A/N Well, I tried working out Jack's timeline which is no easy feat but he told the Doctor he landed on Earth in 1869 and didn't find out he couldn't die until 1892. So the marriage he talks about here is set between that time.
Save the Last Dance For Me
"That's what I love about Torchwood by day chasing the scum of the Universe come midnight you're the Wedding Fairy," Ianto said, going to start the major cleanup operation. It was going to take all bloody night.
He heard Jack chuckle and that brought a smile to his face. "Ianto?"
Ianto turned around to face him. "Sir?"
Jack held out his hand, when Ianto gave him a confused look, he said: "Dance with me?"
"We have things to do, Jack." Ianto took off his jacket and placed it neatly over an empty chair. Then he undid his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves, reiterating the point that it was time to get to work.
"I'm the boss, I say it can wait. Please?" Jack gave him that look that he knew Ianto couldn't resist and he gave in.
Stepping forward he took Jack's hand letting Jack lead him to the dance floor. Once they reached the center of the floor, Jack stopped and undid Ianto's tie sliding it gently from his neck and before Ianto could protest he pressed a finger to his lips. Jack tucked the tie in his pocket then undid the top two buttons of Ianto's shirt revealing just a little bit of chest hair that drove him crazy.
Jack grinned and admired his work. "Gorgeous," he said, giving Ianto a tender kiss.
Ianto blushed and gave Jack a tender smile, feeling content. Ianto loved moments like these where Jack was romantic and sweet leaving no doubt how he felt about him. Jack truly had given his life meaning again, making everything they did worth it. "So are you." Ianto ran his hands lovingly across Jack's chest and up to his shoulders.
Jack pushed a few buttons on his wrist strap and soft music filled the air. He then wrapped his arms around Ianto's waist, pulling him close so there was no space between them. Ianto wrapped his arms around Jack's neck and gazed into Jack's eyes which were now focused on him. This was the dance he had wanted earlier when he had to break Jack out of his reverie and nostalgia. It didn't work until the dance was nearly over but Ianto still tried comforting Jack with soft touches and his presence.
"It occurred to me that earlier that I was…" Jack paused, trying to think, "What's the Welsh word for idiot?"
"Twpsyn," Ianto said simply. It always amused him that Jack couldn't speak the language after living here so long. Sometimes he thought though that Jack just liked to hear him speak Welsh.
"Right that, I was a bit too lost in the past and when you my sexy, gorgeous, intelligent, witty and well I could go on forever about your endearing qualities; but when you wanted to dance I didn't give you the attention that you so rightly deserve."
"It's okay; I knew you were in another time, another place. Weddings make us all think about the past, the future, what could be, what could've been, you're bound to get nostalgic." Ianto didn't want to mention Lisa and how he wondered if she hadn't died at Canary Wharf if they would've gotten married. It was the first time in a long time that he thought about her, but this time there was no pain. Jack had helped him move on. He found a stronger love in Jack, and that led him to think about their relationship. He realized he didn't need a partnership with Jack; he just needed him for as long as he would stay. And he liked to think he meant enough to Jack that if he did leave he would come back for him like before.
Jack nodded seeming to understand what he was thinking. "True, but that's not a good excuse. And I wanted you to know it wasn't about Gwen."
"I know. I don't doubt your feelings for me, Jack."
Jack smiled. "Good because she chose Rhys and I'm happy for her. And I made the even better choice and chose you."
Ianto couldn't help but smile back as he ran his fingers through the hairs on the back of Jack's neck. "She reminds you of someone though doesn't she?"
Jack looked at him sadly. "Back when I was abandoned by the Doctor and returned to Earth all those years ago, I didn't know what had happened or that I couldn't die. Time travel was a long way off so I decided to settle down and make the most of life. I married a beautiful woman, Christine, and we built a life together. She wanted kids, and so I agreed as long as it wasn't me that had to be pregnant." He paused. "Remind me to tell you about that sometime."
Ianto raised an eyebrow. "Duly noted considering the activities we get up to."
Jack chuckled. "I promise I wouldn't knowingly let you get me up the duff."
Ianto laughed. "That's reassuring."
"And not at all shocking that I can?"
"You're from the 51st century, doesn't seem so impossible, there must be advances in technology that allow for it. Besides there's not much that you can say that will shock me. But go on I want to hear the rest, it's helping talking about it right? Unless you want to drop it."
Jack shook his nodded. "No, I want to tell you what I was thinking about. Christine couldn't have kids, and we found out she was sick. I was so angry, because in another time it could've been treated, she wouldn't have died or suffered," Jack's voice cracked and a single tear fell which Ianto kissed away.
"I'm sorry, Jack."
Jack gave him a tender smile. "Thank you, Yan. So, after that I thought I can't do that again, it hurts too much to lose someone. Something I know all too well now. But, I traveled, found out I couldn't die, went to find the Doctor by the rift, got forced into Torchwood and the rest they say is history."
Ianto held him close and for a few moments they danced in silence.
"I was thinking about you too, y'know," Jack whispered.
"Me?"
Jack sighed. "Gwen and Rhys today they pledged to be together for both of their lives. They can have that happiness. I can't give you that Ianto, much as I would like to I can't spend the rest of my life with you. It kills me. And I wondered if I was being selfish keeping you with me, when you deserve so much more than I can give you. You deserve a partner that can grow old with you, kids, a beautiful home, all of it and more," Jack said quietly tracing idle patterns along Ianto's back.
Ianto gazed at him. "I hope I get a say in this before you decide to push me away thinking I need all that."
"Of course you do, you're my partner. And it may selfish but I'm not strong enough to push away even if I did think it was for the best."
Ianto caressed Jack's cheek. "It's not selfish, we need each other. And all those things I have them, not in a conventional sense but I do."
Jack gave him a confused look. "You do?"
"Hmm, the team is my family. And they squabble and make a huge mess just like kids. Seriously I don't get how Owen manages it but he's a walking tornado when it comes to messes." They laughed. "I have the home, because wherever you are is where I want to be. And I even have a pet, Myfanawy, who we spoil."
"You spoil," Jack corrected.
"Fine, but you won't get me to feel bad about it. Now where was I? Oh right," Ianto paused. "And most importantly, I have you. My partner, I know it hurts both of us that you can't die but that doesn't change the fact that I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
Jack held him a little tighter. "You mean that?"
Ianto smiled. "Yes. You protect me, care for me, and you make me happy. Tell me something?"
"Anything."
"Will you remember me for as long as you can? Even if it just a story about me and a stopwatch or a UNIT cap."
Jack smiled sadly, running his hands up Ianto's back as he leaned forward and kissed Ianto's nose. "It won't be that story, your memories will be the ones I hold on to when the days and nights are lonely and I need comfort. I'll think of moments like right now and how good it feels to be in your arms."
Ianto blinked back tears, and then kissed him softly. "Thank you, that's all I needed to know." He paused. "I love you, Jack. I know you can't afford to feel the same-"
Jack stopped him with a kiss, pouring all of his love into it. "I love you too."
Ianto realized there was something that Jack could say that would shock him after all, and he suddenly found it hard to breathe. He knew Jack felt the same, but he never expected to hear the words. As he gazed into Jack's eyes he saw the truth reflected in them and he broke into a huge smile.
Jack rested his forehead against Ianto's, tears in his eyes. "It will hurt when I lose you but it will be worth it knowing I had your love and our time together. I will never forget you…I promise you that, Yan."
Ianto captured Jack's lips against his, kissing him deeply. Jack gripped his shoulders as Ianto ran his fingers through Jack's hair. Their bodies melded together and they only broke apart when the need for air became too great.
"I'm going to have to make an honest man out of you."
"I don't need a piece of paper or all this," Ianto waved his hand around, "to say that we belong together. I know here," Ianto took Jack's hand and pressed it to his heart, "That I'm yours and you're mine."
"So you wouldn't be my partner if I asked?" Jack asked sadly.
Ianto kissed his hand. "No I would and I am your partner, I just don't need any of that if you don't. If it's good enough for you it's good enough for me. I'm happy aren't you?"
They smiled at each other. "I am, happier than I've ever been. You're an amazing man, Ianto Jones."
"You're not so bad yourself," Ianto teased.
"But you would say yes?" Jack asked nervously, twining their fingers together and pressing a kiss to their hands.
Ianto gave him a rare, tender smile. "You know I would."
Jack pulled him in for a hungry kiss. Ianto moaned softly as Jack's hands seemed to be everywhere. Jack rolled his hips letting out a moan of his own. "Need you," Jack groaned into Ianto's mouth.
"We can't, not here," Ianto panted, his hands dipping down to cup Jack's arse despite what he had just said.
"Why? There are bathrooms…or even better guest rooms!" Jack kissed him harder, grinding against Ianto who returned the kiss with the same intensity.
"We have to clean up remember?" Ianto said, breaking the kiss. He was quickly losing all coherent thought, and even that sounded weak to him.
"Owen and Tosh can handle it," Jack argued, moving down to kiss and nip Ianto's neck. Ianto titled his head back giving him better access.
Ianto moaned as Jack found that spot at the hollow of his neck. "And poor Tosh will end up doing most of the work."
"How about I take away some of the work?" Jack bargained, moving up planting kisses from Ianto's jaw to his ear, biting gently at the lobe causing Ianto to shiver.
"How?" Ianto threaded his hands through Jack's hair, pulling Jack to him for another passionate kiss. Jack's pheromones and unique scent were only adding to his desire and he wanted nothing more than to give in and take Jack to one of those rooms where they could get lost in each other till the sun came up.
Jack ghosted a palm down along his trousers and Ianto let out a load moan as Jack's hand found its target and cupped him. "I'll pay the staff to clean up the reception area. All we have to do is get the guests to their rooms and clear evidence of us being here."
Ianto raised an eyebrow, trying desperately to focus. He didn't think Jack was focusing too well either considering that was the best that he had come up with. "That still leaves a lot of work. Have you seen how many people there are?" He looked around at all the people passed out around them and then was quite thankful that were all were in a retcon sleep considering what he and Jack were just doing. No, what Jack was still doing, and he didn't care because it felt so good. "I want you, Duw, I do but we have to wait."
Jack sighed, stopping, and rested his head on Ianto's shoulder. "I know, I know. I'd just rather be with you."
Ianto ran his hands down Jack's shoulders, pressing a kiss to the top of Jack's head. "Me too," he said, trying to catch his breath.
"Oi, you two! Enough of the snogging, we've got work to do. And frankly my organizational skills are crap, so Harkness let him help now eh?" Owen said loudly, stepping into the room.
Ianto turned to face Owen, his back to Jack. Jack wrapped an arm around Ianto possessively. "Get your own sexy, efficient, Welshman."
Ianto chuckled. "We already knew your organizational were rubbish, Owen," he replied. "I wasn't about to let you clean this up on your own."
"Good, let's get then done then shall we?" Owen clapped his hands together.
Tosh joined them with a bunch of bins. "Shall we just dump everything?" She asked.
"Nah, leave that Tosh, we're going to have the staff cleanup this mess courtesy of Torchwood expenses. We just have to get all these guests to bed. Shame they won't remember that they got me to put them in bed though," Jack said suggestively.
"Such a shame," Ianto deadpanned.
Jack continued: "Geez they're going to go forget all the good moments! Me running in and stopping the wedding that was fun I've always wanted to do that!"
"Don't forget you getting punched," Owen quipped.
"Oi! I thought it was the Nostrovite," Jack pouted.
"Should've checked though before calling her an ugly bitch though," Ianto said with a grin.
"But it's not a wedding until someone gets knocked out," Jack replied, grinning back at him.
"That's true, happened at my cousin's wedding as well," Tosh said.
"See? Just wished it hadn't been me. Oh and then there was the highlight: me getting out my big gun and taking out the Nostrovite!" He grinned lasciviously.
Ianto burst into laughter, only Jack could make something like that sound so dirty and hot. Damn it, if they didn't get this operation done soon he really was going to have to take Jack to one of those guest rooms.
"You're sick, Harkness," Owen muttered.
Tosh said nothing, drinking a glass of champagne with an amused expression on her face.
Ianto swatted at Jack playfully. "Behave," he pretended to reprimand him, finding it quite funny. It had been an interesting day to say the least.
"I can't you won't let me take you to bed," Jack whined, resting his chin on Ianto's shoulder.
Ianto blushed, Tosh giggled and Owen shook his head. "Honestly, Harkness how does Ianto put up with you?"
Jack was expecting Ianto to say it required long suffering patience or something like that but Ianto surprised him by saying: "Owen when you love someone you accept them for who they are and learn to appreciate them and their flaws. Nobody's perfect after all."
Owen looked as shocked as Jack felt. Ianto was a private man, while Jack would openly discuss their relationship, Ianto was mostly quiet. The team knew they were together, but didn't know how important they were to each other. Jack saw that Ianto was trying to rectify that, they were family after all. And Jack now wanted more than ever to truly make Ianto his partner and let everyone know he was taken by the amazing and oh so perfect Welshman. He pressed a kiss to Ianto's cheek.
"Right, even though Jack claims he is," Owen teased, accepting what Ianto had said.
"I have an access key for all the rooms," Tosh said, before Jack and Owen could argue some more. "I tweaked it a bit, to make things easier."
Jack gave her a big smile. "Oh you're brilliant, Tosh! Good work, but first one more dance."
"No, you two do not get another dance when I can't drink," Owen complained.
"I meant you as well."
Owen put his hands on his hips, shooting a glare at Jack. "I'm not dancing with you, Harkness!"
Ianto laughed and Jack pretended to look offended. "Not me, I'm taken remember?" Ianto reached for Jack's hand which was now resting on his hip and squeezed it. "And I'm happy so let's celebrate eh?"
Tosh walked over to Owen. "C'mon, one more dance?"
Owen smiled at her. "With you, gladly." He took Tosh's hand and led her to the dance floor.
Jack and Ianto shared a look then Jack turned Ianto back to him. Taking one of Ianto's hands he clasped it close to heart and then put his other hand on the small of Ianto's back. They danced cheek to cheek, swaying softly to Glen Miller.
"I intend to make love to you all night long once this is all cleaned up," Jack whispered. "And show you just how much you mean to me."
"I already know, Cariad." Ianto replied, holding Jack a little tighter.