Author's note: Okay this is the chapter you have all been waiting for (I'm sorry for the wait…or maybe not, suspense is good). Harmless fluff never hurt anyone, in fact; in this case, it might even help someone And you'll understand this once you've read the chapter: that is the best way in the world to make hot chocolate.

Jack waited until they'd eaten; happily watching as Ianto voluntarily cleared his plate for the first time in many months, and went into the kitchen to wash up. Standing there, by the sink, his arms elbow high in soapy water; he thought about what he was going to say. He couldn't just go up to the young man and tell him he knew everything, that he was sorry, and then demand forgiveness. If Ianto hadn't told them about his past then it had been for a reason, and as he didn't yet know what that reason was he was going to have to tread carefully.

He wanted Ianto to feel safe, unthreatened and the most comforting thing he knew was hot chocolate – without marshmallows, but only because Ianto hated them. He made the drink strong and hot, using honey instead of sugar and adding the smallest pinch of cinnamon. They he picked the mugs up, tucked two drink casters under his arm and made his way carefully into the lounge.

Ianto was curled up on one end of the sofa, wrapped in a soft blanket with his feet tucked up under him. It had become their ritual in the past few weeks, sitting together on the sofa, reading or watching something, never talking, never touching – just being together, someplace away for Torchwood.

The young Welshman smiled when he saw what Jack was carrying and held out his hands for the mug. Handing it over Jack gingerly perched himself of the other end of the sofa, watching as a hot-chocolate mustache formed on Ianto's upper lip.

He waited until they had both finished drinking then spoke,

"I was talking to Owen today; I was worried about what happened to you the other night."

Jack watched the young man's reaction carefully and was sad but not surprised to see the change that came over him. Where he had been relaxed, dozing against the head rest, he sat up, straight as a board, fingers clutching onto the quilt wrapped around him. He nodded, eyes wide and frightened but clearly wanting Jack to continue.

"He told me things, things I didn't know…" He stopped himself. "Things I hadn't bothered to find out…he told me about your dad…"

Comprehension hit Ianto like a brick and Jack watched in horror as, before his eyes, Ianto appeared to become smaller, pulling back in on himself, trying to become invisible. It was like someone had flicked a switch: he was no longer a damaged young man, he was a hurt, frightened child. And suddenly Jack understood why.

There was a reason Ianto had never told anyone about the abuse he had suffered, but it wasn't what Jack had assumed. It wasn't because he didn't want to remember, it wasn't because he was angry or hurt – no, the scars ran much deeper than that. Because Ianto Jones thought he deserved it – the beatings, the abuse, the constant punishment, in his eyes he was guilty.

That was why he had never told anyone, because he was afraid they would see him as he saw himself, a creature deserving of any punishment it was given, simply because it existed.

"How dare he?" The words were out of Jack's mouth before he could stop them, and Jack could have hit himself as he watched Ianto cower back in fear.

Calming himself Jack turned, holding his hands out in the universal symbol for peace.

"Listen to me Ianto. I don't know what he told you, what he did to you – but you didn't deserve it. You are not worthless; you do not deserve to be treated like you were. You are strong and brave and kind and beautiful. You deserve love and respect, you don't deserve to be hurt and you certainly don't deserve to die…" Jack stopped, noticing for the first time the tears weaving their way down Ianto's cheeks. "Ianto?"

His voice was strong, although tears still leaked from his eyes and he wouldn't look Jack in the face.

"It was my fault. He told me, he said is I was quiet, if I took my punishment that I would get better….and I did, for a time. But then he started hitting Rhi and mam, and I couldn't just watch. Every time I'd try and stop him ad every time his punishment would fall on me. I learned to cope, usually I would fix myself, sometimes I needed hospital, but I always deserved it."

Jack had sat, listening silently, but now he had to say something.

"No you didn't- no-one does, not ever."

He saw Ianto open his mouth to argue and realised that there was only one way to stop him – so he kissed him.

It wasn't a kiss between lovers, it was a kiss between friends. It held comfort and understanding and hope and love, and Ianto felt it all. When they broke apart Jack smiled and pulled Ianto closer into his arms. The day had been a mixed blessing. He had learnt something to terrible to be true, but true nonetheless, Ianto had spoken and they had kissed. Just once, and not for long, but it was enough.

Maybe, thought Jack, maybe things will be alright after all.

End note: There we go, they kissed, are you happy now? Remember reviews are love, and I'm almost at 100, to reach it would make my day!