A/N: Good evening all! So this chapter is out a little later than I had initially told some of you that it would be... but that is only because I have been taking my time in order to write what I hope is a convincing little love scene between Jack and Ianto (yes I am talking about the M rated stuff ladies and gentlemen - question, are there many guys reading this just out of interest?) Anyway, I had to do a bit of research, aka sit down and read lots of M rated fics, before I wrote it and am still not sure if its one hundred percent right but I hope you all like it! I am putting the 'M' ending to their weekend in London in a seperate ch 14 so that anyone who wishes not to read it can do so and not miss out on any of the main story plot, so if you don't wish to read about the two fo them getting it on then PLEASE don't read ch 14! I think that about covers it... Hannah xxx
It was nearly half past ten by the time that the two men were awake on Saturday morning, a much more leisurely hour than Ianto himself was used to and possibly a little on the early side for a weekend morning for Jack. Out of the pair, unsurprisingly, the Welshman had woken up fractionally earlier than the American lying next to him, which provided him with the ideal opportunity to just lay and stare at the semi naked, perfect form whose limbs were currently entangled with his own. This was the first time that he had woken up next to Jack, the first time that the pair of them had shared a bed (if not actually slept together) and it was nice. The sensation of waking to the soothing body heat of a lover, the awareness that you're not alone, the joys of guiltlessly watching them stirring awake… all things the Welshman enjoyed and hadn't fully experienced since Lisa had left - waking up to the odd one night stand or temporary girlfriend just doesn't have the same comforting effect. He had wondered if, initially at least, it may feel strange to rise and greet another male, to feel arms longer and more muscular than those of a young woman or to smell the scent of men's aftershave rather than the florals of perfume, embrace him but it felt just as wonderful. Perhaps better even. And, lying there watching the sleepy American's eyes twitch and his body stir, he smiled a little too himself at how he ever even considered the view that a situation like this, with Jack, would ever feel anything but 'right', after all, their first kiss had felt inherently right…
"What a beautiful sight to greet the day too" Jack interrupted his thoughts with a slightly sleep thickened greeting as he rubbed his eyes open.
Ianto smiled, unembarrassed for once by Jack's words of complementation, "I've certainly got a pretty good view…"
Jack grinned back after having adjusted to the light that was threatening to break fully through the curtains enclosing the large ornate window, capturing the view of the river. "Did you sleep well? I sure did! I think I'm really going to struggle when I go back to my normal bed at home on Sunday night."
"I did thank you" Ianto grinned wider back, "I know what you mean! I don't know how I'm going to get used to my mattress after sleeping on this one which must be made of angels wings it's that soft!" Ianto laughed.
Jack joined in his laughter, "You're right there! Well actually I was more referring to the company… it'll be lonely on Monday…"
"Oh" Ianto blushed slightly, "Sorry! I… umm… well me too, it was nice being here with you"
"Good, I'm glad you think so" Jack smiled and leaned in for a stolen, early morning kiss and a cuddle with the Welshman of his affections lying opposite.
The matching plush, white dressing gowns from the luxurious bathroom were quickly thrown on over their underwear and after a leisurely, unhurried breakfast of croissants and jam, and cornflakes and strong black coffee provided by the delightful butler esque figure responsible for room service on their floor, the men set about getting themselves ready for the day. Ianto initially had decided to have a quick shower before putting on his clothing for the day, but upon entering the stunning bathroom had changed his mind and decided to opt for a soothing soak in the enormous bath tub; Jack had been indifferent to Ianto's quest for cleanliness through showering, however, as soon as the American had heard the mentioning's of a bath he chirped up and insisted that there wasn't time. The Welshman, though a little confused – especially after having heard Jack announce at breakfast that though he had a few things planned for the day, they could go about them as leisurely as they pleased – by Jack's behaviour, opted to go back to his original plan of the shower instead, resolving to test out the tub later which brought about a small, contented sigh of relief from Jack which only confused him further.
Post showering and shaving, both men dressed into clean, casual clothing fit for the sunny (if a little chilly in the shade) spring day that it appeared to be shaping up to be with Jack dressed in a form fitting black polo shirt, mid-wash boot cut jeans and a grey zip up hoody which, as Ianto had predicted, he ended up taking off the second they were stood outside in the sun. Ianto himself had opted for a long sleeved, tightly fitted simple navy top and straight leg jeans in a dark grey tone, choosing not to bother taking a jacket with him. Both had bags tightly packed with maps, money, oyster cards and sunglasses, and after a quick last minute check of his hair in the mirror, Jack and Ianto were ready to set off.
"So, what's the plan for today then?" Ianto, who had been kept pretty much in the dark about the day of fun Jack had planned for the two of them, asked whilst they walked along comfortably holding hands out of the sight of those who knew either of them, along the edge of Hyde Park.
"Firstly, I thought that we could spend what's left of the morning getting completely and utterly lost in Harrods and then go to one of the tea rooms or the restaurant for a late lunch – I don't know about you, but I'm still pretty full from breakfast – and then I thought that we could take a walk through the park and hit Oxford street for a couple of hours, and if there's time go on a bit of a walking tour of some of the major sights" Jack suggested eagerly.
"Sounds perfect, I've never been to Harrods!" Ianto replied with equal enthusiasm.
"You've never been to Harrods! Well then my dear Ianto you are in for a treat!" Jack announced as they arrived at the grand entrance to the department store.
The pair trailed around the many, expansive and enticing halls filled with accessories and suiting and casual clothing, and stationary and electronic gadgets and gifts, and confectionary and fresh produce, in relative awe of the grandeur of the entire establishment. Even Jack, who had been to Harrods upon many a visit to London, was filled with wonder at the sight of the grand Egyptian escalator and the large selection of finery. Before lunchtime was in session both parties had made happy purchases – Ianto a brand new three piece suit in a deep navy tone, and Jack a new leather 'man bag' – and were somewhat reluctant to leave the glamour of shopping in Harrods behind in favour of pressing on with the rest of their schedule.
After a pleasant lunch together, the American and the Welshman set about their leisurely walk through Hyde Park; having decided to forgo the Oxford street spree as a) compared to the wonder of Harrods they were sure that it would be a paler comparison, and b) as the two men were far more interested in viewing some of the famous sights of the city, the two men now planned to spend a little longer enjoying the blissful early afternoon sun in the pastoral environment of the park. Fifteen or twenty minutes into their walk, the pair stumbled across a pleasant, scenic looking spot near the 'Long Water' in which to sit and pass an hour or so.
"Are you sure you don't want to take your suit back to the hotel room? It would only be a quick hop on the tube, and I don't like to think of you hauling it around as I drag you across London and back" Jack asked.
Ianto rolled his eyes slightly but smiled, "Honestly Jack I'm fine – you don't need to keep asking! I don't want to waste a precious half an hour of our day out together"
"Ok, ok… but don't blame me if your arm falls off through over exertion!" The American laughed, playfully punching the aforementioned arms,
"Don't worry I won't – though I'm pretty sure my arm will last for the duration" Ianto said laughing back, delicately, and subconsciously, taking a hold of Jack's punching hand and running his fingers across his.
"Good, we wouldn't want to ruin today with a case of spontaneous arm amputation" Jack laughed further.
"Have I ever told you that you're a bit ridiculous?" Ianto asked.
"No! And why would you! I'm perfect" Jack winked.
"I'm not disputing that…" Ianto chuckled.
Jack took in a breath, ready to make his reply, when the peacefully sat pair were interrupted by an unexpected visitor.
"Excuse me, I'm so sorry to bother you, but, well – you're Jack Harkness aren't you?" An average height, adorably excited brunette girl of about sixteen or seventeen enthusiastically proclaimed with a slight stammer upon recognising the older man.
For a split second, Jack made an almost unnoticeable face to Ianto which seemed to say 'sorry about this' crossed with an angry eye roll of 'for goodness sake', before resuming his normally polite and friendly persona. "I sure am" he replied to the girl who let out an excited squeal of delight.
"Would I… would I be able to get your autograph?" She asked nervously whilst rummaging around in her bag for a pen and any available scrap of paper.
"Of course, who should I make it out to?" Jack asked.
"Umm, Sophie please – thank you so much!" She said as she handed over an old train ticket and a sharpie marker to Jack.
'To Sophie, all my love from one gorgeous brunette to another, Jack Harkness xxx' He wrote in his neatest handwriting and scribbled his elaborate signature with a flourish beneath.
Sophie squealed even more when she read it, which put a smile on Jack's face – and on Ianto's who had been marvelling at the whole, slightly surreal, exchange for the past minute or so. "Thank you, thank you, so much! I wouldn't be able to trouble you for a picture as well please would I?"
"Of course" Jack replied smiling.
"Do you want me to take it?" Ianto offered, still feeling a little in awe of the situation.
"That would be great, thank you!"
Ianto took the photo as Jack wrapped and arm around the girl and plastered on his classic 100 megawatt Harkness grin, while Sophie did her utmost best not to die of star struck as she posed for the picture.
"Is that ok?" Ianto asked, handing her camera back and showing her the picture of her and Jack on the screen.
"That's perfect, thank you so much! My friends are going to be so jealous when I tell them about this on Monday!"
"You're welcome!" Jack laughed, motioning to sit back down next to the Welshman, leaning in closely against his shoulder.
"Thanks again and… umm… could I get a picture of you two together? I mean, I take it you are like together right?" She asked, blushing a little, hoping for a killer of a shot to unleash upon the internet when she arrived home.
Jack looked to Ianto, whose heart was suddenly beating at the rate of one thousand pulsations a minute, and whose eyes flashed with a panic stricken expression for just a second before nodding and smiling towards him.
"Yes, of course" Jack smiled back at Ianto and turned to the girl to reply.
Sophie happily took a photo of the pair sat their smiling in the sunlight on the park's green grass, Ianto's hand and arm leaning out behind Jack's back to rest on the grass behind him, and Jack's arm linking under his to take up a mirroring position behind Ianto's back. When looking at the finished photograph, it was obvious to even the blindest of persons that the two men in the photograph were in love, or at the very least 'together' as Sophie had put it, despite the minimal contact and casual pose, their affection for each other was mapped out across their eyes. If, and it was a very big if, you really wanted to be convinced that they were simply two close friends enjoying the afternoon springtime sun, then it was possible to overlook the beaming genuine smiles, the radiant happiness across both men's faces, and the way that they angled their bodies and eye line slight towards each other – but one would have to be trying incredibly hard to do so.
"Aww that's perfect!" Sophie grinned as she looked at the photo, "And thanks again so much!" she finished before turning to leave.
"You're welcome" Both men called back simultaneously.
After she was well out of ear shot, the American turned in closer to the Welshman to speak:
"You didn't have to do that you know" Jack smiled, adjusting his hand to lace it with Ianto's.
"I know" Ianto smiled back. There had been a moment, a very brief moment, in which he was doubtful of how to respond to the girl's request. If he said no, he was worried that Jack would – although he probably wouldn't admit it – feel hurt by his actions, and disappointed that, after three and a bit months together, he wasn't ready for photographs. And then, if he said yes, he momentarily considered angling his body away from Jack, moving his hand from behind the American's back and acting as though they were merely friends – but perhaps Jack would be even more wounded by this than by an outright refusal of a photo. So, with these factors in mind, Ianto had just decided to go for it; for once in his life he had just thought 'to hell with it' it would please both Jack and the young girl, and would ultimately not cause him any harm.
"You know… it'll probably be up and being gossiped about on the internet before we are even back to the hotel room…" Jack warned him nervously, knowing that he had still yet to tell a couple of important people about his new relationship.
"I had suspected as much" Ianto chuckled, "But it's alright, I need to tell Rhi soon really – it's already been too long since I last saw her, and so when we inevitably meet up in the next few weeks she's bound to ask about relationships, and I'm certain that the mention of it will put such a silly smile on my face that I'll have to confess. So if she finds it somehow before then, I'll just tell the truth." Ianto replied calmly.
"Oh you are too cute" Jack smiled back, "But what about your mother?"
"Mam doesn't even have a computer! There's no chance that she'll find it before I get a chance to tell her… which I think I'm going to do soon… after I've told Rhi anyway and built up a bit of courage"
"Do you think they'll be alright about it? Their little Ianto with his new boyfriend?"
"I might be younger than you but I'm not little, I'm almost taller than you." Ianto replied sarcastically, evading the question just slightly.
"Hmm… I bet you're not little at all Mr Jones" Jack replied seductively with a sly glance downwards to the crotch of the man opposite him before returning his gaze to a now slightly flushed Welshman. "But you didn't answer my question… do you think they'll be ok? Because I can always come with if you think it'll help?"
"I'm sure it'll be fine Jack" Ianto sighed a little but smiled, "Rhiannon I know won't care, she's always just been happy when I'm happy – she absolutely hated Lisa, but was polite and kind to her face because, before she broke my heart anyway, being with her made me happy. I'm sure that you'll be accepted much more readily, especially when I tell her that you're a model…" Ianto laughed and the American joined in.
"She sounds like a damn good older sister to me" He smiled, "What about your Mam?"
"I'd like to think that she'd be as equally fine with it all… but I expect it will come as a bit of a surprise at first, and perhaps a lack of understanding will initially settle in, though I'm sure she'd come to terms with it, and accept that it makes me happy once she's calmed down"
"I'm sure she will too" Jack reassure him, moving his hand from Ianto's to rub soothing circles into his back. "But if she isn't, I'll be here"
"Thank you" Ianto replied smiling as he leaned in to kiss Jack, passionately and openly in the middle of the park, without a care in the world for who saw them.
Jack and Ianto sat, and eventually lay, basking in the heat and glow of the pleasant afternoon for a further half hour or so before continuing on with their walk and later hopping onto the tube in order to move on with the next stage of their plans for the day – sightseeing around the city. Together they visited the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London and Trafalgar square all in a mad rush of a whistle stop tour, only pausing to take a selection of photos both of the sights themselves, and of the pair of them captured by passing helpful strangers: both men wanted to remember their first weekend away together, and though firm memories would be formed in their own minds, photos are nice in order to be able to share these memories openly with the world. Post their lightening quick tour, the two men headed back to their hotel room to change into more suitable attire (Ianto into his brand new suit which Jack confirmed looked just as wonderful on him as it had done in the dressing room of Harrods) for dinner at the Savoy's sophisticated restaurant for the second pleasant evening in a row, and ultimately made their way through the early evening at a moderately quick pace in order to be ready in time for their trip to the theatre.
Jack, who had for once in his life managed to keep a secret to himself for an entire day, finally revealed to the Welshman as to which show they would be seeing just as they were leaving the restaurant.
"Now… I know that this is incredibly cliché… two men going out to a musical and all, but my friend Mickey was able to get us two tickets in the stalls, quite near the front I believe, to see the Sound of Music" Jack grinned as he announced the news to Ianto.
"I suppose it is a bit cliché isn't it, I hadn't thought of it like that before" Ianto laughed, "But I don't care if it's cliché, I love the Sound of Music and I thought I was straight for 26 years of my life!"
"Oh excellent, I'm glad you like it" Jack grinned, "And it could be worse, like in that episode of the IT Crowd? You know, the one with 'Gay: a Gay Musical'?" Jack laughed back.
"I'd forgotten about that one! Just to warn you know, I always get a little teary eyed near the end when their all singing Edelweiss together – Rhi always used to make fun of me when we were kids because of it."
"And you're sure you thought you were straight for that long?" Jack asked with mockingly incredulous tone, earning him an elbow dig in the arm from the offended Welshman. "I'm just teasing! Don't worry, I always cry at that TV advert… you know the one with the dog?"
Ianto's brow screwed into a frown before his whole face elapsed into a smile, "Really? It's not even sad!"
"I know, I know, it just makes me so emotional!" He laughed whole heartedly as Ianto rolled his eyes. "Oh, by the way, just before we set off I quickly need to swing by reception if that's alright?"
"Of course it is"
The two men headed over to reception where Ianto, under Jack's command which had left him feeling just a little suspicious, had waited near the door as Jack had in turn approached one of the receptionists at the desk. From what he could make out, the American seemed to be flirting away with the young woman at the desk who was happily laughing and smiling and batting her eyelids up towards the attractive man, but it wasn't this however that perturbed the young Welshman, more rather the issue was that the two of them kept occasionally glancing over to where he was stood, setting him right on edge and sending suspicions flaring throughout his mind.
"What was that about?" Ianto asked casually, a couple of minutes after they were outside the hotel in an effort to appear nonchalant.
"Spoilers" Jack said quite simply and winked before dragging Ianto off the theatre next to the hotel.
As they were ushered into their seats, and even once they had their programmes in hand and were avidly leafing through the pages of the booklet in eager anticipation for the commencement of the show, Ianto couldn't shake the nagging inquisitive need to find out what Jack was plotting, and twice he tried to ask him again but was given equally mysterious replies as his first. Once the curtains opened upon the setting of the green Austrian mountains, and Maria with the voice of a nightingale began to proclaim how alive the world was with music, all was quickly forgotten and both men relaxed into enjoying the fabulous show.
Once the show was at its end, Jack was keen for them to make their way back to their grand suite as quickly as possible, and Ianto was disinclined to refuse his requests as he was in turn anxious to find out what on Earth it was that Jack had been organising behind his back.
"It was absolutely sensational wasn't it?" Ianto grinned as Jack fumbled with the key card to their room.
"Completely and utterly, the singing was flawless, the seats we had were fantastic, the men were handsome and the women were beautiful" Jack grinned back, still attempting to operate their room key.
"Oh they were now were they?" Ianto asked teasingly back.
Jack cursed under his breath as he made his third attempt to swipe the card. "Yes, they were and don't pretend you didn't notice – I saw you checking out Liesel! It's a good job the actress who played her wasn't just '16 going on 17'. Besides, we're both hotter so it's ok" Jack laughed.
"I wasn't 'checking her out'! I was just… intently listening to the song!"
"Oh sure" Jack replied and rolled his eyes, "Damn it!" He cried out when the card failed him yet again.
"Would you like me to give it a go?" Ianto offered.
"If you'd be so kind – but don't open the door! Just unlock it!"
"…ok…" Ianto replied sceptically, as he removed the card from Jack's hand and unlocked the door in one seamless motion.
"Aha! Thank you… now, close your eyes" Jack grinned.
"What?" The Welshman asked, confused.
"Close your eyes… or I could always tie my tie around you like a blindfold… and then I'll lead you inside!" Jack expanded on his original statement.
"Alright… I think I can be trusted just to close them" Ianto replied hesitantly, shutting his eyes tightly and allowing the American to lead him by the hands all the way through their living room and into, if his sense of direction wasn't mistaken, their bedroom.
"Ok, open up" Jack announced with a grin in his voice, letting go of Ianto's hands.
Yes, they certainly were in the bedroom. The bedroom which had now been filled with several dozen vanilla scented candles, all lighting up the room with an intimate glow in the absence of an electrical light, and there was a bucket of champagne on ice sitting on the writing desk.
"Wow" was all the Welshman could manage to get out.
Jack laughed triumphantly, "It is pretty 'wow' isn't it? I was thinking about asking them to scatter rose petals across the bed, but I think that would have been a bit much don't you?"
"Wow" Was all he could repeat again.
Jack just leaned in closer to delicately kiss his stunned lips, "I asked if someone from room service would be able to embellish the bathroom similarly so that we can take a nice romantic dip layer if you like?"
"So this was what you were talking to the receptionist about before we left… and, is that why I wasn't allowed a bath this morning?" Ianto asked, finally able to string a full sentence together though he was still just slightly stunned by it all.
"It was and it was – couldn't have you sampling that giant tub without me! And, well, I told you that I wanted to make things more special for you and so I endeavoured to keep that promise… have I succeeded?" He almost purred the question into Ianto's ear.
"I think so…" Ianto replied back in an almost matching tone.
"Good" Jack grinned, leaning in even closer still now, taking the Welshman fully in his arms – who in turn wrapped his own arms around Jack's muscular back – and merging the boundaries that were their two sets of hungry lips to envelop him in a passion fuelled kiss.