JUPITER ...FINAL

Ianto knew he was in the doghouse, more accurately in the cat house, because dog was definitely a swear word that would not be tolerated within the walls of his flat. It wasn't that Ianto had anything against dogs not really but Jupiter most certainly did. Right now, it was pretty irrelevant. Ianto was in trouble, and his ginger cat was not going to let him forget it in a hurry. Ianto didn't like having to take his cat to the vet, because it was a tortuous affair, and usually left him very scarred and bleeding. It also made a serious dent in his wallet every time he stepped through those shiny glass doors, cat carrier in hand and a lovely Karen to cater to Jupiter's every whim. Ianto paused in his thoughts, contemplating Karen and her soft Welsh accent and lovely dark eyes. He still couldn't believe that she had asked him out all those weeks ago and he had turned her down.

Jupiter was glaring at him from her place on the couch, her shaved belly and neat row of stitches plainly evident for all to see. Ianto was well aware of what she was trying to do, showing everybody just how pissed off she was. Ianto bustled about the lounge, tidying up and getting things ready for when Jack arrived. They had arranged to have dinner together that evening, and Ianto was running a little bit late, because he had got stuck in traffic on the way home from collecting his cat from the vet. The journey home had been punctuated by strident yowling and plaintive mewling from inside the cat carrier. At first Ianto was very concerned. But then he realised that Jupiter was yanking his chain, because she had been left all day at the vet and come home with half a dozen stitches and a distinct absence of her female reproductive organs. These things were very disconcerting for a cat especially when nobody consulted her beforehand.

Jupiter watched her servant from her place on the couch, he was clearly flustered and while she took a certain degree of pleasure in this she had to be honest with herself and admit that she was pleased he was home after his long absence. She got down to the business of washing her feet, her fur tasted funny and her pads smelt very strange. Her tummy was rather sore and after a few careful licks of her toes she settled her head down and went to sleep.

Ianto paused as he adjusted the cushion at the end of the sofa, he glanced at the sleeping leviathan and smiled to himself. He couldn't imagine his flat without a cat, without this cat anyway. Jupiter has become like a child to him, and Ianto was absolutely certain that he would never be able to part with her. The responsibility of keeping her worried him at times, because of his long days at work. He knew he should spend more time at home, and maybe this was something he needed to talk to Jack about. Ianto considered the possibility that Jack would laugh in his face, but Jack was just as fond of the cat as he was. On hearing a key in his front door Ianto straightened up and went to meet Jack who was in the hallway shucking off his coat and hanging it up. Ianto leant against the wall and watched as Jack pulled off his boots and set them neatly beside his shoes. Jack offered up a wide grin.

"So how's the cat?"

Ianto shook his head. "The cat is just fine. Thank you very much, though I would be very careful about sitting next to her on the couch, because she's really grumpy. Not that I blame her, can't say I'd like to be neutered myself." Jack's smile got much wider. "I wouldn't want you neutered either. I can't smell coffee, why can't I smell coffee?"

Ianto rolled his eyes with exasperation. "I've only been back a few minutes it took ages to collect Jupiter, and I haven't had time to start on dinner or make coffee. So, if you start on the dinner I can get the coffee on, how does that sound?"

"I like the way you're thinking, Ianto Jones. What were you planning on cooking anyway?"

"There's plenty of choice in the fridge. You can decide. Just make sure you cook a little extra for Jupiter, because I think she feels that she needs a little tender loving care. You know, what cats are like. The only thing more demanding than a cat is you."

Jack stepped forward and rested his hands on Ianto's hips, gently pulling the younger man toward him. "Was that a complaint?"

Ianto, met his look and smiled in return. "Harassment suit on standby sir."

AN: Ok, that's that one done….. I was tempted to go deep and sad on you all but I thought you might get cross with me if I did…. So Ianto and cat are intact and live to fight and purr another day. THANK YOU.