A/N : A short chapter this time, just to take us through to the next phase of the boys' journey.
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As I've decided to go with an A/N this time, I'd like to take advantage of the fact by publicly thanking my 'ally' in Switzerland, who is still faithfully staying on board and passing on some much appreciated thoughts with each chapter ….. You know who you are … so ….. 'thank you!' – big smile!
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I'd also like to thank the guest reviewer who left some very kind comments for the previous chapter. I do have an inkling of who you might be, but – not being one to jump to conclusions – please accept my 'thank you very much anyway' here.
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Disclaimer : Jack and Ianto belong to Russell T Davies and the BBC – Speaking of which – anything written from this point onward regarding the British Broadcasting Corporation, is completely fictitious - and any similarities to persons associated with 'Auntie' past and present are purely coincidental.
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Okay …. maybe I should crack on – there's a good chance of this author's note ending up longer than the chapter! Lol.
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Chapter Twenty
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Nothing Ventured
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After an informal guided tour of all four floors of Jerry's place (Kenneth having insisted that it would be perfectly okay for them to have a quick look around), Ianto returned from his last stop – a much needed bathroom break – to find the word 'help' being mouthed at him.
With himself and Jack following Kenneth's advice and creating their own invite to the event, curiously their presence had been neither welcomed nor dismissed; they'd been there for nearly two hours thus far, and their unwitting host had yet to say a single word to either of them.
Despite this, in quickly becoming the centre of attention, Jack had been in constant demand. He'd started the ball rolling with Kenneth's main contact, been around the entire room twice; shaking hands like it was going out of fashion, and then back again to continue with his primary conversation.
Not surprising Ianto in the slightest, everybody there had made it perfectly clear that they were hoping they'd be able to leave the place tonight saying they'd actually met Jerry's handsome leading man and, to his manager's relief, Jack had held it together perfectly. As if on autopilot he'd been back to his usual effervescent self; all smiles, thank yous, and flirtatious glances.
For now, however, he was back with Phil from the Beeb and, rather amusingly, he was in the process of mouthing a second desperate cry for 'help' across the room.
Following Jack's gaze, the frustrated looking guest stood next to him shot a look over one shoulder, and Ianto found himself being beckoned by the man.
He smiled at Harriet as she sent a wink of encouragement, then began to weave his way between the assembled media and theatre bods, while, eyes widening with a conspicuous amount of impatience, Phil from the Beeb turned completely on the spot to await his arrival.
Ianto made his final approach and, carefully assimilating the shock of unkempt red hair, neglectful show of, almost, scruffy attire and unnerving twitchy nature - came to the conclusion that the guy had to be a total genius; nobody would dare show up at one of these events looking like an aging post-graduate unless they either got a kick out of being on the receiving end of several withering looks, or were aware that there was something genuinely special about themselves; that they possessed a talent so amazing, it would forever justify the blatant lack of pride on their part.
"You're Yan …" was stated loudly, startling everyone in the immediate area, Ianto included. His hand was snatched up from his side - where it'd quite happily been minding its own business - and shaken with a firm grip, "… this bloody idiot's manager, right?"
Before Ianto could formulate a response that didn't include the words 'fuck', 'cunt' or 'wanker', "I'm Phil, Yan. It's really nice to meet you." he was informed with a convincing amount of sincerity.
Realising the guy wasn't half as bad as he'd first assumed, Ianto silently thanked the lord for allowing him to hold his tongue, but, he still didn't reply with a 'hi', or 'hello' - - Not even a 'nice to meet you too' came floating out on a carpet of velvet Welsh vowels. No, what he actually said in the darkest tone he could muster was "I beg your pardon - did you just call my client a bloody idiot?"
A look of Broadcasting Corporation horror was sent in Jack's direction where, unfortunately for Ianto, the dope had already started to laugh at what he'd realised was his boyfriend's attempt at a jokey barb.
Red curls flicked left and right as Phil's head shot repeatedly from side to side. "You're playing with me, aren't you." he concluded with a defeated glance in Ianto's direction.
"Sorry, couldn't resist." Ianto smiled back at him, sending Jack an imperceptible wink. "Nice to meet you too, Phil." He finally got around to admitting.
Spotting a tray of flutes floating past, he stretched over, quickly helping himself to one before they could grow completely out of reach. "So, he's a bloody idiot, is he? Well I know why I think so …" he joked between his first and second sips of bubbly, "… but what I really want to know, is … why do you?"
With Jack pouting; starting to feel somewhat ganged up upon, a relieved Phil went on to explain a few brief details of an idea he'd had on the back-burner; pointing out that he'd just been waiting for the right person to come along, and that Jack, apparently, was that very person.
As Ianto stood there, smiling broadly at his idea of a grand plan, Phil from the Beeb narrowed his eyes at Jack. "I'm offering him the opportunity of a lifetime here," he sulked, shoulders falling, "And all I'm getting from the fool is '… yeah Phil, it sounds really cool, but, can I think about it? ...'.
Jack sent his manager a lame excuse of a smile.
And as a result, that manager chose to make his thoughts on the matter perfectly clear. "Jack? Tell the nice man 'yes' …. you bloody idiot."
As two sets of eyes focused on him, Jack could do nothing but shrug. "I really mean this, guys; the whole idea sounds great. But it's such a big step up from what I've been doin', I mean, I just don't get it - why me? Folks out there in tv land aren't gonna know who I am, are they?"
"Anyone that watches breakfast television is already aware of what you do." one desperate programme maker pointed out, his voice laden with hope.
"Look," lifting his glass of champagne a tad higher; just enough to pull all attention back to himself, Ianto decided it was time to take his new role a little more seriously and promptly took charge of proceedings. "Is there any chance we could meet up for a proper chat, Phil, say, Thursday lunchtime?" he suggested. "After all, this'd be a big step for anyone going from stage to screen after just a few months of being in the public eye."
Phil looked down, deep in thought, then met Ianto's stare with a smile. "I think Thursday should be fine; here's my card," he offered. "But make sure you give me your number before you leave, just in case something does crop up that I've forgotten about."
"You okay with twelve thirty?" Ianto asked Jack, not wanting him to feel too left out of things. He accepted his 'client's' gentle nod with a warm smile then turned back. "Well hopefully we'll see you later in the week, Phil. I'll contact you by Tuesday at the latest to check we're good to go plus arrange a venue. And in the meantime I'm sure I'll be able to make this bloody idiot see sense."
"Yeah, okay, okay …. enough with the whole 'bloody idiot' joke already." Although he was frowning, a little further south, Jack's lips broke into a grin.
"You two carry on chatting," Ianto encouraged, "I'm gonna catch up with Ken; let him know how things are going." Proffering a hasty "See you next Thursday" and a handshake, he nodded once at Phil, smiled ambiguously at Jack, then shot off to find their 'saviour' in the hope of garnering a touch more support.
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"I'm sure Jerry's gutted to see you go - you coming on board really kicked some life back into the show."
Phil from the Beeb took a large bite of his panini, then sat there chewing with a grin.
Looking with a snap out of the bistro's window; suddenly finding a passing ambulance to be of exceptional interest, Ianto kept all trace of humour hidden and waited to hear Jack's response. With little effort he picked out the relevant reflection in the glass, then watched on with disguised amusement as his boyfriend took a delaying gulp of mineral water.
"Well, to be honest Phil, I just felt it was a good time to move on." was finally lied with ease.
Ianto watched Jack's reverse image fall back; the guilty party's chair now being called upon to play its part in the laid-back show of deception. Almost amusingly, Jerry hadn't said one word to Jack about their unannounced arrival at his soiree on Sunday evening – almost as if discussing the issue would be him admitting defeat; something the director was probably feeling he'd done more than enough of, of late.
Sensing a need to intervene, Ianto looked back with a spot of skin-saving distraction. "I'm assuming there'll be a screen-test or the like; something that can convince both yourself and Jack that he's suitable to present this new show?"
Phil swallowed quickly; an even greater show of excitement flashing in those wild blue eyes of his. "Yeah, of course, and we're looking at doing a pilot, which may or may not be broadcast; it all depends on how conclusive Jack's performance is. I can usually tell if something's going to work without the viewing public getting involved."
Ianto nodded his approval. "Jack already has a big following. I've been keeping a check on things myself and the same people have been turning up week after week so, hopefully, that'll be the case with this new show of yours. You said, he'll be on for thirty minutes of the hour long broadcast, didn't you?" he double checked, just for something else to say, really; something that might save Jack from having to fabricate a load of nonsense about his boss' involvement in his abrupt departure.
"Mmm." Phil nodded, still chewing away on a mouthful of bread. He swallowed with a grin then nodded again. "That's right. The plan has always been to promote dramatic art as well as stage musicals. The first thirty minutes will be dedicated to whatever plays are doing the rounds; a well-known theatre critic from one of the main dailies will be presenting that half, and for the second half, Jack will be interviewing a special guest of the week; discussing their favourite musical, as well reviewing the best of what else is currently on offer around the country, then at the end of the programme Jack gets to sing with his guest; either a particular favourite of theirs, or something from the show they're currently starring in."
Ianto looked at diagonals across the table, making sure he was staring straight at Jack. "You've got to do this; it's ideal for you."
Despite not looking totally convinced, Jack nodded his agreement. "It does sound absolutely brilliant," he sighed, "Though I'm still not sure how I'd cope; being in front of a camera."
Phil came to Ianto's rescue. "Jack, I've watched, and re-watched, that interview you did with our breakfast crew. It was seeing how natural you came across on that show that made me consider you in the first place. Plus it helps that you can sing every other person on the circuit off the stage and, let's face it, you're not exactly ugly, are you."
"You have to do the screen test at least. Pleeeease?" Ianto begged. "I know you'd be brilliant if you gave it a go. And if you can't see the audience ... so what? You'll still be getting to sing."
With Jack agreeing to meet Phil at Wood Lane the following week, where a more formal interview was to be conducted, the largely productive luncheon meeting was finally concluded, and with something of a habit forming, London's hottest couple found themselves making strides toward their all-time favourite multi-storey.
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You really are takin' this whole 'bein' my manager thing' very seriously, aintcha."
Jack settled himself into the driver's seat.
"Let's just say I have a vested interest ….." Reaching behind to find his seatbelt, then realising his decision might have been just a little premature, changing his mind, Ianto swivelled on his bum to get a better view of his incredibly talented, soon to be BBC employee, boyfriend. "I care about what happens to you – I don't want anyone else thinking they can take advantage of your soft nature – and if I say so myself; I happen to be a very good judge of character ….."
"Yeah ….. have to agree with that last part." Jack conceded, recalling how Ianto had warned him all along about Jerry and Tom, and that right from the word go he'd seen through that jerk out in Ibiza.
"You remember a while back - we were talking about increasing your fan base?" Ianto reminded; just a hint of excitement starting to come through in his voice. "Well things don't get much better than appearing on national television, Jack. This could be just what we need. We always knew you wouldn't have to hide your sexuality for ever, but things might be improving a lot sooner than we expected."
The 'small-screen' hopeful, slid down in his seat. "People knowin' we're a couple really means a lot to you, doesn't it." Jack sighed acceptingly.
He was afforded the customary tut and eye-roll.
"Nohhhhh ….. of course it don't ….." Ianto sarked, "I mean, why on Earth would I want people to know that for the past three months I've been dating a hideous, talentless c-lister?"
Hearing yet another tut, Jack turned to Ianto with a grin. "Hideous? You think I'm hot, Jones - just admit it and move on."
The notion was given minimal thought. "Hmm …. okay ….. maybe you are just a little bit pretty …"
"Your favourite type …." Jack quickly reminded.
"Yes … my favourite type …." Ianto was forced to agree, teasing, "But you've got a fucking poor excuse for a cock. Even rock-hard I have trouble finding it."
"What?! You mean this?" Hips were hitched, a fly was slid downward and Jack heaved the whole package out.
"Oh, for fucks ….." Ianto's palm found his forehead. "Jack! Look around! Duh! Public building? Lots of cars? Are these surroundings really screaming completely private at you?"
Jack's stupid grin grew stupidly wider, suggesting that right at this moment he was on a mission and not overly bothered.
"What is it with you and public places all of a sudden?" Ianto's sigh became a chuckle. "And why is it always multi-storey fucking car-parks?"
Jack's tongue appeared - slipped out just enough to be seen – and very, very slowly it slid from one side to the other, moistening his lips as a hint.
Aware of what was going on higher up, Ianto's main attention was focused on the strong fingers slowly stroking away at a promising looking semi. Mouth already drying out, he lifted his gaze. "Promise me you'll make a serious effort to make this thing work with Phil and …"
Jack's mouth twitched, forming a familiar, knee-weakening crooked smile. "And what? What sort of reward are we talkin' here?"
Ianto swallowed hard, watched wide-eyed as the length in Jack's hand kicked and throbbed, continuing to grow in length. Jack's half-lidded appearance wasn't helping matters much either; his gentle noises of self-pleasure making things infinitely worse.
"You wanna suck it?" was offered.
Again Ianto gave another deep swallow, but despite the new coating of lubrication, his reply of "Fuck, yeah …." still came out with a croak. He retrieved a copy of a day old newspaper from the rear foot-well, instructing, "Here, hold this over me. If anyone comes along, just pretend you're reading."
Jack studied the page currently on show and started to chuckle.
"An undisclosed sum has been donated to a charity of the performer's choice, and we have been informed that Mr Harkness does not intend to press any charges." he read out loud.
Ianto looked back from his second course of the day." That'll be another couple of grand Jerry's had to dip into his wallet for." he grinned before returning his attention to the tempting delicacy on offer.
"Lick it slowly, first?" Jack begged, holding the tabloid with one hand and aiming his cock at right-angles with the other. He watched, full of anticipation, as Ianto dipped lower, completely covering the gap between them. His sigh was loud as his wish was granted.
Tongue retracting, Ianto paused what he was doing to remind … "You still haven't promised me anything, you know …..." ….. then he got back to work; swirling slow circles around the glans of his boyfriend's shaft.
A shuddering breath sounded above him and it took a moment of serious concentration for Jack to be able to agree …. "Okay …. I promissssss – oh, Jesus, Yan, you're so fuckin' good at this ….." Eyes slipping shut, he stroked his fingers through Ianto's hair and all thoughts of imminent danger were forgotten. It was just fortunate for both men that no-one chose that particular moment in time to return to their vehicle, and less than ten minutes later Ianto found himself savouring every last drop of release; his lids fluttering as he sucked gently around the head of Jack's cock, making sure he didn't miss out on any of that distinctive flavour still oozing out.
Above him Jack was panting loudly, head lolling with every exaggerated gasp. Resting a hand on a rocking shoulder and levering himself upward, Ianto leant in; nudged their noses together until Jack lifted his lids, then slid his tongue forward to be sucked clean.
"How long have we got?" Jack wondered minutes later, sounding satiated and spent as he slid down, exhausted, in his seat.
Ianto fell back with a sigh. "I'm already late …."
He rolled his head to one side, finding Jack who was grinning happily at him. "Just as well I'm not coming to see the show tonight … I should really offer to work a bit later - y'know - to make up for these extended lunch-breaks I keep taking."
Jack sat there, just studying Ianto's expression. "Heyyyyyy, come on, Yan, be straight with me. Are you just sayin' that?" he posed with a curious smile, "Or are you secretly gonna be there watchin' me?"
If ever he'd had any intention of keeping the fact a secret, the notion was away and gone the second Ianto failed to contain his laugh.
"You are!" Nether region cooling rapidly, Jack was bouncing around in his seat like an excited, exposed child. "You're comin' to see me, aintcha!"
He accepted the lack of instant response as an admission of guilt and snatching out for Ianto's left hand lifted it quickly to his lips, "I'm sorry I know I'm not s'posed to say it, but, God, Ianto Jones, I do - I ….."
"Don't!" Ianto warned hurriedly, before his life could turn disastrously to shit.
Eyes screwing up, Jack pressed their coupled hands onto the bridge of his nose. "But I do …. so much …"
A deep breath was drawn inward. "I know, I know and ... well …. y'know …." Ianto shrugged.
Jack's eyes shot open. "Really?" He held Ianto's fingers to his mouth; pursed his lips onto them as he double checked that he was reading the message correctly.
"Of course …." Ianto whispered.
The smallest of twinkles appeared, accentuating the already bright blue. "Wow. Is this really us doin' the whole romantic thing?" Jack chanced, his gaze slowly softening as he maintained eye-contact.
"Well, yeah, it would be," Ianto conceded, "If your cock wasn't still hanging out."
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Everyone was out of their seat.
Ianto included.
This was the final song that Jack would ever get to perform as Danny Zuko - the audience was aware of that fact, Ianto was aware of it … … and Jack was aware of it. Up on that stage he was doing his best to hold it together, belting out every line with more passion than Ianto had ever heard. There were tears streaming down his face ….. but he was still smiling.
Waving programmes and rolled up posters in the air, the crowd was joining in with every word. Young girls were crying; women much older than those starry-eyed youngsters were crying … and Ianto wasn't the only male member of the audience to have tears in his eyes. He was feeling sad for Jack, yes, but there was also a huge sense of pride; that young man up there on stage was showing the Jerry's of this world that he was going to make it, with or without their help …. And Ianto knew for certain that he wanted to be there with Jack every step of the way.
With the excitement slowly building, everyone began to join in with the final chorus, only, it soon became apparent - to Ianto, at least - that Jack had forgotten the words, only, he hadn't really forgotten them; he'd just decided to alter them a little.
As he heard the line again, Ianto started to laugh. The 'you're the one that I want' followed by a blatant 'you, hoo hoo, Yanny', was most definitely deliberate – and at that very moment, a certain Welshman fell in love just that little bit more.
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With Jack taking his last curtain call ever with the production, Ianto began to make his way backstage. He had a strong feeling that someone was going to need a shoulder to cry on, and there was no way that that shoulder was going to belong to anybody but him.
He reached the dressing room the same time as Jack, only, while he was on foot, Jack was aloft; being held up, flat out, by several pairs of hands belonging to the very same bunch of people cheering him.
Marcel the Marvellous was standing by, looking distraught as he waited for his boy to be delivered safely. Ianto hooked an arm around the dresser's shoulders and gave him a hug.
A sniffing Jack was lowered to the floor. The first thing he saw was the love of his life and wasted no time tearing him away from his aide to claim him as his own with a bone-crushing hug.
As a head found his shoulder, Ianto ssshh'd and rocked in his usual manner.
Everyone 'awwww'd'.
"We'll catch up with you at Dante's." Eddie called out to Ianto as the crowd of performers began to amble away.
Ianto nodded back then slowly shuffled Jack in through the doorway of his dressing room. "Come on, hurry up, I think we need to go get pissed." He decided handing the leading man over to Marcel for one final time.
As the two men went about their usual motions of preparing Jack for the outside world, Ianto made a decision he was sure he was going to regret, but he also knew that this was something he just had to do.
"Won't be a mo ….." he announced backing out into the corridor and pulling the door shut before either man inside could object.
Outside Jerry's office a flick of his head told all others in the area to make themselves absent.
"Is he alone?" he asked Tom, who, amazingly, was smiling at him. Tom nodded, and as he backed away there was a definite show of respect in his eyes.
Ianto smiled back then turned to the door; letting himself inside without knocking.
"Just say what you've come to say and go." Jerry instructed from his desk, not looking up. "I'm really not in the mood for you tonight, Jones."
Balancing on his fingertips, Ianto leaned on the director's desk. "You do just one thing to cause trouble for us – I will become your worst fucking nightmare. Understood?!"
As if he felt his time was being wasted, Jerry heaved a sigh and continued to look down at some paperwork. A hand snapped out, grabbing him by the throat, and he found a wrist tilting his chin upward with a sense of urgency.
Ianto's stare was feral. "Don't forget we still have the original photo and that recording. I'm warning you, Jerry ….. you do just one thing to jeopardise Jack's career ….. you'll wish you'd never been born. Now ….. DO ... YOU ... UNDERSTAND?!"
Eyes staring wide through his thin-rimmed spectacles, the director nodded, clearly shaken by the burst of genuine animosity.
"Good." Ianto released his grip. "I'm sure we can all exist on the circuit without ever having to go through this again." Turning to the doorway, he stopped; spinning back on the balls of his feet. "Oh, and by the way ….."
Hunched over his desk, Jerry looked up through his brows.
"He's keeping the jacket." Ianto grinned, finally leaving the room.
Tom was waiting outside. "Did you hurt him?" he asked, sounding almost hopeful that that might have been the case.
"It was tempting." Ianto admitted.
He stared hard at the dancer. "Do yourself a favour, Tom, and get away from that wanker. He's bringing you down with him, but I get the feeling you're not quite as bad as you let people think."
The choreographer's features softened as he started to smile. "Look," he sighed, "About that night at my place – I'm sorry if ….."
"Forget it ….. it's in the past." Ianto shrugged already walking away.
"See you around, then." Tom called after him.
"Fucking hope not ….." was thrown back with an added dash of humour.
Laughing loudly, the dancer watched his old enemy stride away.
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Hearing some very familiar laughs floating out from inside, Jack and Ianto stepped into Dante's and made their way round to their usual spot; practically the whole troupe appeared to be there. The second they saw him they made a bee line for Ianto; their special rendition of 'you're the one that I want – you hoo hoo Yanny, proving to be exceptionally loud.
As he was jumped on and several hands appeared, mussing up his hair, Ianto let out a screech and swore several times. While he dipped on the spot laughing, his arms trying in vain to cover the top of his head, Jack started to laugh also. It was the first hearty laugh that Ianto had heard his boyfriend give since the end of the show.
"What you havin'" Eddie asked as they finally made it to their favourite table.
A disheveled Ianto jumped up onto a stool and rested his elbows on the tall, round table before him. "Becks and a chaser, ta …." he smiled, accepting a compact mirror from Abby as it was offered. "Bastards …." he laughed studying his reflection, brushing his fingers through his fringe in an attempt to rearrange it.
"Well, I'm sorry guys, I know it's a horrible fucking situation that no-one wants to think about, but someone's gotta say it, so…." Terry the 'T-Bird' stepped up to sling an arm around Jack's shoulders and hugged him tightly onto his side. "… It's not gonna be the same without you mate."
Jack's sigh sounded loud and clear, despite the increasing levels of music in the place.
"I'm sure it won't be the last you see of him." Ianto interjected before Jack could become too maudlin. "I'll make sure of it." he promised with a wink.
With Abby deciding there was a sudden need to rub comforting circles over his back, Jack smiled warmly at his caring boyfriend; guessing that quite a few folks from Ianto's past would be surprised if they could see the vast difference in his personality.
The carousing going on around them growing louder, still in a world of their own, Jack and Ianto continued to have eyes only for each other. A look filled with total understanding had been engaged then held; both men were silently acknowledging that their relationship had suddenly stepped up a gear.
"Here we go …." Eddie nudged into Jack, handing over a drink, immediately breaking the loved-up spell.
Not that it mattered. The stare had been held more than long enough for the correct message to be fully received.
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For the next two hours, Jack and Ianto spent a wonderful time joking, reminiscing, laughing and play-fighting. And now feeling a little worse for wear, they were angled onto each other, attempting to keep themselves upright.
"Wise move that; you taking the tube today ….." Ianto giggled.
"We need a cab." Jack decided raising one arm in the air. "TAXI!"
Ianto looked around them, lost his balance and began to stumble about. "Whoa!"
Jack grabbed him by one arm. "Wooooo ... where ya goin', honey?"
Deliberately barging into his boyfriend, Ianto snorted loudly.
"Honey?!"
A heavy nod was given. "Yep … didn'tcha know? You're my little honey bunny! Sweetest guy I ever knew!"
"Ugh … I think I'm gonna throw up."
Jack's bottom lip appeared. "Hey ….. there's no need to be like that!"
Ianto swallowed deeply. "No ….. seriously … I think I'm gonna throw up ….."
Jack pulled his best 'awwwww', face. "Poor Yanny ... but I'm afraid that's what ya get for mixin' yer drinks, honey. But don't worry, baby …..I'm gonna look after you …"
As he was pulled closer, and an arm hooked through his own, Ianto steadied himself enough to walk along with Jack in a more soberly fashion. Instantly feeling the need to slow the pace, he pulled back slightly and smiled at Jack, who took the hint and slowed also.
"Don't worry, Yan ….." was sighed. "A cab'll show up soon ….. 'n' I promisss I'll get ya home ssssafe and sssssound."
Ianto started to laugh. And, naturally, Jack was looking upset by the fact.
"I was just thinking," Ianto reassured with a chuckle, "It's usually me taking care of you ….."
Jack's frown disappeared and he began to move them both along again. "From now on, Yan, we're gonna take care of each other."
For a few moments they shuffled along in silence, sending each other the occasional loving smile, though, given the day they'd already had, that moment of silence was never going to have lasted for very long.
"Jack?" Ianto nudged sideways. "This is the real deal ... isn't it …" he murmured, his voice unusually quiet.
"You 'n' me?" Jack checked leaning in a little closer.
Ianto nodded, and Jack's grin spread right across his face. "Oh, yeah …. this is the real deal alright."
"To the future ..." Ianto announced, holding up an imaginary glass.
"To the future ..…" Jack smiled, clinking with his own.
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tbc.