The sun was shining as they waited by the water tower the next morning. It had taken Jack nearly half an hour to convince Rhys to meet them there in his lunch break, and then just as long to convince Ianto that nothing would happen to him if he ventured into such a public place. The fear still hadn't left Ianto, it seemed, he still hovered close to Jack's side, eyes frantically scanning the crowds for any sign of danger.

Jack couldn't blame him, no doubt Ianto would be over cautious for some time still. Leaving the security of his flat, a space inhabited by only him and Jack, to visit a space busy with people on their lunch breaks had to be daunting. Slipping his hand into Ianto's he gave it a quick squeeze.

"You're doing just fine," he murmured.

Ianto glanced up at him, smiling briefly before resuming his scanning of the crowds. "I know this is normal, but I can't shake the feeling that people are watching me. It makes me nervous."

Jack smiled. "People are watching you, Ianto. That's what people do, but it doesn't mean anything – they don't mean you any harm. Some of them are just curious, wondering what we're doing here, ; others, like those girls over there, are wondering if you're single and if you'd be interested in them."

"You mean..."

Jack nodded. "They think you're beautiful, just like I do." He twisted to pull Ianto into his arms, and dropped a kiss onto his forehead, watching out of the corner of his eye as the girls' faces fell and they looked away. "And while that's all fine, I'd rather not have the competition."

Ianto ducked his head, a blush blossoming over his cheeks. "I don't want to be with anyone else."

"That's what I like to hear," Jack said, releasing Ianto and scanning the bay for Rhys. "Where is he, anyway?"

"He said he would be here," Ianto replied nervously. "Do you think she will remember?"

Jack looked down at him. "Gwen has proven resilient to retcon before. I think the question is will she forgive me." He stepped closer to the water tower. "I would understand if she never wanted to speak to me again." He paused, gesturing across the plass. "He's coming."

Ianto followed his gaze to where Rhys was crossing the plass towards them. He didn't look happy. Ianto knew Rhys was a good man and that he cared for Gwen a lot but still, on seeing the look on his face, Ianto took a small step closer to Jack.

"I thought you were going to leave us alone, Harkness!" Rhys hissed as he got close to them. "You caused enough damage, and now you turn up looking to cause more. What is it you want?"

"I made a mistake..." Jack began, but Rhys wasn't listening. He was staring at Ianto in something akin to disbelief.

"I thought you were gone... Gwen said he said he'd lost you."

Ianto shifted slightly, reaching for Jack's hand again. "He found me again. That's why he... we're here."

"So you can take Gwen back into your little group, give her all those memories back and hope it can just go back to how it was, is that it?" Rhys snapped, glaring between them. "Well that's not going to work, Harkness. She was the one who chose to forget, you can't change that."

"She didn't," Jack confessed cutting into Rhys' tirade. "I retconned her. I was selfish and it was a mistake, but it was my decision. Not hers."

He braced himself for the punch that never came; meeting Rhys' gaze, he saw the mix of horror and disgust that lined his features.

"You did what?" he spluttered, taking a step backwards, shaking his head. "You did it? You call her a friend then you take her life away from her! If that's how you treat the people you care about then I'm glad I'm not one of them!" he turned to Ianto. "I'd get away from him while I can, mate."

"Rhys, please..." Jack began.

"No, you're not coming anywhere near my wife - not now, not ever!" He turned to leave.

"Rhys, wait!"

Jack started as Ianto pulled away from him, taking a step towards Rhys.

"Please, don't do this. I know Jack wasn't fair, but you can't keep the truth from her, too. I know what it's like to not know who you are, I..." He fell silent. "I... please, Rhys,"

Stepping forward, Jack took Ianto's hand. "Rhys, I made a mistake but I'm sorry. If you don't do this for me, do it for Ianto. Please."

Rhys turned back to them, shaking his head. "Why, Harkness? Why did you do it?"

Jack dropped his gaze. "I could say that I didn't want you to suffer what I did when I lost Ianto, but that wouldn't be quite right. The truth is that I couldn't stand watching her go home to you every day; I couldn't listen to her talk about you – not when I had no one to go home to myself. I missed Ianto and I had to get out of Cardiff. The only way I could do that was to retcon her. I'm sorry... but you can't keep those memories from her Rhys, doing that would be as bad as taking them in the first place."

"Please," Ianto added, "I need to know she's alright."

Rhys expression softened somewhat, but he still looked furious. "Alright," he conceded. "You can see her, tell her the truth – but she is not going back to work with you. You won't allow that, Jack, promise me that."

"I think that's Gwen's decision to make," Jack said. "If she wants to come back then I can't refuse her."

"She's pregnant!" Rhys snapped. "So, yes you bloody well can refuse her! I'm not having anything happen to her because of you."

"What?" Jack exchanged a glance with Ianto, then he grinned at Rhys. "That's great news, Rhys. Congratulations."

"Don't try to change the subject, Harkness," Rhys said, although it was much too obvious that he was delighted with the pregnancy.

"Look," Jack said, "I won't refuse her, but if she wants to come back then I'll put her on desk duty. She won't go into the field, and any sign of danger I'll get her out of the Hub immediately, okay? It's what I'd do for any of my employees."

Rhys didn't look completely convinced. "If anything happens to her or that baby, Harkness..."

"I'll hand you the gun myself." Jack glanced at Ianto. "Look, I know I'm asking a lot, but please: do this for Gwen. She deserves better."

Rhys nodded. "Where do you want to do this, then?"

"I'll arrange it - book a table somewhere, text you the details," Jack explained. "Ianto, you okay with that?"

"Yeah, as long as you're there."

Jack nodded. "Right, all you need to do is get yourself and Gwen there, and be there for her afterwards. She's going to need you."

"Right," Rhys nodded. "I'll get her there, but I'm doing it for Gwen, no one else." He sighed, clearly not liking the situation. "If anything I'd be glad to have her back the way she was, I miss her."

Jack nodded, placing his hand on Rhys' shoulder. "I know," he said, "And you'll get her back. I'm just sorry things happened this way in the first place."

"Yeah, well, it did." Rhys nodded, looking from Jack to Ianto. "I'm going to have to get back to work. Jack, Ianto, I'll see you tonight."

"Well," Jack shrugged, glancing from Rhys' retreating back to Ianto. "That wasn't as bad as I thought it could be."

"Do you think she'll forgive me?" Jack asked as they stood outside the restaurant waiting for Gwen and Rhys to arrive. He was dressed in his usual clothes; his greatcoat draped over one arm. He knew it would look out of place, but he needed every bit of help if Gwen was to recover her memories.

Ianto, looking immaculate in one of his three piece suits, stepped over to join him. "She will, I know it." He stepped closer to Jack, smoothing out the lapels of his shirt. "Jack, what do I tell her?"

"Whatever you want; tell her what we told your parents. If she pushes it I'll have words with her – it's your business, not hers." Jack told him, taking Ianto's hands. "How are you feeling?"

"A little nervous," Ianto admitted. "I can feel their eyes on me, like they know what I am. A part of me just wants to run and hide from them all. I can't do that though, I'd be letting you down and I..."

"You wouldn't," Jack interrupted. "You've never let me down. Being afraid is understandable, but I swear, if they're looking at you it's only because they wish they were with you, or that they want to be you."

"Why would anyone want to be me?"

"Well, you're gorgeous, for one thing, and you look good in a suit. An expensive suit, may I add, so, you've clearly got money - oh, and you happen to have a stunning guy on your arm." Jack winked at a young woman as she walked past, clearly giving him the eye. "That's at least three good reasons to be you."

Ianto laughed quietly, deciding not to list the many reasons not to be him. "You could have anyone you wanted in here, that's for certain. You'd just need to smile at them and they'd fall for you."

"I don't want anyone, I want you."

Ianto stopped, the blush spreading across his cheeks as he shook his head. "I don't understand that, I never will."

He wouldn't either. Jack was perfect; he would live forever – why would he want to waste a lifetime with him? Why would he even look at him twice – he was nothing special, and he never had been. He knew that, Jack, however, seemed to think differently. Jack thought he mattered. Jack thought he was special. Jack ignored the past, he saw only Ianto.

"Love isn't meant to be understood," Jack said, his lips brushing over Ianto's in a chaste kiss. "I've lived over a century and I still don't get it." He pulled back. "But never mind that, Gwen and Rhys are here."

Sure enough, they were walking towards the restaurant. Rhys was dressed in a simple shirt and pair of dress trousers, Gwen in a knee-length green dress. They were laughing and talking as they approached. It wasn't until they stopped in front of them that Gwen noticed them.

Rhys looked between them. "Gwen, love, this is Jack and Ianto, the friends I was telling you about."

Gwen grinned "Hi, Gwen Williams - I must say you're much better looking than Rhys' usual friends."

"We're better looking than most people's friends," Jack said. Despite his grin, his eyes were filled with disappointment. Ianto shared the feeling; he hated the thought of a Torchwood without Gwen.

"I can't help but think you seem familiar though," Gwen continued. "I haven't met you before, have I?"

Jack glanced to Ianto, clearly very nervous. "Let's go and sit down," he began. "We have a lot to talk about."

He led the way into the restaurant, Ianto followed behind quickly, not wanting to be left alone with Rhys and Gwen. He didn't want to suffer their awkward questions and he certainly didn't want to be pressured to tell more about himself than he wished to. He knew they followed though; he could hear Gwen's high heels clicking on the wooden flooring.

He sank into his chair beside Jack with some relief. One look at the Captain's face brought all his nerves back to the surface, however. Jack was going to tell her the truth – and sooner, rather than later. While Ianto knew this had to happen - wanted it to, even - he was only now becoming aware of how large a fall out it would have. Gwen would shout and draw attention, and that was the last thing Ianto wanted. He swallowed nervously.

Jack's hand slid around his wrist. "It's ok, everything will be fine."

Signalling to a waiter, he ordered a bottle of wine. Gwen took the seat opposite Jack, Rhys sliding in beside her.

"What's all this about, then?" Gwen asked.

"Gwen, have you ever heard of Torchwood?" Jack began, squeezing Ianto's hand beneath the table. It hurt, but Ianto didn't complain, knowing Jack didn't mean to and that drawing attention to the fact would only make him feel worse.

"Torchwood?" Gwen asked, frowning slightly; there was something in her eyes though, something almost bordering on recognition. "I think I've heard that before, are they that new band, or something?"

Jack shook his head. "Ianto and I – and you - we were Torchwood. We... we were special ops. We..." he sighed, glancing at Ianto before looking back to Gwen. "Look, what I'm going to tell you is going to sound crazy, you'll think I'm insane – but I'm not, you're going to have to trust me on that." He took a deep breath, shaking his head. "Torchwood is an organisation beyond the government and above the police. Cardiff exists on a rift in space and time, and Torchwood exists to monitor and clean up what comes though."

"Aliens," Rhys put in, earning a sharp glance from Jack.

"Not just aliens," Jack corrected, "But that's part of it."

"Ok... that's enough" Gwen interrupted, looking over to Rhys. "Is this some kind of joke? There's no such thing as aliens - and me in special ops, you're having me on, aren't you?" Her voice was steadily growing louder and more high pitched as she became more and more confused. "Yeah, let's all laugh at the girl with amnesia – hahaha, well you've had your joke now. Rhys, I can't believe you were in on this! Are you keeping anything else from me? Any fairies at the bottom of the garden you've not told me about?"

"Don't blame Rhys," Jack cut in. "I told him not to say anything."

"You told him?" Gwen asked. "What have you got to do with it? I'm a police officer, I always have been. I was in a car crash and lost two years of my memory. That's all. No special-ops. No aliens. Nothing like that. I've never seen you before in my life!"

"There was no car crash, Gwen," Jack continued, squeezing Ianto's hand tighter for support. "I drugged you, wiped two years from your memory."

"Don't be ridiculous," Gwen scoffed. "This has gone too far, and I can't believe you'd play along with this, Rhys! I'm going home!" Before any of them could stop her, Gwen got to her feet, grabbed her handbag and stormed out of the restaurant.

Rhys made to move after her, but Jack shook his head. "I'll go, this is my doing. I have to be the one to make it up to her. Besides, I'll probably stand a better chance of convincing her of who she is – and the damage will be considerably less long-lasting." He stood, looking down at Ianto. "You will be alright, if I leave you for a while, won't you?"

Ianto nodded, glancing momentarily at Rhys.

"I'll be fine," he said, eventually, tugging his hand from Jack's. "Go on," he urged when Jack hesitated hoping he sounded braver than he felt. He waited until Jack had left before glancing back to Rhys.

"You okay, mate?" Rhys asked, frowning in concern.

"I'm fine," Ianto replied, trying for a smile. He glanced in the direction Jack had gone in, wishing that he would return. He wasn't scared of Rhys, he knew him to be a good man, but being surrounded by so many strangers – strangers he could feel watching him – was unnerving, more so when Jack wasn't there... if anything happened...

Ianto swallowed, forcing those thoughts to the back of his mind. Nothing would happen. He was on earth, home; he was safe here. Even without Jack, he was safe. And if it did, he could fight them off, couldn't he?

"Hey, Ianto, I'm going to go get some air, do you want to join me?"

Ianto glanced over to Rhys, holding his gaze for a moment before nodding, grateful for the chance to escape the restaurant. Rhys wouldn't harm him, Ianto was certain of that, and besides, outside would be closer to Jack, to safety. Climbing to his feet he followed Rhys out of the door and onto Mermaid Quay. Together, in silence, they walked around to the plass, coming to a halt below the water tower.

"Jack will know where we are, won't he?" Ianto questioned as he sank down onto the steps. "I don't want him worrying."

He didn't add that he was still afraid of being too far from Jack for too long. Jack was safety and protection, and without him around Ianto felt a little lost and afraid. He couldn't bring himself to trust the other people around him, and hated the looks he got from them. Jack's insistences that they only looked at him because they wanted him it were no real comfort either.

"Of course he will, you don't need to be sat in one place for him" Rhys scoffed, sinking down beside him. "How do you think it's going with them?"

"Gwen, wait!" Jack yelled, hurrying down onto the plass. She was halfway towards the water tower by now and ignoring him. That was hardly surprising, Jack considered; she probably thought he was a madman.

He increased his pace, catching her beneath the water tower. Without giving her any forewarning, he reached out wrapping his hand around her wrist. "Gwen, please, listen to me!"

"Get off me!" she snapped, trying to pull away. "Get your hands off me." Jack only held on, tugging her towards him and onto the invisible lift. "You're insane, you are! What do you think you're doing?" She raised her free hand to pound against his chest. "Let me go!"

Jack had to raise his voice, to be heard over her increasingly louder screams. "They can't hear you, Gwen. They can't even see us. Stop fighting me and let me explain."

He used her momentary distraction at his words to activate the lift with his wrist-strap. As the lift began to sink into the hub Gwen shrieked and stepped closer to him, eyes wide with fright.

"It's alright," Jack said, releasing his grip on her. "It's going to be alright." He gestured around the hub. "Welcome to Torchwood Three."

Gwen's wide eyed expression was reminiscent of the first time Jack had met her. He smiled at the thought, taking a step back from her as she stared around at the Hub in surprise. "What is this place?"

"The Hub," Jack explained, "Where we work, Ianto and I – and you."

He pulled her in closer as Myfanwy flew overhead and shrieked, correctly predicting her frightened scream. He chuckled as she pulled away, a disgruntled expression on her face.

"I've never seen this place before," she said as the lift settled on the floor. Jack stepped off, holding out a hand to lead Gwen into the centre of the Hub.

"You have, Gwen. You know this place. You just have to remember, try and remember..."

He trailed off as he watched Gwen move around the Hub, a look of utter amazement on her face. She reached her old work station, her fingers brushing over the surface as she turned back to Jack. "It all feels so familiar, and you... you..."

Her eyes shot wide in realisation and she staggered backwards, shaking her head. "Oh my god..." she whispered. "Jack..."

"Hey," Jack smiled, and held open his arms. "Welcome back. It's still a bit of a mess, but it was much worse this morning before Ianto and I got started on it."

The confusion on Gwen's eyes gave way to disbelief and then anger. "You bastard! You retconned me."

She strode across the Hub towards Jack, barely waiting a beat before punching him.

Jack winced, raising a hand to rub at his jaw. "Ouch, although I can't deny I deserved that!" He smiled nervously. "You've still got one hell of a right hook." Gwen wasn't smiling, the expression on her face made Jack very glad that she didn't have her gun with her. He took a wary step forward. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry."

Gwen shook her head. "Sorry? You're sorry – for taking two years of my memories? I've spent the last few months wondering who I was, what I've forgotten, and all because you took them from me – I thought we were friends, Jack?"

Jack dropped his gaze. He was incredibly ashamed of how he had treated Gwen; he knew how wrong he had been. "I really am sorry, I know I hurt you, I was wrong... I just..."

He hesitated, not sure how to tell Gwen his reasons.

"I was selfish, I admit that," he began, "But I couldn't stay here anymore. Not without him - I couldn't bear it. Walking down the street I'd see a young man in a well-cut suit and for a moment... I'd think it was him. I'd hear a Welsh accent and it would remind me of his – even the smell of coffee. There were so many memories of him everywhere – and I couldn't stand it. I had to leave."

Gwen was watching him, her sympathy more jarring than her anger. He deserved her anger, not her pity.

"You could have talked to me, Jack. I could have helped you. I missed him too, grieved for him – but we could have got through it together."

"No," Jack shook his head. "We couldn't. I'd like to pretend I retconned you to save you from Ianto's fate, to protect Rhys from mine but... that would be a lie. I did it so I could escape, no ties. I did it because I was jealous of you and Rhys, of how you still had him when I'd lost everything. Retconning you seemed kinder than just leaving you behind - alone. At least you could get on with your life, instead of waiting for a return that may have never happened."

"You bastard," Gwen whispered, and Jack thought she would hit him again when she moved towards him. He was surprised when he found himself in her embrace. "I should hate you Jack Harkness, I really should. I want to, but I can't."

She pulled away, looking at him curiously. "That really is Ianto, up there, isn't it? You've found him? He's himself..?"

Jack nodded. "I have, and he's... he's getting there. It'll be a long time before he's himself again, but he's healing – don't ask what he's been through. That's for him to say in his own time and he doesn't need it bringing up again."

Gwen frowned, and Jack knew that she wouldn't be able to resist asking Ianto. It was in her nature to ask questions. He shook his head to forestall the ones that were already on her lips.

"Gwen, he may tell you in his own time, but there's a chance he won't. You'll have to accept that, I won't have him upset."

"Then I won't say anything."

Jack nodded, drawing her back into his arms and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Don't blame Rhys, this wasn't his fault. He only went along with it because I told him you'd done it to yourself. He only did it to protect you."

Gwen met his gaze levelly. "He won't be getting away with this. He lied to me, went along with it all. He should have told me the truth."

"He loves you, Gwen. He only lied to protect you - and now you both have something else to protect. Is it any wonder he didn't tell you when you'd be safer away from Torchwood?" Jack glanced down at her stomach, raising an eyebrow. "I'll have to get the old maternity policy from the archives, I suppose." His eyes twinkled. "Congratulations."

Gwen's hand brushed over her stomach and she smiled. "Thank you. I can still come back, though? You're not going to stop me."

Jack shook his head. "I'll revoke your field clearance until you give birth. You're strictly on Hub duty – paperwork, correspondence with UNIT and the government… the stuff you're best at. After the baby's born – we'll see how it goes."

Gwen nodded, wiping a hand over her eyes to brush away tears. "I think Rhys'll be happy with that." She smiled, embracing Jack again. "Can we go and see Ianto now?"

Jack nodded, knowing he'd left his lover alone long enough. He was anxious to get back to Ianto, not only for the Welshman's sake, but to alleviate his own fears that something would go wrong. He held out a hand to Gwen, leading the way over to the invisible lift.

"Let's go and find Ianto, and remember - no questions about what he's been through."

Ianto was beginning to worry about Jack. He knew that the Captain would be alright, but he had been away for a long time – and he was starting to get nervous about the amount of people milling around the plass. He was fast getting used to their looks; after all, no one had hurt him so far – even without Jack to look out for him.

The people were mostly hurrying through, minding their own business. A couple of young mothers were on the other side of the plass, chatting as their children played together, but most of the passers-by were couples or families heading towards the restaurants.

A part of him wanted to search for Jack, but he didn't want Jack to think he couldn't cope alone. He wanted Jack to believe he was capable of looking out for himself – that he was getting better and wasn't some needy, weak dependant. He knew that Jack would have to spend some time convincing Gwen of the truth – and then calming her down – but Ianto was wary of the old jealousy he had felt when it came to Gwen. If she had offered, would Jack have gone to her? Ianto wouldn't have blamed Jack if he'd chosen Gwen over him – especially now of all times.

Ianto shook his head, closing off those thoughts. Jack had rescued him, hadn't he? He'd left Cardiff because of losing Ianto; he'd retconned Gwen because of him. Surely that meant something? Jack said he loved him, and Ianto believed that – but how long would that last, especially when he was confronted with so many more – and better – options.

A terrible scream silenced his thoughts. He turned his head, his eyes widening at the scene before him. He barely heard Rhys' muttered 'bloody hell!', he was so fixated on the sight of the weevil. Ianto had no idea where they had come from, no clue how he had missed its approach, all he knew was that it had cornered one of the two children and was closing in on the frightened girl – fast.

Panic shot through Ianto. The girl was trapped; she was going to be killed if no one did anything. The mother would never get there in time, the other people on the plass seemed to have disappeared, Jack and Gwen were still missing. There was nothing anyone could do. He sat rooted as the weevil crept closer to the girl, its snarling doing nothing to cover the cries of the girl and her mother.

He climbed to his feet, was running across the plass before it really registered what he was doing. The momentary terror and incomprehension was overcome by an overwhelming feeling of familiarity. This is what he was good at. This was what he did. He dropped down beside the girl, pulling her into his arms and shielding her with his body just as the weevil struck out. Sharp claws sliced through the skin of his upper arm and he screamed, closing his eyes and pulling the sobbing, frightened child in tighter as the alien moved in closer. He knew he had to protect the girl, had to keep her safe until help arrived. She was young, an innocent, and more important that he could ever hope to be.

The weevil's claws raked across his back, cutting deep into his shoulder. Tears burned at the back of his eyes. He didn't want to die. He hadn't told Jack how grateful he was yet, hadn't had the chance to fall in love with him again.

"Jack..." he whispered.

Two gun shots rang out across the plass and when Ianto dared open his eyes again the weevil was lying beside him. In the next instant a crowd of people were gathered around them, Jack was pulling him into his arms, the girl's mother was taking her from him. Gwen and Rhys were there too and other anxious onlookers. Ianto closed his eyes, burying his face in Jack's greatcoat.

"Stay with me, Ianto," Jack ordered, taking control of the situation. "Rhys, you take the weevil, Gwen can show you were to put it – once you've done that I want you to clean up here. I'll see to Ianto."

Before Ianto could protest, Jack had pulled him into his arms, cradling him against his chest. His shoulder jarred roughly, and he closed his eyes, succumbing to the blackness that overcame him.

Ianto stirred, blinking awake with a groan. The most obvious sensation was pain, sharp and stabbing in his shoulder and arm. The memories flooded back at once: the girl, the weevil, Jack. Raising a hand he let his fingers drift over his shoulder, feeling the bandages beneath them. Someone had placed a pile of cushions behind him to stop him injuring his shoulder further and Jack's coat was spread over him. He pushed himself upwards and glanced around the Hub. Jack was nowhere in sight but Gwen was heading over to him, a huge smile on her face.

He pushed himself to his feet, grabbing hold of the sofa arm to prevent himself from falling. Once he had regained his balance he stepped forward. "Gwen, hi. You remember then?"

She nodded. "You shouldn't be up, you know. Jack will have a fit."

Ianto paled, biting his lip and looking down. It took him a moment to recall that he wasn't a slave and could do what he wanted. If Jack didn't like him getting up it was only because he cared.

"I'm alright," he told Gwen, ignoring the look of concern on her face. Curiosity too, which suggested Jack hadn't told her – another thing to be thankful to him for. He knew Gwen would only be kind about it but she would ask questions and shower him with sympathy that he didn't want. He wanted to forget what had happened to him, not be treated like he was going to break. Gwen, though well-meaning, would do exactly that.

"How are you feeling?" he asked after a moment or two.

"Fine," she answered. "I'm angry at Jack and Rhys, but, well... I'm going to have to get over it. Jack's explained why he did it, and I can accept that – even if I don't like it." She broke off, looking at him strangely. "He must really love you. I never quite realised how much. I remember now, losing you broke him completely. I've never seen him like that before."

Shaking her head, Gwen stepped forward. "It really is good to have you back - I never thought I would see you again."

She slipped her arms around his waist and pulled him close; after only the smallest hesitation, Ianto responded, sliding his uninjured arm around her.

"It's good to see you too," he replied. He smiled, watching as Jack approached again behind her. The Captain lingered in the doorway, giving them some privacy before heading over to join them.

Gwen smiled at him, taking a couple of steps back. "I'll go and make sure Rhys isn't touching something he shouldn't, give you two some privacy."

"Ianto, you shouldn't be on your feet," Jack chided gently once Gwen had hurried off, sinking onto the sofa and pulling Ianto down beside him. "I was thinking now you're awake we should get you home. We can pick up some takeaway on the way, if you like?"

"That would be good," Ianto replied as he leant into Jack a little, relishing in the arm that Jack slid around his waist. He glanced up at Jack, a sudden thought occurring. "The girl, is she alright?"

"She's fine, all thanks to you," Jack told him. "A little shaken up, but nothing a little retcon didn't cure. The mother was incredibly grateful." He smiled, sliding his hand into Ianto's. "You were very brave out there."

Ianto reddened and ducked his head. "I only did what anyone else would."

Jack shook his head. "A lot of people just stood and watched, they wouldn't have considered it - you risked your life for her, that was incredibly brave and quick thinking – I'd call it a little reckless too, but as you didn't have any alternative, I'm willing to overlook that. I was very proud of you."

Ianto reddened even more. "I couldn't have let her die, she was young, innocent and I'm just... worth..."

"Don't you dare say it." Jack pressed a finger to Ianto's lips. "You are not worthless – you proved that today. You, Ianto Jones, are a hero and you're worth more than every one of those people who didn't help." He leant in, tilting Ianto's face so their eyes met. "And I don't want to hear anything different ever again, understood?"

Ianto nodded meekly. "You were the hero, really. If it wasn't for you we'd both be dead."

Jack shook his head once again. "Oh, no. You're not getting off that easily. I would have been too late if not for you. Besides, risking something you know you can't lose isn't heroic – but you went in there knowing you could die. That's heroic." He pressed a kiss to Ianto's lips. "Like I said before, you're a hero."

Ianto leant into the kiss, allowing Jack to deepen it. When they finally pulled away, it was with some reluctance on Ianto's part. He needed to show Jack how much his faith in him meant. Jack's words played back in his head and Ianto forced himself to admit that he was the reason the girl was still alive – if not for him Jack would have surely been too late.

He glanced up at Jack, a little shyly. "I learnt from the best."

He pressed another kiss to Jack's lips, in a moment of daring letting his tongue slide into Jack's mouth, twining with Jack's own, tentatively exploring each corner of his mouth. They had kissed like this since Ianto's memories had returned but the kisses had always been initiated by Jack and had never been this passionate. This time the Captain hung back, allowing Ianto to take the lead and set the pace. Ianto was glad of that, realising that it showed how serious Jack was about letting him set the pace. Kissing Jack in this way was wasn't nearly as terrifying as he had thought it would be – in fact, Ianto found himself beginning to enjoy it. He still wasn't ready for sex, but he was starting to believe it would be possible in the future.

"Let's go home," Ianto said, finally breaking the kiss and climbing to his feet. Feeling Jack's hand wrap tighter around his, Ianto leant into Jack's body as they slowly made their way from the Hub. He still had doubts and fears. He still worried he wasn't good enough but today had shown him that the brave, intelligent man Jack had fallen in love with was still somewhere beneath all the pain. It was going to take a long time but Ianto was determined to make himself worthy of Jack's love and learn to return it in full.

It was going to be a long road for the both of them but Ianto, in his heart, was starting to believe that they could work things out.