Chapter Five
Jack drove in his own car to Ianto's house, figuring after they talked Ianto wouldn't want him to stay. They sat in his living room, and Ianto poured them both some scotch. "Okay Jack you wanted to talk, so talk. Why did you avoid me that day? I thought you liked what we had."
"That's the thing. I did enjoy it - a lot, and it scared me what I felt. It still does. And I wanted to tell you what happened, but you started avoiding me. I respected your need for space, but it hurts too much to be in this stilted, strictly professional environment."
"So what you're saying is you want nothing more to do with me. I get it. It's okay. I should've realized something like this was going to happen. I let myself care and look where it got me."
"No, Ianto, you misunderstand me. It's not because I want nothing to do with you."
"Then what, Jack? What is it?"
"Don't you see, Ianto? I love you. And it scares me how hard I've fallen for you - I have never felt this intensely for someone. And eventually, I'll outlive you. I'll watch you grow old as I barely age, and you'll resent me. You'll leave, or make me leave. I don't know if I could take that. But I've been hurting so much these past weeks ever since we were avoiding each other, and I can't do that anymore. I want to be with you for however long I can, instead of wondering what could have been, consequences be damned."
Ianto looked at Jack in shock. He set down his glass and walked over to the older man. "You- you love me?" he asked in a quiet voice, not daring to make eye-contact and break the spell, in case it was all a dream.
Jack gently lifted Ianto's face so the Welshman's blue gaze met his own. "Yes, Ianto. I love you. I am completely and utterly head-over-heels in love with you." He leaned forward and softly kissed the younger man.
"I love you too, Jack." With that admission, he pulled Jack into a searing kiss which left no doubt as to the depth of his feelings to the immortal man. "I missed you," Ianto whispered against his lips.
"I missed you too," Jack admitted.
"Oh yeah? Why don't you come with me to my room and show me just how much you've missed me, Jack." He took the tumbler out of Jack's hand and placed it beside his on the table, and led them to his room.
Later that night, the two fell asleep, once more snuggled up against each other, Jack wrapped around Ianto with a tight arm around his waist, holding him close.
"Jack?"
"Hmm?"
"You're not going to hide away your feelings again in the morning, are you? Because if you are, leave now and spare me the heartbreak."
Jack held him tighter. "No, I'm not going to hide my feelings. And I don't plan on leaving you any time soon. I'm here for as long as you'll have me, for better or for worse. This time, any issues we have, we work through together."
"Together," Ianto echoed. "Sounds nice."
He soon fell asleep in Jack's arms, finally sleeping through the night again.
Jack woke early the next morning, around three am, by Ianto talking in his sleep. He didn't seem to be having a nightmare, if the words Jack could make out were any indication. He smiled, realizing Ianto was dreaming about him. It soon turned into a smirk once it became apparent what exactly Ianto was dreaming about. He decided to make this a very pleasant dream for Ianto. When he finished, Ianto fell into a deep sleep again, and snuggled back up against Jack. The older man drifted in and out of consciousness until they both fully awoke later that morning.
Apologies for the really short chapter. The longer version will soon be updated on ao3. Minors please stay away. :)
