IV.

Jack drove quietly to Ianto's flat, though they probably could have walked. It was a clear night, and after the stale air of the pub—not to mention the weak atmosphere of whatever planet he'd landed on after being tossed through the Rift—the cool night air would have felt good. But Jack was tired, bone weary from exhaustion both mental and physical. It wasn't everyday a friend sent him through the Rift and condemned him to slavery. He'd been beaten and tortured to death, and still had to clean up the cellar of the pub.

He hadn't realized how caught up in his thoughts—or how tired he was—until Ianto pointed at his building as they passed it. Jack swore under his breath and drove around to find a parking space. When he finally found one and stopped the car, he turned to find Ianto watching him with concern.

"Are you all right?" Ianto asked. "We don't have to do this, you know."

"No!" Jack exclaimed. "I'm fine, really. Just…you know, tired."

Ianto frowned before his eyes widened and he sat up straighter. "Wait, you stopped breathing earlier. I had to give you CPR. Are you okay?"

"I'm okay," Jack replied. "I don't often end up a part of the slave trade after a long day. Not as kinky as I thought, let me tell you."

Ianto shook his head. "Don't joke around, Jack. They were torturing you. We should probably call Owen and have him look at you."

"Don't be ridiculous," Jack scoffed. "He's probably three sheets to the wind by now." Or in Gwen's bed, he added silently to himself.

"Then the hospital? You were unconscious. You stopped breathing." Ianto ran a flustered hand through his hair. "And it's my fault. I did that to you."

"You didn't do anything," Jack replied with an eye roll. "It was those slavers checking out their latest acquisition." In truth, they'd been punishing him for his smart mouth.

"I gave you to them," Ianto whispered. "It's still my fault."

"Stop it," Jack replied wearily. "You came back for me and I said I forgive you. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."

"It wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for me," said Ianto, sounding miserable. "I'm sorry. I don't know why you're still here with me."

"Because you asked," Jack replied honestly. "And I was interested. I still am."

"So you don't think we should stop by the hospital or something rather than going home directly and engaging in strenuous physical activity?" Ianto asked dryly, but at least Jack heard humor and not guilt and despair.

"I think that strenuous physical activity is exactly what we both need," Jack pointed out. Ianto smiled to himself and nodded.

"I think it probably is," he agreed. He inclined his head toward his flat. "I'm still interested too. Want to come up for some coffee first?"

"Absolutely," Jack replied. "I will never refuse a cup of your coffee."

"Even if it's not my best work?" Ianto asked as they walked together toward the building. Jack laughed, remembering Ianto's reaction earlier.

"Especially then," Jack replied. "Because I have seen the wrath of the scorned coffee king and hope I never see such a thing again!"

Ianto laughed with him this time as they walked up to his flat. They enjoyed a cup of coffee together as they talked about the events at the pub. It was clear that Ianto was still worried about his health and concerned about initiating anything. Jack wished he could reassure the other man that he was okay, but he couldn't give up his secret, not yet. He could, however, help Ianto relax.

When Jack set down his coffee and tentatively moved closer to reassure the Welshman that he was healthy and unhurt, Ianto looked both grateful and relieved. He reached out to run his hand along Jack's jaw and down his neck, coming to rest on his chest above Jack's heart. When Jack nodded, Ianto leaned forward and kissed him, far more passionately than he had earlier in the car. And Jack returned it with equal enthusiasm.

Though he was tired and sore and still reeling from the events of the day, he knew he had just this once with Ianto. He was determined to make it one night to remember.

Author's Note:

A second try for Avaantares, hopefully more what she was expecting! I find this one more likely than the previous one, although the previous one is more fun to picture. Thanks!