Tosh arrived at the hub hours before Owen was due. She put on a fresh coffee and sat at her workstation. Owen had left reports on her desk for her to go through. She sighed and picked up the first one, as she was in charge each report required her signature before it could be filed. She signed off the first report on Weevil sightings. Then went to get a coffee, she was just returning to her desk when he cell phone vibrated in her pocket
"Torchwood" she said answering it
"Tosh its Jack"
"Missed me already" she laughing
"Of course, listen are you alone?"
"Jack I'm in the hub and its 7am, I'm turning into you"
"Tosh are you alone"
"Yes Jack, why?"
"No reason, listen Ianto and I will be back late tonight, make sure that everyone is out of the hub before 10pm and tell Owen and Gwen there's a staff meeting at 9am sharp"
"Of course, you going to tell them about you and Ianto"
"I am but I want you to be in around 7am, can you do that for me"
"I'm here now Jack, I might as well sleep the bloody night," she said joking
"That's up to you Tosh but I wouldn't Ianto and I will only wake you"
"See you tomorrow Jack" she said and cut the link laughing.
She thought he as impossible before he and Ianto got together, he was getting worse, innuendo in every word he says.
Tosh settled at her workstation and began to read the next report when she heard the lift coming down. She looked at her watch
"What the hell was Owen playing at? Its only 730am, he never got here before 9am
The lift came down and Tosh looked up to see Gwen, standing alone the tears running down her cheeks.
Tosh was on her feet immediately and waiting for the lift to stop. Gwen didn't move to get off so she grabbed her and pulled her down the step.
"Gwen what on earth is wrong?" she asked
"Rhys, Rhys Rhys" she stammered
"Alright so I'm guessing Rhys is involved, come and sit down" she sat her on the sofa in the middle of the hub.
"Take a deep breath and tell me what happened?" said Tosh, not really wanting another blow-by-blow account of yet another Gwen and Rhys argument
"He's gone," she blurted out
"Gone, what do you mean gone?" asked Tosh
Gwen shrugged and pulled a piece of paper from her pocket
"He left this"
Tosh took the folded paper and read the note
Gwen
I'm fed up with you choosing your damn job over me.
No matter what we're doing your phone rings and you run out
Well now it's my turn
I'm leaving you Gwen
I'll be back for my things while you're at work,
Which I guess won't be hard as you're probably on your way there reading this.
I wish I could say I'm sorry and that I still love you
But I can't.
You made your choice when you took this new job
For once in my life I'm making mine.
Goodbye Gwen
Rhys
"That's it that all he left"
Gwen nodded
"He's right, Torchwood called and I came. I left him so often" she sobbed
"Come on Gwen, its this job, call him make him listen to you" said Tosh
"I tried but his phone is off"
"Then keep trying, you still love him don't you" said Tosh, taking Gwen's hand in hers
"I don't know, he was just always there"
"Let me get you a drink, here wipe your face" said Tosh standing up and handing her a tissue.
Tosh walked into the small kitchen and sighed, great now she had a sobbing Gwen to deal with. Could her day get any better?
Forcing a smile on her face Tosh walked back to Gwen and handed her a coffee
"Thanks Tosh"
"You're welcome, now what are you going to do?"
"Get on with my life, I don't think I've actually loved Rhys for months, at first running out on him made me feel guilty but that feeling stopped a while ago and I've only just realised"
"Torchwoods claimed its latest victim," said Tosh
"What?"
"It always gets you in the end, when I joined I had a fiancé nobody knew not even Jack but gradually I saw him less and less and spent more time here. He's married now with two kids, that could have been me Gwen but its not, I'm here playing the secret agent game. Waiting for my chance to save the world" said Tosh a little more bitterly than she actually meant. She wouldn't change her life for anything
"But we did that already, we nearly caused the end of days but we stopped it," said Gwen trying to smile
"No Jack did, he died correcting our almighty mistake, we broke the first law of Torchwood and opened the rift," she said
"I for one will never disobey Jack again, he has his reasons for sometimes not telling us everything," she said smiling as she remembered the day before yesterday as she stood and watched her two closest friends in the world get married. She couldn't wait to see their faces in the morning.
She brought back by the phone ringing in Jacks office. That mean only one thing, it was the prime minister.
Tosh ran across the hub and up the stairs to his office, she grabbed the phone
"Torchwood" she puffed
"Jack Harkness please" said the voice
"I'm sorry Jack Harkness is unavailable at the moment" she puffed
"And who exactly is it I'm talking to"
"Toshiko Sato, I'm in charge in Jacks absence ma'am" she added realising that it wasn't a secretary she was speaking to it was the bloody woman herself
"Well I expect you to tell Jack to immediately make himself available, I have a UNIT meeting to attend this afternoon and he is to be there"
"I'm afraid I can't do that ma'am"
"Of course you can you silly girl, do you realise who you are talking to," she barked down the phone
Tosh glanced at the office door and reached out with her foot to kick it shut, it made more noise than she intended
"What may I ask was that?"
"Sorry ma'am I had to close the door, what I'm about to tell you hasn't been announced to the rest of the team yet"
"Well what is it? Jack Harkness had better have a valid reason for not answering my call himself"
"He's on holiday ma'am"
"Holiday, well call him back immediately"
"To be more precise ma'am he's on his honeymoon, he'll be back tomorrow afternoon"
"Honeymoon, and who may I ask did he marry? Not that awful Welsh girl I met"
Tosh stifled a giggle
"No ma'am, I think Jack would much rather tell you that himself, I'll get him to return your call as soon as he returns" said Tosh
"Well you do that?" said the prime minister and the line went dead
Tosh sank into Jacks chair. She'd just told the prime minister that Jack got married. She picked up the phone on his desk
"Border Edge"
"Aggie its Toshiko, have Jack and Ianto left yet"
"No they're just finishing breakfast"
"I need to speak to them urgently"
"Hold I'll call them"
Aggie went into the dining room
"Jack, Ianto Toshiko is on the phone, she says it's urgent"
"I'll go Jack, you finish your breakfast" said Ianto and followed Aggie into the hall
"Yes Tosh" he said into the phone
"Toshiko secure 139 Sato 43"
"Ianto secure 449 Jones 90," answered Ianto, he waited for the beep then spoke
"Tosh what's so urgent you need a secure line" said Ianto
"Sorry Ianto, Gwen is in the hub and I didn't want her eavesdropping"
"Toshiko what's wrong?"
"Ianto I just spoke to the prime minister, there's a meeting at UNIT this afternoon, she wasn't happy when I told her Jack was on holiday, I'm really sorry Ianto it just came out"
"What did Tosh?"
"Ianto I told her Jack got married and was on his honeymoon"
"Tosh, let me get this straight you just told the prime minister the reason Jack couldn't attend a meeting was because he got married"
"Ianto I'm really sorry, I didn't tell her he married you"
It took a few seconds for Tosh to realise that Ianto was laughing
"What's so funny?" she asked
"Tosh you told the prime minister that Jack was on his honeymoon and couldn't attend an important meeting" he said still laughing, by now Jack had joined him
"Here tell Jack" said Ianto and handed the phone to Jack
"No Ianto I can't" squealed Tosh
"Can't what Tosh? I'd like to know what has made my partner cry with laughter"
"Jack I'm really I didn't mean to it just happened"
"Tosh what did you do?" he asked again
"I told the prime minister you got married" she said and hung up before Jack could yell at her
Jack hung the phone back into its cradle and looked at Ianto, who was still laughing. Jack smiled and then holding Iantos hand he burst out laughing
"Did she say what I thought she said?" he stammered
Ianto nodded
"She told the prime minister you couldn't attend a UNIT meeting because you'd just got married," he said breathing deeply and trying to stop the laughter.
Jack struggled too; he could see the prime ministers face when she found out that Jack had indeed got married to Ianto.
They walked up to their room; Ianto had packed their clothes. He found 3 cds that Tosh had left for him. He picked them up as Jack took the cases.
"I can carry those Jack," he said
"My hands fine Yan, lets just go home," he said
Ianto nodded and slipped an arm round Jack.
When they got out to the car, Andrew, Michael and Cassie holding little Bronwyn were leaning against their car.
"Just came to say goodbye," said Cassie
"Never goodbye, you are all welcome in Cardiff anytime" said Jack putting down their cases to hug each one in turn. He pressed a kiss to Bronwyns forehead
"Stay well little one" he whispered, Cassie didn't notice the faintest of golden glows fade quickly into her daughters skin but Ianto did but said nothing. He hugged everyone and then handed Andrew a cd
"What's this?" he asked
"A copy of Jack singing at your reception, I had the DJ tape it as a surprise"
"Thank you Ianto" said Andrew
Ianto just nodded and turned to Aggie. As Jack released her from a bear hug he hugged her too.
"Thanks for everything Aggie" he said
"You're welcome Ianto and you and Jack best remember there will always be a room for you here"
"We'll remember Aggie and thanks," he said kissing her on the cheek
"Don't forget this," she said handing him a box
"What is it?"
"Why the rest of your wedding cake, of course you'll want to share it with your friends" she said as Ianto took the box. Friends yeah, he could just see Owens face when he discovers the cake is stuffing in his mouth is their wedding cake. He laughs a little as he gently places the box on the floor in the back of the car
"What's so funny Yan?" asked Jack
"Tell you later" he said getting into the passenger side of the car
"Not driving Yan"
"No, you are its much more fun" he said winking
"This is going to be an interestingly long drive home," said Jack getting behind the wheel. They waved as they drove down the driveway and out of the village.
Tosh had gotten Gwen calmed down and was back to reading her reports by the time Owen strolled in at almost 10am"
"Glad you could make it Owen" she said sarcastically
"Yeah whatever Tosh" he drawled
"Morning gorgeous" he said to Gwen as he walked past her workstation
"Fuck off Owen" she replied
He giggled.
"Got out on the wrong side of the bed then, what's wrong lover boy didn't give you your morning shag"
Gwen screamed and ran towards the bathroom
"Oh great, nicely done Owen, well done" said Tosh
"What did I do?" he asked
"Rhys left her you idiot, didn't even have the decency to say goodbye, he left during the night and left her a note," she said getting up to go after her
"I'll go Tosh," said Owen
"And do what Owen make her cry again" said Tosh walking from behind her workstation
"I said I'd go TOSHIKO"
"Fine, you go deal with her" she said going back to the final report. She wanted to get everything filed and then she was going to set everyone to work tidying up the pigsty she had walked into. She smiled Owen had a shock coming to him in the morning and she couldn't wait. Knowing something that the others didn't, left her in a really good mood all day. Owen and Gwen finally emerged from the bathrooms nearly an hour later. Admittedly Gwen was smiling again, Tosh put the last report down and closed the folder.
"Alright guys listen up, there's a staff meeting tomorrow morning at 9am in the conference room. I want you both here on time"
"What? A staff meeting what the bloody hell for?"
"Because Jack is back tomorrow and he wants an update," she said smiling
"If he's going to suggest another bonding weekend he can bloody well forget it" said Owen
"Owen, its just a staff meeting. Now I suggest that before we leave tonight we tidy up this pigsty, I don't want Jack walking into this" she said gesturing around the hub at the discarded cups and take away containers.
They spent the next 3 hours tidying up the hub, only when Tosh was satisfied did she finally allow them to go home.
"You not coming Tosh" said Gwen pulling on her coat and noticing that Tosh hadn't moved from her workstation.
"No I've still go a few things to do, I'll see you in the morning" she said
"I'll be back around 2 to feed that bloody thing," said Owen gesturing towards Myfanwys nest.
"Don't bother I'll feed her tonight"
"What ever Tosh" he said and left with Gwen
Once Tosh had watched them drive off on the CCTV, she connected her digital camera to her computer and started to print off the photographs of Jack and Iantos union. She carefully sorted them out and trimmed them all to size, then began to painstakingly stick them into the album she'd bought in her lunch break.
The drive home took a little longer than it should have. Jack had to pull the car over twice into deserted lay-bys as Iantos hand did a little too much roaming on the inside of his thighs. Ianto yawned as they pulled into the Torchwood underground car park.
"Tosh is still here," said Ianto as he saw her still in her spot.
"Bless her," said Jack taking Ianto in his arms and kissing him long and hard
"Welcome home" he said taking the cake box from Ianto
"You sure you want to stay here tonight?" he asked
"Perfectly sure, this is home in a strange way" he slipped is hand into Jacks waiting one and their fingers automatically entwined. The door to the hub slid open. Jack looked around for Tosh and found her asleep at workstation, her hands around some kind of book with her head resting on them.
"I'll make some coffee," said Ianto
Jack nodded as he knelt on the floor next to Tosh
"Toshiko" he said gently
"Toshiko, its Jack wake up sweetheart," he said gently shaking her
Tosh yawned and opened her eyes
"Sorry I must have fallen asleep" she said sitting up and looking round for Ianto
"Where's Ianto?" she asked
"Where else making coffee," said Jack standing up.
"Why don't you get yourself off home Tosh" said Jack
"Might as well stay here now," she said looking at her watch, it was almost 6am
"Do you have any clothes here?" said Jack looking at her rumpled suit
"Erm only jeans in my car" she said yawning, gratefully accepting a coffee from Ianto
"Thanks Ianto"
"Well they'll do, drink up and go grab a shower then we can chat," said Jack
Tosh nodded and taking her coffee with her left the hub to retrieve her clothes from her car. Then headed for the showers.
Jack flopped onto the sofa and put his feet up on the table
"Home sweet home" he said and looked around
Ianto sat next to him and laid his head on his chest, Jack dropped an arm round him. They waited for Tosh to return and then headed to the conference room.
"So what's this staff meeting about Jack?" she asked, taking her seat to the left of Jack. Ianto sat on Jacks right.
"New rules for Torchwood" said Jack
"New rules" said Tosh
"Jack I've told you this isn't necessary," said Ianto
"Yes it is Yan, I'm fed up with everyone here taken you for granted, you are very good at what you do but you don't get any thanks for it, Owen is the worst he calls you names and you let him"
"I just don't want to cause an argument"
"I know you don't Yan"
"Besides I get plenty of thanks from you and Tosh"
"I know baby, but things are going to change from now on you are my right hand man and second in command of the hub"
"Yes Jack," he said knowing it was pointless to argue.
"Computer recognise Jack Harkness security code alpha 334"
"Yes Jack how can I help you?"
"Please change Torchwood access codes Jack Harkness-Jones security code alpha 334"
"Access granted, code now changed" Jack looked at Ianto
"Computer recognise Ianto Jones security code bravo 997"
"Yes Ianto"
"Please change Torchwoods access codes Ianto Harkness-Jones 997" he smiled at Jack
"Access granted, code now changed," said the computerised voice
"Computer personnel update, Ianto Harkness-Jones second in command to me, access code all files," said Jack
"Personnel record changed Torchwood command structure amended"
"Computer off" said Jack giving Iantos hand a gentle squeeze
"So any questions from the others as to where you disappeared too Tosh" said Jack
"No, although before I forget Rhys dumped Gwen, she was quite upset today"
"Finally did what he's been threatening to do" said Jack
"Jack he left in the middle of the night and left her a note" said Tosh
"That squirmy little…."
"Jack calm down" said Ianto "the most important thing is that Gwen knows we're all here for her if she wants to talk"
"You're right," said Jack
Tosh looked at her watch they had an hour before the others arrived, she decided to show Jack and Ianto the album.
"Got somewhere you need to be Tosh," said Jack seeing her look at her watch for the fifth time
"No I just have something to show you" she said and disappeared from the conference room.
"Come here" said Jack pushing his chair away from the table. Ianto smiled and moved from his chair to straddle Jacks legs. Jack kissed him as his hands sat gently but firmly on Iantos hips holding him on his lap. Tosh came back into the conference room and cleared her throat
"Sorry Tosh" said Ianto as he stood up. Jack allowed him to turn round but then pulled him back to his lap and wound his arms round his waist, nibbling his neck as he leant forward to see the album that Tosh placed in front of them.
"Go ahead open it" she said
Ianto opened the folder
Jack Harkness
Ianto Jones
Civil partnership union
Gretna
29th September 2007
"Its perfect Tosh" said Jack as Ianto turned the pages, to show pictures that had been taken of them by Tosh and Michael.
"Thank you" he said as they reached the last page and Ianto closed the album
"Its beautiful Tosh" said Ianto
"You're welcome just wanted you to have something to look at" she said and looked out to the hub as the lift descended.
"I'll fetch some coffee," said Ianto getting up from Jacks lap
"Don't forget the cake" said Jack as he kissed him quickly
"Nice holiday Ianto" called Gwen as he came out of the conference room
"Wonderful thanks" he called and disappeared into the small kitchen
"I suppose we'd better see what our leader wants," said Owen sarcastically crossing the hub to the small flight of stairs that led to the conference room. As they walked in Owen saw Tosh grab something from in front of Jack and take it through to his office via the connecting door. She returned a minute later and took her seat next to Jack. Gwen went to sit on his other side and noticed Iantos jacket on the back of the chair; she took the next seat and Owen next to her.
"So what's this meeting for?" demanded Owen
"Lets just wait for Ianto shall we" said Jack and leant back in his chair, carefully surveying their faces. Gwen as usual looked slightly nervous; as for Owen he was as impassive as usual almost like he would rather be somewhere else. Jack was careful to keep his left hand hidden from view. A beady-eyed Gwen would spot the ring immediately. Ianto came back in carrying a tray of coffee and sliced cake. Jack jumped up to take it from him, casually brushing his hand in re-assurance as he did so. Ianto smiled at him and took his seat, he too was careful to keep his hand hidden under his other arm as he leant forward on the table.