Author's Notes: Thanks as always to the brilliant Prothrombintime for invaluable feedback and support.

Chapter Thirty-Six

October 1st, 2005

Ianto gazed at himself critically in the bathroom mirror. He adjusted his already perfectly knotted tie, smoothed down the lapels of his suit jacket, and tugged at his shirt cuffs. Frowning at a wayward tuft of his dark brown hair, he coaxed it back into place. He dabbed on more aftershave along his jawline, cursing as he fumbled with the bottle and spilled a copious amount over his fingers. Rolling his eyes at himself, he put the bottle away and quickly washed his hands. Deciding he'd better quit while he was ahead, he made a hasty retreat from the bathroom, having already spent far too long on the extended version of his usual grooming regiment.

He glanced anxiously at his watch, then noticed a tiny scuff on the tip of his otherwise immaculately shiny black leather shoes. Scowling and muttering under his breath, he hurried into the kitchen, retrieved his shoe cleaning kit from the cupboard beneath the sink, and began rubbing furiously at the offending mark. When his shoes finally met his approval, he neatly packed away the shoe cleaning supplies, then washed his hands again. He began pacing the length of the living room.

It had been a long, interminable week. Although Jack had spent as much time with him as the demands of Torchwood allowed, including staying over almost every night, boredom had quickly set in during the daytime. Even his beloved Bond films had begun to lose their appeal by the fourth day, not that he'd ever admit that to anyone, least of all Jack. And while he'd had the pleasure of Jack sharing his bed, they hadn't yet resumed their sexual relationship. To say he was feeling frustrated would have been a monumental understatement.

Fortunately, he was feeling better physically, and he'd been overjoyed when Jack had taken him out for lunch the day before. They'd sat together on the steps of the Plass, eating fish and chips, and chatting companionably, Jack stealing chips whenever he thought Ianto wasn't looking. He smiled affectionately at the memory. And although their stroll around Mermaid Quay afterwards had quickly fatigued him, he'd finally felt like he was re-entering the world again. He was due to return to work on Monday, and he was eager for his life to finally return to normal, or at least the warped reality that passed for normal when working for Torchwood. At the moment, however, his thoughts were occupied elsewhere.

The Date. To his chagrin, he'd even begun capitalising the word in his mind, just as he'd done when he'd written his thoughts about the anticipated occasion in his diary earlier that day. He was going on a proper date with Jack... in public and in an actual restaurant... where the food wouldn't consist of take-away or a home-cooked meal. He was undeniably excited by the prospect, but more than a little terrified too. Being with Jack in a public setting, where it was obvious that they weren't merely friends or colleagues, was new and uncharted territory.

Thinking about Jack invariably invoked a maelstrom of complex emotions, many of which remained frustratingly difficult to define. But at the forefront of those feelings was deep affection and an undiminished longing to be close to the remarkable, captivating man.

Jack had touched his soul in a way he hadn't known was possible... Jack made him smile and laugh... Jack made him happy. Jack had brought more happiness, and admittedly more confusion, to his life than he'd ever before experienced. And although the intensity of his feelings for Jack continued to astonish him, it hadn't come as any great surprise when he'd realised he wanted to spend his life with Jack, however long that might turn out to be. Realistically, he knew it wasn't possible for them to have anything so long-term – he knew fate or circumstances would eventually tear them apart – but he couldn't imagine not wanting to be with Jack. It was a simple and undeniable fact that Jack was a part of him now, and it was a part he never wanted to lose.

A sharp knock on the door startled him from his reflections. His heart pounding in his chest, he took a deep breath to steady himself, then strode over to the door and opened it.

The sight that was revealed rendered him utterly speechless. With his mouth hanging open in surprise – and he suspected, rather unattractively – he stepped back to allow Jack across the threshold, distractedly closing the door behind him.

"Wow!" Jack produced a wide, beaming smile, his face lighting up as his eyes raked over Ianto from head to toe. "Ianto, you look absolutely gorgeous."

Ianto continued to stare open-mouthed at Jack, too distracted to register the man's familiar flattery. "Um, Jack," he began, swallowing hard and finally recovering his ability to speak. "You're... uh... you're wearing a suit."

"Yup, what do you think?" Jack held his arms out and spun around in an ostentatious manner. "Not bad, huh? I got your tailor to make it for me at the same time I ordered yours."

Ianto couldn't tear his eyes away. Jack looked spectacular in the tailored, medium-grey suit, and the accompanying sapphire blue shirt enhanced the twinkling depths of his expressive eyes. A coordinating blue and grey striped silk tie completed the outfit to perfection. Jack could have easily passed for a film star or a world-class model, and as Ianto stared at him appreciatively, he felt simultaneously awestruck and a little bit self-satisfied. It still didn't seem possible that he'd managed to capture the affections of such a devastatingly beautiful man. Realising he'd stopped breathing, he inhaled deeply, struggling to regain his composure as Jack's words finally registered.

"You bought yourself a bespoke suit just for our date?" he asked incredulously, stammering slightly over the words.

"I know how much you love my coat, but it's not really suitable for a romantic dinner." Jack circled around Ianto, examining him intently from every angle. He leaned in close to Ianto's left ear from behind. "Besides, I couldn't have you outclassing me, could I?" he murmured seductively. "That would hardly be fair."

He moved around to face Ianto and trailed his fingertips down the lapel of Ianto's jacket, warmth and admiration radiating from his blue eyes. "So, do you like your suit?"

"I love it, Jack," Ianto replied, his voice strained as shivers of desire coursed along his spine.

Enthralled by the other man's appearance, he wrapped his hand around the back of Jack's neck and pulled him close, capturing his lips in a deep, hungry kiss. Jack cradled Ianto's face with both hands, kissing him back without hesitation.

It was only by summoning all of his willpower that Ianto finally managed to pull away. He cleared his throat, a little embarrassed by his momentarily loss of dignity. Seeing Jack dressed in a stunning, impeccably tailored suit was having a strange, overpowering effect on him.

A delighted grin spread across Jack's face. "If that's the response I get, I might have to start wearing a suit more often. So, do I have the Ianto Jones seal of approval?"

Ianto nodded. "You're very handsome," he said admiringly, a self-conscious smile tugging at his lips as he ran his eyes over Jack once more.

Jack's grin shifted into a soft, intimate smile. "Shall we go?" he asked, opening the door and holding out his hand.

Ianto slid his hand into Jack's, grasping it firmly. "Yep, let's go."

###

The restaurant was contemporary but intimate, with soft lighting, and spectacular views out across the bay. They were seated at a secluded table beside a window overlooking the water, the setting unquestionably romantic. Ianto hadn't been able to stop himself from glancing around furtively at the other patrons as he and Jack had been ushered to their table by a young, dark-haired waiter. He glanced nervously at Jack after they were seated, and was relieved when Jack gave him a gentle, reassuring smile.

Ianto began studying the menu, feeling his eyes widen as he saw the exorbitant prices. During his time with Lisa, their meals out had mostly been of the cheap and cheerful variety. He'd never eaten at an expensive, up-market restaurant like this before.

"Nervous?" Jack asked.

"A bit," Ianto admitted, looking up from the menu.

"Yeah, me too."

"Really?" Ianto asked, unable to hide the astonishment from his voice.

Jack nodded self-consciously. "It's been a long time since I've done this. And I've been waiting for almost a year to have this chance with you. I want tonight to be special."

Ianto reached across the table and took Jack's hand, squeezing it lightly. "It already is, Jack."

Their waiter reappeared, enquiring if they'd like to order some drinks. Ianto gave Jack's hand another squeeze before pulling away. "A bottle of wine?" Jack suggested, smiling. "What would you like, Ianto?"

"Er... red? Perhaps a Merlot?" Ianto suggested hesitantly, feeling a bit out of his depth.

Jack nodded and looked up at the waiter. "A bottle of your best Merlot, please."

"Jack," Ianto murmured, leaning in closer after the waiter had moved away. "That will cost a small fortune in a place like this."

Jack shrugged his shoulders, looking unconcerned. "It's only money. Besides, I'm pretty sure you're worth it." He gestured at the menu in Ianto's hands. "Order whatever you like, okay?"

It occurred to Ianto for the first time that Jack was probably quite wealthy. After all, he'd been working for Torchwood for over a hundred years, and from what he'd observed, Jack lived a simple, frugal existence, seemingly unconcerned with material possessions. Jack had never talked about money, but with their new suits and the expensive restaurant, their evening together was costing Jack a substantial amount. He wasn't sure how to feel about that. It was a lovely, generous gesture, but Jack didn't have anything to prove, not anymore.

"You've must have built up quite a nest egg over the years," he remarked, trying to sound casual.

Jack looked up from his menu and gave him a teasing grin. "Why, Ianto, are you sizing up my assets?"

"I think you'll find I've already done that, Jack," Ianto replied smoothly, with a sly smile. "Many times in fact."

Jack laughed. "If you play your cards right, you might have the chance again very soon." He became serious again. "But to answer your question, it's not something I've ever had to worry about. Since Torchwood recruited me, I've always had more money than I needed."

Ianto nodded thoughtfully. He didn't care if Jack was penniless or the wealthiest man in Wales, but it was another reminder of Jack's very long life and the great chasm of time that would always divide them.

The waiter returned with their bottle of wine, filling their glasses after Ianto had tasted it, Jack having deferred to his judgement. They ordered their food, both choosing seared scallops for an entrée, Jack deciding on salmon for his main course, while Ianto chose fillet steak.

"How long has it been?" Ianto asked once they were alone again. Jack frowned, looking confused. Ianto added, "Since you last did this? You said it's been a long time."

"Ah. A few decades or so," Jack replied easily, taking a sip of his wine. "Mmm, that's very nice."

"Oh." Ianto tried to conceal his surprise at Jack's startling admission. He hadn't thought of Jack as someone who took the time to go on dates, the demands of Torchwood notwithstanding, so it didn't really surprise him as much as it probably should have. He idly wondered if anything about Jack could truly shock him anymore.

He picked up his glass and gulped down a mouthful, appreciating the rich, fruity flavour. He realised Jack was staring at him with an expression of fond curiosity. "What's wrong?" he asked with a frown.

"Nothing," Jack replied, shaking his head. "I was just thinking it's amazing that I haven't managed to scare you off yet. You seem to take everything I tell you in your stride. Not many people could do that." He smiled softly. "You're a remarkable man, Ianto."

Ianto felt a flush of warmth creep up his cheeks, and although he wanted to protest, something about the intense look in Jack's eyes held him back. "Guess I'm not an easy bloke to scare off," he quipped lightly.

"No," Jack said seriously. This time it was Jack who reached across the table, brushing his fingertips lightly over Ianto's palm, then stroking the inside of his wrist. "No, you're not. Luckily for me."

Ianto smiled in reply. Their entrées arrived and Jack began eating with his usual enthusiasm, making appreciative noises. Ianto neatly sliced a scallop in two and popped a piece into his mouth, chewing slowly as he watched the other man. Studying Jack's handsome, chiselled features in the soft lighting, and admiring the fit of the tailored suit jacket over the man's impressive physique, he felt a rush of desire and affection.

The truth was he'd barely been able to take his eyes away from Jack since the evening had begun. He suspected that was probably a good thing, since he'd managed to avoid noticing any disapproving glares or furtive glances punctuated by whispered comments. He thought of Tommy, whose bravery continued to inspire him, and who had never had the opportunity to openly be true to himself. He wanted to honour Tommy by not allowing himself to be affected by the judgements of narrow-minded, prejudiced strangers. Anything less felt like an unforgivable affront to Tommy's sacrifice. He also recalled Owen's sage if ineloquent advice, the medic's words strengthening his resolve. He was proud to be with Jack and he wasn't going to deny it.

Jack paused and took a sip of his wine, giving Ianto an inquisitive look. "What's going on in that enigmatic mind of yours?"

"I was just thinking about something Owen said," Ianto replied hesitantly. "And I was thinking about Tommy."

Jack's face fell and Ianto silently cursed himself for bringing up such a painful subject. "Ah, I see," Jack said quietly.

"Owen... well, he called me gay and I didn't take it very well," Ianto began to explain. A frown darkened Jack's features, and he hastened to add, "It was fine though, we had a good chat about things. He helped me, actually." He paused, smiling sadly. "It's just... I was thinking about Tommy... that what he wanted more than anything was this." He gestured between the two of them. "The chance to live his life... openly and without fear. I have that chance, and it would dishonour his memory not to make the most of it. If people see us together and think it's wrong, I can't do anything about that. Anyway, I don't care. I'm where I want to be. I'm with who I want to be with. I'm not going to hide from that or be made to feel ashamed."

"You really mean all of that?" Jack asked, looking into Ianto's eyes intently.

"Of course I do, Jack," Ianto said firmly.

Jack leaned closer and reached for Ianto's hand again, tangling their fingers together. "You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now."

Ianto rolled his eyes, but gave Jack's hand a gentle squeeze. "Just because I said I don't want to hide, doesn't mean you've got free reign to be inappropriate in public."

Jack laughed. "I like being inappropriate. It's more fun." He grinned suggestively. "Later then?"

"Later," Ianto confirmed, grinning back.

They finished their entrée's and chatted companionably until their main courses arrived. Ianto took a sip of wine as he eyed his steak, realising he was actually quite hungry. He sliced off a neat little cube and put it into his mouth, closing his eyes as he slowly chewed the tender, succulent meat. He opened his eyes again to find Jack staring at him.

"Good, huh?" Jack asked, amusement in his voice.

Ianto nodded. "Mmm, delicious."

"Can I try a bit?"

"Oh, um... all right." Ianto cut off another neat cube and stabbed it with his fork. Forcing himself not to look around self-consciously, he reached forward, allowing Jack to lean in and take the piece of steak into his mouth. He watched avidly as Jack chewed and swallowed.

"That is good," Jack agreed. "This salmon is fantastic too. Want to try some?"

Ianto shook his head. "No, I'm fine. Thanks."

"Sure?"

"Yep," Ianto confirmed.

They continued to eat but it wasn't long before Ianto found himself staring at Jack once again. Jack stopped eating and looked up from his food. "You can't keep yours eyes off me, can you?" he asked teasingly.

Ianto shook his head in amusement. "I still can't believe you're wearing a suit," he admitted. "You look so different." Unable to resist the temptation to tease Jack a little bit too, he added, "You know... almost like a normal bloke."

"Hey!" Jack scowled, looking outraged. "I think I should be offended by that."

"Oh, no, it was a compliment." Ianto gave him a playful wink. "When I first saw you tonight, it was... unexpected. You took me by surprise."

"A good kind of surprise though?" Jack asked hesitantly, his expression clearing.

"Very good," Ianto assured him.

"You've got quite a clothing fetish, Mr. Jones," Jack said in a thoughtful tone, his expression one of obvious admiration and affection. "It's very kinky. First my coat, now the suit. I'm wondering what might be next."

"Like you can talk, Jack," Ianto retorted, rolling his eyes with fond exasperation. He pretended to look thoughtful. "I don't suppose you've got a black leather jacket lying around somewhere?"

Jack's eyes went wide and he burst into laughter. "No, but it sounds like I need to get myself one in the near future. Actually, I did have one, but that was a long time ago." He looked at Ianto intently, his eyes seeming to glaze over. "I bet you'd look very sexy in a leather jacket though... sexy and dangerous."

Ianto felt himself blush slightly. "I've never owned any leather clothing."

"Well, that's something we definitely need to change," Jack insisted, giving him a lascivious grin before returning his attention to his food.

Ianto gazed admiringly at Jack for another few moments, his nimble mind conjuring up some intriguing possibilities. Then, smiling to himself, he continued to eat his steak.

###

Ianto closed the apartment door behind them and pushed Jack up against it, pressing their bodies together and kissing him fiercely. Jack kissed him back with equal fervour, moving his hands under Ianto's jacket and along his spine.

Fuelled by the desire that had been building all evening, Ianto deepened their kiss, sliding his tongue against Jack's. Jack tasted of chocolate from the decadent mousse they'd both had for dessert, along with coffee and wine. Mixed with the man's own unique taste, it was an intoxicating, irresistible combination.

Achingly hard and straining against the confines of his clothing, he could also feel Jack's arousal pressing against his hip. "Bedroom," he insisted after reluctantly ending the kiss, tugging on Jack's hand.

"You sure?" Jack asked, looking at him worriedly. "Once we start, I'm not sure if I'll be able to stop. And you're not fully recovered yet..."

"I'm sure, Jack," Ianto said firmly, taking Jack's face in his hands and kissing him again. "Come on."

They'd barely crossed the threshold of the bedroom before they were in each other's arms again, kissing frantically.

"Our suits," Ianto murmured against Jack's lips, the sound of their ragged breathing filling the otherwise silent room. "Don't want them getting wrinkled. They're too special." As intensely aroused as he was, he couldn't abide the thought of several thousand pounds worth of bespoke suits scattered in an unceremonious heap on the floor.

He retrieved two hangers from the wardrobe, passing one to Jack. After slipping off his shoes, he carefully removed and hung up his suit, neatly rolling his belt and tie and tucking them into free spaces in his storage cubby, fumbling as his hands trembled with anticipation.

He turned to Jack, who was staring at him with a hungry glint in his eyes, not having moved an inch. "Jack, the sooner you take off your suit, the sooner you can get me into bed."

That spurred Jack into action, and once his suit and tie were safely put away they were kissing again, hands working feverishly to remove their remaining clothing. With shirts, socks and underwear hastily discarded, they tumbled onto the bed, mouths still locked together, hands roaming insistently over bare flesh. Ianto rubbed his straining length against Jack's equally hard erection, relishing every moan of pleasure he elicited from the man beneath him.

Jack rolled them over, his mouth sliding down Ianto's throat, then kissing and exploring his chest. Jack's hands and mouth seemed to be everywhere at once, the man obviously determined to touch, taste, and reacquaint himself with every inch of Ianto's body.

Jack's insistent but tender attentions quickly reduced Ianto to the point of near incoherency. By the time Jack had explored him from head to toe and worked his way back up to his groin, Ianto was moaning and almost delirious with need. Jack looked up at him and smiled – a breathtaking, heart-stopping smile – then trailed his tongue slowly along Ianto's length, taking him into his mouth and sucking on the slick, sensitive flesh. Then Jack licked, nipped and caressed his way up Ianto's torso again, teasing his fingers through the soft, dark hair covering Ianto's chest. He reclaimed Ianto's mouth in a bruising kiss. "Jack..." Ianto whispered pleadingly against the man's lips.

Jack kissed him again before reaching over to the drawer of the bedside table, then shifted them so Ianto was on top again. Jack prepared him slowly and thoroughly, Ianto pushing back against Jack's slick, probing fingers, and shuddering with pleasure as Jack massaged the sensitive bundle of nerves deep inside him.

"Enough?" Jack murmured, and Ianto nodded in reply. He slowly lowered himself onto Jack, resting his hands on Jack's shoulders and looking deeply into his eyes. He took all of Jack inside him, gasping as he was overwhelmed by the intense sensation. Jack pulled him down into a deep kiss as Ianto began moving his hips.

They established a comfortable rhythm with ease, their bodies seeming to move in perfect harmony. Jack turned them over and switched positions, holding Ianto's arms above his head and thrusting into him with slow, deep strokes. They kissed again, Jack pulling him into a tight embrace, holding onto him as if afraid to let go. He pulled back to meet Ianto's eyes and looked at him imploringly. "Ianto..."

With Jack still inside him, Ianto held Jack against his chest and prepared him gently, mindful of how long it had been for the other man. "Okay?" he asked when he thought Jack was ready.

"Yeah." Jack nodded and pulled out, leaving Ianto with an immediate and acute sense of loss. He pushed up into Jack, moaning as the man's tight heat surrounded him. Jack began moving up and down, taking Ianto in deeper, a rapturous expression on his face, his eyes never shifting from Ianto's.

They rolled over again, Jack's legs wrapping around Ianto's waist as they continued moving together, silently finding their rhythm again. Ianto leaned down and kissed Jack passionately, putting everything he felt for the other man into the kiss, and began stroking Jack with his hand. Jack traced his hands over Ianto's sweat-slicked skin, constantly touching and caressing him. "Gods, you're beautiful," he murmured.

"So are you," Ianto whispered. He gasped as his climax seared through him, and with one final deep thrust, he groaned and came inside Jack. He captured Jack's mouth in a fierce, desperate kiss, and with one more stroke of his hand, Jack moaned and shuddered against him, coating their stomachs with his release.

They shifted onto their sides, facing one another, their bodies wrapped tightly together. Staring into each other's eyes, their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss.

"Okay?" Jack whispered, stroking Ianto's face.

"Yeah," Ianto murmured, smiling softly. "You?"

"Never better," Jack replied, kissing him again. "I've worn you out, haven't I?" he asked worriedly as Ianto felt his eyelids starting to become heavy.

"A little. But in a good way," Ianto assured him.

Jack caressed Ianto's cheek, then climbed off the bed, returning a moment later with a damp flannel from the bathroom. He cleaned Ianto and then himself, returned the flannel to the bathroom, then climbed back into bed and pulled Ianto into his arms again. They lay together quietly, just kissing and touching each other.

It was a few minutes later when Ianto was alarmed to find Jack's eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Jack, what's wrong?"

"No, nothing." Jack sniffed and rubbed roughly at his eyes. "Just that I've missed this so much... missed being with you. All the time you were gone, I dreamt of having you back with me again." A tremulous, almost fearful smile crossed his lips. "You make me happy, Ianto. Happier than I've been in a very long time."

"You make me happy too, Jack," Ianto said sincerely, touched by Jack's heartfelt words. He traced his fingers along Jack's jawline, unsuccessfully managing to stifle a yawn. "Sorry," he said sheepishly.

Jack chuckled. "You're tired. Let's get some rest."

Ianto nodded sleepily. Wrapping his arms around Jack and curling up against him, he settled his head on Jack's chest. "Thank you for tonight," he murmured. "I had a wonderful time."

Jack pulled the bed covers over them. "Me too," he whispered back, holding Ianto tightly. "Sweet dreams, Ianto."

Ianto smiled as the warmth of Jack's body and the rhythmic beating of Jack's heart lulled him peacefully to sleep.