15

Ianto sat down at the small table across from Jack in his room. He'd asked him to stay to talk him through what needed to be done.

Ianto still had his doubts that he could trust him, but he had to admit that he didn't think he would just let him walk away. And, if he was being honest with himself, Ianto could use another mind to help him think out the execution of his plan.

He'd sent Doc to the cottage in the woods where Toshiko and Janet waited to hear news about Ianto's status. Ianto was still upset that Jack had led Toshiko through to Torchwood. Too many things could go wrong, and Ianto had thought he'd kept Toshiko out of it. Now, Ianto had to factor in how to keep Toshiko safe and how to get her back to where she belonged.

They were sharing a meal of a chicken-like bird that was raised on some of the surrounding farms in Torchwood. It was crispy and flavourful, and each bite brought back memories of growing up here. This was one of the few good memories. Too many of what Ianto remembered was bittersweet or downright miserable.

"What exactly are you planning, Ianto?"

With a heavy sigh, Ianto reached into his backpack and pulled the brown, hardcover spell book out of it. He laid it between Jack and himself on the table and flipped the pages open to the spell he planned to use.

Jack leaned in and read the page. He glanced up at Ianto and back down to the page. When Jack's attention was fully back on him he asked, "You're going to travel back in time?"

Ianto nodded. "I'll be able to go back to the night I was going to confront my father. I'll arrive a few minutes after the earlier version of me leaves."

"How do you know the attempt on your father's life happened then?"

"I don't, but I don't need to. In those ten minutes, I will wake him and warn him. He'll see for himself who tried to kill him. That's all the time I get. The spell only lasts for ten minutes." Ianto replied, and then he watched Jack's thoughts play out on his face as he pondered the plan.

Jack doubted Ianto's ability to pull it off, of that Ianto was sure. And Jack also probably wondered what difference it would make. These were the exact things that Ianto couldn't help but consider as well. Could he even do this? And would it work? He didn't know, but there was only one way to find out.

"Will you have time to ask him your questions?"

"I don't know, but I know that I don't really have a choice. I have to make this right."

Baba Duke's warning came back to Jack "What if this has far-reaching consequences? How do you know this won't mess up the flow of time in some way? Maybe destroy the very fabric of time?"

"According to the spell, I have to have something to ground me. Something that ties me to my correct time. It must be something for which my soul will always return. I think it will be the broach my mother gave me."

Jack nodded. "Tell me what you need from me."

"I need you to distract the Royal Guard. I'm sure they already know that I'm here, but I need time and space to work the spell."

"I can do that. Anything else?"

Ianto wasn't quite sure how to make this next step work, but it was necessary. "I need you to get me into the King's bedroom."

"And how do you suppose I do that?"

"Can't you just span us into the room?"

He shook his head. "It's magically sealed. No one can span in or out."

"That's going to be a problem. I have to cast the spell in the place to where I will send myself into the past."

"Captain Narcus still posts guards outside of the King's bedroom. He will also be monitoring all the palace hallways and high-traffic areas. It would be difficult to move through the palace without being seen."

Ianto's hair was pulled back in a braid as he usually wore it, but small tendrils had come loose around his ears. As far back as he could remember, he'd wrapped the tendrils around his index finger whenever he tried to soothe his anxiety. His hand slipped up to the tendrils, and he began curling the wisps of hair around his finger while he tried to think of a solution.

"What is this that you're doing with your hair?"

When Ianto met his gaze, Jack stared intently as he reached across and slid a finger down the palm of Ianto's hand. He shivered in reaction. "It's nothing. Just a nervous habit."

"It's so...human."

"I can assure you I've had the habit since I was just a young child, long before I travelled to the human realm."

"I know of the behaviour. It's called self-soothing and it is a way that children often calm themselves when they don't have a parent there to do it for them." Jack cocked his head to the side, and his eyes softened. "I'm sorry you were so alone."

Was Jack...pitying him?

Ianto drew his finger free of his hair and sat up straight, pulling out of his reach. "What do you mean? I don't need your sympathy. I'm fine."

"You are. Despite the fact you had to grow up quicker than many, you are fine, and I'm not trying to pity you if that is what you believe." Jack sighed and stared at the tabletop for a few seconds before explaining, "I have self-soothing behaviours as well. Specifically, when I'm anxious, I push my fingernails into the soft skin of my fingertips and make a fist to feel the bite of my nails in my palm. It is something I started doing at a young age after my parents both died, and I was left orphaned."

Ianto's heart clenched with Jack's revelation about the effect on him from the loss of his parents. He had a sudden urge to wrap him tightly in his arms. How very human of him. Yet, he'd turned out well after such adversity. He could relate to his story. Though Ianto had both parents until his mother left two years before Ianto did, he'd often been left to his own devices to cope with the difficult lessons and drills of the Academy. Not to mention, he'd had to navigate the politics of being a student assassin among other student assassins without any support or advice.

As a young child, it had made his life hell at times. He'd survived, clearly, but he had never thought about the lasting effects it would leave on his mind. "How did you become a hunter?"

Jack looked up and focused his deep blue eyes on Ianto once more. "Your father, King Ifan, sent me to train to be a hunter. I owe him my life, so when he asked me to find you and bring you home, I didn't hesitate. When I heard of his murder and the accusation against you, I must admit I was confused. Something didn't add up. Your father only wanted his son back."

Ianto had a hard time believing what Jack said. It didn't sound like they had known the same man. Yet, no doubt about it, his actions had shaped both Jack and him. "For better or worse, he certainly made us who we are."

"Will you be satisfied if you don't get the answers to your questions?"

"The only way I'll be satisfied is if I am able to have that conversation with a very healthy and alive King once I awake in the present. Then, we'll see why exactly he wanted his son back."

"We should probably get some rest." Jack looked sheepishly to the right side of the small living space. "I only have the one bed, and it is rather narrow. I'll take the floor. You can have the bed."

Ianto shrugged.

A flirtatious part of him he never knew existed asked, "You don't believe I can keep my hands to myself?"

Jack laughed lightly, and Ianto liked that he could evoke such a reaction from him. Jack admitted "More like, I don't want you to sneak away again in the middle of the night."

"What if I promise not to go anywhere? Would you lay in the bed with me then?"

Jack's eyes lit up and widened.

"Could you keep your hands off me?" Then, he broke into a wide grin. "I'm okay either way. Just need to know what to expect."

"You'll never know what to expect with me, Jackson."

For all his big talk, though, Ianto lay down and turned his back to Jack as soon as the bed gave with his weight. He wasn't sure how the night would go laying next to Jack, but right now, all he could think about was the taste of his lips. Twice now, they'd kissed and the way the kisses had warmed up his insides and made his dick throb between her legs. He wasn't sure he would be able to stop at just a kiss the next time.

Yet, he found himself turning onto his back. Jack was facing him. As Ianto turned his head, their gazes met and held. Electricity fired between them. How bad would it be if they kissed a little? Took it further?

Ianto didn't mind taking the chance, so when Jack reached for him, he didn't hesitate. He grabbed Jack's shirt and pulled himself toward him. Their bodies collided as Jack cupped the back of his head and angled his own. Their lips met, and Ianto's senses went wild. Flowing energy turned somersaults in his abdomen at the touch.

His heart was pounding in his chest.

The kiss was hot and, as Jack's tongue met his, wet and uninhibited. Ianto couldn't get enough of the taste of him as their mouths slanted and slipped against each other's. Jack pulled back, and Ianto stared at him hazily as he said, "Your kiss is driving me crazy. I don't think I can stop, Ianto."

"Then don't."

It was all the motivation he needed apparently. He slid his hands down to the waist of Ianto's pants as he shifted to lie on his back once more. Jack un-tucked Ianto's t-shirt and began working it upward as he lifted slightly and raised his hands above his head.

The shirt came off and he tossed it somewhere behind him. His hands hovered over him for a moment, and he felt his cheeks heat up.

Jack's hand lifted and rubbed his mouth as his gaze locked onto Ianto's fuzzy chest. "I've never seen anything so beautiful. I'm going to kiss and suck until your begging me for more."

With that, he lowered his mouth and hung over a nipple, sending warm exhalations over the sensitive skin. His tongue tentatively laved at the point, and Ianto arched his back, his body expressing the need building inside him. When he enclosed the nipple between his lips, Ianto's dick twitched inside the confines of his tights.

As Jack sucked gently Ianto moaned and sunk his hands into Jack's hair, pulling him in closer. When he closed his lips around the other nipple, Ianto's hips lifted into the air, and he wanted to feel the hardness of his body against him again. "I need you, Jack. I can't wait any longer."

Ianto could barely catch his breath.

Jack went straight to the button at the top of Ianto's pants and pulled it free. The zipper made a familiar growl as he pulled it, and then he began working the pants down Ianto's legs. Impatient, Ianto helped him with his own hands, kicking them off as they reached his ankles.

As Jack looked at Ianto his eyes burned with hunger. His lips went to Ianto's stomach, and he kissed it lightly as he slipped a hand inside Ianto's pants.

"Just look at you. I'm going to spend myself just looking at you." Jack croaked out with a less than majestic voice, wobbly with lust.

He kissed his way up to his nipples once more, rolling his tongue around a nipple as his hands searched for and found Ianto's dick fully erect and ready. He slipped a finger inside Ianto's arse and positioned his thumb over his taint. He had to be holding his hands in a certain way for one to work the dick and the other to prepare the hole which greedily opened for him.

All kinds of pleasurable sensations shot through Ianto's body as his touch triggered an instant reaction. "Ah, goddess, Jack. Feels so good."

"You like that, do you? Are you going to come for me, Ianto?"

"Goddess, yes. Keep doing that. Yeeesss."

Jack paused to add a second finger, and then picked up the rhythm again.

Ianto felt the stirrings of his orgasm, and his hips began to buck slowly as he cried out. He teetered on the edge for just a moment as Jack worked his hand rhythmically over spots Ianto never knew existed. The world went still for just a moment as his orgasm came crashing over him, and he covered his own mouth to keep from shouting loud enough to wake up the palace.

Over and over, he came and he rode the pleasure like a wave until it settled, and he could breathe again.

"That felt amazing, Jackson."

Jack was upon his elbow, his dark brown hair tousled and a huge grin stretching his cheeks wide. He was clearly proud of himself. Ianto thought he should be. Never had he experienced any pleasure like that, and he was sure it would only get better with him.

"Are you up for more?"

Ianto glanced down at the obvious bulge in his pants and nodded, reaching to remove his shirt so he was as naked as him. Yet, just as he'd tugged his shirt out of his pants, there was a heavy knock on the door. Their gazes met, and with quick movements, they gathered up the clothing. Everything secure in his arms, Ianto took off for the bathroom as the knock sounded again.

Had he been too loud?

He dressed quickly and listened at the closed bathroom door, hoping to hear who had come knocking in the middle of the night. Muffled and deep, he heard Jack say, "Captain Narcus, I'm surprised to see you here this late. Is something wrong?"

"You didn't check in."

"Check in with whom?"

"The head of security. Me, Jackson. You should have stopped and checked in the minute you were back in Torchwood."

"King Ifan never required a check in with him or security. I have a higher clearance than most."

"The King is dead. Things are different now."

The two were silent, and Ianto wished he could see what was happening. Ianto was sure it was some kind of stare down, pissing contest, but it was hard to know for sure when he could only listen and not see for himself.

"Well, now that you're here, you've noticed I'm back. Are we good?"

"I hope your mission, whatever it was, was successful."

Again, only silence.

Of course, Jack wouldn't tell him what the King had sent him to do, but what if it was something else. What if he were signalling to the Captain that Ianto was hiding in his rooms?

It could have been his plan all along. Ianto couldn't believe that about Jack, though. He might not be totally on his side, but he was loyal. He wouldn't betray him like this. His responsibility to Ianto's father would force him to do things honourably.

"Well, whatever it was, I have news."

"I'm listening."

"He's back."

There was a long pause before Jack, knowing full well about whom the Captain was talking, asked, "Who's back?"

"The assassin. Prince Ianto."

But Jack played it well. "Where? Do you have him in custody?"

This time it was the Captain's turn to pause. He was probably trying to read Jack. Clearly, he would have suspicions that Jack might be in league with Ianto considering the timing of both of their arrivals. But he didn't betray any suspicion as he said, "Not yet. We're not sure where he's hiding, but he paid a little visit to the Assassin's Academy. Headmaster Shithead has been cursed and can't really tell us anything in his current state."

Ianto covered his mouth to stifle his laughter at hearing the nickname they had for Andy. He kind of wished he'd witnessed that interrogation for himself. Just imagining it was going to get him caught if he didn't get himself under control.

"Well, I'm sure he'll show up. He won't be able to resist returning to the palace."

"Hmm. Indeed. We could use you in our search. I hear you are the best hunter ever trained."

Jack didn't fall for the Captain's flattery.

"No one could possibly know what kind of hunter I am. I only worked for the King." He yawned loudly. "I'll think about it. I was just here to resupply and head back out on my mission. I don't think I'll have time to devote to such trivial matters."

"Your mission is over. The crown has passed on to Hadden Pendragon. Your loyalty is to him now and protecting the young prince from his brother seems like a much more important task than whatever the dead King gave you to do."

"And that's where you'd be wrong. My mission will protect the royal family, so I must continue. Now, if you'll excuse me, you woke me from a really good dream that I'd like to get back to. Goodnight, Captain."

Ianto heard the door close and heard footsteps approach the bathroom. A light knock sounded before Jack whispered, "He's gone, but something was off. He didn't smell right, like he was trying cover a sour smell he couldn't wash away. Anyway, he'll be back and probably with reinforcements. We should go to the cottage. We'll be safe there for a time."

Dressed now, Ianto opened the door slowly. Jack's eyes travelled from Ianto's face downward and back up again. He looked disappointed for a moment before he leaned in and kissed him until he was panting once more.

Jack released him with a few slow, light kisses before resting his forehead against his.

"Thank you for not turning me in."

Jack met his gaze, his lips parted and forehead furrowed.

"I gave you my vow. You're mine now." Jack cleared his throat and then added "To protect. You're mine to protect. I will give my life for your protection."

Ianto had to admit his words had sent a breathless thrill through him before he'd corrected himself. He hadn't realized how much he wanted to mean something to him, something more than just another duty as a Royal Hunter. He had to admit, something about being a part of Jack's world appealed to him. And the thought of being his, stole his breath away once more.

"Are you ready?" Jack asked.

Was Ianto ready to be his? Of course, he knew he wasn't asking him that question, but he answered him anyway. "I...I think so."

He'd pulled his warrior's braid apart when he'd lain down in the bed, and his wavy hair hung freely around his face now. Jack brushed stray strands back over his ears shoulders, sinking his hands into the mass at the back of his neck as he hugged his body to his. With a sigh, Ianto sunk into all the right places, fitting himself against him.

Ianto could hear the smile in Jack's voice as he laid his cheek against the top of Ianto's head and said, "It's too late to turn back now Tiger."