Ianto waked over to Tosh from the kitchen, and placed something down on her desk. Ianto's back was to Jack's office, but he had a good view of Tosh's face; Jack saw her raise an eyebrow in question and Ianto reply by inclining his head.

Gwen was next, and Jack saw her face light up. At a sign from Ianto—it had to be a sign, Jack knew, because Gwen would never do so naturally—she kept her excitement quiet.

Even Owen, when Ianto went down to him, cried out, "Already?" followed by a demure "Cheers, mate."

Jack leaned back in his seat when he heard Ianto come up the stairs, trying to look casual. Ianto walked in. Jack watched carefully as he approached, and smiled when Ianto placed his coffee mug on his desk, finally understanding everyone else's excitement.

It was December third, and Ianto had brought out the holiday mugs.

The season had officially begun.