Ianto held up two shirts in front of him, one a blue jumper, and the other a red dress shirt. He watched as Jack seemed to ponder both selections with great care. After several minutes, however, Ianto became impatient.

"The blue jumper it is," he announced, dropping the red shirt to the bed.

"Aw, I was gonna choose the red one," Jack said, pouting.

"Too slow," Ianto replied. "If I'd waited much longer for your opinion we'd have been here all night."

Jack grinned, stepping well into Ianto's personal space. "I can't say that idea doesn't appeal to me."

Shaking his head, Ianto stepped away. "We haven't been cleared for that sort of activity yet," he pointed out, slipping the blue jumper over his t-shirt. "Wouldn't want to make the good doctor angry, yeah?"

Jack growled. "I think he's being far too cautious. Besides, there are other things we could do."

Running a hand through his hair, Ianto sighed. "You're the one who insisted we go to this party."

"Megan was just so adamant," Jack replied.

"You just want to go because she's cute. There will be drinking. You don't drink. And I certainly can't."

"Maybe not," said Jack, shrugging, "but I do like to socialize. Plenty of opportunity to get to know your neighbors."

Ianto groaned, checking his appearance in the mirror. His gray trousers set off the navy blue of the jumper quite splendidly, if he did say so himself. Dress shirt would have looked even better, but he really should keep it casual. If he were honest the jumper was far more comfortable anyway.

"I'm scared on their behalf," Ianto said, batting away Jack's hands as they slipped around his waist from behind.

"They'll love me."

"Undoubtedly," replied Ianto. "They'll fall for your charms and I'll never hear the end of it."

"Ianto Jones, are you jealous of my effect on the general population?"

Ianto turned around, face serious. "Absolutely not. The whole world could adore you and it wouldn't change how I feel. But there's only so many times I can listen to the women at the dry cleaners beg me for your number. Or have the gentleman at our local coffee shop ask me to put in a good word for him."

"Ah, I see," said Jack, wrapping his arms around Ianto. "It's not me your jealous of, it's them."

"I am not jealous."

"You are," Jack teased, grinning again. "But you know I only have eyes for you."

Ianto smirked. "Those are song lyrics."

"Applicable ones," Jack replied. He leaned in and kissed Ianto, easing his tongue between the Welshman's lips and eliciting a moan.

"We need to go," Ianto murmured as he reluctantly broke the kiss. "We're meant to be there at eight."

Jack glanced down at his watch before tightening his grip on the man in his arms, his eyes darkening. "We have ten minutes."

"Jack…"

The captain pressed a series of open-mouthed kisses along Ianto's jaw, moving slowly lower until he could suck the skin of Ianto's neck into his mouth. Ianto gasped, hands clinging to the front of Jack's shirt.

When one of Jack's hands slid down and around his hip, Ianto tried to protest, but Jack wasn't taking no for an answer. He cupped the front of Ianto's trousers, slowly stroking Ianto to full arousal.

"Owen said…"

"Shh," Jack interrupted, biting the spot where Ianto's neck met his shoulder. "We're not having sex. Not the kind he means, anyway."

Ianto bit his lip, feeling his cock throb under Jack's ministrations. It had been so long he was afraid he might come before things went any further. The captain seemed to understand his desperation, however, and quickly undid his belt and trousers. Ianto's cock strained against his underwear, and Ianto sighed when Jack pushed everything down to his ankles, letting the air hit him.

The sight of Jack on his knees in front of him was one of which Ianto would never tire. The way his bright, blue eyes held Ianto's as he slowly licked from base to tip, the way he used a hand to cup and massage his balls. Ianto was trembling so much he thought he would fall, but Jack's mouth grounded him.

Ianto buried his fingers in Jack's thick hair, guiding him without forcing him down onto his cock. The captain moved willingly, swallowing him whole and hollowing his cheeks before drawing back and sucking on just the head. Spikes of pleasure shot through Ianto and he knew he wouldn't last long.

"God, Jack!"

The captain hummed around his prize, using his tongue to swirl in patterns over the wet skin. When his teeth grazed against him Ianto groaned, thrusting forward. Luckily Jack maintained his balance, one hand on Ianto's hip, and his other fingers moving further back and stroking against the little ring of muscle there.

Ianto came with a grunt, his fingers tightening in Jack's hair as the man milked him through his orgasm. By the time the waves of pleasure had subsided Ianto's knees felt like mush. Jack pulled back and kissed the tip of Ianto's cock, smiling at the look of ecstasy Ianto knew he was wearing.

"And not a drop wasted," Jack said proudly, getting to his feet. "Stay right there. I'll grab something to clean up."

Ianto did as he was told. He'd have been embarrassed by how quickly Jack had made him come, but he knew they were in a hurry. He looked down at his watch, grimacing when he saw they only had a few minutes left. They weren't going to make it on time.

"Jack?"

"Right here," the captain said, emerging from the hallway and walking back to stand in front of Ianto. He carefully ran the warm flannel over him, making sure not to miss any parts he might have left sticky. "There, all better."

"We're going to be late," said Ianto. Ignoring the fact that he was still damp, he started to lean down to pull up his clothing.

Jack set the flannel down on the bedside table and pushed Ianto back upright. "No, let me."

Ianto watched as Jack pulled up his pants, slipping them over his hips and then sliding his hands under Ianto's jumper and t-shirt. Ianto moved to push him away but Jack grabbed his hands.

"Jack, don't."

"You've nothing to be ashamed of," the captain replied, letting Ianto's hands go and pushing his shirt and jumper up. He pressed a kiss to the slight bump that was beginning to show. "You're pregnant, not fat."

Ianto swallowed, tugging his clothing back into place. "It's not attractive."

Jack sighed and pulled up Ianto's trousers, allowing the Welshman to fasten them and re-buckle his belt. "I disagree."

Jack grabbed the flannel and left the room. Ianto looked at himself in the mirror once more before heading out into the lounge to get his things. By the time he had his keys, wallet, and mobile Jack had joined him with the bottle of wine they'd purchased.

"Ready?"

"Yep," Ianto confirmed, taking the wine from him.

Jack grabbed their coats and handed Ianto his. After the Welshman put his own on he made sure Jack's was lint free and settled on his shoulders.

"We're late," said Jack as Ianto locked the door.

"I'm quite aware."

Jack drew him into a hug, kissing his neck. "Sorry."

"It's alright," Ianto replied, pulling away and shoving his free hand into his pocket. "Shall we go?"

They started down the stairs single file, and walked side by side once they reached the bottom. Jack slipped his arm around Ianto's waist, tugging him closer. Ianto didn't protest as he normally would. There appeared to be no one around to see them.

When they arrived at the right door, Jack raised his hand to knock, letting his arm fall away from Ianto's side. He winked at Ianto and Ianto gave him a nod.

The door opened and a well-dressed man in his fifties beamed out at them. "I'm so glad you could make it, Ianto!" he said. "And you must be Captain Jack Harkness."

Jack shook the man's hand and returned his grin. "That would be me. Your daughter invited me along. I hope that's alright."

"Well of course it is," he replied, opening the door wider and ushering them inside. "I'm Daffyd and that gorgeous woman over there in the purple is my beloved Seren. My darling, Mr. Jones and Captain Harkness are here!"

"This is for the both of you," said Ianto, handing the man the bottle of wine.

"Oh, a fine red vintage. We'll be enjoying this, believe you me."

Mrs. Lewis made her way over to them as Mr. Lewis closed the door and wandered off into the lounge. She was a striking woman. Long, dark hair, fair skin, and a smile that lit up a room.

Jack took her hand in much the same way that he'd held her daughter's. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I can certainly see where Megan gets her good looks."

Seren Lewis blushed fiercely. "Captain Harkness, you are much too kind."

"It's Jack, please."

"Alright, Jack," she corrected, taking her hand back. "Ianto, dear."

"Hello Mrs. Lewis. I'm very sorry we're late."

She huffed. "Don't be silly, Ianto. It was only a guideline, not carved in Welsh stone."

Ianto smiled, nodding towards the coat rack where she had been standing when they'd arrived. "Shall we leave our coats here, then?"

"Oh, yes," she replied, holding out her hand. Both men removed their coats, handing them over to her. "Now go on in and enjoy the party. Refreshments are out and I'll be serving dinner shortly. Nothing special, just some rarebit."

"It sounds delicious," Jack replied.

They made their way into the lounge, where Ianto greeted several of the neighbors he was familiar with. There were quite a few others he didn't know. He tended to keep to himself, only speaking to those he ran into while checking his mail, or while coming or going.

By the time Mrs. Lewis served the meal Jack had made sure they knew everyone at the party. There were close to twenty people there, including themselves and the Lewises. They gathered around the dinner table, the coffee table in the lounge, and even the kitchen counter and the table on the balcony. It was a much larger flat than Ianto's. He'd have never had the room.

The food was delicious, but as planned, not long after they ate he and Jack made their farewells, thanking Mr. and Mrs. Lewis profusely for inviting them over. Ianto was feeling tired, which happened more and more frequently now, and he was glad he didn't have far to go to get home.

"The Lewises seem like great people," Jack told him as they closed the door to Ianto's flat.

"They really are," Ianto agreed. He took Jack's coat and hung it up, removing his own and placing it beside it on the rack. "They met at university and were married not long after graduation."

"And Megan's an only child?" Jack asked. Ianto nodded. "Then they waited a bit to have children."

"They tried for many years, actually," said Ianto, heading into the lounge. "They're very open about it. Megan is their miracle baby."

Jack followed him, raising his eyebrows. "No kidding. Seems there's a lot of that going around."

Ianto licked his lips. "I'm not sure I'd call this pregnancy a miracle, Jack."

"And what would you call it?" Jack challenged. "Not a lot of men having babies in this century. In fact, you're the only one."

"I'd call it an accident, if I had to call it anything."

"Ianto…"

"I wouldn't have gotten pregnant without alien influence, and we certainly weren't trying."

"And therefore it's an accident?" the captain asked.

"Yes."

They stared at each other in uncomfortable silence for several seconds, until Ianto turned away. He headed into the kitchen, dropping his keys on the counter and setting his mobile phone and wallet beside them. When Jack followed, Ianto turned around.

"Would you like me to make you some coffee?"

"If you don't mind, I'd love some."

Ianto nodded, turning back to his kitchen and pouring some beans in the grinder. The smell was enough to make him salivate, but he knew he wouldn't be having any. Not for at least seven more months. Instead he reached up into a cabinet and pulled out his herbal teas, settling on chamomile. He placed the loose leaf tea in his teapot.

"We haven't had a chance to get out to any of the other agencies," Ianto said, filling the coffee filter with grounds. He poured in the water and set the machine to brew. "Maybe I should make a few more appointments."

"If that's what you want," replied Jack, standing with arms folded.

Ianto sighed as he placed a kettle of water on the stove to boil. "Yes, it's what I want. You don't have to go with me if you don't want to, sir."

"So we're back to sir."

Ianto spun around, suddenly angry. "What do you want from me?"

"I want you to want this baby, Ianto!"

Ianto shook his head. "You know why I don't."

"No, I know why you're afraid to," corrected Jack. "But we've been over that. What's in the past is passed."

"Not for me it isn't," Ianto argued, turning to lean against the counter.

"Ianto, I know you. I know your temperament." He started to move towards him but Ianto glared and the captain stopped, holding up his hands. "Look, I get it. Your dad was an angry man who couldn't control his drinking. But you're neither a drinker nor the type to fly off the handle. You're probably the calmest man I know."

Closing his eyes for a moment, Ianto sighed. "It takes extreme control and a lot of practice to be the way I am, sir. It's not easy."

"But that doesn't mean you're your father."

"And it doesn't mean I'm not," he replied. The kettle whistled and he took two cups out of the cabinet. He poured the water into the teapot before reaching for the coffeepot and fixing Jack his coffee.

Handing the cup of black brew to the captain he picked up the teapot, bringing it and his cup to the table. He sat down and put his head in his hands.

Jack took a sip of his coffee and then set it down. "Are you alright?"

"I have a headache," said Ianto, rubbing his temples.

"I'm sorry," Jack said, moving behind him and settling his hands on his shoulders. "Let me."

Ianto didn't argue as Jack began to rub the tension out of his shoulders. "Even if what you're saying is true," he said, trying not to groan at how good the massage felt, "how would I explain a pregnancy to my family? 'Oh, hi Rhiannon. Meet your niece or nephew. No, I didn't settle down and get married behind your back. I just got up the duff by my boss. You know, the one you've never even met.'"

Jack chuckled. "Why, wouldn't that go over well?"

Ianto groaned. "You're not funny."

Leaning closer, Jack whispered in his ear, "There's a whole lot of time left to come up with a feasible story."

"You really want this child, don't you?" Ianto asked, picking up his teapot and pouring himself a cup. He decided to forgo the milk and sugar this time, taking a sip.

Jack moved to the chair adjacent to him, reaching for his own mug. "What I want is for you to not give up on yourself. On your future."

Ianto looked up at him. "How is giving this child up for adoption giving up on my future?"

"A marriage, a family, a normal life," Jack said, shrugging. He took a sip of his coffee. "I can't give you all of the security that entails, but by some twist of fate I've been able to give you a child. It's a chance. One neither of us expected to get."

"I wish I could see it the way you do," Ianto said, rubbing his stomach.

"So do I, Ianto," Jack replied, giving him a sad smile. "So do I."