There'll be no strings to bind your hands
Not if my love can't bind your heart
There's no need to take a stand
For it was I who chose to start
I see no need to take me home
I'm old enough to face the dawn
Just call me angel of the morning angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning angel
Then slowly turn away from me
Juice Newton - Angel Of The Morning
Ianto was dancing around the kitchen to the new CD Malcolm had left for him by the bed.
A mix-CD. Like a mix-tape but better.
Malcolm had instinctively picked Ianto's favourites and not a single bloody Glen Miller piece in sight!
As the song changed into another one, the last on the CD Ianto gasped with shock then started to laugh.
"A thousand years" from the twilight movie came gracefully from the speakers and Ianto thought of Jack for the first time in weeks.
Ianto stood for the entire song listening and then looked down at his hands, remembering how Jack used to stoke them under the meeting table. Gone.
Malcolm had been watching through the closed circuit cameras and kicked himself that he had somehow chosen wrong.
As the song came to an end Ianto took a deep breath and began to sing into the silence.
Malcom sat forward with shock as Ianto's sweet voice echoed through the penthouse, a soft and ethereal rumble.
As Ianto belted out "Angel of the morning" Malcolm listened to the lyrics for the first time. He and Rebecca had danced to this at their wedding and he's not been able to listen to it since losing her. Now as it resonated through his home and his heart Malcolm closed his eyes with a smile.
No, no need for binding here. They were already bound. Bound in darkness and light. No sin in love, no regrets either. Beautiful boy.
As Ianto let the last note linger he heard a soft shuffle of feet announcing Malcolm.
The kiss was sweet and tender, the gentle fingers that stroked his cheek full of love and Ianto looked deep into his partner's eyes and realised for the first time that he had just used the correct title.
Not Daddy, Teacher, Boss, Sir or even friend. Partner.
Malcolm watched Ianto internally chewing and waited. He had learnt this could lead to an epiphany. With Ianto they were like gold nuggets.
"I love you" Ianto finally said like it was ludicrous.
"Good!" Malcolm grinned like the Cheshire cat, "Because I love you too Toto."
The CD clicked and turned on again, the first song was Chris Isaacs singing "Wicked Game". Ianto stepped into Malcolm's arms as they slow danced to the song like teenagers as a school disco.
Got a song thing going, been listening to so many with the long car travelling for family stuff lately. Mum's taste in music so different to mine. Sorry, they stick in my head due to my OCD and stay all day to haunt me. Gotta get it out, get it out arghhhh.