I don't even want to think how long it's been since I actually had time to write, finish, and post something! Bit of a busy summer. But couldn't miss our Ianto's birthday, so here's just a nice little happy birthday for him.


A backdrop of sunset colours streaked across the park, filtered by leafy trees all around. Birds and crickets and cicadas provided a symphonic soundtrack. A delicious breeze put the finishing touch on the unusually nice weather. Ianto couldn't help the little smile that crept up on him from a place deep inside, a place that had never felt quite as full as it did at that moment.

Jack sat opposite, watching that smile steal across his lover's lips. It was a smile of contentment that Jack wasn't sure he'd ever seen on Ianto and knew he himself hadn't worn in a very long time. He'd be willing to bet they were wearing the same one now, though.

"Really like that wine, huh?" Jack commented teasingly. He knew if he didn't tease, he'd end up saying something far too honest.

"It is rather perfect," Ianto said, taking another sip of the chilled sauvingnon blanc Jack had brought on their picnic dinner. "Actually, I was just thinking something this reminded me of, though."

"Yeah? Something good, obviously?"

"Do you remember that bit in 'Singin' in the Rain' where they're on the soundstage and Debbie Reynolds is standing on the ladder with studio lights and a fog machine on?"

Jack laughed reminiscently. "Couldn't forget it. I think I saw that film a dozen times when it came out. Gene Kelly had an incredible ass."

Ianto rolled his eyes. "Well, aside from that…. This reminds me a bit of that scene."

"I could stand you up on the bridge and sing old songs to you if that would complete the picture," Jack grinned, only half joking.

Ianto's smile twitched a little wider. "Not necessary, not at all. This couldn't be better. Thank you, Jack," he said, reaching out to hold Jack's hand.

Jack looked up at Ianto for a moment, caught out by Ianto's rarely public display of affection. "You're welcome," he said, tentatively squeezing Ianto's hand just a bit. "Happy birthday, Ianto Jones."