AN: Yet another take on the stopwatch scene. I'd like to think that this one is a bit different though. Feedback is welcome. Enjoy!

Worth the Wait

Ianto could feel it ticking in his breast pocket like a second heart. It felt so slow, or maybe it was just that his heart was racing. There had to be at least five minutes left still. While Gwen and Owen had practically raced off at Jack's offer of an early night, Tosh was not so easily convinced.

He could hear Tosh and Jack in the other room, Jack trying to convince Tosh that the latest piece of alien technology could wait until tomorrow. As their discussion continued, Ianto grew more and more agitated. What if Tosh didn't leave? Well, he supposed, the thrill of being discovered might make it more exciting. Jack would like that, he was sure.

Still three minutes, if not more. Unable to stand the anticipation any longer, Ianto headed to the archives. He might as well get a little more work done. He headed down the dank corridors, his footsteps echoing around him. Upon entering the room, he headed for the largest pile of files and started to sort them into the filing cabinets. The repetitive nature of the job soothed him, and his anxiety soon dissipated.

Ianto allowed his mind to wander as he put away the file on the Roxon's psychic debilitator. He had to keep Jack involved – make sure he wasn't bored. That shouldn't be hard. Ianto had often been complimented on how inventive he was. And he was sure jack would be up for anything.

Out of nowhere, strong arms wrapped around Ianto's waist and pulled him closer to the body behind him. Ianto barely managed to avoid jumping in shock: he hadn't heard any footsteps.

"Time's up," Jack whispered, his breath hot against Ianto's ear.

Ianto shivered. Oh yes, it would definitely be worth the wait.