AN: Two chapters in two days? How efficient am I! I think I have my fanfiction writing mojo back, and it's all down to the fantastic reviews I received yesterday – thank you so much. I appreciate all offers of plot lines and help in writing about the miscarriage. I don't want to dwell overly on that, instead I want to concentrate on Jack and Ianto's developing relationship, but it will no doubt get a mention or two along the way. One reviewer requested more protective caring Jack, so here goes. I hope you approve.
Pregnancy watch: 24 weeks and my bump actually moves when baby kicks. Very exciting, if a little weird!
Please keep reviewing, and thank you x
Jack pulled his jacket tightly around him as he stepped off the train and onto the cold platform of Cardiff Central. His earlier assumption that he'd be back in Cardiff as fast as he could had all gone awry, and thanks to cancelled trains and seemingly endless delays it was approaching 11pm as he made his way through the station with the other disgruntled passengers from the London Paddington service. What should have been a journey taking a little over two hours had turned into five hours of chaos, and to make matters worse the battery on his mobile had given up halfway home so he now had no idea how Ianto was. They'd spoken a couple of times during the day. Once to let Jack know he'd arrived back safely and to provide a motivational chat before he'd visited Lisa, and once about five hours ago when the hospital had kicked him out for the night and Jack had finally got a seat on a moving train.
"If all goes to plan I should be back in Cardiff by half eight. How are you holding up?" Jack had asked as the train glided out of Paddington.
"Better than she is. She just lies there crying. She occasionally goes to sleep but wakes up from nightmares. She isn't saying anything, not to me or to Mickey. The poor guy doesn't know what to say or do to help." Ianto said sombrely.
"I don't imagine there is anything he can do or say, but I'm sure she appreciates you both being there. Even if she doesn't say it, she'll appreciate it in time. Are you heading home?" Jack asked.
"Probably." Ianto nodded unseen. "I need to grab a shower and change my clothes. Get some food inside me. Are you coming round later?" He asked hopefully.
"Try and stop me. As soon as I get into Cardiff I'll jump in a taxi and be straight round." Jack enthused. "I miss you." He said softly.
Ianto smiled. "I miss you too. God this is not what I had in mind for today." He sighed.
"Like I said, we can do it again whenever you want. We can go anywhere you want in fact. I don't care where we are as long as we're together." Jack admitted.
"Well we have the rugby next weekend, but maybe the one after that we can go hide somewhere for the weekend?" Ianto suggested.
"Sounds perfect." Jack replied.
"Well I'm going to head home and get a bit of rest. I'll see you soon." Ianto said.
"Take care – I love you." Jack said.
"I love you too." Ianto replied before hanging up.
Jack groaned as he exited the station and saw a short queue of taxis accompanied by a long queue of waiting customers.
"Just perfect." He sighed as he glanced at his watch. It would take him a good half an hour to walk to Ianto's house and it was already five past 11. Rifling in his trouser pockets for some change he made his way over to a rare public payphone and decided to call the Welshman.
"Hello?" Ianto's voice was low and sleepy, and Jack felt immediately guilty for calling.
"Hey it's me. Sorry if I woke you. I've literally just got into Cardiff. My phone battery ran out just after we spoke and the journey back has been a nightmare." Jack explained.
"S'ok. I looked on the net earlier and it said there was some delay around Swindon. You can still come over." Ianto said through a yawn.
"The queue for taxi's is ridiculous so I'm gonna have to walk. It should take me about half an hour." Jack replied.
"Your cars outside – do you want me to come get you?" Ianto offered.
"Would you mind?" Jack smiled.
"I'll be there in ten. Just let me get dressed and I'll set off." Ianto said, and Jack could hear the creak of his bed as the Welshman moved.
"You're an angel. See you soon." Jack said before hanging up. Heading back outside again with his wheeled suitcase in tow he made his way to a spot where Ianto would be able to stop and sat down on a vacant bench. Rubbing his hands over his face Jack yawned. The day had been incredibly long and rather frustrating, despite its promising beginnings. Waking up earlier with Ianto in his arms had been brilliant and he'd had such high hopes for a fun filled day of sightseeing and shopping. Everything had gone downhill though after Ianto's speedy departure. The only positive was that his meeting with Alex had gone well, and the band manager had assured him that he would be hearing from him soon with a view to setting up a shoot with the group. Jack felt rather proud that he'd managed to get the job, and he saw it as part of his plan to get on with his life after John. Looking down at his left hand he twisted the ring that was still a fixture on his finger slowly. Almost eight months had passed since John's death and nearly two since he'd met Ianto, and Jack already knew he was so hopelessly in love with the younger man. He couldn't, and didn't want to imagine life without him. On his long journey home he'd had plenty time to think about their relationship and what he wanted from it, and he'd made a few decisions that he wanted to talk to Ianto about soon. That could wait till tomorrow though. For now he just needed to see Ianto and hold him. He looked up as he heard a vehicle approaching, and smiled as his car pulled into the spot in front of him. Rising to his feet his smile turned to a grin as Ianto climbed out the car and rounded it before walking over and straight into Jack's waiting arms. His grin faded as the younger man began to sob.
"Hey it's okay. I've got you. I've got you." He soothed as he held Ianto tightly.
"Sorry." Ianto apologised as he lifted his head from Jack's chest so that he could look into his eyes.
"Don't be silly. You've had a hell of a day. How are you doing? Honestly?" Jack asked concerned.
"I'm exhausted." Ianto admitted.
"Well give me the keys and I'll drive us back to yours." Jack instructed.
Ianto handed over the car keys as Jack guided him over to the passenger door. Whilst Ianto climbed inside Jack loaded his case into the boot before going round and getting in to the drivers seat.
"How'd your meeting go?" Ianto asked as Jack pulled off and headed back towards Cathays.
"I got the job." Jack said with a smile.
"Oh that's brilliant. I was scared I'd blown it for you." Ianto said.
"Alex was very sympathetic. He's going to set up a shoot in a few weeks time." Jack explained. "How's Mickey?"
"He was heading back tonight but I haven't heard from him since I left. I think they just need to talk to each other, but Lisa isn't ready for that yet. Mickey is understandably frustrated, but he appreciates why Lisa can't bring herself to talk about it." Ianto replied.
Jack pulled the car up outside Ianto's house and the two men climbed out and made their way inside. Going in they headed straight upstairs and Jack dumped his case in Ianto's room.
"Is it okay if I grab a quick shower?" He asked.
Ianto nodded. "Go for it. Do you want something to eat?" He asked with a yawn.
"No I ate on the train. Get into bed and I'll be with you in ten okay?" Jack replied.
Ianto nodded as he pulled off the sweater and jeans he'd thrown on earlier and climbed back into bed clad only in his boxers. Settling his head on the pillow he pulled the duvet around him as his eyes drifted closed.
"You might need to hurry or I'll be asleep." He said softly. Seconds later his breathing slowed and he was fast asleep. Jack chuckled lightly to himself before heading into the bathroom for a shower.