The air was always colder at Canary Wharf. He had walked these docks many times with Lisa, chatting about inane things, hands grasped together. He smiled and laughed with her, something rare with many of his previous co-workers trudging their way through business school to become suits and big wigs.
Ianto was truly happy for possibly the first time in his life. His job at the mail room had led to a position at Torchwood with his photographic memory and his love of all things file-related. Martin had noticed when the use of alien technology and things of that nature had not been a shock to him. The strain itself that lifted from Ianto and Lisa's relationship when they were both members of the secret alien organization did wonders for them as well.
But Lisa was not with Ianto that night. She had returned from a visit with her mother very tired. The Tube to Cardiff could do that, Ianto supposed. His kiss had grazed her neck and she had smiled warmly. Ianto saw the tired pain in her eyes, wanted to be there for her but couldn't strain the words out. Not without an impatient row he'd avoid if at all possible.
Canary Wharf seemed like a world unto itself, crafted into its own impromptu bubble. The air was different, the people were friendlier, the food tastier and fresh. Ianto found himself whistling into the darkness, hands thrust in the pocket of his jacket. His tie kept him against the cold like a scarf. He felt for the invisible box. In a moment, he would practice.
Ianto had thought long and hard on this moment. The perfect spot, the perfect tone, the perfect ring, even a perfect song, he supposed. Martin had an underwater radio and was delighted at the thought of young love, if not a bit weary considering the nature of their work. But Ianto was a young man in love, movable feasts and all that as Ianto remembered might have been said by Wilde? It might not have been Wilde.
He had just made it to the jewelers and chosen a lovely canary yellow stone, petite but authentic. It reminded him of those little jewels set in the orchids she had worn that first night they had met. He loved orchids because of her. He'd always love orchids. Ianto tried not to waver or tear up. He loved her; after a long search for someone to see him, he loved her and she saw him. And she loved him.
He supposed the ring was supposed to calm him down. He was more hyper than ever. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve at Canary Wharf and with the sounds of carols around and the sights of crystal waters, Ianto was going to propose to Lisa. Too bad the Cybermen were plotting against him.
Creator's Note: Prompt 2: Middle. The middle of Ianto and Lisa's relationship. The night before everything changed. What was that quote? Life is what happens while we're making other plans?