Jack snuggled up against Ianto's back and held him close. It was only the second time he'd stayed at Ianto's flat and the bed seemed so huge compared to the spare little bunk he'd inhabited for years.
To an old soldier like Jack, it was almost unnerving, all that open space. Over the years, he'd been far more used to trenches and foxholes and cockpits. Besides, sleeping close together was a necessity in his own bunk. Jack wasn't sure he knew how to sleep "on his own side of the bed" anymore.
So he was quite glad when Ianto snuggled back and held Jack's hand against his chest and murmured, "Goodnight."
Jack couldn't help smiling. Ianto really did have the most beautiful vowels.
"Good…," Jack started to whisper, then spotted something strange behind Ianto's nightstand. "Uh… do you plan on bludgeoning me to death in my sleep?"
Ianto nearly sat bolt upright. "What the bloody hell are you on about?"
"What is that… a shillelagh you've got there?"
Ianto turned to stare where Jack was pointing and burst out in laughter. "Jack… it's a hockey stick."
"Yeah, uh… not making me feel that much better. You play hockey in the bedroom?"
"Well…," Ianto smirked, then decided he'd definitely been spending too much time with the Captain of the Innuendo Squad.
"No, but, really…. I thought it was ice hockey you were a fan of."
"I am. But I can't skate for shit. I played field hockey for a bit at school. Got in the habit of keeping my stick near the bed. I mean… wasn't always in the best neighbourhoods, you know? Especially at uni. There was a spate of break-ins around the end of my last term. Had to be careful."
"Right around the time you were recruited, I'm guessing?"
"Yeah, well… I moved minutes after I'd had my first pay packet, anyway."
"Uh huh. So… do you play hockey in the bedroom?" Jack asked, settling down and pulling Ianto back to him.
"Sticks… balls…. Too easy, Jack."
"Suppose it is. But I've never turned down easy. There are enough challenges."
"Don't imagine you have turned down much."
"You'd be surprised. Anyway, now I know I've got such resolute protection, I'm sure I'll sleep quite a bit better tonight."
Jack wanted to add that he'd protect Ianto against all comers, too, but decided it was both too early and too late – too early in their 'association' and too late in the night. Best to just sleep, Jack decided. Maybe one day they'd get to such a point. Maybe. Jack had a feeling it would be worth it. Maybe.