AdventChallenge Bingo - Chocolate fixes everything (Prompt 23 - Hot Chocolate)

[m_findlow]

Title: Chocolate fixes everything
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters/Pairings: Jack, Ianto
Word Count: 500 words
Rating: PG
Notes: Written for Prompt 23 - Hot Chocolate at adventchallenge

There was no escaping the fact that Jack looked like he'd had a rough day when he stumbled in through the door, dragging himself into the kitchen and slumping down onto the stool. It was a lot later than he'd planned thanks to the call he'd had from some officious idiot at UNIT right about the time he'd planned on leaving.

Ianto turned at the sound of footsteps and the keys that clanked noisily on the kitchen counter. He put away the pile of plates in the cupboard and looked at Jack. 'Tough day?'

'One for the scrapbook,' Jack replied wearily. 'Kids are already in bed, I suppose?'

'Yep. Sian got upset because she wanted you to read her a story.'

'I didn't meant to be home so late,' he said, already feeling bad.

Ianto gave him a sympathetic smile. 'You want to grab a hot shower first? I can fix you some dinner.' It was the least he could do.

'Not hungry,' Jack replied, 'and I've already showered three times today. Stupid alien slime.'

'I didn't think those were the same pants you put on this morning,' he replied.

Jack leant a tired elbow on the counter. 'So, how was your day, anyway?'

'Busy. We went into the city and looked at the Christmas windows, then we had our photo taken with Santa, we finished buying presents, had lunch, and then Tom wanted to go ice skating again, so we spent the rest of the afternoon down there.'

'No major accidents or tears?' They'd been down there only last weekend, watching the three of them try to keep balance on the ice. It was all fun and laughter until someone fell over, needing a hug before forgetting it had ever happened.

'A few bumps, but nothing world ending.'

'Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun.'

'More than you, I'm guessing.' Ianto turned and opened the fridge, pulling out the milk.

'I don't even think I can manage coffee, Ianto,' Jack said.

'Go get changed for bed and I'll meet you there.'

Jack was too tired to argue, slinking off and tugging at clothes that refused to cooperate. By the time he'd finally changed, Ianto was walking in with a set of mugs in hand. Jack could tell straight away from the smell that it wasn't coffee. Already his mouth was watering from the aroma of chocolate wafting towards him. This was no hot chocolate made from a tin. It was the real deal, proper chocolate melted carefully into milk warmed on the stove.

'I thought I'd have to wait until Christmas Eve?' Jack said. Ianto didn't usually go to so much trouble. It took him even longer to make it than it did to perfect his always exceptional coffee.

'Normally, but it looked like you'd had a day worthy of a treat.'

Jack took the mug and sipped, letting the smooth chocolatey flavour dance in his mouth.

'Have I ever told you how much I love you?'

Comments

[bk_forever]

Sometimes a special treat is all that's needed to make a bad day better.