Time Will Tell
The night was drawing in as the three members of Torchwood went to their cars for the drive home. One more car however, was left in the garage, next to the sleek, black SUV. It's owner was just putting paper cups, crisp packets and screwed up paper into a black bin bag. He sighed as he tied the bag up and placed it to one side. Next, he collected up mugs and took them to the kitchen. After placing them in the small dishwasher, he straightened up and looked towards the office. The light was on. That meant Jack was still here. 'Oh well, time to face the music' thought Ianto, climbing the stairs.
Jack didn't look up as Ianto tapped on the glass. "Come in."
Ianto pushed the door open and stepped inside. Not too far...not yet. Just far enough to see the whites of the immortal's eyes, once he looked up.
"Sit."
"Sir."
Ianto sat in the chair opposite Jack to await his fate.
"You've been back off suspension a week." Jack stated.
"Yes, sir."
"How are you, Ianto?"
"Fine, thank you, sir." He lied.
Jack put down his pen, leaned back in his chair and eyed the younger man. "Is that true?"
"Sir?"
"You look...unhappy. Far too serious."
"I'm fine. Really."
Jack wasn't convinced. "I know we haven't spoken much since," he almost cringed. "Lisa, but we both know it was for the best."
Ianto remained silent.
"There was nothing you could have done for her. Hell, the Professor would have thrown you to the wolves, had he found a way to get her out of here!"
Still no response.
Jack signed. "I know you hold me responsible. I get that. But she could have killed the others, too."
Ianto frowned. "I'm sorry about Maggie."
"I know."
"I...loved her. Lisa. I wanted to marry her."
"Yeah."
"Can I go now, sir?"
"What about us, Ianto? Was there an 'us'?"
Ianto looked at his hands, turned his head away and said, "l...yes, there was an 'us'." He stood up and walked to the door, looking out at nothing in particular. "I never set out to have sex with you." He turned. "A little flirting maybe. I'd read your file, you see." He turned away again. "It just...happened."
Jack stood, moving up behind him. "What just happened?"
Ianto turned and two pairs of blue eyes locked and held.
"I fell in love with you."
Jack smiled. "I didn't want to think that you played me for a fool."
"I didn't."
Jack reached a hand out to caress Ianto's cheek. "I really need to believe that."
Ianto leaned forward, kissing the immortal. "Believe it."
Jack wrapped his arms around the Welshman. "I think I do."
Then he kissed him.
FIN