AN: Thanks to JonesIantoJones for betaing this even when she's got a cold.
Disclaimer: As much as I would like the boys to be mine they aren't. Please review thanks xx
Returning to London part 28
"Tell me again why we are here?" Owen grumbled.
Ianto turned his head slightly so he could look at Owen. "Because we have been cooped up in your flat for the last three days and I for one needed fresh air. You mentioned once that you had never been to the Castle before even though you've lived in Cardiff for years. So I thought, the sun is shinning which is rare in Cardiff, we have time off from Torchwood which is even rarer, let's go and play at being tourists for the day. Did you want to go and do something else? 'Cos we can if you've got a better idea."
Owen looked shocked that Ianto had remembered a distant conversation they had had while chasing a Hoix around the Castle. "You remembered." He said quietly.
"Yes I remembered. So do you want to see the Castle or do something else?" Ianto asked as they got to the entrance.
"I can't believe you remembered a throw away comment I made months ago." Owen said still sounding shocked.
"Yes well..." Ianto stuttered. "I suppose I only really remembered it because I thought it odd at the time that you live here and had never visited the Castle. So come on let me show you the delights of Cardiff Castle." Ianto grabbed Owen's hand and walked to the kiosk to pay.
They spent a couple of hours walking through the rooms and grounds of the Castle before sitting outside the cafe for lunch and to enjoy the sun.
"So have you enjoyed playing tourist?" Ianto grinned at Owen.
"Yeah it's been good. To be honest anywhere with you would be good. So where else are you going to take me on our enforced holiday?" Owen asked grinning back.
"Well we could go to Swansea, but it's a bit far if Jack needs us back for anything. The Gower Peninsula is absolutely beautiful. Penarth beach is a lovely place to go as is Hailey Park, we could walk there from The Bay along The Taff Trail. Other than that we could go to the cinema - haven't been in ages. Work always seems to get in the way. We could see if there are any exhibitions going on, although are you the exhibition type of person? It's really up to you. What would you like to do?" Ianto said smiling.
"You're right about me and exhibitions. I can't see the point of them - walking around staring at paintings or objects trying to work out what the artist is trying to say, bit boring. The Taff Trail sounds good when we are both fit, same with the beach. So by process of illimination it's the cinema." Owen replied taking hold of Ianto's hand and stroking his thumb across the back of it. "I've really enjoyed having you stay at mine and I'm not looking forward to when you have to go back home. I sleep much better with you there and I know you do too." Owen continued to rub his thumb over Ianto's hand and went on nervously. "Why don't you move in with me?" When all he was met with was silence he lowered his head. "Sorry. I just... Look forget I said anything." Owen dropped Ianto's hand and rapidly got to his feet. Moving away before Ianto had registered what was happening. When he did he ran after Owen grabbing him by his arm and spinning him around to face him.
"Owen I'm sorry. It's just...you've taken me by surprise. I didn't think we were at that stage yet." Ianto apologised. He then steered Owen over to a bench so they could sit down and talk without being in the way of other people.
"Look I know it may seem a bit quick but I've been doing a lot of thinking while I've been home and with you being there it just seems so right. I can understand if you want to wait a while after all we've only just admitted our true feelings to each other. Please say you'll think about it at least." Owen tried to keep the begging tone out of his voice but failed.
Ianto pulled Owen into a hug and kissed him. "I love you and I will think about it. You've taken me by surprise that's all - a very nice surprise. But to be honest it's not something that I've thought about and I do need to think about it." Seeing the miserable look on Owens face Ianto added. "It's not a no. It's a give me space and time to think about it and let's enjoy getting to know each other better while I do."
Owen rested his head on Ianto's shoulder and sighed. "Ok take as much time as you need."
They sat like that for a while both lost in their own thoughts but taking comfort from being wrapped in each other's arms. Owen lifted his head so that he could look at Ianto. "I really do love you. You are the best thing that has happened to me in a long time." He confessed.
Ianto bent his head down so that he could give Owen a small kiss which quickly turned into a passionate kiss. They were interrupted by a scream coming from the direction of the Norman Keep. They both jumped up and started running.