AN: Right this story IS going to run and run, and that's official.
Thanks to my regular reviewers for their comments and thoughts about each chapter. Quite often these will spark an idea or a scene which helps my story to develop, so please do keep them coming. If there is a scenario or an incident that you want to see in this please mention it in your review or send me a private message. I have a couple of things planned for this, but your input and assistance is always appreciated.
Please review x
Ianto stood looking out of the window, his feet bare but otherwise still dressed as he had been for work that day, a mug of coffee sat in one hand held against his chest. His other hand was pushed in the back pocket of his jeans as his gaze drifted along the skyline and the horizon. Bringing the coffee to his lips he savoured a mouthful before returning his hand to its previous location.
"I never realised how beautiful Cardiff was. Even from the times I've looked down on it from the roof of the Millennium Centre with Jack, it never looked like this. I guess I was too far away to really appreciate it." Ianto mused, as his gaze remained fixed.
Owen appeared at his side with a beer bottle in his hand. "Definitely one of my reasons for buying." He said as he took a swig from his bottle.
Ianto tore himself away from the scenery and moved over to the sofa, settling in one corner and holding his arms out, signalling for Owen to join him. The Londoner smiled as he positioned himself beside Ianto and leant in as one arm was slung around his shoulder and fixed upon his chest, a small kiss planted on the side of his head. "Thank you for this." The Welshman said softly.
"Which this are you referring to?" Owen asked as he nestled himself in the embrace.
"Asking me to move in." Ianto explained. "I know I accused you of doing it for the wrong reasons and too fast, but I'm glad I'm here."
Owen smiled. "My trusting you isn't why I asked you. I asked you because we work for Torchwood and life is invariably too short. I don't want to waste what little time we may have. I don't want to regret anything." He said seriously.
"Cheery." Ianto remarked, trying to sound light but knowing that Owen was right. Life expectancy was hardly promising when you worked for Torchwood, and the team often wondered if they were living off borrowed time having survived as long as they had together.
"I try my best." Owen said with a smirk. "Did I see Tosh slinking off to talk to you earlier?" He asked glancing up at Ianto over his shoulder.
Ianto nodded. "She just wanted to let me know that she wishes us all the best. And that she thinks I look hot in these jeans." He grinned.
Owen laughed. "You're going to have to wear something else tomorrow or nobody will accomplish anything."
"Yeah I know. I was enjoying the change from my suits." He replied. "What are you cooking for me tonight then?"
"Why am I cooking?" Owen asked.
"Because I can't. I don't know if you remember my flat, but there was no food in there. I don't eat anything there unless its toast or takeout." Ianto pointed out.
"Looks like you'll be on dish duty." Owen said. "We probably should have picked up something other than coffee on the way home then. Takeout?" He suggested.
Ianto sniggered. "Indian?" He offered.
Owen nodded. "I'll grab a menu." He said getting up and going over to the kitchen area as Ianto's mobile sprang to life.
"Hello?" He said answering it.
"Oh god I totally forgot." He groaned as he sat up.
"I'm about ten minutes away." He said as he rose to his feet and placed the partially drunk coffee on the table. Owen turned to look at Ianto from his position by a drawer that seemed to be jammed full of menus.
"Okay I'll set off now and I'll meet you there." He nodded unseen by the person on the other end of the phone.
"Sorry, bye." He hung up and stuffed his mobile back into his pocket.
"Who was that?" Owen asked.
"My sister, Rhiannon. It's her anniversary and her husband is taking her out for a meal to that French place in town. And I'm meant to be sat in my lounge babysitting my niece and nephew right about now." Ianto explained.
"Oops." Owen remarked.
"Yeah. I'm going to have to go – unless you fancy helping out?" Ianto suggested hopefully.
"How old are they?" Owen asked nervously.
"Four and seven." Ianto replied, smirking as Owen winced.
"Will I still get takeout?" The older man checked.
Ianto nodded. "Couple of DVD's and they'll fall asleep. We can still have some sort of quiet night in." He said.
"I sense I'm going to regret this." Owen said replacing the menu in the drawer and closing it. "Come on then. Let's go meet the family." He said a little reluctantly.
The two men pulled on shoes and coats before leaving Owen's apartment and setting off on the ten-minute power walk to Ianto's. As they reached his building a car which was parked outside opened one door and a woman got out who, despite looking totally unlike Ianto from a distance, had the same blue eyes and, to Owen's amusement, the same look of anger.
"Sorry… sorry. I'm really sorry." Ianto apologised as he hugged his sister warmly.
"The table is booked for six Ianto." Rhiannon snapped as she hugged him too.
"I'm sorry." Ianto repeated. "You look great by the way – hey Johnny." He waved to the man in the front seat of the car who to Owen looked a little like a rugby player.
"Who's this?" Rhiannon asked looking at Owen.
"Oh sorry. Owen this is my sister Rhiannon and her husband Johnny. Owen works with me. He's a doctor." Ianto explained.
Owen nodded and smiled a greeting. "Nice to meet you."
"A doctor? Bit excessive for a civil service office isn't it?" Rhiannon remarked.
"You can never be too careful." Ianto commented ignoring Owen's smirk before checking his watch. "Come on then kids – lets let mummy and daddy go out for dinner." He said opening the back door of the car which two small children suddenly emerged from and enthusiastically clung to their Uncle.
"We'll pick them up no later than ten." Rhiannon explained.
Ianto nodded. "Not a problem." He said as he placed a fond hand on the top of either child's head.
"Behave for Uncle Ianto." Rhiannon ordered fiercely before climbing back in to the car and driving away.
"Who's that man? Where's Uncle Jack?" The small girl asked with the faintest hint of a whine.
"That is my friend Owen. Uncle Jack isn't here sweetheart. He's working." Ianto explained as he pulled her up into his arms.
"Uncle Jack?" Owen echoed.
"Not now." Ianto said looking over at him. "Right – who wants to watch Finding Nemo?" He asked looking from the girl in his arms to the boy still clinging to his right leg.
The two children screamed an emphatic "Yeah!" and so Ianto set off into his building, still cradling his niece in his arms and almost dragging his nephew with his leg. Owen followed at a reluctant and slightly confused pace.