Jack looked down at the young Welshman who was working silently at his desk. There was something that had changed between them since he came back. Ianto just seemed to look through him, and that fiasco with John Hart didn't work. Jack had wanted this to work. He really did no more messing around; he wanted the real deal from Ianto. But Ianto barely spoke to him; he almost seemed to retract into his shell once more. The way he did before and after the Night of the Cyberwoman.
When the others left and Jack was alone, his thoughts remained with Ianto. He wondered what Ianto was doing that night. Was he alone? Was he with one of the others? Or was there someone else in his bed? Why did he care anyway? He wasn't feeling jealous was he? No, no, no Jack Harkness was from the fifty first century were monogamy was almost unheard of. He didn't get jealous repeat that HE DID NOT GET JEALOUS. Nope, never, not at all.
Invisible. That's what he had become to Ianto. Part of the background. It probably didn't help having Gwen trying to flirt with him despite being engaged or Owen acting like a brat with sharp comments about their relationship. If it was even one at that. He had grown to care for Ianto, yes. In fact he l-l… see he couldn't even admit it to himself. But if he did l- feel that way, how did he know Ianto was the same? Damn it what had ever happened to the swashbuckling daredevil who acted then thought? Who admitted things easily as long as they didn't compromise the mission? Jack made his choice.
As he drove to Ianto's flat the radio was playing a song. The chorus made Jack's ears prick up.
If I was invisible
Then I could just watch you in your room
If I was invincible
I'd make you mine tonight
If hearts were unbreakable
Then I could just tell you where I stand
I would be the smartest man
If I was invisible
Wait, I already am
However when he got to Ianto's flat, nobody answered the door. Jack used his key to open the door and step inside, cautious as to what he may find. Ianto was curled up in his bed fast asleep. Jack looked down at his sleeping face. So young and innocent and beautiful in sleep. Jack had to admit sometimes he felt that there was something not right about their age difference. Ianto was barely twenty five yet Jack lost count of his age after 150. Invincible he may be, but hearts were too easily broken to admit feelings. Maybe it would suit them better to have them being kept apart. They could both keep up their Invisible Man façade toe ach other. Jack was determined not to cry as he kissed his loved one goodbye.
"I love you Ianto, more than you'll ever know." Jack breathed as he kissed Ianto's forehead and moved away. Barely audible but in the silence of the room the sleep-laden five words echoed like the loudest scream.
"I love you too Jack."