Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone for reading, alerting, reviewing and following this story so far. Special thanks to the amazing Prothrombintime for greatly needed suggestions and feedback on this chapter. Hope you all enjoy it.
Chapter Thirteen
March 27th, 2004 (continued)
Ianto let go of Jack's hand and tossed back the bed covers as Jack kicked off his boots. He turned slowly towards Jack, the enormity of the moment causing a nervous fluttering to settle uncomfortably in his stomach. Jack was looking at him steadily, apparently waiting for him to make the first move. With his heart pounding furiously and his mind ablaze with a tumultuous mix of apprehension, anticipation and desire, Ianto cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and stepped forward.
A soft smile crept across Jack's lips as he pulled Ianto forward and into his arms. Their mouths collided hungrily, and they stumbled towards the bed, falling onto it in a graceless tangle of limbs, the kiss continuing as their tongues caressed and explored. With the entire length of Jack's body pressing down upon him, Ianto could feel the length of Jack's erection through the restrictive confines of their clothing. A needy moan escaped from his throat as he rocked his hips, rubbing his own straining arousal against the older man.
Breaking the kiss, Jack kneeled back, deftly unbuttoned his shirt, and pulled it off. His white undershirt quickly followed, providing Ianto with an unobstructed view of the smooth, muscular torso he'd fantasised about. Jack grasped the bottom of Ianto's t-shirt, and Ianto obligingly sat up, raising his arms as Jack peeled it away.
Their mouths met again, their arms wrapping tightly around one another, their bare chests pressing together. Jack's skin felt warm and wonderfully sensual against his own, and Ianto became more intensely aroused with each passing moment.
Jack's hands shifted downwards and slowly unfastened Ianto's jeans, tugging them off and tossing them to the floor. Jack's trousers soon followed and they kissed again, easing back down onto the bed. Jack's lips trailed along Ianto's jawline, down the sensitive skin of his throat, and across his chest. Ianto trembled and gasped involuntarily as Jack's mouth latched onto one of his nipples, his tongue coaxing it into a hard peak as his fingers caressed Ianto's other nipple into a similarly aroused state.
Grinning up at him, Jack proceeded to lick, nip, and kiss his way down Ianto's body, pausing to dip his tongue into the depression of Ianto's navel. Ianto's mind seared with a jumble of lust and incredulity, his desperate longing overriding what remained of his anxiety and confusion. Settling himself between Ianto's thighs, Jack pressed his right hand against Ianto's underwear and massaged his crotch teasingly, while his other hand roamed up Ianto's side and over his chest.
"Okay?" Jack murmured, sliding his thumb under the elastic waistband of Ianto's underwear and stroking the soft skin beneath.
Ianto gazed up at Jack, suddenly feeling a renewed surge of insecurity and uncertainty. Jack was stunning, he'd had several lifetimes of experience, and he'd undoubtedly been with numerous people far more interesting, skilled, and exciting than a somewhat reclusive, twenty-one year old Welshman. Compared to Jack, he felt unremarkable and woefully inexperienced. And while his sex life with Lisa had been enjoyable, it hadn't been especially intense or exciting. Besides, Jack was his employer – sometimes taciturn, often intimidating, and very definitely male. He was in no way prepared for this encounter, and as desperately as he wanted this... wanted Jack... wanted to please Jack... he realised he was completely out of his depth.
Jack removed his hands, sat back, and looked worriedly at Ianto, obviously picking up on his hesitation. "Ianto, what's wrong?"
"I just..." Ianto sighed in frustration. He reached up and ran his hand over Jack's shoulder and down his arm. "I don't want to disappoint you," he finally admitted.
Jack leaned down and brushed a soft kiss over his lips. "Ianto, you couldn't disappoint me." He kissed him again. "I want you. I've wanted you almost since the day we met." He chuckled gently against Ianto's cheek, the sound causing warm tendrils of desire to course along Ianto's spine. "You have no idea how many cold showers I've had to take these last six months."
Ianto stared at Jack in disbelief. For a long time, he'd thought Jack didn't even like him, let alone fantasised about him sexually. He searched Jack's features, looking for any hint of disingenuity. Jack was looking back at him earnestly, a disarming smile gracing his lips, a twinkle of self-deprecating amusement in his eyes. "I don't exactly know what I'm doing," Ianto said hesitantly in little more than a whisper.
Jack smiled with what seemed to be affection and understanding, sat back again, and tugged off his own briefs, casually dropping them to the floor. Resting on his elbows, Ianto stared at Jack, captivated by the sight of the other man's hard and rather intimidating erection. He'd never imagined finding the sight of another man so fascinating and arousing.
Jack reached for Ianto's hand and guided it closer. "Touch me," he murmured. "The way you like to touch yourself."
Ianto reached forward and slowly stroked his hand along Jack's length, tentatively at first, but gaining confidence when Jack's eyes fluttered closed and he let out an appreciative moan. Ianto teased his thumb over the leaking head, enjoying the sensation, both similar to and different from when he touched himself.
Jack opened his eyes again and with a questioning look, he once more slid his fingers under the waistband of Ianto's underwear.
Somewhat reassured, Ianto nodded his consent and lifted his hips, watching as Jack peeled off the final piece of his clothing. He was a little smaller than Jack, but not by much, he realised with relief. Jack was silent as he stared down at him, his blue eyes dark and wide, and Ianto hoped he wasn't seeing disappointment in the man's inscrutable expression.
"Jack?" he asked nervously, feeling vulnerable and self-conscious under the intense gaze.
Jack trailed his fingers over Ianto's balls and along the length of his erection, teasing gently at the foreskin and sensitive head, causing Ianto to tremble and breathe out a ragged groan. He couldn't quite comprehend that he was completely naked with another man and being touched so intimately. Even more surprising was how very much he was enjoying it.
A warm smile spread across Jack's face as his hand continued to explore Ianto's body. "I've tried so many times to imagine what you've been hiding under those gorgeous suits."
Ianto looked at him warily. "You're um... you're not too disappointed?"
"Disappointed?" Jack asked in an incredulous tone. He shook his head as he moved his hands over Ianto's torso, teasing his fingers up through the trail of dark hair that ran from Ianto's crotch and over his stomach, thickened as it spread out across his chest, and tapered off to a few curling strands at the hollow of his neck. "Gods, Ianto. You're beautiful."
Ianto wanted to dismiss Jack's flattery as ridiculous, however there was nothing but sincerity in Jack's voice and undisguised desire in his eyes. "You're not bad yourself, Jack," he murmured instead, smiling slyly up at him.
"Not bad? Is that all I get?" Jack demanded, his mouth shifting into what looked suspiciously like a pout.
Ianto resisted the urge to roll his eyes, amused by Jack's petulant expression. "All right, fine. You're bloody gorgeous."
"That's better," Jack agreed, his expression transforming into a lascivious grin. "Much better."
Ianto tugged impatiently at Jack's arms, pulling him down until their lips met again in a deep, languid kiss. The movement caused the sensitive skin of their erections to slide together, sending an exquisite spike of pleasure coursing along Ianto's body. They moved slowly against one another as Ianto roamed his hands over Jack's body, wanting to touch every part of him, revelling in the feel of Jack's bare flesh against his own.
Jack clasped Ianto's hand and guided it down between them. Ianto tentatively wrapped his fingers around their erections and began to stroke them. He was achingly hard and so overcome with sensation, he knew he wouldn't last very long. He varied the speed of his strokes, occasionally pausing to tease their leaking crowns or fondle their tightening balls, the way he liked to do to himself. Jack thrust against him, increasing the friction between them. With his other hand, Ianto clasped at the back of Jack's neck, holding their faces close together.
"This okay?" Ianto mumbled as Jack's mouth moved from his lips and worked down the length of his neck.
"Oh, yeah," Jack murmured against the base of his throat. "I'm not gonna last long."
"Me neither," Ianto muttered, moaning as Jack's mouth claimed his lips again.
They established a slow rhythm and it wasn't long before Ianto was beyond the point of no return. Heat seared through him as he throbbed against Jack, and with a ragged gasp, he spurted out his release with explosive force, coating his chest and stomach as waves of pleasure rippled along his body.
He kept stroking and Jack climaxed a moment later. With a loud groan, Jack's body trembled as he erupted over Ianto's hand and stomach. Breathing rapidly, Jack collapsed against Ianto's side, wrapping an arm around Ianto's shoulders and randomly pressing kisses over his face and neck.
"Wow," Jack muttered as their breathing began to even out. "You okay?"
Distractedly wiping his sticky hand against his stomach, Ianto looked down at his flushed, slick skin and couldn't help grinning. "Yeah... more than okay."
He reached over to the bedside table, grabbed a handful of tissues, and quickly wiped themselves clean. Turning to Jack, he smiled and kissed him gently. They continued kissing, limbs intertwined, hands moving and exploring. Eventually they settled into a comfortable embrace and Ianto rested his head on Jack's chest, the steady thump of Jack's heartbeat soothing against his ear.
His thoughts drifted in a contented haze as he idly traced his fingers over the warm skin of Jack's toned abdomen. He was astonished by how captivated he was with Jack's body. While he hadn't thought he'd find any part of Jack unattractive, he hadn't expected to be quite so enamoured. He moved his hand lower, following the fine trail of hair from Jack's navel and trailing his fingers through the expanse of thick, dark hair framing Jack's crotch. It was strange to think of a man as beautiful, but that's what Jack was, and there was nothing about Jack's body that he found unappealing. He could easily spend countless hours doing nothing more than admiring, touching and exploring Jack. Tracing the outline of Jack's hip, he pressed a kiss to Jack's chest, his lips lingering over the firm flesh as Jack responded with a murmured sound of appreciation.
Everything about being with Jack was overwhelming, intimidating, and more than a little terrifying, but it was also thrilling, exciting, and completely different. Ianto was still surprised by just how much he enjoyed the closeness and comfort of Jack's presence. This new intimacy probably should have felt strange and awkward, especially given that Jack was a man and they'd just shared an intense sexual experience – even if they technically hadn't had sex yet – but none of that seemed to matter.
Recalling the events leading up to this moment, Ianto glanced down to where Jack's arm was slung low across his hip, fingers stroking gently. Jack had removed his anachronistic wrist-strap earlier and put it on the bedside table. It was the first time he'd seen Jack not wearing it.
"Fifty-first century pheromones," he said, thinking aloud as he lifted his head and rested it against his hand, looking into Jack's hooded eyes. "That's what you said at the warehouse."
He paused thoughtfully. Jack seemed to have knowledge and skills beyond that of present-day Earth, and he knew that time travel was possible from what he'd learned during his time at Torchwood One. The mysterious alien known as the Doctor, identified as being dangerous and an enemy of the Crown – Torchwood's Enemy Number One supposedly – was known to travel in a time machine with the outward appearance of a blue 1960's London police box. Suddenly it all seemed to make sense. "Is that where you come from, Jack? The fifty-first century?"
Jack looked startled, and Ianto wondered if he was going to refuse to answer. They stared at each other for a long moment, then Jack sighed and nodded. "Yes," he said simply, glancing over Ianto's shoulder at the bedside table. "My wrist-strap... it's called a Vortex Manipulator. It allows the wearer to travel through time and space. But mine's broken, the teleportation and time travel functions burned out when I landed here in 1869. I've been stuck here ever since."
"But you're from Earth originally?" Ianto asked while trying to comprehend that such a tiny device was capable of something so extraordinary. "I mean, you're... erm... you're human?"
Jack chuckled. "I'm human, just a little more evolved than you. You don't need to worry, Ianto. You didn't just have sex with an alien." He smiled, but his expression quickly became sombre again. "Well, technically, you did... I wasn't born on Earth. Things change a lot over the next few thousand years. The human race eventually travels to the stars and settle on other planets. Where I come from, humans have spread out all over the galaxy." His features turned wistful and a deep longing seemed to creep into his eyes. "I grew up in another solar system, on a remote human colony called the Boeshane Peninsula."
Ianto nodded thoughtfully, processing this latest mind-jarring revelation. It was startling, but he was realising that when it came to Jack Harkness, anything was possible.
"You're not freaking out?" Jack asked after a moment, looking into his eyes apprehensively.
Ianto shook his head. "Should I be?"
"Yeah, maybe a little. But I'm glad you're not." Jack paused and smiled, but then his expression changed again. He looked conflicted and almost fearful. "Ianto, it's been a long time since I've been this close to anyone. And I'm not talking about sex. Sex is easy, but this... this isn't easy. Not for me. And I know this is a big deal for you, being with another man for the first time, but... having you know about me... my condition... where I'm from, when I'm from... well, that's a big deal for me."
Surprised by Jack's honesty, Ianto reached for his hand and intertwined their fingers, squeezing their hands together. "It must be difficult, having to hide so much of yourself all the time... not being able to trust anyone," he said cautiously before giving Jack a reassuring smile. "You know, for two blokes who are rubbish at talking, we're not doing too badly."
Jack laughed softly. "No, we're not doing badly at all." A smile crept over his lips again as he stroked his other hand through Ianto's hair. "You're pretty amazing, Ianto Jones, you know that?"
"Am I?" Ianto asked sceptically, raising his eyebrows.
Jack nodded, only sincerity showing in his features. "Yeah, you really are."
Feeling a rush of affection for the other man, Ianto leaned in and captured Jack's mouth with his own. Jack responded eagerly, his fingers trailing down Ianto's spine and settling on his buttocks, grasping and kneading the soft flesh.
They continued kissing for some time, and Ianto was becoming aroused again when Jack pulled back with a sigh and a look of apology. He traced his fingers down the side of Ianto's face, along his shoulder, and down his arm.
"I'd better go," he said, sounding regretful. "I need to check on our new pet, and someone has to keep an eye on the Rift." He pressed a brief kiss to Ianto's lips before untangling their limbs and pulling away. "I'll let myself out and you can get some rest."
Ianto nodded, disappointed that Jack was leaving, but deciding it was probably for the best given how new this was for both of them. Besides, Torchwood always had to come first. Feeling his eyelids becoming heavy, and realising he was more tired than he'd thought, he watched as Jack collected his clothes and quickly dressed.
Jack sat on the edge of the bed, pulled on his boots, and then turned to look at him. "Ianto, thank you," he said quietly, reaching for Ianto's hand and squeezing it before turning away.
"'Night, Jack," Ianto murmured as Jack moved to the door, looked back at him once more, then left the room.
After hearing the front door open and close a few moments later, Ianto pulled the covers up to his shoulders. His thoughts drifted as the desire for sleep tugged at his consciousness. With this profound and unexpected turn of events, he was certain his life was never going to be the same again.