Title: Domestic Bliss
By: Jessie Blackwood
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I still don't own any of this, not a thing, no offence, no infringement intended, at all, zippo, zilch, nada…
A/N: This is for sinj, katwinchester, 0lizzybennet0, galadriel1010 and all the rest of you who reviewed and wanted more. Hope you like it.
We begin with fluff I'm afraid, nothing really dramatic or adventurish, no cliff hanger even, just relationship fluff…
Summary: Chalk and Cheese…living together puts a strain on a new relationship...the boys have a tiff…

Previous story in series - Role Reversal

"Where the hell are my keys?" Ianto's voice floated through from the living room.

"You left them on the kitchen table" Jack shouted from the bathroom.

"So where are they? They're not there now."

"I know, I moved them."

"Care to tell me where they are then?"

"I put them in your overcoat pocket."

There was a pause, the amount of time it took him to search his pockets, then "they're not there."

"That's because I moved them."

"Jack, this is not twenty questions, where the hell are my keys now?"

"On the table in the bedroom."

There was a growl and then "Finally!"

Jack emerged from the bathroom, naked.

"For God's sake, put some clothes on, we're late!"

"We are not late…"

"Excuse me, its nearly 7am. I have wasted ten minutes looking for my keys because you insist on being an arse about it! You are such a child sometimes!"

"I checked my watch less than ten minutes ago" Jack picked up the wrist strap and frowned "See, 6.35…"

"Not to go by my watch!" he burst out "Nor my mobile or the speaking clock, I just called it up. It's 6.58"

"Sorry…" Jack hurried into the bedroom and left Ianto to pace the floor.

He emerged, fully dressed, five minutes later, Ianto giving him the silent treatment all the way to work.

They had been living together for a month and it wasn't working. Jack was always too sloppy for Ianto's taste, Ianto was too uptight about tidiness for Jack. This morning Jack watched Ianto's retreating back as he almost ran up to his office and went to get the morning coffee for everyone, thinking that maybe he had just blown it.

"Thank God, I thought we were going to have to mob Starbucks!" Owen gasped as Jack served him his morning fix of caffeine. "Gwen's called in sick, I thought for a moment that saving the world was going to be down to Tosh and me." he grinned at the thought.

Tosh looked at Jack and frowned "You OK?" He took a breath and nodded, trying not to let it show. He wasn't OK. He was far from OK. Ianto hadn't said a word when he gave him his coffee. Jack knew this wasn't working but he didn't know what to do.

"What's the matter?" she followed him down to the archives.

"Its not working, us living together." he admitted "I'm too sloppy, he's too neat, we're like chalk and cheese here." He sighed "I lost his keys for him this morning."

"Oh, how did he take it?"

"Not well. Not at all well. They weren't lost exactly, just I put them somewhere safe, I knew where they were…I was teasing really, just a joke, but he didn't see the funny side. He's always misplacing his keys, it's the one thing he does that isn't tidy and neat and well ordered. Add to that the fact that I was late because the time on my wrist strap was set wrong, must have altered it by mistake, it was on Tovaran time…haven't been there for years…" he mused, then snapped back to the present, looking downcast "Ianto hasn't spoken to me since we left the flat."

"Oh, that isn't good." Tosh said sympathetically, "You'll just have to make it up to him."

"How? I'm not exactly flavour of the month right now."

"Don't forget though, Ianto has to cut you some slack, it can't be one sided."

"Yeah, I know. But I'm moving in with him, its his place…"

"Even so, if he wants you, he's got to make some changes," Tosh said wisely "but you've got to try a little harder."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"I'm going to go buy supplies." Jack announced later that morning "If anybody wants me I'll be in Tesco's."

"OK, can you bring back some of those to-die-for chocolate biscuits?" Tosh pleaded "Those you brought last time, pleeeease?"

Jack grinned and shouted "Anything you want Owen?"

"Nope, just don't forget the coffee."

Jack didn't ask Ianto, he didn't feel able to talk to him. He just wanted to go and get the shopping, then go home. He had something he wanted to do.

When he got back, two hours later, the Hub was deserted and there was a note on the coffee table "Weevil hunt, Cathays, see you soon. Tosh"

Jack put away the supplies, trying not to be worried. They hadn't called him. Ianto obviously thought one weevil could be handled by the three of them. The thought that probably Ianto wanted nothing to do with him crossed his mind as well, but he could not for one minute think that Ianto would let personal feelings get in the way of a professional decision. He went to his workstation and tapped in the code and brought up the Cathays' CCTVs and scanned for any activity. He spotted the SUV heading back, coming in rather quickly for a post-hunt return. He wondered if everything was alright and hit the comms button.

"You OK?"

"Just great, Tea Boy!" came Owen's growl.

"Can I do anything?"

"Just get the damn coffee machine on!" and he cut the connection.

Ten minutes later, the cog door rolled back to reveal Ianto leaning heavily on Tosh and Owen cradling his right hand in his left. They all looked tattered. Jack came forward to take Ianto's weight from Tosh. He was walking with a heavy limp and he looked grey.

Tosh sat down heavily and took her cup, cradling it for comfort. A plate with her favourite biscuits sat near the coffee and she smiled gratefully.

"What happened?" Jack asked the room in general.

"It was a bitch!" Owen snapped, face drawn with pain.

"Literally" Ianto rasped. He was fighting pain from somewhere. His face was drawn. Jack tightened his grip and lead them down to the autopsy room.

Owen looked at Jack and indicated his arm "You're nurse for today." he said "My arm's buggered, I can't do anything."

"What's the damage?" he sat Ianto down on a chair and turned to Owen.

"Damn thing had a blade of glass, wrapped in cloth, made itself a knife."

"That's not good. Changes the rules of engagement, now they're more of a threat than ever."

"Yeah, well, we're going to need stitches and antibiotics real fast" Owen said, his voice rasping "and you're going to have to do it, because there is nobody else."

"Of course I'll do it."

"Help me off with this then" and Jack helped Owen take off his jacket. Underneath his arm was a mess. "I would have asked Tosh to help but she's shattered. She did the driving and I have no idea how she did it, but she was the one dragged the body into the boot."

"The Weevil's dead then?"

"Yeah but its not going anywhere, we need to deal with this first."

"Sure, just asking" Jack said, peeling Owen's torn sleeve away from the wounds. Underneath, two ragged and rather deep cuts had crossed the muscles of his forearm.

"Pull open that drawer there." and Jack followed Owen's instructions as he guided him to find the things he needed. He found the anaesthetic spray and misted it over the cuts, watching the relief in Owen's eyes as the pain eased. "That's better" he muttered, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "Now I can concentrate."

Ianto was sitting slumped over on the chair and Jack got his coat off, seeing the slashed fabric across his thigh that he hadn't previously been aware of in the dark material. Underneath there was a hastily applied dressing, but the cut was long and deep. Not critical, not life threatening but serious enough. Jack let out a slow breath he hadn't been aware he was holding in. He got him undressed down to his boxers and then went about making the autopsy bed more comfortable with a layer of blankets which he covered in a sheet. Without hesitation he lifted Ianto in his arms and carried him over to the bed, covered him with another blanket to keep him warm, then, with Owen's instruction, cleaned and stitched the wound and applied a dressing and bandage. Ianto was silent the entire time. That worried Jack and Owen told him how to activate the Bekaran scanner to check him over. However, bar for the injury and the obvious shock to his system, there was nothing else.

"I'm fine" he said eventually "Don't fuss."

"No Sir." Jack said automatically and Ianto actually laughed, a harsh sound in the surroundings.

"Come on, Nurse Harkness, you haven't finished yet." Owen muttered and proceeded to instruct him on dealing with his arm. When he finished, Owen grudgingly admitted it wasn't a bad job. Tosh had wandered through to join them, not wanting to be alone.

"How's that Rift predictor program?" Jack asked her.

"Coming along. Its not perfect yet."

"Accuracy?"

"95%, maybe 98%m, I need more data really."

"Use it for me, find out when it thinks the next activity if likely to be."

"Right" she was glad to have something to do and disappeared up the stairs.

"Maybe something tomorrow morning, I can't be 100% sure." Tosh came back with the results twenty minutes later. Ianto was sitting up, the blanket draped round him, a mug of tea in his hands. He and Owen had both taken antibiotics and painkillers and they were both looking better.

"Good, then I suggest you transfer the rift monitoring to my wrist strap and I can keep an eye on it from home." Jack hesitated just a fraction before continuing. He had called Ianto's flat 'home'. "Let's all go home. Get some rest and come back tomorrow, if you feel OK" he fixed Owen with a look and then helped Ianto off the table.

"Keep your weight off that for a while" Owen ordered and Ianto smiled thinly.

Shortly afterwards the cog door rolled shut on their departure.

The flat was spotless. Ianto hobbled in, leaning on Jack for support and Jack deposited him on the sofa and went to make coffee.

"You've cleaned up" he noted, looking round.

"Yeah, felt guilty, sorry. Been taking you and this for granted. Won't happen again."

"You didn't need to…"

"Yes I did. Look, I'm sorry about this morning. I was an ass. I was teasing and you didn't appreciate it, I'm sorry. And I'm sorry about the time too. I really got it wrong." He held out his wrist "Was set for some weird planet I haven't been on for years…" he shrugged "My mistake."

Ianto sighed "Its OK." He said gently. "I'm sorry too, I was over sensitive. Tosh gave me a right bollocking in the car. Said she knew it was really non of her business but she thought I ought to know that you were upset about hurting my feelings and worried in case I was going to throw you out."

"Tosh said that?" Jack smiled, visualising the petite Japanese woman berating the boss on his love life.

"She was very vocal" Ianto could still hear her voice in his head, telling him he should know better and he ought to decide what was important, the love of a good man or a tidy flat.

"That's Tosh for you" Jack observed "Wise about everybody's life but her own."

"I'm glad she did it" Ianto said "Now could I please have a cup of coffee before I get withdrawal symptoms?"

"Sure" Jack was happy to oblige.

When he returned with the coffee Jack sat down beside him, flicked on the television and sat channel hopping, looking for something to interest him.

"Switch it off" Ianto said gently.

"What?"

"I said switch it off, please?"

Obediently Jack flicked the switch and turned to face him. Ianto leaned forward and kissed him, hard and desperate.

"Ianto, what's wrong?" Jack pulled away and faced him.

"I need you." he rasped, "Jack…I'm sorry…"

"What for? You've nothing to be sorry for."

"Yes, I have!" He burst out "I haven't really been exactly trying to make this easy for you."

"What? To make what easy?"

"You moving in with me, us, together. I've just been my stupid obsessive self and not even tried to compromise."

Jack kissed him then, softly, mindful of his injured leg. He captured Ianto's face in his hands and looked deeply into the other's blue eyes "Don't start blaming yourself. I'm not the easiest person to live with. Look love, I'm as guilty as you are. I thought I could just be myself but that's not fair, is it? If this is a partnership, then we both need to compromise. So, let's start again, shall we?"

"OK" Ianto smiled and kissed him again, more gently this time. "Can we go to bed?"

"Sure, if you want to."

"Just need you."

Jack smiled "Better be careful though."

In the event, Jack did all the work. He insisted Ianto should lie still and let him, so Ianto did. Jack used his hands and lips and tongue and teeth, skilfully tumbling his lover over the edge and into sweet oblivion. Ianto lay there, spent, aware of the dragging soreness in his thigh but not caring. Jack had been careful and kind. He lay along side him, warm against his skin, his body fitting Ianto's as if made for the purpose. Ianto turned his face towards Jack's chest and breathed in his scent, the male musk he loved. Content, he fell asleep in Jack's protective embrace.

"At last! You're late!" Rhiannon snapped as she watched Ianto get out of the car and walk across the grass to meet her.

"I'm sorry Rhi'." he said apologetically.

"What's wrong? Why are you limping?" she demanded to know.

"You should see the other fella." He said gently "I'm fine. Honestly."

"You don't look fine." She said and engulfed her brother in a hug, which he returned a little less fiercely. They sat down on the park bench and watched Mica chasing David across the play park, shouting "Pow, pow, pow" as though she was shooting at him.

"So, how are you?" Ianto asked, smiling and waving at Mica as she saw him, then at David as he looked to see who Mica was waving at.

"Me? I'm fine as always. Look, I won't beat about the bush…a mate of mine, Susan was out the other day, it was her anniversary and they went to that posh French place in town, the one by the memorial…and there was you."

"Ssso?" Ianto frowned, wondering what was coming.

"Well, there was you havin' dinner…with a man…"

"Probably was. We go for a drink occasionally."

"This was more than a bloody drink Ianto, if what she said was true."

"So…?"

"So you don't deny it then?"

Ianto sighed "Deny what Rhi'?"

"She said you looked like you were quite…well, intimate…you know, together. She also said he was gorgeous, like a movie star" she paused, "or an escort…"

"He works with me." Ianto admitted.

"Works with you?"

"So? You go out with Tina, don't you?" he countered.

"Not to posh restaurants…" Rhiannon scoffed, "and I said to her, well, he's been out with girls and she said well, no girl was getting her feet round that table, that was certain…" she looked at him "Have you gone Bender then?" and when he stayed quiet she said "You never tell me anythin' these days. Like after Dad died, that was it, you were off, you couldn't wait to leave…Like I did somethin' wrong. I didn't, did I?" She turned away, just gazing across the grass at Mica.

"Its my job…its difficult…. Its…" Ianto paused, coming to a decision, "he is very handsome…"

"No!" she was incredulous.

"Now stop it." Ianto warned gently.

"You're kidding me! Really though? Christ Almighty! But he's nice though, isn't he? Is he? I mean, since when?"

Ianto thought about it "Its weird, its just…different. Its not…men, its…just him. Its only him and I…don't even know what it is really, so…so I'm not broadcasting it."

"Oh no, honest, I won't say!" she reassured him quickly "If you want it kept quiet I won't say, I promise."

Ianto met his sister's eyes and smiled.

"Ay Ay, Gay Boy!" came the ebullient tones of his brother-in-law behind him "I 'ear you're takin' it up the arse…" he received a good natured clout to his shoulder that nearly knocked him off the seat and Johnny hove into view, a cheerful grin on his face. Ianto locked gazes with a very embarrassed Rhiannon who tried to hide her grin. "MICA!" Johnny roared "Come down off that thing now!" and he sauntered over to rescue his daughter from the climbing frame.

"Hey, am I interrupting?" came the familiar voice behind them. Ianto turned and smiled a little ruefully. Rhiannon turned and looked up as Jack came down the slope towards them. Her eyes nearly popped.

"Ianto, that isn't…him, is it?"

"Sorry, I'm late…work." He said, leaning in for a kiss "You did ask me to meet you here?"

"Its fine Jack, no problem. Jack, I want you to meet my sister, Rhiannon Davies. Rhiannon, meet Jack Harkness."

"Jack" she held out a hand and Jack took it. In a moment of pure mischief, he raised it to his lips and kissed it.

"The pleasure is mine." he said, looking her up and down. "Can see you all share the family good looks." She tried not to be drawn in by the man's obvious flirting and failed miserably. Giggling, she took her hand back and met his eyes. Yes, he was nice, very nice indeed. Susan hadn't been wrong about the man's looks. Almost a shame he was gay, she thought. Her next thought was to consider that her brother was a very lucky man.

"Hey, you tryin' to chat up my wife?" Johnny growled amiably, holding a struggling Mica in his arms as he walked back towards them. He found himself the subject of Jack's gaze, which made him feel a little uncomfortable as Jack grinned and said "Wow, Rhiannon, you have great taste in men."

Mica struggled out of her surprised dad's grip and ran over to Ianto. "Uncle Ianto, Uncle Ianto, is this your boyfriend?" she asked eagerly. Ianto picked her up and smiled "Yes, Mica, this is Jack. Jack, say hello to Mica, my niece."

"Hello Mica," Jack grinned at her.

"My friend Lizzie has two mums." She said proudly. "Are you and Uncle Ianto going to get married?"

Ianto and Jack exchanged a glance and Rhiannon said "Mica, for goodness sake…"

"No, that's OK." Jack said, grinning "We've not been together long Mica, I don't know if your Uncle Ianto likes me enough yet…" the little girl studied him for a moment before declaring "Well, I like you, you smell nice." And she threw her arms round his neck and hugged him hard "and if he doesn't ask you, he's bloody daft!"

Ianto and Jack went home later in thoughtful mood. Rhiannon seemed to have taken the news of her brother's shift in sexual orientation quite well and even Johnny, a traditional Welshman by all counts, hadn't turned a hair at the news. Jack had liked the no-nonsense couple a lot. They were down-to-earth and ordinary, a perfect foil to Ianto's out-of-the-ordinary profession. Rhiannon loved her brother, that much was plain to see. Over the course of the afternoon, Jack had seen her looking their way, a small smile on her lips at the two of them as they stood close, watching the children playing, Jack with his arm round Ianto's shoulders.

He was pleased that Mica had taken to him, giving him a little kiss on his cheek when they said their goodbyes. Her brother had also shaken his hand. Jack had wondered if Ianto might consider having children sometime. Jack's stomach flipped as he thought about how much he was really considering going back on his vow not to do that again. For Ianto, he would be willing to try. That admission was a shock.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"Jack, can I talk to you?"

"Sure" Jack came in to the living room from the kitchen. "You want coffee first?"

"No, sit down."

"This sounds serious." Jack sat on the couch and looked at his lover.

"If anything happens to me, would you see Rhiannon and the kids are OK?" he said quickly. Jack looked at him, speechless for a moment "Its just, I've been thinking, if anything did happen, and lets face it, I've come close twice now already, I want you to take care of Mica and David for me. You know, visit them sometimes, make sure they're OK, if they need anything…that sort of thing. I know Rhiannon likes you. It would just set my mind at rest."

"Of course I will. You know that. No problem, Yan" Jack agreed. "But we take it one day at a time, each day as it comes, OK?"

"OK. But we don't know what's round the corner…we have no idea if I'll still be breathing by tomorrow night…"

"Yan, you can't think like that."

"I do though. No pension plan in Torchwood, remember?"

"Yeah, otherwise I'd have been pulling mine ages ago…"

Ianto didn't laugh "Look Jack, I'm not sure what we're doing is right."

"Right? What are you talking about?"

"Well, look at us. Dangerous job, secret occupation…what are we doing Jack? Are we fooling ourselves? What are we looking for after all, distraction? Tell me, are we really being honest with ourselves? I'm not sure that we even have a future."

Jack looked at him, an angry retort forming on his lips but he bit it back and frowned instead. "Then what's all this been about? What about us? What about Love? I think you're wrong!" he said vehemently.

"Why?"

"Because, I can't think like that…"

"You're immortal. I wouldn't expect you to."

"That's not it. I'm human, just like you. I have emotions and needs and wants and thoughts…I'm not dead from the neck up because I'm immortal."

"Jack…"

"No, you listen to me Yan. I love you. I do not want to lose you again. You hear me? I don't care how stupid this is, how short lived or lacking in a future. This is what we have now, now, you hear? We don't need any more. All we need is each other…all we need is this!" Jack was angry and scared and more than a little upset. He didn't understand Ianto's change of heart. He felt helpless, feeling all they had slipping away from him as he sat there, coming so soon after their previous altercations and problems, it was too much. "Tell you what? I'm going out. I need time to think and I can't stay to see this disintegrate in front of my eyes…" he stood up and headed for the door, tears blurring his vision.

"Jack!" Ianto called. Jack ignored the plea and grabbed his coat "Jack!" Ianto ran to catch him and grabbed his arm before he could leave. He spun Jack round and slammed him against the wall so hard his head flew back and banged into the unyielding brick.

"Ow! Jesus, that hurt!" he stood there, holding his head and looking slightly stunned. "That rattled my teeth!" he growled "Damn it Yan, you're so…masterful when you're angry!" he grimaced a grin, chagrined.

"God, Jack I'm sorry!"

"Don't!" Jack grabbed Ianto's arms to steady himself "I deserved it."

"Jack, I really am sorry. I had no right…I'm just…scared, that's all. I'm so full of questions that have no answers."

"Would you...get me to bed, I think you just managed to give me a concussion…"

He felt gentle fingers moving over the back of his skull as Ianto checked him out.

"Not broken, thank god. I didn't expect you to hit quite so hard!" Ianto helped him into the bedroom and sat him down "You feeling dizzy?"

"A bit."

"Oh fuc. Double vision?" he held fingers up in front of his eyes "How many?"

"Three and a half." Jack quipped and then said "Two." on seeing Ianto's glower.

"Let's get your clothes off and get you into bed." His head was throbbing, a dull ache where he had hit. He didn't resist.

"Could you get me some painkillers?" he rasped as Ianto pulled the duvet cover over him.

"I think I'll call Owen first." and Ianto went to call.

Jack lay back and closed his eyes. Boy, he hadn't bargained for that one. He must have been off balance, he thought, or maybe he hadn't really wanted to resist. Ianto came back, sat down next to him and reached for his hand. "I really am sorry…I let my fears get the better of me…"

"Almost worth the pain." Jack replied. "Look, Yan, I'm sorry too. But we belong together, you and me, for as long as we can get. Why try to deny the feelings, they won't go away."

"No, I know." He sighed "Not sure I want them too, just…I wish I could face the future with a glad heart, I've got the love of a good man, what more could I want…?"

"Oh, I don't know, stability, security, safety? A normal life? The job isn't perfect Ianto, that could have something to do with it."

"Define normal." Ianto retorted. He switched the side light on and the overhead off and went to put the coffee machine on.

A few minutes later the doorbell rang and Owen stood on the doorstep, bag in hand.

"Thanks for coming." Ianto let him in and walked with him to the bedroom.

"No problem Boss." Owen said "What did you do to him?"

"Slammed him against a wall…" Owen looked quickly at his boss for any sign of humour but there was non.

"What you two get up to is non of my business." He said, looking uncomfortable.

"It wasn't like that!" Ianto retorted "We were arguing…"

"You two?" Owen said incredulously "Exactly what did you do?"

"Pushed him against the wall and he hit his head, probably put a dent in the brick."

"Let's have a look then." Owen pulled Jack into a sitting position and investigated the back of his head with firm fingers. He felt around the bruising and pressed here and there, ignoring Jack's wincing as he did so. "Well, doesn't look like its fractured. Any nausea? Vomiting? Headache? Flashing lights?"

"No sickness, no lights, just blinding headache…"

"That's good. Well, not good for you, obviously, but it might have been worse…" Owen took out a pencil torch and shone it in Jack's eyes, peering into each one, watching the response. He held up two fingers and asked how many Jack could see, checked his heart rate and blood pressure and declared nothing seriously wrong. "Mild concussion. Painkillers and bed rest for 24 hours. I know you won't stay in bed any longer, knowing you. You'll be fine. Any change, call me at once though, got that? If you can't wake him up, if he starts being sick, you know the drill."

Ianto nodded "Will do. Thanks Owen."

"We can handle things tomorrow Boss." Owen said suddenly "If we need you, we'll call. Stay home and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid!" He suggested, then frowned and added "And that goes for you too Boss, no beating him senseless again, you got that?"

"Yes, thank you Owen." Ianto said exasperatedly "See you later…" and he showed the doctor out.

"How are you feeling now?" Ianto asked from the bedroom doorway.

"Not bad, the painkillers are kicking in…" he looked sleepy.

"I'm sorry." Ianto sat down on the bed, shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Yan, stop it." He was smiling now "You just don't know your own strength."

"I was desperate…"

"Why?"

"I didn't want to lose you either."

"You know Ianto, you don't have to knock me unconscious in order to keep me." Jack looked ruefully at his lover and grabbed Ianto's hand "Come to bed?"

Ianto sighed and smiled "I'll go tidy up first. I made us some coffee…you want some?"

"Refuse your coffee? Never." Jack relaxed back into the pillows. His head was tender at the back but bearable, the ache had receded to a manageable level. He would cope with it though. Through it, Ianto had shown him how much he really needed him, albeit in a rather desperate way.

"Jack?" Ianto was standing there with two steaming mugs on a tray, his shirt sleeves rolled up, a short plain black apron round his waist.

"You look like a very sexy waiter." Jack observed with a grin.

Ianto grinned back and placed the coffees on the bedside table "There you go Sir, your coffee. Is there anything else I can get you?" he said respectfully, playing up to the role.

"Yeah, I have this very hot date arriving soon, can you show him in when he gets here?"

"I think I can manage that Sir. Will he be wanting coffee as well?"

"Oh, I should think so. I'm hoping he'll soothe my fevered brow to make up for throwing me against the wall."

"I hope you're going to punish him severely for doing that to you." Ianto deadpanned.

"Oh, I'll think of something." Jack replied.

"I really don't know how anybody could do that to you Sir."

Jack grinned "Why not?"

"Because…" Ianto leaned close "you're a very kind, very good looking, very forgiving and very wonderful man, Jack…" he covered Jack's mouth with his own. The kiss was gentle and undemanding, comforting and warm. They broke away and Ianto's blue eyes gazed down into Jack's.

"When he arrives" Jack added, "can you also tell him he's forgiven?" He smiled and saw the relief in Ianto's eyes before the younger man stood up.

"I'll tell him Sir." He said as he left the room, a smile on his face as if all was right with the world again.

But first, the day before D Day…

The SUV braked to a halt across the end of the alleyway, Jack and Owen tumbling out and running down it, guided by Tosh's instructions.

"Its not far Jack, you're almost on top of it" came her voice in his ear.

"We're in position!" Gwen told them "Nothing coming this way yet." She and Ianto were at the other end of the alley, some 200 yards away. There was no way in or out except past them. Jack drew to a halt as he saw Gwen and Ianto standing at the alley's far end. There was nothing but a couple of dumpsters in the way and no sign of anything else.

"Tosh? Nothing to see here. Advice?"

"About fifty feet away from you. Looks like the signature is coming from those dumpsters. CCTV is at the wrong angle for me to see between them."

"Owen." It was Ianto. "You stay where you are. Gwen, you stay here. Jack, you advance towards me and I'll meet you at the bins." The two men set off towards each other, guns drawn. They were halted a few yards from the bins by a series of squeaks and wails. Jack and Ianto exchanged glances and while Jack levelled his Webley, Ianto approached cautiously. Drawing level with the gap between the bins Ianto stopped and frowned, then straightened up and held out a hand.

Jack watched as a curiously thin individual stepped out and touched Ianto with a …hand? The skin was vaguely blue, and as they watched, it seemed to morph into a man, roughly Ianto's height and weight with short blond hair and green eyes.

Ianto bowed and spoke and the creature answered, too low to hear.

"Its OK." Ianto spoke quietly "Its Sach'ara'na, lost if I'm any judge…" he looked towards Jack and said "Just you, come up here. Slowly!" and Jack holstered the Webley and walked towards them. He saw the creature flinch as he approached and he hesitated, waited while it calmed before he proceeded.

"Sir?" he said gently.

"Jack, this is Ish'ma'har, he was a first officer on a deep space vessel but the ship vanished into the rift and everybody baled. He landed here, in an escape pod. He's alone, hungry and a bit nervous and I can't say I blame him."

"You've met them before?"

"Yes, Ms Hartman had one, but he wasn't as lucky…" Ianto's expression hardened "I aim to help this one if we can."

"Right, well, how do we proceed?"

"We get him back to the Hub, Owen can run full medical, we need to get him some clothes and food and a place to sleep. Then I need to call UNIT."

Ish'ma'har proved to be a model guest, polite and reserved, a little nervous until he realised they really didn't mean him any harm. He was able to assume roughly human form, an innate ability to imitate any creature of approximate body mass and density to himself. He wasn't quite human to look at though and he explained it was considered very impolite to impersonate an actual person, although it had been known as a survival technique. Ianto decided he would keep that little piece of information quiet. He also noticed Jack was flirting again. The Sach'ara'na was attractive, especially as a human male. Obviously not given to the same sexual taboos as humans, he was studying Jack as well as responding to him.

"Er…pardon me, but don't you have work to do?" Ianto asked pointedly after Jack's third very blatant comment concerning the fact that tentacles had advantages.

"Oh, sorry Sir, yes…" Jack got to his feet and made a hasty bow towards the Sach'ara'na. Ianto turned to Ish'na'har as Jack left, his usual irrepressible grin in place. He smiled and said gently "Forgive me, but you are aware of human relationship rituals?" The creature smiled and nodded and then looked Ianto up and down.

"Did I err?" he asked carefully.

"Not precisely. I should inform you that Jack is not free though…"

"Ah, is payment required for his services…?"

Ianto stifled laughter. "No, that isn't what I meant. Please, allow me to rephrase. Jack is in a relationship." Or he will be if I have anything to do with it, Ianto thought "Not many humans on this planet choose to take more than one partner." Ianto explained carefully.

"Oh, forgive me, I did not realise…I thought he was exhibiting desires to…well, join? Partake of pleasure with me…?"

"I'm sure he'd be flattered by your enthusiasm." Ianto complemented "but he considers speaking in such terms a hobby, a pastime. We call it 'flirting'."

"I see, so this 'flirting' is not a serious proposition?"

"Oh, he might have meant it as a serious proposition but I'm afraid his partner wouldn't appreciate that."

"And you seek to save his partner face by letting me know of Jack's intent?" Ish'na'har said "That is most honourable of you."

Ianto smiled and said "I also seek to avoid any problems with yourself."

The Sach'ara'na bowed low "For that I do thank you. I am…honoured to know you Ianto Jones."

Ianto spent a full hour to UNIT later that afternoon, arguing that they needed to help Ish'na'har, but he was passed from pillar to post until he was ready to tear out his hair. Jack popped his head around the door and indicated he wanted to speak. Ianto covered the mouthpiece of the phone and hissed "What?"

"Ask for Lethbridge-Stewart"

"What?"

"Ask for Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart"

"I thought he was retired?"

"Well ask if he can call you."

Someone came on the line again and Ianto listened. "No, this is a matter of urgency. Why must it wait? I…no, I understand but….no…" he growled as he was obviously put on hold again. "Who did you say again?"

"You've never heard of the Brigadier?"

"My contact with UNIT has been recent and limited, unfortunately not limited enough!"

"The Brigadier is an old friend of the Doctor, he can help. He still has influence with UNIT. He knows people."

"Hello, yes? Oh. Well in that case, please can you pass this number to Brigadier…" he paused, looking at Jack for help.

"Lethbridge-Stewart" Jack hissed.

"Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. Yes, please. If he could call Ianto Jones, Head of Torchwood 3 at his earliest convenience, thank you" and Ianto put the phone down. "Its like wading through treacle!" he snapped.

"Yeah, tell me about it. Suzie had trouble all the time. They're a bit up themselves…"

"A bit…" Ianto laughed. "Thank you Jack. I hope Lethbridge…what was his name...Stewart? I hope he can help with this."

"He's a decent guy, invite him over, I'm sure he'd like to see the place."

They were sitting in the boardroom eating lunch when the phone call came. Ianto excused himself to answer it and was gone at least fifteen minutes. When he returned he looked at Jack and said "Well, good news everybody, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart has agreed to help with resettling our guest. Now we wait." He sat back down and resumed eating. "Any chance of coffee Jack?"

"Anything for you Sir." Jack grinned, sauntering off to the kitchen.

The Sach'ana'ra was suitably pleased that things seemed to be going according to plan. He was still a little nervous and somehow managed to attach himself to either Jack or Ianto throughout the rest of the day. Jack continued to flirt but noticed a marked difference in the responses. He challenged Ianto about it later when they got home.

"What did you tell him?" Jack asked "He started responding to me differently…"

"Good. Jack, you were leading him on. He doesn't understand human dynamics…"

"What? Of course he does, he said so."

"Jack, you're flirting with him. He doesn't understand, he thinks you want to shag him." Jack's silence troubled Ianto as he scrutinised the man. "Jack, tell me you were just flirting?"

"Well, I can't say I'd have been averse to it…"

"Jack!" Ianto exclaimed. "Do we have a relationship here or don't we?"

"Well, yes…"

"Look, let me clarify something here. When I said I wanted a relationship with you, Jack, I meant it but I'm an old fashioned boy I'm afraid." he glared at Jack, willing the man to take this seriously, "Look, I don't mind you flirting, flirting isn't serious…well, to you its an art form, a hobby. You're a serial flirt, you do it all the time, I've got used to it. But if you want a relationship with me, you need to get something straight. I'm a 21st century guy. I'm human, I'm 26, I've never had a relationship with a man before and I love categories! Live by 'em in fact. Get used to it. So if you're going to flirt, you'd better not have any ideas of it going any further than that because I. don't. share!"

"Oh. That's it, is it?" Jack said, frowning. "You, Ianto Jones, are insecure. You're not sure this relationship will work out, so you don't want me to play around, is that it? Because if it is…"

"You're right, I am insecure." Ianto interrupted, stopping Jack in his tracks, "I don't want you to play around because I want you to commit to me, Jack. Properly. You and me, here and now, relationship, got that?" Jack looked at him for a long moment, so long Ianto started to feel as if he might be wanting to back out. "Was I wrong?" Ianto asked hesitantly "Is this too much for you?"

Jack sighed and smiled "No, I just…I forget how things are…This is what I want Ianto, really. I didn't sit at your bedside in hospital worrying that you weren't going to make it for nothing. I'm sorry you feel insecure about it all. I'll try to make it right for you, I'll try to make sure I don't do anything to throw you off balance. Its just, with Ish'na…" Ianto didn't miss the affectionate shortening of the name "…he's…he reminds me of home…of travelling with the doctor. He's good looking, cute, gentle, rather like an alien version of you actually." He grinned and Ianto cuffed him, non too gently. "Ooft, thank you…deserved that I guess, although it was meant as a complement…"

"Jack, if you like him…" Ianto sighed "…it would be selfish of me to deny you the chance with him…"

"Ianto, stop. I don't need him. It was nice, but it's a reminder, not the real thing. You, you're the real thing. I have you here and now and I'm not going to fight with you about some transient visitor. He hasn't got my heart, you have."

Ianto sighed and came over to put his arms round Jack and kiss him. "Thank you." He said "and I'm sorry."

"Let's go to bed…" Jack dragged the younger man towards the bedroom.

"But we've not eaten yet…"

"Hors D'oevres?" Jack said suggestively and pulled Ianto close.

D Day ~ the following morning from Jack's POV:
All that day, he was acting real strange, kinda furtive behind that desk of his. He was late, for one thing. We left the house together and when we arrived, he said he'd forgotten his briefcase and left me to go back for it. Figured he was distracted by the 'discussion' the night before, as well as what followed it. But I am certain he was later than he should have been. He couldn't string going back for his briefcase out for more than an hour, could he?

Gave him his coffee in the morning and I swear he hid something in the desk drawer as I came in then tried to act nonchalant, which didn't work! However, I didn't ask him. Figured he'd tell me if it was anything to do with me, which it obviously wasn't. I went and finished my report on the mission from the previous day then went to talk to Owen about Ish'an, our Sach'ana'ra guest, and how best to make him comfortable.

When I got back Ianto was buried in paperwork and then talking to UNIT on the phone. It was a rather heated conversation, so I left him alone. I took him his coffee a little later, which he barely acknowledged, and then he said, just as I was leaving the room, he wanted to speak to me later, after the others had gone and before we went home. He would make the coffee, he said. That got me wondering. It didn't help when I saw him talking to Tosh and gesturing like he was worried about something. She was shrugging and obviously trying to dissuade him, shaking her head and looking concerned in that sweet way she has.

It began to dawn on me that all was not well when I happened to go up to his door and paused just long enough to hear something I probably shouldn't have. When I knocked, it went quiet, then Ianto called 'come in' and in I went. Tosh was sitting on the sofa looking a little uncomfortable, Ianto smiled (boy, was that a strain for him.) and took my report with overly enthusiastic thanks. He was nervous. "Don't forget I want a word before we go home." he reminded me and that was it, I was dismissed. They waited while I had gone down stairs before resuming their little chat. The thing I heard him say, the thing I shouldn't have, was clear. "I don't know if retcon will work on him, his physiology is different to ours…"

The whole damn situation has put me on edge. I retreated to the archives to do some work. The quiet down here allows me to think, to put things into perspective. I'll wait it out and find out what he want to talk to me about later. I can't say it sounds good though. He's hiding something from me and I don't like it.

D Day, Ianto's POV:

Jack is impossible and I don't just mean his physiology. I know he lives forever, but this… he's like a wonderful drug that makes you feel amazing, alleviates pain, fear and panic and calms you down, injects you with pleasure and hope and love and you just can't get enough, you're addicted, hopelessly hooked. His charisma is amazing, his courage limitless, his sheer audacity and recklessness are catching, he is gorgeous to look at and he's so…so gentle and affectionate and kind…I know he wasn't always like that, but people change, don't they? This guy has, for the better.

I've made a decision that wasn't easy. I know it is right though. I hope its right for both of us. I deliberately left my briefcase at home, then 'remembered' and left him to go onto the Hub on his own which allowed me to rush back, get it, then head off to my appointment. I don't think he clocked that I was a little later than just collecting my briefcase would have made me, I'm not sure. Still, cannot be helped. He nearly caught me looking though. I know he was suspicious when he delivered my coffee and I had to hide the damn thing in the desk…

UNIT rang asking me what we were going to do with the Sach'ara'na. Frankly, I haven't a clue. Its not like other aliens. He wants asylum, he is almost indistinguishable from a human to look at, but is he going to be OK just fitting in with society? We'll have to monitor him constantly. If ever he's ill, he can't be allowed to go into a normal hospital. I know Jack wants him to be given a home and an identity and help. He maintains that we cannot just be here for humans, otherwise, what are we? Human Supremacists? Other races need help as well and, while we primarily have to maintain the status quo and put our fellow humans first, we need integrity and ethical treatment of non-aggressive races. Why? We need friends, that's why. We need to show that humans are raising themselves up above the bottom-dwelling feeders we sometimes seem to be, showing compassion to those in need. After all, the worst crimes against humans come from other humans. I have to admire him for his compassion. Trouble is, I think he's better at persuasion than I am. I was trying to tell them retcon wouldn't work but I'm not sure they agree and its not a good idea. What are you going to do, make him forget he's an alien?

I asked Tosh for her input and advice because Jack is too close to it. Although I just know, if he finds out, he'll be angry I didn't talk to him. I asked Tosh for her discretion but she's always uncomfortable about going behind anybody else's back. I swear he knew when he came in to deliver the report this afternoon. I anticipate an awkward situation later. He's bound to ask questions. Seemed subdued though.

Frankly, the question I have to ask him is making me nervous. I'm really not going to take rejection very well at this stage….

D Day – General POV:

Ianto knew something was wrong when Jack didn't say anything to him. He was usually free with his questions and his forthright attitude. Today…something was affecting him, maybe their argument from a few nights ago or the 'discussion' of the previous night? Ianto wondered at Jack's retreat into the archives but got on with work and said nothing. Ianto knew the Sach'ara'na was causing a problem. The alien was benign and there was no way to send it back through the rift. Its home planet was too far away although he also knew that the Doctor might take it back when he next visited, but when that would be was debatable.

He was starting to get nervous and Jack's attitude wasn't helping. He knew the choice he had made would irrevocably change things, hopefully for the better but he wasn't certain Jack would see it that way. It took ages for the clock to roll round and the others to go home but, eventually, there was no getting away with it. The cog door rolled shut on their retreating backs and Ianto went to make the coffee. He called Jack on the comm and told him the others had gone and coffee was waiting. Could he please come up? There was a pause, then agreement, and soon he heard Jack's footsteps on the stairs to his office.

"Jack! How was your day?" Oh God, that sounded too cheery.

"The usual. Talked to Owen about what the Sach'ara'na can eat, cleaned out the SUV, ordered more hot chocolate, did some more filing downstairs…the usual really."

"There's your coffee." Ianto pushed a mug towards him.

"Thanks, but I'll pass. Cut to the chase Ianto, why the cloak and dagger?"

"The…what?" he said faintly.

"Aw, come on, what gives? You've been hiding something all day." His expression changed, his mood darkened "That's what this little discussion is about, isn't it?" Jack eyed him suspiciously.

Ianto sighed "Yes, it is. Jack, sit down."

"I'd prefer to stand." Oh, this was not going well, Ianto thought, hearing his tone. He had probably found out about his conversation with Tosh.

"OK then. I just want you to know I've given this very serious thought. More so since the other night." He felt in his jacket pocket and fiddled with the box there. "I know things haven't been…well, perfect between us recently."

"You can say that again."

"But, well, that's natural, in any relationship, wouldn't you say? I mean, we're exploring new ground, going were we've never gone before."

"OK Captain Kirk, care to tell me where this is going?"

Ianto didn't smile at the quip but took a deep breath and closed his eyes "I can't go on like this." he said, trying to stop a tremor entering his voice "I mean, as we are…"

Jack frowned. Here it comes, he thought. Here comes his justification for a parting of the ways.

"You're a wonderful man, Jack." he kept his eyes on the ground "I consider myself lucky to have known you. I consider myself even luckier that my…regard has been returned. But…" come on, come on, get this over with… For God's sake, find the words…

Jack looked at Ianto as he stood there, struggling with the words. He was tempted to make it hard on him, after all, his heart had begun to ache too. He didn't want to lose what they had, he didn't want to wake up to find himself alone, couldn't bring himself to think what it would be like to let this beautiful young man go.

"Jack? I'm not good at this sort of thing…I can't find the words…"

"Its OK Ianto. I understand." He said gently. "Its not working, is it? You're the Boss, you're under a great deal of pressure," he smiled, "What we had was sweet but I understand if you feel it can't let it go any further. You and me, we're very different…"

Ianto looked up, eyes wide, horror stuck "Oh God! Jack, no, no, that isn't what I meant…!" he stuttered "Oh no, please! Don't think that…I…Jack, listen to me!" he fumbled a box out of his pocket and looked desperately at the man before him "Jack." he took a deep breath and let it out shakily, then awkwardly took Jack's hand in his "I don't want to end this." He said softly "I want to make it more permanent…" and he went down on one knee in front of his surprised lover. "I'm not good at this…" he laughed nervously, fumbled open the small box "I…I want to say…Jack," their eyes locked, Jack's surprised, Ianto's anxious. "Will you…do me the honour…Jack, will you marry me?"

There were several anxious seconds where Ianto felt certain beyond a doubt he had just made a big fool of himself and that Jack would reject him out of hand and then, then he felt those warm hands on his shoulders, lifting him, bringing him to his feet in a strong embrace that squeezed the breath out of him and Jack's breath was in his ear and his lips on his and his eyes, oh his eyes, shining, warm, loving and one word on his lips, one word that Ianto would hear ringing round his head for days and weeks and months to come "Yes." then Jack kissed him, hard, and when they broke apart for air, Ianto opened the box and took out the white gold signet ring, pushed it onto the third finger of Jack's left hand. Jack looked at it, the initials JH and IJ inscribed entwined in a monogram. "Oh Ianto, its beautiful. How the hell did you know the size?"

Ianto smiled "The Bekaran scanner." he said "It records body measurements, even down to the size of your…" he paused, grinning "…fingers, among other things. Accurate to a thousandth of a millimetre."

Jack laughed "Could clear up a dispute then?" he suggested with a leer and Ianto thumped him. "So when are we going to tie the knot?"

"When do you want to?"

"If we don't do it soon, we never will. How about as soon as we can arrange it then?"

"OK, why not? We'll go to the registry office tomorrow." Ianto said happily.

"I really thought you wanted to end it." Jack said wonderingly, sipping his coffee. He had perched himself on Ianto's desk "You sure I'm not going to find you've retconned this so I don't remember you asking?"

Ianto laughed "No Jack, not on your life. I really thought you were going to say no there for a moment though."

"I was stunned." Jack said in defence "Shocked to the core. I never thought…not for a minute, that you were going to ask me to marry you!"

"You don't mind? I mean, you don't mind that it was this way round, me asking you?"

"No, of course not. I'm just surprised, I thought you weren't up for a commitment."

"I wasn't. Then when you shot me…I got to thinking. Life is too short, for me that is. I can't waste time, or afford to miss anything special. I would only regret it and die old and bitter if I let you go. Can't do that Jack, I won't. I want you, more than anyone I've ever met. I want to wake up next to you for the rest of my life, I want put a ring on your finger and to say the words in front of witnesses. I want us to be together, for however long that might be…I love you, Jack."

"I love you too." and Jack Harkness admitted it then, admitted it not just to Ianto but to himself, right there, faced with the greatest gift he had ever let anyone give him. People had wanted to marry him (one or two had even managed it), they had wanted to love him, some more deeply than he knew, but he had never let anyone get so close, until now. Now the doors to his heart opened frighteningly wide to let Ianto in, despite the inevitable pain he knew would hit him when Ianto died, despite the agony of losing him, Jack knew he couldn't live without him right there and then.

They went home, unable to keep their hands off each other, even right there in the street. Three times they stopped to kiss, Jack pulled Ianto into an alleyway, Ianto tugged Jack behind a parked van, Jack dragged Ianto behind some bushes. They reached home at a run, breathless, laughing, groping each other shamelessly.

Ianto fumbled the key in the lock and Jack reached out to steady him with a warm hand. He paused, looking deeply into his lover's eyes and saw only love in them, possessive, gentle, timeless. Then they were through the door and shedding clothes, popping buttons in haste, kicking shoes and boots off. Jack dragged Ianto into his arms for a bruising kiss, teeth colliding, tongues tangling together in their need to taste each other. Firey kisses landed on neck and shoulder, teeth nipped and nibbled, biting possessively. Lips sought skin. Hands roamed and stroked and teased and held and coaxed…

Breathless, they lay in each other's arms not long after, sweat cooling on heated skin. Drowsily, Ianto lay with his head on Jack's shoulder, steady heart beat in his ear.

"I would be have to be a fool to abandon this." he murmured.

"Well, thank god one of us isn't a fool." Jack replied, his voice lazy and tinged with lust. "To think I thought you wanted to retcon me and finish it all."

"You would. You always jump to conclusions, usually the wrong ones."

"I'll have you know my judgement has served me fine until now."

"That's what love does for you, it screws with your mind."

"Its my body that wants screwing." Jack grinned, watching Ianto smother a mighty yawn. "Go to sleep Mr Harkness-Jones." he said, bringing the bedclothes up over the younger man's shoulders. Ianto smiled "That sounds nice." He said "Ianto Harkness-Jones." Jack held him close, kissing his hair until he felt him relax into slumber, head resting in the crook of Jack's arm. He lost himself in sleep for a while, not needing it but content to doze with the warm body beside him. Mr Harkness-Jones, it had a nice ring to it. God, he was going to get married…he wondered how the rest of the team would react, not to mention Ianto's family… Smiling, he realised he didn't care. They would find out tomorrow.

"You know…" Ianto was adjusting his tie in the hall mirror the following morning "…I would have liked to see their faces, when I proposed to you…"

"Why don't we shock them and do it all over again this morning…?" Jack suggested. Ianto looked horrified "I don't know if I could…"

"Why not? If you're nervous about acting, it'll only look like you're nervous about asking me."

"Oh, yes, well…" he grinned "Give me the ring back then…" and he took it off Jack's finger and put it in its box, dropping it in his pocket "…when you make coffee this morning…serve me first then stay with the others."

"Anything you say Sir." Jack said with a grin as they left for work.

When Jack went to make the coffee mid-morning Ianto watched him from the office and felt the familiar nervous tingle again. It was just as if he was about to do this for the first time. He wondered at that, then realised that he had no clue if Jack wouldn't do something daft and make a fool out of him…In trepidation almost as great as it had been the previous night Ianto left the office as Jack came back in with the tray. On cue, Ianto Jones enters stage right, he thought.

"Everyone, may I have your attention please." Ianto stood near Tosh and then called "Owen, could you get in here as well?" Grumbling, Owen turned up at the autopsy room door and looked across in his direction. "Jack, would you please put the tray down." Ianto stepped towards him and looked into the blue eyes. "Jack, I've given this a lot of thought. I know the rest of you are curious to know what I'm going to do, I just wanted you to witness this. I hope you don't mind. I know what I'm about to do changes a lot of things, probably forever, but…well," he took a deep breath and got down on one knee, offering the box towards Jack. "Jack Harkness, would you please do me the honour of marrying me? Be my husband Jack…?"

Tosh and Gwen both gasped, Owen's face was a picture, he nearly dropped his coffee.

Jack hesitated. Bastard, Ianto thought, waiting with a worried frown. Then Jack took the box and opened it, looked at the ring inside. Then he smiled and handed it to Ianto who slipped it on the third finger of his left hand. "Yes Sir" he said gently and drew Ianto to his feet in a hug. They kissed passionately and both Gwen and Tosh squealed in delight and engulfed them in a group hug. Owen muttered and waited, offering a hand to each of them to shake.

"I suppose I should offer you congratulations" he said, with a crooked smile.

"Thank you." Jack said and Ianto nodded.

"When's the big day then?" Gwen asked and Tosh batted her, saying "They won't have decided that yet, he's only just asked!"

"As soon as we can arrange it." Ianto said looking deeply into Jack's eyes. Jack smiled and hugged him, admiring the ring on his hand.

"You've got to call the registry office." Tosh said gently.

"Owen?" Jack said gently.

"What?"

Jack looked at Ianto and grinned "Best man?" he suggested and grinning, Ianto nodded. "Owen, would you honour us both by agreeing to be the Best Man?"

"What, me?" Owen stared at them. "Oh God, everybody will think I'm Gay!" he groaned. "Look guys, ordinarily I'd love to, but weddings are for two things, getting pissed and pulling a bird, and as your Best Man, the only thing I'll be able to do is to get pissed!" Jack roared with laughter and Ianto shook his head as the Doctor shrugged and downed his coffee. He looked at them and shook his head "OK, OK, I'll do it." He said with a wry smile and disappeared into the autopsy room. "I doubt your wedding is going to be overflowing with available women anyway..."

"Tosh, Gwen, would you like to be bridesmaids?" Ianto asked them.

"Stop me if I'm wrong but where's the bride?" Gwen smiled "You know, if we're 'bridesmaids', technically, we need a bride to be the maids of…?"

"Ah. Right. Good point. Well, what can you be then?"

"Attendants!" Tosh announced "How's that?"

"Tosh, I do not want to sound like I'm looking after the ladies' loo!" Gwen admonished.

"Well, you come up with something then." Tosh complained. "Whatever it is Guys, we'd love to." She accepted before Gwen could change her mind. "We'll come up with a name for it later."

Jack smiled as he and Ianto went into the office. He looked at his boss and soon-to-be-husband and found himself grinning stupidly "That went well." He said and watched Ianto's grin as the younger man collapsed into his chair behind the desk. The phone rang and Ianto picked it up.

"Ah, Captain Williams, yes. I was meaning to call but something came up last night…Yes of course. I'll have someone send you the information as soon as we can collate it. Pleasure…goodbye."

"UNIT called and you didn't yell down the phone?"

"So, I'm happy. I'm going to be married, didn't you know? To this gorgeous guy I know at work…"

"Lucky you." Jack grinned at him. "How about that raise you promised me?"

"I wasn't aware…"

"Sure you are, we talked about it last month."

"We did, did we?"

"Yeah, we did. You said that such a reliable, sexy, charismatic person such as myself deserved it…"

"I'm sure I would have remembered."

"Ah well, it was worth a try, seeing as how you're so happy you seem to have forgotten how to deal with UNIT. Just thought I might have slid that one past you as well!"

Ianto grinned. "Just don't want to spoil my day with objectionable phone calls." He looked at Jack "Which reminds me, UNIT need the information file on the Sach'ara'na sent over. The Brigadier has requested it. Can I leave it with you? Give you a job to do…"

"Thanks, as if I don't do enough already."

"Jack, I am still your boss, even if we are getting married. Off you go."

"Yes Sir."

"And Jack, as you are the one lobbying for its release and integration, you might be more persuasive than me." He smiled "Go do some proper work."

***

Next story in series - Marry Me A Little.