Chapter Summary: Hospital food, a visit from Roddy and Tosh and a question from Jack.

Recommend you read We Worked Together (the story can be accessed through my profile - socalrose) before reading this story because it's a sequel to We worked Together.

This chapter is PG.

Characters: Jack, Ianto, Tosh, Roddy, Gwen, and Owen

Tastes Like . . .

"Come on Ianto, just a few more spoonfuls," Jack said trying to coax Ianto to eat some more of his soup.

"No, it tastes like cat piss," Ianto said refusing to take one more mouthful.

"It's not that bad," Jack said.

"You try it then," Ianto countered. Trying to placate Ianto, Jack took a spoonful of soup and managed to swallow it with a grimace.

"Oh god, that's awful," Jack said putting the bowl down and taking a sip of water to get rid of the taste in his mouth. "I'm so sorry I made you eat that garbage."

"Good thing we brought lunch with us," Tosh said entering the room. "Here are the clean clothes you asked for, Jack," she said handing the overnight bag to him before going over and kissing Ianto on his forehead. "It's good to see you awake, Ianto. How are you feeling?"

"Alive at least," Ianto replied.

"We have something which will make you feel better," Roddy said putting some takeout bags on the countered. "You're on liquids and soft foods today, right?" he asked while pulling containers out of the bags.

"Yeah, but the food is awful; even Jack agrees," Ianto replied.

"Well, I can guarantee you'll like this," Roddy replied. "We stopped by the little Italian place you recommended to us awhile back and picked up chicken soup with a little pizzazz and some sorbet for dessert." Roddy handed the soup to Jack. "Try some."

Jack fed a spoonful to Ianto. The soup was fantastic. "That's good," Ianto said smiling accepting more spoonfuls from Jack. They chatted about finding the pink ferret in the park and how it bonded with Roddy while Jack helped Ianto finish eating the soup. Tosh fed Ianto the sorbet while Jack ate his own lunch, a pasta salad.

"That was good, thank you," Ianto said.

"You're welcome," Tosh replied.

"Really appreciate what you're all doing to help out," Jack said putting the empty food containers back in the bag. "Roddy, I have a real big favor to ask," he said.

"What is it, Jack?"

"I want to stay by Ianto's side as much as possible while he's recovering," Jack said while standing by Ianto's bed and carding his fingers through Ianto's hair. "Problem is it makes the team two men short. I could ask UNIT for help, but"

"But they're UNIT," Ianto said quietly.

Jack smiled at Ianto and said, "Exactly, which is why we're hoping you'll agree to work for Torchwood full time at least until Ianto's back to full strength." Jack locked eyes with Roddy trying to gauge his reaction. He hoped Roddy would at least consider the idea, because Gwen was right – he'd be an ideal addition to the team even if it was temporary.

Roddy gazed at Jack while he considered the idea. It could work, but he'd have to stop working for Rhys and how would Tosh feel about it? "I want to help Jack, I really do, but I don't know; what do you think Tosh?" he asked.

"Honestly? I'm a little scared – it's Torchwood after all," Tosh began, "But we worked well together during the Weevil hunt and this morning in the park. You'd do a fantastic job, but it really needs to be your decision and I'll support you whatever you decide."

He thought about it for a moment. "I'll need to talk to Rhys first, explain the situation to him," Roddy said coming to a decision.

"So you'll work with us?" Jack asked wanting confirmation.

"Yeah, I'll work with you – but only until Ianto's fully recovered, agreed?" Roddy replied.

Jack grinned. "Agreed," he replied pulling Roddy into a hug. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Roddy replied before pulling away. "I'd better go talk to Rhys right now. There's a new driver who's been working part time for Rhys and I'm certain he'd be willing to work more hours. May I borrow your car, Tosh?" he asked.

"Sure; I want to stay and visit awhile longer, so just pick me up when you're done," Tosh said. Roddy kissed her goodbye and left to see Rhys.

Owen came in to check on Ianto and told Jack he had made arrangements for Jack to use the doctor's shower room. "Figured you'd want a proper shower by now; why don't you shower while Tosh and I are here to keep Ianto company," Owen suggested. He told Jack where the shower room was and Jack left taking his overnight bag with him.

"Now, let's see how you're doing Teaboy." Owen spent the next five minutes checking Ianto's vital signs, asking questions and examining his wound. "Right," he said scribbling notes in Ianto's chart, "You're doing really well all things considered, so I'm going to have the nurse remove your catheter this afternoon and then I want you to get up and have a short walk up and down the hall. The sooner we have you moving around the better to prevent complications."

"What about the PCA machine?" Ianto asked.

"You get to keep the PCA machine one more day and then I'm taking you off of it and switching you to oral pain medication. Never a good idea to keep anyone on the heavy duty pain medication too long," Owen replied. Tucking the chart under his arm he said, "I'm going to go over your chart with the nurse and then I'm heading back over to the Hub; I've got a lot of reports to write. Be back to check on you this evening."

"I almost forgot to tell you, Roddy is going to work with us full time until Ianto is well enough to come back to work," Tosh said.

"That's good because I was not looking forward to the next six weeks with just three of us trying to handle the work load," Owen said. "I best get back and give Gwen a break. See you lot later." After Owen left, Ianto felt a cough coming on, so he grabbed the little pillow and held it against his chest. He coughed and felt it jar his ribcage and every suture the surgeons had used to repair the bullet damage to his chest. The pain wasn't quite as bad as the last time, but it hurt enough to make his eyes tear. Ianto pressed the PCA button and felt the pain medication start to work a couple of minutes later.

"Are you alright?" Tosh asked concerned.

Ianto nodded as he stopped clutching the pillow against his chest and put it back down on the bed. "Owen was right, holding the pillow against my chest helps, but it still hurts," he said looking at Tosh. There was something different about his best friend; her eyes seemed to sparkle and she seemed – happy. "There's something different about you Tosh," Ianto said. "What's changed?"

Tosh smiled; "Roddy told me he loves me," she replied and blushed

"Really – when did this happen?" Ianto asked.

"Last night," Tosh replied. "He fell asleep right after; when I woke up this morning I was afraid it was all a dream, so I asked him if he meant it . . ."

"And?" Ianto said his eyebrows raised in a question.

"And he said, 'I love you, Toshiko Sato, with all of my heart and soul,'" she replied with a big smile.

"That's wonderful, Tosh" he replied. "Jack did you hear that?" Ianto asked Jack as he came into the room.

"No," Jack said as he put the overnight bag down on the floor. "What?"

"Roddy told me he loves me," Tosh said.

Jack grinned and hugged Tosh. "Fantastic! I'm so happy for you both!" he said. Tosh's mobile started ringing and she took it out of her pocket.

"It's Roddy," she said answering the phone. "Hi Roddy, are you back? Yes he's here; sure hold on," she handed Jack her mobile. "He wants to talk to you," she said.

"Roddy, what's up?" Jack asked.

"I talked with Rhys," Roddy began, "Apparently Gwen had already talked to him about me possibly working with you and he's all for it. So it's all sorted and the new guy will take over my job today."

"That's great, Roddy. I'll have Gwen prepare the paperwork," Jack replied. "We really appreciate you doing this for us – thanks." Jack handed the mobile back to Tosh.

"I'll be right down, luv. Bye." Tosh said and ended the call. She picked up the overnight bag. "Well, I better get going," she said. "We'll check on you later." Tosh kissed Ianto on the forehead.

"Rift permitting," Ianto said.

"Rift permitting," Tosh agreed.

Note from socalrose: Reviews please!