For once the hub was quiet: Tosh was sorting out her mailbox, Gwen sat behind her desk reading a book, Owen was busy in the autopsy bay and Jack was on the couch behind Tosh's desk, with a huge pile of reports on the coffee table.

For once the rift was silent.

For once the team could take a break.

Suddenly a laugh filled the hub, startling everyone out of their concentration. Ianto walked into the main area of the hub with a tray of coffee mugs on his left hand, a stack of files under his left arm and with his right hand he held his cell phone to his ear.

"Hey Thomas, long time no hear"

"yeah the last time was probably at Jade's birthday bash … haha yeah good times"

"I was rather pissed yeah but if memory serves me right so were you …"

He walked up to tosh's desk, clutched his cell phone between his ear and shoulder and absently handed Tosh her favorite cup.

"Haha that is so true. Have you heard anything from Daffyd?"

He turned to Gwen and handed her a cup of tea. He nodded at Gwen and she fondly smiled back.

"This Saturday? Oh no I can't. I've got plans with my boyfriend" fuck, he thought, did I just say that word out loud? He turned to Gwen, who was giggling, and mouthed the words "Where's Jack?"

She pointed and said: "Behind you". A red blush covered Ianto's cheek as he turned around and handed Jack his "boss of the year" mug, desperately trying to avoid his gaze.

"The cinema, the new Narnia film"

"Maybe Sunday?"

"Yeah, I'll come round then"

"see ya"

He hung up the phone and once again the hub became quiet.

Maybe he didn't hear me say "boyfriend". God I hope so.

He nearly dropped the almost empty tray but he elegantly managed to save Owen's cup. The files however fell to the floor. He silently cursed and knelt down to pick up the files.

Jack walked over and picked up Owen's cup of the tray. "I'll take this to Owen. You're better at filing anyway"

"Oh", said Ianto "You don't need to do that, it's my job"

"No worries" , responded Jack with a broad grin "All part of being a boyfriend"

And with a smile he turned and walked towards the autopsy bay.

"FUCK"

He quickly picked up the files and went back to the kitchen. A minute later, the door squeaked open and suddenly two strong arms embraced Ianto. He tilted his head back and took in that enticing smell of the captain. Suddenly he remembered what had happened and quickly he broke free of the hug. "Right, uhm about before … it was just a word. Haven't seen him in a while and I didn't want to get into details of what we are, seemingly as I don't really know myself …"

Jack smiled fondly. Mental note: Ianto is very cute when babbling nervously.

He pulled Ianto back into a hug and silenced his rant with a soft kiss. "Don't worry, I liked you calling me your boyfriend"

"Really?"

"Yes Yan … at least if you want me to be". Jack quickly buried his head in Ianto's neck, to avoid looking Ianto in the eye".

Stumbling and stuttering Ianto responded: "I'd love that, I really would"

With a jerk Jack lifted his head up and treated Ianto to one of his dazzling smiles. He placed a small kiss on his forehead and held him just a tad bit closer. They stood like that for a while, just being there and enjoying the moment. Right until an alarm sounded through the hub warning the team of rift activity.

And suddenly the hub was silent no more.