John and Jack were shut in Jack's office for what seemed like hours. Getting answers out of Jack for what was bothering him seemed to be a futile endeavor for John. He briefly responded that he was having odd dreams. It was something he was dealing with. John was put off by Jack's lack of trust in him. He seemed to be pushing it aside like it didn't matter. John knew the difference. He saw how Ianto reacted and that was enough to be concerned. But Jack was always a private person. John would have to wait for Jack to confide in him.
After going over plans on how to contain Darby for what seemed like hours, John looked at the antique clock Jack had and realized it was 9:30. He gasped. He was late. That was not good.
Jack wondered at John's emotional response. "What's wrong?"
"Jack I have to go. I have, well… a…" John's voice dropped as he mumbled something unintelligible.
"What was that?" Jack was surprised by John's shyness.
" I said I have a date." He was turning red.
"You met someone?"
"Yes, before I came here. Please? This is important. May I go? I'll be back first thing in the morning." John was pleading.
His hardy laugh despite his inner pain made John smile. "Who am I to stand in the way of amore? Get thee gone, rogue." Jack mocked.
John saluted as he left Jack. Sleep was calling Jack, so he decided to lay his head down and rest. Later on, Ianto entered, draped a blanket over Jack's shoulders and lightly kissed his head. Continuing his work in Jack's office, he was able to watch the Captain sleep.
Mark sat waiting at the bar sipping his drink. John was 45 minutes late. He was beginning to believe he had been stood up. Sadness washed over him. He just wanted someone to be with. He felt so alone. A stranger in a strange land he was. It was getting to be depressing. He wished he hadn't tried to start a new life. He shuddered at thoughts of the old one. Filing away those thoughts for another time, he downed his drink. Just then, there was a tap on his shoulder and a soft "Boo" in his ear. He turned to look into the eyes of John Hart. He blushed a little and smiled "I had just about given up on you."
"I would have given up on me too. I'm sorry, my business with my friend took a little longer then I thought. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?" He batted his eyes at Mark.
Mark smiled that amazing smile at him. "You can buy me another drink, maybe that will work?"
John looked at this amazing man before him and replied. "That's it! Wow, you must really like me to let me off that easy." He regretted the comment as it came out of his mouth. He was starting to sound desperate. But Mark was having that effect on him. The smell of him wasn't helping either. He was becoming extremely turned on. Mark seemed to be aware of this, and it added a shimmer to his eyes as he smiled more at John. John let out a silent moan and adjusted himself on the barstool. He hoped he didn't have to get up for awhile.
Clearing his throat, Mark asked if his business went well with his friend. John face fell slightly. Mark cocked his head slightly in response to John's change in demeanor. " Is everything all right?" He asked
John saw real concerned in Mark's face. He felt very comfortable with him. It had been so long since he felt like this, and so quickly too. John hoped it was real for a change. He was sick of nothing happening in the love department. "My friend is going though something, and he won't talk to me about it. I'm upset because we were close at one time." He didn't want to explain how close. That wasn't a good thing to do on a first date.
Mark seemed to know what John was talking about. Nodding his head, he replied, " I had a friend just like that. I knew him for along time but it was hard to get things out of him. It was like pulling teeth. I used to get so angry with him. But then I remembered how much I loved him. That's how I learned to deal with him."
Nodding his head in agreement, John stared at this man in front of him. He was starting to realize what an easy companion Mark could be. "You are a real find, Mark. I'm glad I came in here this afternoon." So close yet so far were his lips. John took a chance and leaned in for a quick kiss. Mark met him in the middle. It was soft, brief but enough to make one shiver with thoughts of what could be.
As they pulled away Mark let out his breath and looked at John. Touching his lips where John's just were, he smiled and asked, "Shall we go for a walk?"
John released his breath and sighed. "Anything you want, Lovely." And with that John offered Mark his hand. Mark didn't hesitate in taking it.
They walked, hand in hand as they headed to the beach. They talked about everything, yet spoke about nothing. John was joking a lot. He told dirty stories and stuff about his childhood. They arrived at the beach laughing and carrying on. And then the second kiss happened. It was soft like the first, but then it deepened. Tongues fought for the taste of each other as bodies pressed closer to one another. Neither fought for dominance, they just let it happen. It was like they were together for a long time. No guesswork involved, just a lot of attraction. When the kiss broke, they continued to rub their faces together breathing in each other's scent.
At length Mark spoke. "I love coming to this place. It reminds me of home. Except it was a lot hotter." He giggled when he felt John pull away.
" I don't know. This seems to be very hot right now." John joked at him.
Mark pushed him away playfully. "You know what I mean." He stared at John and smiled. "I have an idea. Let's continue this at my place." With that he grabbed John and kissed him again. With their desire in mind, they ran to find a taxi.
End Part 8
