"So let's get you settled at your desk, Luke," Jack said, pointing toward an empty station in the middle of the main Hub area. "It's getting late, and I know you'll want to inspect everything at your new flat tonight."

"I've already set up your computer for you — with the proper security settings. But I'm sure you are quite familiar with how to set up your passwords and retinal scans. You'll need to do that before you can get in to explore the system and files," Ianto explained.

"My Ianto is pretty on top of things, isn't he?" Jack questioned with a wink Luke was sure was not for him. Luke knew that Ianto and Jack were lovers and that didn't bother him in the least. But he wasn't sure how to navigate the situation in the work place. Then again, he and Clyde had been investigating with Sarah Jane as a couple for over a year now. It didn't seem to get in the way.

"Thank you, Ianto. And Jack. I am sure I can get everything set up quickly," Luke said. "I'll just get to that now."

Jack smiled and said, "We'll save the grand tour for the morning. I'm actually on my way out. The Weevils have been fairly quiet recently, and I wanted to do a quick patrol tonight. Ianto here will show you how to lock up if you are ever here alone and I'll just see you two beefcakes in the morning. 8am sharp."

"Beefcakes, sir?" was Ianto's reply with a raised eyebrow. "Don't scare him off on the first evening." Luke laughed, unsure of what else to do, as Ianto continued. "But we'll finish up here. I'll tidy things a bit while Luke finishes the security measures, then we'll get home. I do want to make sure Luke is comfortable with his new accommodations."

Jack walked over to Luke and ruffled his hair. "See you later, kiddo. Don't let Ianto keep you up all night chattering away." Jack decided to forgo the hair ruffle on Ianto, choosing a rather passionate kiss instead. When it seemed things had gone on a little longer than was appropriate considering their audience, Ianto pulled away — breathless. Jack winked again and disappeared through the door to the lift.

"I'll be done in fifteen minutes," called Luke from his terminal, trying to catch Ianto's attention.

Ianto looked over at Luke with a smile. "Okay. Sorry about that. But, well, you sort of know how it is."

As Ianto walked away to start closing down for the night, Luke let his mind wander while unconsciously finishing his computer tasks. He was glad that he was here.

**************

The men arrived at Ianto's — and Luke's — flat about a half hour later. They managed to drag Luke's bags up the four stories, as the lift was broken in Ianto's less-than-new building. They were in good spirits though, having been joking about Gwen and Mickey and their adventures trying to keep up with Jack the past few years.

"So Gwen really quit for a whole week?" Luke asked.

"Well, when Jack told her she would have to take a leave of absence for her pregnancy, Gwen called him on it," Ianto explained. "But once Jack realized he would have to concede, he went crawling over to her place. Rhys was none too nice when he answered the door. I am not sure what he really expected her to do. But there are just some things Jack doesn't understand."

Then Ianto handed Luke a key and said, "Would you like to open the door to your new home?"

That earned an even bigger smile from Luke. Taking the key, he replied, "Yes!"

**************

After the grand tour of Ianto's two bedroom, two bathroom apartment, he left Luke alone for the evening, with instructions to raid the fridge if needed. They had actually forgotten to eat this evening, but Luke wasn't very hungry — he was still reeling from the new experiences.

"Guess I better get unpacked," he said aloud to himself. Remembering what his mum said about Ianto being particular about cleanliness, he carefully put away each article of clothing into the closet and chest provided for him. Next, his books lined the shelves on the far wall by the modest single window in the room. He meticulously placed his bathroom items on the shelf in his new bathroom, taking care to line everything the right way in order of height. He laughed silently as he placed the hair products Maria had made him buy. She said he was an adult now and needed to start acting as one — to impress Clyde at the very least. He hadn't tried them out yet, but figured he'd give them a go in the morning. If it didn't work out as planned, he bet Ianto could give him a few styling tips.

Once he'd put everything in its place, he opened the smaller bag. He pulled out his sturdy, refurbished laptop (yes, he'd built it himself) and a stack of four framed photos. The first was an old one — from nearly four years ago. Luke, Clyde, Maria, and Sarah Jane at the local skate park. He remembered Alan taking the photo. This was one of the first photos of their group together. Since then there had been many more that lined the walls of his home — his old home with Sarah Jane. The second photo was of him, Maria, and Clyde in their school graduation gowns taken only a few months ago. That was such a happy day. No doubt he could have finished his exams after his first day at school, but he would never leave Maria and Clyde alone. Not to mention it would cause some trouble for Sarah Jane to explain why her son wasn't in school — or able to pass his exams while appearing to be fourteen. Next was a photo Sarah Jane had given him two nights ago while he was packing. It was of the two of them in the garden. Maria had taken it while they were digging around in the flowers. Sarah Jane had a smudge of dirt on her face and Luke was trying to get it off. Only his hands were covered in dirt so he wasn't making much headway. Maria had a blown up and slightly cropped version of this on her nightstand at Uni. Sarah Jane didn't know that, though. The final photo Luke placed on his night stand. Another one of Maria's shots. It was of him and Clyde on the swing after their last visit from the Slitheen. It had been a pretty close call that time, but they had made it out okay. Sarah Jane had gone inside to rest — she had run quite a bit that night and Luke wondered if she wasn't getting a bit old for all of this — and Maria was supposed to be on her way home. The boys practically collapsed on the swing, exhausted. It took them a few minutes to realize their hands were resting on top of one another. At the exact moment Maria's camera flashed them, they were staring into one another's eyes, the realization of what the other felt finally hitting home.

Suddenly, something started to vibrate in Luke's pants. Momentarily stunned, Luke stared at his bedroom door, embarrassed. Then he remembered. He pulled his mobile out of his pocket to find he had not one, but three missed text messages.

"Maria — 8:35pm — Well? How're things so far? Text me!"

"Mum — 8:58pm — Why haven't you called yet? It is getting late. Call me. Soon."

"Clyde — 9:13pm — Out fighting aliens already? I miss you."

Deciding to capitalize on his freedom from Maria and his mum, Luke hit 'Reply' to the last message.

To be continued . . . .