Unsaid
Rose G
Disclaimer – All characters are the property of the BBC; I have made no money from their use.
They knew, but never mentioned it. Silence defined their relationship.
When Ianto, exhausted and afraid, reached out, it was for Lisa. Jack knew and offered himself instead, allowing Ianto what comfort he could find in his presence.
When Jack, abandoned, hurting, made love to Ianto with brutal haste, it was the Doctor he needed. Ianto knew and suffered it; anything to ease Jack's loneliness.
Gratitude for the acting changed; became love, the centre of their lives. That was never mentioned, either, but they knew. They were still second. And better second in the other's heart than love of another's life.