Note: Post- 'exit wounds'. How I dread writing these. But this one is very cute. And very Gwen-centric. Which is something I've never done before (new year's resolution?).

On a happier note, Have a merry merry merry Christmas!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Gwen turned off the computer and put the last report on the 'done' pile. She smiled fondly, thinking about her first Christmas eve as Miss Williams. Things could have been better, with the sudden loss of her beloved friends, but she found that stability was creeping back into her life. She hurt less and she didn't cry as often anymore. Sad memories were being pushed aside by happy ones. Like the way Toshiko always knew if something was on Gwen's mind, or how easily Owen could make her laugh. Those little things made her smile more often than they used to. And little by little she mourned them less and celebrated their lives more. She was just happy to have known them.

"At least I have them…" she whispered as she glanced over the hub and saw Ianto making coffee and Jack on the phone in his office.

She put on her coat and relished the warmth that it provided her. She softly hummed 'Jingle bell rock' as she found her way to Ianto, who as graceful as ever greeted her with a sad smile.

"I'm off Ianto." she said as she pecked him on the cheek. "Merry Christmas and don't drink too much eggnog!"

"Merry Christmas." Ianto responded. Gwen found Ianto a bit less upbeat than this morning. Curious, she wondered why.

"Everything ok, Ianto?"

"Sure, just busy working." The young man responded, trying to mask his heartache.

Gwen knew that Ianto wasn't one to openly talk about what's bothering him but over the course of the year, she had gotten to know him better. And she perfectly knew how to get read him and to work him, if she really wanted to.

"So, you going home soon?" Gwen asked, innocently.

"Uhm … might be a while tonight. No rest for the wicked as they say." Ianto replied, avoiding eye contact at all cost.

"Ianto … you are going home to your family right?"

"Eventually."

Gwen rolled her eyes. 'Christ, he really is the master of evasiveness.' she bitterly thought.

"How about tonight?" Gwen inquired.

Ianto smiled, but his eyes dulled a bit. "No, not tonight. Just me and Jack."

"Ianto … it's Christmas eve …"

"I know Gwen. Doesn't matter. Mum's out of town anyway so not really a place for me to go to."

"Oh Ianto, I am so sorry."

Ianto smiled bravely. "It's ok." he said. "Really, it's fine. This way Jack won't be alone. We both know he's had far too many lonely Christmases and surely there are more to come in his future." he added as soon as he saw the pitiful look on Gwen's face.

Gwen however wasn't fooled. She pulled Ianto in for a hug and didn't let go until he settled in the embrace. She softly kissed his cheek and whispered. "I'm so sorry Ianto. I know you're still hurting and I know how much you looked forward to seeing your family again."

Ianto broke off the hug and smiled at her politely. "Really Gwen, It's ok. There are far worse things than spending Christmas eve with the man that I love." he joked.

"Oh sweetheart, it's not fine. Jack's amazing but he isn't exactly the homely type. And I know you need a home to go to."

"Having you around helps Gwen, really. Please, don't worry about me. Have a nice Christmas."

"You too sweetheart."

Gwen hesitantly walked away from Ianto. Approaching her desk to pick up her purse, she turned on her heels and gave Ianto a resolute glance. "No." she said firmly.

"No?" asked Ianto, confused and a little bewildered.

"No," she countered. "As simple as that. No. I am not letting you have a Christmas at the hub."

"Gwen …"

"I said no, Ianto"

Ianto was slightly taken aback by the sudden angry glint in Gwen's eyes.

"No and I mean it. I am not having you or Jack be alone tonight."

"But how can we be alone if we are together?" Ianto asked jokingly.

"Jack!" Gwen belted out.

A hazy head popped out of the major office. "Yeah?"

"Get your coat." Gwen replied. "And that goes for you too Ianto."

"Where are we going?" Jack asked as he slid the coat over his shoulders.

Ianto shrugged whilst Gwen just beamed.

"We are going to celebrate Christmas. Even if it kills us!" Gwen responded.

"Gwen, really … don't worry about me. Or us." Ianto said, softly and barely audible.

"Of course I worry, you silly lamb." she countered. "You mean the world to me. So, I have decided that you two are both coming home to my place and spending Christmas eve AND day with Rhys and me."

Ianto carefully walked up to her. "You don't have to do this. I'm used to it. I don't mind."

"I know I don't have to. I want to. And I know you do mind!"

Gwen breathed a sigh. "Christ, you might as well be the little brother I never had. And after this year, we need to stick together. I want you there, sweetheart."

In the corner of her eyes, she saw Jack smiling profoundly.

Gwen looked at them both. "We are family. And you two are not getting rid of me this easily. Now get your arses in gear and put those damn coats on. Scarves, gloves and earmuffs as well unless you want to freeze off any body parts."

"Gwen … I don't want to be a bother."

"As if you ever could…"

Ianto sighed and looked at Jack, silently asking him if he knew what to do. When Jack just shrugged and nodded, Ianto gave up and went up to the tourist office to gather his things.

"So," Jack started. "If we are a family and Ianto is the little brother. Does that make me the daddy?"

"No," Gwen answered. "That would be creepy with all the things you do to Ianto. You're probably the family friend who can never keep his hands to himself."

Jack chuckled loudly and Gwen could not help but follow him in his laughing fit.

They both silently exited the hub and waited for the elevator to come.

"Gwen …"

"Yeah Jack?"

"I think this will be good for Ianto."

"I think so too boss. And you. This will do wonders for your foul mood. You'll see."

Gwen gave Jack a radiant smile which Jack eagerly returned.

"Gwen?"

"Yeah Jack."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."