Title: Happy Valentine's Day
By: scifichicx
Pairing: mild Jack/Ianto & Ianto/Lisa
Rating: PG
Summary: End of days wraps up some time in the first week of February. Valentine's day comes after and Ianto has to face it.

***

He buys a dozen pink roses, because that was her favorite color. And one red, because he loves her that much. Blue buttons are on sale, he thinks of buying one for Jack but decides it's not worth his money.

One small container of white chocolate black currant ice cream because, "ice cream is more exciting than plain chocolate."

A reservation for two, and his finest suit. He sets the red rose on the empty plate across and orders two glasses of wine. He lets them think she stood him up when he leaves his half-finished plate and her full wine glass behind.

The night is crystal sharp and chill. He carries the bouquet and the ice cream he picked up at his flat after dinner still in it's grocery bag. 'Always and Forever,' rumbles in his throat, the song they had danced to the night they finished unpacking after moving in together in London. She said it was their song. Every time he heard it he remembered her hair all messy and her bare feet with pink toenails and that faded hoodie she wore around cause it was good luck. He smiled, the melody catching in his throat.

Roath Park was brilliant at night. Especially tonight, with so many couples hand in hand. It would have been a wonderful place to propose. Ianto turned to the water, about center to the bridge he'd been strolling across. He looked out at the civilization speckled night and let the wind push the flush of tears from his face. Leaning his elbows on the wrought-iron rail he let the bouquet dangle over the water. Taking off the plastic covered in scribbled frosted hearts, he unrolled the flowers and let them slip from his grasp into the water one by one. "Here lies Lisa Hallett," He whispered to the black. "Beloved daughter and sister. The woman with the most brilliant spirit and smile in all the world." Crumpling the plastic into the ice cream bag and setting it down he used his now free hand to dig into his pocket. "Who should have lived well beyond the years she was granted."

The box was small and covered in black velvet. He opened it and cupped it in both hands. "Who would have made one lucky man the happiest in the world." His thumb dragged along the bright diamond of the engagement ring and then the smooth wedding band beneath. "If only he'd been good enough." Ianto closed his eyes tight and lowered his head, taking a moment to collect himself. "And he misses you so much."

Calmly he reopened his eyes and gently plucked both rings from their hold in the box. "I loved you, Lisa. And I would have for the rest of my life." Holding the pair of rings at the tip of his thumb and forefinger he left a kiss to their cold metal- how fitting- and let them drop to the water. The box snapped closed and he tossed it into the bag. Then threw the lot of it in the trash as he walked away.

***