5

The team were in a fluff about something and Ianto hesitated in the doorway of the hub as Jack strode over to Tosh's workstation for an explanation.

Unit.

"What the hell do they want!" Jack growled angrily.

"Something about an artifact they want, they are coming for it now, will be here in about half an hour" Tosh was visibly shaking as she reached for Jack, causing him to step into her personal space to comfort her.

Gwen looked confused but Owen's look of thunder told Ford all he needed to know.

"Right! Coffee!" Ianto clapped his hands and headed for the kitchen knowing his mate would follow.

"Tosh, she was … well you know" Jack said softly as he watched those nimble fingers work their coffee magic. "You've peeked at her records, I'm sure."

"Yes. I am aware" the voice was deep and angry, a rare flash of Ford in the hub and Jack was surprised.

"We will be polite but firm, we do not deal with threats or bullying" Jack said calmly, "It will be OK dearest."

"We shall see my sweet Cariad" Ford turned, his face calm but his eyes flashing with anger still.

"Good man" Jack smiled, pushing away from the counter to accept his cup with a gentle kiss.

"Oi!" Owen barked from the doorway as they jumped apart with surprise, Ianto coloring as he looked at his feet.

"What the fuck!" Owen spluttered, "What the fuck is this!"

"I … Oh god" Ianto sighed, looking horrified as he turned his back to Owen.

"Ianto and I … I mean … we are becoming romantically involved" Jack said, trying to mimic the 'Ianto' stance.

"Romantic? You?" Owen snorted.

"He is" Ianto whispered, "So kind and gentle, he holds me and makes it all go away. I'm safer with him, I feel … protected."

"Protected" Owen repeated, then face palmed. "As long as he is not taking advantage of you, being in a vulnerable place right now, Buddy."

"Oh Owen" Ianto smiled that little smile, "Jack would never … I sort of made the pass at him, not the other way around. I always felt …. Well Lisa was my first …. I mean. God, it's not something I ever thought I would consider normal, to look at another man with such … lust but he does something to me. With Lisa gone, I know she would want me to be happy. Jack will always be there; he won't leave me like she did."

Owen visibly slumped as he accepted the explanation, "Ok Bud. You're a big boy capable of making your own decisions and if you are happy with this one here, who am I to judge."

"You matter, your opinion matters to me Owen, you are like a brother to me" Ianto said softly, "Only … a shorter, less attractive one of course."

"Oi! Ya bloody bastard" Owen blustered, slapping good naturedly at Ianto who giggled softly as he leapt away from him.

"Maybe I'm the smarter one!" Owen shot as he scooped up his mug and sauntered off.

The laughter that followed him was loud and raucous, not at all what he would have expected to hear.

Both men roared with deep belly laughs, bellowing out through the hub and Tosh swung in her chair to watch him walk away backwards, watching the kitchen.

She tapped a fingernail against her mouse as she considered what she had watched on CCTV.

She was missing something; she could feel it.