Thanks so much to everyone who so generously reviewed the last chapter. Hope you all like this one. I'm hoping to post another chapter in a couple of days time.

Chapter Eleven

It was Saturday evening and a day and a half later when Ianto was standing again at Jack's front door. The Welshman was dressed casually in jeans, a t-shirt and jacket, a small, battered rucksack slung over his shoulder, and a six-pack of Brains beer gripped firmly in his hand. Without the shroud of a well-tailored suit, Jack was struck again by Ianto's youthful and innocent appearance. His smooth, boyish features were a convincing disguise for the sadness and confusion that darkened the younger man's soul. The thought gave Jack pause and he couldn't help but wonder, however briefly, if being with Ianto was a mistake. Dismissing the unwelcome thought, he reminded himself that Ianto wasn't really innocent at all, despite his outward appearance.

"Are you sure this is all right?" Ianto asked, looking at Jack with a timid, slightly uncertain smile after Jack closed the door behind him.

"More than all right," Jack assured him, giving a wide smile in return.

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to Ianto's lips, reaching up to stroke his cheek in the way that Ianto seemed to like. "You didn't have to bring anything though," he added as Ianto handed him the beer.

Ianto shook his head slightly, his smile becoming more relaxed. "It's fine, Jack. Really."

"Okay." Jack didn't want to press the issue, and he appreciated the thoughtfulness of Ianto's gesture. "You can put your bag in the bedroom if you like."

Ianto nodded, and after neatly taking off his shoes and hanging up his jacket, he retreated to Jack's bedroom while Jack moved into the kitchen.

He'd been delighted when Ianto had phoned earlier that day, cautiously asking if Jack was interested in doing something together for the evening. Jack had readily agreed, suggesting a quiet night in and some homemade dinner. Mindful of Ianto's financial issues, he decided that another night out so soon probably wasn't the best idea. Besides, they had their trip planned for tomorrow, and he liked having time alone with Ianto in a relaxed environment, away from distractions and judging eyes.

Despite his extroverted image, Jack wasn't overly interested in going out regularly. He'd done enough of that in the past when all he'd wanted was mindless distractions and a good time. That lifestyle no longer held any appeal to him. Outside of the work environment and the habitual Friday night drinks or occasional meal with his colleagues, he was must more of a loner than people seemed to assume. His idea of a perfect evening was something more quiet and intimate, with some enjoyable food and drink, and most importantly, good company. To his way of thinking, the evening with Ianto was shaping up perfectly.

As much as Jack wanted to woo and impress Ianto, he was realising that he didn't actually need to, and he suspected the perceptive younger man would see right through any such attempts for exactly what they were. Jack wondered if that was the problem; that in the past he'd tried just that little bit too hard. Whatever this was with Ianto, and whatever it might become, he wanted it to be real, genuine, and most of all, honest. If he was going to secure a place in Ianto's heart, he wanted it to be because Ianto saw him as he truly was, not for who he pretended to be.

"Do you want one of these?" Jack gestured at the beers he'd set down on the kitchen bench as Ianto joined him. The younger man stood at the edge of the square-shaped kitchen space, close to Jack's dining table, and he looked a little ill-at-ease. "Or I've got some cold ones in the fridge?"

"Ah, a cold one, thanks," Ianto replied.

"Sure." Jack grabbed the pack of beer and shoved it into the refrigerator and grabbed two cold bottles from the shelf on the door. Deftly twisting off the tops, he passed one to the younger man. "Iechyd da," he said with an impish grin, clinking his bottle against Ianto's.

"Cheers," Ianto said, his mouth twitching with a hint of a smirk while his eyebrow lifted upwards. He raised the bottle to his lips and took a mouthful as Jack did the same. "Know much Welsh do you?"

Jack shrugged. "Just the odd word I've picked up here and there. I was trying to impress you with how acclimated I am. Did it work?"

Ianto's looked at him with amusement, and what Jack hoped was also affection. "Not really."

"Damn," Jack said, laughing. "How about you?"

"A bit," Ianto replied with a shrug of his own. "I'm better at reading Welsh than speaking it though. My dad was fluent and it would come in handy at the shop sometimes. He tried to help me with speaking it, but I never quite seemed to get the hang of it."

Jack nodded, oddly pleased to discover something with which Ianto wasn't especially adept. Noting the wistful sadness in Ianto's eyes with the mention of his father, he decided a change of subject was in order before the conversation became overly melancholy. He didn't want Ianto to feel he couldn't talk about his father, and Jack didn't mind, but he didn't think it was a good idea to dwell.

"So, I thought we'd make pizzas for dinner." Jack gestured to the various bowls of chopped ingredients he'd been preparing before Ianto had arrived. "Is that okay?"

"Yep, brilliant." Ianto moved closer to Jack and eyed the ingredients curiously. His expression turned dubious as he looked back up at Jack. "Are we making the bases too?"

"Well, we could, but I cheated and bought pre-made ones," Jack admitted sheepishly, going back to the refrigerator and extracting the two large pizza bases he'd bought earlier in the day along with packets of ham, salami, and mozzarella.

Ianto gave him a knowing smile, and after washing their hands, they got to work. Jack soon discovered that Ianto had a rather strong aversion to most varieties of vegetables, creating a decidedly meat-heavy topping on his pizza. Jack decided to make things interesting by insisting that they each make one half of their respective pizzas for themselves, while the other half was for the other person. With cheerful glee, he set about loading Ianto's half of his pizza with every vegetable topping he had on hand.

He achieved a minor victory in saving Ianto from overindulging in meat when he dug out a tin of chopped pineapple from his pantry cupboard, which Ianto seemed to find acceptable. The young Welshman clearly had his own revenge when he generously covered Jack's half of his pizza with the hottest of the three varieties of salami Jack had bought.

Jack was fast discovering that Ianto was a worthy opponent in a playful challenge, and the younger man seemed to relax, looking quite comfortable being in the kitchen and preparing food. Between the laughter, teasing and silliness that ensued, Jack thoroughly enjoyed himself, and it seemed that Ianto did too. With their pizzas finally in the oven, and after some quick cleanup was completed, Jack grabbed another round of beers from the refrigerator and they retreated to relax on the sofa.

"Oh, I meant to tell you..." Ianto began, taking a sip from his bottle before resting it on his thigh. "The couple we met at the restaurant, Estelle and Bernard, they came into the shop today. Bernard's coming back next week to get measured up for a suit."

"That's fantastic," Jack said with enthusiasm, pleased that his little attempts at promoting Ianto's business had yielded a result. He'd been passing out Ianto's business cards at work too, recommending Ianto to his colleagues for their tailoring needs, and generally extolling the Welshman's abilities. He couldn't resist winking at Ianto. "I bet Estelle was pleased to see you again."

Ianto rolled his eyes, but Jack saw the glimmer of amusement in the striking blue depths. "She asked me how my young man was, and said to say hello."

"Aww, she's such a sweetheart." Jack laughed at Ianto's dry, bemused tone. He rather liked the idea of being Ianto's 'young man', not that he'd admit it and mortify the Welshman. "So, what did you tell her? I hope you didn't roll your eyes."

Ianto looked mildly affronted. "I was very polite. I said you were fine. And I told her you're not that young."

Jack gasped dramatically, feigning outrage. "You did not!"

Ianto just gave a little shrug, a teasing smirk playing over his lips. It was with a great show of self-restraint that Jack managed to resist kissing those tempting lips into submission. He hoped, with a little luck, he'd get to do that and more later. He dragged his eyes away from Ianto and gulped down some beer.

"I suppose we must seem so young to them," Jack said thoughtfully after a moment.

"I suppose." Ianto quickly took a mouthful from his bottle and then looked up at Jack with an uncertain expression. "Jack... um... thanks for doing that. Handing out my business cards."

Jack reached over and patted Ianto's knee. "You're welcome. You know, even stubborn, fiercely independent Welshmen can use a helping hand now and then. Besides, that's what friends are for."

Ianto glared at him but there was no real malice in his features. His expression turned almost sheepish and he nodded. "Yeah, I guess we do."

Ianto paused and opened his mouth again, apparently about to say something further but then closed it, looking down to where his hands were twisting around his bottle. He looked uncomfortable.

"What is it, Ianto?" Jack asked, concerned with the sudden change in his demeanor. "Whatever's on your mind, you can talk to me."

Ianto didn't immediately respond. He took a deep breath, glancing up at Jack before looking away again. "It's just... uh... I know this is all new... us, I mean... and I know you've done this before..."

He stopped and shook his head in obvious frustration, and then surprised Jack by cursing vehemently under his breath. Jack had only heard Ianto swear a couple of times before, and it seemed so at odds with the image of the polite, suited man he'd first met. "I'm not sure what this is," Ianto continued hesitantly. "What you want it to be."

"What do you want it to be, Ianto?" Jack asked, keeping his voice low, not wanting to jump in too soon, say the wrong thing and possibly unsettle the other man. While he was anxious about Ianto's response, he understood that Ianto was trying to grasp the nature of their fledgling relationship.

Ianto's brow furrowed as he seemed to consider the question. "I'm pretty sure I'm not cut out for anything too... casual. It probably sounds weird since I'm... well... not straight, obviously... but I'm a fairly traditional sort of person. If it's sex and nothing more, that's fine... but that isn't what this is..." His eyes lifted and fixed searchingly on Jack's. "I'm, um... I'm not wrong about that, am I?"

"No, you're not wrong at all," Jack replied. Under different circumstances, he might have been hurt that Ianto doubted his motives, but he knew the Welshman was simply struggling to articulate his thoughts.

Ianto nodded, looking relieved. "But if there are other people... or if there might be other people while we're seeing each other... I need to know that, so I'm clear on where we stand. For me... well, I think you know there isn't anyone else... there's only you."

While Jack had been fairly certain that was the case, he was reassured to hear Ianto say the words. The thought of Ianto being with anyone else filled him with a wholly unfamiliar but distinctly unpleasant surge of jealousy. "There's no-one else, Ianto," Jack assured him. "As long as we're together, there won't be anyone else."

He paused, and couldn't help chuckling slightly as he wondered what Ianto might have imagined. "Despite what you might think, I don't actually have people throwing themselves at me."

"Good to know," Ianto said with a hint of a smile.

Jack smiled back and tried to compose his thoughts. "I won't deny I've been around the block a few times. I've probably had more than my fair share of flings and one-off's. But that's in the past and it's not what I want any more. It's not what I want with you."

He looked at Ianto and tried to gauge his reaction. Ianto was looking back at him with an even expression, giving very little away. He gave Jack a slight nod, indicating for him to continue.

Jack took a deep breath. "I meant it when I said I wanted to show you I'm serious about us. But I wasn't sure if you're serious too. I thought maybe you just wanted something fun and casual."

Ianto's expression became a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Why would you think that?"

"I suppose mainly because you're so young," Jack replied with a shrug. As soon as the words left his mouth, he cursed himself for mentioning the contentious issue.

Ianto looked at him sharply. "You said our age difference doesn't matter."

Jack hoped he was only imagining the hint of hurt that had crept into Ianto's voice. "It doesn't," he reassured him quickly. "I meant what I said about that. But when I think about what I was like at your age... well, I wouldn't have been ready for the possibility of anything too serious."

"But I'm not you, Jack," Ianto said, frowning again. "It's not fair to compare us."

Jack breathed out a sigh. He was actually impressed that Ianto was willing to challenge him and point out his hypocrisy, however unintentional. "I know. You're far more level-headed than I was at twenty... almost twenty-one. I'm sorry, Ianto. I shouldn't compare us or make assumptions. You're right, it isn't fair."

Ianto's frown cleared. "It's going to happen though, isn't it? For both of us."

"Yeah, I guess it is." Jack couldn't deny the truth of Ianto's words, as much as he wanted to. He wondered if perhaps he was being somewhat ingenuous, caught up in the excitement of a new relationship with someone he genuinely liked, and ignoring the reality of the situation. But he refused to believe the division in their ages and experiences was an insurmountable obstacle. "That's why it's important we talk to each other." He chuckled slightly. "Even though we're both men and we're at a natural disadvantage."

Ianto nodded and smiled briefly, but then looked dubious. "I'm not much of a talker, Jack."

"I know. Neither am I, not when it comes to things that really matter." Jack gave him a rueful smile. "It's not going to be easy for either of us. But I want you to feel like you can talk to me... about anything you like... even if you don't necessarily want to."

Ianto reached for Jack's hand and grasped it, much to Jack's surprise. "We're talking now... that's a good start, yeah?"

Jack smiled and squeezed Ianto's hand in return. "It's a great start. So you're happy about this... about us giving things a proper go?"

A myriad of emotions played over Ianto's features as he stared down at their joined hands. Jack's stomach clenched as he tried to imagine what Ianto was thinking about, and he wondered which of the younger man's issues might be causing him to have doubts. Then, seeming to reach a decision, Ianto looked up directly into Jack's eyes. "Yeah... yeah, I am."

Smiling with happiness and relief, Jack put his beer bottle down on the coffee table and unceremoniously wrapped his hands around Ianto's face, pulling him into a passionate kiss. The speed with which Ianto recovered from the surprise and began kissing him back with equal enthusiasm, quickly erased Jack's lingering doubts.

It was a couple of minutes later when they separated, both breathing a little heavier than usual. Jack would have liked to take things further and he doubted that Ianto would have objected, but their pizzas would almost be ready.

Ianto looked at him curiously. "Can I ask you something else, Jack?"

Jack nodded. "Sure, Ianto."

"What do we call this? I mean... if you had to introduce me to one of your friends, for example, what would you say?"

Jack shrugged. "I'd say, 'This is Ianto.'"

Ianto frowned and Jack suspected that he was trying to refrain from rolling his eyes again. "Yes... but how would you describe what we are? Would you say we're friends, or..."

"Oh." Jack finally realised what Ianto was asking him. As much as he disliked putting narrow-minded labels on things, he conceded that they were necessary at times. "Well, I suppose I'd say you're my boyfriend." He looked at Ianto with concern as the younger man visibly flinched. "That would be okay, wouldn't it?"

"I suppose," Ianto replied, sounding less than happy about it.

"It's only a word," Jack assured him.

He could understand the other man's unease, and he had to admit, it did sound kind of immature. While Jack balked at being pigeon-holed, he was learning that Ianto needed to understand things, and liked having rules and guidelines to help him negotiate the unknown. It was going to be Jack's job to help him do that, and to perhaps encourage him to become a little less structured in his thinking. Jack didn't mind, but he knew he didn't have all the answers.

He decided to try a different tact. "If I were female and you had to introduce me, what would you call me?"

Ianto seemed to ponder that for a moment, and then looked chagrined. "I guess I'd say you're my girlfriend," he said cautiously.

"So, it's not any different is it?" Jack asked.

"Well, no." Ianto frowned again. "It's just... it seems a bit weird."

"If you prefer, we could just provide a visual demonstration instead... I could pull you into my arms and kiss you senseless." Jack grinned. "That'd probably get the point across."

Ianto's expression shifted into something approaching horror. "You, ah... you wouldn't actually do that, would you?"

"Not unless you wanted me too," Jack replied, chuckling gently before turning serious again. "No, Ianto, I'd never do anything that I thought might embarrass you. It's not really my style... overtly showing affection in public. What we do is between us, it doesn't concern anyone else. Not that I have a problem with anyone knowing we're together. I'd never want to deny that, but we don't need to broadcast it to all and sundry either."

Ianto looked relieved. "Maybe we should stick to 'boyfriend' then," he said, apparently conceding to Jack's logic, but with obvious reluctance. "If the need arises."

Jack smiled, both amused and charmed by the Welshman's pedantic nature. "Whatever you like." He stood up, tugging on Ianto's hand. "Come on, our pizzas should be ready."

Their pizzas were devoured in short order, Jack discovering that Ianto had been almost as ravenously hungry as himself. Jack was left gasping and rushing to the kitchen for water after eating Ianto's treat for him, while Ianto pulled some highly amusing faces as he struggled through a slice of his vegetarian delight, grumbling constantly about the evils of vegetables.

Comfortably fed, and with another round of beers in hand, they settled down to watch Casino Royale on Blu-Ray. Ianto had insisted that Jack should choose the movie this time, and while it was a movie that Jack liked, he had chosen it with the knowledge that Ianto had an affinity with all things James Bond related.

As the opening scene unfolded, Ianto was immediately and completely engrossed in the action. Jack wrapped an arm around Ianto's shoulders and pulled him closer. He was pleased when the younger man responded with a soft, contented sigh and curled up against his side.

After about an hour, with some coaxing that bordered on pleading, Jack managed to tear Ianto away long enough to make some of his delicious coffee for them.

After another hour and a half, with the movie finally over and the credits beginning to roll up the screen, Jack had learned one important lesson: Ianto took his Bond movies very seriously. The younger man had been utterly implacable for the entire length of the movie, resisting all of Jack's attempts to distract him with teasing lips and questing fingers. Jack had been admonished severely several times, his roaming hands battered away as Ianto's eyes had remained fixed firmly on the screen.

Switching off the screen and player, and tossing the remote onto the coffee table, Jack turned to Ianto and looked at him expectantly. Jack had been patient for two and a half hours, inwardly cursing his decision to choose such a long movie, but with temptation so close for all of that time, he'd finally reached his limit.

"So, can I kiss you now?" he demanded, hearing the trace of petulance mixed with desperation in his voice and no longer caring.

Ianto smiled, his eyes alight with amusement. "Yes, Jack. I'm all yours."

"At last," Jack murmured as he pulled Ianto against his chest and claimed the younger man's mouth in a feverish kiss.

Jack decided that the Welshman had enjoyed the game of anticipation a little too much, not that Jack was actually complaining. Ianto was perhaps starting to realise the power he had over him, and while Jack knew two could play at that game, he was fairly sure Ianto's clearly superior will-power would ensure he'd usually win. Since their earlier discussion, it seemed to Jack that a weight had lifted between them, with both of them feeling more secure about being together.

It didn't take long before they'd divested each other of their t-shirts, and with Ianto spread out on his back along the length of the sofa, Jack eagerly kissed and licked every inch of his chest. While his fingers worked at unfastening Ianto's jeans, he lavished attention on Ianto's nipples, knowing how much the younger man liked it, and Jack relished every breathless moan he managed to elicit from Ianto's lips.

With Ianto's remaining clothes finally pulled down and out of the way, Jack took him into his mouth, causing Ianto to exhale a low, stuttering groan. Jack applied his talents with single-minded enthusiasm, and within minutes Ianto's body trembled as he shot his release deep into Jack's mouth. Savouring the unique taste, Jack consumed every drop before settling on top of Ianto and kissing him slowly.

"Your turn," Ianto said, working his nimble fingers to release Jack from the confines of his jeans and underwear.

"You're sure?" Jack asked. "You know it's okay if you don't want to?"

"I know, but I want to," Ianto insisted. "Besides, practice makes perfect."

"A very admirable attitude," Jack agreed with a grin as they repositioned themselves so he was on his back and Ianto was on top of him.

Ianto grinned. "I like to think so."

What Ianto lacked in experience and finesse, he made up for with his enthusiasm and fastidious nature. He was slow and methodical, seeming to revel in the joy of what Jack suspected was a new experience for him. Jack loved how, being with Ianto, everything felt new and exciting. These were special moments that Ianto would always remember, as would Jack, and he felt honoured to be the man with whom Ianto was sharing them.

It wasn't long before Jack gasped and came hard, having to restrain himself from thrusting upwards and overwhelming the younger man. He spilled into Ianto's mouth, and Ianto did his best to take it all. When Ianto was finished, Jack reached up and swiped his thumb over the younger man's chin, gently wiping away the excess.

"Was that okay?" Ianto asked, looking slightly anxious.

"That was fantastic." Jack smiled up at Ianto, earning a soft smile in return. Tugging gently on Ianto's arms, Jack pulled him down into a long, slow kiss.

They continued kissing lazily for several minutes but eventually they were both beginning to lag a little.

"Want to go to bed now?" Jack asked.

"Okay," Ianto agreed with a weary nod, his eyelids starting to droop.

They fastened their clothing, and after grabbing their t-shirts, Jack flicked off the lights and they retreated to the bedroom. It wasn't long before they were settled in bed, arms wrapped firmly around each other. With Ianto's warmth surrounding him, Jack smiled as he drifted off to sleep.

The following morning began with a couple of unhurried rounds of very satisfying sex, followed by showers, and then a late breakfast consisting of Jack's pancakes and Ianto's coffee. Eventually they were organised for the day and standing at the door as Jack checked his pockets, making sure he had everything.

"Ianto, hold out your hand."

"Why?" Ianto asked, looking at Jack curiously but obediently putting his hand out.

Jack dropped his keyring into Ianto's palm. "Because you're driving."

Ianto stared down at his hand for a moment and then looked up at Jack again, a huge smile lighting up his face. "Really?"

Jack grinned back and hoped he'd never forget the look of pure happiness on Ianto's face. "Yup. Let's go."

The journey to Castell Coch was short and uneventful. Ianto was a capable and conscientious driver, as Jack had expected. He couldn't imagine Ianto being reckless or incompetent in anything he chose to do. Ianto was clearly overjoyed with the chance to drive the car he admired, and Jack enjoyed just sitting back and watching the younger man revel in the experience.

The castle was magnificent, and while not especially large, with its setting nestled in dense, green countryside filled with huge, soaring trees, Jack thought it was like something lifted from a fairytale. As with their previous trip, Ianto's quiet enthusiasm was contagious. He filled Jack in on various historical points of interest as they explored every nook and cranny accessible to visitors. Jack suspected that Ianto might have read up on the castle in preparation for their trip. Jack treated them to a snack and drinks, and they lingered until closing time. Ianto then drove them back to Jack's flat.

"Stay again tonight?" Jack asked once they were inside, the words tumbling out before he'd allow the thought to fully form.

"Oh, er..." Ianto's eyes widened with surprise. "I thought you might be sick of me by now."

"I'm not sure that's possible," Jack said with complete honesty. "I'll understand if you don't want to. But I'd really like it if you did."

He smiled, feeling self-conscious, and not sure if he'd be able to hide his disappointment if Ianto declined. He just wasn't ready for their time together to once again reach an end.

Ianto's features relaxed and he smiled back. "I'd like that too. Okay, I'll stay."