Title: Home
By: protoplasmica
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: PG
Summary: Another schmoopy J/I offering for the Home challenge.

***

Jack received the invitation on his second day back at Torchwood. Ianto had even thought to deliver it personally after everyone else had left for the day, thoughtfully placing it between a mug of coffee and a decanter of brandy.

Jack stifled a yawn as he opened the stiff cream card. He glanced at the golden cursive inside, snorted, and then reached for the decanter before dropping his hand heavily on the table with a sigh.

"Don't look at me like that!" Jack glared at Ianto. "When I said I'd do anything to make it up to you, I didn't mean--"

"You were away for the better part of two years sir." Ianto folded his arms tightly across his chest. "Forgive me if I don't put much stock in what you say anymore."

--

"Thank you." Ianto whispered as they walked hand-in-hand through the gardens that surrounded Cardiff Town Hall. It was a freezing Saturday morning and his words smoked like cigarettes in the open air. "I really--"

"If you tell me you appreciate my being here, I will run." Jack promised through clenched teeth even as his grip on Ianto's hand tightened. "I don't understand why we have to do this."

"We don't." Ianto smiled as he kissed Jack's hair above his earpiece. "That's the point. It may be hard to believe but I want to keep you, sir." He trailed kisses along Jack's jaw. "I want to have my own family...to grow old with someone I adore...I want to share my life with you."

"I won't be able to share mine," Jack turned his mouth to Ianto's, "Even if we do get married."

"I prefer the term 'Civil Partnership' sir." Ianto grinned. "And forgive me for stating the obvious but this isn't about what you want."

--

"Mum's the one in the pink jumper," Ianto whispered at the entrance of the Hilton's ballroom. "Be careful of her. She may seem like a civilised garden party type but she knows how to throw a punch." He eyed Jack speculatively for a moment. "Maybe we should go home."

"We're married now." Jack smiled widely as he wrapped a hand tightly around Ianto's bicep. "Just grin and bear it, and if you feel the same way tomorrow we can get that annulment you've always wanted..." Jack laughed when Ianto glared at him. "I'm joking."

"We should go inside." Ianto hissed, straightening his back, as he shook his arm from Jack's grip and wrapped it around his waist. "Mum really doesn't like to be kept waiting."

***