"You're late," Jack said, checking his watch. "It's now been 17 minutes and 38 seconds."
"Now you're interested in punctuality."
"It's all about the motivation," Jack grinned, his voice lowering.
"So…. Just us…."
Jack fought to hold back a cringe. Ianto's suggestion was highly unexpected, to say the least. But flirt as he might, actual initiation would have to be down to Ianto. No way was Jack pushing that envelope. "Second thoughts?"
"Would I be a prick-tease if I said yes?" Ianto asked.
Jack's heart dropped and he hoped to hell it didn't show too much. He shook his head. "No. It's got to be what you want."
Ianto studied Jack for a moment. "You mean that." It was a statement, not a question.
Jack nodded. "Yes. I do."
Ianto took a deep breath. "In that case, no, I'm not having second thoughts. And we are now at over 20 minutes."
Jack stepped close, keeping eye contact, taking the stopwatch from Ianto's hand, and clicking it to stop as he leaned in for a kiss he'd been waiting months for – one that got deeper and deeper until Jack had to stop. "My place or yours?" he asked, out of breath.
"Yours is closer," Ianto said, very practically.
Jack grinned. "Yes it is. Follow me."
Some while later, Jack and Ianto lay necessarily close in Jack's bunk.
As Ianto's heart rate returned to normal he took a deep breath and shifted. "I'd better go."
Jack turned to him. "Why?"
"I just thought you'd…."
"No. You can stay. I mean, if you want. If you don't, I won't keep you or anything, but it would be nice…."
"Didn't think you were the type. I mean, guys don't generally… right?"
Jack sighed. "Yeah, not on this planet, apparently. Except I do."
"Can't imagine how many you've had."
"Does it matter, to you?"
"I guess not. Pretty much everybody's had more than me, I'll wager."
"How many?" Jack glanced over when Ianto didn't respond. He'd never seen calm Ianto look quite so embarrassed.
"I'm ashamed to admit it. I'm sure I don't compare very well."
"Hey," Jack said, turning over and stroking Ianto's shoulder. "I don't do comparisons. If there were things I didn't want to know, we wouldn't be here right now."
Ianto closed his eyes and wondered if that went both ways –did it mean Jack was willing to share of himself as well? "You are, technically, my fourth. But… I'm not made of glass, and despite my limited experience I'm definitely not pure of thought. And… I've never done that with a man before."
Jack's brows shot up. "Wow. Really? Never?"
Ianto's shoulders slumped. "Please don't tease."
"I'm not, I swear I'm not. You were… you were great, actually. Outstanding among, admittedly, many."
"Beginner's luck?"
"No such thing in the bedroom. Trust me. You're a good lover."
The warm feeling zinging up his spine made Ianto smile.
"Ianto. Just so there are no misunderstandings, and despite all beliefs to the contrary… I'm really not that into one-night stands."
Ianto hesitated. "Are you saying… you'd like this to be a regular thing?"
Jack nodded. "I'd very much like that; as long as you would, too."
Ianto just nodded and tucked his head against Jack's shoulder.