Ianto and Luca get to know each other.
TWTWTW
Ianto and Jack walked into the room where Luca was sitting quietly awaiting his fate. Luca's head shot up as he heard them approach and he slipped off the chair to kneel on the floor, head bowed submissively.
Ianto breathed in sharply at the display, how was he ever to teach this creature to be a self sufficient functioning individual when submission was so deeply ingrained within him?
Jack looked at Ianto grimly and tried to pass encouragement to him with a squeeze of his hand. He advanced into the room.
'Luca, please sit on the chair' said Jack gently.
Luca looked up at him and shakily complied with his orders, immediately bowing his head once more.
'Luca, this is Ianto. Whilst you are with us he will be your Master. He will look after you. If you have any concerns or needs you will inform him. You will live with him and he will give you tasks when he brings you to work' Jack told him.
Ianto looked up sharply at Jack's words. They had said nothing about Luca living with Ianto. However he supposed it made sense. They could hardly leave him in the hub and where else would he go? But Jack and Ianto spent much of their off duty time together at Ianto's home and Ianto felt himself droop slightly as he realised this would now be seriously curtailed.
Luca had looked up at the mention of a new Master. He looked at Ianto warily but with hope. Ianto realised Luca had no reason to trust him or to be thrilled at being passed off onto a new Master and he tried to relieve what he assumed would be anxiety on the other man's part.
'Hello Luca' he said.
'Good morning Master' replied Luca dutifully.
'Luca, where do you come from?' asked Ianto.
Ianto thought that some time should be spent just talking to Luca and attempting to put the other man at ease. It would also be helpful if Ianto could learn something about Luca's past experiences.
Luca did not hesitate to answer anything his new Master asked of him but he did so with obvious trepidation, apparently fearing that the answers would not please Ianto.
'I come originally from Luxor Master' said Luca 'but Master Marcus and I have lived on Earth, in a town called Cardiff for four years' he added.
Ianto and Jack looked at each other, Luca had been sent through time but had not been displaced in space. Logically he could only have come from the future.
'What was the year when you left your home Luca' asked Ianto gently.
'The Alliance date was 4037 Master' he answered.
Ianto looked at Jack in question at what 'Alliance date' might mean.
'When the federation of planets drew up the Alliance they needed a date which all could recognise, hence the 'Alliance date'' Jack explained 'it corresponds almost directly with Earth years so Luca is from more than two thousand years into your planet's future' he continued.
Ianto assimilated this information quickly.
'Why did you move to Earth?' he asked Luca.
'Master Marcus became Luxor's ambassador on Earth...it was necessary to live here' answered Luca.
Ianto looked at Jack again.
'In the future Earth will play host to many ambassadors from other planets. Just as Britain has embassies from foreign countries, so they will have them from foreign planets in time' explained Jack.
Ianto nodded trying to digest all this new information.
'Luca, you have been transported back in time...I'm sorry but there is no one from your planet on Earth at the moment' he said softly.
Luca swallowed audibly.
'I have been taken by the rift?...Master spoke of such things' he said quietly.
Ianto was surprised but Jack just shrugged. It was reasonable to suppose that the rift would still be active in the future.
Ianto took a deep breath.
'I think our Doctor should look you over Luca...make sure there are no ill effects from being transported by the rift' said Ianto.
He was thinking that Owen would need to keep him informed if there was anything medical he should know. Was Luca as human as he appeared? Would he need any special treatment? Food? Medical support? Ianto sighed deeply thinking about how complicated his life had just become.
'Master I am healthy...I do not need to see a Doctor' objected Luca quietly.
'It's just a precaution Luca...Owen won't hurt you...I'll stay' Ianto tried to reassure the man.
'Of course Master' Luca capitulated immediately and Ianto sighed again at this show of submission.
TWTWTW
Owen sighed for the third time as he waited for Ianto to give Luca the exact same instructions as he himself had just given. He realised that Luca was only reacting in the way in which he had been taught, but it was frustrating to have obstructions placed on his every move.
Eventually, after taking what seemed like forever to withdraw a blood sample, Owen decided it would be best to use scanners to complete a basic exam rather than upset or frighten Luca further.
'Ok I'm done' announced Owen 'Ianto can I speak to you upstairs?'
'Sure' said Ianto 'Luca please wait here' and he followed Owen up to the main hub.
'Right...basically he has pretty much the same physiology as a human...lucky for you' grinned Owen 'heart rate and respiration higher than the average human but not sure if that's normal for him or just because he's stressed' he continued.
Ianto nodded relieved that at least this was one less thing for him to worry about.
'When he settles in I can do more extensive tests but probably best to leave it for now...I suggest you take him home, feed him and see if you can get him to calm down enough to sleep...call me if you have any worries' finished Owen.
'Thanks Owen' acknowledged Ianto and he returned to Luca.
'Does the Doctor say I am healthy Master? Are you pleased?' asked Luca anxiously.
Ianto could feel the blood pounding around his head already with the stress of this new situation.
'Yes Luca, as far as Owen can tell you are healthy...but we have no knowledge of your race in this time...if there are things you need to be healthy you must tell me...or if there are things you need to be happy...do you understand?' asked Ianto trying to instil in Luca the importance of his own well being.
'Yes Master' said Luca.
Ianto wrapped a blanket around Luca and prepared to take him home.
TWTWTW
'Ianto I think we need to talk some more before you and Luca leave' said Jack.
Ianto thought about this. Frankly anything that kept him from having to deal with this situation alone was ok with him. He nodded and took Luca over to the sofa and settled him on it.
'Stay here Luca...I need to speak with my colleagues...I'll come back for you' he said.
'Yes Master' answered Luca.
Ianto frowned at the immediate and unquestioning obedience but followed Jack to the conference room.
Before they entered Jack took Ianto to one side.
'Are you ok with this Ianto?' he asked.
'No' admitted Ianto 'but what else can we do?'
'We'll work it out' smiled Jack 'I think we should leave at least a few days before I come home with you...let Luca settle in...we'll just have to make more time together at work'
Jack pulled the Welshman towards him and kissed him passionately whilst giving his arse a cheeky grope.
'This is not going to do our sex life any favours' laughed Ianto pulling away.
'Oh I don't know...sneaking around...trying not to let anyone see...secret rendezvous...little notes...it will be just like old times' grinned Jack.
Ianto rolled his eyes and they entered the conference room together.
TWTWTW
Jack looked around at his team and began with his explanations. He had never had explicit dealings with people from Luxor but he knew a little about them and their history in the Alliance. Whilst Owen and Ianto had been in the medical bay with Luca he had been assembling what he knew and researching archived information for details.
'When the Alliance first got involved with the planet of Luxor concerns were raised about the issue of slavery. In order to allow them access to the Alliance the ambassadors were required to free the slaves they had bought with them to the conference' he said.
'Our governments thought they were doing a good thing, thought they were bringing freedom to a primitive thinking race. They were wrong' he continued.
He glanced around the room at his team who were all watching him and absorbing the information.
'The dominant partners who had come to negotiations found surviving without their slaves hard. They became aggressive and difficult to deal with. Their concentration levels diminished and their renowned negotiation skills wavered to a point of irrelevance' Jack continued.
'The slaves were not overjoyed with their new found freedom as they had been expected to be. They were bewildered and frightened. They found it impossible to function without a Master and many became seriously depressed, a few even died' Gwen gasped and looked at Ianto with horror at the task before him.
Toshiko reached over to Ianto and touched his hand in silent support, he smiled back at her.
'The slaves and Masters often had a genuine love relationship. Few were happier to be apart. For the most part the bonds were partnerships. One partner looked after the home and the comfort of the Master. The other had a work life outside the home, bought in an income and provided stability for the slave'
He looked around at the team to ensure their understanding.
' Most loved each other, perhaps not always in the romantic way this world thinks of love, but still it was genuine affection and care. It worked and the Alliance soon realised they could not part Master and slave without causing problems and had no real right to enforce their own thoughts and traditions onto a new race. Our thinking had to evolve to embrace these new ideas on partnerships and we in this hub have to also embrace the rights of others to behave differently in order to understand Luca' he continued.
The team all considered this. Jack was right they did not have the right to impose their beliefs on others. But this was difficult in the face of something so very foreign and obscene as slavery.
'We will all need to support Ianto in his new role...we must all accept that to Luca he is Master and Luca needs that' he finished.
Gwen looked down, she knew some of this speech had been directed at her because of her earlier stance.
'We'll help you Ianto' she assured the man sitting opposite her 'I can't help but be disturbed by the notion of slavery but I know it will be hardest for you as you will have to live it...I'll try to keep my opinions to myself' she grinned sheepishly.
Ianto smiled at her. He knew her good intentions would not last but he also knew she would try and that was what counted for him.
'Good luck mate...rather you than me' observed Owen.
'You're the best man for this job Ianto' smiled Toshiko and she placed a hand on his arm as he rose to leave and begin his work.
Ianto thanked her. Knowing that she genuinely believed in him was very pleasing and made him determined to live up to her and Jack's expectations.
TWTWTW
Ianto drove to his house, parked the car and taking Luca's hand he led him inside. He placed him on the sofa and took a deep breath.
'Would you like a drink Luca?' he asked.
Luca shot to his feet.
'I will make refreshment Master if you will please show me the kitchen' he said.
Ianto shook his head.
'I do not wish you to make anything Luca...please sit down' he said.
Luca sat with a thump and bowed his head obviously worried he had done something wrong.
Ianto decided that laying out rules might be the best way to go. At least then Luca would have a framework to live within, it might help him to feel safe.
'Luca if I wish you to do anything I will ask you directly...try not to second guess me' he said.
Luca nodded but did not look up.
'Anything you wish to do for yourself you may...but please do not leave this house or the hub without asking first. When we are at home here you do not need permission to look at, use or touch anything, but at the hub it will be best for you not to touch anything without asking' he continued.
'If you wish to ask me anything, or tell me anything you may do so...is there anything you wish to ask me now?' he finished.
Luca looked up nervously.
'It's ok Luca' encouraged Ianto.
'Master do you have a bathroom? And I am very hungry' admitted Luca.
Oh God thought Ianto. How am I ever going to do this, I can't even anticipate his most basic needs. He rose and showed Luca the bathroom and made his own way to the kitchen to begin to prepare some food.
Somehow they stumbled through the next few hours and Ianto showed Luca his spare bedroom and encouraged him to get some sleep.
TWTWTW
Ianto woke with a jerk to find Luca standing silently by his bedside. He quickly got his breathing under control after the fright of being awoken to the sight of a naked alien watching him intently. Ianto spoke.
'Luca...you scared me half to death...are you ok?'
Luca promptly burst into tears.
'Master Ianto don't make me go away...I just want to stay with you...I'll make you feel good...please let me stay with you Master Ianto' he cried pitifully.
Oh God thought Ianto. The man was practically begging to be taken advantage of and Ianto was missing the comfort of Jack's body right now. He hated himself for being tempted despite knowing he would never actually do anything about it.
'Luca...it's not appropriate for you to be here with me...go back to your bed' he insisted.
Luca became near hysterical on being rejected. He collapsed on the bed begging Ianto not to send him away. Unable to calm him Ianto had given way and invited the man into his bed.
Luca immediately tried to initiate sexual activity and Ianto had become angry in order to stop him. Cowed by his Master's anger Luca had stopped his ministrations and become docile again begging not to be sent away.
'Luca it's ok...you can stay here...but I don't want you to do anything sexual with me...do you understand?' said Ianto.
'But I can do it good...show me how you like to be pleasured and I will learn real quick...you don't have to punish me or sell me...I'll be good' pleaded Luca with tears in his eyes.
Ianto felt heartbroken for the man in his bed. That he should feel terrified by sexual rejection was pretty horrifying.
'I'm not going to punish you or sell you...try to understand Luca...where you are now no one is allowed to punish you and no one is allowed to sell you or own you' said Ianto patiently.
'But then who will look after me...who will love me?' pleaded Luca weeping inconsolably.
Ianto sighed, he was not going to make Luca understand easily and for now he needed him to calm down and be open to receiving new information and a new way of living.
'Luca..I will look after you...you are safe here...safe with me' offered Ianto.
He knew Luca needed to feel he belonged to someone in order to make sense of his new situation. He needed to know he was safe and would only be convinced of that if he thought someone was responsible for him.
'And you will love me?' pleaded Luca.
Ianto thought about what he should say. He had gathered that love did not mean the same to Luca that it did to people on Earth. It contained more need and more submission on Luca's part and more commitment to look after on the part of his partner.
'Yes Luca' he eventually said giving the other man what he needed 'I will love you'
Luca settled in the bed to cuddle up to Ianto pressing an erection into his behind but refraining from trying to initiate anything further. Ianto gave up the struggle and allowed the man the comfort of another body to snuggle against.
TWTWTW
Ianto woke first in the morning and made them both a drink before returning to Luca in the bedroom.
'We need to find you some clothes Luca' he said.
Luca had jumped out of bed when Ianto returned to the room and stood awaiting orders. Ianto looked at Luca, he was naked and he was the picture of innocence that did not sit well with the over exposure of well developed flesh. Ianto thought about the tabard he had been found in and wondered if this was the accepted uniform of slaves in Luxorian society.
'Luca...is this' Ianto pointed to his discarded tabard 'what slaves always wear where you come from' he asked.
Luca looked at him in disbelief.
'Of course not Master' he smiled 'I had just got out of bed...I was in our garden collecting strawberries for Master's breakfast...Marcus is very fond of the Earth fruit...I wanted to surprise him' Luca became very distressed at the thought of his Master and home.
Ianto looked at him in surprise. Luca obviously cared for his Master, surely this was the gesture of a lover. Ianto also felt ashamed. He had assumed slaves would be dressed for immediate sexual availability and this was obviously not the case, he should try to check such assumptions.
'Master may I ask you something?' asked Luca with a smile still hiding behind his eyes.
'Of course' said Ianto pleased that Luca was taking such an initiative.
'Why do humans always assume slaves are sexually subjugated? It is always the thing they are most fascinated with' he asked in genuine puzzlement.
Ianto thought for a moment. It was true. That was exactly what himself and the rest of the team had immediately thought about when realising what Luca was. It was what Gwen was so indignant about, what Toshiko was most sad about, what Jack and Owen were most titillated by and what Ianto had most difficulty coming to terms with.
It was why he had assumed Luca was wearing a uniform that made him sexually available, even though it would be impractical and bordering on abusive to make anyone wear so little in the middle of Wales, where the temperature was rarely high enough to warrant wearing skimpy clothing even in the middle of summer.
'You thought I was wearing so little in order to be available?' asked Luca.
'Yes' admitted Ianto slightly ashamed.
'But that would be cruel...it is usually so cold in your country'
Ianto shrugged, he had not thought this would necessarily concern a master.
'Do you own anything Master Ianto?' enquired Luca.
Ianto looked at him wondering why he asked but willing to humour him.
'I own a flat, a car...I had a dog when I was younger...oh..I didn't mean to infer...' Ianto stumbled.
Luca smiled at him.
'And did you look after your pet?'
'Of course'
'And did you receive back as much as you gave...constant companionship, someone always on your side...always willing to listen and to comfort...to offer you love and a hug?' enquired Luca.
Ianto laughed suddenly as he realised that was exactly what his dog had given him. Ok owning a person was still not high on his personal agenda but he understood what Luca was trying to say.
'In return for unfaltering loyalty and love you gave your pet care...you looked after it, fed it...had it been a person you would have clothed it and loved it...when you own something you look after it...Master would never have let me be cold or lonely or hungry or upset...I was his to care for...and he was mine' explained Luca.
Ianto puzzled over something else Luca had said.
'Luca...you said our garden?' he questioned.
'Yes...the garden that belonged to Marcus and I' answered Luca.
'But I don't understand' protested Ianto 'if you are a slave how can the garden belong to you?'
'It belongs to Marcus...I am his companion slave...what belongs to him belongs to me' said Luca with a touch of wonder that Ianto would not understand that.
'But' Ianto started 'forgive me...but what happens when you get old and Marcus wants a younger companion?' he asked embarrassed to bring up what could be considered an indelicate topic.
'Why would he want that?' asked Luca genuinely confused.
'Well...if you are for his pleasure then he might find an older version of you unappealing' said Ianto hoping he wasn't being too offensive, but surely Luca must have realised this possibility.
Luca looked at him with pity.
'But Marcus will be older also...we will grow old together...we will laugh together at the vagaries of age and console each other with memories of our youth...we know each other and we are suited...we will look after each other always...do you not have such things in your race?' asked Luca.
'Rarely' admitted Ianto sadly.
'Then I pity your race...I know Marcus will always love me, always look after me, he will always be there to comfort me...and so will I for him...we are safe together' he said fighting to keep control of his voice as he remembered he would be unlikely to ever see his first Master again.
'I don't understand how this is possible in a relationship where one partner is a slave' said Ianto struggling to comprehend 'how can you claim to love someone who has control over you...who gives you no choice in your role?'
Luca studied Ianto for a moment. The man obviously wished to better understand his race and that could only be helpful for Luca in trying to fulfil whatever role Ianto eventually assigned to him.
'Legally I have no choice...Marcus chose me as a companion and I have to satisfy his pleasure and comfort. But he has never forced me to do anything. I knew nothing of sexual pleasure when I went to him and he taught me...he could have used force but I know he never would...I do not fear him...his weapon of choice was always persuasion and he is very skilled' a look of pleasure came over Luca's face.
Ianto thought about this. Of course there were uneven partnerships in his world and let's face it most women in heterosexual relationships could be forced by the men in their lives but few lived in fear of such acts. Most women just assumed their male partners would never force the issue of sex and most men assumed this also. The crucial difference of course lay in the fact that if the men did use force the law could be used to punish them, Luca would not have that option.
Luca continued.
'I cannot tell him no...but he recognises reluctance and never forces the issue...he consults my wishes on everything in the home...final decisions are always his but I have never felt disregarded...it is as much his duty to look after me as it is mine to service him...he cannot just discard me without provision and beatings are much frowned upon' Luca looked at Ianto to see if he was beginning to understand the intricacies of Luxorian life.
'But you're not free' said Ianto.
'No' admitted Luca 'are you? Does it make you happy?'
Ianto thought about this. Technically of course he was free but he was unsure how much that freedom added to his happiness. He could see the appeal of having a well defined role and a relationship that was solid, although he could never be satisfied without the ability to say no and to leave. But did having those things make him happy? Not having them would make him unhappy but that was not what Luca had asked.
'I don't think we will ever really understand each other's way of life Luca' said Ianto.
He was fast learning that Luxorian slavery had little to do with 21st century notions of slavery on Earth. There were obviously complex commitments between Master and slave and more care than slavery here suggested.
'Perhaps not Master Ianto' said Luca effectively concluding their conversation for now.
Ianto sighed. He would definitely never get accustomed to being called Master.
'So what type of clothes would you normally wear?' he asked and the two went in search of something suitable in the spare clothes closet in the shower room.
TWTWTW
Luca and Ianto quickly fell into a routine at the hub. Luca would follow Ianto everywhere and Ianto found he quite enjoyed having someone to explain his duties to. Luca was a quiet and contemplative companion and Ianto appreciated that.
Did Luca act that way for his benefit? Had Luca realised this was the type of companion Ianto would most appreciate and allowed his knowledge to dictate his behaviour? Ianto found the thought slightly disconcerting but was unsure what he could do about it.
His presence in the hub was becoming almost routine to the other team members, although they tried to remember not to question orders whilst he was there. He made a remarkable job of blending into the background, not unlike Ianto himself when he had first arrived at Torchwood.
The team were almost beginning to become accustomed to the way in which Ianto now had a little follower everywhere he went. Luca was not happy unless Ianto were within his sights at the hub and so Ianto had allowed him to tail him and occasionally gave him little tasks to perform.
In the archives Luca had proved himself very useful. Unlike the rest of the team who had no desire to understand Ianto's filing system, Luca quickly adapted to it and would file appropriately whilst Ianto was completing paperwork or updating his computer system.
At first Ianto had felt slightly guilty giving Luca work to do, it made him feel like the Master giving his slave instructions. But he quickly realised he would not have a problem if Luca were simply a new team member and he decided to try and think of him in that way. Luca was infinitely happier with a task to perform and Ianto could understand the boredom that would come from just standing around watching others work.
Ianto left the archives with Luca trailing a couple of steps behind. Ianto had not yet managed to persuade the young man to walk at his side. When Ianto slowed his pace hoping for Luca to catch up the younger man merely altered his stride accordingly and remained respectfully at an appropriate distance. Ianto hadn't given up but he was learning to choose his battles and wean Luca off such behaviour slowly.
They reached the main hub and Ianto went immediately to Jack's office with the retrieved file that the captain had requested. Luca only followed him with his eyes. He was slightly afraid of Jack and had quickly realised that the relationship between his Master and the other man was more intimate than between Ianto and the rest of the team.
Ianto never minded Luca being around when he talked to the other team members but he was uncomfortable when Luca was around Jack. Luca puzzled over whether this was for his safety. Marcus had often made him stay behind when he went to meetings with certain members of the government, or asked him to stay out of sight if they were visiting at home. When Luca had asked about this Marcus had told him that the men in question had been known to behave inappropriately towards other men's slaves and Marcus did not want Luca upset by them. Luca understood the Master was protecting his property, but he was also protecting Luca on a personal level by not exposing him to situations in which he may become embarrassed, afraid or intimidated.
Now he wondered if that was the reason behind Ianto's reluctance for Luca to be with him in Jack's office. But Luca, as with all slaves, was very intuitive and he didn't think that was the real reason, or at least it was only part of it. It was almost as if Ianto wanted Jack to himself. Relationships between Masters were not unheard of but they were exceptionally rare and scarcely ever lasted in Luxorian society. Maybe it was different here.
Luca sat by Ianto's workstation and waited for his Master to return, keeping his eyes carefully cast down to avoid looking at the females of the group, especially Gwen who scared him most by always wanting to talk to him and tell him how he should be feeling. Toshiko, if she did talk to him, merely greeted him and asked if he had any questions she could help with. Luca would not dream of asking questions of a female but Toshiko's ready acceptance of his negative response had led him to feel slightly more comfortable in her company.
Ianto exited the office quickly as Jack was on the phone to the Prime Minister and his tolerance level was obviously close to breaking point. Ianto had squeezed his shoulder and left with a calming smile thrown in his direction.
He approached his work station and Luca automatically rose from Ianto's chair to vacate it for his Master. Ianto was lost in thought about Jack and occupied his chair without acknowledging Luca's presence. Luca looked around for a spare chair and when he didn't see one he just knelt on the floor next to Ianto.
Ianto quickly became engrossed in the latest updates to his system and was lost in thought as he ran through the files. Luca knelt contentedly by his master's side and as Ianto worked he let one hand travel down to Luca's head and stroked his hair affectionately.
Toshiko looked over at the two of them and felt a little shocked by the sight of Luca on the floor and Ianto petting him.
'Ianto!' she said loudly.
Ianto looked up sharply at the tone and Toshiko nodded to where he was stroking Luca's head. Ianto looked down at his hand in horror and pulled it away from the other man.
'Luca!' he shouted.
Luca stood abruptly, fear on his face at the tone.
'Master?' he queried desperately wanting to know what he had done wrong.
Ianto saw the fear and immediately regretted his tone. Luca had done nothing wrong, Ianto was annoyed with himself and how easy it was to take advantage of someone who was so desperate to please.
'I'm sorry Luca...it's ok...but it is not appropriate for you to sit on the floor at my feet...please find another chair to sit on'
Luca's eyes filled with easy tears. He had made another mistake and Master Ianto was cross. It was so difficult here trying to understand what this new Master wanted and how he should act. He listlessly fetched a chair and sat with lowered head next to his Master.
'I'm sorry Master' he spoke quietly.
'No Luca, I'm sorry...it was my fault and I should not have raised my voice...please forgive me' said Ianto smiling at the other man to reassure him.
Luca became more confused. Marcus had never apologised with words. If he knew he had upset Luca he would apologise with actions but using words to express regret was for slaves. This was another difference that Luca would need to assimilate and he filed it away in his mind, smiling brightly at his master to show acknowledgment of the apology
TWTWTW
Jack had decreed that they needed regular team meetings to discuss Luca. It would be unfair to just assume that Ianto would deal with everything and they all needed to be aware of progress. Ianto had given Luca a simple task to keep him occupied whilst the team met in the conference room.
Ianto told them a fact that he knew some of them at least would find hard to believe.
'Luca loved his master' he whispered softly.
'What?' exclaimed Gwen still having difficulty accepting a society that embraced slavery.
Ianto looked her squarely in the face.
'Luca loves his master' he repeated more loudly 'he misses him and cries for him in the night when he thinks I won't hear...I persuaded him to talk to me about him...he told me Marcus was beautiful and caring and looked after him...but it was more than that...when Luca speaks of him his eyes glaze over, he has a small smile on his face as he remembers and talks of him...he does not speak of him like a slave would a Master...he speaks of him like a lover' he continued.
'How is everything going Ianto?' asked Jack.
'He's sleeping in my bed' admitted Ianto.
Gwen gasped in indignation whilst Jack felt a small stab of jealousy. Ianto looked around at Gwen with annoyance written all over his features.
'For God's sake Gwen I am not having sex with him' he huffed.
The stress of trying to help Luca whilst missing Jack caught up with Ianto and in an uncharacteristically malicious way he carried on his tirade to Gwen.
'Some of us have morals that we are not prepared to compromise to fulfil a desire of the moment' he snarked.
Gwen looked away shocked at the level of nastiness in Ianto's tone and embarrassed to have her ill fated affair with Owen referred to in this manner. She knew she deserved it for doubting Ianto.
Jack looked on with interest. Gwen Cooper was not always the paragon of virtue she paraded herself as, and it was interesting to see that Ianto could and occasionally did lose control, however fleetingly. Ianto became more fascinating to Jack every day. He relied on him and enjoyed his company and there was always something else to learn. He could never quite capture exactly what the Welshman was. He was compelling in the true sense of the word. Jack missed him. Their time together had been seriously curtailed by Luca's arrival. He made a note to himself to spend some time alone with the Welshman later.
Ianto continued.
'He sleeps with me because he cries if he doesn't. He needs to feel safe and if I don't allow it I find him on the floor beside my bed in the middle of the night, as he creeps into the room when I fall asleep. He has tried every night to engage me in sexual activity despite my repeated requests for him to desist. He seems to believe that if he does not please me in this way I will sell him or punish him' sighed Ianto.
He looked around at them all.
'Having said that, last night he went to sleep without trying anything...not sure yet if that was a fluke or if he is starting to believe me when I tell him he will not be punished or sold if he does not offer his body'
Ianto took a deep breath and continued.
'He appears to be settling into a routine at home...he makes my food, sorts out my clothes and cleans the house...I've asked him to leave my clothes alone and for the last two days he has done so...I'm trying to take one thing away from him at a time...don't want him to feel his place has gone...that I have no use for him...he gets very anxious when he feels I have nothing I need him for' Ianto shrugged as he explained his thinking.
'That's good Ianto...you've made more progress than I would have thought possible this quickly...don't worry about rushing things...take time to wean him off working for you and if he needs to sleep with you then so be it' said Jack reassuringly, despite his desire to insist the Welshman have no one in his bed but his captain.
'However' he continued 'under no circumstances give in to his sexual demands...to do so once would confuse him if it were then withdrawn...he would never be able to understand the sort of casual sexual relationships common in this century on Earth'
Ianto looked at Jack indignantly.
'I have no intention of having sex with him sir...I'm not terribly keen on casual sex myself' he claimed his voice rising with the hurt he was feeling.
'Ianto I'm sorry...I didn't mean to offend you...it's just that I know Luca is trained to entice and seduce...at the moment your relationship with him is leaving you little space to find relief elsewhere and the temptation can become great in those circumstances'
Ianto had tears in his eyes. The stress of looking after Luca and wanting to be with Jack was becoming too much and now Jack was talking about Ianto having sex with other people in that calm manner.
Jack obviously thought Thursdays were still active for sex with other people and God knows what he is doing while I am stuck with Luca, Ianto thought bitterly. But even if Thursday nights were still reserved for other people, Jack should know Ianto well enough to realise he would not take advantage of Luca's situation.
'You of all people should know I wouldn't use him' he snarled.
'I'm sorry Ianto' repeated Jack 'I gave him to you because I felt you were the team member I could most trust with something like this..please forgive me' he begged.
Ianto just nodded trying to get his emotions under control before he continued his report. Between fending off the attentions of a desperate alien, missing the almost daily ministrations of his captain and feeling guilty over his outburst to Gwen, he was not having a good week.
Tbc.
