Chapter Seven – One Step At A Time

Ianto rested his head against Jack's, closing his eyes to pretend that the other man was simply sleeping. It was impossible to pretend though. There was no light breathing and worse still, there wasn't the rhythm of his heart beat.

He was forced to listen to his own breathing, unsure of what else he could use as a comfort. Ianto kissed Jack's neck, running a hand through the older man's hair, more as a comfort to himself than anything else.

The younger man jumped when he felt Jack's sharp intake of air. Ianto quickly wrapped his arms around Jack, shock playing on his features. Jack's arms came up to hold Ianto's in place, hold him like a lifeline.

"Ianto?"

"I'm right here."

Jack continued to breathe shallow breaths, "Are you okay?"

"Are you?" Ianto countered.

"You know me, I'm fine. Don't avoid the question. Are you okay?"

"A little bit shaken but otherwise fine." Ianto sighed.

Suddenly it dawned on Jack, "We're still here."

"Yep. I bet you we'll get out of this before Gwen even finds out."

"What do you bet?" Jack's voice was suddenly filled with interest.

"Uh…dinner tomorrow night?"

Yes, it was a pointless conversation but Ianto was just glad they were having that conversation at all.

"Is that an invitation?"

"If you like."

"So if you win, I'll treat you to dinner and if I win…"

"I'll treat you to dinner." Ianto smiled.

Jack nodded, "Okay, deal. Kiss on it?" Jack asked innocently.

Ianto rolled his eyes but turned Jack to kiss him. In all honesty, he wanted to kiss Jack. He wanted to feel close to him just to reassure himself that Jack had come back, that it wasn't the last time he'd die but he wouldn't tell Jack. He sighed happily into the kiss, running a hand along his cheek. Jack pulled Ianto closer, running a hand down his back, making the younger man shiver.

Jack smirked when they finally parted for air, "Come on, I've had enough of this blood."

"You're covered in it." Ianto sighed sadly.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I'll be more careful next time. Do you think we can salvage my coat?"

Ianto smirked, running a hand along the material of Jack's coat, "Of course, come on."

Ianto stood up slowly, grabbing Jack's wrists and pulling him up with him.

"What about your jacket?" Jack asked, looking down at it crumpled on the floor.

"That is beyond salvaging. Leave it. Hopefully I can keep the rest but that's just ruined."

"Shame, I really like this suit." Jack smirked running a hand along Ianto's dark yet vibrant purple tie, "I'll have to buy you another one."

"Where would you get the money?" Ianto chuckled.

"Torchwood." Jack replied simply.

"Ah, but that's not proper use of Torchwood funds."

"It'll keep you in your usual attire and it'd make me happy to see you wearing it. I'll do my work feeling happy and very glad that you're wearing it."

"Yeah, I don't know about that." Ianto smirked.

"I'll buy you a new suit when we get out of here. I promise."

"You really don't have to."

"I know, but I want to."

Ianto chuckled; linking an arm with Jack's and moved out of the room.

"New plan," Jack smirked, "We don't go in any other rooms and I'll go ahead of you, that way I can get the worst of anymore traps."

"So brave." Ianto chuckled.

"Shut up." Jack laughed, pulling Ianto into the corridor, "You know I'm brave."

"Oh yeah, dashing even." Ianto teased.

"Oh, dashing, am I?" Jack asked, turning to the Welshman and raising an eyebrow curiously.

"Of course, you of all people should know that."

"Well I do but it's good to know that there's someone else keeping up."

Ianto smirked, "Keep moving Jack." He pushed the older man forward.

"I do like it when you're so forward."

"Jack!"

"What!?"

"Shut up."

A/N: Watching Sanctuary whilst writing this one. Must say, I'm very much against Helen's disgust of coffee. I mean really, how dare she! Anyway, I wanted to write fluff so I did, to the extreme! xD Please review.

Cheers,
Gabz
xx