Priceless

Priceless
adj.
1. Of inestimable worth; invaluable.
2. Highly amusing, absurd, or odd.

"The first marker was set directly opposite from the beacon at a distance of exactly nine and three quarter inches," said Ianto, gesturing the the screen. Jack had asked for a progress report on one of the low priority Rift artefacts. Because low priority didn't mean 'stick it on a shelf, we'll get around to it at some point, honest'. "Which enabled the two to transmit information, but only if held horizontally. Further experimentation and one case of butter fingers later—" Ianto sent a mock glare in Gwen's direction, and Jack chuckled. "—lead us to discover that if held diagonally, with the first and third markers lining up... Jack, are you okay?"

"Diagonally," said Jack.

Gwen sat up a little straighter. "Jack?"

"Diagon. Alley."

Ianto bit the inside of his cheek, trying to stifle the smirk of realisation. "Oh, Jack..."

"Come on!"

Gwen was shaking her head. "That's bad, that is."

"How long did it take you to get it, then?" said Jack, pride wounded. Gwen just laughed again.

Ianto folded his arms across his chest and said, "Out of curiosity... How long did it take you to get Knockturn Alley?"

Jack frowned. "Knockturn..." A pause. "Oh."

Gwen had to cover her mouth, body shaking with laughter. The expression on Jack's face was priceless. Ianto smirked again. Jack scowled at them both, and then grinned too.

Looking across at Jack and Gwen as they began to duel with their pens, Ianto's smile turned fond. The seriousness and severity of the moment turning into a rare one of light-hearted fun.

Priceless.

He ducked a biro as it sailed toward his head. Seeing Jack's attempt at an apologetic smile made pretending to be in a huff about it totally worth the effort.

Author note: *raises shame-faced hand (yes, a hand can be shame-faced...) for only getting Knockturn Alley yesterday*

For anyone reading my story Starlight Promises, it may be going on a bit of a hiatus while I fine tune the Plot. Young Jack and John are in for one helluva ride, let me tell you...