Spoilers: Out of time

Beta-ed: TattoedLibrarian

The next day things in the Hub didn't look any better. Ianto left his car at the car wash detailing and an outside wash. But he knew it was in vain. He'd have to get rid of the car, not because of himself; he couldn't care less that a dead body was in it, but because of Jack. He noticed when they got outside in the car park; he carried equipment for them and he saw Jack's gaze searching for his car absently looking at the empty space. When he didn't find it he just left without a glance back, without a smile, wink, or a joke; nothing the whole day to anyone, not just him. Gwen sat behind her desk playing with her computer not willing to face anyone; she wasn't upset, just uncertain. Owen looked like death on leave; his temper was more than sensitive. He burst out at Ianto a few times over small things. Ianto was the one sorting reports about the three time travelers so he wasn't upset with him. He could read between the lines. The little doctor would never send someone out that didn't have power over him into almost certain death. He would stick a needle in her and just say 'not on my watch' and he wouldn't care about what that person thought of him later on.

When he sorted the reports in the drawer he put Emma's file on top. Three destinies and she was only one who managed to accept the gift of a life in a new place and time. Maybe she was simply young enough, like he was young enough to carry on.

Tosh was only one who seemed to be untouched with recent events.

"Finally" She turned triumphant just to discover that there was nobody to share her latest accomplishment. She carried on in spite of the lack of interest. "I cracked the sticky ball code, it was based on chemical substances that turned into waves, I had to adjust what was sent out to a liquid density and then it all became clearer. I just need to sort out the meaning of the parts that are repeated."

"Aha" Murmured Gwen without lifting her head. Owen didn't even make a sound to show that he heard her. Jack just nodded his head looking serious.

"Send it to my office when you're done." He turned and slowly headed toward his office.

Tosh turned and looked at Ianto puzzled. Ianto gave her one of his reassuring smiles trying to transfer his support. She returned his smile and jumped to her feet.

"Come on my tall, dark hero, let's go have a pint to celebrate my success, and then we will bring lunch to the grouches." His eyebrows jumped up in surprise, Jack turned startled on top of the stairs. "That's if you don't need us Jack." She smiled with apology.

"No." He shrugged his shoulders looking at Ianto with an absent frown on his face. "Have fun." He turned to his office and Tosh took Ianto under his arm and dragged him out of office. He felt warmth on his cheeks because of her hero joke.

Tosh was chatting on the way out and all through the streets to the pub. She talked about her work, explaining details to him. He knew that she didn't forget about her audience. She was simply sure that he followed her and understood what she was saying. She almost never spoke in such details to others except Jack. Ianto felt flattered by that. The woman had evaluated him and he was rated well in her book.

They sat across from each other at a tall table and ordered a pint of beer.

When she made a pause in her report and looked around Ianto spoke up.

"So, where did that hero joke came from?"

"Oh, it's not a joke." She answered absently watching closely at a couple talking by the counter.

"Really?" Ianto mocked ironically.

"Yes Ianto" She turned her attention to him seriously. "Don't think I forgot how you saved me from the cannibals, and that I'm not aware of the beating you took instead of me. That's heroic enough for me." Ianto shrugged his shoulders feeling embarrassed.

"You do those kinds of things every day."

"Yeah, it's kind of in my job description, you did it for me in spite of your fear." Ianto stared at his glass, of course she remembered his fear, and he remembered it too, especially at night. She reached out and touched his hand slightly. They exchange a smile and Tosh continued with her techno chatting.

I have to mark this spot. I hit the 100th page in this story. I can't believe I got this far, and in English. I just want to thank all of you who got this far. Thank you who pushed alert, and gave reviews. I'm hoping that I didn't got sidetracked in my attempt to stick to the actual show. There's still some road ahead because my goal is love after all. Hope you enjoy this story as much as I do. Your opinions will be welcomed.