Chapter 12

Jack and Ianto left Ianto's flat and went to the restaurant on foot. Jack had chosen a little Italian place near the Roald Dahl Plass, where he and Toshiko had had dinner several times since their arrival in Cardiff. Ianto had never been there, but had heard that it was supposed to be good. The restaurant more than lived up to his expectations as they were seated at a table. Their waiter was an older gentleman with a thick Italian accent who apparently recognised Jack, and Ianto appreciated the personal feeling and the details like the fact that they were served warm bread along with their menus.

The two men ordered and were sitting talking about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other's company, when their food arrived. Ianto had ordered fish that was served with risotto and Jack got roast chicken and potato gratin. They also ordered a mixed salad that they shared. The hours went by without them noticing, eating, talking and laughing. They had ordered tiramisu and two spoons and shared the dessert, sitting looking into each other's eyes.

Jack found out that his assumption about Ianto had been correct, Jack was the first man he dated, as they talked about their previous relationships, sharing funny stories. Jack, on the other hand, was practically the other way around. Even though he didn't want to completely label himself as gay, and could find himself attracted by women, practically all his relationships, long-term and most one night-stands had been with men. Jack was pleasantly surprised that Ianto didn't seem bothered by the fact that he was now out on a date with a man. He felt very lucky, and special.

Ianto and Jack had been holding hands on the table and as Jack thought about this, he took Ianto's hand, and kissed his palm. Ianto was surprised by the gesture, but it felt really nice. Everything he did with Jack felt nice. Ianto felt happy, and he didn't know when he had last felt this good. All thanks to Jack.

Jack and Ianto walked slowly back to Ianto's, feeling very happy in each other's company, talking.

As they reached his building Ianto turned to Jack and they stood outside just looking into each other's eyes.

'Thank you so much for this evening, Jack, I don't know when I last had such a great time!'

'Thank you, Ianto, I'm really happy about it too, it was a really lovely evening. And I hope I'll be able to spend many more with you?'

'Oh yes, Jack Harkness, I'll hold you to that promise! So, do you want to come up for a while?' Ianto smiled.

'Um, actually no…' Jack's response surprised Ianto, and since he didn't want to ruin the evening, which he realised he was risking as he saw Ianto's disappointed face, Jack quickly added 'Ianto, this feels really good, I like you so much, and I think this could turn into something wonderful! And in my experience, relationships don't turn out as well if you rush into things, so I was hoping we could take things slowly…'

Ianto was surprised, but pleasantly so this time, he knew that Jack was right, and inside he was jumping with joy, when hearing Jack talk about a possible relationship. He really liked Jack too and actually felt that this could be it, even though it wasn't what he had expected. He smiled at Jack.

'That sounds like a really good idea, Jack! I like you too and I would really like this to work out…'

They stood, just gazing at each other for a while, before Jack leaned in and placed a kiss on Ianto's lips. Ianto put his arms around Jack's waist and deepened the kiss. It felt so amazing. When they finally parted, both of them felt completely happy and just sighed.

'Soo, I'm gonna go…'

'Yup, and I should turn in… Thanks again Jack, it's been lovely! Talk to you tomorrow?'

'Absolutely!' Jack said before placing one last kiss on Ianto's soft lips and left, looking back every so often, until he no longer could see Ianto and his building.

Ianto let himself in and sat down on the couch, looking in front f him in a happy daze, touching his lips lightly, thinking about Jack's kiss.