Oh that chapter was actually very hard to continue on from. Here I was aiming for what happens at the end of this one, but then there was so much to fit in between, so I apologise for the rather mammoth length.

I listened to The Scientist while writing this, and You Could be Happy as RhianaStar suggested, which actually fits perfectly with the next chapter...

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you
Tell you I need you
Tell you I've set you apart

-The Scientist, Coldplay

TW

In between moans and pitches forward Ianto managed to peel Jack's tops off him. The older man leaned forward again and Ianto rubbed a tired hand over his back, pressing lightly through the towel he had draped over him. Jack shivered as he sat back, face pale as he blindly sought the warmth of Ianto's body.

'You're freezing,' Ianto commented, concerned. 'One moment.' He made to move, looking down with quietly as Jack moaned piteously and held out pleading hands. 'I'll be back.'

'Jack,' Ianto said quietly, returning with a bucket in hand, 'I'm going to help you stand up and get you to bed.'

'So sick,' Jack pitched forward again in demonstration.

'You need to take your pants off.' Ianto expected the weak grin that followed. He closed his eyes as Jack slowly shuffled, clearing his mind as he heard the slither of clothes piling on the tiles.

'Decent,' Jack said tiredly, tucking the towel down around his hips.

Ianto smiled at him, 'Let's go,' he said softly and wrapped his arms around Jack's bare back. His friend staggered beside him, bare feet brushing Ianto's and large hands desperate in their grasp at his waist.

'This is your bed,' Jack said tiredly as Ianto lowered him down.

'Bucket,' placing it obviously beside him in response, Ianto smiled. Biting his lips, his smile faded slightly.

Jack's brow creased lightly. 'What's wrong?' He murmured, shifting slowly onto his side.

'When I-' Ianto paused before starting again, 'Nothing.'

Jack's face shifted into something unreadable. 'Ianto,' he said softly, then he groaned and leaned over the bucket. The bed creaked as Ianto settled himself down beside Jack, long night ahead. 'Ianto,' sweaty palms groped blindly for his, 'please, don't feel awkward.'

Ianto drew his knees up to his chest, looping one arm around his legs while clasping Jack with his other hand. 'It's just different, that's all,' he rubbed his shin, 'nothing ever turns out as you expect,' he finished softly.

'No,' Jack agreed, slumping down wearily into the pillow, 'but that's not bad, is it?'

'No,' Ianto echoed.

Their hands were loose and warm in each other's grasp, Jack eventually shuffled under the bedding, tightening his grip for a moment before relaxing with a slow exhale. 'Still good?'

Ianto dropped back beside Jack and laid still, their shoulders brushing. 'Yep.'

'Not going to run for the hills?'

'Nope.'

'No regrets?'

Ianto was silent. 'No. You don't mind, you're not going to regret doing that for me when you're properly sober?'

'You know me well enough to be able to answer that, Ianto.'

Jack's breathing eventually evened out, hand slackening in Ianto's clasp. Ianto slipped quietly out of the bed and tucked Jack's hand under the duvet. Gratitude suddenly overwhelmed him as he gazed down at the sleeping man, leaning down he smoothed Jack's fringe back and pressed a light kiss to his forehead.

TWTWTW

The egg and bacon pie was long finished, Ianto's proud triumph cooked entirely by himself. The sound of Jack's breathing was reassuring, the steady rise and fall of his chest pressed over Ianto's legs slowly lulling the young man towards sleep. One large hand was wrapped warmly around his knee, Jack's face nestled against his own wrist and the weight of his body comforting. Ianto idly stroked his hand slowly down Jack's back, feeling the press of his spine and muscles. What he had found with Jack was unique and perfect. Ianto closed his eyes and simply savoured the moment.

Back to Cardiff tomorrow.

TWTWTW

Ianto pulled open the front door of Gray and Rhiannon's house and Jack's handsome face broke into a smile.

'Hey,' Jack pulled Ianto into a quick one armed squeeze. 'Long time no see.'

'What's your name?' Ianto asked politely, stepping behind to help tug Jack's long grey coat off his shoulders.

'Antonio,' Jack said promptly, juggling his bag to remove his coat.

'Right this way Mr Banderas.'

'Ooh he's quick,' Jack shouldered his bag and followed Ianto down the hall.

Ianto cast a glance sideways. 'Are the entire contents of your house in there?'

'My shoulder says yes,' Jack grunted as Ianto stopped to open a door. 'You haven't seen the amount of children I have to buy presents for.'

'Here,' Ianto held out his hands, arching his eyebrows as he bent under the weight of the bag before lowering inside the room, 'this'll be your room. Do you need anything?'

Jack smirked and wordlessly tapped two fingers against his cheek. Rolling his eyes, Ianto leaned forward and dropped a quick kiss to Jack's cheek. 'Hm,' Jack caught him in a tight squeeze, 'glad to see you.' Ianto pulled back, pleased but slightly confused at Jack's exuberance. 'Alright,' Jack grinned, 'let's go say hello to everyone.'

TW

'Jack.' A hand caught the back of his shirt and tugged. Sparkling blue eyes met his and Ianto held a silencing finger to curved lips, motioning Jack to follow. Catching the door handle behind him, Jack quietly pulled it shut and padded down the hall, leaving the sounds of the family behind.

'Fancy a drink?' Ianto drew to a stop and pushed open the study door, flicking on a small lamp before moving for the curtains. Jack leaned against the doorframe and watched as the young man stretched to pull the curtains back, smiling in response to his expression as pale moonlight streamed into the room. 'Hope you don't mind, I volunteered us to sleep on the couches in here.' Ianto's breath frosted over the glass as he gazed peacefully over the soft lit snow.

'What?' Jack walked to the small side table. 'Me sleep in the same room as you?' He poured Ianto a glass of wine. 'What a suggestion.' Setting the bottle down with a clink, he smiled and held out the glass for Ianto. Slender fingers brushed his and Ianto smiled his thanks, turning his gaze back out into the night. Taking a chance, Jack looped his arm comfortably around Ianto's waist, brushing his side as he moved to stand beside him.

Ianto glanced up at the clock, turning a soft smile on Jack. 'Merry Christmas.'

'Yes, it is,' Jack agreed simply. 'Merry Christmas, Ianto,' he curled his hand over Ianto's hip. The young man beside him gazed out, face beautifully lit in the moonlight, Jack wanted so much to tell him everything. He unconsciously drifted his hand over the soft fabric of Ianto's shirt, the warmth of his body soaking into his skin, Ianto turned his head with a smile and just looked affectionately at him.

Ianto eventually shifted and broke the silence. 'I brought you a cracker. Here,' he handed Jack his glass, 'try it,' he added, rummaging over the dimly lit couch, 'it's very good.' He straightened with a red and green cracker, smiling with a hint of embarrassment. 'I did promise.'

Setting the glass down, Jack strode over and took hold with a grin. 'I get to read out the joke.'

The cracker came apart with a pop and Ianto immediately bent to collect the items that dropped out, freezing and looking again in embarrassment. 'I always liked crackers when I was younger,' he admitted, ears turning pink.

'Well I loved ABBA so I think you're fine,' Jack grinned, cheeks dimpling, and held out his hand eagerly for the joke.

'Wait,' Ianto smoothed out the pink paper crown and placed it on Jack's head. 'There,' the little crease appeared between Ianto's eyebrows as he concentrated, adjusting Jack's crown, 'very majestic.'

'I make a wonderful queen.' Jack cleared his throat and uncurled the little strip of paper, 'Two condoms are -' he snickered and ducked his head as Ianto swiped at him, 'ok, what's,' he stopped and lapsed into silent wheezing laughter, flapping a hand and holding the paper as Ianto reached for it, he cleared his throat with a high pitched little noise and started again. 'What's grey, yellow, grey, yellow, grey,' his voice shook, 'yellow, grey, yellow, grey, yellow?'

'What?' Ianto tried to peer over the top of the paper.

'An elephant rolling down a hill with a daisy in its mouth!' Jack's shoulders shook with laughter. 'That is the worst joke I've ever heard.'

Ianto grinned. 'I got a little plastic cat though,' he held it up on his palm.

'Well it wasn't a waste then was it?'

'What did you think of dinner tonight?' Ianto asked almost hesitantly, wrapping his fingers around his toy cat. Slow steps and arms drew him into a Jack's embrace.

'Perfect.' It was murmured contently into his hair.

Ianto just let himself smile, tilting his cheek onto Jack's broad shoulder. 'I'm quite sure Uncle Matthew is convinced we're a couple.'

'Was that when you fell asleep on my shoulder?'

Ianto smiled and chuckled, 'It was an exercise in futility trying to explain that with you it doesn't mean what it seems.'

'Most men don't cuddle up to their friends for a nap,' Jack admitted.

'Well,' Ianto drew back with a badly concealed yawn, 'it's entirely your fault.' He tapped a light finger over Jack's heart, 'Be assured I never did this with anyone before you. Would never have even dreamt of it.'

Jack arched a dark eyebrow. 'So I'm your first?' He laughed as Ianto slapped his stomach and retreated to his couch. 'Do you think you're bisexual?' He asked suddenly.

Ianto fumbled his grip on his pillow. 'I-' he stuttered slightly, 'I don't know,' he said eventually, the tinge of pink returning to his ears. 'I mean,' slender hands twisted the pillow minutely, 'I thought-I,' he sighed, briefly closing his eyes, 'I didn't think so before. Before I met-' he gestured jerkily, 'you. Not like that,' he hastily followed, 'I mean-'

Jack chuckled and halted his disjointed confession. 'I know what you mean,' he said gently. He flashed a grin, 'I am a devilishly handsome man, if I do say so myself.'

'Maybe I'll have a boyfriend next,' Ianto tried a smile. 'I'm-' he gestured to the door, 'I'll be back,' he left hurriedly. Jack let his smile fade and rubbed his face tiredly. He was about to sit when Ianto slipped back through the door. 'I'm sorry,' Ianto met his eye earnestly, 'I was a prat. This has nothing to do with you and I'm-' he rubbed the back of his neck.

'Glass of wine?' Jack offered, trying to keep his face blank despite Ianto's words. Of course to Ianto this had nothing to do with him.

'I'm sorry,' Ianto said again, seating himself on the couch opposite Jack. He braced his head on the heel of his hands.

'I shouldn't have asked,' Jack leant back into the comforting embrace of the cushions.

Ianto waved that away. 'It was just a question. I should be able to answer it to you of all people,' he gave Jack the smallest of grateful smiles, 'I've-I looked a man the other day and thought-' he broke off, digging his fingers into his neck as he closed his eyes.

'Oh he has a nice arse?' Jack finished quietly.

'Something like that,' Ianto kept his eyes closed.

'Is that bad?'

'No,' Ianto let his hands drop, clasping them between his knees, 'just different.'

'But that's not bad, is it?' Jack echoed. Blue eyes met his with tired understanding, a smile tugging at Ianto's lips as he recognised the words.

'No.'

'Reckon I have a nice arse?'

Ianto broke into an unexpected laugh, Jack ducked as a pillow was lobbed at him. 'Do you think if you found a boyfriend you'd stop flirting with everyone?'

'Unlikely.' Jack grinned, out the corner of his eye he looked longingly at the bottle of wine.

'No one you have your eye on?'

Jack just tilted his head back and looked at the ceiling. 'No. No I don't seem to have much luck.'

'Fine pair we make.'

Jack stood for the wine.

TW

'Too tired.'

Ianto didn't need to turn around to see whose cheek it was leaning against his neck. Leaning forward over the sink he spat, Jack's body sagging and following him. Ianto braced his hands on the edge of the sink and sighed. 'Jack, you're heavy.'

'I'm tired.' Jack shuffled further forward and looped his arms around Ianto's stomach.

'That's your own bloody fault.'

'It was big,' Jack lifted his hands in front of Ianto's face and demonstrated, 'big and furry.' He wiggled his fingers, 'long legs.'

Tilting his head, Ianto stared directly into the straight line of Jack's nose. 'I think it was a small, scared little spider and you overreacted. I'm surprised I was the only one you woke up with that scream.'

'Long legs,' Jack whispered again with a grin. Ianto found himself grinning back, Jack's twinkling eyes and smile infectious.

Ianto's skin was beautifully pale inches from Jack's face, his lips the perfect contrast, so temptingly and trustingly parted. Hair still damp from the shower, the scent of vanilla was everywhere. He knew he was staring, but his eyes trailed helplessly down the gap in Ianto's shirt, dark red fabric against creamy skin. 'Ianto-' he wetted suddenly dry lips, hope flaring minutely as Ianto's eyes flicked to his mouth.

'Excuse me,' a firm high voice said. Jack looked sideways and down into familiar blue eyes and a polite expression. 'Have you finished with the sink?'

'One moment, Eira,' Ianto rinsed his toothbrush and reached a hand behind to slap Jack on the hip, 'shift.'

The three of them stopped to listen as footsteps thumped up the stairs, Ianto absently wiped a streak of shaving cream off Jack's jaw, the door pushed open to a panting face. 'Harknesses starting to arrive,' Cousin Iwan clutched at the doorframe for support, rolling his eyes as a frantic yell sounded downstairs, 'tis the season to joyful,' he muttered drily. 'Coming Mam!' He bellowed over his shoulder, grimacing at Ianto before setting off at a run.

'It's nine thirty,' Jack protested with a groan.

'And everyone will be cooking until five fifty-nine,' Ianto finished buttoning his shirt, 'for dinner at six.' He patted himself down hurriedly and strode out, Jack following closely. 'Exactly how many relatives do you have, Jack?'

His friend thumped down the stairs beside him. 'The answer won't make you happy.'

'Jack!' A young voice called excitedly. Ianto watched as Jack's face split into a wide grin and he jumped down the last stairs, running forward to sweep a young brown haired child up with a laugh.

'Amy! Wow,' Jack leaned back and groaned dramatically, 'you're getting heavy!' Three proud fingers were held out in front of his face and he gasped, 'You're three? Already? Am I still allowed to carry you?'

'You have to carry me,' she said seriously, burying her head under Jack's chin.

Ianto shook hands and exchanged soon to be forgotten names, obligingly leading Jack's harried looking cousin and her husband into the kitchen, Jack trailing behind talking to his little second cousin. With a wiggle she was soon out of his arms and trotting eagerly towards the group of Jones children. Ianto grinned as Jack was sent out of the kitchen with a slap from a tea-towel, catching his eye he jerked his head towards the door.

'So it begins,' Jack murmured in Ianto's ear, steering him out with a hand at the small of his back. 'However-' he stopped as a gaggle of small brown haired children met them in the hall, 'God,' Jack leaned closer to Ianto's ear, 'they've multiplied!' Ianto choked and elbowed his friend sharply in the ribs. 'I swear there weren't this many last time,' Jack whispered and grinned, letting his hand trail off Ianto's back as he stepped forward with a loud greeting. Voices shouted all at once and Jack was soon engulfed in children.

Dispensing greetings and directions to the kitchen, bathroom and various people, Ianto collected coats and juggled coathangers and handshakes. 'Ianto Jones?' Someone with a large moustache gripped his hand and shook vigorously, 'You're the violinist, aren't you?' Ianto raised his voice to reply as more people poured in, filling the hall with voices and laughter. He was met enthusiastically by Jack's dad, a polite woman that was his step mother and was flashed the older version of Jack's grin. 'Excuse me,' he murmured eventually with a smile. Slipping through the crowd he ran quickly up the stairs and down the hall.

'Alright,' he flung the door open, three guilty faces jerking around to him, 'I'm not doing this alone. You come down and start greeting too,' he paused quietly, 'or I hide up here and we wait for your sister, sister-in-law,' he nodded at Albert, 'to come and get us.' His uncles set aside their cards as one.

TW

Ianto couldn't say why, but it was without doubt the most adorable thing he'd seen in a very long time. Leaning forward on the couch, book in hand, Jack was surrounded by a multitude of avid children sat below him. He stopped reading to flip the page and absently push his glasses up before gazing dramatically at the children, hands adding gestures to his words. However it was the pink floral apron Jack still had tied around him that made Ianto smile even more fondly. Jack glanced up and caught his eye, smiling. Ianto couldn't stop the instinctive blush that spread at being caught staring. Jack just continued smiling.

TW

'Oh not again,' Jack set off after Tyson. A quick hand on his arm stopped him, Ianto just shook his head with a small smile and pulled him back onto the couch. Jack watched as Tyson ripped Clara's toy cat out of her hands, the little girl neatly stabbed him throat with one finger and slapped him across the cheek with the other hand. Tears started in Tyson's eyes and he dropped the cat and ran. Jack arched his eyebrows and turned to stare at the man smirking beside him.

'Wait for it,' Ianto murmured. Picking up and dusting off her cat, Clara tucked it under her arm and set off after Tyson. Cornering the boy by the fireplace she gave him a small little hug and proceeded to tug him by the hand towards the other children. Ianto chuckled.

'Point to the Jones kids,' Jack laughed. Tapping Ianto's leg familiarly he pushed himself to his feet, 'Time to help out in the kitchen again.'

TW

'Come on,' Jack tapped Ianto on the shoulder, throwing a change of clothes onto his lap, 'we get to entertain these little terrors,' he grinned and mock yelled as the nearest little terror hit his leg. 'Who wants to have a snow fight?' Eager voices chorused back variations on yes.

'Do the kids have spare clothes?' Ianto stood.

'Apparently they came well equipped,' Jack pulled a face at Ianto as he was tugged insistently towards the door, 'I'll see you in five.' Ianto looked down at the old clothes in his hands and shook his head, excusing himself and heading towards the bathroom.

The cold air stung his cheeks as Ianto stepped outside, rubbing his mitten covered hands together he trudged slowly through the snow. He blinked and stopped as a white object hurtled past his face, landing with a soft thump in the snow beside him.

'Think fast, Welshman!'

A second snowball hit him directly in the chest, a third broke apart on him as he tried to duck and scattered down his neck and over bare skin.

'He's on your side!' A young boy bundled up in a snowsuit yelled accusingly at Jack.

'So he is,' Jack quickly scooped up a handful of snow and threw it lightly at the boy. 'Ianto!' Jack jogged over, dodging a well aimed snowball, 'It's them against us, and we have a snow fort.' Jack's cheeks were pink, panting breath frosting in the winter air.

'I'm so cold,' Ianto blinked soft blue eyes at Jack and shivered, wrapping his hands around his arms and hugging himself.

'Hug?' Holding his arms out, Jack offered with the tiniest of laughing smiles.

'No,' Ianto pouted.

'Do you want your mummy?' Jack asked sympathetically.

'I want a more loyal friend,' shuffling forward in a picture of sulking misery, Ianto nestled into his arms.

'It was very funny,' Jack said reasonably, splaying his hands over Ianto's shoulder blades.

'I am overwhelmed with mirth.'

Jack gave a small shiver as Ianto pressed closer. 'You really are cold.' He grinned as Ianto muttered something containing 'captain' and 'obvious' and rubbed a warming hand down his spine.

'How about I man the fort?' Ianto suggested.

Behind Jack's wall of snow the chances of being hit by a badly aimed snowball were lessened, Ianto was able to watch Jack's being repetitively pelted from safety. Allowing himself to be caught again, Jack went down with a dramatic cry. A quick run in front from one of the fathers playing turned the tide of the battle and the adults were able to corner the children. A slow rustle of snow clothes drew Ianto's attention down, one of the smaller children trudged awkwardly towards the safety of the fort.

'Hello,' Ianto picked up the little girl as she fell over again, 'what's your name?'

'Eliza. Can I stay here?' She asked shyly, carefully brushing the powdery snow off her jacket.

Ianto smiled and handed her a small snow ball. 'Of course. I'm Ianto.'

'You are Cousin Jack's girlfriend,' she patted the snow into the ground, placing a small handful of snow on top.

Ianto couldn't help but smile. 'I'm just Jack's good friend.' The louder clomp and rustle behind him didn't belong to a child this time, he turned too late. 'Jack!' Ianto yelped and shuffled hurriedly forward as icy cold fingers slipped under his scarf.

'How did you know?' Jack clambered through the snow beside him.

'Who else?' Ianto surreptitiously dug his hand into the snow. Clambering quickly to his feet he reached over and tugged open Jack's jacket and tops, cramming a handful of snow down to a satisfying shriek. Laughing loudly, Ianto ran. He got five steps before a solid weight slammed into his back and ploughed him face down into the snow.

'You will pay, Jones,' Jack's breath was hot ghosting over his ear. 'Kids,' he raised his voice and yelled across the garden, 'we have a live one!' Jack's body wriggled to straddle his back and firm hands pinned his arms down.

Ianto started screaming as the first child size snowball was pushed down the back of his neck.

Feeling wet and cold Ianto sighed in relief as Jack eventually shooed the kids away. 'I will never forgive you,' he lifted his face out of the indent he had made in the snow.

'Never?' Jack sat beside him, grinning widely.

'No,' Ianto lifted his hand and slapped a handful of snow directly into his friend's amused face. Jack pitched sideways with a yelp, clutching at Ianto's arm as he fell. He stopped, halted by Ianto's arms, their faces inches apart. Shock registered in Ianto's eyes, then they flicked down to Jack's mouth, indecision and confusion clouding his face.

'Do you want to?' Jack kept his face blank.

'No,' Ianto looked away.

A trickle of melt snow coursed slowly down his jacket, Jack blinked and looked down, raising a clumsy gloved hand to brush it away. He suddenly felt awkward and unwanted sat so close to Ianto, the beautiful young man made no sound. Jack tucked his hands back against his stomach and bent his head, unexpected tears hot on frozen cheeks.

'I'm freezing,' Ianto clapped his shoulder, no sign he'd noticed. 'You going to come in or be savaged by children?'

'Savaged,' Jack tried to raise his voice cheerfully, face hidden as Ianto stood. His footsteps sounded as he trudged away.

Someone dropped unceremoniously beside him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. Jack turned and leaned his head on his brother's shoulder. He closed his eyes tightly.

TW

Jack whirled from in front of the sink and Ianto started in surprise. 'Ianto,' Jack cleared his throat and flashed an automatic smile, 'coming to get away from it all?' There was a telltale redness around Jack's normally lively eyes.

'Something wrong?' Ianto asked hesitantly.

Jack shrugged and patted his face down with a towel. 'Would it be a proper Christmas if someone wasn't hiding in the bathroom?' He threw the towel with force against the rack and sat heavily on the edge of the bath. Ianto sat beside him and waited. Jack remained uncharacteristically silent, firm chin pillowed in his hands and breath a sad whisper.

'Anyone in there?' Someone knocked loudly on the door.

'One moment,' Ianto raised his voice and the footsteps faded away.

'I'll go back and help in the kitchen,' Jack pushed himself up without looking at Ianto.

'Hug?' Ianto offered tentatively. He was reminded forcibly of the night Jack was drunk as he half flung himself into Ianto's arms, crying silently into his neck and clutching desperately at his back. Ianto swayed slightly and clasped him tightly, asking no questions. Slowly the shudders eased and Jack drew back, face a mess and eyes downcast.

'I think it's time for dinner,' Jack said in the quietest voice Ianto had ever heard him use.

'Jack,' he kept his grip on his arms.

He blinked wet lashes. 'Dinner,' Jack repeated softly. Ianto looked at him in concern and reluctantly released his arms.

Dinner passed in a blur of conversation, the food admired by everyone but Ianto just flicked concerned glances across the table at Jack. He could have sworn Mam had placed him beside Jack. His smile lacked its usual brilliance and he avoided Ianto's eyes.

'Presents,' Rhiannon announced finally, grinning across at the children.

The dishes were left on the table after many arguments and strict orders from Mam, Ianto smiled back at her as she shot him a quick harried smile before frowning and deftly taking the plates out of a various polite Harkness's hands, steering them insistently towards the lounge room and Christmas tree. Ianto hung back as the crowds moved through, falling beside Jack.

'Come with me,' Jack said quietly, a shadow of his grin present. 'I got you something.' Together they sat on the outskirts of the group, away from the excited squeals of the children. 'Here,' Jack gently placed a present in Ianto's hands, wrapped surprisingly neatly with one blue ribbon. 'I can be neat,' he said with a shrug at Ianto's expression.

'I never doubted it,' he said mildly. He chuckled as he pulled back the wrapping on a blue spotted mug, he turned a laughing smile up at Jack. 'I think you'd better open yours next.'

Jack broke into a laugh as he pulled out an identical mug, his expression softening as he held up a long grey jumper.

'It was partly my fault that your other one got singed,' Ianto admitted.

'Thank you,' Jack pulled him into a rough squeeze, smiling sadly over his shoulder as Ianto responded.

'Feeling better?' Ianto asked quietly. He nodded simply. A delicate hand brushed his cheek and Ianto's lips pressed lightly on the other side. Jack allowed himself to hope.

TW

Jack watched quietly as Ianto's eyes flicked from person to person, sparkling and blinking as he followed the conversation. Something made him break into a smile, shoulders shaking as he laughed, absently pulling the sleeping child further up his hip. His claret red shirt pulled across his shoulders as he moved, twisting and hugging his waist. Jack glanced down and looked up as footsteps approached.

'You've got one too?' Ianto sank gently down beside Jack.

'This is Amy,' Jack looked down as the child curled in his arms stirred and opened bright blue eyes sleepily. 'Hey,' Jack softened his voice and smiled as she turned her head questioningly up at him, 'Amy, say hi to Ianto.'

'Hi Ianto,' she said tucked her head under Jack's chin and gave him the miniature version of Jack's friendly smile.

'Hi Amy.' Ianto juggled Clara and freed his hand, holding it out solemnly, shaking it lightly as small fingers grasped his.

Amy turned her attention back to Jack. 'Blanket?'

'You cold, sweetie?' Jack murmured a quick apology to Ianto as he reached behind him for the blanket. Amy closed her eyes and curled small fingers over the neck of Jack's top as he carefully draped the blanket over her. 'You too?' Jack offered half to Ianto.

'Thanks.' Ianto shuffled against Jack's side and tucked the blanket over them both. Jack slung his arm around his shoulders and hugged him comfortably. 'Who does Amy belong to?'

'My cousin Jamie, but-' Jack paused as she snuggled closer, '-I'm still Cousin Jack.' He flashed Ianto a grin. 'I'm the only one that'll let her put make up on them.'

'She looks a lot like you.'

'You say as you sit holding a little clone.'

Ianto chuckled. 'It's the nose, isn't it?'

'And the serious expression. It's a lovely serious expression,' Jack added quickly. To his surprise Ianto looked slightly flattered. Jack didn't know what to make of everything.

TW

'Ianto,' Jack stopped, hands holding lightly onto Ianto's coat. He looked up and met Ianto's soft blue eyes and let out a quiet breath. 'You won't-' he stopped again and let his hands drop regretfully down, 'you won't, would you?' He read the confusion in Ianto's eyes and sighed again. 'Go out for lunch with me? Dinner?'

'Oh Jack.' Ianto didn't have to say anything more.

'No matter,' Jack said quickly, flashing a forced grin. 'Worth a try.' He looped his scarf around his neck and stood awkwardly.

Ianto could hear the easy laughter of the family back in the lounge and suddenly had no idea how to say goodbye. Jack made to give his customary hug then uncomfortably dropped his arms back to his side, flicking his car keys through his fingers.

It was inevitable that Jack would at some point have to ask.

Oh this was hard to edit. Lots of chocolate went into this one. I was aiming for some sort of progression with Jack through here, tell me what you think and I am more than willing to bring it back in for tweaking.