Jack watched silently as Ianto slept. For the first time in what felt like forever, the Welshman actually looked his age, looked young. The bruises from today's Weevil hunt barely showed up in the moonlight as it played across his features. It was the third time in as many days that Jack had seen Ianto get hurt; he didn't want it to happen again.
The battle raging inside his head at that moment was immense. He ran a finger over the Retcon pill in his pocket. What would trigger it? Would Ianto see Jack chasing a Weevil in a few years time and soon be at the Hub, demanding answers? What about the rest of his team? Gwen, Tosh, Owen? What would any of them do without their trusted 'tea-boy'? Ianto was, after all... the heart of Torchwood no matter how much Gwen thought it was her. Ianto held them together and kept them going with his warm smiles and delicious coffee.
Jack was startled from his thoughts as Ianto stirred, rolling over to stare at Jack in the doorway.
"Are you going to keep staring or make me a –terrible- coffee?" Ianto chuckled. Jack found himself faking a grin as he pushed off the doorway and made his way into the kitchen.
"Stop shaking!" He hissed, glaring at his hands. Why did the oh-so wonderful and brave captain get so nervous about Retconning someone? He'd done it before...
But you didn't Love them...
"Ugh... Shut up..." He groaned, leaning against the counter. He flicked a switch on the machine, listening intently as it whirred into life. His gaze finally lifted, resting on a picture on the fridge. One look at that made Jack admit it.
You and Ianto, the Christmas party. He didn't care about you snogging him then, as long as it was under mistletoe...
The man Jack loved was in that picture. The man Jack loved, who had just given him the perfect way to erase him from his life.
Retcon in his coffee, so simple... makes your heart ache really... how quickly all those memories can disappear...
Jack viciously swiped at the tear making it's way down his cheek. He stifled a surprised yelp as a pair of strong arms encircled his waist from behind.
"Jack? You okay?" Ianto whispered. His reply was a few ragged breaths. Eyebrow raised, Ianto moved his arms and slowly turned Jack around the face him. Noting the tear marks, he let out a sigh.
"Cariad?" He asked. The American let out a shuddered breath, crushing the Retcon in his pocket. Ignoring the questioning looks Ianto shot him, Jack brushed the dust of his fingers and brought his hands up to cup Ianto's face. They kissed softly for a moment before Jack pulled away.
"Yan, I erm... I don't really know how to-" Ianto silenced him with another kiss then, blushing, he said,
"I love you too,"