Jack let go of Ianto with an affecionate smile. The welshman left the room with his trademark grace, off to get the captains a good cup of coffee. John, leaning against Jack's desk with his arms and ankles crossed, stared at his retreating back. Jack leaned back, trying to read his ex partner.

"You look like you've never seen me kiss someone."

"I just had a revelation."

Jack got up from his chair, hands in his pockets, and looked at him with his head tilted to the side.

"I used to think you didn't do commitment. That you didn't do love. Then I saw you with Ianto and realized I was wrong. You are able to love. You just never cared much about me."

Not an accusation, just a statement. His voice complete level he added:

"Hurt like a bitch."

Jack reached out and traced John's jaw.

"Hey. Look at me. Please."

When John turned away Jack sighed.

"I did love you, John. In a way I still do."

"Not like that. We never had what I saw when you looked at Ianto."

"What was that?"

"Affection. You and I would beat and shag the crap out of each other even in public. But a public display of affection?"

Jack stood behind John, his hands on his ex partner's hips.

"That's what you wanted?"

Jack felt him tense. John's "yes" was so low he'd almost missed it. He swallowed hard.

"God you're beautiful when you're being honest", he breathed, his lips brushing John's neck. John let out a shaky breath and leaned back against Jack's chest, but he didn't say anything.

"You're gorgeous, John. I'll never forget that. But you're a part of my past."

John pushed away.

"Yeah I get it. You're all changed yadda yadda, reminders of your past are inconvenient. Does Eye Candy know anything about who you really are?"

"Were, John. The man you knew doesn't exist anymore."

John turned back and looked at him. Then he took a step closer, invading Jack's space.

"Doesn't he?"

God that voice. Hard wired to Jack's libido. John knew how to strike all the right chords.

"Come with me. For a day. Come back right here right now, no disturbing the time line."

"I can't."

Jack held up his wrist strap.

"This doesn't work the way it used to."

"Mine can carry two."

When Jack didn't answer John huffed out a laugh.

"You don't want that, do you? You don't trust me, and you don't want to rely on me. You really think I would leave you stranded?"

"Wouldn't be the first time."

"That was necessary for the mission, and you know that."

"Didn't back then."

"That was necessary for the mission, too."

"And you loved it."

John grinned.

"A little."

Then he was all serious again.

"This is different. I promise. Why would I lie to you about this?"

"Why are you so insistent?"

"Because - "

John kissed him. The perfect kiss, a bit of his clever tongue that promised heaven on Earth or any other planet.

"- I've missed you. I've been missing you for 147 planets. 148, only this one doesn't count, does it?"

And Jack gave in.

"24 hours and we jump right back to this exact point."

"Whatever you want, honey."

Jack tried not to be too excited about traveling Time with John once more. He failed. It was exciting. Everything that involved John was exciting. He should have known.