4. I Happen To Like New York

Ianto hadn't objected when Jack announced his plan a week ago. In fact, there'd been no discussion whatsoever. Life had gone on as usual – weevil chases, object retrievals, late night make out sessions in the hub. (The last part was definitely not a full team activity.)

Jack was almost surprised when Ianto showed up on the appointed day wearing what could be called business causal – khaki trousers and a cotton button down shirt – and carrying a suitcase. Still nothing was said. In fact, Ianto managed to wait until they had arrived at their destination before he offered up anything other than small talk.

"So, in case the customs officer asks, "He said as they exited the plane. "Why am I here?"

Jack grinned. "I told you, UNIT conference."

Ianto rolled his eyes. "So… business."

Willingly taking the bait, Jack wiggled his eyebrows. "You are my plus one, so it we could make it pleasure too."

Ianto flushed, then walked ahead of the captain as they reached the customs lines. With their Torchwood IDs, they were able to quickly pass through the security lines and were soon passing under the "Welcome to New York City" sign on the way to baggage claim.

As they stood outside waiting in the taxi queue, Ianto spoke again. "What is this really about, Jack?" He asked just as they reached the head of the line and began putting their bags into the back of the cab. "You never want to go to UNIT anything even if it's in London. Why are we going to one three thousand miles away?'

They settled into the cab for the drive into Manhattan. Jack was quiet, simply staring out of the window at the approaching skyline.

"I thought you'd enjoy it." He shrugged.

The younger man huffed. "Enjoy it? An eight-hour flight, with turbulence, followed by a weeklong UNIT conference that I don't know anything about and therefore couldn't even prepare for? Really Jack? Sounds like loads of fun."

Jack sighed and turned to face the Welshman. "Okay, it was kind of supposed to be a surprise for you."

"What are you talking about, Jack? Surprise for what?"

"I wanted to take you somewhere. You hate the countryside – even more so after what happened. London is out of the question for obvious reasons. Going somewhere tropical is a no because of your skin tone." He grinned at that last one. Then reached out to put his hand on Ianto's thigh. "I wanted to take you somewhere new and fresh – where the past couldn't ruin things. Where we could relax and make some new memories."

Ianto's eyes went wide, then he quickly turned to the window, realizing what Jack had said. He took a moment to compose his thoughts before turning back.

"So, what you're saying is there's no UNIT conference." He said with a wry smile.

Jack guffawed and leaned over to kiss Ianto as the cab pulled to a stop in front of the hotel.

"Nope. This trip is all pleasure."

End

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A/N – Sorry if it ends a bit abruptly. I didn't want to drag it on since I want these stories to be relatively short. Maybe once I'm finished with this series I might expand up on their trip.