Three

"No, I understand, Gwen," Jack said, trying not to sound frustrated even though he was feeling panicky. Gwen was still sick; apparently it wasn't food poisoning after all, and her fiancé was even worse. More than anything, she didn't want the baby to come down with whatever stomach virus they seemed to have picked up, and Jack appreciated her concern and genuine regret even if it left him in a bind once more.

"Really, Gwen," he assured her as he tried to plan out another day in his head. "Your health is more important. Give my best to Rhys, and let me know how you're feeling for tomorrow."

She apologized profusely once more, and Jack couldn't help but sigh as he hung up. He had enjoyed skiving off work the day before, but he couldn't afford to do it again. He'd rescheduled everything from the previous day and needed to follow through. He'd have to take Lauren with him—she'd sleep a bit, and there were plenty of people around the office who would take it in turns to fawn over her—until he remembered Ianto's offer at the café.

It seemed mad to trust a man he'd only met six days ago, and yet he did. Ianto had a great deal of experience with both his sister's kids and the children he photographed as part of his job. He was also intelligent and articulate, warm with a dry sense of humor. None of which particularly mattered when it came to Lauren, of course, but Jack had watched them at the café, and Ianto was a natural. He'd held her like he'd been doing it for years, had known exactly how to calm her wiggles, what to feed her, when to bounce her, even how to speak to her. Lauren had certainly seemed to like him, which helped confirm that Jack was doing the right thing.

"Come on, you," he said, picking her up and flying her over his head. She giggled and he rubbed noses before settling her on his hip. "Let's go see Uncle Ianto and ask him to come play with you today."

He wondered about the 'Uncle Ianto' comment, but decided he rather liked it. He knew Ianto was a good uncle to his niece and nephew, after all, and hoped the other man didn't mind being adopted as an honorary uncle by them so quickly.

Although he could have called, Jack wanted to talk to Ianto in person. They took the lift upstairs and made their way down the corridor to 504. Taking a deep breath, Jack knocked, running through a dozen different ways of asking such a huge favor of a man he barely knew. He was starting to worry that Ianto wasn't home as his knock went unanswered, and was debating whether to turn away or knock again when Ianto opened the door. Everything Jack had wanted to say stuck in his throat.

Ianto was dressed in jeans and a white undershirt. His feet were bare, and he was running a hand through his wet hair, obviously try to shake the water out and finger comb it into some semblance of order. He smelled clean and amazing, and Jack couldn't help but stare; he was fairly certain his mouth was hanging open as well.

"Oh, er, morning, Jack," said Ianto, looking surprised and somewhat self-conscious.

"Morning," Jack croaked, then cleared his throat. "Ianto, I'm sorry to bother you, but—"

The other man raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess: your nanny is still sick?"

Jack nodded, still slightly speechless.

"And you're obviously dressed for work," Ianto continued. "So it's a date, then?"

"Sorry, what?" Jack exclaimed. Lauren seemed to sense his surprise and burbled, pulling at his tie. He shifted her to the other side as Ianto laughed.

"I meant with Lauren," Ianto said, shaking his head.

"Oh, right," said Jack. "Look, I hate to even ask, but you mentioned yesterday that you had some free time today…" He trailed off, trying not to stare at the man's lips but unable to stop himself.

He was fairly certain Ianto noticed. The other man ducked his head as he turned around, motioning Jack inside. "Yes, I did, and I was serious about my offer. Fill me in on the details while I finish getting ready and pack up some things."

Jack followed him into the flat. It was the same as Jack's, with an open living space in the center of the flat and two bedrooms on either side. The biggest difference was the lack of baby items: no toys, no pushchair, nothing. It reminded Jack of what his life had been like three months ago, before Gray had died. He loved Lauren with all his heart, but there were times when he was still getting used to suddenly being a father and having to juggle a child and his job, and this was one of those times. He had been a carefree bachelor much like Ianto, and he envied the other man's freedom and lack of responsibility to a tiny, helpless human being. Shaking his head of the sudden, intrusive thought, he sat down on the sofa and bounced Lauren on his knee as she gazed around the flat with curiosity.

"I'd pay you, of course," Jack started, and Ianto laughed from where he was packing up his laptop and some of his photography books.

"Don't worry about it," he said. "You're in a bind, I understand."

"I don't want to take advantage," Jack protested. Ianto was leaning over his desk, pulling together a pile of colorful printouts, and Jack found himself staring again, this time at a different view. He was ridiculously glad Lauren wasn't nearly old enough to catch on—and hoped she never did.

"You can take me out to dinner sometime," Ianto replied. He stood up and turned so suddenly Jack thought he'd get whiplash. "I mean…I meant…" He stuttered, and Jack found it completely endearing that this man, who seemed so calm and put together, was now so flustered.

"We can go to the Jazzy Jungle," he said with a wink, referring to the kids' play place. "I've heard it's a hit with the younger crowd."

Ianto's eyes went wide, and Jack considered offering a quick explanation, in case Ianto thought he was referring to some sort of strip club. The Welshman stared at Jack before turning abruptly and heading toward one of the bedrooms. "I need to finish getting ready," he said, his voice drifting into the main room. "Tell me about Lauren—her schedule, her favorites, what to avoid—those kinds of things."

Jack quickly filled Ianto in on Lauren's nap schedule. She was always hungry when she woke up and was eating simple finger foods along with her regular bottle. She loved playing peek-a-boo and listening to music, and would look at books for longer than she did anything else. No television, however.

"A girl after my own heart," Ianto said, coming back into the living room now wearing a polo, socks and shoes. He'd also combed his hair, and Jack could smell mouthwash on the man's breath as he knelt down next to them and tickled Lauren under the chin.

"Books and music," he said, and she gave him a big smile. "Yep, we'll be fine. Let me grab my bag, and you can show me around your flat."

"It's the same as yours," Jack said as he stood.

"But I don't know where anything is, do I?" Ianto offered. They left his flat and he locked the door, then made their way to the lift. Lauren opened her arms toward Ianto with a squeal, and Jack glanced at her in surprise. She rarely wanted to go to other people. Jack assumed it was a product of having lost her mum and dad at such an early age. Maybe it was more because they didn't see many other people. To see her reaching for Ianto both melted and broke his heart.

"You must have made quite an impression yesterday," he murmured. He let the Welshman take her as he led the way down the corridor toward his flat and ushered Ianto inside. The other man stopped so suddenly that Jack almost ran into him. Ianto was staring at the flat, eyes wide and mouth hanging slightly open.

"Er," said Jack, slightly embarrassed by the state of his home. Gwen never left such a mess, but it had been him and Lauren all on their own yesterday, and after a morning at the park, an afternoon spent playing on the floor, and a long bed and bath routine, he'd been too tired to pick up. Toys littered the room, dishes filled the sink, and he picked up the faint scent of dirty nappies coming from Lauren's room, reminding him to take out the rubbish so Ianto wouldn't have to deal with it all day.

"Sorry," Jack said, bustling around and picking up as quickly as he could. "We had one of those days yesterday."

"I can see that," Ianto murmured. He chuckled at Lauren. "Did you make this mess? Or did you have some help?"

Jack grinned. "It was definitely mutual. Gwen is much better at staying on top of it, but I couldn't be arsed yesterday." He was stuffing books into a basket when Ianto stopped him with a laugh.

"Leave it, Jack. We'll pull it all out again." He shifted Lauren on his hip and turned toward Jack. "So. Which is her room, where are the nappies, clean clothes, bottles—give me the tour."

Jack showed him where everything was as quickly as possible. He was already running late and needed to get to work. He found himself unexpectedly envious again, though in a different way: he had enjoyed his day off with Lauren and wouldn't mind doing it again, as tiring as it had been, but he also wanted to spend time with Ianto. He actually jealous that Lauren got him all to herself for the day.

"Help yourself to any food and drink," he said, hurriedly loading the dishwasher. Again Ianto stopped him, and Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Sorry," he said sheepishly. "I wish it was cleaner—"

"Don't worry about it, Jack," Ianto said firmly. He set Lauren on the floor with a few toys, then pushed Jack toward the door. "Go, or you'll be late. We'll be fine."

"Are you sure you're all right with this?" Jack asked, glancing worriedly back at Lauren, who was chewing on her favorite plastic lobster. "I feel like it's a huge imposition…"

"It's nothing, Jack," Ianto replied. God, the way the man kept saying his name left Jack weak at the knees. He'd never get to work if Ianto kept talking like that.

"What about your work?" he asked, and Ianto actually growled as he pushed Jack away.

"I'll get it done while she's napping. Or I'll sit her on my lap and she can help me pick the best shots. Now go."

"Right." Jack grabbed his shoulder bag and opened the door. He was struck by the ridiculous image of kissing Ianto good-bye and literally had to stop himself from leaning forward. Instead he glanced over Ianto's shoulder at Lauren, who had reached for her doggie rattle and was laughing every time she shook it and the eyes spun around. He took a step forward, wanting to dash back in and smother her with kisses, but Ianto pushed him out.

"She'll be fine, and since she's busy, let's not start a firestorm." He squeezed Jack's arm in reassurance. "Call us as many times as you need to. And have a good day."

Jack took a deep breath and nodded, his skin tingling where Ianto had touched him. He backed out, watching Lauren for as long as he could, then turned and hurried toward the lift. He doubted he'd be able to concentrate much all day, but he had a lot of work to catch up on, so he had to try.

The problem was that he was already missing both of them.

Four meetings, a dozen phone calls, and one stop for Indian food later, Jack was walking through the lobby completely exhausted. He wasn't sure why, as he'd had the previous day off, but he suspected it had something to do with making up all the work he had missed, coupled with his distracted thoughts about Lauren and Ianto.

He had only called home three times. And texted three times that, one of which was to ask Ianto if he could stay later, followed quickly by asking if he liked Indian food. Ianto had replied that he'd eaten with Lauren earlier, but could go for a small chicken tikka whenever Jack made it home. Jack had got him a large order with rice and naan, intending to push the leftovers on him as a poor thank you for watching Lauren all day, and far later than Jack had intended. It was well after seven o'clock by the time Jack was stumbling into his flat. Ianto was up immediately, grabbing the bag of take away and heading into the kitchen.

Which was clean.

Jack did a double take. So was the living room. No toys, no books, no blankets. It hardly looked like he had a child. It was unnerving, and his mouth moved, but no words came out. He flipped his shoes off and tossed his suit coat over a nearby chair as he loosened his tie and stared at a room he barely recognized. It all felt ridiculously domestic, even more so when Jack wandered into the kitchen. Ianto had taken out plates and was serving up their late dinner. As if they hadn't just met that week. Jack's heart caught in his throat with sudden longing, and he turned abruptly to check on Lauren.

She was still awake, eyes half open as she gazed tiredly at the glowing stars Jack had placed all over the ceiling. He liked to point out the two largest ones, naming them Gray and Carys as he told her stories about them, so that someday she might feel like she knew them. Kissing her on the forehead, he tiptoed from the room, relieved when she didn't cry out for him but finally let her eyes drift shut.

"So Lauren not keep you busy enough, then?" Jack asked, motioning at the almost spotless flat. "Because I hardly recognize the place."

"We had a great day," Ianto replied. "But she took two good naps, leaving me with a few extra minutes." He glanced around the main living area of the flat. "I hope you don't mind that I tidied up a little. It seemed the least I could do with the mess we made."

Jack about choked. "The mess you made? Ianto, did you see what it looked like when you walked in?"

Ianto shrugged as he turned to Jack. "Yes, but you should have seen it an hour ago."

"I doubt it was any worse," Jack laughed.

"You underestimate my ability to enable a child-centered mess," Ianto replied. "I picked up twenty books, ten stuffed animals, six blankets, and more blocks than I've seen in years. On top of the mashed peas, bananas, and spilled milk."

Jack raised his eyebrows, and Ianto grinned rather sheepishly. He grabbed a plate from the counter and handed it to Jack. "Here, you look like you could eat a horse. Long day?"

"Long day," Jack confirmed. He moved around Ianto in the narrow kitchen to the icebox and took out two bottles. "Beer? I'd offer you a glass of wine, but I don't have any chilled."

Ianto laughed and took a bottle of Brains. "That's fine, I'm not exactly a chilled wine kind of guy."

"Really?" Jack asked in surprise. He already thought of Ianto as far more sophisticated than him, and had assumed drinking fine wine—just as he drank amazing coffee—was part of that persona.

"Well," said Ianto, awkwardly balancing his plate and bottle until Jack motioned toward the sofa in the living area. "I enjoy a good red wine and an occasional white, but mostly on special occasions. Sitting around with take away is for beer, or maybe a scotch after."

"I've got scotch," said Jack, probably too enthusiastically. "Lagavulin, Glenlivet, and a 25 year MacCallans."

Ianto stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth. "That's an impressive list. Maybe I should bring my Dalmore and Highland Park down sometime and we can do a tasting."

"Anytime," Jack said, almost suggesting they get together that weekend but deciding not to push it. "So how did it go? Since she's in bed, you can speak freely."

Ianto laughed as he set down his plate and took a long pull of beer. "It was fine, Jack. It was great. She's an easy baby. Yes, she cried when she was hungry. Yes, she cried when she was tired, and yes, she cried when she was bored. All relatively easy fixes. But she didn't get sick, she didn't get hurt, and she didn't swallow anything off the floor. You must have tired her out yesterday because she ate everything I put in front of her, took both naps, and went to bed with almost no fuss a little while ago."

"You make it sound so easy," Jack said, gazing at him in wonder. Ianto shook his head as he picked up his plate.

"I wouldn't say that. It's definitely hard work, but a good kind of work, you know?"

"And like a good uncle, you get to have all the fun and hand her back at the end of the day," said Jack. Ianto laughed, and Jack cherished the sound.

"Exactly." They ate in silence for a few moments, until Ianto set down his plate again. "Thanks for this," he said. "It's good."

"It's my favorite place to stop on the way home," Jack said. "Sometimes I'll pick up extra for Gwen to take home since it seems like I keep her later and later all the time."

"I liked it, thanks. And thanks for asking me to help out with Lauren." Ianto seemed to genuinely mean it, and Jack was almost blown away by the man's selfless sincerity.

He set down his plate and leaned closer, unintentionally placing his hand on Ianto's knee and feeling the man twitch. He grinned to himself at the reaction, hoping it was a good twitch, and didn't pull away. "No, thank you. You really helped me out. I can't thank you enough."

Ianto finished his beer quickly and stood to take his plate into the kitchen. "You're welcome. It was my pleasure. And I did get a nice dinner out of it."

"I'll still take you to the Jazzy Jungle if you like," Jack called into the kitchen. He heard Ianto laugh, then he came out and leaned against the doorframe with his hands across his chest.

"You are talking about the children's place, right?"

"Is there another?" asked Jack through a mouthful of naan, then realized he was talking with his mouth full and took a quick sip of beer. "Sorry."

He thought Ianto might roll his eyes, but instead the man smirked. "Used to be a grown-up version in Newport," he said. Jack waggled his eyebrows.

"Sounds like my kind of place."

And that got him the eye roll. Oh yes, Jack loved the eye roll.

"Yes, well, call me if you go. I'll watch Lauren for you." Ianto sighed. "I should get going. I still have a few things to look over for tomorrow, and I know you must be beat." He gathered up his belongings and headed toward the door while Jack scrambled to join him. "Thanks again for dinner, Jack."

"You're welcome," Jack said. He dashed into the kitchen to grab the rest of the food, insisting Ianto take it. "Thank you for staying. So, um, what are you working on?"

"Some prep work for next week," Ianto replied. "I'm doing a new brochure for Gallifrey One."

"John Smith's bank," Jack nodded. He knew it well, for he had worked with John Smith for several years before joining Torchwood Financial and moving to New York. He still kept in touch with John, whom he viewed as one of his strongest mentors, and was impressed that Ianto had snagged such a high-profile job; he was obviously a fantastic photographer to be working for Gallifrey One.

"Yep," nodded Ianto. "My neighbor works for them and recommended me."

"Who's that then?"

"Martha Jones, in 509. Do you know her?"

Jack nodded. "Brilliant woman with gorgeous eyes and a great leather coat."

Ianto raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you know her well. Dating?"

"Not at all," Jack replied. "We've talked around the building, had lunch once. John told me she's doing great things there. I'm not dating anyone at the moment," he added after a pause. "Haven't for a while." He might have thought about it, eventually, his disastrous experience in New York having warned him off relationships for a long time, but so many things had changed over the past few months, culminating with Gray's death and Jack's surrogate daughter, that the idea of trying to juggle a relationship on top of caring for a baby was overwhelming, even though there were dark nights when he longed for it.

"Oh." Jack thought he heard a touch of disappointment in Ianto's voice, but blamed it on his overactive imagination. "Right. Must be hard with an eight-month-old."

"I suppose," Jack replied vaguely. He looked Ianto right in the eye. "I'm not against being a single parent and dating, but I was in a serious relationship that didn't end well a few years ago, and haven't been involved since. Then Gray died and Lauren became my priority. She's my date now." He smiled to himself, because as difficult as it was some days, he wouldn't change it for the world.

Ianto had let his bags settle at his feet. He was leaning on the wall across from Jack and nodded as if he understood. And yet again, Jack suspected that Ianto Jones did understand. They might have come from different backgrounds, different countries, and different careers, but Jack already felt like Ianto knew him and accepted him.

"I definitely understand being leery of another relationship," Ianto agreed. "I feel the same way sometimes. Lauren is a perfect date, though. You're lucky to have her. And you're doing a great job, Jack."

"Thanks." There was an awkward silence until they both opened their mouths to speak at the same time, laughed about it, and Jack motioned at Ianto to go first. The other man picked up his bags again.

"I really should go. Thanks again for everything."

"Thank you, Ianto," Jack replied, reluctantly opening the door. He didn't want Ianto to leave, he wanted to keep talking, keep learning about this remarkable man, keep listening to that gorgeous accent and watching those beautiful eyes. Shaking his head of the ridiculous thoughts before he acted impulsively and probably quite awkwardly on them, Jack placed a hand on Ianto's shoulder before he left. "I promise I won't bang on your door first thing tomorrow morning, but maybe I'll see you around over the weekend."

Ianto's smile could have lit up the corridor. "Sure. I haven't got much going on during the day, so what about lunch? Someplace kid-friendly?" He raised an eyebrow. "Not the Jazzy Jungle."

Jack laughed. "Fine, fine. But you're missing out. The ball pit is amazing." He laughed again as Ianto's eyes went wide; so the man had a dirty mind, then? Jack filed it away for later. "Do you like pizza? There's a little corner shop that sells great big slices not far from here. I've been thinking Lauren might like to try it."

"I think I know it. Sounds good. If it's nice, we can take her to the park, cash in that rain check from Wednesday." Jack didn't miss the 'we' that Ianto slipped in, and saw the man cringe as he realized what he'd said. Taking pity on him, Jack ignored it and nodded.

"I'll pack the sunscreen. See you Saturday."

"Good night, Jack."

"Good night, Ianto."

Like a lovesick teenager, Jack shut and locked the door after Ianto left, then leaned against it with a sigh. He hadn't been in a serious relationship for years, but knew without a doubt that he could jump back in now.

As long as it was with Ianto Jones.