"Oh, that is the second most gorgeous thing I've seen all day!" Jack said as Ianto walked in with a fresh cup of coffee and a plate of biscuits.
Ianto just smiled, not bothering to ask what was the most gorgeous. Not after the morning they'd had.
Jack sighed, taking a sip. "That's even more incredible than usual."
"Special winter brew. Secret recipe," Ianto winked.
"Would be safe with me, I wouldn't even dream of trying to blend coffee. I know my limits," Jack promised. "So… uh… holiday plans coming up?" he asked as Ianto pulled up a chair and sat back with his own cup.
Ianto shrugged. "My sister's asked me to come round for dinner. Unless, of course, if it's another Christmas invasion or more Rift-gifts than would fit in Father Christmas's pack…."
"I think you shouldn't worry about those things. Go to dinner. Anything comes up, I'll deal with it."
"That's not fair, Jack," Ianto protested. "You might not have a family meal planned, but that doesn't mean you should be taking all the holiday shifts."
"It really isn't a problem, Ianto, honest. I take my holidays other times. Tomorrow, for instance."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Well, things kind of end up going backward in the future. Most all civilizations out there have a home star, dependent upon a sun for… life, basically. So, sun-based celebrations make a real comeback. Think about it."
"I get you. Makes complete sense," Ianto nodded. "Out there, literally among the stars – what else would be celebrated? So, you celebrate solstices and such?"
"Let's just say, I'm more inclined to, when the opportunity is available."
"Cool."
"Yeah?" Jack said. "You, uh, wouldn't care to join me tomorrow, would you? Could celebrate the longest night together."
"Don't think I've ever properly celebrated a Solstice. Always kind of wanted to, though. Well, I mean, provided it doesn't entail dancing naked round bonfires in the park at sundown or something…. Does it?"
Jack laughed. "No, of course not. Although, that could be fun, too! But, really, it's… a rather calm holiday, for me. I like to just take the time to appreciate the beauty of the darkness. From someplace warm and quiet."
Ianto half laughed. "Where do you find warm and quiet around here?"
Jack smiled and slid a key-card across his desk to Ianto. It had the name and logo of the St. David's Hotel and Spa emblazoned on one side. "Quiet, restful, and I can still keep an eye on the place from up there. We could really make a nice evening of it – order up some good food, bring some bottles of whatever you'd prefer."
"An oasis of peace in the midst of all that… overwhelming jollity. Makes the longest night of the year sound like a treat," Ianto mused wistfully.
Jack reached over to take Ianto's hand. "That's the point exactly."