Chapter 3

After disposing of the takeaway cartons, Ianto watched Jack as he poured two glasses of whisky.

"Night cap," said Jack, handing Ianto a glass. He held his glass up and saluted Ianto. "Cheers."

Ianto frowned, then took a sip of the amber nectar. "Jack?"

"Mmm."

"Do you….still love John Hart?"

"No." Jack shook his head, then took a sip of his whisky. "I did, once. Never actually liked him, though." he smiled, remembering. "It was a long time ago, Ianto. A different world. A different me."

"How long?"

Jack put his glass down on the desk, stood up and moved towards Ianto. "Does it really matter? We're together now, aren't we? He's my past. You're my future. Let's just leave it at that." Jack perched on the edge of the desk in front of Ianto. "My life here on earth is different. I was different back then. John Hart is in my past, and I want it to stay that way," he leaned forward and captured Ianto's face in his hands. "Let's not talk about im, okay?" Jack kissed Ianto tenderly on the lips. Just a brief kiss.

"Okay."

Ianto leaned in, putting his arms around the older man. They kissed, deeper this time. Longer, more passionate. When they parted, Jack asked, "Will you stay tonight?"

Ianto looked into clear blue eyes. Eyes that he adored. "Yes."

Jack smiled. "Thank you." He rounded his desk to retrieve the whisky bottle and filled their glasses to the top. "This will make us sleep well."

After drinking the whisky, Jack moved towards the porthole in the floor of his office, which led to his bedroom. Climbing down the ladder, he stood at the bottom, watching as Ianto descended. On reaching the bottom, Ianto looked a round.

"Looks different at night."

He was used to being here. It was where he ironed Jack's shirts.

Jack began to take off his waistcoat, then undid his braces.

"Jack, I can't…we won't be…"

"I know." was all Jack said.

Ianto undid the buttons on his waistcoat, took it off and laid it over the back of Jack's comfy big armchair.

Jack was removing his shirt, then white t shirt. They were watching each other undress. Ianto nervously undid the buttons on his shirt, then loosened his tie. Jack couldn't help but smile at Ianto's apprehension.

"Do you want some help," Jack asked.

"No, no. I'm…fine." Ianto removed the tie and then the shirt.

Jack was removing his trousers by this time, standing only in grey boxer shorts. He sat on the edge of the bed, and watched the young Welshman.

Ianto slowly unzipped his trousers and let them drop to the floor. Stepping out of them, he carefully folded them and added then to the neat pile on Jack's chair. He stood there in black boxers.

Jack tapped the bed next to him. "Sit."

Ianto hesitantly obeyed.

Jack took one of Ianto's hands in both of his. "Nothing is going to happen unless you want it too. Okay?"

Ianto nodded.

"Okay, then let's go to bed."

Jack moved aside, pulled back the covers and allowed Ianto to get into the bed. He waited until the younger man was lying down, before getting in beside him.

"Lift your head."

Ianto complied. Putting his head back down, he now rested on Jack's shoulder. Jack rested his face against Ianto's forehead, giving it a tender kiss.

"Night. Ianto."

"Night, Jack."

There was silence for maybe five minutes.

"Jack?"

"Mmmm?"

"Do you think he'll be back?"

Jack kissed his forehead. "I don't know, Ianto."

Ianto snuggled closer. "I love you."

"I love you, too." He tilted Ianto's chin up so their lips met.

The kiss was deep, passionate yet gentle. Both men had their arms wrapped around each other. They fell asleep, contented.