A/N: Evening all! As I said last time, here is the final chapter of nice happy fluff (I hope you like it!) before the approaching Exit Wounds ch... Just to warn you all now, I hope to have this story completely and utterly finished by the end of the Easter holidays (but don't worry, there'll be quite a few more chs after the Exit Wounds one to help console everyone :L) so will be publishing quite a bit over the next two weeks (starting Sunday) on this particular story. In that time I will still try and publish two chs each of 'ACAAG' and 'TNK', but this will be my sole focus! Thank you to all of you who have been reading and reviewing so far! Hannah xxx

Jack Harkness is sure and fast becoming utterly insufferable. It's like I am being punished for simply feeling a little under the weather! He once told me about how many years ago he was a pretty good enforcer of torture, rather guiltily in fact though naturally my opinion of him remained unchanged despite the new information. Before he became immortal, before the Time Agency stole two years of his life's memories away from him, he used to carry out the torturing and questioning of a whole host of unsavoury characters on their behalf. I think he feels most ashamed of it all, but as I told him it was his job and it was a very long time ago now. Anyway the point is, over the past few days I have learned why they asked him to torture the criminals into confessing their foul deeds as he has been driving me practically to the edge! I know he's trying to be kind in his own strange little way, but my routine has been shattered, my work life disrupted and basically everything that could induce the breaking of my sanity has occurred though his doing – I'm not sure how much more I can take!

Not only have I been confined to this room (Well, near enough, I have been allowed back up to the hub to talk to the others occasionally, or to get something from my desk) for the best part of four days now, and he's started treating me as if I am on death's door! It's ridiculous, I'm certain it's just a virus – and a mild one at that! If I'd been in any normal job I would have just carried on coming in everyday as usual, dressing in my suit as usual rather than these awful pyjamas, and generally carrying on with like any normal citizen – not shutting myself away and acting as though I have an incurable and painful disease!

There have been times in my life when I have been in a far worse condition of health than I am in currently! Like the time when I was fourteen and contracted gastroenteritis for example… two weeks solid of utter hell! Two weeks of not being able to eat anything for fear of bringing it straight back up again, though that didn't always prevent it, and such terrible stomach cramps that made it impossible to relax even after taking as much ibuprofen as is medically allowed. My Mam had eventually grown a little irritatingly over protective of me during that fortnight, it had begun initially with her being attentive and kind (bringing me water and DVDs to watch and providing me with back massages) but then it became overbearing – she was forcing me to drink the most frightful re-hydration salts, and trying to get me to sleep as much as possible. To be honest, it's a tough call as to who out of Mam and Jack is the most unbearably caring bedside attendant…

Jack has kept me stocked up with goodness knows what special 'Torchwood' pharmaceuticals that are not available for public consumption, pumped full of lucozade and lemsip, and generally had my needs over catered for over these past 96 hours. He's barely left my side throughout, staying by my bedside even during one of my enforced naps just to make sure that nothing happens to me – though what he expects is going to happen in the flash of a moment when he isn't here I have no idea about, I mean, I face much worse threats on a daily basis – in fact the only times he has left is in order to go and get me something he feels I need, or right now and the other day when he slipped off for a speedier than usual shower.

This time I rushed quickly (and quietly so as not to arouse Jack's suspicions from inside the shower that was just one room away) up to the main floor of the hub on an 'illegal' secret mission up to the main floor of the hub.

"Oi! Teaboy! What are you doing out of bed –loving the dressing gown by the way!" Owen grinned, mocking me as I tiptoed down the stairs from Jack's office.

"Shsshsh!" I said exasperatedly - I would have quite happily put up with his cynicisms if he'd been quieter about it – "Jack's in the shower and I am desperate for a coffee!" I explained.

Tosh and Gwen sent me twin sympathetic nods from their desks, whilst Owen just laughed (a little more softly than normal at least) and mocked me further, "Now, now Ianto, you know you aren't allowed caffeine under the Captain's orders"

I rolled my eyes. "Honestly, I swear he's only denying me caffeine so as to make me sleepier, he's acting as though I am about to keel over at any second! I'm fine, just a little groggy – probably down to a lack of caffeine – so can I please, please ask you all not to tell Jack" I begged, staring pointedly at Owen as I knew he was the most likely to report back.

Surprisingly Owen just shrugged, "Of course not"

"Great" I smiled and went to fix myself of the strongest coffee imaginable.

"Oh and has anyone seen my mobile?" I asked when I was done, and had taken the first soothing sip of hot liquid.

"It's still on your desk I believe" Tosh replied.

"Thank you!" I said and downed the rest of my coffee rapidly, though not so much so that I failed to enjoy it, and then quickly hurried over to my desk to retrieve the device before heading back to my 'prison'.

When I was back and safely tucked up in Jack's bed, I unlocked my phone screen and groaned internally as I saw the notifications on the screen: four unread messages (all from Rhiannon), two missed calls (which as I predicted were from her also) and one recorded message. I decided to tackle the text messages first, starting initially with re-reading her first text from a few days back in which she had asked for me to try and visit her this Sunday… well tomorrow is Sunday and I expect that there's a fat chance of that, but I continued reading the next few texts regardless.

Message 1: Ianto? Did you get my message? Are you free on Sunday? Rhi xxx

Message 2: Hello? Earth to Ianto Jones! Even if you're not available you could at least reply to my texts! I mean, what could keep you so occupied… That new gorgeous man of yours? Please say that you're free on Sunday, I'm desperate to meet him! Rhi xxx

Message 3: Okay, I get it, I'm scaring you out of coming, you're not ready to introduce us yet. Can you blame me for taking an interest in my little brothers life? I love you, you daft sod. Though I am starting to get a bit pissed that you're just ignoring my messages, I really would like to see you soon! Rhi xxx

Message 4: Ifan Dylan Jones! For goodness sake! Why are you ignoring me? You'd better have a very, very good excuse! Rhiannon.

She only ever calls me 'Ifan' if I'm really in big trouble… and as for the middle names… it made me almost scared to listen to the voicemail message and when I reluctantly did a few moments later, I learned that my worries had been justified; it was in exactly the same tone as her last text except she was a little more obscene in her choice of phrasing and a lot louder than the words on the screen had been.

Right, that's it. I can't stand Jack's molly coddling any longer. It's gone beyond ridiculous – I am fine, completely and utterly fine bar a slight lingering head ache and cough which I am in no doubt will be gone in the next few days – and his actions are affecting the general running's of Torchwood. Well, I am assuming that they are, I'd be astonished to find that the others have been coping fantastically without my little organisational prompts or supplies of coffee… though they might have managed for four days, perhaps I don't give them enough credit? Anyway, things will soon go to pot around here if I can't get back to work and allow my sanity to be restored away from my 'sick bay' of imprisonment, and as it seems Rhiannon is ready and waiting to execute me if I don't act quickly, so, when Jack is out of the shower I am going to take a stand. I shall refuse the kind offerings of water or hot water bottles or medicines that he will make, and tell him quite firmly that tomorrow I am leaving the hub and visiting my sister!

Well that sort of went to plan… When he came back from his shower, looking rather dashing in just a towel I might add, it made it very hard to concentrate on persuading him that enough was enough, I confessed everything to him. How, though I was very grateful for the care and attention, that I felt a little smothered by it all and needed a bit of space to breathe, that I'm not as fragile as he is treating me as if I am and that I have had plenty of illnesses in the past and will be quite alright if I'm allowed to carry on with my normal, daily activities. Jack protested firmly at first, saying that he didn't want me to take a turn for the worst or end up needing hospitalising or anything because he hadn't been looking after me, but I stopped him right there and asked him if he honestly thought that this little virus or whatever it may be is of more of a threat to my life than approaching an angry, savage Weevil with a stun gun might be, and of course he had to reply with no. But he continued to say that he would feel just as guilty if my health, or life, was jeopardised because of him so in either case he feels just as responsible to protect me. I reminded him that I didn't need protecting – and then here's where I myself began to feel a little guilty – except perhaps from my older sister who was going to have my guts for garters if I didn't go and visit her tomorrow. That seemed to very nearly begin changing his mind, so I pressed on about how I felt bad for not seeing her as often as I should, and how I haven't been able to answer he texts because I've been kept down here… etc.

Jack sighed then, making the stab of guilt in my stomach feel even deeper, but it was just about worth it. "Are you really sure that you're well enough?" He asked, worriedly.

I rolled my eyes lightly, "Of course, I'm fine, you should stop worrying – you'll give yourself wrinkles!" I joked.

"Hey! You might be sick but it doesn't mean I can stand for that" He said in a mock growl, and playfully messed up my hair with his strong hand. "Why does she need to see you on Sunday anyway?" He asked.

"I'm not sure, she just said that she had something to tell me" I shrugged.

"Hmm… I guess it does sound like it might be important… and I suppose you have spent rather a lot of time in bed, perhaps a change of scenery would be of benefit…" He considered.

"Oh definitely" I replied.

"Alright" He said, pausing for a second as if still uncertain of his decision, "But, not for too long and I shall drive you there and back" He settled.

I nodded, "That seems fair" I replied.

"I could come in with you, if you like…" He suggested a little nervously.

I considered that option; Rhi would certainly like it if I finally introduce her to him after she's been so desperately begging to meet him for months now, but I'm not sure I'm mentally prepared for a meeting between the two of them yet. And I'm not sure if Rhiannon is quite prepared for Jack's outrageous qualities and flirtatious attitude, nor is Jack prepared for Rhiannon's inevitable 'older sister' questions… not to mention the fact that if I introduced the two of them tomorrow, Jack would probably still be fawning over me and distracted from the more pressing matter, and the entire exercise would have been a waste of time. But I did highly appreciate his offer though, and made this known to him.

"It's a lovely thought Jack… but I'm not sure everyone is quite ready for that just yet, though believe me she is keen to meet you! Besides, I don't know exactly what it is she has to tell me… it might be… personal, or a family matter she doesn't want to share. Another time would be lovely though" I smiled, encouragingly.

"Absolutely, your wish is my command" He grinned back, not seeming fazed in the least, to my relief.

On Sunday morning Jack was as good as his word and drove me over to the Cromwell estate to visit Rhiannon, and even stayed in the car as good as gold while I went inside. He did however, insist that I was not allowed to change into a suit for the trip, he claimed that it was completely unnecessary and while I while I was still feeling a little under the weather, I should be in comfortable, cosy clothing – so I had to wear those old faded jeans again and David Bowie t-shirt that I would normally only wear in bed. I was not happy. But, if it was the only way that I would be able to avoid being driven to the edge of my sanity, and avoid a castration from Rhi, then I was reluctantly willing to go along with it.

I knocked on the door nervously, anticipating a loud, not so cheery greeting from Rhiannon.

"Bloody hell! I wasn't expecting to see you around here any time soon! What do you think you're playing at not replying to my texts?" She half shouted as I was let into her house.

"I… umm… sorry, it wasn't exactly my fault, I was kind of busy…" I mumbled, suddenly feeling as if we were 11 and 15 again.

"What exactly were you so busy with that it meant you were unable to pick up your phone? And where's your suit? I don't think I've seen you out of one of those since before you left for University." She asked.

I rolled eyes, "Funnily enough, it's all sort of linked together, I've been a bit under the weather lately and Jack has turned completely insane with his attempts to try and look after me! He's had me bed ridden and clothed in pyjamas and drugged up to within an inch of my life – I had to beg him to let me come out today, and even then it was only after I had agreed to let him drive me here and for me to stay in 'comfortable' clothing, that he would allow me to come!" I explained.

"Aww bless, he sounds adorable"

"You wouldn't be saying that if you met him" I said laughing.

"Well, I'd be able to judge that for myself if you'd let me meet him – isn't he just waiting outside? He's welcome to come in he wants!" Rhiannon suggested enthusiastically.

"Hmm… perhaps another time… I don't think I have adequately warned you for how… refreshingly boldly he can act" I said, choosing my words carefully.

"Ah well, it'll have to be another time then, but can he really be that bad?"

"Yes, believe me… though you do get used to it, and after a while it even starts to grow on you" I smiled.

"Well he certainly seems to have grown on you" Rhiannon grinned back, causing me to blush a little.

Just at that moment Rhiannon's husband Johnny burst into the room in his rugby kit, caked in mud.

"Oh aye, aye gay boy! Not seen you in a long time –how things change eh? I hear you're taking it up the arse now!" He proclaimed loudly, giving me a firm slap on the shoulder by way of a greeting whilst grinning widely.

I have never been Johnny's number one fan, but I could tell that he didn't mean the comments spitefully. Never the less, it made me glad that I hadn't changed my mind about not allowing Jack to come inside with me, as I expect we would have enjoyed a colourful response to that comment if I had; I was also suddenly glad that I hadn't warn a suit, as the man had left a large muddy hand print on the shoulder of my t-shirt.

"Hello Johnny" I said cordially.

"Has Rhi told you about the thing yet?" He asked, grinning wider still.

"I was just about to when you stormed in!" She replied before I had a chance to, "For goodness sake Johnny, I've just hovered, can you go and get changed please?" She asked.

"Yes boss" He replied and swiftly left the room again.

"Right" Rhi said, taking a deep breath to settle herself, "So, well, I wanted you to come over today because I've got something I need to tell you" She began, not quite able to fight off the smile that kept threatening to grave her lips, which immediately threw away the small worry in my mind that it might have been something bad. "Johnny and I, well, we…oh god, how did I do this before! You're going to be an Uncle" She eventually burst out excitedly.

"Rhi… I'm already an Uncle" I replied sarcastically, but with a wide grin spreading out across my face.

"Oh shut up you silly bugger!" She said, playfully hitting my arm, and matching my wide grin.

"How long have you known?" I asked.

"Only a few months or so, I've got my twelve week scan in a fortnight" She said.

"Wow! It's so exciting!"

"I know! Johnny and I are absolutely over the moon!"

"I bet you are!"

"I know it's early days and all yet, but, will you be God Father?" She asked.

I rolled my eyes again, "Rhiannon, do you even really need to ask? Of course I will be thank you!" I replied.

We stayed sat there chatting over a cup of tea (I still can't understand her aversion to coffee!) until just gone one which was my 'curfew' set in place by Jack, discussing all things baby related; due dates and names (she's keen on Alec for a boy and Efa for a girl whereas Johnny likes Morgan and Ffion – I expect Rhiannon will get her way though!) and pushchairs and room decorations etc. As I was about to leave Rhi heard me coughing and commented on how perhaps jack was right to be worrying about me, she came over to feel my forehead and was quite surprised to find that it was as warm as it was. She seemed to stare at me for a minute before something clicked in her mind, and all of a sudden it was as though a light had been switched on in her eyes as she drew her hand towards her mouth in a gasp.

"What?" I asked, with suspicion at her sudden change in attitude.

"I… oh don't worry, it's probably nothing" She said quickly, not sounding quite convincing enough.

"What?" I asked again.

"Well… you know when you were over about three weeks ago…"

"Yes…"

"Well, Mica contracted chicken pox a couple of days after that" She said nervously.

"Bugger." I replied – I'd never had chicken pox as a child.

"I'm sure you'll be fine, I mean, I'm not even sure if she would have been infectious at that point or not, but it did start with a temperature and a sore throat…"

"Oh god, it had better not be chicken pox! I don't think I could put up with Jack for that length of time!" I said, as I gathered up my belongings in order to retreat back to the car.

Rhiannon chuckled, "I hope it isn't chicken pox, but if it is I hope you get over it quickly – I've heard that adults can have it for up to a month"

I groaned, "I hope it isn't chicken pox too!" I replied, "Well, bye then" I said and gave her a light peck on the cheek as I left.

"Bye Ianto! See you soon!" She replied as I vacated the house.

"Look after yourself" I called, making my way over to the car.

On the journey home I told Jack all about Rhi's pregnancy and about how Johnny had stormed in just as we were sitting down to talk, and basically retold all of the tiny, minute, mundane aspects of our chat aside from her revelation that Mica had had the chicken pox incredibly recently. I made up my mind that if Jack had even suspected that I had the virus, then I would have been sent back to my pit in the deep to rest until it had come to its death, and so I decided not to tell him anything about it until I knew for certain. Internally I prayed and prayed that it wasn't chicken pox… after all, only this morning I had been certain that I was feeling a little better…

I waited until we were back in the hub and had managed to get Jack to leave on a Weevil hunt with Gwen. By some miracle he had actually listened to me this time when I had assure him that I was positively fine (though of course I wasn't certain at that point whether that was strictly true or not) and that me feeling a little peaky was not reason for him to suspend his normal life and that he should get out there and get back into the swing of things. I'd been certain that he'd just brush off my advice and claim that he couldn't leave me alone, but he agreed that I might have been right, and so left about a half an hour late to chase up one of the angry creatures out in Bute Park.

Meanwhile, back at the hub, while he was out I engaged Owen in performing a full examination of me in order to determine whether or not I actually had chicken pox. He seemed more than willing to oblige, I guess because perhaps he thought that I most likely did have the virus, in which case I would have to put up with Jack's 'mothering' for goodness knows how much longer. But thankfully, after blood tests and a general physical examination it was Owen who was left disappointed with the results and not I – it was definitely not chicken pox; I simply had a fairly common virus that's presence appeared to be rapidly declining within my system and would be fully gone within two days' time. I breathed a sigh of relief, hopefully I shall be able to return to my normal activities very soon!

For now while I am still semi-bed-bound, now that I know I am not infectious (not that it probably would have matter what with Jack's immortality and all – but you never can be too careful!), I might see if Jack fancies an early night after his afternoon Weevil hunt!