Notes: It's date time! Chapters 8, 9, and 10 all occur during the time span of the date. I say this because the next chapter shifts the focus from Jack and Ianto onto someone/something else.

I would like to (publicly) thank PCJanto making me laugh and brightening my day with her comment, "don't let the she-devil mess this up for Jack and Ianto." No guarantees, of course, but with as great a comment as that, I'm taking it into consideration.

Thank you all for sticking with me so far. Enjoy!

Chapter Spoilers: This chapter is the result of Jack's date proposal in episode 2.01 (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang). Slight references to Doctor Who episodes 1.09, 1.10, 1.11, and 1.12 (Empty Child, The Doctor Dances, Boom Town, Bad Wolf)

Jack locked his door as soon as he got rid of Gwen. Glad that's over, he thought. Now to prepare for tonight!

Jack climbed down the ladder to his bunker and locked the hatch behind him so he wouldn't be disturbed. He was thankful that Tosh and Owen knew about his date and that they made plans to keep Gwen busy and out of his way.

He eagerly stripped down and hopped into the shower, making sure to wash every inch of his body, not once, not twice, but three times. He got lost in his thoughts and nerves about the date on and off during his cleansing.

I really hope this date goes according to plan. I am falling in love with Ianto, again, and he needs to know this. I can't tell him just yet, but I can show him. And tonight will be the night. I wonder what he's going to wear. What should I wear? I should have asked him what he planned so I could coordinate. Do I wear a suit? Will he wear a suit? What about the movie afterwards? What do we see? Do we go to the cinema or do I suggest his place for more privacy?

His thoughts trailed off as he completed his third cleansing and rinsed down. He shut off the shower, picked up a towel and dried himself off. He headed over to his closet to begin picking out an outfit.

After going through all his options five times, he decided to ask Tosh for some advice. He put in his comm unit and contacted Tosh using the private line. "Tosh, you there?" he asked.

Tosh went into the boardroom to avoid being overheard by Gwen. "Yes, I'm here. What's going on, Jack? It's quarter to eight and your reservation is for eight-thirty."

"I know, I know," Jack murmured in frustration. "I can't figure out what to wear."

Tosh let out a sigh of frustration at the man's nerves. But Tosh had prepared a choice for him if this occasion arose. "Go with the light blue with the light gray tint. It brings out both yours and Ianto's eyes. Plus it will go with whatever Ianto chooses."

Jack grabbed at the shirt Tosh mentioned, and chuckled.

"What's so funny, Jack?" Tosh asked after overhearing him laugh.

Jack didn't realize he still on the line with Tosh. "I was just thinking how you're more prepared for this date than I am," he admitted while grabbing a gray pair of trousers to match the shirt but not clash with his greatcoat.

"Well it's about time for you two," she stated. "Now hurry up, don't want to keep him waiting any longer." Tosh clicked off and headed back to her workstation in the main area of the Hub.

Ianto was equally nervous back at his flat. He showered and shaved and was just about to pick out his attire. Do I wear a suit? I'm always wearing suits. I should wear something different; something unexpected. But will Jack wear a suit? If he wears a suit and I don't, it will seem like I don't care. But I care more than Jack knows. I've wanted this date well before he left with the Doctor.

He decided to call Tosh. "Tosh, I need your help," he stated once she answered her phone.

"Let me guess," she replied. "You need help figuring out what to wear." Ianto confirmed her suspicions. Typical, she thought. "Don't wear a suit. Be more casual. You have a red jumper, right? Go with that or some shade close to it. Red really is your color."

Ianto thanked Tosh for her advice and finished getting ready.

Jack began leaving the Hub at eight. Unfortunately he couldn't sneak out without Gwen noticing.

"Look at you all posh," she stated with a hint of jealousy. What's he dressed up for? Does he have a date? Is that why Ianto went home early? Oh bloody hell; he has a date with Teaboy!

Jack didn't bother acknowledging Gwen with a comment, though he did agree that he looked great. But he did notice that Gwen was having an inner struggle of some sort and just hoped that if she figured out that he had a date that she'd take the hint that he didn't want her.

Tosh had planned on leaving with Jack so she grabbed her purse and her laptop and headed out with him. "You look great, Jack," she complimented.

Jack's smile grew wider. "All thanks to you, Tosh."

Tosh just smiled and giggled. "Just go take that handsome Welshman out for a night to remember, or else I'm going to take him out myself," she quipped, calming Jack's nerves.

"Sorry, Tosh, but he's all mine," he smiled at her again. "And it will definitely be a night to remember."

They arrived at their cars and each departed towards their destinations. Jack turned the fifteen minute drive to Ianto's flat into ten. He was extremely excited and anxious for the evening that he couldn't help but speed while still being weary of other drivers (for once).

He jumped out of the car and entered Ianto's building. Arriving outside Ianto's door, he rang the doorbell and waited anxiously, fiddling like a little kid. When Ianto answered the door, Jack's jaw dropped. Ianto was dressed in a maroon jumper and black slacks. He wore the same necklace he wore when meeting Jack for the first time in the park, subduing the Weevil. He looks spectacular, Jack thought.

Ianto was also in awe of Jack. He expected Jack to wear one of his typical blue-shirt-blue-pants outfits. Instead, Jack was wearing his light blue top with gray tint and gray trousers. He had light gray braces to match. Ianto also noted that Jack was not wearing his typical brown boots, but rather a pair of old school deep gray dress shoes. The only thing typical was the greatcoat, which I love anyway.

Jack finally regained his ability to speak. "You look amazing, Ianto," he complimented the younger man while stepping into the flat.

"As do you, Jack," Ianto confessed, and placed a kiss on Jack's cheek. Then he grabbed his coat, which Jack helped put on, and they headed out to Jack's car.

"You have a car?" Ianto asked, noting that Jack didn't bring the SUV.

"I rented it," Jack admitted. "The SUV wasn't appropriate. Tonight is about us."

Ianto smiled at Jack's use of the word 'us.'

Jack returned the smile and opened the passenger side door for Ianto, shutting it softly once the younger man was settled inside. He scurried, but in a semi-dignified manner, to the driver's side and hopped in.

After settling in and starting up the car, he glanced over at Ianto who looked rather nervous. "Are you okay, Ianto?" he asked. The lack of response worried Jack. Could he be having second thoughts? Did I do something wrong? "If you don't want to do this, I'll understand." He hoped Ianto wouldn't reject him; especially not now they were both dressed up and ready to go.

Ianto was lost in his thoughts about Jack's attitude towards him tonight; how he was being a perfect gentleman. It's surprising, but it's nice and I love it. He shook himself back to reality after hearing Jack's last statement. "No, no. I want to go on this date. I was just thinking, that's all," Ianto replied with a reassuring smile.

Jack let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. This man is such an enigma. I never know what to think or feel with him, and that scares me, but I love it. I love him, he admitted to himself. Jack put the car in drive and headed off to the French restaurant.

Ianto was surprised at their destination. Jack kept his plans a secret; not even Tosh would give him any clues. He remembered, Ianto thought. I mentioned this place to him a month before he left, and here we are now, on our first date. Ianto smiled as Jack opened his door and helped him out of the car.

Jack grabbed his hand as they were walking into the restaurant. Ianto felt a little odd; he was never one for public displays of affection. But as Jack intertwined their fingers, Ianto relaxed. Our hands fit perfectly together. His warmth fills me up. This is perfect. He was so happy and in the moment that the looks they received from some of the other restaurant patrons didn't matter. He was there with someone he cared about, a lot. Someone I love.

The waiter showed them to their table for the evening; a secluded private arrangement set up with all the traditional romantic gestures. Rose petals were laid upon the table that contrasted the roses in the centerpiece, and two candles, which the waiter lit upon their arrival. Jack pulled out the chair for Ianto before gathering in his own.

It was evident that Jack had ordered for them well in advance. Not only did the waiter not give them menus, but shortly after they were seated and comfortable, the waiter arrived with a bottle of Ribeauville Gewürstraminer wine. Jack allowed Ianto to taste and approve his choice before having the waiter top their glasses.

Ianto was stunned at the wine choice. He was always fond of a great white wine. He also didn't know Jack had such an attention to detail and wondered what entrée was chosen to go with the wine.

But first he had to get through the cheese appetizers. They each fed each other once before getting too silly about the whole idea. It was romantic, but also nothing like them.

Jack decided the silence between them dwelled enough. "So, Ianto," he nervously broke the silence. "Are you enjoying yourself so far?" He anxiously waited for a response.

Ianto made Jack suffer in silence a bit, looking away as if to portray doubt, before plastering a huge grin on his face and nodding his head. "Yes I am, Jack," he finally answered, smiling and gazing straight into the older man's eyes.

Jack's nervous frown turned into a giant smile instantly. "Good," he responded before popping another cheese square into his mouth.

Ianto smiled and thought once again about how Jack remembered him wanting to come here. Then it dawned on him. Jack was gone for a year in his own timeline. He remembered something I told him before he left! Ianto found the man before him even more amazing.

Jack noticed Ianto was lost in his thoughts and grew rather curious. "What are you thinking, Ianto?"

Ianto reached over the table and interlaced his fingers with Jack's. He looked up and met Jack's gaze. "I was just thinking about how amazing you are," he admitted.

"And what makes you say that?" Jack asked with sincere curiosity.

"Because you remembered," he murmured.

"About this place?" Jack asked, thinking he understood the line of thought. Ianto nodded. "Of course I would remember about this place, Ianto. I wanted to bring you here as soon as I was back after Abaddon. But then…" he stopped speaking, knowing very well that Ianto knew and understood what happened next.

Ianto was shocked at Jack's confession. "But after a whole year, you still remembered."

"Yep!" Jack embodied confidence and pride.

Just then their entrées arrived. Ianto was left speechless, again. Duck L'Orange! "How did you know that this was my favorite French meal?" Ianto asked in astonishment.

Jack smiled. "I didn't, until now. I just chose what I thought you'd enjoy."

Ianto just smiled, I haven't stopped, and together they enjoyed their meals.

Jack decided to strike up a conversation and find out more about the enigmatic man before him. "Tell me about yourself, Ianto, aside from what I already know."

Ianto looked up from his meal and pondered what there was to tell. He already knows my story. The truth came out after Lisa the Cyberwoman tried to take over the hub. Well, most of it anyway. Only Rhi and I will ever know the truth about my family; the way it should be. He settled for hobbies and interests for whenever he has free time. "Well. I love coffee," he started with the obvious. "I love all things sci-fi and James Bond. I love reading, especially the Harry Potter series." He paused. "I don't know what else there is to say, Jack." He went back to continuing his delicious duck l'orange.

Jack thought for a moment. "What about your family?" I don't know much about them.

Family was and always would be a subject off-limits to sharing with others. Lisa only knew about Rhi, but never met her. I'm especially not telling Jack, at least not until – if – he proves himself. "What about yours?" he countered in order to avoid answering. "You know my story, but I don't know yours."

The truth in the young man's statement jabbed at Jack's heart. He thought about what all he could tell Ianto. I'm not proud of my past. The person I am now is all that matters. But if I want him to be open and honest with me, I have to be open and honest with him. "I've lived an extremely long life, Ianto. It would take months, maybe even years, to tell you my story," he answered truthfully.

Ianto facially expressed his disappointment and went back to his meal. Jack didn't want Ianto upset, and especially not tonight. "But I will tell you what I can," he added grabbing back Ianto's attention. Once he had it, he told his story, or at least the portion he wanted Ianto to know and love him for.

"I'm from the 51st century. I lived on the Boeshane Peninsula with my parents and younger brother. My brother was taken during an alien invasion. My father was killed that same day in an attempt to stand up to the aliens. I joined the Time Agency, which you learned from John, once I was old enough. What I had with John was never serious, by the way; at least not to me. Anyway, I joined to find my brother since I knew I couldn't change what happened; timelines. I never found him. The Agency used an advanced form of retcon and stole two years of my life, and once I found out, I left. I became a conman, scamming the Agency in an attempt to get my memories back. I was running a con when I met the Doctor; the ninth regeneration to be exact. It was with him and his companion that I died the first time." Jack paused, because the rest of the story is what tore at him the most.

He regained his composure and continued, "The Doctor's companion at the time brought me back to life using the Time Vortex. The Doctor abandoned me. I knew he recharged the Tardis using the rift so I set to travel here, but I ended up in the 1800's, completely unaware of my immortality. I died a few times before it all set in. Torchwood of that time found me and I worked with them ever since. Once I was a full team member, I worked hard to change Torchwood for the better. But I still wanted answers from the Doctor. You know the rest," he ended.

Ianto listened intently as Jack told his story, still picking at his meal. He was finished by the time Jack completed his story and they sat in silence. The waiter arrived and retrieved their empty plates. Neither man spoke for a good five minutes.

Jack grew nervous, wondering what Ianto was thinking. He could see the wheels and gears turning in his brain. But he waited as patiently as possible for a response.

"Thank you for telling me, Jack." Ianto finally broke the silence and offered a sweet smile.

Jack returned the smile. He knows more about me than anyone EVER has, excluding maybe the Doctor. But he doesn't ask for anything more. He accepts me. He sees me for who I really am. I love that about him.

The waiter returned with the check, which Jack produced his card for and sent him away.

Jack looked back towards Ianto. "I didn't order dessert. I hope you don't mind. I just figured we'll be seeing a movie and I know how much you love popcorn when watching movies."

Ianto laughed. "You can't watch a movie without popcorn. It's just not right," he answered to show he didn't mind not having a dessert. He was full from the exquisite meal anyway.

"Speaking of movies," Jack began, "Would you prefer the cinema or a nice movie alone, say at your place?"

Ianto knew exactly what he wanted and answered rather quickly, "My place."

Jack laughed and signed the receipt when the waiter returned. He helped Ianto with his coat before shrugging on his own, and they departed from the restaurant to begin the second half of their evening.