Ianto took a deep breath of fresh air as they emerged into the bay. He was surprised to find his legs felt unsteady and his hands were shaking uncontrollably.
"Yan, calm down!" Owen said. "It's okay, you did great!"
"But you were on the phone..."
"Just because I'm a man doesn't mean I can't multitask." Owen reminded him.
Ianto raised one sceptical eyebrow.
"What?" Owen looked offended. "It's a habit you learn to pick up in Torchwood. Especially with Gwen around."
"Mmm...Can't really disagree with you there. Damn useful at times." Ianto replied.
"Hell yeah," Owen held open the door of the café they always got food supplies from.
Ianto walked inside, a grin emerging from his severe blushing.
"Told you I was a gentleman."
Ianto laughed. "There are so many words I could think of to describe you..." Ianto considered it. "Nope, gentleman is not there."
"Bloody cheek," Owen muttered, but he was struggling not to laugh. He walked boldly over to the counter, addressing a sweet looking old lady. "Hiya. Er, Ianto, mate, bacon roll?"
"Not for me, thanks."
Owen just looked at him. "I am your doctor, I demand you eat something."
The older lady smiled. "He's right, y'know," She told Ianto. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."
Owen nodded at this.
"Fine, fine!" Ianto held up his hands in surrender, and both Owen and the old lady smiled at each other triumphantly.
"4 bacon rolls please." Owen ordered.
Ianto moved closer to the medic, muttering: "Just to shut you up."
"No promises," Ianto looked confused. "Many people have tried, few succeeded."
"I'm not your average person," Ianto reminded the medic, turning to pay the old lady who was handing him the parcel of bacon rolls.
"You're right there," Owen muttered, far too quietly for Ianto to hear him. His eyes roamed down Ianto's body, before fixing themselves subconsciously on the younger man's arse. "You're like no other."
Ianto turned back to face him, smiling. "Right, let's get back." He said, leaving the café after thanking the woman.
"Wait," Owen said, putting a hand on Ianto's arm. They were out in the bay now, the cool air washing over them. "Let's stay out here for a bit." He indicated to the nearest bench.
"Won't the others..." Ianto started, but Owen interrupted.
"Who cares? Tosh won't mind, she never does, and Jack," Owen blew the air out of his cheeks. "Well, who gives two fucks what he thinks?"
Ianto laughed. "Owen, I..." He began, trying to find the right words. "Thank you for all of this. Really. I know you don't particularly like me..."
Owen shook his head. "Ianto, that's just work. It's a dog-eat-dog world out there. Surely you know that better than anyone else? You always seem to be getting eaten."
Ianto laughed. "Yeah...yeah," He said. "I suppose I am." He turned back to Owen. "But I couldn't have done any of this without you. Really, thank you."
"For what?" Owen asked, laughing.
"Caring." Ianto replied, without missing a beat. "Seeing me when I felt invisible. For being there."
"Hey," Owen said. "I always will be, from now on. I know what a pillock Jack is. You deserve much better." Ianto's eyes filled with tears. "Honestly. You don't deserve what he does to you. You think it goes unnoticed, don't you? But I see. I see how it breaks you, Ianto. And I want it to stop."
"So do I." Ianto muttered. "So do I."