Author's Notes:

Welcome back everyone! Thank you for reviewing and following Never-Ending! We're finally getting to the good stuff, yep the mushy (and a little bit sexy) stuff. Hopeless romantic here, so you have been warned. Not too much fluff in this chapter though; that will come later. I'm going to attempt to post weekly at the very least, so that will probably mean shorter chapters from here on out.

Whoever messages me with the meaning of Siani's maiden name first, gets to choose an important upcoming story element that will influence the direction of this tale! Hint ~ it's Elvish.

Chapter 8 – Questions and Tesco's

Cardiff, Wales, Earth, 2008, Torchwood Hub

As soon as the others left through the underground garage an uncomfortable silence descended between Siani and Ianto.

Ianto began to nervously straighten the lounge area, which didn't need it, and Siani watched him intently.

"Yan?" She said tentatively.

"Yes. What can I do for you?" Ianto said as he continued to move about, avoiding her gaze.

"Will you stop acting like the perfect servant and sit with me please?"

Ianto stilled and sighed, and raked his hand through his hair in frustration. Finally releasing a tiny bit of his pent-up frustration, he stalked over to Siani and plopped onto the couch.

"Happy?" He sniped.

Siani folded herself further back onto the couch so that she was seated with her legs crossed facing Ianto.

"Very," she said dryly. "Now, stop being an ass and talk to me. The others aren't here; you don't have to pretend any longer."

He desperately wanted to yell, to scream and rage and vent all his fear and heartbreak; Ianto knew he could, Siani would let him. That had been the brilliant thing about what he realized now to be the beginning of their relationship; she was his escape, his safe place from the pressures of his life.

Maybe that's part of why I'm such a mess. She was mine damnit! She was mine alone, and I could tell her anything. I could bitch about work or Jack, and she would listen. Now it's all just a bloody mess!

Siani watched him anxiously. She knew this was difficult for him, especially without knowing the truth yet. As the minutes passed she grew restless and worried, he had never acted like this before and it was very disconcerting.

His whole life's been flipped upside down in the course of a few hours you twpsyn! He needs to let off some steam, clearly. So, provocation or earnestness?

As Siani mentally debated what way she would use to get Ianto to open up she carefully watched his face. Seeing the anger rolling just beneath the surface she decided that a more gentle approach would likely yield better results. Her Yan had a temper to be sure; like her it took quite a lot to push him over the edge, but once you did, watch out!

She risked reaching over to take his hand, sighing internally when he pulled away. Pushing down the hurt she broke the silence.

"Look, I know that you're confused and that is probably making you angry since you "know everything." She said facetiously using air quotations. "Let's do this, you ask me a question, and then I'll ask you one."

That finally elicited a response from Ianto. He turned to face Siani.

"Any question, and you'll answer it?" He looked skeptical, both Siani and Jack had been very evasive with their answers thus far.

She met his eyes and nodded. "I promise to answer your questions. There are a couple of things that I want to wait until Jack is with us to discuss though."

Ianto frowned. "But why? Why do we need to wait for Jack? What can't you tell me?"

"It's not that I can't tell you; we are going to tell you positively everything, I swear it." She grasped both of his hands with her own. "There are just a few topics that involve all of us, and it's only right that we be together when we talk about them. That is the only reason."

Ianto held Siani's gaze for a few moments, searching her face for any sign of dishonesty. Despite only having met her face to face for the first time just hours prior, he trusted her. Maybe it was the confidences they shared in his dreams, maybe it was instinct; whatever it was, he chose to follow it.

"Alright," Ianto said, squeezing her hands. "Do I have a limit on the number of questions I can ask?"

"Nope," she grinned at him. "Ask away my handsome Welshman, whatever you want."

When she smiled at him, he automatically returned it; it almost seemed to Ianto that he had lost control of his own body where she was concerned. He seemed to act on instinct, automatically giving her what would make her happy.

"Since I don't have a limit, I suppose I'll start with the mundane. Is Siani your real name?" Ianto asked.

He released her hand and leaned his left side into the back of the couch. Ianto placed his arm along it so that his hand rested near her shoulder.

"No. Siani isn't my real name; actually it's a very recent adoption. My real name is En' Isilme Astalderea. And now you are one of three people in the entire universe that know my name."

"En' Isilme Astalderea, "Ianto repeated. Siani smiled widely, her heart raced as he said her name. There truly is power in the given name, especially when spoken by one so beloved.

"Jack calls me Isi; you may as well, if you like." She replied tentatively.

Ianto smiled in return. "Thank you," he said earnestly. He knew that what she was allowing him was very special.

"Your turn now." Ianto said, relaxing a bit after she answered his first question so willingly.

"I only have one question for the moment; the rest of mine can wait until later when the three of us are together. I think that Jack will benefit from hearing the answers."

Ianto replied, "Very well, what is your question then?"

Siani looked down, suddenly a little nervous. She was afraid of his reaction.

"Well, I suppose it's more of a request really." Ianto raised a brow, but indicated for her to continue.

"Once we're done here for the night, can we go back to yours? Just the three us? Oh and can we stay with you? At your real home I mean, not the flat."

Ianto was taken aback, not just by her questions, but by the longing in her voice.

"How -"

"You told me remember. It's been a couple of weeks now, but you told me all about the house you inherited from your Tad-cu. You said that you have finally finished setting everything up since the renovations were complete."

"That's right. I'd almost forgotten that. I haven't been there in several days, I still haven't told Jack about it yet, too busy recently." Ianto paused, and looked at the woman in front of him. She was worse than Jack; her eager expression broke through any reluctance he felt.

He found himself agreeing, "We'd have to stop by the market, there's no food at all in the fridge and -"

Ianto found himself laying back on the sofa, with his arms full of Siani after she launched herself at him.

Laughing she said, "Oh, thank you Yan! You're amazing!"

She continued to lie atop him, giving no indication of wanting to get up any time soon.

"Ooo, can I have coffee when we go home? The three of us can talk in private, and you can show me what color you ended up using in the master bedroom. Oh, Yan I'm so excited!" She hugged him tightly, and decided there and then that he was by far the best pillow in the universe.

Ianto laughed, he couldn't help it. Her excitement was contagious, he absolutely adored her. She called his house home, and her body pressed down on his in the most delightful way. She smiled down at him, pleased to hear him laugh for the first time since she arrived.

The atmosphere between them began to change, and Ianto was experiencing strong sense of déja vous. Siani's eyes ghosted down to glance at his lips before returning to meet his heated gaze. Leaning forward, as he had wanted to with Jack in that warehouse, Ianto cleared his mind and for once decided to just do what felt right, damn the consequences. Just as their lips were about to meet they were interrupted by a voice.

"Yan, you said that you would hold things down while I was away. From where I'm standing you seem to have fallen down on the job. Way to take the initiative love." Jack winked at his grinning wife. Ianto looked shocked and initially afraid.

Jack continued. "Now this looks very promising, but I suggest a change in venue. Tosh, Owen and the Doctor have volunteered to keep an eye on things tonight and tomorrow. So what do you say we get out of here?"

Shaking himself, Ianto looked from Jack to Siani and back again. He then attempted to compose himself and helped Siani sit upright.

"Alright Jack, I just need to grab a few things and you should delete the CCTV footage of everything since Gwen left." Ianto got up from the couch and straighten suit. If Jack was not going to comment on finding his wife and Ianto in such a compromising position, than Ianto wasn't about to bring it up.

Jack looked at Ianto with his mouth agape, "What, no argument? No, 'Jack we can't both be off at the same time?'" Jack said, attempting to imitate Ianto's voice.

Ianto just smiled cheekily as he walked away to finish a few essential tasks.

Jack walked over to his wife a pulled her up off of the couch. He enclosed her in an embrace, leaning back to see her face.

"What on earth have you done to our Yan? And by the way, that was incredibly hot."

Siani was about to reply when the others returned to the main hub after securing the two Weevils captured in the cells.

"Oh get a room Harkness!" Owen snarked.

"I think we will. I've just got to delete today's footage and we can go." Jack moved to release Siani.

"Already on it." Tosh said as she moved to her station.

"Well, now we just need Yan and we can go." Jack said happily. "Toshiko, my fiery little dragon, would you send that footage to my secure folder before you delete it? There are a few things that I will need to review later." Jack said, winking at Siani.

She merely laughed; she knew her husband would do just that, repeatedly.

Ianto returned, obviously ready to go as he wore his coat and held Siani's out for her to slip into.

"Ready?" He asked the couple.

They both nodded, but then Siani stopped. "I've just remembered I need to get the clothes Tosh bought me."

"I've got them here." Ianto indicated the previously unnoticed bag at his feet. They all started to head for the cog door, but once again Siani stopped.

"Oh, I forgot! What about the Doctor? We can't just leave him here."

Owen called out. "Don't worry about it, he staying with me," just as Ianto muttered, "Why not?"

Jack just shook his head. His Yan had become very protective and it was extremely sexy!

"But what about -"

Siani was interrupted by Ianto bending down a picking her up in a fireman's carry and heady out the door.

She yelped in surprise and Jack grinned as he followed them out the door.

The Doctor, Tosh, and Owen listened as the trio made their way out of the hub.

"Ianto Gareth Jones, you put me down!" Came the muffled voice of Siani. They could hear Jack's boisterous laughter and Ianto's chuckle. Then they heard a loud smack, followed immediately by a loud "eep!"

"You did not just -! *smack*

"Ouch!" They heard Ianto say.

Just before they walked out of the Tourist Office door they heard Jack say, "No fair! Nobody has smacked my ass yet, and I haven't gotten to spank either of you!"

The two doctors rolled their eyes and Tosh laughed as the trio made their way into the Cardiff night.

Cardiff, Wales, Earth, 2008, Tesco's

Ianto decided to keep their destination a surprise from Jack until they arrived; so they stopped off at the Tesco's closest to the Hub to pick up groceries and other items. He began to shop as he always did, no fuss, going directly to the items on his mental checklist.

He should have known better however, not only was he shopping with Jack (always an ordeal), but Siani had never been to a supermarket on earth. It took them twenty minutes to get out of the produce section.

"Ooo, what's that?" Siani took off down an aisle once again.

Ianto sighed as Jack just grinned at him and followed after her. He decided to get the rest on his own and then tracked down the other two who were in the personal hygiene section.

"But how does it work?" Ianto heard Siani asking Jack as he pulled the cart up next to him. She was holding up a package of fluorescent colored condoms.

Noticing Ianto, Jack said grinning, "Yan, you want to tackle this one?"

Siani turned to him, very serious, awaiting his explanation. Blushing, he turned the package over to show her the directions.

"Well, you see here - you um, well that is to say that - well, during sex one -"

Jack was snickering on Siani's right as she listened intently to Ianto's rambling. Ianto glared at him.

He's going on decaf for this.

"It is placed - Jack, shut the hell up!"

Unable to contain himself any longer, Jack burst out laughing, startling an elderly woman at the end of the aisle who scowled at him. Smiling in apology, he filled in the gaps from Ianto's less than helpful explanation.

"So you're saying that people use this to prevent pregnancy." Siani said skeptically, addressing the two men. They nodded in response.

"That and to prevent the spread of disease."

She wrinkled her nose. "Well that I understand, but why would people want to prevent pregnancy? Why wouldn't they want children? It can't happen unless people are bonded anyway."

Siani was very confused by this aspect of 21st century earth society.

"It's not the same in this time mela." Jack replied. "Pregnancy can occur at any time that the necessary reproductive elements are in place, no bonds necessary."

Siani looked at him horrified. "But, that would mean that children could be born without all their parents, without a family!"

"Sadly, yes, it happens quite often here. There are many single parents that do their very best; it can be difficult, but many do a wonderful job on their own."

"Sorry," Ianto interrupted. "But why is this so startling? Surely there are still unplanned pregnancies in the future. And what did you mean by all their parents? Don't you mean both?" Ianto asked as they continued to stand in the aisle.

Normally standing for an extended period of time near the condoms and feminine hygiene products was not something Ianto would do, but he saw this as an opportunity to finally get some answers out of his reticent companions.

Jack and Siani were both shaking their heads. Siani picked up a box of tampons and upon reading the carton, grimaced, quickly returning them to the shelf. Ianto was pretty sure he heard a muttered, "barbaric."

Jack explained, "No. She really does mean all. In our time polyandrous relationships are very common. Most children have more than just two parents. Families are large, thriving things, and are almost always very happy."

Ignoring the odd looks they were receiving for being stationed in the prophylactics section for so long, Ianto asked, "How is that possible? It seems that there are far more unhappy families than happy ones." He said, thinking of his own, less than happy childhood. "How can that change so drastically when you're still dealing with human relationships?"

Siani answered him, "It's because of the bonding. Children cannot be conceived at all outside of a bond; everyone who becomes pregnant wants to be. Now bonds of more than two people do occur, as in our case, but they are not as common as couple bonds. Most people have a different kind of bond from ours and search for their bondmates for many years, but in the meantime will also marry other non-bonded people to form family units. This is done for safety, companionship, and adds stability to the Empire. It's highly encouraged by the Council. Many times after that, one or more of those people will meet their bondmate. Most of the time the bondmate is included in the family unit already formed, and then children are introduced; though some do split off on their own on occasion, but that is rare."

Ianto's brows elevated higher and higher as Siani explained.

"Wow, okay. But I still don't understand how that leads to happy families. The bondmates, I think I understand why they would be happy; but, adding others into the mix like that just seems like a recipe for disaster."

"You would think," Jack said. "But the physical and emotional benefits brought to those in the family are so great that it far outweighs any bits of conflict that might arise. Of course, family units like Siani described are the most common, but they are not the only families that are formed."

At this point Siani finally returned the condoms to the shelf and turned back to the boys.

"Um, do you not need those?" Ianto asked Siani uncomfortably. "I know you said you don't need them for contraception, but . . ."

Siani and Jack both raised their eyebrows, unconsciously imitating their young companion. Siani grinned; she was really enjoying making Ianto blush.

"Nope! You two have only been sleeping with each other right?" She looked between both men.

Ianto dropped his eyes as he nodded in confirmation, partly out of guilt and partly dreading Jack's response to that question.

Jack spoke enthusiastically though, "Yep! Trust me; I'm a one Welshman kind of guy!"

Ianto's head snapped up and Jack turned to look at him. He found Ianto searching his face, clearly trying to decide whether or not to believe him. It truly broke his heart.

He thinks I've been sleeping around this whole time. Even after I told everyone that I've only slept with four people. Goddess, what have I done to him? Have I hurt him so much that he doubts everything I say?

Watching the two men, Siani decided to intervene. "So are we ready?"

Both men just nodded, each so lost in their own thoughts that they paid no attention to Siani adding several things she found interesting into the cart.

Fairy Cakes? Do they kill faeries for food here? Weird. Ooo, a stuffed dragon! We need this for when the bab- No, stop it! Chocolate biscuits, oh we are getting those!

They didn't speak beyond thanking the cashier, who starred blatantly at the gorgeous trio, until they exited the shop. Ianto stopped to hail a cab.

"Aren't we walking?" Asked Jack.

"No," Ianto replied. "I thought we'd take a cab tonight, too much of a walk."

"Alright," Jack replied, believing that Ianto was just being considerate of his wife.

As they waited for a cab Ianto turned back and asked, "So these others families you mentioned, what are they? And how is it most people's bonds are different from yours?"

Jack and Siani glanced at each other.

See, never misses anything.

I know, it's scary! Makes me wonder how much he's let me think I got away with something when he actually knew all about it!

Probably every time.

Damn! I guess that means I should stop trying to hide the crisps and biscuits in my office then?

Oh yeah, he did mention those. Said he was pissed about having to clean crumbs out of your filing cabinet.

Jack grimaced. Ianto was watching them, waiting for a reply.

Can they talk to each other without speaking? That would be awesome, or awful, I'm not sure.

Though the concept intrigued him, it also caused his heart to ache. And a heavy cloud of despair descended upon him, making him feel even more cut-off from the two people he loved.

Siani finally broke the silence, startling Ianto out of his internal funk.

"Our bond is very different from most others, it is very rare. Most bonds-" She was interrupted by a cab finally pulling up to the curb.

Jack opened the door and hopped in first with the bags he carried, and pulled Siani in behind him.

"Come on Yan!" Jack said leaning forward to see him.

Ianto climbed in the cab and Jack started to give his address.

"Actually, we need to go the 36 Tynged-Dragwyddol, Pontcanna. Ta."

"Where are we going?" Jack asked curiously.

"You'll see!" Siani smiled. She knew Jack hated not knowing things, but hopefully he would last until they got to the house.

I'm going home! For the first time in over fifty years I'm going home, our real home!

Ianto leaned over, asking quietly, "So you were saying that most bonds . . ."

Siani hesitated; she felt the cab driver glancing at them curiously, paying far too close attention to continue their conversation. She didn't think about the fact that he was actually looking because Jack had his arm around her playing with the hair at the nape of Ianto's neck, while she had her left hand on his thigh and held tightly to Yan's hand with her right.

"We'll talk about it at home." She replied.

They drove through the streets of Cardiff in silence. Siani watched the city go by intently, excited with her new life. There were so many things she had never seen before, things she had only read about. Her travels with the Agency had never taken her to this time period, so it was all the more fascinating for her.

36 Tynged-Dragwyddol, Pontcanna

Once they finally arrived, Jack paid the driver and stepped out of the cab. He reached in to help his wife out and waited for Ianto to join them. They were standing in front of a large Victorian style townhouse, with what looked to be a lovely side garden extending out behind the house. There were large bay windows in front and a bit more space in between it and the neighboring house than you typically find in Cardiff. It was truly a lovely house.

"Oh Yan!" Siani exclaimed, hugging his arm. "It's gorgeous! You did such a fantastic job!"

Ianto smiled at her exuberance and glanced over at Jack who looked frustrated.

"Can someone tell me where we are?" Jack asked peevishly.

"Oh course sir." Ianto said genuinely. "Welcome to my home."

"Huh?"

Siani laughed. "You're so suave and articulate dear." To Ianto she said in a stage whisper, "It's why I fell in love with him you know, eloquence."

Grinning with her conspiratorially Ianto said, "I'm sorry to say that it seems to have diminished somewhat. You may have got a bad deal out of this one."

"Hey!" Jack pouted with his hands on his hips. "No ganging up on sexy Captains, at least not while you're fully clothed!"

Struggling to maintain her composure Siani replied, "Hmm, quite. That's too bad, he was actually halfway decent. Guess I'll have to trade up to a Welshman!"

By now Jack was smiling and Ianto was blushing. His blush only deepened as Siani stretched to kiss his cheek.

"Alright," Jack interrupted. "Ha ha, very funny. I'll get you for that halfway decent comment, it sounds to me that you could use a refresher, because your memory is clearly shot. Can we go in then you can catch me up since I'm apparently the last to know about this place?"

"Of course. Shall we?" Ianto offered his arm to Siani and they proceeded up the walk. Jack followed behind, admiring the view.

I really have to give Tosh a raise. Not to mention Ianto's tailor, yum!

On the way in Ianto began to tell them about all the additions he had made to the house. He unlocked the heavy oak door and ushered them inside, suddenly feeling nervous.

Siani looked around in awe, everything was so beautiful. The entryway had a gorgeous stained-glass door leading to a hallway with dark wood flooring and royal purple walls with white crown molding. To the left was the sitting room with formal, yet comfortable looking furnishings, the front window looked out onto the park across the street. The staircase was further down the hall to the right and had an intricately carved banister. Siani walked about taking it all in, she had never seen anything like it. The Hub with its monochromatic colors, technology, and metal was closer to what she was accustomed to, this was sheer opulence compared to her family's home on Eternity and even the home she had shared with Jack.

". . . and in the master I put in the oversized jacuzzi you suggested, Isi." Ianto was continuing his description as they put the groceries away in the warmly decorated kitchen.

"Jacuzzi!" Jack exclaimed and immediately took off for the stairs.

"Jack!" Both Ianto and Siani yelled. It was no use; they could already hear the water running and see the scattered clothes leading up the stars.

"Let's get it onnnn . . ." They heard Jack singing upstairs.

Ianto rolled his eyes and blushed for the hundredth time that night. He looked shyly at Siani and shrugged his shoulders. Her only reply was a Cheshire cat grin. She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the staircase.

"Wait, what are we doing?" He hesitated, knowing full well what he wanted to do.

"Just taking a bath Mr. Jones, that's all." Siani emphasized her point by stripping off her top and tossing it at Ianto's head. He caught it easily as he stood in shock halfway up the stairs. Ianto stared after the vision in front of him in a daze. The black lace bra that landed on his head snapped him out of his stupor.

Staring at it as though he had never seen a bra before, Ianto stood, debating whether or not he was expected to follow. And if he was, what did that mean? He felt a small niggling at the back of his mind, the kind that happened when he knew the answer to something, but just couldn't quite grasp it.

"Yan-to!" Jack bellowed from the bath. "Your jacuzzi is lacking a hot Welshman, hurry up!"

Ianto heard Siani giggle, followed by a large splash.

"Hey, you're lucky you're still recovering! Just wait woman! Ouch!"

Throwing caution to the wind Ianto continued up the steps, picking up discarded articles of clothing as he went. He entered the master bedroom and deposited all the clothes on the bed, followed by his own.

He hesitated another moment before saying, "What the hell, go with it Ianto." He then walked into the bathroom, and was greeted by two very wet and happy Harknesses.