Jack and Ianto - Chapter One
Jack made his way up the stairs to Ianto's flat, a grin on his face and a bottle of Ianto's favorite wine in his hand. Slipping his other hand into his pocket to make sure the more important item was still there, Jack took a breath, then knocked on the door. He heard a shouted, "Come in!" and cautiously stepped inside, wondering what was keeping Ianto from answering the door as he normally did.
He found the answer in the kitchen. It was hot in the small space, but it smelled delicious. The half table against the wall was set for two, complete with candles and stemware. Ianto was standing over the stove, several pans going at once, though instead of wearing an apron, he was wearing a plain white chef's jacket.
"You're cooking," Jack pointed out rather obviously. It was first time he had seen Ianto prepare something more than a simple breakfast. He'd suspected Ianto could cook fairly well given how the Welshman was more than able to hold his own in culinary conversations with Jack, but he'd never actually seen Ianto cook a full meal before. Either Jack would fix them something relatively simple or they would go out. Seeing Ianto like this, confident and calm, was incredible.
"You're early," said Ianto, turning around and offering Jack a quick kiss. Jack was once again amazed at how easy and relaxed and absolutely wonderful it felt to come into this man's home and be greeted by a warm kiss. Since their declaration in the alley two weeks ago, Jack had felt like he was on the proverbial cloud nine. It hadn't been the most romantic setting, and they'd been interrupted to boot, but he would always remember that day as one of the most special days of his life.
After Gwen had gone back inside, they'd shared a brief but passionate kiss and made plans and promises for after work. Unfortunately, it had taken longer than expected for those plans to happen. As anticipated, the news that Jack and Ianto were together had spread like wildfire through the Hub, and a larger than normal group had accosted them at the end of the night, demanding they join everyone for drinks and tell their story.
They had ended up at the Dockside, and Jack had talked while Ianto had sat beside him, openly affectionate with his arm around Jack's shoulder. If Jack had been worried about Ianto's reaction to everyone knowing about them, he'd been completely reassured by Ianto's arm and warm smile. Gwen had asked a lot of questions, Jack answered with exaggerated slyness, and the other women sighed frequently. Owen rolled his eyes while the other men congratulated Ianto on being able to put up with Jack. Ianto had laughed and kissed him. Right there, in front of all their friends and colleagues.
And now he was cooking for Jack. They'd been inseparable for the past two weeks, but Ianto had said he couldn't do anything on their day off, instead asking Jack over for dinner at his flat, suggesting he bring a bottle of wine. Jack had thought maybe they'd order a nice takeaway for dinner—Thai instead of pizza, perhaps—but to see Ianto cooking for him—for them—warmed his heart.
"You're also wearing a chef's jacket," Jack murmured, setting the wine down on the table and sauntering back over to Ianto. The Welshman blushed and started to take it off, but Jack stopped him by wrapping his arms around Ianto and holding tight.
"Don't take it off," he said. "It's hot."
Ianto hung his head and groaned. "I knew I should have taken it off the moment you knocked. It's ridiculous, but it's better than an apron."
"Oh, I don't know," said Jack. "One of those frilly little black and white ones might look—
"Even worse," finished Ianto. "I refuse to wear any sort of apron, especially frilly ones."
"I have an apron," Jack said casually, and was rewarded when Ianto turned around and cocked an eyebrow.
"I've never seen you wear it," he replied. Jack shrugged.
"Not the sort of thing I pull out every day."
"Probably because they're ridiculous," offered Ianto, turning back to the stove. "It is black and white and frilly?"
When Jack was silent, Ianto whipped around again, eyes wide. "No!"
"Oh the things you've yet to see and do with me," he whispered, and pulled Ianto close. "Some night I'll put on my apron and you can put on your chef's jacket…and nothing else."
Ianto kissed him, grinning against Jack's lips. "Still sounds ridiculous, but I could be persuaded," he said when they finished. "Now, stop distracting me."
"Can I help?"
"Actually, it's almost finished," Ianto replied. "I tried to time everything just right."
"It looks great," Jack offered. "What's the menu? And what's the occasion?"
Ianto began taking things off the stove to cool, then reached into the oven for a loaf of bread wrapped in foil and a dish of potatoes. "Why don't you open the wine and sit down?"
"I hope the Malbec is all right," said Jack, heading back to the small table where the corkscrew was already out. "You did say to bring a red, and I know it's your favorite."
"It's perfect," said Ianto. He appeared to be plating their dinner. "We're having pork medallions in a tarragon demi-glace, roasted Yukon potatoes with parsley and chives, a sautéed vegetable medley, and a delicious sourdough loaf from my neighbor."
Jack stared at him before he began pouring the wine. "You did all that? Ianto, that's brilliant!"
"Save the compliments for after you taste it," Ianto laughed. "It's been a while since I've done this much cooking."
"I'm sure it will be wonderful. I'm just touched you went through so much effort." He paused, unsure whether to continue, but he knew he could be honest. "I sort of got the impression you didn't want to cook anything with me beyond eggs and toast."
Ianto nodded, acknowledging the truth of Jack's words. "You were right, but the last few weeks have been…well, different. I feel different." He brought over a perfectly set plate and placed it in front of Jack. "I used to think there was no way I'd ever cook for Jack Harkness, the executive chef at one of Cardiff's top restaurants, but then I realized I would be cooking for Jack, my partner, and suddenly it didn't seem so intimidating."
Ianto set down a second plate, then brought over the bread with a dish of softened butter, setting it between them. "I thought we could make dessert together," he said, taking off his chef's jacket before sitting down across from Jack. "Though it could get a bit messy. I'm a disaster with flour."
"I like messy," Jack replied. He held up his wine glass, and Ianto clinked them together. "To a wonderful meal. Thank you for doing this."
Ianto laughed. "You're welcome, but I do have an ulterior motive. So I hope it's acceptable."
Jack cut into his pork and took a bite, savoring the flavor, the texture and the smooth sauce topping the meat and bringing everything together. It was delicious, and he was honestly impressed. He didn't know many people who could prepare a meal like the one before him. He tried the potatoes and found them equally as good.
"It's more than acceptable, it's brilliant," said Jack. "So whatever your ulterior motive, the answer is yes." He glanced up and grinned. "Are you proposing, then? Am I going to find a ring in one of my potatoes?"
Ianto actually dropped his fork and choked, and Jack laughed as Ianto took a sip of wine and coughed into his napkin several times before he could speak.
"No, I'm not proposing, and if I ever did, I would never put a diamond ring in a potato. That's disgusting, and there's a good a chance you'd swallow it."
"Duly noted," Jack replied with a wink. "What's up, then?" Ripping himself a piece of bread from the loaf on the table, Jack found it was just as delicious as the rest of the meal. "And tell your neighbor her bread is fantastic."
"I will," Ianto murmured. Setting down his fork, he took another sip of wine and sat quietly for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts. "Jack, do you remember the day we first kissed?"
Jack grinned as he took a sip of wine, then reached across the table and took Ianto's hand. "I don't think I'll ever forget it. Best first kiss ever."
"I didn't believe you then and I'm not sure I believe you now," Ianto replied, rolling his eyes, but with a small smile. "You came outside to check on me because I'd had a phone call."
"From the solicitors in London," Jack nodded, returning to his meal. "You said that the men who shot you and Lisa had been found."
Ianto pushed his food around his plate before sighing. "The trial is coming up soon."
Jack could see that Ianto was upset, though not nearly as much as that day in the alley. He sensed an important talk coming up, and set down his fork and napkin to focus. "And you have to testify, right?" Ianto nodded silently, not meeting Jack's eyes. "You haven't talked about it much since then—at all, really. Is everything all right?"
"Yes, everything is fine," Ianto replied. "It's just that…" He hung his head, then started laughing. "Shit, I didn't think this would be so hard!" he exclaimed.
"That what would be so hard?" asked Jack, reaching out for Ianto's hand again. Ianto glanced up in nervous surprise, and Jack stroked his thumb along Ianto's wrist, hoping to calm him. "Talk to me."
"I…I don't think I can do it alone, Jack," he said, his voice barely audible. "The trial is in two weeks, I've been called to testify on a Tuesday. We're both off, and I talked to the Doctor, he said it would be all right if we took Wednesday off as well…so I was wondering if you could go to London with me." The last came out in a jumbled rush, and before Jack could answer, Ianto jumped up and went to the cupboard to for a glass of water that he clearly didn't need.
"I understand if you can't," he said, talking more to the cabinets than to Jack. "If you don't want to leave the restaurant. It's a long drive and it won't be easy and I'll probably be a wreck and—"
Jack walked over to Ianto, took the glass from shaking hands and set it down, then placed Ianto's face between his hands and kissed him soundly, with all the love and reassurance he could put into it. "Of course I'll go with you," he said, and he felt Ianto melt into his arms. "Why would you even think I'd say no? You didn't need to cook me a brilliant dinner to try and convince me."
For a moment he saw the tears in Ianto's eyes, then he was being kissed to within an inch of his life before Ianto pulled away, smiling.
"Thank you," he whispered. "It means a lot to me," he said.
"Come on," said Jack, motioning toward the table. "Come eat the good food you made. I can't believe you'd think I wouldn't support you in this."
Ianto sighed as he sat down and picked at his food. "Eat!" said Jack. "Like this." He shoveled a large forkful of pork and potatoes into his mouth, groaned with pleasure, and earned a genuine laugh. Ianto took a few bites and nodded.
"It did turn out rather well, didn't it?" he said. "Maybe I can actually enjoy it now."
Jack laughed. "You should have been enjoying it from the start." He pointed his fork at Ianto. "And I'm disappointed you haven't cooked for me before. Where did you learn?"
"To cook?" asked Ianto. He took a sip of wine and shrugged. "Not sure being able to make a handful of dishes qualifies me for chef status."
"This does," said Jack, his mouth full. "Family recipe?"
Ianto smiled sadly as he pulled himself a large piece of bread. "Not exactly. It was one of the most popular dishes at Torchwood One. Lisa loved it so I asked the chef for the recipe and learned how to make it for her, with a few touches of my own."
Jack gazed at Ianto in wonder, knowing how difficult it must have been for Ianto to choose and prepare that particular meal. He placed his hand on Ianto's and squeezed. "Thank you for sharing it with me," he said softly. "It means even more knowing you would share something that was so special for you and Lisa."
Ianto seemed surprised by Jack's reaction. "I…I never thought of it that way. It's one of my favorites to cook, and doing it for you seemed perfectly natural. It was either that or eggs and toast."
"You do make some mean eggs," Jack laughed. "But you said you had several dishes under your belt."
"Maybe a few more. My mother loved cooking, I used to watch and help her when I could. I've always wondered if its one of the reasons I went into the restaurant business."
"I can just see eight-year-old you managing your dining room—taking reservations, making seating assignments, showing everyone to their places." He was teasing, but Ianto surprised him once again with an honest nod.
"That's exactly what I did, how did you know?" Ianto laughed again, his earlier tension finally dissipating.
"It was a lucky guess," Jack replied. "I'm sure it was adorable."
"Drove everyone mad but my mum," said Ianto.
"I love it," said Jack. "Just like I love you. Which is why…" He paused and gave Ianto a pointed look. "I still don't understand why you had to butter me up to ask me to go to London with you."
"Oh Jack," said Ianto, shaking his head. He finished his wine and poured another glass. "It's awkward, isn't it? My partner helping me deal with my fiancé's murderers. I was so nervous, asking you to do something so…personal, so intense."
"There's nothing awkward about it," Jack said. "It's one person supporting another through a difficult time."
Ianto looked like he was going to say something more, but shook his head. Jack could guess what it might be, but knew it was something he shouldn't press, that Ianto would talk to him when he was ready.
"And it would be our first trip together, only we would be going to a trial, not someplace…I don't know, exciting or romantic."
"London can be both," Jack said, finishing his potatoes. "We can go up on Monday morning and take the afternoon for some sightseeing, keep your mind off things. I know a great place for dinner—"
"Not Torchwood One," Ianto interrupted, and Jack shook his head, agreeing completely.
"No, not Torchwood. We could see a show after, or just explore our hotel suite at leisure." He wagged his eyebrows and was rewarded with a laugh. "Although I will make sure you are well rested for Tuesday. And I will be there for you, however you want me."
"Thank you," Ianto murmured. "You know I love you too, right?"
Jack nodded, and they finished their dinner with comfortable conversation about London and cooking. They also finished the bottle of wine, and finally sat back, full and happy.
"So," said Jack. "What's this about making dessert together?"
Ianto grinned and pulled his chef's jacket on as he stood. "I had some ideas," he said, his voice low and suggestive. "But I think we need to explore your idea first."
Jack stood and wrapped his arms around Ianto's waist. "You don't want to clean up?"
"Nope."
"So are you referring to the idea with the apron and the jacket?"
"Yep."
"I don't have an apron here."
"Even better."
Jack let Ianto lead him to the bedroom, eagerly anticipating whatever Ianto had planned. He slipped a hand into his pocket and made sure the key was still there; he would wait for a better time to offer it. In fact, he was already thinking of something more permanent than a key. He knew without a doubt he was ready, and hoped that soon Ianto would be as well.
Author's Note:
I'm posting a bit earlier than anticipated as I'm hoping to update my other story this weekend. The last few updates for this story will probably be every other week as I'm juggling too many other fics (I have so much more I want to post!) and heading back to school. I do hope you enjoy this last bit of Jack and Ianto's journey together!
