Previous part of Returning To London.

***

The following morning Ianto woke to the distinct feeling of someone watching him. Without opening his eyes he said. "It's rude to stare."

Owen laughed. "How'd you know I was staring at you?"

Ianto opened his eyes and looked straight into Owens. "I could feel it." He leant up a little and Owen taking the hint leant down to kiss Ianto. Several minutes later they parted.

"Morning." Ianto said.

"Morning." Owen repeated.

Stretching his arms above his head and yawning Ianto mumbled. "Right coffee and breakfast. What would you like? I got some fruit salad from the deli or I could do you some eggs and toast." He offered.

"Eggs and toast sound good thanks. I have a bit of a confession to make." Owen said sheepishly.

Ianto raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Owen ducked his head onto Ianto's chest as he mumbled. "I've only got instant coffee."

"Pardon?" Ianto squeaked.

Owen lifted his head slightly as he repeated himself.

Ianto chuckled as he lifted Owens head up and kissed him softly. "It's a good job I brought my cafetiere and coffee with me then isn't it."

Owen's face lit up. "You did?"

Ianto laughed. "Yeah I did and if you let me up I can go and make you breakfast with said coffee."

Before he released Ianto Owen pulled him down to give him a kiss which soon became very passionate.

"Keep that up and I won't want to move from your bed." Ianto said breathlessly. "So breakfast then your meds before we decide what we're going to do for the day. You think about it while I make breakfast - just nothing too strenuous okay? I don't want you to have a relapse."

Ianto reluctantly got out of bed while Owen flopped back down onto the pillows. As Ianto got to the door he looked back over his shoulder and smirked at Owen who was openly staring at his backside. "Like what you see?"

Owen smirked back. "Oh yeah."

******TORCHWOOD******

After breakfast Ianto cleared the dishes away and then returned to Owen who was sat up in bed watching the TV. He kissed Owen as he got back into bed. "So any thoughts on what you want to do today?"

"Yeah I thought we could stay here and you could tell me all about your childhood and what it was like growing up in Cardiff." Owen felt Ianto tense as he spoke. "You ok?" He asked worridley.

"Yeah I'm fine." Ianto replied stiffly.

"Ianto look at me." Ianto turned his head to face Owen who immediately saw the pain reflected in his face and baby blue eyes. Owen stroked his hand down Ianto's cheek. "Hey what's wrong?" He asked softly.

Ianto leant into the touch. He closed his eyes as he answered. "My childhood wasn't a particularly happy time, in fact my whole life seems to be one unhappy time after another. Being here with you is the happiest I've been for a long time."

Owen brushed a kiss to the side of Iantos head. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

Ianto rested his head on Owens chest and sighed deeply. "I had a fairly typical upbringing. Mam Tad and a sister - Rhiannon - she still lives on the estate where we grew up. She's married and got two children - David and Mica. I haven't seen a lot of her in recent years. When my Tad died I upped and left, went to London, bummed around for a bit till I joined Torchwood and...well you know the rest."

"What about your mum?" Owen asked gently.

Ianto got up off the bed and went and stood by the window. "She died before my Tad. He broke my leg. Rhi said he didn't mean to and that I should've held on tighter to the swing, but he pushed too hard he always pushed me too hard. He always wanted me to be better, do better, achieve better, but eveything I did was never better - not in his eyes. I told you all that he was a master tailor. He wasn't, he worked in the mens department of Debenhams." Ianto laughed bitterly. "My whole life would've been a huge disappointment for him if he'd lived to see it. Shoplifting, Torchwood, Lisa, being bi. He would've had a field day telling me how much I'd let him down. God I am such a failure." Ianto leant his head against the cool glass, he could feel the tears burning behind his eyes but he refused to let them fall.

"No you're not." Owen told him coming to stand behind him and wrapping his arms around Ianto's waist and leaning his head on Ianto's back. "You got off the estate, you got yourself a job, you survived Canary Wharf and the Brecons and still put others before yourself. You are amazing not a failure. I'm proud of you and what you have achieved." Owen turned him so that he could see the sincerity in his eyes. "Please believe me when I say you are not a failure."

Ianto stared into Owens eyes and saw the sincerity in them. "Thank you." He whispered as he pulled Owen into a hug.

They stood there for several minutes until Ianto shivered from the cold.

"C'mon lets get back into bed. We can watch a DVD if you want?" Owen said taking Ianto's hand and pulling him back to the bed.

"Mmm sounds good." Ianto answered yawning. "Not sure how long I'm going to stay awake for. All this emotional talking has worn me out."

As they settled on the bed Owen pulled Ianto so that Ianto was resting his head on his chest. "Thanks." Ianto whispered placing a small kiss to Owen's chest.

***

"Tell me again why we are here?" Owen grumbled.

Ianto turned his head slightly so he could look at Owen. "Because we have been cooped up in your flat for the last three days and I for one needed fresh air. You mentioned once that you had never been to the Castle before even though you've lived in Cardiff for years. So I thought, the sun is shinning which is rare in Cardiff, we have time off from Torchwood which is even rarer, let's go and play at being tourists for the day. Did you want to go and do something else? 'Cos we can if you've got a better idea."

Owen looked shocked that Ianto had remembered a distant conversation they had had while chasing a Hoix around the Castle. "You remembered." He said quietly.

"Yes I remembered. So do you want to see the Castle or do something else?" Ianto asked as they got to the entrance.

"I can't believe you remembered a throw away comment I made months ago." Owen said still sounding shocked.

"Yes well..." Ianto stuttered. "I suppose I only really remembered it because I thought it odd at the time that you live here and had never visited the Castle. So come on let me show you the delights of Cardiff Castle." Ianto grabbed Owen's hand and walked to the kiosk to pay.

They spent a couple of hours walking through the rooms and grounds of the Castle before sitting outside the cafe for lunch and to enjoy the sun.

"So have you enjoyed playing tourist?" Ianto grinned at Owen.

"Yeah it's been good. To be honest anywhere with you would be good. So where else are you going to take me on our enforced holiday?" Owen asked grinning back.

"Well we could go to Swansea, but it's a bit far if Jack needs us back for anything. The Gower Peninsula is absolutely beautiful. Penarth beach is a lovely place to go as is Hailey Park, we could walk there from The Bay along The Taff Trail. Other than that we could go to the cinema - haven't been in ages. Work always seems to get in the way. We could see if there are any exhibitions going on, although are you the exhibition type of person? It's really up to you. What would you like to do?" Ianto said smiling.

"You're right about me and exhibitions. I can't see the point of them - walking around staring at paintings or objects trying to work out what the artist is trying to say, bit boring. The Taff Trail sounds good when we are both fit, same with the beach. So by process of illimination it's the cinema." Owen replied taking hold of Ianto's hand and stroking his thumb across the back of it. "I've really enjoyed having you stay at mine and I'm not looking forward to when you have to go back home. I sleep much better with you there and I know you do too." Owen continued to rub his thumb over Ianto's hand and went on nervously. "Why don't you move in with me?" When all he was met with was silence he lowered his head. "Sorry. I just... Look forget I said anything." Owen dropped Ianto's hand and rapidly got to his feet. Moving away before Ianto had registered what was happening. When he did he ran after Owen grabbing him by his arm and spinning him around to face him.

"Owen I'm sorry. It's just...you've taken me by surprise. I didn't think we were at that stage yet." Ianto apologised. He then steered Owen over to a bench so they could sit down and talk without being in the way of other people.

"Look I know it may seem a bit quick but I've been doing a lot of thinking while I've been home and with you being there it just seems so right. I can understand if you want to wait a while after all we've only just admitted our true feelings to each other. Please say you'll think about it at least." Owen tried to keep the begging tone out of his voice but failed.

Ianto pulled Owen into a hug and kissed him. "I love you and I will think about it. You've taken me by surprise that's all - a very nice surprise. But to be honest it's not something that I've thought about and I do need to think about it." Seeing the miserable look on Owens face Ianto added. "It's not a no. It's a give me space and time to think about it and let's enjoy getting to know each other better while I do."

Owen rested his head on Ianto's shoulder and sighed. "Ok take as much time as you need."

They sat like that for a while both lost in their own thoughts but taking comfort from being wrapped in each other's arms. Owen lifted his head so that he could look at Ianto. "I really do love you. You are the best thing that has happened to me in a long time." He confessed.

Ianto bent his head down so that he could give Owen a small kiss which quickly turned into a passionate kiss. They were interrupted by a scream coming from the direction of the Norman Keep. They both jumped up and started running.

***

As they rounded the corner the scene before them was one of utter chaos. The general public were running in every direction and screaming. Ianto and Owen tried to get closer to where they thought the threat lay, and as the crowd thinned out they were suddenly faced with the source of the outcry; soldiers - who Ianto thought were Norman going by the way they were dressed - fighting what looked to be a dragon.

"Shit." Owen exclaimed.

"Yeah." Was all Ianto managed while pulling his mobile out and hitting the speed dial for Jack. "C'mon Jack pick up." He pleaded to the ringing phone.

"Hey Ianto you missing me?" Jack flirtatiously answered.

Ianto rolled his eyes - not that Jack could see. "Yes Jack always. Owen and I are at the Castle and we've got a situation. Has the rift monitor gone off?"

"Yes just. What sort of situation?" Jack asked.

"A situation with a dragon and I think Norman Soldiers. Owen and I can't do anything as we aren't armed and haven't got any equipment with us." Ianto quickly explained.

"Right ok. What you can do is get everyone out of the Castle. Use whatever means nesessary but get that Castle emptied. Gwen, Tosh and I are on our way. Whatever you do don't try and get near them. Is that clear." Jack demanded.

"Yes perfectly Sir." Ianto replied as he disconnected the call. He repeated what Jack had said to Owen and then they set about clearing the Castle.

Ianto found a fire alarm and decided that this was the way to go and smashed it to set it off. There was confusion on the faces of the Castle staff but lucky for Ianto there evacuation training kicked in and they soon had all the tourists exciting the buildings and grounds.

"Sorry sirs you will have to leave." One of the ground staff said to Ianto and Owen.

Owen looked at him and taking his ID from his pocket simply stated. "We're Torchwood mate and I think you need us to stay. Oh and by the way three of our collegues will be arriving shortly, can you direct them here?"

Flustered the man said. "But everyone has to evacuate."

"Not us. Like I said we're Torchwood." Owen repeated.

The man was getting angry. "It says in..."

Owen rounded on the man. "I don't fucking care what it says or where. We are Torchwood and we are fucking well staying."

Ianto laid a hand on Owen's arm trying to calm him down. He turned to the man and said calmly. "Look," Ianto looked at his badge. "James could you make sure everyone has got out and are safe? And then when our collegues arrive please could you tell them where we are?"

"Are you sure you're going to be ok? It's just I don't fancy your chances against them or that thing." James said pointing at the soldiers and the dragon.

"It's fine - we're used to dealing with things like this. Now go." Ianto said.

Less than ten minutes later Jack, Gwen and Tosh arrived. Jack quickly took in the scene before him; three soldiers plus the dragon. "Right we need to sedate the soldiers and tranqullise the dragon. Tosh you got all the stuff for that?"

Tosh was opening up the metal equipment case she'd been carrying and took out six syringes full of sedatives and a couple of tranquilliser darts. "Yep got all that. Gwen have you got the tranq gun?"

"Yeah got it." Gwen replied holding up what looked like a rifle.

"Ok give it to Owen." Jack told her.

Owen looked at Gwen as she handed the gun over. She had a strange look on her face that he couldn't quite decipher, but now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Tosh handed Owen the dart and he put it in the gun.

"Right here's the plan." Jack started to explain. "Owen will shoot the tranquillser dart into the dragon while Ianto and I try and get close to the soldiers to sedate them. Tosh, Gwen you have the back-up sedatives in case we miss or they make a run for it. Everyone clear on what they're doing?"

"Um how are we supposed to get close to the soldiers when they're wielding swords around?" Ianto asked sceptically.

Jack grinned at him. "I'll distract them while you go up behind them and stick the needle in to their neck."

"Right like they won't see me and then turn on me." Ianto snarked.

"Have you got a better idea?" Jack threw back at him.

"Yeah I have. Tosh goes after the dragon, you distract the soldiers while Gwen, Owen and I each sedate one of the soldiers at the same time. That way hopefully they all go down together." Ianto explained calmly.

Jack thought for two seconds before agreeing. They all got into position as Jack said. "On the count of three. One. Two. Three."

They all moved at once and Tosh fired the tranq gun at the dragon, but missed with the first dart. She quickly reloaded with the second, aimed carefully and fired. This time she had hit it in the neck. The dragon thrashed it's tail a bit before collapsing to the ground. As Jack saw the dragon go down he moved so that he was in the soldiers line of sight. As each of them saw Jack they moved towards him as Gwen, Owen and Ianto moved quietly along the wall behind them. Once Jack saw that all three were ready with the sedatives he stopped. As Jack stopped so did the soldiers, they were eyeing him warily but didn't make a move or a sound. Jack nodded his head and the other three moved stealthily towards the soldiers. Simultaneously they plunged the needles into their necks and then watched them drop to the ground. Everyone breathed a huge sigh of relief then looked at the chaos around them.

Jack looked at his team. "Everyone ok?"

He got nods and yes's from all of them. "So," Ianto began. "what are we going to do with this lot? And how are we going to get that back to the Hub?" He said pointing to the dragon.

They all looked to Jack waiting expectantly. "Tosh and I will take the soldiers back and get them settled in. You three watch over Dora until we get back."

"Dora?" They all exclaimed.

Jack grinned widely. "Yeah she looks like a Dora. Don't you think?"

Gwen, Owen, Tosh and Ianto just stood there shaking their heads. "Still begs the question. How are we going to get it back to the Hub?" Owen asked.

"I'm pretty sure there's an implement in the archives that shrinks things. Do you know the one I'm talking about Ianto? If so can you remember where it's stored?" Jack answered.

Ianto thought then as if a light bulb went on he smiled. "It's in storage room seven, top shelf. Should have a label on saying shrinkage so be careful."

"Right let's go. Owen you stay here while the rest of us take these three back to the SUV. You got some more tranquilliser darts just in case?"

Owen nodded as the others picked up the soldiers, Jack and Ianto carrying one each and Tosh and Gwen one between them.

As they walked towards the SUV Gwen spoke. "So Ianto you enjoying your time off? Thought you were supposed to be looking after Owen and resting."

"Yes it's great not having to work. You should try it sometime." He smirked. "As to resting this is the first time we've been out of Owen's flat since we left the Hub. So I think we've done plenty of resting."

"You're still staying at Owen's then?" Gwen's voice was bitter.

"Yes. That was one of the conditions that Jack set when Owen was allowed home. Not that either of us are complaining. It's been great just chilling out and getting to know each other better. He is so cute when he wakes up in the morning." Ianto answered with a smile.

Gwen huffed loudly while Tosh and Jack smirked to themselves. Once they'd got the soldiers loaded in the boot Jack turned to Gwen. "Change of plan. Tosh you stay here and monitor the grounds - make sure nothing else is likely to come through. Gwen you can come back with me and find the tech that we need."

Gwen started to object but seeing the look on Jack's face thought better of it and got in the passenger seat slamming the door shut. Jack walked round to the driver's side and as he got in he heard Ianto say with a laugh. "Good luck Sir."

***

The silence on the way back to the Hub was almost unbearable until Gwen could stand it no longer. "So did you know Ianto was still at Owens?"

"Yes. They've been checking in with me, just to let me know how they are both doing. I suggested they get out the flat, get a bit of fresh air and sunshine. But as always Torchwood and the rift have to spoil things." Jack glanced at Gwen and then continued. "They are both dealing with lots of things right now and could really do with our support. And I'm not just talking about the injuries and infections. Ianto will probably be coming back to work in the next couple of days and Owen within the week. I think they would appreciate it if you didn't keep asking them personal things, if they want us to know they will tell us. Do you think you can do that Gwen?"

Gwen stared out the window then turned back to look at Jack. "Do you know what's going on then? Have either of them talked to you about things?" Gwen snipped.

Jack sighed. " I know a little of what's going on but not all of it. And no I haven't asked and nor do I intend to. Like I said if they want to tell us they will. Just be happy that they have each other they can talk to."

Gwen didn't say anymore just continued to stare out the window. She was thinking about what Jack had said. "Why can't I be happy for Ianto?" The answer struck her like a physical blow. He had with Owen what she never did - his love. Yes they had had sex, but that was all it was meaningless sex. At the time she had thought it was love, but in the end all it was was lust and sex. Not only did Ianto have Owen's love he also had two wonderful friends in Tosh and Jack. Gwen vowed to herself that she would try and be friends with Ianto.

Gwen hadn't realised that they were back at the Hub untill she heard Jack calling. "A little help here Gwen if you've finished day dreaming?"

"Oh yeah right. " She flustered.

As Jack carried one of the soldiers throught the basement Gwen led the way opening the doors until they came to the cells where Jack dumped the man down. Once all the soldiers were in the cell Jack locked it and set the scanners going, this would alert them if anything was wrong or when they woke up.

"Jack I'm sorry for all that I've said and done recently and I will try and make it up to both Ianto and Owen - if they'll let me." Gwen said sincerely.

"Just support them, be there for them - but only if they ask - and be happy for them, they both deserve that." Jack said. "Do you remember where Ianto said that shrinking device was kept?"

Gwen smiled at Jack's obviuos change in subject. "Yes. You want me to get it? Oh and Jack thanks."

Jack just nodded his head and smiled. "Please. I'll head up and make sure the monitors and scanners are working then once you've found this thing then I can head back to the Castle and bring Dora in."

As they walked towards the archives Gwen asked. "So where are we going to keep a bloody great dragon? Surely it will burn the place down if it breathes fire? I mean how long will this device keep it small?"

"Not sure yet but I'm sure if we pose the questions to Ianto he will be able to come up with something - he usually does." Jack laughed.

Twenty minutes later and Jack was on his way back to the Castle.

******TORCHWOOD******

Tosh linked her arm through Iantos as they walked back through the castle grounds to Owen. "So how's it going with Owen?" She asked shyly.

Ianto grinned down at her. "It's going well - very well - so well in fact that he's asked me to move in with him."

Tosh squeaked. "Oh my god. What did you say? Isn't it a bit soon? Gwen is going to have a fit."

Iantos face turned serious. "Owen took me completely by surprise. I was speechless. I told him that I need time to think about it, that I wasn't saying no, just that I needed time. What do you think?"

"It's not up to me. But if you want some friendly advice I'll tell you this. We work for Torchwood, it's a known fact that most operatives die young or if they leave they're retconned. Personally I would grab any happiness when you can 'cos you just don't know what's around the corner and if Owen makes you happy then go for it. Does he make you happy?" Tosh asked.

"More than happy. He makes me laugh, makes me feel safe and secure. Simply put - he loves me and I love him. I know it's only been a few weeks but I can't imagine not being with him." Ianto replied with a soppy grin on his face.

"Then I think you've just answered his question, now you just need to tell him." Tosh smirked.

Ianto looked at her apprehensively. "Do you think it's too soon? I mean we've only just admitted our true feelings for each other and while I have loved spending the last few days at Owens am I really ready to move in with him?" Panic rising in Ianto as he talked.

Tosh stopped walking as she felt Ianto start to panic beside her. "Ok breath. Calm down." Once Tosh was sure Ianto wasn't going to panic further she turned to face him. "Right answer me this: How do you feel when you're not with Owen?"

"That I can't wait to see him, to touch him - it's almost like there's a part of me missing. I know it's a cliche but I really think he's my soul mate. I just never realised it." Ianto admitted.

Tosh nodded her head at that revelation then grabbed Ianto's arm again and carried on walking in a comfortable silence both lost in their own thoughts.

Owen spotted them as they rounded a corner and immediately started whinging. "Where the bloody hell have you two been? I thought Gwen was staying not you Tosh?"

"Change of plan. You get my company Jack gets Gwen's." Tosh answered brightly. "So how's Dora? What do you think Jack's going to do with her?"

"Dora's fine - still heavily under the influence of the sedative and knowing Jack he'll probably want to keep her somewhere just like he did with Myfanwy and Janet." Owen laughed. "Something else for you to look after and feed Ianto."

Ianto gasped. "Please don't give him ideas that we can keep her. I mean I know he's going to try and shrink her down but surely that wears off after a while and I for one don't really want a fire-breathing dragon in the Hub. I don't even know if we have a room big enough for her."

Tosh looked thoughtful. "Handy for keeping warm in the winter when it's freezing underground."

Owen and Ianto laughed at that and it didn't take Tosh long to join in. They sat down on the grass a bit of a distance away from Dora and chatted while they waited. Ianto was sat with Owen between his legs who was resting his back against Iantos chest.

"You ok?" Ianto spoke quietly to Owen.

"Mmm bit tired. Not really up to running around chasing dragons and soldiers." Owen admitted tiredly.

"Close your eyes and have a rest until Jack gets back." Ianto suggested. "Tosh and I can keep an eye on Dora."

Owen lent up and brushed his lips to Ianto's. "If you're sure I could use a nap."

"Yes I'm sure. Lean back against me and sleep." Ianto replied.

As Tosh and Ianto continued talking quietly she kept glancing at the couple, thinking how good they looked together she couldn't understand how Gwen didn't see it. "Maybe she just doesn't want to see it." She mused to herself. "If only she could see them together like this maybe then she would get it."

She was startled out of her musings by the arrival of Jack. "Hey kids did you miss me?"

Ianto rolled his eyes as he gently nudged Owen awake and then helped him to stand up. Jack had helped Tosh up and they were all now stood around looking from the dragon to the shrinking device and wondering how it worked.

"You do know how it works don't you Jack?" Tosh asked nervously.

Jack gave her a big Harkness grin - the one which said 'trust me I'm The Captain'. "Of course. You just point it at the object to be shrunk and then press these buttons here."

Three pairs of eyes turned to look at Jack sceptically.

***

Jack just smiled at Owen Tosh and Ianto and then proceeded to explain about the device."Like I said you point it at the object you want to shrink then I think you press one of these buttons on the top." Tosh looked at him with a horrified expression.

"Which button on the top? Don't you know Jack? Of course you don't. Give me the device and let me see if I can work it out." Tosh held out her hand to Jack waiting for him to give her the device.

Once Tosh had it in her hands she very carefully turned it over looking at it from all sides. There were obvious buttons on the top and what looked like a viewfinder. Tosh held it up to her eye and looked through it. Yes definately a viewfinder she thought. She then turned her attention back to the buttons. They didn't have any sort of markings next to them to tell her what each one did. She turned her attention back to the three men who were watching her closely. "Right then we have a viewfinder, which I think you must look at the object through, the buttons on the top don't actually say what they do. So we are going to have to test it on something before we use it on Dora."

Jack looked around. "Ok let's see what we can find. Do you think it has to be the same sort of size as Dora or do you think anything will work?"

"I would think anything would work. I just want to establish what these buttons do, then go from there." Explained Tosh.

"What about that bench over there?" Ianto asked.

Tosh looked at it. "Hmm I think that would be big enough to get an accurate reading." She said distractedly still looking at the device.

Jack, Owen and Ianto walked over to the bench in question and stood staring at it while they waited for Tosh to join them. As she joined them she raised the device to eye level and pointed it at the bench keeping it within the parameters of the viewfinder. "Right stand back and I will press the right hand button first. See what happens."

The three men took a pace back so they were standing just behind Tosh. Once they were in position Tosh pressed the button. At first they thought nothing had happened. There wasn't any noise, no flashes of light, nothing. But as they continued to wait they began to hear a very low-pitched whine and the bench suddenly got bigger.

"Guess it's not that button then." Ianto deadpanned.

Jack looked thoughtful. "Maybe one button makes it bigger one makes it smaller and the third returns it to normal. I'm guessing that as the right button makes it bigger the left will shrink it and the middle is to return it to normal."

"Ok say you're right we still need to test it. So let's press the middle button and see what hapens then we use the left one." Tosh suggested already pointing it at the bench and not waiting for a reply pushed the middle button. As Jack had predicted the middle button returned it to normal and when Tosh did the test again this time pressing the left button it did indeed shrink the bench.

They looked at one another knowing that the time had come to shrink Dora. Jack turned to Owen. "Does Dora need anymore sedation or will she be ok till we get her back to the Hub?"

Owen ran the scanner over Dora. "I think she'll be ok till we get back. Where are you going to keep her once there?" He asked the question that was on everyone's mind.

"Well I thought we could keep her in the boathouse. If we moved the Sea Queen out we could erect some sort of fence to the mouth of the cave and she should be perfectly safe." Jack told them.

Ianto looked thoughtful. "Mmm I think that could work. All we need to do is find somewhere to put the Sea Queen. Any ideas Jack?"

"Well I was thinking we could moor her at Mermaid Quay." Jack said hopefully.

"Jack." Ianto sighed. "What part of secret organisation do you not understand?"

"But..."

"No buts Jack." Ianto admonished. "We can't moor her at the Quay she has Torchwood Three written on her. It's bad enough the SUV has it written on it without people asking what we need a speedboat for. Maybe we could anchor her at sea with a perception filter on her. What do you think?"

"Yes that would work if Tosh can extend the filter that's already around the cave entrance. I still think mooring her at the Quay would be cool." Jack pouted.

"Right now we've established where we're going to keep her I suggest we get a move on and get her there as I'm not sure how much longer the sedative is going to work." Owen interjected.

"Ok Tosh do your thing." Jack said grinning.

Tosh pointed the device at Dora and pressed the left-hand button. As Dora began to shrink they all let out a collective breath.

"Did you think to bring a box or container to get her back to the SUV?" Owen asked looking around.

Jack looked sheepish. "Um that'd be a no then." Ianto said.

"We could carry her between us." Jack said helpfully.

Ianto rolled his eyes. "If you hadn't noticed neither Owen and I are phsically up to carrying a dragon, albeit a shrunk dragon and I can't really see you and Tosh carrying it between you. Give me the keys and Owen and I will go and get a box." Ianto held his hand out and Jack dropped the keys into it.

Once they had the box they put Dora safely in it and then between them they got it back to the SUV.

"Jack." Ianto called. "Owen and I will meet you back at the Hub. We will give Dora the once over then is it ok if I take him home? He's still recovering and I think this little escapade has tired him out. I don't really want him to have a relapse."

"Yes that's fine. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing ok. Should be back to work soon. Once my doctor has given me the ok." Ianto grinned cheekily.

Owen having overheard the exchange piped in. "Well if it's down to your doctor then I'm afraid your never going back to work. You have a new job."

"What's that then?" Ianto asked.

Owen smirked. "Looking after me. Much more important than keeping the Hub clean and tidy."

Ianto leant in and gave Owen a soft kiss whispering "Much more important."

"Ok you two meet us at the Hub then once we know Dora is ok you can get off. Ianto take tomorrow off and if Owen says you're ok come back to work the day after."

With that they left and made their way to the Hub.

***

Once they had arrived at the underground car park Jack called for Gwen to help them with Dora. The very carefully carried her down to the very bottom basement and set the box on some rocks. This was the first time that Gwen had been down here, hell she hadn't even known this was here. She turned an angry face to Jack. "So how long have we had a boat bobbing around down here? Does everyone know it's here but me?"

"Hey calm down." Jack said. "It's on a strictly need to know basis and until now you didn't need to know. Right I'm just going to move The Sea Queen from here to just the other side of the entrance. Tosh," Jack said turning back to her. "Ianto and Owen should be here soon to give Dora a once over. Once Owen has done that can you get him to quickly run through the data from the soldiers just to make sure they are ok? Gwen I need you and Ianto to find some tech in the archives. It looks like a ball of metal string, not sure where it's filed but I'm sure Ianto does." Without waiting to see if the girls had an questions Jack had stepped aboard the speedboat and keyed the ignition. He very gently eased her away from the rocks and headed to the entrance.

Gwen rounded on Tosh. "Did you know we had a boat Tosh?"

Tosh looked up at her. "Sort of."

"What do you mean sort of? Either you did or you didn't." Gwen asked still angry that she hadn't known.

"Well I'd heard rumours about a boat, but this is the first time I've seen her." Tosh explained.

"So where's Jack swanned off to then?" Owen called as he and Ianto approached them.

"Taken the boat out of the way. He wants you, Owen, to check Dora is ok then check the data from the soldiers. We've been monitoring them since we brought them back. Ianto he said we need to find some tech, he said it looks like a ball of metal string and that you might know where it is." Gwen answered.

Ianto sighed. "Why does he think I might know where it is?"

"Dunno, but he was pretty certain you would." Gwen said then asked. "You don't seem surprised about the boat?"

"That's because I know about the boat. Have done since I took over the finances and budgets." Ianto answered.

Gwen sighed and seemed to visible deflate at that.

"Come on Gwen lets go to the archives and see what we can find. Did he say anything else about what we're looking for other than it looks like a metal ball of string?" Ianto questioned.

"Um no." Gwen stammered.

As they walked along the corridors Gwen kept surreptitiously looking at Ianto as though she wanted to say something to him. Ianto decided to put her out of her misery. "Look Gwen if you've got something to say then just say it - I promise I won't bite your head off."

"I...um..I...just." Gwen swallowed her mouth suddenly gone dry. "Um look Ianto I'm sorry."

Ianto turned his head slightly and raised an eyebrow questioningly.

Gwen swallowed again before she continued. "I'm sorry for not taking you and Owen seriously and for prying too much into things that have nothing to do with me. I am happy that you and Owen are together and that you can give each other the love and support you both deserve. I just hope you can find it in you to forgive my behaviour over the last few weeks."

Ianto stopped in his walking and put his hand on Gwen's arm to stop her too. He turned to face her. "Look Gwen while I can't say your behaviour over the last few weeks hasn't been hurtful sometimes, life's too short to hold grudges and resentment. So yes, let's put it behind us and if Owen or I want you to know what's going on in our lives we will tell you. Ok?"

Gwen let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks Ianto. And I promise to try not to pry too much and if I do then just tell me to back off."

"Don't worry I will." Ianto smirked as he pulled her into a brief hug. "Right I do believe we have a ball of metal to find." They carried on to the archives where Ianto went to a filing cabinet marked MA-MU. He opened the top drawer and started flicking through the files; he pulled one out and handed it to Gwen. "See if this resembles what we are looking for?" he then turned back to the drawer and continued flicking through the rest of the files randomly pulling some out and handing them to Gwen for her to skim through and see if it was what they were after. As Gwen rejected yet another file she looked at Ianto despondently. "We are never going to find this ball, are we?"

Ianto stopped what he was doing and turned to face Gwen. "Hey don't be so negative. If Jack says there is such an artefact then we will find it. It may take time, but it's not like Dora is going anywhere, is it?"

Gwen smiled weakly at him. "No I suppose not. Is this what you have to do every time one of us requisitions an artefact?"

Ianto smiled back. "Yes it is. Now you can see why it sometimes takes me a long time to find things. Especially when you lot give such vague descriptions."

Gwen looked amazed at him. "God I never thought it was this involved, I just thought..."

"What that I knew where every single file and artefact was in the archives. Gwen I may be good but I'm not that good." Ianto said laughing as he handed her another file before he continued his search through the drawer. They carried on this way for another ten minutes or so before Gwen gave a triumphant. "Yes. I think I've got something here."

Ianto looked around at her as she continued talking. "It says here that a metal string like substance was found in Bute Park in the early nineteen sixties. It was rolled up into a ball to be brought back to the Hub."

"Sounds promising." Interrupted Ianto. "Does it say what happened to it and where it might be stored?"

Gwen scanned her eyes over the page before turning it over and scanning down the next page. "Yes it says here that it was tested and found to be extremely strong but light weight. It's stored on sub level four storage room six."

"Right then Miss Cooper would you like to accompany me to storage room six on sub level four?" Ianto asked smiling at Gwen and holding his arm out for her.

"Why thank you Mr Jones don't mind if I do." Gwen replied smiling back at him and linking her arm with his they walked down the corridor towards the lower levels.

***

It didn't take Gwen and Ianto long to locate the item now they knew what they were looking for and roughly where it was stored. The were heading back to the cavern within forty-five minutes of being sent to find the meatal ball thing. As they approached the others they heard raised voices. It sounded like Jack and Owen were having a very heated discussion about the boat.

"All I'm saying is that I think we should all have access to The Sea Queen, not just you. What if you go away again? The boat might come in handy." Owen stated angrily.

"Owen have you ever skippered a boat? Any boat? The Sea Queen takes a lot of handling. She has a very powerful engine in her." Jack explained.

Owen glanced at Gwen and Ianto as they came into view, then returned his attention back to Jack. "No Jack I haven't. But as with all things given time and the proper training I'm sure we could all manage to handle her as you put it." He said sarcastically.

"Well I think it's a good idea. I've always wanted a speed boat." Gwen added to the the conversation.

"Hey did you find the metal string?" Jack asked effectively finishing the Sea Queen debate.

"Yes we did. And don't think this conversation about boat training is over Jack. I'm with Owen on this. I think it could be useful if we all know how to drive her. " Gwen replied.

Jack held up his hands. "Ok Ok. We will discuss this at a later date. But for now we have a dragon to contain and then return to normal. Owen are her readings still ok?"

Owen ran the scanner over Dora. "Yes readings are the same as before. Let's make this cage as quickly as we can. I don't want her this size for longer than is necessary."

The five of them set to work trying to find the best place to attach the metal and working out how it actually worked. In the end it was quite simple. As soon as the metal string came into contact with the rock it somehow fused itself to it. All the team had to do was string it between the sides of the cavern and then from the cave roof to the floor. Before the final piece was strung Owen released Dora from the container and put her in the cage they had built.

"Well that was easier than I expected." Exclaimed Ianto. "Thank God for alien intervention. Let's just hope it holds up under Dora's fire power."

The others looked at him not having thought of that. Jack grinned saying. "Oh well if she melts it then it's on to plan B."

"Which is?" Asked Owen.

"No idea." Jack replied laughing. "So let's hope we don't have to think of one. Ok Tosh let's get Dora back to normal."

Tosh pointed the shrinking device at Dora and pressed the middle button. Immediately Dora returned to her normal size. Owen was already scanning her as she changed.

"Well?" Jack questioned.

Owen was looking at the reading. "She seems ok, but I think I will need to do more scans just to be sure. I'm thinking I should do them every two hours. That should give me plenty of data to give me an accurate picture of her physiology."

"I can do the readings and input them into the computer for you." Tosh offered.

Owen turned to her with a tired smile. "Thanks for the offer Tosh but that's my job I couldn't possible ask you to do that for me."

"You didn't ask I volunteered. And besides you're still on medical leave." Tosh said.

"Yes I know but as I'm here I may as well stay."

Jack having listened to the exchange butted in. "Owen, Tosh is right. You are on medical leave and she is more than capable of doing the scans and recording the findings. I saw how tired you were earlier, let Ianto take you home and get some sleep. If you feel up to it you can come in tomorrow. But only if you want to, you still need to recover and regain your energy."

Owen looked like he was going to argue with Jack until he felt Ianto's hand on his back."You know they're right." He whispered into Owen's ear.

Owen sighed heavily while leaning back into the touch. "Alright we'll go home." He agreed. "But I am coming back tomorrow just to check on her." He added.

"Right that's settled then. Tosh and I will stay here and monitor our new Hub guests while you three go home and get some rest."

Gwen opened her mouth to protest but Jack continued. "Gwen don't argue. Go home and remind Rhys what you look like. I will see you all in the morning. Not too early in your case Owen. I'm sure Ianto can find a way to keep you occupied." He smirked.

"Thanks for that Jack." Ianto said rolling his eyes. "Goodnight Tosh."

"Night Ianto." Tosh returned smiling as Ianto took Owen's hand and lead him back up to the main hub with Gwen following.

As they left the hub via the tourist office Gwen called after them. "Night - enjoy the rest of your evening. See you both tomorrow."

"Night Gwen." They responed together.

As they strolled hand in hand towards Ianto's car Owen remarked. "Gwen seems to be in a better mood about the two of us being together."

"Yes she is. We had a bit of a chat in the Archives earlier and I think she's finally come to terms with us and that we are serious about each other and more importantly that I love you." Explained Ianto.

Owen stopped and gave Ianto a kiss that soon turned passionate. "I love you too." He said when they broke apart breathless. "Let's go home and I can show you how much."

Ianto kissed Owen again murmuring. "Mmm I like the way you think. C'mon lets get home."

***

Four months later

"Tell me again. Why are we going to London?" Moaned Ianto.

Owen who was driving his car turned to look a Ianto. "Because Unit need my professional medical expertise and you are coming along because you need a break and more importantly to keep me company. Also I know you still have unresolved issues with London, so I'm hoping this trip will help."

"I don't..." Ianto started to say.

"Yes you do." Owen interrupted. "I know you've been a lot better recently. But I also know you're still having the occasional nightmare." Ianto started to object but changed his mind. Since he'd moved in with Owen three months previous the nightmares had reduced and he only got them when they had had a particularly bad case or he was really tired. He thought he had done a good job of hiding them from Owen, but obviously not. Owen continued. " I know they aren't as bad as before and I know you tried to hide them from me but having lived together for the past three months did you really think you didn't disturb me." Owen smirked.

Ianto looked suitably chastised. "Why did you never say anything?" He asked softly.

"Because you were handling them and I know you don't like a lot of fuss when you have one. Believe me if it looked like they were getting worse or you looked like you weren't coping I would've said something." Explained Owen.

Ianto grabbed Owen's hand and squeezed it. "Thank you."

"What for?" Owen asked.

"For being an amazing boyfriend who I love very much. And maybe you're right. Maybe I do need to confront the last of my demons."

"And I will be there for you when you do." Declared Owen.

******TORCHWOOD******

They made it to London in good time and before they knew it Owen was parking the car at the same Unit hospital they had collected Shelley from all those months ago. Owen smiled at the memory.

"What are you smiling about? Ianto asked.

"Just thinking about the last time we were here." Owen said still smiling.

"And that's something to smile about. I seem to remember having a complete mental breakdown." Snarked Ianto.

"Yes you did. But look where that led us to." Owen said pulling Ianto into his arms and kising him. "I think that's something to smile about - don't you?"

Ianto tilted his head to one side and thought about it " Mmm kiss me again just to remind me."

"Willingly." Owen whispered.

They stood trading kisses for several minutes until a group of school girls walked passed and started giggling. Owen sighed. " 'C'mon the sooner I get the work side over with the sooner we can enjoy ourselves. What are you going to do while I'm sorting Unit out?"

"I think I might go confront those demons." Ianto replied.

"Do you think that's wise on your own?" Owen asked concern lacing through his words.

"I honestly don't know but I've got to try. If I feel I can't cope I'll ring you. Ok?" Answered Ianto.

Owen still looked concerned. He decided that he needed to trust Ianto so simply said. "Ok if you're sure."

"Yes I am. Now go wow Unit with your expertise. Ring me when you're finished." Laughed Ianto.

With a last kiss they parted ways Owen into the Unit hospital and Ianto heading for the river. He stood watching the river for a while before deciding what he should do. Before he could change his mind he pulled his mobile from his pocket and made a phone call. He then made his way to the nearest tube station.

******TORCHWOOD******

Twenty minutes and two changes found Ianto at Wood Green. He excited the train station and turned left making his way through the streets to Acacia Road. As he approached number 21 his step faltered a bit. Taking a deep breath he walked up the path and knocked on the front door of the Hallets house. Lisa's mum immediately opened it and she stood staring at him for a moment before pulling him into a big hug.

"It's been too long Ianto." She whispered.

"I know Narissa and I'm sorry it's taken this long to come and see you." Ianto said as they released each other.

"Well you're here now so come on in - kettles just boiled." She told him leading the way to the kitchen at the back of the house. Ianto stopped in the doorway as his memories began to assualt his brain - they weren't as bad as he thought they would be. He hadn't realised he was crying until he felt gentle hands wiping the tears from his face and pushing him to sit on one of the chairs by the table.

"I'm sorry." Ianto sniffed taking out his handkerchief and blowing his nose. "Just seeing you making the coffee brought back all the times Lisa and I would come and visit you."

"I know it gets me too when I least expect it. So what brings you to London Ianto. I know it's not just to see me?" Narissa said placing a mug of coffee down in front of Ianto and sitting down opposite him.

Ianto sighed before taking a sip of coffee. "As good as it always was." He then set the mug down and looked at Lisa's mum. " I really am sorry for not keeping in touch and for not coming to see you sooner, but my life has been - hectic. And I also couldn't face London not after..." Ianto swallowed heavily, "not after the Terrorist attack." Ianto explained sticking to the official line about Canary Wharf.

Narissa put her hand over his and squeezed it in support. "I know it can't have been easy for you. Especially as you lost so many friends and collegues but where did you go after Lisa's funeral? I was really worried about you. I even tried finding you but no one knew where you'd gone and all the leads I had turned into dead ends. It was almost like you'd died too." Narissa said sadly.

Ianto met her eyes. "I'm sorry I just had to get out of London - the memories were too great. I went back to Wales, managed to get myself a job and over the past year I've been seeing someone. That's why I'm in London - he had a meeting here." Ianto waited for what he had said to sink in.

"He?" Narissa questioned.

"Yes. His name is Owen Harper. Doctor Owen Harper. He works for the same company as I do. He's wonderful, he's been helping me come to terms with what happened." Ianto smiled at the memories of some of the things Owen had done to help. He continued. " I came to London last year for work and afterwards the nightmares and guilt came back even worse than before. Owen helped me overcome them. I still have them occasionally. He thought it would be a good idea for me to come to London to face the fears that were still left. That's why I'm here. After Lisa died I felt so guilty for surviving that I couldn't face you even though there was nothing I could've done to prevent her death and even though I know you didn't blame me - I blamed myself. I think I've finally realised that it wasn't my fault."

"Oh Ianto. We never blamed you for surviving and we know you did all you could to get Lisa out. It just wasn't to be. And I'm really pleased you've found someone else to love - a little surprised it's a man - but I am happy for you and I know Lisa would be too."

They talked some more reminiscing about Lisa until Ianto's phone beeped with a message. Ianto pulled it from his pocket and smiled as he read it. He sent a quick reply then put the phone away.

Narissa smiled at him. "I'm guessing from that dopey look on your face that was from Owen?"

"Yes it was. He's finished his meeting and wanted to know where I was." Ianto answered.

"Well you better be going then and not keep him waiting." Narissa laughed. "Just promise you'll keep in touch this time?"

Ianto stood up and pulled Narissa into a hug. " I will I promise. Thank you for letting me visit. I wasn't sure what sort of reception I was going to get but it's been good catching up and talking to someone who knew Lisa."

"Take care Ianto and don't be a stranger." Narissa said giving him a final hug and kiss at the front door.

******TORCHWOOD******

Ianto sent Owen a text message to say he was on his way back and to meet him at the memorial garden. Owen frowned when he read the message he couldn't think of a reason why Ianto would want to meet him in the place he had had his breakdown. None the less he made his way to the garden and sat on a bench to wait for Ianto. Half an hour later he saw Ianto heading towards him. Owen stood up as he got nearer and when Ianto stopped in front of him he pulled Owen into a passionate kiss that neither of them wanted to finish but had to when the need for oxygen became too much.

"Wow. Not that I mind that sort of hello - but what brought that on?" Owen asked breathlessly.

Ianto smiled at Owen and then indicated for him to sit back down. Ianto took hold of Owen's hand. "I went to see Lisa's mum." He began. Owen looked at him in astonishment but didn't say anything, he could tell that Ianto wanted to say more and he knew he would when he was ready.

"While we were talking I got to thinking about what I want from my life." Ianto swallowed nervously.

"And?" Owen encouraged.

Ianto turned so that he was facing Owen and looking him straight in the eyes said. "And I came to a desicion. Owen you are one of the best things that has happened to me and you would make me even happier if..." Ianto swallowed again. "...if you would agree to become my civil partner?"

Owen stared at Ianto not really believing he had heard right. "Did...did you... did you just ask me to marry you." He stammered out eventually.

"Yes I believe I did." Ianto said grinning. "And it's usually polite to answer a question."

Owen threw his arms around Ianto and crashed their lips together in a bruising kiss. When they parted several minutes later Ianto whispered. "Is that a yes then?"

"Yes. Yes you big lump of course it's a bloody yes. I am officially the happiest man alive at the moment. Just one thing though?" Owen asked.

"Mmm what's that then?" Ianto replied.

"Where's the engagment ring?" Pouted Owen.

"Well as I hadn't planned on asking you today I didn't bring it with me." Ianto said waiting for the information to sink in.

Owen was once again lost for words. "You mean..."

"Yes I have a ring at home. I was just waiting for the right moment to ask you. And typical I find the right moment and the rings back in Cardiff." Ianto laughed. "You can have it when we get back."

Owen pulled Ianto in to another kiss - this one a lot gentler than the previous one. "Have I told you lately how much I love you."

"Yes but I will never tire of hearing it. I love you too. Come on let's get back to Cardiff and break the news to the rest of the team." Ianto said standing up and pulling Owen with him.

They stopped by the monument for a minute both reflecting on all that had happened since the last time they were there before turning and walking away hand in hand.

***