7 -Last Man

Tosh had been in upheaval. Having to try and protect Tommy, but retain security of the rift and the world. Ianto could see some parallels between Tommy and Jack, though they were small.

Tosh had taken Tommy home for one night of freedom. Owen had gone home early to sort some stuff out with his flat, and had told Ianto to pop over when he'd finished, emergencies permitting. Ianto saw Jack in his office, so he walked up the back steps, trying not to disturb him.

"This time tomorrow he'll be back in 1918," said Jack hearing Ianto's footsteps. He didn't bother to turn his head, just continued to peruse the paperwork in front of him.

"His own time," Ianto replied waiting for Jack to turn. He stood with his hands in his trouser pockets, as if he didn't quite know what to do with them, staring at Jack's back.

"Would you go back to yours? If you could?"

"Why? Would you miss me?" asked Jack expectantly.

"Yep" At this Ianto wanted to see Jack's reaction to his omission, so he walked towards Jack's desk, and planted himself on the edge of the desk, so that Jack would have no choice but to acknowledge his presence.

Jack's eyebrows raised at Ianto's response. He hadn't really expected Ianto to acknowledge he'd miss him.

"I left home a long time ago. I don't know where I really belong. Maybe that doesn't matter anymore."

Ianto could feel Jack's loneliness. It filled the room and Ianto knew more than most that Jack didn't just sleep around for the fun of it, it was also to relieve his loneliness

"I know you get lonely."

"Going home wouldn't fix that," Jack paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts.

"Being here, I've seen things I never dreamt I'd see. Loved people I never would have known if I'd just stayed where I was. And I wouldn't change that for the world."

As he finished his sentence, Jack looked directly into Ianto's eyes, and Ianto felt like he had no choice but to look back.

Ianto was magnetically drawn to the Captain, wanting to ease some of the feelings he'd felt from him, so he lunged in to the Captain's personal space, grabbing his head and pulling him into a charged kiss.

Jack got sucked back into the warmth of another person. The last person to touch him so intimately had been Ianto. He hadn't wanted to find a random stranger to rip up the sheets with, only to leave the following morning without even finding out his bed-fellows name. He didn't have the drive to do that anymore, not since his first date with Ianto.

So Jack clung on for as long as Ianto would allow him. Eventually they both pulled away, breathing raggedly. Ianto stood and took a few steps away from the desk he had perched on, he couldn't look Jack in the face.

"I'm sorry," said Ianto embarrassed, his face was turning a bright shade of crimson.

"You shouldn't be. Although that's twice you've kissed me now, and we haven't gone on the second date yet."

"You should know something," there was a pregnant pause before Ianto continued, "there isn't going to be a second date."

Jack caught Ianto's eyes, a little surprised, Ianto steamed ahead with his explanation.

"Owen and I...I mean we're-"

"You got back together?" said Jack, inwardly sighing.

"I told you I had a decision to make. Well that was it. The night after we spoke I went to see Owen. I confronted him about his feelings, if he still had them, and asked him if he could possibly see us as a couple sometime in the future. He said he'd give us another try, as long as I don't try to run away again, emotionally. I love him Jack. I want to be with him. He makes me happy."

"And I wouldn't?" replied Jack quietly.

"I don't know. There are still issues between us, and Owen's always been there for me. He didn't leave me when I needed a friend."

Jack frowned and tried again to apologise for going away.

"What are you going to tell Owen?" asked Jack. Ianto sent Jack a quizzical expression so he elaborated, "About what just happened?"

A slight fear entered Ianto's eyes as he answered.

"I wanted to ease your pain. You're still my friend, I hope. Even if we have been out on a date. I'm not going to tell Owen, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't say anything either. It's not like it's going to happen again, and Owen's been through enough."

Jack thought for a minute, about the best thing to do.

"I'll keep quiet on my end, but you should tell him. You shouldn't keep secrets. Anyway, while we're on the subject of discussing kisses, what would you rate me out of ten?" asked Jack jovially trying to lighten the mood.

"Be serious Jack."

"I am! I like to know where I can improve in certain areas."

"I'm not going to stroke your ego."

"It'll make me feel better? Remember, you said we're not going on a second date, so I say you owe me this little favour."

Ianto relented when Jack turned his puppy dog eyes in his direction.

"Nine and a half?"

"What!?! No ten?"

"Well it wouldn't do for your head to get too big now would it? Besides, giving you a nine and a half means that you've got something to work towards."

"Well, seeing as you're here, we could practice 'til I get a perfect ten?" asked Jack hopefully.

"Jack!" Ianto shook his head.

"I'm kidding. You should go home. Feed that boyfriend of yours, he's too thin. Probably why I never tried anything on with him. Nothing to hold on to!"

"Jack," laughed Ianto, trying to stifle his laughter behind his hand.

"Go! I'll see you tomorrow."

"Night"

"Night, Ianto."

As Ianto climbed into his car and drove he contemplated the past 15 minutes.

Why was it that Jack had such a hold over him? He loved Owen, but he had never truly loved Jack. What was the saying? You always want what you can't had? Ianto understood that Jack wanted him as more than a friend but surely if you decided you wanted something, you shouldn't want something or someone else too?

Ianto pulled up outside Owen's flat and got his key out ready to enter. Before he could put his key in the lock, the door was pulled away from him and there stood Owen looking all warm and inviting in the hallway light. Before Ianto had time to say hello Owen swooped forward and captured his lips. Ianto responded immediately and made a hasty comparison between his kiss and the one from half an hour ago. This kiss was familiar and yet slightly different to kisses he had shared with Owen in the past.

Owen drew himself away and used his arms to lever himself away from Ianto and back into the hallway.

"Hi," Owen smiled.

"Hello...Can I come in?"

"Of course." Owen jumped back and Ianto stepped inside and shut the door. Silence ensued as Ianto waited for Owen to invite him into the lounge. He raised his eyebrows in query and took a step forward, making his way towards the lounge when Owen raised an arm effectively blocking his route.

"What's going on Owen?"

"Well...I wanted to surprise you."

"You already did. That kiss was- well hot!"

"I thought we deserved a quiet, romantic night in while it's quiet."

"So why can't I go in and sit down?"

"You can, but you need to wear this first," Owen produced a black blindfold from a rear pocket of his jeans. He took Ianto's over-the-chest bag from him, dropping it on the floor near the stairs before he gestured for Ianto to turn 180 degrees to face away from him.

Unsure but trusting Owen, Ianto complied. He felt Owen's hands place and secure the blindfold around his head. He also felt Owen's breath on the back of his neck as his senses heightened from losing one of his five senses temporarily.

He heard Owen walk around to face Ianto before hands descended again to check Ianto could see nothing.

Owen smiled to himself as he turned his lover by the shoulders and gently guided him down the hallway. He angled Ianto to the right in front of the lounge door, lined him up so he would be easily guided through the doorframe, then reached round Ianto to pull the silver door handle down to push the door open.

No words were spoken, but with every step Ianto grew suspicious as Owen's smiled widened.

Three steps and Ianto was in position ready for the grand unveiling.

"I'm going to take the blindfold off in a minute," Owen settled his fingers on the blindfold and whispered, "Hope you like," as he peeled it away from Ianto's eyes.

Ianto slowly opened his eyes to let them become accustomed to the light. The room was darker than he expected. Strung around the walls were multi-coloured rope lights. Owen had put the small dining room table in the middle of the room, which was set for two people.

There was a lit candle whose flame glowed in the dim light, and Ianto could see a single red rose laid across one plate.

He could also see light streaming from the kitchen and smelt delicious aromas wafting through the room.

"Owen! This is lovely. I can't believe you had the time to do all this. This is why you told me not to worry about hurrying back."

"Well Jack helped a little. He called when you left the Hub. He had an idea I was planning something."

'Oh he did, did he?' thought Ianto.

"So why don't you take your jacket off?" said Owen undoing the two buttons at the front and sliding the material down each shoulder and his arms.

"Have a seat," Owen guided Ianto to one of the sofa seats, "and just relax."

"Can I help with anything?"

"Nope, the meal's almost ready and everything else is done. Fancy a drink?"

Ianto thought for a moment and decided he should just enjoy tonight, who knew when there would be another like it?

"Sure, what have you got?"

"Beer, wine, spirits?"

"A glass of red wine would be lovely thank you."

Owen disappeared, only to return with two long stemmed wine glasses full to the brim of red wine. Owen sat on the arm of the sofa next to Ianto. He leant his arm along the back of the sofa cushions and used the other to softly stroke Ianto's hair.

"What made you decide to do this?" asked Ianto.

"I already told you, I-"

"The real reason?"

Owen opened his mouth, then slammed it shut before he gave an honest answer.

"Life's too short. Seeing Toshiko and Tommy together, the way she did her best to ease his thoughts of death tonight. She loves him, you can see it. And love needs to be cherished. We don't know how long we have in this job. We need to start making the most of everyday together. Who knows if it'll be one of us next?"

Ianto reached up and caught Owen's hand, curling it into his own and placing it over his heart.

"You're right," Ianto looked up into Owen's eyes, "I love you so much."

"You too."

"So what else have you got in store? I'm hungry. What's to eat?"

Owen leant in and kissed Ianto's temple.

"Dinner will be served in three minutes, sir."

Owen stood, disentangling himself and moved to the kitchen. Ianto rested his head back against the sofa cushion. He closed his eyes and just drank in the sounds of pots clattering and pans clanging. Life was so short. Torchwood proved that every day. Innocent civilians, troublesome aliens and even confused creatures. Making the most of every minute was the only way to ensure that life was worth it.

Ianto was pulled from his contemplative mood by the silence now emanating from the kitchen. Slowly he opened his eyes and was immediately greeted by a smiling Owen.

"Tired?"

Ianto smiled back as he responded, "No, just thinking. Always easier to do when you close your eyes."

"We can do this another night if you want?"

"When you've gone to so much trouble to set this up? Hell no!" Ianto sat up quickly taking hold of Owen's hand dangling between his thighs.

"Let's eat then."

Owen gestured to the dining table where two plates sat opposite each other, piled and steaming with hot food.

Owen pulled his entwined fingers with Ianto's and moved Ianto to a standing position before leading him to his seat at the table. Before Ianto could pull the chair out, Owen had stepped in and held the chair out for Ianto to sit in.

Throughout the meal Owen and Ianto talked about nothing in particular. They tried not to discuss anything about work, but sometimes it was necessary to stay sane.

They got through the starter and main course before Owen called a halt. He cleared the dishes from the table, insisting Ianto do nothing but relax. He filled the dishwasher up before clearing the table and moving it back into the kitchen. Ianto was intent to watch, fascinated and intrigued by what Owen was going to do next.

As if from nowhere Owen rolled out a shag carpet rug, laying it across the floor in front of the fireplace that was the centrepiece of the living room. Next Owen was transferring food containers from the kitchen to the living room floor.

Ianto toed off his black shiny shoes, and folded his feet under his bum, settling into watch Owen more, but Owen stopped and turned to face Ianto.

"So I was thinking...what could make an evening in with a home cooked meal a night to remember? A rug near a roaring fire, intimate relations with the man you love, and dessert?"

"Sounds delicious."

"So I suggest you get over here and park your delectable self on the floor. Get comfortable and we can get on with dessert."

"Yes sir."

Ianto heaved himself off the sofa, peeling off his socks as Owen reached over and loosened Ianto's tie. He pulled the two ends of the tie with his hands, which in turn pulled Ianto close enough for Owen to plant his lips on the edge of his nose. Having accomplished bringing his mate closer, Owen pulled one end of the tie through the shirt collar surrounding it and threw it carelessly behind Ianto, in the general direction of the sofa. He twisted two buttons at the top of Ianto's shirt and pulled apart the stiff starched material.

"It's a start, but we'll get there eventually," murmured Owen, looking Ianto up and down with a critical eye.

"Don't you seem a little overdressed for the occasion of dessert Dr Harper?"

"Not just at the minute. Take a seat so we can get started."

Ianto smiled to himself as he took cushions and pillows from the sofa, arranging them on the rug. He sat down then lay back on them waiting.

Owen joined him on the floor, lying on his side. He moved the food containers within reaching distance. Owen took the lids off all the containers and showed them to Ianto.

"What do you think I should have first?" quizzed Owen.

"I don't know...erm...how about some of that chocolate sauce with those small chopped nuts?"

"Alrighty," answered Owen, who reached over to unbutton the rest of Ianto's shirt before he separated the shirt ends, pulling the shirt tails out of the trouser waistband. Owen continued to pull the shirt apart, exposing Ianto's chest and stomach.

Ianto was confused, and it showed in his face.

"I thought we were having dessert then intimate relations?"

"Can't we combine the two?" Owen angled his head towards Ianto's belly button so he could look up and over Ianto flat stomach and chest, to his face.

"Ah! Now I see. I've never..."

"Neither have I. If you don't like it we can stop anytime you want."

Ianto nodded in agreement, so Owen reached an arm out for the bowl of slightly warmed chocolate sauce.

"This'll be a bit warm, but I'm told it only adds to the sensation."

"I'll let you n-noooo. Ohhhh! That's-ahhh."

Owen had started to trail the sauce from one shoulder to the other, over Ianto's protruding collarbones. The 'oh's' were connected to the circles of sauce Owen drew around one nipple, then the other.

Owen followed the sauce with a sprinkling of nuts, following the shapes he'd drawn.

"Do you like?"

"Mmm...we'll see?"

"Oh really?" said Owen haughtily before his mouth descended over Ianto's nearest nipple. He used his tongue to lick the cooling chocolate from Ianto's skin. Ianto moaned deep in his throat. Owen set about licking and sucking the skin clean. Ianto's hands were fisted by his sides, trying desperately not to grasp Owen's head to control his movements, and his wicked mouth. Once Owen had accomplished his task on the nipple he stopped moving and lifted his head away.

Looking in his man's direction he saw he had his eyes screwed shut, drinking in the sensation his mouth had been creating.

"How am I doing now?"

"Hmm, really well, but you can't stop. Not yet! I'm still covered in chocolate and nuts."

"Well I could do with a change. How about this?"

Owen pulled out a can of whipped spray cream, quickly shook it them tipped it upside down, covering the sauce in white cream. Ianto shivered and yelped as the cold cream came in contact with his skin. It was a contrast of sensations, hot and cold. Ianto was getting turned on by this unfamiliar foreplay. He was enjoying it immensely, and they had only just started. Owen grabbed a cherry by its stalk and traced it through the whipped cream, gathering sauce and nuts along its way.

Owen popped the cherry into his mouth and sucked. Some cream missed Owen's mouth, ending up on the tip of his nose. Ianto sat up and leant close enough to flick his tongue over the cream. Owen, being distracted by the cherry sucked in a breath at the unexpected contact. Owen had managed to get turned on too, just watching and listening to Ianto's reactions.

Owen wanted more than to be in charge of dessert. He wanted Ianto's participation.

Owen's arm bridged the short gap between them, sliding his hand from Ianto's chin, across his cheek and neck, resting behind his head. One tug and Ianto's head was brought within millimetres of Owen's mouth.

"God, I want you," Owen growled a second before his wicked mouth tumbled down on Ianto's. Owen's tongue pushed its way between Ianto's lips, begging for entrance. Ianto gave as good as he got.

The kisses turned open mouthed. Tongues were bitten, sucked and licked. One almost vibrating against the other. Ianto felt like he desperately needed to get to the finish line of this race. He pushed himself up onto his knees so he could tower over Owen, their lips never lost contact.

Ianto's hands ventured passionately up and down Owen's chest and back. Frustration was felt at not being able to feel skin on skin.

Why had Owen insisted on keeping his shirt on? Ianto thrust his hands down to the waist band of Owen's jeans. Ianto tried to undo the belt, but wasn't having much luck. A brainwave hit him, so, still kissing Owen and having his chest fondled Ianto pressed his height advantage by lowering Owen down onto the rug. That way Ianto could guarantee he'd be able to slide the belt, buttons and zip free. Ianto straddled Owen's prone form which gave him better leverage.

As Ianto ripped the leather free from its binding and threw the buttons open he was able to wrench Owen's t-shirt up and over his pecs, exposing his nipples. Ianto managed to get the shirt as far as Owen's armpits before it got stuck, but he decided that it was enough flesh to be getting on with.

Owen gasped into Ianto's mouth and pulled back.

"If you wanted flesh all you had to do was say so."

"Shut up and kiss me!"

"Or what?"

"Or I won't be eating dessert off your body later."

"When you put it like that...Okay."

Ianto's mouth travelled from Owen's down his throat. Stopping for a rest bite at Owen's beating pulse. Continuing his journey he paid equal attention to each hardened nipple, laving it with his tongue, suckling and nipping, mimicking Owen's movements from earlier.

He ventured down Owen's six-pack that contracted as he pressed soft kisses to each defined muscle.

At Owen's belly button Ianto slid his tongue into the hold, making sure he touched every inch of skin. He pulled back an inch and blew his hot breath over the wet area, causing Owen to groan and shiver from the chilled sensation.

"You've got to stop that," Owen ground out, "you can't take advantage like that."

Owen grabbed Ianto under the arms, hauling him up his body so Ianto was lay plastered against him. The cream and chocolate sauce made a good lubricant for their chests to rub together.

"Now we're on an equal playing field," gasped Owen as he pulled his lover's head down to meet his lips.

They devoured each other, tugging and pulling, slipping and sliding & gripping and grasping. Skin to skin, heart to heart, together they rode the waves of lust and feeling. The food containers were knocked over, scattering their contents over the rug, squashed against flesh and fibre.

Ragged breathing and logs crackling in the lit fireplace were the only noises in the room. Owen bayed for control as he rolled Ianto over, crushing a handful of runaway cherries. Ianto was caught by surprise at the gooey sensation.

"Eww. That's gross."

"What?" Owen rolled to Ianto's side.

"We squashed the cherries, feels disgusting."

"Let me see?"

Obligingly Ianto rolled onto his stomach so Owen could get a better look.

"Ah, I see." Ianto attempted to roll back over, but Owen stopped him with a hand.

"Let me clean you up."

Owen proceeded to hold Ianto by the shoulders as he straddled Ianto's waist with his knees.

He picked each cherry off Ianto's back using only his mouth. He used the cherry to create a small amount of suction. Ianto started to writhe feeling his appendage swell and grow, pressing against his clothing and the carpeted floor.

He tolerated the feeling for as long as he could before making his feelings known.

"Owen? Can we change the positioning slightly? Things are getting a little...uncomfortable."

"Course. I can help with that."

"Hmm."

Owen moved away pulling Ianto into an all fours position on his hands and knees. Without turning him Owen put his arms round Ianto's waist, undoing the belt buckle, zip and buttons. Ianto wiggled his bum as Owen slowly peeled the material down his legs, lifting one knee at a time, finally ridding Ianto of his restrictive clothing. Ianto remained in his position wearing only his underwear now.

"Comfy?"

"...Better. Are you going to carry on cleaning or should I go shower?"

"We're nowhere near finished."

Owen knelt behind Ianto, stripping out of his opened shirt. He continued his cleaning, bending over excessively so his crotch rubbed suggestively every now and then. Owen's slow seduction created slow deep breathing from Ianto. Sensations flooded his body and he didn't know if he would last much longer.

On the verge of explosion Ianto reared up high onto his knees. He turned swiftly. One hand zeroed to the back of Owen's neck while the other hand found Owen's groin. Owen's mouth fell open into an 'O' shape, and his eyes rolled back in his head. Ianto pulled his hand towards him and he met Owen's lips halfway. Ianto's other hand gently, but firmly massaged the ever increasing package held encased in Owen's traditional but unbuttoned jeans.

Ianto tiptoed his fingertips inside the parting made by the unzipped zipper. Owen sucked in a breath at the contact.

"Now Ianto!" Owen urged.

"Nah ah," as Ianto's mouth clamped onto the nearest nipple. His hand wandered further inside the trousers, sliding between the roughness of the jeans and softness of Owen's cotton boxer shorts.

"Ianto-I-now...please!"

Without saying a word or moving from his position Ianto freed Owen with his wandering hand. He left his clothing in place, but ran his hand lightly up and down Owen's engorged flesh. Owen couldn't move for several moments as he adjusted to the sensations swimming through his body, but getting himself under control he thrust his hips into Ianto's hand. He started his pace slowly at first, but he gently gathered speed, backwards and forwards.

Ianto continued his assault on the other parts of Owen's body.

Harsh breathing echoed through the room as Owen's speed picked up a notch. It took mere minutes for Owen to cry out loudly through his release. His body jerked uncontrollably, and as Ianto milked Owen for every last shudder, he wrapped an arm around Owen's waist.

When Ianto was certain Owen had nothing else in him, Ianto guided his partner's body back into a horizontal state.

A while later, as Ianto lay his head over Owen's chest, listening as his heartbeat worked to pump oxygen to his overworked muscles, noting as the sound under his ear slowed and returned to its normal speed.

"How do you manage to do that?"

Ianto smiled. He could hear the wonder, pleasure and satisfaction in Owen's voice. It had been well worth the work. He'd enjoyed using some tricks he had learnt in his youth. It was a bit easier to use them on men, but the results were the same.

"If I told you that then where would the mystery of our relationship come from?"

"Well, when you feel like sharing so I can return the favour let me know."

"No need. You do a good enough job of it on your own."

"Oh, high praise!"

"Ready for round two?"