A/N: Hello Lovely readers! I wasn't sure whether I would get this out on time or not because I'm going on a University visit day tomorrow and am currently staying at my Grandparent's (who don't have wireless) and wouldn't have been able to access their Ethernet connection later at night… BUT I made sure that I began a lot earlier today so that it could be ready for you all. SO… it's approaching Christmas in real life and it's been December in this story for a little while now, and I thought it was high time for some festive fun! Here is part one of a Christmas based, two-part chapter, this one is relatively fluffy, but there will be some alien action in the next one I promise. If anyone here doesn't watch friends (which is practically a crime- it's brilliant) the bit with Jack and Ianto and Cake is based on the little scene from an episode where Joey can't decide whether he would pick food over sex :L Anyways, hope you all enjoy! Hannah xxx

Oh gosh, I just looked at my calendar and it says it's the 23rd! How on Earth does this time of year creep up on us so rapidly? Not to mention the fact that I have suddenly just noticed that the hub has been decorated with mistletoe and baubles and is alive with the glow of a million Christmas fairies – our own Christmas fairy (Tosh) must have been busy at work the last few days bringing this place up to the festive standard, so how had it all gone over my head? I've just looked over to her desk now, where she is hunched over our CD player with a large selection of Christmas mixes, and appears to be forming some sort of playlist, presumably for our party which nobody has mentioned but will undoubtedly take place on the 24th as usual. I don't know how Tosh does it, keeps track of things outside of our little world here in the hub; I just get so lost trying to keep up.

I could understand if I were say Gwen and had forgotten about it all, because she's so busy with preparations for the wedding that she even accidentally came into work in her slippers yesterday. But there has been no major event or occasion for me over the past few weeks that should wipe out the effects of Christmas.

Maybe I should have anticipated it, after all, last year it struck me by just as great a surprise to find that we were almost at the 25th, which is exactly why I swore to myself that I would get more organised this year, but instead I've actually been worse! At least last year I had a vague sense that Christmas was approaching as December broke out and Jack asked me to make the Christmas cake for our party, which come to think of it, perhaps Jack has forgotten too. He hasn't mentioned any 'kissing under the mistletoe' or siting on 'Father Ianto's lap' as one might have expected…. he hasn't even mentioned cake, and we all know how much he loves cake. I guess I'll have to make and ice a Victoria sponge this year for the party instead, as I don't have time for a fruit cake. And I've got to think of a decoration to top last year's Santa Weevil and Ood elves, not to mention sorting out what to wear and of course presents- oh there is such a lot to do!

It's silly really, considering that I am usually so organised, that I didn't remember. I bet Jack would find it hilarious if he knew how much of a mess I had got myself into right now, he is always saying how he can't understand how I seem to do everything all at once, and how I always pay close attention to detail, and how I never overlook anything… hmm… well clearly he's wrong. Not that he's any better, but people expect it of him; for him to be completely oblivious and then pull something wonderful together at the last minute. But people expect lists and flow charts from me.

Having forgotten that Christmas would so soon be upon us again, I hadn't though for one minuet to try and arrange something with Rhiannon about seeing her and the children over the holiday. I tried ringing her just a minute or two ago, but it didn't go down to well with her, she was not best pleased with yours truly as she had been trying to get a hold of me for the past two weeks. Uh-oh. Nothing like a rant from your elder sister to liven up the morning… She said that it was too late now, that she had made plans to go and stay with Johnny's brother from tonight until the 27th, but that we could try and do New Year's. She was angry that I hadn't been in touch with her in ages, that I never seem to be around anymore – but how am I supposed to explain that most of the time it's because I'm busy chasing Weevils, or hunting down alien terrorists, up to my elbows in paperwork relating to all things extra-terrestrial? I am fully aware that happiness and affection cannot be bough, but I will try and partially make it up to her, and David and Mica, with their Christmas presents.

It's been hard to concentrate on these reports this morning because of all this added stress about Christmas now, to be honest it's taken me about three times as long as it should have to write up the Slitheen incident from last night (which was a very messy affair I can tell you). At least the rift has been fairly inactive so far today, so I haven't been distracted whilst out on the job which is probably the only silver lining to this situation. But anyway, as I was attempting to complete my pile of administrative work, I glanced up to the window in Jack's office only to find him sat at his computer staring straight back out at me. I looked away and then back again a few minutes later and his gaze was still fixed on me (I guess he wasn't getting much work done either). The situation was getting frustratingly off-putting, and that coupled with my earlier distractions removed all hope of finishing my work anytime soon, so I decided to message him.

Me: You know, you really aren't going to get any work done if you just sit staring at me like that…

Jack: Well, can you blame me from getting a little side tracked when you are the view from my window?

Me: You could always turn your desk the other way?

Jack: Why would I do that, my wall really isn't as attractive a sight and I really think I can cope with not getting much work done… Besides, isn't that a little hypocritical of you seeing as I've been watching you for half an hour and you've only typed three sentences.

Me: Half an hour! And it's not my fault either, I just realised what date I is and can't get over how much I have left to do in such a short amount of time!

Jack: What are you talking about?

He had forgotten too after all, I knew it!

Me: Jack, it's the 23rd of December

Jack: No it isn't.

He looked up from his computer to see all of the decorations out in the hub, and then glanced at his calendar.

Jack: Oh shit it is! This means I've missed out on 23 days' worth of an advent calendar!

Me: Jack!

Jack: What?

Me: Never mind…

Jack: Hang on a second; if you're all stressed about Christmas… does this mean that a certain Mr Most-Organised-Man-in-Wales forgot about something?

Me: Maybe…

Jack: That's hilarious!

Me: It's not funny! I haven't bought any presents yet, I haven't made a cake for the party, I've left it too late to organise anything with Rhiannon…

Jack: Whoa, no cake? And we're having a Christmas party?

It was nice to know he was addressing the important matters first.

Me: Yes Jack no cake, well no cake as yet, will make one tonight but it won't be proper Christmas cake I'm afraid, just a sponge. And as for a party well, Toshiko's been putting together a playlist, and decorated the hub and we do one every year…You can just tell everyone to turn up at 7 ish, like you did last year, I guess it'll be sort of impromptu but it can work.

Jack: That's ok, I prefer sponge to fruit anyway, and cool, I'll sort things for a party somehow. So I know I should be upset for you that you can't spend Christmas with your sister… but I can't help noticing that it leaves you without plans for Christmas day again…

Me: Indeed it does

Jack: So…

Me: So?

Jack: Feel like spending it with me?

Me: I guess, I've had no better offers after all…

Jack: Cheeky sod! Oh and as for presents, I haven't got any either – fancy a shopping trip after work? Thursday is late night shopping so we could let the others go at 5.30 and still get in 3 hours or so before grabbing dinner or whatever

Me: Hmm, I don't know… after the last shopping trip…

Jack: I promise I'll be good!

Me: Really? (I'm raising my eyebrows right now, just in case you can't see)

Jack: Damn it I can't see! You always look so sexy when you raise your eyebrows… But yes, really, really good.

Me: I might live to regret this… but alright

Jack: Perfect, I'll pick you up from your desk at 5.35 then and you'd better be ready – not sure I can trust your organisational skills anymore! But for now, back to work, or do you want the boss to come down there and give you a good seeing to?

Me: Splendid, oh and Somehow I don't think the others, Owen especially, would appreciate you doing that.

"Like hell would I!" Owen proclaimed from behind my back – he'd been standing there reading the messages for goodness knows how long. Jack heard his outcry and immediately began exploding with laughter whilst I cowered away in embarrassment – no change there then.

"Did you want something Owen?" I coughed out, trying to rapidly regain composure.

"Well I was wondering if you fancied a quick game of one-on-one basketball seeing as the rift is behaving itself… but I really, and I mean really, don't want to drag you away from your work and find out just exactly what Captain innuendo means" Which stirred another laugh from the before mentioned Captain.

I couldn't manage to think of a suitably witty response to that one so I left it, with both Jack and Owen feeling a smug as ever much to my annoyance.

It's just gone five o'clock this evening and I have finished off my reports at long last; I should have been done by 3 and it had taken working through my lunchtime in order to even get them done for when I did… It clearly has not been my day.

The time left between the completion of my work and 5.35 seems to be dragging on indefinitely. I've tried filling the minutes with tidying up the day's mess from around the hub: I've already picked up Owen's discarded medical implements, re-hung Jack's coat for the millionth time today, and washed up today's used coffee mugs… But I seemed to get through all of that in record time. Nothing appears able to completely distract me from a) worrying about what gifts to get for everyone, but more importantly b) worrying about how this shopping trip with Jack will actually go. It's strange, whilst waiting for time to ebb on slowly, I can't help feeling a peculiar mixture of both excitement and worry as I anticipate our plans – enthusiastic because I, obviously, love spending time with Jack, but concerned because of his behaviour on our last expedition.

In the end I needn't have worried, he made good of his promise to be on his very best behaviour, for the most part at least, and was actually very helpful when I was trying to decide what to get for Rhi, and as for the other gifts I'm pleased to say that I think everyone will be pleased with my choices; all in all, a very nice end to what began as a very stressful day!

As planned, Jack came down from his office to the main floor of the hub to send everyone on their way at 5.30 sharp, then winking at me before he reminded them all of the Christmas party tomorrow and how he didn't wish to see anyone in before 7.00 pm. I only wish I could do justice with a description as to how shocked Gwen's face looked as he announced that, it was priceless. Frantically she began looking around at the hub, suddenly taking in the mistletoe and the garlands – clearly someone else is suffering from Torchwood-itis or perhaps in Gwen's case, more rather wedding-it is. Either way she was as astonished and unprepared to find that this time of year was once again upon us, just as I and Jack had been. Owen, probably hadn't realised either, but didn't seem to care a great deal much anyway, he was another one of those folk who managed to pull everything together at the very last second. Of course Tosh had been anticipating this joyous event for some time now and simply responded with an excited squeal and a glitter of enthusiasm in her eyes as she smiled and waved us good night. However different their initial reactions may have been, Jack's speech had the same ultimate effect on all three of them, as they hurriedly packed away their things and left to go home (or rush off and get organised!).

We left nearly straight away after the others, making sure to wrap up warmly as it had begun sleeting ever so slightly outside, and there were reports for snow later tonight; hopefully we could end up with a white Christmas. Anyway, we set off in good time and after two and bit hours of frantic shopping we were done. In the end I went with navy, cashmere jumper for and a large box of Thornton's chocolates for Rhi; an iTunes voucher for Johnny; a model aeroplane kit and a rugby ball for David; and a Monster's Inc. DVD plus a Barbie for Mica.

As per usual Tosh was no bother to buy for; I bought her a Sing Star game (Jack informed me that she really enjoyed karaoke which both surprised me, seeing how shy she can be, and didn't surprise me, given her love of musicals) and a mug with the periodic table on it.

Gwen wasn't too tricky, I went for the Coco Channel, Mademoiselle Perfume and a bottle of Spanish red wine – to help take away her wedding stresses! Jack raised his eyebrows when I picked out the perfume; I suppose it is a little unusual to buy a girl who isn't your partner a bottle of perfume, but I know that Gwen will like it and Rhys won't mind, though I expect he might have don had it been Owen or Jack buying it for her…

Speaking of Rhys, I wasn't sure whether or not I should get him a present. Jack had added to Gwen on her way out that he was more than welcome to join us, but I didn't know what to get him or whether he would even come! I decided to play it safe and text Gwen who informed me that he was a big Queen fan, but that really I didn't need to buy anything. I thought that I still better had, so settled for a greatest hits album.

Owen, I found it particularly difficult to decide what to buy for; I didn't want to purchase anything that might inadvertently remind him of his situation. Eventually I went down the clothing route and bought him a navy and white striped scarf and Tin Tin socks, which I officially love Marks and Spencer's for selling! Jack had wanted me to buy him some juggling balls from Hawkin's Bazar in the shape of certain round, female body parts, but I was worried that they may remind him of certain things that he can no longer do. Of course, this didn't stop Jack from getting them out of the box and having a go whilst flirting outrageously with the sales assistant before dropping all three balls on the floor. This, in fairness, was his only deviance from his promise of good behaviour and seeing as he had been helpful with the other presents I decided to let him off; it I Christmas after all!

Then Jack and I split off to go and buy for each other and just like last year, I had an awful conundrum as to what to buy for him. I didn't really need to buy a separate 'public' and 'private' present for him like I had done last year when our relationship had been entirely concealed, but I must admit that I liked waking up with him and opening our presents in bed. The less serious, lighter hearted part wasn't too difficult in the end. I went back to Hawkin's Bazar and purchased a 'grow your own toy boy' and a book on alien's: 'Strange New Worlds: The Search for Alien Planets and Life beyond Our Solar System' supposedly written by experts that looked absolutely hilarious. After much deliberation, I finally settled on a new watch as his main present; I'd noticed that his current time piece was looking very worn, as the glass face had a crack running through the middle and the leather strap was wearing away, knowing Jack he could have had it fifty years or more! The one I chose in the end was a simple gold rimmed, analogue face, with a wide brown leather strap – classic and timeless – and I included an inscription on the back "Gadewch i ni fynd Weevil hela cariad" which I would probably have to explain to him, seeing as he can't speak two words in Welsh, but by writing it that way it kept it more secret, more special to us.

We had arranged to meet up outside John Lewis at 8.00, but I was there by quarter to which gave me a little time to think as I waited for him to arrive. It was memories of last Christmas which immediately sprang to mind, particularly last Christmas day when Jack had pulled out his very interesting, personalised Christmas card. It gave me the idea that perhaps this year I should make him one… he'd joked last year, after I admitted that I hadn't got him a card and certainly not one of that nature, that we 'could fix that later' but we had never actually got around to it. Could I really make one though? It would be rather bold of me and a little out of character to do so, but Jack would surely like it? He arrived only a moment or two after I was trying to make up my mind, meaning I never came to a verdict; guess I'll have to think about it later.

Initially, it had been our plan to grab something to eat at Prezzo's, but to be honest we were both relatively shattered from the shopping and wanted to just grab a takeaway on the way back to the hub and sit and eat in peace on the sofa. In the end we chose Chinese and ate whilst chatting about nothing in particular, just happy to be finished with the Christmas tasks and glad to be putting our feet up at last. We turned the TV on a little while after finishing our dinner and watched an episode of the IT crowd before I began to tidied away our rubbish and gather together my things, ready to leave.

"So…" I began, whilst shrugging my coat back on. "You told everybody 7 right? I guess I'll see you at 11.00 am or there about then." I laughed leaning in for a kiss goodbye.

"Whoa whoa whoa! Where do you think you're going Jones, Ianto Jones?" He said, pushing a finger to my mouth, refusing to let me kiss him.

"Home" I shrugged, removing the opposing finger.

"And why would you be doing that… unless there is an invitation for me to join?"

"Some of us have got to make a Christmas cake"

"Isn't it a bit late to start making a cake?"

"Well… it needs to be done!"

"Screw that Ianto, just stay here and we can have some fun!" He said, suggestively wiggling his eyebrows in that manner that never fails to raise a blush in my cheeks.

"Fine…" I said, knowing exactly what to say back. "But, you know what that means" I finished, attempting to sound ominous if not flirtatious.

"What?" He asked coyly.

"That there'll be no cake tomorrow" I grinned.

"Oh" His face fell.

"So Jack… which would you prefer, me or cake?" I asked, expertly raising one eyebrow.

His brow furrowed into a deep frown as he began genuinely thinking the question over, I had to bite my tongue to keep from chuckling at his expression. However, I simply couldn't contain my laughter with his next response.

"You… No cake… NO You! But cake… No you, definitely you… or Dammit! I want the Cake and you; I want to eat the cake off of you!" He finished exasperated.

"Well, sorry but you can only have one, and I don't think the others would like it if they ended up with no Christmas cake tomorrow because we were too busy… or worse still, found that they're Christmas cake had already been eaten in that… way. So… Goodnight." I leaned in to kiss him goodbye and he reluctantly responded now.

"Fine, fine." He grumbled. "But we are totally doing the cake thing one day Mr Jones you mark my word" He said in his most authoritative voice as I left the hub.

"We'll see." I called back, knowing that I would probably give into anything for that voice.