I'm baaaaack!

Firstly HUGE apologies for the insane length of time I've been away. My gorgeous boy is now almost THREE and I have been rushed off my feet. I've been reading stories on and off but haven't had time to write again, and for that I am sorry. But I'm making the effort and I really want to get back to writing for pleasure, and not just for work.

Thank you so much to everyone who has continued to read and review my work in my absence. I can't believe people are still reading it!

I know I have 2 unfinished fanfics – and two rather popular ones at that – but I am starting a new one here. I will endeavour to finish the others I promise. I am taking requests if anyone has them – I spotted queries a few in my inbox from a couple of years ago, so yes, if you have a fanfic request let me know. I have also reinstated my Beta Reader profile. Who knows where I'll find the time for all this, but its SO good to be back.

On with the show eh?

AU: This fanfic is based on the characters from Torchwood but is otherwise an alternate universe. No aliens, no rifts, no immortal characters. And yes, this is another Ianto/Owen story. I do love them so.

Ideas, comments and reviews vastly appreciated.

It had to be one of the strangest looking schools that Owen had ever set foot in, and he'd seen more than his fair share. He'd become a fully trained teacher four years ago and due to "questionable personality issues" he'd had to move around several times. The smiled wryly as he walked down the old style corridors, tiled walls and concrete floors, as he headed towards what he hoped was his new office. The directions he'd been given at reception were bewildering to say the least and he doubted he'd ever find his way out again at the end of the day. Spotting a short flight of steel steps he headed down them, relieved to find a wooden door displaying his name on the front. "Bingo." He said softly as he fished the key he'd been given out of his leather jacket pocket, unlocked the door and stepped inside, closing it behind him. It was like he'd stepped back in time. A fairly large office to be fair, with one small window overlooking the school grounds, decorated with shelf upon shelf of books covered with a thick layer of dust, a large wooden desk, reasonably comfortable looking leather chair and in the corner stood a rather rickety looking skeleton model. Owen Harper was the new biology teacher at a small high school in a quiet village in the south Wales countryside. As he settled into the chair – pleased to discover it was as comfy as it appeared – he let out a long breath. Maybe some peace and quiet in the countryside was just what he was after. Maybe it would help. Only time would tell. Right on queue the loud shrill school bell sounded out and he soon heard the stampede of feet clattering down the hall past his door. Looking at the clock on the wall he saw it was 9am and, not for the first time in his life, Owen was running late. "Shit." He muttered as he jumped out of his seat and rushed out the door, and straight into someone.

TW

"Shit." He repeated as he picked himself up from the floor and dusted himself off before looking up to see who he'd hit.

A tall man, impeccably dressed in smart trousers with a matching waistcoat, white shirt, tie and a fob watch stood before him. He had short brown hair and piercing blue eyes. His face was held in a quizzical if somewhat unreadable expression.

"First day?" He asked simply, his Welsh accent immediately evident.

"How could you tell? Owen Harper, Biology. And sorry about that." Owen said with a small smile, holding his hand out to the younger man.

"Ianto Jones. History." Ianto introduced himself with a firm handshake. "Not to worry. We've all been there. Lost?" He asked.

Owen nodded. "Its a bit like a maze this place."

Ianto smiled and gave a small nod. "It is that. You want to go down that corridor and if I'm not mistaken you want the fifth door on the right." He directed, glancing down at the piece of paper Owen was holding with his schedule on. "Throwing you in at the deep end I see." He noted with a wince.

"What makes you say that?" Owen asked nervously.

"Fifth years. Rowdy bunch. What out for Williams." Ianto advised.

"I'll bear that in mind." Owen said with a grateful smile as he set off down the corridor. As he reached the room he was looking for he took a glance back at Ianto and smiled before going inside. Ianto laughed softly as he heard the noise emanating from the room as the door opened before setting off in the other direction to his own classroom.