"21st century… seems kinda nice here. Less bombs than the previous one anyway… right?"

"On this island, anyway," the Doctor said.

"Whadda they do for fun?" Jack asked.

"I get the feeling you'll find out before long."

"Does that mean I have planet-leave?"

"Got nothing to do here for 24 hours. Why not?"

"Great, thanks! So what's on here… in Cardiff?"

"How should I know? Last time I was around here for any amount of time this was still all docks. There's a tourist office, apparently, down on that boardwalk. I'd ask them."

"Alright. See ya later, then, Doc!" Jack grabbed his jacket and hurried out of the TARDIS onto oval. He headed toward the bay where a boardwalk edged the waterside. Down one way was a practically non-descript doorway, apparently to the tourist office the Doctor recommended. Jack didn't hold much hope of finding any really interesting diversions there, but figured he might at least get an idea what to avoid.

Jack actually felt silly walking up to the tourist office. He traveled centuries of time and space, abandoned the Time Agency and made life as a confidence man, he'd even survived the invasion of his home that tore his family apart… and now he was actually going to ask about attractions in a 21st century Earth second-rate city. He wondered what the inevitable part-time pensioner manning the office would say if he asked where the 'racy' side of town was.

Ianto checked his watch and poured coffee. How could it be only 2:07? Some days were so damn dull he had no idea how he made it to 4:00 without resorting to self-torture just to break the monotony. He'd already gone completely OCD on tidying up the pamphlets and brochures, removing any outdated fliers, and rewriting the office's own recommended attractions list. He was half tempted to upturn the contents of his desk just to have something to clean up.

When the bell jingled on the door, Ianto hoped to hell the information seeker would be one asking for a week's worth of things to do and places to eat.

"Good afternoon and welcome to Cardiff!" Ianto said enthusiastically, stepping through the awful bead-curtain he kept meaning to replace. "What can I help you find?" Ianto's next thought was 'please tell me I didn't say "wow" out loud at any point just there!'

Jack took a deep breath when a tall, attractive man in a gorgeous suit stepped out. Ok, so definitely not a pensioner. He couldn't help his grin.

"Actually, I think I already found it."

Ianto smiled politely. It wasn't the first time an overly-friendly, overly-handsome, massively-ego'd American handed him a line. Ianto took a city map from the rack, unfolded it, and took an orange highlighter from his top pocket. "You'll want Charles Street."

"And what's on Charles Street?" Jack asked, leaning in.

"Pubs and clubs. Most of them, um… friendly."

"Oh, I see. Well, I've never been in Cardiff before. Maybe you wouldn't mind showing me around? When do you get off? I'd love to buy you a drink for your trouble."

Ianto was sure the American was spending all his innuendos in one go. He had to admit to himself that he really didn't mind. The guy was hot, with his infectious grin and mischievous eyes, and he wore a really nice aftershave. One of the perks of running the tourist office was that any guys he met were guaranteed to be no more than short-term flings. He could fool himself into believing it all meant nothing, it was almost like just being a good host. Someday he'd find another girl who he felt about like he did Lisa; then everything would be alright. Till then, he could just indulge his other inclinations with no attachments.

"I close up here at 4:00, sir," Ianto smiled.

"Can ya make it 3:50?" Jack asked.

"I'm typically very punctual, sir."

"Oh, I have no doubt," Jack leered.

"How about 3:55?"

Jack winked. "Perfect. Any place you recommend for shopping while I wait? Dying to pick up some new clothes."

"Top Shop's always a good choice if you're going casual. Or perhaps something a bit smarter?" Ianto asked, subconsciously tugging at his sleeve.

"I think I'll go for casual. You've got smart covered. Love the suit, by the way."

"I do my best, sir."

"So… 3:55. I'll meet you here?"

Ianto nodded.

"Great. Just one more thing."

Ianto raised his eyebrows attentively.

"Can I get your name?"

Ianto grinned. "Jones. Ianto Jones."

"Nice to meet you, Jones Ianto Jones," Jack teased. "Captain Jack Harkness," he said, offering his hand. "You can call me Jack… or Captain, if you prefer."

Ianto took Jack's hand and said, "A pleasure, Jack. Or, I presume it will be."

Jack laughed suggestively. "I can practically guarantee. See you later, Mr. Jones."