had been off on a break somewhere and decided to have some sort of ceremony. It had twisted her insides at the 'aw' from Tosh and the back slapping and hand shaking from Owen. Everyone crowding round offering their congratulations and joking about buying toasters, made her sick to her stomach.

She had watched on, numb because she still couldn't understand. All this time she had been waiting for the infatuation he had with Ianto to be over. She couldn't think what the hell he had to offer. It wasn't personality; from what she could tell Ianto didn't have one. He could never offer Jack what she could. She had everything: character, sense of humour, she loved Jack like no other, hell she was sure the sex would be fantastic and she could have children. What could Ianto offer other than that stupid dog, with that stupid name, not even a real dog but all fur and pink ribbons. If there was going to be a dog she had always fantasized it would be a chocolate Labrador, one that got on well with the beautiful children she was sure they would have. She let out a breath.

One moment she had been everything to Jack, he consulted her on at every turn, they shared jokes and he always made sure they were together in the field. She had been ecstatic over the conference. Time alone with Jack, they had gone to dinner, had a slow dance...she was over the moon, on cloud nine. She had tried not to gloat but she found it hard not to smile around Ianto because she had won. Not that there was anything to really gloat about; she could see all the feelings were on Ianto's side. He was always hovering; trying to make himself useful, being the prefect assistant. Little good that it did him, Jack had only eyes for her. How she had enjoyed dropping snide comments, making sure he knew exactly his place in the order of importance in Jack's life.

She could recall the day it had gone sour. It had been the day Ianto had handed in his resignation. It was like a switch had been turned. From that point on Jack had treated her like nothing, worse than nothing. He treated her like she was an employee; her, the heart of Torchwood. She bristled. With Ianto gone she had hoped his absence would have made all the difference. It should have been easy; she had been set to end it all with Rhys then Jack had told her she was nothing to him. God it had hurt, she had slapped his face. She had given him the cold shoulder thinking that he would come running back as soon as he realised what he had lost.

She had even gone through with the wedding hoping Jack would get jealous and make his move. How her heart had leapt when he had run in and stopped her just as she was making her vows; she was so sure he had come to his senses. But no, instead she had to contend with a dance.

Now he was leaving, going to Glasgow. She had tried all day to find a way to speak to him but no matter hard she tried she couldn't get him alone. It was like he was trying to avoid her. Well better this way, to catch him at home. She would get her answer and maybe she could use all her efforts for one last chance. Once she had explained it, laid it out for him, the choice was clear. She would make him see, make him listen and this nonsense would be over. Locking her car door she headed to the lifts.

Holding the bottle of wine Jack grimaced in effort as he pulled out the cork. A fine red, it didn't really go with the salad he was preparing but Ianto loved a good red wine and it tasted delicious on his lips. He smiled; kissing Ianto, best foreplay ever...he put the bottle down, opened a cupboard and placed two glasses on the counter next to the open bottle.

He looked at his watch. His flight had got in half an hour ago and was in a taxi on his way here. He had wanted to pick him up but a call from UNIT had seriously delayed him leaving the Hub. He had been left with just enough time to grab a few supplies to prepare a nice dinner and a bottle of wine. He heard his mobile sound and he flipped it open. Smiling at the cheeky text, he keyed in a response spelling out what he hoped to do to Ianto when he got there. Moving over to the sound system he went through his CD collection; he was introducing Ianto to the delights of Jazz. He was easing him in with some the early classics he loved. "Ha," he said out loud as he found the one he was looking for; 'Bix Beiderbecke'. With a flip he placed the disc in the holder and picked up the remote and backed up, turning...his phone rang again and as he began to key in another text he heard a noise and looked up.

"How the hell did you get in?" Jack said as he saw Gwen standing in the middle of the lounge.

"Don't be angry," she said quickly.

"This is my home Gwen how did you get in?" he repeated still holding the remote control in one hand and the mobile in the other.

"I used the emergency key, I had to see you, speak to you," she told him.

"Is it an emergency?" he asked her bluntly.

"Yes, I just had to see you speak to you. I've been here trying all day and I just had to," she spluttered.

"I need you to leave." He flipped his phone shut. "Ianto will be here any moment and I don't want him to find you here," he told you brusquely. He walked over to the kitchen counter and put down the remote and mobile as the smooth sound of a trumpet began to play in the background.

"I need answers Jack," she said loudly.

"You need to leave," he repeated as his heartbeat picked up at the implications if Ianto found her here. He pointed the remote and the music stopped.

"I don't understand Jack. What happened to us?" Gwen asked moving towards him.

"What are you talking about? " he replied looking at his watch and moving further along the counter to keep the distance between them.

"There was this energy between us for months. We did everything together: field work, that conference, you sought me out asked my advice about everything, we talked, you called me the heart of Torchwood, and you made me second in command. It was like we were this un-official couple. Then you went cold, the next thing you were telling me was that I could never make you happy when I have so much to offer," she said a pitch to her voice. "How could you have rejected me for him!" she burst out. "I've been waiting all this time for you to come to your senses and this is my last chance. That's why I had to see you, to let you know you don't have to do this. You don't have to leave. I would never ask you to leave...force you to leave Torchwood to be with me. You could stay here... " she stopped as she saw the look of distaste grow on Jack's face at her declaration.

"Gwen, this was my decision. Ianto had no part in it other than I wanted to be with him. I didn't want him to give up something he has built from the ground up."

"But he's turned you into some kind of lapdog, making you run after him," she pointed out forcefully.

"You really don't get it do you?" he said ignoring her comment. "That's love Gwen. I have loved him for a long time. It took me a while to see that and it took his leaving for me to understand what I had lost."

"I still don't understand what he has Jack. He made the bloody coffee! A suit that shuffled papers..." she stopped as she saw the look of anger. Jack's face darkened.

"Gwen, you always seriously underestimated what Ianto actually did and his importance to the smooth running of operations," he retorted.

"You shouldn't have to completely change your life," she burst out ignoring his statement.

"I want to and that's the difference. Ianto made me want to be a better man, for his sake. And you could never have done that." He held out his hand. "Key," he demanded.

"This is not over," she said tearfully as she handed it over.

"Gwen it never began for there to be an over. Seriously Gwen, get over this I'm with Ianto."

"No," she said shakily.

"Gwen go home, I'm not worth all this."

"Well I think you are," she added stubbornly.

"I don't know how blunt you want this but all you had with me was flirting. Now go home, stay home, be happy with what you have. Rhys loves you. "

"I want to be part of your life," she argued holding her handbag close.

"Trust me; you don't want in on my life Gwen. You see the hero, the man in the coat, the smile, and the pheromones that turn you on. That's all."

"So what does Ianto have that sets him apart?" she spat back.

Smiling gently to himself, he looked into the distance. "I don't think I can quantify it in words Gwen. Ianto just is; he is the single most important person in my life." He let out a sigh. "You cannot begin to understand what true loneliness is, to see everyone you care about grow old and die while you have to continue and then to find someone..."

"I could be that person Jack. We could be a family, why can't you see that?"

He remained silent then let out a deep breath.

"Gwen Ianto is the love of my life. Do you understand what I'm saying? Do you?"

"Your saying he's the first person you have loved," she scoffed not wanting to believe him.

"Gwen, out. I've told you, explained, and been as plain as I can. Move on."

"But you and me," she spluttered. She stamped her foot.

"I need you to leave Gwen. Out," he said, moving to the door, and opening it fully to see Ianto standing there suitcase in hand biting his bottom lip. Ianto moved back to allow Gwen to leave.

Without a word he entered the flat fully, pulling Jack into an embrace. Hooking the door shut with his foot he kissed him deeply. Jack returned his embrace relishing having him in his arms, his lips on his and felt his body sink into his arms in relief.

"How much of that did you hear?" Jack said his arms still around him, holding him close when they came up for air.

"All of it, well mostly all of it. Never heard myself just called a suit that shuffles paper," he smiled as Jack wiped his thumb along Ianto's lips as they pulled part.

Jack let out a sigh. "I'm sorry you had to walk in on that she just let herself in."

"I heard you demand she leave from the lift," Ianto told him.

"Well she always did have a voice that carried," Jack commented and pulled him in even closer. "Now big choice: we can have dinner first," he kissed him, "or..."

"Or?" Ianto teased putting his hands on Jack's arse and pulling him in closer so he could feel his arousal.

"I can take you into my bedroom and have my wicked way with you," Jack told him trying to keep a serious face.

"Wicked way," Ianto said deepening his voice, "It's true I'm desperate to have my wicked way with you as well, but..."

"There's a 'but'!"

"I'm bloody starving. I snatched lunch, raced around all afternoon, picked up then dropped Spud off. Had a juice box and a small packet of peanuts on the plane..."

"I see," Jack leaned over, and picked up the remote and pressed play.

"But I want you so bad," Ianto groaned pressing himself into Jack.

"Interesting dilemma: food or sex," Jack kissed him. "I suggest we eat first because we are going to need our strength. I was hoping we could see if we could wear each other out," he looked at Ianto his eyes narrowed with lust and anticipation.

"Food!" Ianto declared as Jack moved across and pulled the blinds. Ianto opened the fridge and began throwing food onto plates.

Gwen sat in her car and cried tears of rage. When she calmed down she looked up at the window to see someone drawing the blinds and decided the one thing that she hated the most was seeing the look of triumph on Ianto's face.

***

Practicing Domestic

Shaking out the sheets from the packet along with the pillow cases, Ianto loaded them into the washing machine. Picking up the cardboard inner he read through the washing instructions. He measured out the washing powder and then turned the machine on. Turning he now walked towards the bedroom to give Jack a hand.

Opening the door he saw Jack had a crumbled sheet of paper in his hand and was ticking what looked like an item on a list. Jack startled looking sheepish he quickly pushed the sheet into his back trouser pocket.

"Right let's get this off," Ianto said as he went to helping Jack pull off the large plastic cover off the mattress.

"I love it when you talk dirty," Jack replied.

"What was that you had," Ianto asked as they heaved together.

"What?" Jack replied in all innocence.

"In your hand, it looked like a list."

"Nothing," Jack said shaking his head as he helped Ianto fold up the huge sheet of plastic.

"Looked like something," Ianto asked intrigued.

"No, nothing important," Jack said they now lifted and manoeuvred the mattress on to the base.

Jack now sat on the edge bouncing up and down testing its firmness. Ianto came past him picking up pieces of cardboard protector from the floor. Grabbing him he pulled him on to the bed.

"I can't wait to christen this," Jack told him as Ianto threw all the cardboard into the air as he wrapped his arms around him,

"I've put on the new sheets on to wash...so it shouldn't be too long and we can..." He pulled his hand down and pulled out the sheet from Jack's trouser pockets.

"Ah ha," Ianto said as Jack wrestled with him.

"That's private," Jack told him as he tried to grab it back.

Ianto twisted to the side and held the paper out of reach.

"Playing dirty, ha!" Jack said. "Two can play at that." He began to tickle him.

Roaring with laughter, Ianto bucked and twisted about sharply under Jack's assault but still managed to keep the paper just out of reach.

Several frantic moments of wrestling passed when Ianto said panting, "Let me look and I promise I'll take you as rough as you like tonight."

"Tempting offer but I had plans for you tonight." Ianto drew him into a hug and Jack put his head on his chest.

"We can do both," Ianto shook out the paper.

"I was marking this one off," Jack said as he pointed at the fifth item on the list as Ianto kissed him.

Supermarket shopping,

going for walks,

holding hands,

going on a mini break,

buying a bed,

moving into together,

making slow passionate love (as much as possible)

waking up together, after all the passionate love making)

sharing breakfast, after a night of passionate love making

setting up a home, where we christen every room

arguing what colour the kitchen should be , followed by great make up sex.

sitting at home eating a curry watching some stupid movie curled up a sofa with my head on your shoulder your arms around me or vice versa

Real conversation

Talking about something stupid on television

"We still need to argue over the colour of the kitchen, but we can do the makeup sex first," Jack told him. I added a few notes," Jack said as he pointed the extra bits he had added.

"I see," Ianto commented with approval. "And several are not marked off." They reach towards each other and kissed.

"There's more," Jack said turning over the paper

Tell Ianto I love him.

Cook him breakfast.

Taking Spud for walks.

Get married.

Tell Ianto I love him.

Buy another dog in case Spud gets lonely.

Take him ice skating Rockefeller Centre.

Practice kissing with Ianto.

Birthday surprise.

Christmas

Surprises

Take him out for lunch

Make sure Ianto never forgets how much I love him.

"I'm a bit out of practice with the domestic side of things," Jack admitted.

"Yes you need to improve your cooking skills if you want to cook me breakfast."

"As long as all I have to do is open a packet I'm fine," Jack told him honestly

"Well I thought we should start with something simple, like toast."

"Are you sure you can trust me after the last toast fiasco?" Jack pointed out.

"I'm sure practice makes perfect," Ianto said as Spud leapt up to join them.

"Good because I want to master the prefect fried egg, on toast," Jack admitted.

"150 plus years Jack, frying an egg, it's not rocket science." He shook his head.

"Then I want to move on to bacon, and hash browns and I've always wondered what you do with black pudding."

"I think we'll stick with toast, master that first," Ianto teased.

"A roast, I love roasts. What amazes me Ianto is everything starts at different times but you manage to get everything to come together at the same time."

"It's easy Jack, you just put the food in that takes the longest first," Ianto said. He heard the washing machine finish.

"Don't spoil the mystery, it's like magic," Jack told him as Ianto pulled away and headed to the put the sheets in the dryer. Jack now got up and headed to the kitchen with Spud following up fast behind.

Pulling on his trainers Jack now took the lead. Spud jumped up, excited, then sat back waiting with eager anticipation her whole body quivering.

Clipping the lead on he turned to Ianto who was now also ready to go out. "It's cold, does she need a coat?" Jack asked.

"I'll grab one," Ianto agreed disappearing and returning a few moments later with a padded dog jacket. Jack opened the door.

"Blue is so her colour," Jack told Ianto who was slipping the dog coat on.

"I've brought a spare just in case." He pulled a green tartan coat from his pocket.

Jack picked her up and Spud licked Jack's face. "You need to learn some self-control," he told her fondly as Ianto joined him.

"It's a walk in the park with ducks, Jack."

"Ducks!" Jack said to her. He put her down and she almost exploded out the door.

"I think we could have the argument about the colour of the kitchen," Ianto teased as they made their way into the park.

"Yeah," Jack said as Spud bounded ahead.

"I was thinking black."

"Black, I was thinking red," Jack replied

"Red, are you mad? This is not the eighties...." Ianto snorted as they walked down the path towards the lake.

Spud looked about. Her eyes scanning the lay of the land, she saw a feather.

"Ducks!" She barked out as her new daddy undid the lead and she was off.

***

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