"Oh, good, I'm starved!" Jack exclaimed, following his nose to the boardroom where beef broccoli and vegetable lo mein were set for lunch. "Examining alien brain matter is surprising hungry work…."

"I really hope you washed your hands before coming in here…." Gwen said with a pointed look.

Jack rolled his eyes. "Of course I did. You don't think I could get away with…. Where is Ianto, anyway?"

"Headed back down to the archives, I think," Tosh said, tucking in.

Jack shook his head and turned back out of the boardroom.

"Hey," Jack called, spotting Ianto at his desk, tucked away in the archives.

"Hello," Ianto said, glancing up briefly. "Lunch is on, up in the boardroom."

"Yeah, I know."

"Oh. Is there something you need? Something missing?"

"Yeah. You."

Ianto just shook his head.

"What's up?" Jack asked, stepping a little closer. "You not feeling well?"

"I just don't want anything," Ianto said without elaboration.

"Ok. What's wrong?" Jack said seriously.

"I don't want anything just now. Maybe late, but… not at the moment."

"What'll be different later?"

Ianto sighed deeply, knowing Jack wouldn't leave it now. "Nothing, really. But maybe I'll have had enough of a distraction by then. You don't know what today is," he added before Jack had a chance to ask what Ianto wanted distracting from.

Jack shrugged and shook his head, even though Ianto's gaze was somewhere between his desk and the edge of the universe.

"Lisa's birthday," Ianto said shortly.

Jack took a short breath and bit his lip. "You're right, I didn't know. I'm sorry, Ianto," Jack said genuinely, resting a hand on Ianto's shoulder.

"Couple of years ago, I'd picked this one. I said to myself that if we were still together and happy, this would be the year I'd propose," Ianto said quietly.

Jack pulled an unused chair over to sit beside Ianto. He didn't say anything, just wanted Ianto to know he was there and didn't feel awkward listening if Ianto wanted to talk about it.

There were a few long, quiet moments, then Ianto whispered, "I'm alright. Really. I just don't want anything right now."

"You sure you're alright?" Jack asked.

Ianto nodded.

"Ok. Take whatever time you need, ok? And if you do want something, you know where to find me.

Ianto nodded again.

Jack stood up and took a few steps away, then stopped. "Hey, you know, if you feel like it later – presuming no Rift issues – we could get a couple drinks someplace."

For a moment, Ianto wondered if Jack was actually so crass as to suggest a date. He glanced back, fighting to hide his incredulousness.

"You know, a sort of… memorial."

Ianto ducked his head quickly. It was incredibly touching, even considering the fact that Jack was one of four who had obliterated whatever wisp of hope he might have had that day months ago.

"You don't have to say right now. Just let me know, later on. Whenever, really."

Ianto gave a nod.

"Right. Well… I'll just…."

"Jack?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Ianto."