"Seen anything you like, Ianto?" Jack snaked his hands around Ianto's waist and hugged him from behind.
"I like that ornament." Ianto pointed to a small ceramic ornament of two swans. There was a pale blue ribbon around the one on the left's neck and a similar pink ribbon on the one on the left. Their neck's crossed in what looked like an affectionate hug.
"Why don't you buy it?" Jack suggested.
Ianto hummed as he quickly thought about it. "I don't have much money left. Mrs. Harkness refused to pay me while I was being punished."
"I'll buy it for you." Jack started reaching across to pick up the swans when Ianto's hand stopped him.
"No thanks, Jack. I don't want to sponge off you." Ianto shook his head and turned away to leave the shop.
"Suit yourself." Jack mumbled.
Ianto smiled at Jack. He was grateful that he had a boyfriend who cared for him so much but he was even happier that Jack was starting to listen to him about money. He didn't want to feel like he was constantly in debt to Jack. He owed him enough already.
"It's a bit too hot in here." Ianto stated.
"Why don't you wait outside? I won't be long." Jack insisted.
As soon as the door closed behind Ianto, Jack turned to the shopkeeper and grinned.
********
"I'm done." Jack strolled out of the shop, looked up at the blue sky and draped his arm around Ianto's shoulders.
"Did you see anything you liked?" Ianto asked and wrapped his arm around Jack's waist in an attempt to get closer to him.
"I did, actually." Jack nodded.
Ianto silently waited for Jack to tell him what he'd seen and when it became apparent that Jack had no intention of continuing, he nudged him.
"Yes?" Jack turned his head towards Ianto and raised an eyebrow.
"What did you get?" Ianto asked.
"I'm not telling you." Jack laughed.
"Why not?" Ianto pouted.
"I'm not telling you why not either." Jack smirked.
"Fine." Ianto shrugged his shoulders.
They walked the rest of the way back to the cottage in a comfortable silence. Ianto spent most of the walk there talking to Jack about how fun the holiday has been and he didn't take much notice of his surroundings. Now that he wasn't distracted, he was able to enjoy the countryside.
They eventually arrived back at the cottage. Jack hurried straight to their bedroom whilst Ianto pulled off his shoes.
"What are you doing?" Ianto called.
"Nothing." Jack grinned as he re-emerged.
Ianto nodded slowly, unconvinced. He decided to let the matter lie. Jack would tell him in his own time.
The rest of the day passed quickly. They both felt exhausted and relaxed on the sofa in front of the fire for the rest of the evening.
********
Friday afternoon.
Jack scanned the cottage for the fifth time.
"Jack, we have packed everything." Ianto sighed.
"Will you check the bedroom one more time for me?" Jack looked helplessly over at Ianto.
"If that's what makes you happy." Ianto laughed and headed towards the bedroom.
Looking around, Ianto couldn't see anything that they had forgotten to pack. However, he slowly surveyed the room to make Jack happy. He stopped suddenly when he noticed something on his pillow.
It small and white with slight blue and pink near the middle. Ianto walked closer and picked up the ornament.
"Do you like it?" Jack leaned against the door frame and watched as Ianto's face lit up.
"Oh Jack!" Ianto rushed across the room and wrapped his arms threw his arms around Jack's neck. "Was that what you wouldn't tell me on Tuesday?"
"Yes. I wanted it to be a surprise for you. The one with the blue ribbon on is me and the pink is you." Jack murmured into Ianto's neck as he held him close.
"Whatever you want, Jack." Ianto pulled away as he heard the sound of a car pulling up outside. "It really is beautiful."
"I know something else that's really beautiful." Jack smiled and led Ianto back into the living room to collect their bags.
"Jaaack!" Ianto groaned.
"You should really learn how to take a compliment." Jack stated.
The driver stood patiently outside until Jack and Ianto appeared at the doorway. Upon seeing them, he hurried to help them with their bags. Once everything was carefully packed into the car, they set off.
********
"Did you enjoy your holiday, Master Jones?" The driver glanced at Ianto in his rear view mirror.
Ianto paused. "I did, thank you." He nodded and smiled. Being called 'Master' wasn't something that he felt that he could get used to.
Jack held Ianto hand between them. "Are you still insisting on starting your servant duties when we get back?"
"Yes. I have to do something in return for Cassandra's kindness. She's been far too good to me. It would be ungrateful of me if I didn't." Ianto answered honestly and looked over at Jack. "Don't worry, Jack. Cassandra said that I'm not getting many duties. I think I'm just tidying up after us two to be honest. I wonder why I'm cleaning only our mess..."
"Maybe she wanted to give us a bit more privacy. You know, it would get a bit annoying if another servant started going through our room. It'll be more like we live alone together. I don't have to worry about leaving my things lying around. Or leaving notes for you on your pillow." Jack grinned at the thought of not having to hide themselves.
"You do have to worry about leaving your things lying around, Jack. I have to clean them up, remember? I don't want to start cleaning our room and find that you've left your underwear all over the floor." Ianto mock scolded.
Jack smiled mischievously and turned to look out of the window. The smile quickly disappeared as he thought about returning back home.
"Back to reality." Jack sighed.
Ianto shook his head and Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Sure, it's back to reality but it's not a bad reality. If we were heading back to Mrs. Harkness' 'reality', I would understand you not wanting to go back. We've got it made with Cassandra." Ianto explained.
Jack mulled over Ianto's words for the rest of the journey home. When he eventually climbed out of the car, he was greeted by Cassandra's arms wrapping around him and Ianto as she pulled her two boys close.
"It's so good to have you boys back." She said into their necks. "Did you enjoy yourselves?"
Ianto nodded enthusiastically and quickly began recapping their holiday for Cassandra as she pulled away.
It was then that Jack realised that Ianto was right. They had more than he'd ever dared dream of.
Yet again, I'm really sorry for taking so long to write more chapters. I appreciate all the support. Please don't forget to review! :)