65

Ianto was watching the kids as they ran in the field with the chopper. They had some little paper planes and were taking turns to stand in the chopper's huge bay to throw out their plane then leap off to let the next one up. It was a comfort to see that even with all the money in the world to throw at them, a simple paper plane can be enjoyable.

This was his measure.

As long as a stick, piece of paper or simple picnic can bring joy, the kids were not too spoiled. The moment they turn their nose up or think they are too good for that game is the day Ianto will worry that they were losing touch with themselves and the world around them.

"Whatcha thinking good looking?"

Ianto smiled, then without turning around answered the man now plastering himself to his back to cuddle in and kiss his neck in an excitable way, the arousal also exciting "thinking that the kids are happy and occupied with handlers for a while"

Handlers… like wild animals. Like it" Jack muttered, turning Ianto to face him so he could devour him for a while "And you?"

"Why… I am your handler and right now… more than a handful here sir!"

Jack giggled, then stroked Ianto's face in that loving way he does, his eyes going soft as he looked long and hard at Ianto "Are you Ok lover?"

"yeah. Yeah. Check-up time again. I hate those" Ianto admitted "another round of poke, pored and scan. But… I feel good. Positive."

"Oh yes… you feel grand" Jack said as he took a butt cheek in each hand and squeezed "Damn fine!"

Ianto laughed letting Jack have his way with him as he pulled him from the window to the bed behind them and afterward as Ianto lay in Jack's arms the man tried not to show his despair at the time of year where they both prayed to gods they were not sure they even believed in for a clear diagnosis once again.

That's the thing with Cancer.

You are never cured… not really. They say that but… once you have had it you know… you are just … free of it. It' is still there in the shadows lurking, trying to find you because it got a taste of you once and wants to sink it's rotting teeth into you again and no matter how many years Ianto pases these tests … there are no guarantees in life.

And Jack knows he will die without him.

His everything here in the soft light and warm bedding.

He held him a little tighter as Ianto started to breathe deeply and snooze in the warmth of his lover's embrace. He felt safe here. Loved and tomorrow didn't matter anymore.

Just here and now.

As always.