Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter. Hope you all enjoy this one. Special thanks to Prothrombintime for unwavering encouragement, feedback, and invaluable suggestions.
Chapter Ten
March 20th, 2004
Ianto walked wearily into Jack's office carrying the last round of coffee for the day. Putting their mugs down on the desk, he eased himself into his chair opposite Jack, and took a sip of his coffee as he rubbed distractedly at the back of his neck.
Jack glanced up from the report he was reading, a lacklustre smile ghosting his lips. "Thanks, Ianto."
Ianto nodded in acknowledgement as he studied the other man's tired features. The demands on Torchwood Three had been seemingly relentless for the last two months. Since the Brecon Beacons, Rift activity had been higher than normal, and Jack had been run off his feet dealing with one crisis after another. Ianto had tried his best to assist and support the Captain, but after three weeks of long hours without a day off, he was feeling the strain too.
Finally, it looked like things were settling down, giving them a much needed reprieve. Ianto was looking forward to his day off tomorrow and some uninterrupted rest. He wanted nothing more than to sprawl on his sofa for the entire day, but he had a mountain of laundry awaiting his attention, the apartment was overdue for a thorough cleaning, and his refrigerator and pantry were in desperate need of replenishing. However, he was more concerned about Jack than his own relatively inconsequential needs.
"You need a break, Jack," he said, keeping his voice soft and non-confrontational.
Jack took a sip of coffee, rubbed his hand over his face, and breathed out a heavy sigh. "The Rift doesn't give days off. I need to be here. I need to be ready for whatever comes along next."
It was a familiar argument. Ianto had tried to convince Jack several times that they needed to recruit some additional staff – field operatives in particular, although he thought a technical specialist and a medical officer wouldn't go astray either – but Jack continued to stubbornly refuse. He also refused to allow Ianto to help him in the field. The situation was rapidly becoming untenable, but each time Ianto attempted to broach the subject, Jack became distant and ill-tempered. Jack never offered any explanation, but Ianto suspected the trauma of losing the Torchwood Three team at the turn of the century continued to haunt Jack and rule his decisions. He seemed fiercely determined to do everything himself rather than put anyone else in harm's way. Additionally, Jack was almost pathologically distrustful. In all fairness Ianto couldn't blame him for that, but it was frustrating nonetheless.
Beyond the heavy workload and his gradual recovery from the trauma of the Beacons incident, Ianto was pleased that he and Jack had settled into an amiable working relationship. Since learning Jack's secret, Ianto felt deep compassion for the other man, but he knew the last thing Jack would want was his pity. So, he tried to pay more attention to taking care of Jack, subtly doing anything he could think of to make Jack's life just that little bit easier and less stressful.
Whenever possible, he'd sit with Jack in the mornings as they drank their coffee, and they'd talk about mostly trivial things. Jack had started to open up a little, regaling Ianto with various outrageous tales of his past exploits. Jack knew how to tell an entertaining story and Ianto thoroughly enjoyed the older man's company. He'd also noticed that Jack was seeking out his advice more frequently, seeming to genuinely value his opinion. Although Jack could still be unpredictable, moody and distant at times, for the most part they'd developed what Ianto liked to think of as a comfortable mutual respect and comradery.
He sighed, knowing Jack was right, but unwilling to give up quite so easily. "How about a compromise then?" he suggested as inspiration suddenly struck.
Jack narrowed his eyes with suspicion. "What sort of compromise?"
"Take the evening off." Ianto looked at Jack uncertainly, trying to gauge his reaction. "You could come over to the apartment... pizza, drinks, we can watch a film or two... I'll even buy us some dessert."
Jack's eyebrows lifted, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he leaned back in his chair. "Why, Ianto Jones, are you asking me out on a date?"
Ianto rolled his eyes dramatically. "No. Absolutely not. Definitely not a date. Just two..." He paused hesitantly. "Two friends enjoying a relaxing evening together."
Ianto bit down on his lower lip nervously. He was half-expecting Jack to make a pointed comment about his use of the word 'friends' to describe them. Ianto liked to think it was what they were, or at least on their way to becoming, but he wasn't sure if Jack felt the same way. To his surprise, Jack was just looking at him with a thoughtful expression.
"I've gotta say, it sounds tempting. One condition though, can I bring my DVD's? I haven't had a chance to watch any episodes of my show this week." Jack's expression somehow managed to achieve the perfect mix of sulkiness and hopeful pleading.
Ianto struggled not to groan. To his horror, he'd recently discovered the Captain was in a twentieth-century pop-culture phase, with his current obsession being the American television show 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.' He'd caught Jack watching it one evening when he'd been working late in the archives. Returning to the main level of the Hub, he'd found Jack sprawled on the sofa, messily eating pizza, his eyes fixed on the screen of a portable DVD player. Ianto had subsequently found the entire box set of the show in Jack's bunker when he'd been organising the older man's laundry and giving the quarters its weekly clean. Of course, he'd been unable to resist teasing Jack about his viewing habits.
"All right," he agreed resignedly. If it got Jack out of the Hub for a few hours and allowed him to have some downtime, he supposed it was a small price to pay. "As long as I can watch something of mine too." He glanced down at his watch, noting it had already gone six o'clock. "Say half-seven then?"
Jack grinned at him, looking decidedly smug, his earlier despondent mood apparently lifted. "It's a date."
###
Ianto stopped at the nearby Tesco on his way home, picking up a few essentials along with some dessert and six-pack of Brains beer. Once at home, he quickly unpacked his purchases, and phoned in a pizza order – half-Hawaiian, half-vegetarian for himself, and a meat feast for Jack – adding potato salad and coleslaw to the order as an afterthought so Jack wouldn't berate him again about not eating enough vegetables. He showered, changed into a long-sleeve dark blue t-shirt and his favourite pair of jeans, attended to his grooming, fiddling at length with styling his hair, and then gave the apartment a hurried tidy.
He was both surprised and pleased that Jack had accepted his invitation. With Jack's mercurial nature, Ianto never quite knew what to expect, but he was looking forward to spending some time outside of the Hub with the other man. Thus far, their social contact beyond the underground base had been limited to a solitary trip to the pub after one particularly gruelling day a month earlier. Jack had declared he was in need of a drink, and he'd invited Ianto to join him. They'd shared a few drinks while chatting amiably about nothing in particular, and Ianto had enjoyed himself, finding the utter normality of the situation refreshing.
After neatly arranging plates and napkins on the coffee table, Ianto perused his extensive DVD collection, eventually settling on 'GoldenEye' as his choice of film for the evening. While he was more of a classic Bond fan, he thought Jack would appreciate something a bit more contemporary given his current predilection for modern pop-culture. He glanced around, checking nothing was out of place, a twinge of nervousness twisting at his stomach. He tried to ignore the unpleasant sensation, reassuring himself that it was a perfectly natural response to the prospect of having his boss visit his home, even when his home happened to be owned by the boss in question.
The intercom buzzed and checking his watch, Ianto realised it was the arrival of the pizzas. He retrieved his wallet from the bedroom and went downstairs to collect them. He'd only just returned when there was a knock at the door, and he opened it to find Jack smiling widely at him. It was only five minutes after half-past seven, and he was quite impressed by Jack's promptness. Punctuality usually wasn't one of the Captain's stronger attributes.
"Come in, Jack." Ianto smiled in greeting, closing the door once the other man had crossed the threshold.
Ianto couldn't help noticing Jack's eyes roaming over the length of his casually attired body with their usual lack of subtlety. "Hey, Ianto."
Well used to the other man's sometimes prurient behaviour, Ianto busied himself with removing Jack's greatcoat and hanging it on the coat stand, as Jack casually kicked off his boots. Ianto made a noise of disapproval under his breath, nudging the boots with his sock-clad feet until they were lined up neatly against the wall.
He gestured towards the sofa. "Pizzas are here. Make yourself comfortable."
Jack nodded and after extracting a DVD case from a pocket of his coat, he strolled across the living area and flopped down onto the sofa. "Beer?" Ianto called over his shoulder as he opened the refrigerator.
"Thanks."
Ianto deftly opened two bottles and carried them over to the table, passing one to Jack and putting his own down on a coaster. After returning to the kitchen for the pizzas and salads, he sat down next to the older man and passed him a slice of meat feast on a plate, along with a napkin.
"The apartment looks great," Jack mumbled around a mouthful of pizza.
"All courtesy of a couple of trips to IKEA," Ianto admitted, glancing around at his fairly minimalist furnishings. He didn't need much so he'd kept it simple, with the living area consisting of the sofa and coffee table opposite an entertainment unit containing his large flat-screen television and assorted gadgets, a bookcase for his collection of books, CD's and DVD's, and a small desk for his printer and laptop. "I thought about repainting but it seemed like a bit too much hassle. Could always get someone in to do it I suppose."
"Hmm, probably best left to the professionals," Jack agreed. "So, do you like living here, Ianto?"
Ianto smiled. "Yeah... yeah, I do."
"Good. I'm glad it worked out. Shame for the place to go to waste." Jack picked up his beer, took a generous mouthful, and then reached for another slice of pizza. "Can we watch my DVD now?"
Ianto stifled a disparaging retort. "Yep."
For the next hour and a half, Jack sat engrossed in his Buffy episodes, giving Ianto an animated and surprisingly detailed commentary on the story-lines and characters, often interjecting with which of the players he thought was particularly hot and shag-worthy. From what Ianto could gather, Jack considered that list to include pretty much the entire cast, regardless of gender, age, or physical attributes.
Surreptitiously observing Jack as they watched the show, Ianto found that he was starting to enjoy it too. He particularly liked the Spike character, and although he'd never admit it to Jack, he decided he wouldn't mind seeing some more episodes. He also couldn't help but find Jack's fixation infectious and strangely endearing. It was so at odds with the man he was used to interacting with at work.
With a second episode finished, and most of the pizza consumed along with two bottles of beer each, Ianto rose to his feet. "Ready for some dessert?"
Jack nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. What are we having?"
"Chocolate cake or ice-cream... I've got vanilla or chocolate. What do you fancy?"
Jack put his hands together in a pleading gesture. "Can I have all three?"
Ianto rolled his eyes. "How did I know you were going to say that?"
Jack laughed. "You must be psychic."
Filling the biggest bowl he had with a generous serving of cake and two scoops each of chocolate and vanilla ice-cream, and then fetching a smaller bowl and a more modest piece of cake for himself, Ianto returned with their dessert and started his film.
"Not having any ice-cream?" Jack asked as he started digging into the food with his usual exuberance.
"I don't like ice-cream. It gives me a headache," Ianto replied, taking a small spoonful of chocolate cake into his mouth and savouring the rich flavour.
"All the more for me then." Jack chuckled, then let out an appreciative groan as he took a spoonful into his mouth. "If you keep feeding me like this, I might have to come by more often," he added in a joking tone.
"You're welcome any time, Jack," Ianto said sincerely.
"Thanks." Jack patted Ianto's knee and smiled, their eyes meeting briefly. "So you're a Bond fan?" he asked a moment later as the film began.
"Yep. Got all the films and books."
"So, which one is your favourite Bond?" Jack asked, looking at him curiously.
"Sean Connery," Ianto replied without hesitation. "Definitely."
"Hmm. I met him once. Sweet guy. He could do this amazing thing with his fingers..."
Ianto nearly choked on the piece of cake he'd just popped into his mouth. After spluttering for a moment, he glared dangerously at Jack. "Do not finish that sentence, Jack! I'll be scarred for life, and I won't be able to watch his films the same way ever again."
Jack threw back his head and laughed. "Oh well, it's your loss. It's a really good story too."
Ianto sighed. "I never know when to take you seriously."
Jack looked at him intently, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ianto, you should know by now to always take me seriously."
After dessert was finished, they settled back and watched the movie in relative but companionable silence. Jack seemed to be enjoying it, but by around the half-way point Ianto was struggling to keep his eyes open. Despite his best efforts to stay awake, he soon drifted off.
###
It was sometime later when Ianto's mind edged back towards consciousness. Feeling warm and relaxed, he didn't open his eyes immediately, not ready to return to reality quite yet. A familiar but elusive scent surrounded him, and his cheek was pressed against firm, warm skin. He nuzzled his face against it, savouring the sensation and letting out a soft, contented sigh.
"Comfy?" a deep voice asked quietly against his ear, an underlying tone of amusement evident.
Ianto eyes shot open and he quickly pulled back, realisation dawning on his sleep-fogged mind. He found to his horror he'd had his arms wrapped around Jack, and had been nuzzling his face against the older man's neck.
"Oh, God. Jack, I'm sorry... I..." He trailed off, embarrassed and completely at a loss about what to say to excuse himself.
"Hey, it's okay," Jack said gently, not looking the least bit perturbed. "You were tired and I didn't want to disturb you."
Jack was gazing at him so intently, and Ianto found he couldn't look away, momentarily mesmerised by the depths of Jack's intense blue eyes. Jack leaned closer and reached up his hand, trailing his fingertips tenderly across Ianto's lightly stubbled cheek and tracing along his jawline. "It was kind of nice, actually."
Just for a brief moment, Ianto leaned his face against Jack's hand, relishing the warm, comforting sensation. But his mind quickly caught up, and realising what he'd done, he pulled away, shaking his head firmly. "Jack, I... I'm not gay."
"Neither am I," Jack said evenly.
Ianto felt his eyebrows lift in surprise. "Oh. But... you like men, right?"
Jack sighed. "I don't discriminate. If I'm with someone I like, it doesn't matter to me if they're male or female, human or otherwise... I don't believe in those quaint, narrow-minded labels you people are so obsessed with."
"You've, um... you've had sex with aliens?" Ianto asked incredulously.
Jack chuckled slightly. "Hey! Don't knock it 'til you've tried it."
"Sorry," Ianto mumbled. "Look, Jack... I like you... I like you a lot... I want us to be friends. I'd like to think that we are friends. But I'm straight. I'm not attracted to men."
Jack nodded, but Ianto was sure he'd seen a brief flash of disappointment pass over his features. "Ianto, it's okay, don't worry about it."
Ianto shifted uncomfortably, not knowing what else to say. They looked at each other awkwardly for a long moment, and Ianto felt his stomach churn unpleasantly.
Jack rose to his feet. "I should get going. Thanks for tonight. I had a great time, and it was good to get away from the Hub for a while."
"Me too," Ianto said quickly, also rising to his feet. "Maybe we can do this again sometime? Rift permitting, of course."
"Sure," Jack agreed with a broad smile that seemed just a little too forced. "I'd like that."
Collecting his DVD case and moving to the door, Jack tugged on his boots, and Ianto helped him into his coat. Jack turned to him and smiled again. "Get some rest, Ianto. You've earned it. I'll see you on Monday."
"See you on Monday," Ianto agreed, opening the door. "'Night, Jack," he murmured as Jack crossed the threshold and started walking away.
Reaching up his hand, Ianto touched his cheek and felt an inexplicable sense of loss and disappointment as he watched Jack retreat down the hallway.
###
Ianto woke the following morning after a long night of restless sleep, feeling tired and encumbered by a tangle of confusing thoughts. His dreams had been consumed by a kaleidoscope of images... images of Jack... undeniably erotic images of Jack. Tossing back the bed covers, he stared down at his pyjama-clad crotch. He was achingly hard and it seemed his erection wasn't going away of its own accord any time soon. Sighing wearily, he tugged off his pyjama pants, and began to stroke himself.
It was just sexual frustration, he told himself firmly. It was almost nine months since he'd broken up with Lisa, and in all that time, he'd only had his right hand for company. After all, he was a young bloke in his sexual prime, with a healthy libido. He had needs. For better or worse, Jack was the only person in his life at the moment. But he wasn't gay, he didn't like men in that way. He'd never been attracted to another man, even though he couldn't deny that he found Jack incredibly good-looking. Jack was completely stunning, if he was honest with himself. While he envied Jack's looks and charisma, he was beginning to realise that what he felt about Jack wasn't mere envy, no matter how vehemently he tried to convince himself otherwise.
Increasing the speed of his strokes while trailing his other hand across his bare chest, he found himself imagining what it would feel like to have Jack's strong but gentle hands touching and exploring his body. He imagined their naked flesh pressed together... moving his fingers over Jack's broad chest... Jack kissing him passionately... Jack stroking him until he was begging for release... Jack probing his fingers inside him... entering him... thrusting into him. He imagined their eyes locked hungrily onto each other... mouths moving relentlessly together, tongues tasting, teasing and intertwining... bodies hot and slick with sweat... faces contorted by the throes of ecstasy... both gasping and writhing in pleasure as they climaxed.
Panting as he continued to pleasure himself, his mind was consumed by more and more intense sensual images. A rush of heat suffused his body, a thin sheen of sweat breaking out over his skin. He was ridiculously hard and desperate for release. Stroking frantically, he closed his eyes as his body involuntarily arced upwards.
"Jack..." Groaning loudly, he erupted violently over his torso, wave after wave of pleasure washing over him, his entire body trembling as he rode out the aftershock of his orgasm.
He sank back down onto the bed, drawing deep, heavy breaths. Opening his eyes, he stared down at his debauched state with no small amount of horror. "Fuck", he muttered.