Authors Note: Thanks again for the reviews! This chapter is set 2-3 months after the last chapter. Lots and lots of fluff! Enjoy!
Just a half an hour more and Jack could put the plan in action, that is if the rift and the universe didn't decide to destroy his efforts again.
The first time about two weeks ago, an Arkiean spaceship crashed into the Bay, they were lost and about five light years from their destination. Luckily Jack knew a little of their language and pointed them in the right direction. That had been simple enough. It was the cleanup and retconning that took all night and ruined his plans.
The second time just less a week ago, they had discovered a blowfish was running a major cocaine cartel, and it was up to them to get to the fish before the police did. That had been a crazy night, damn that species and their addictions! It had led to another chase through Cardiff before the blowfish had forcibly surrendered. Then they shut the operation down and let the police handle the rest.
"Jack?" Ianto stepped into the office, throwing him out of his thoughts. Ianto set a coffee down on the desk.
"Yan, what's up?"
"Chris will be here tomorrow at ten."
Jack looked down at the file he was supposed to be reading. Chris was a computer technician and friend of Ianto's from Torchwood London. He had transferred to Glasgow after Canary Wharf. They needed someone to help with the workload, and Ianto had suggested him. Ianto had called up Chris who was more than happy to transfer, saying it was too quiet and the boss a little strange. Jack trusted Ianto's judgment so all that was left was the interview.
"Good, he seems like an excellent choice. And since he already works for Torchwood it won't be hard for him to adjust."
"And with some of the workload lessened, I can spend more time with you," Ianto said with a grin.
"That's it I'm hiring him right now." Ianto chuckled. "Anything I should know about him?"
"He's very clever, but quiet. His parents died in a car crash when he was young, he has a younger sister and he's single. So this job is pretty much all he has."
"Single huh? Should I be worried that he fancies you?"
Ianto grinned at Jack turning the tables. He knew now that Jack was his and he wouldn't have to worry about him flirting with Chris. "Tough if he does. I only want you." He walked around the desk and leaned against it. Jack stood up and kissed him softly.
"I love you too." Jack smiled, as he softly ran his fingers across the plaster cast covering Ianto's right arm. "How are you feeling?" Jack could feel the dull ache from the bracelet. That was the reason for the third interruption. Just two nights ago they were chasing down a rogue alien who was heavily armed, it had opened fire. Martha had been in the direct line, and his brave Ianto had thrown himself in the way, toppling them both to the ground. A stray bullet had hit Ianto's arm. Jack had been too far away to know what happened, all he felt was the pain and he swore the world stopped. Grief overtook him and he ran forward, taking out the alien and rushing to Ianto's side. Relieved that it was only a bullet wound and a broken bone, Jack nearly wept. And he did later that night after Ianto had been taken care of, he held Ianto close and thanked whatever deity there was that he was still here.
"Better today, but you know that." Ianto reached over and brushed Jack's hair back from his face then rested his palm on Jack's cheek. "You okay? You seem distant, cariad."
Jack smiled reassuringly then kissed him again. "I'm fine; I was just thinking that if the rift behaves we might actually get that date tonight."
"How about takeaway and a movie if it doesn't?" Ianto offered, knowing Jack was up to something but couldn't figure out what. He knew though whatever it was it would be good, so he decided to leave it be, not wanting to force it out of Jack.
"Perfect, you always have a plan don't you?"
"I try too. Now there are only a few more reports to be filed, and then we can get out here."
"I'll wrap things up then." Ianto nodded and kissed Jack before leaving the office.
Jack pulled open the bottom desk drawer, reached in and pulled out a tiny black box. He grinned; nothing was going to ruin his plans tonight. He remembered a few months ago when he had gone to Martha for advice right after purchasing the rings.
He wanted Ianto to be his partner, wanted Ianto to know he was committed and that he was worth it. He had been married once before, back in early 1900's when he thought he was stuck and had been abandoned. He had married the first woman he met thinking he would be living the rest of his life out in that time period. It wasn't romantic just a suggestion and a love affair that turned into marriage, though he really did care about. But she fell ill, and he had discovered he was immortal. After her death, he decided to never marry again, it just wasn't fair to the other person and he couldn't handle the pain of losing them, which is why he never told Estelle his secrets and left her knowing she deserved better.
Ianto had changed all that though, he was worth the pain. And Ianto knew everything about him but still loved him anyway. Jack would gladly give up forever to be with Ianto. He would spend the rest of Ianto's life by his side because he loved him now more than he had ever loved anybody. Ianto had changed him, given him a new lease on his long life and a love he would forever treasure.
Problem was how to ask? He wasn't much of a romantic, horrible at it in fact. But Ianto didn't mind, he wasn't into that stuff either. He'd rather Jack do little things like wash up, offer a massage, fold
his laundry, or let him choose the movie to show that he cared. But this was big, and needed to be special, a romantic dinner just wasn't going to cut it. He thought of a good idea but he was going to need help. So he went off to find Martha.
He stepped down into the autopsy bay where Martha was arm deep in a Hoix.
"Hey Jack."
"Hey could I ask you something?"
"Sure."
Jack stuck his hands in his pockets. "I was uh thinking of asking Ianto to be my partner—" Jack stopped as Martha squealed.
"I'd hug you right now if I wasn't covered in alien goo."
Jack chuckled. "Later please, I like this shirt."
She laughed. "That's fantastic though! So what are your plans?"
"That's why I'm coming to you."
Gwen walked in. "Jack, there you are. I handled the report and filed away that artifact."
"Thanks."
"So what are you talking about?"
"Jack's gonna propose to Ianto!"
Jack turned a little red as Gwen ran down and hugged him. She had a complete turnaround after their talk, and he could tell she was genuinely happy for them. "Congrats Jack!"
"Thanks, Gwen." He paused. "So, Martha how did Tom ask?" He was uncomfortable discussing this but there wasn't anything he wouldn't do to make Ianto happy.
Martha reached for a scalpel. "It was so simple but romantic. He rented out a cabin where I thought we were going on holiday. But then one night he led me down to the lake, where he had a picnic and candles all around. And right there under the stars he asked," she said with a big grin.
"That's good, I like that. Don't worry I won't steal it though."
"Oh and don't forget champagne," Gwen added. "Rhys had roses, candles and champagne it was lovely."
Jack grinned, and then he heard Ianto's footsteps. He winked at the girls before going back up the steps.
"I ordered pizza, figured we could all use a little break."
"Good idea," Jack said as he Ianto sat on the settee.
"So what was that about?" Ianto asked.
"Martha asked if I would give a speech at her wedding," Jack said, not a lie she really had just earlier that morning.
Ianto rested his head on Jack's as Jack wrapped an arm around his waist. "Really? That's great, do you need any help?"
"Sure, you know I'm rubbish at that sort of thing."
"I bet you could surprise yourself by finding out that's not true. I have faith in you."
"Well that's all I need then," Jack said leaning in to kiss Ianto.
Martha knocked on the office door throwing Jack out of his thoughts. "It's all set up," she said with a wink.
"Brilliant," Jack drained his coffee cup in a few sips then stood up. Tucking the little box in his trouser pocket he walked over and hugged Martha.
"Everything is in the SUV."
"Thanks, I owe you one."
"Don't mention it, I'm just so happy for you two," she said with a big grin.
As he stepped out of the office the fake alarm went off. "What have we got Gwen?"
Ianto walked in from the archives, he had cursed in Welsh when he heard the alarm then made his way to the center of the Hub. So, much for that dinner and movie, he thought. But takeaway was just as good because it meant a night curled up on the sofa with Jack.
Gwen accessed the computer, playing her part convincingly. "A surge of rift activity, on the beach shore about twenty minutes from here. I've got the location. No signs of life so it's probably just something that fell through."
"But still could be dangerous. Ianto fancy a drive? I could use your local knowledge." Gwen giggled.
"Why not? It's better than going back to an empty flat without you." He grabbed his coat.
Jack grinned. "Okay, Martha and Gwen you two are free to go, but be on standby in case we need you."
"You got it," Martha said. "Be careful you too."
"Don't worry I'm sure it's nothing too serious," Jack said. "I've got a good feeling; maybe it's a record player!"
Ianto laughed, he couldn't help but notice that Jack was in a really good mood for having their night ruined by the rift. He was definitely up to something. "Now you've done it, we'll probably find something dangerous like a deadly toaster," he joked as he raised an eyebrow.
Jack laughed. "More interesting that way though!" Ianto helped Jack with his coat then they ran down to the SUV. After Jack had driven out of the carport, he took Ianto's hand in his.
"Sorry, Yan."
"Not your fault, cariad. Good thing we made a backup plan huh?"
"Yup, and you get to pick the movie."
Ianto grinned. He then gave Jack directions from the PDA, and Jack pretended to follow along, knowing exactly where he was going. They pulled up to the deserted beach and got out of the SUV.
"It could be anywhere, should we split up?" Ianto asked which was what Jack was hoping for.
"Good idea, quicker that way." He pulled Ianto into a hug followed by a quick kiss. "Just be careful."
"And you."
They split up, and as soon as Ianto was far enough away, Jack ran to the SUV. So far, so good, he thought. He grabbed the blanket and champagne from the back and then laid the blanket out on the grass. Standing back up, he pushed his comm.
"Yan, I've found it. Come back this way."
"Thank goodness, I thought we'd be out here forever." Jack chuckled. "I'll be right there."
Jack stood in front of the blanket and watched as Ianto jogged back towards him. He stepped aside as Ianto approached and he grinned at the Welshman's shocked expression.
"Unless the rift has suddenly decided to be incredibly kind, I don't think that fell through."
"I wanted to surprise you," Jack said quietly, suddenly feeling nervous.
Ianto grinned and kissed Jack. "I'm surprised. So what are we really doing here?"
"Well, I decided to fake a rift problem so you and I could get away. Have some time for ourselves and this is my way of saying I love you, Yan."
Ianto wrapped his arms around Jack then rested his forehead against Jack's so he was gazing into his eyes. "I love you too. And this is sweet, and unexpected but wonderful, though I thought you were up to something."
Jack pressed a few buttons on his wrist manipulator, Glen Miller's Moonlight Serenade floated in the air around them. "Nothing gets by you does it? It gets better though. Care to dance?"
Ianto nodded. It was a beautiful day and as the sun set and the waves rolled in and out, they danced. No space between them, they were pressed closely together; intimate and suffocating in the best way. Jack didn't take his eyes off Ianto as they slowly swayed back and forth. Afterwards they sat down on the blanket, Ianto curled up tightly against Jack. He couldn't remember a time he felt happier or more loved. Jack wrapped his greatcoat around them.
"Ianto?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you remember when I asked if you would marry me?"
"Yes and I said not without a ring," they both laughed as Ianto wondered why he had brought that up. Jack shifted a little and reached into his pocket.
"Excellent memory as always," Jack paused. He pulled out the black box. Taking Ianto's hand in his, he put the box in Ianto's palm then popped it open. Inside were two plain gold bands. Simple yet beautiful, Ianto thought then it suddenly hit him that Jack was about to propose.
Jack tilted Ianto's chin up to look at him. "So, now I have them. I love you, more than I ever thought I would love someone. You broke down all my defenses and saw the man I truly am. And rather than run, you stuck around and loved me even when I didn't deserve it. I probably still don't but I will always love you and be here for you, keeping you safe against whatever we face. My life before you came along was empty and incomplete. You were the one who made it all right; I don't know what I did to deserve you, but you mean everything to me and I want to spend all the time I can with you, right by your side. Hell, I'd pull open the TARDIS itself and find a way to keep you forever with me because I can't imagine not having you around, with me, all the time. Because you're..." he took a deep breath. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. So, would you Jones, Ianto, Jones, be my partner?"
Ianto couldn't help the tears that fell as he listened to and felt Jack's heartfelt proposal. Ianto knew what he wanted to say, but he couldn't believe they were here and Jack was asking him to be his partner. Jack, who could have anyone or be anywhere, had chosen him. He wanted him, as much as Ianto did and he loved him. He couldn't ask for more. He pulled Jack into a deep kiss, pouring all his emotions into it. "Yes," Ianto whispered as they broke apart.
Jack broke into a huge grin as Ianto wrapped his arms around Jack's neck and hugged him tightly. "I trust you with my life. I love you more than I can ever tell you. I didn't know what love really was until I met you. I don't even know how I lived or survived without you. You mean everything to me and you complete me. No one knows me better and no one makes me feel the way you do. I feel so safe with you and I'm so lucky that I have you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I know things won't be easy because of what we do but I promise I will always be there loving you. If I could be with you forever I would, Jack, because I never want you to hurt. "
Jack let the tears fall as he captured Ianto in a searing kiss. Ianto then brushed the tears away. "There's no pain when you're holding me, Yan," Jack whispered.
"Then I'm never letting go," Ianto said, kissing him again. Jack slipped ring on Ianto's finger and then Ianto did the same for Jack. "I love you."
"I love you too, cariad, so much," Jack said holding Ianto a little tighter before kissing him again.
fin
So what did you think? Want me to continue? Since its AU should I think of a way to make Ianto immortal as well? I dunno, the idea of Jack alone forever makes me sad. And I read a great story where that happened which gave me ideas of my own.