Author's Notes: Hope you all enjoy this. It's another fairly long chapter. Thanks as always to Prothrombintime for feedback and encouragement.
Chapter Fifteen
March 29th, 2004
Sitting on the large steps at the edge of the Plass, Ianto was enjoying the unusually warm spring day as he munched unhurriedly on the fish and chips he'd bought for his lunch. After having a relaxing sleep-in, he'd spent the remainder of the morning catching up on cleaning and laundry before deciding to head out for a leisurely walk.
He often felt at a bit of a loss on his days off, and although he appreciated Jack's insistence about having time away from work, he would have preferred to be at the Hub. He also couldn't help but feel a little guilty when Jack didn't get the same opportunity for some well-deserved downtime. With Jack and Myfanwy left to their own devices for the entire day, he was also worried about what state the Hub would be in by the following morning.
He'd considered stopping in for a quick visit to check on things, using the pretence of dropping off some lunch for Jack, but he'd ultimately rejected the idea. He knew he'd only receive a rebuke for his efforts. He worried about Jack when he wasn't there to look after him, and while the man was neither inept or lazy, he didn't seem to place much importance on his own well-being. Jack couldn't die, at least not permanently, or even get sick from hunger or poor nutrition, but that wasn't really the point. And despite Jack's often less than healthy diet, the man never seemed to put on an ounce of weight. Whether that was due to his unique condition, fifty-first century biology, or simply because of the amount of physical activity the job entailed, he had no idea. Nor was he as fortunate, but luckily he had a fast metabolism and the stamina of youth on his side.
Popping a couple of chips into his mouth, Ianto gazed at the shimmering water tower on the opposite side of the Plass, and chewed thoughtfully. He'd always had a curious and inquisitive mind. He liked to know things, to understand, to surround himself with the security that indisputable knowledge provided. There was so much about Jack he wanted to know, but Ianto was an intensely private person, and he'd always respected the privacy of others. He wasn't one to press or pry, and whatever else he was going to learn about Jack would have to happen naturally, in its own time. He'd have to be patient, although he wasn't sure how much Jack actually trusted him yet. Jack may have lowered his guard somewhat, but he was clearly still cautious and reticent. It was quite possible that would never change.
A young man and woman walked past, both about Ianto's age, holding hands while chatting and laughing happily. Ianto felt a pang of wistfulness as he watched them. Not long ago, that could have been him and Lisa, and now it seemed like a lifetime away. He wondered if he'd ever find something like that again.
Continuing to eat distractedly, he thought back to the last conversation he'd had with Jack. He'd been thinking about that quite a lot. A 'mutually beneficial arrangement', Jack had called it. Companionship and fun – simple, casual, no strings attached. It wasn't really his style, but he was tired of being lonely, and he was done with trying to deny the intense attraction he felt for the other man. Deep down, he knew getting involved with his boss was foolish in the extreme, and that he was letting desire override his common sense. But on the other hand, he wasn't ready to get into anything serious again. Fun and casual sounded good. It sounded like exactly what he needed.
Determinedly pushing aside all thoughts of Torchwood and Jack, he finished his lunch, then deposited the rubbish in a nearby bin. He looked around indecisively for a minute or so, wondering what to do with the rest of the day. After the confusing, tumultuous week he'd just had, he decided he deserved a treat. A new men's tailoring shop had recently opened in the city centre – a local branch of a well-known Savile Row tailor no less – and although it was an extravagance, he'd been itching to check them out.
With no immediate sign of rain in the sky above, he left the Plass behind and headed purposely on foot towards the central shopping district, losing himself in pleasant contemplation of fabrics, colours, styles and cuts. He was going to buy himself a new suit.
###
Ianto closed his diary and stared at the cover for a moment, then put it down on the coffee table and sprawled back on the sofa. Having finished writing down his thoughts about the last few days, he felt more relaxed and settled. The afternoon had also been an enjoyable one, furthering his contented mood. His new bespoke suit would be ready in three weeks time, and he'd indulged in purchasing several new shirts and ties to go with it. He liked to look his best, and although the new clothing was for his own pleasure, he couldn't deny that he was looking forward to showing the new outfits to Jack. He ruefully wondered when the other man's opinion had become so important to him.
Glancing down at his watch and noting it was just after eight p.m., he realised he should probably think about making some dinner. He considered his options, not feeling overly hungry after his substantial lunch. Trying to decide between scrambled eggs on toast or a bacon sandwich, his thoughts were interrupted by a loud, insistent knock at the door. Frowning at the unexpected intrusion, he made his way to the door and opened it to find an agitated looking Jack staring back at him.
"Jack, what's wrong?" Ianto ushered him inside and closed the door. "Is Myfanwy okay? Please tell me the pair of you haven't decimated the Hub again."
"She's fine. Everything's fine," Jack replied brusquely. He glanced around the apartment before meeting Ianto's eyes again. "I shouldn't be here."
"I don't mind." Ianto shrugged as he looked at Jack worriedly. Noting the tense set of Jack's jaw and the troubled look in his eyes, he tried to think of a possible explanation for the man's strange mood. "I was just about to make some dinner if you..."
He let out what he would firmly deny was an unmanly yelp as Jack suddenly pushed him up against the wall adjacent to the door, clasped his face in both hands, and kissed him hard on the lips. Recovering quickly, Ianto wrapped his arms around Jack and kissed him back, willingly parting his lips as Jack's tongue pressed insistently against them.
They kissed frantically, hands moving restlessly over each other's bodies while Jack's solid weight held him firmly against the wall. Ianto was sure it was at least several minutes later when they finally broke apart with a gasp. Jack shrugged off his greatcoat and dropped it unceremoniously to the floor, then his hands tugged insistently at the bottom of Ianto's shirt, untucking it from the waistband of his jeans, and sliding beneath to stroke the bare skin of his abdomen.
"Jack..." Ianto murmured, only just managing to suppress a groan of pleasure. "Er... I think our definitions of taking things slowly might be slightly different."
"Slow is overrated," Jack muttered as he pressed his mouth against the side of Ianto's throat, kissing and nipping along his jawline until their lips met again. After another furious kiss that left Ianto's heart racing and his crotch almost unbearably tight, Jack pulled back enough for their eyes to meet. "Gods, Ianto. I can't stop thinking about you."
Ianto felt his eyes widen with incredulity. "I've been thinking about you too," he admitted, slightly taken aback by the hungry look in the dark pools of Jack's eyes.
Jack caressed his hands up the front of Ianto's shirt, but paused just before sliding the first button from its hole. As if suddenly realising what he was doing and worried he'd crossed a line, he looked at Ianto with an uncertain expression. "If you want me to stop, you can tell me. It's okay. I..."
Ianto shook his head and pressed his lips firmly against Jack's, cutting off anything further he was going to say. "I don't want you to stop," he said quietly and with a certainty that surprised him.
The hesitation vanished from Jack's features, replaced with a slow, devilish smile. "Good," he murmured, sounding relieved. "That's good."
Quickly and nimbly, Jack unbuttoned Ianto's shirt and pulled it off, tossing it to the floor behind them. The t-shirt Ianto was wearing beneath immediately followed. Jack trailed his hands teasingly over Ianto's chest, teasing his nipples and causing Ianto to moan appreciatively, before capturing Ianto's mouth once more. Ianto pushed down Jack's braces and tugged at his shirts, frustrated by his lack of coordination as Jack's lips and tongue proved to be an overwhelming distraction.
Jack chuckled, breaking the kiss. "Eager, huh?"
"You're wearing too many clothes," Ianto muttered as he turned his attention to the buttons of Jack's shirt.
Jack laughed again and quickly finished the job, tossing away both of his shirts in a single fluid movement before pushing Ianto up against the wall again, pressing their bodies together, and claiming his mouth in another heated kiss.
Ianto splayed his hands over the warm skin of Jack's back and held him close, losing himself in the moment. Jack's fingers worked at unfastening his jeans and he gasped as Jack's hand pushed beneath his underwear, fondling and stroking him determinedly. Sliding his hands downwards, Ianto managed to unfasten Jack's belt and then his trousers, pushing them and Jack's underwear down to his knees. After some awkward stumbling while continuing to kiss and grasp at one another, they managed to rid themselves of their remaining clothing. With the full length of Jack's naked body now moving against his own equally naked form, Ianto was struggling to maintain a single coherent thought beyond how shockingly easy Jack could reduce him to a mass of wanton desire.
With a playful tug at Ianto's lower lip, Jack's mouth shifted downwards, sliding along his throat and continuing to trail down his body. Before Ianto could register Jack's intentions, the other man was on his knees, his hands pressed against Ianto's hips, and moving his tongue along the length of Ianto's erection before greedily taking him into his mouth.
"Oh, God," Ianto murmured with a breathless moan, thumping his head back against the wall as Jack's hot, wet mouth surrounded him. Jack's tongue caressed and stroked as his head bobbed up and down, and it was soon clear to Ianto that he was receiving a demonstration of another one of Jack's particular talents.
Burying his hands in Jack's thick hair, Ianto closed his eyes and succumbed to the intense pleasure Jack was giving him. After a few all-too-brief minutes, Ianto felt the familiar coiling sensation deep within his body, and with a low, guttural groan, he shuddered and climaxed, spilling his release into Jack's mouth. Jack continued his ministrations, milking Ianto until he had nothing left, and finally drawing back with a lewd popping sound. He looked up at Ianto, grinning before running his tongue provocatively over his lips, causing Ianto's breath to hitch in his throat.
Jack was then on his feet again, pulling Ianto close and kissing him feverishly. Ianto could taste himself as he pushed his tongue deep into Jack's mouth, and he was surprised to find the sensation intensely erotic.
"Well, you obviously enjoyed that," Jack said with a hint of a self-satisfied smirk after they pulled apart a couple of minutes later.
"Yeah, ah... that was... um... amazing," Ianto replied, stumbling over his words as he struggled to express how incredible the experience had really been. "I'd like to try that sometime," he added a little timidly, imagining their roles reversed and finding the thought arousing. "Might need some practice though."
Jack chuckled, grinning at him with obvious delight. "Any time you want. And practice does make perfect."
Ianto grinned back, but glancing downwards at where Jack's neglected erection was pressed against his stomach, he suddenly felt guilty. He reached down and gave Jack a tentative stroke. "Want me to help with that?"
"Yeah," Jack murmured, pivoting his hips and rubbing himself against Ianto's hand. "Please."
Ianto kissed Jack again, and feeling more confident this time around, he worked his hand along Jack's length, wanting to give Jack as much pleasure as he'd just received himself. Holding his other hand around the nape of Jack's neck, he teased his fingers over the warm skin as their lips continued to move against each other. It wasn't long before Jack trembled and groaned, spurting over their stomachs and Ianto's hand.
Pulling away, Ianto ducked down to grab a handkerchief from the pocket of his jeans. Looking up at Jack, he was rewarded with a soft, satisfied smile. He fussed for a few moments, quickly cleaning them both before Jack pulled him back into his arms. They clung to each other in a tight embrace, their cheeks pressed together. Ianto breathed in deeply, thinking he could stay like that for hours, simply wrapped in Jack's wonderfully comforting warmth and scent.
He was just about to ask Jack again if he wanted to stay for some dinner, hoping they could perhaps indulge in another round or two afterwards, when Jack's wrist-strap beeped insistently, the normally soft, innocuous sound seeming abnormally loud in the quiet space of the apartment.
Jack pulled back and glanced down at his wrist, punching a couple of buttons and peering at the tiny display. "Damn it. Rift alert." He sighed and gave Ianto an apologetic look. "I've gotta go. I'm sorry, Ianto."
Ianto breathed out a sigh of his own, but mustered an understanding smile. "It's okay. Duty calls."
Jack shook his head, a frustrated scowl marring his features. "It's not okay, but I'll make it up to you, I promise. We'll continue this another time, all right?"
Ianto nodded, reaching for his clothes and starting to pull them on as Jack did the same. "I'll look forward to it."
They both quickly dressed and Ianto helped Jack into his greatcoat, carefully adjusting and smoothing out the shoulders. Jack captured Ianto's face in his hands and gave him a brief but passionate kiss.
"Jack?" Ianto said as the other man opened the door. Jack paused and looked back at him. "Be careful out there, yeah?"
Jack smiled and nodded. "Always."
The door closed, and Jack was gone just as abruptly as he'd arrived. Ianto slumped back against the wall as he distractedly buttoned up his shirt. "Bloody Torchwood," he muttered.
###
April 8th, 2004
It was a week and a half later, and Ianto was sitting at his desk in the archives after lunch, absently sorting through one of the many boxes of minor alien debris he'd collected in his efforts to organise Torchwood Three's sprawling repository of artefacts. His heart definitely wasn't in the task at hand. He was frustrated, he was antsy, and he was a little bit fed-up. And it was all Jack's fault. Except it wasn't, not really. But it also kind of was.
The Rift had been going through one of its more active periods again, and Jack had been run ragged for the best part of the last ten days, trying to keep up. Ianto had been busy too, having been called on by Jack to help with administering retcon and fabricating cover stories, along with training and taking care of Myfanwy. Twice they'd planned to have an evening together, and both times the Rift had intervened.
He did have one particularly fond memory though. It had been late on Saturday night of the previous week and with Jack out dealing with a rogue Weevil, Ianto had decided to spend some time in the firing range, sharpening his weaponry skills. He'd worked his way through a variety of guns when Jack had returned, and after firing off a few rounds himself, Jack had suggested an impromptu training session. Ianto had readily agreed, having missed their sessions over the previous few weeks. After changing into their training gear, Jack had worked Ianto through their usual repertoire of defensive moves, adding a couple of new ones to the mix. It was about an hour later when Ianto had managed to send Jack tumbling onto the mats, then quickly followed when he'd overstepped and lost his balance. Their training session had then degenerated into an energetic but playful wrestling match.
One thing had lead to another, and before long they'd been frantically pulling at each other's clothes until they were both naked and clinging to each other as they rolled around on the floor. With their limbs tangled as they'd grasped and explored each other's sweat-slicked skin, they'd worked furiously to get each other off while exchanging rough, frenzied kisses.
Eventually, both of them spent and sated, they were laying side-by-side on their backs and chuckling at the absurdity of it all. Jack had then challenged him to a race to the showers, and immediately sprinted off, entirely heedless of his naked state. Ianto, on the other hand, refused to act in such an undignified manner. He'd quickly redressed and made his way to the Hub's main bathroom at a more respectable pace. On his arrival, Jack had stripped him of his clothes again, and they'd shared a long, enjoyable shower together before the Rift had inevitably intervened once more.
Ianto smiled at the memory. It had been an undeniably thrilling encounter, and one he definitely hoped to repeat, but it wasn't enough. He'd done some research in his spare time, reading in detail about the intricacies of sex between two men, and he felt that he was ready to take the next logical step. The idea of intercourse with Jack was intimidating and more than a little overwhelming, but he also found it intriguing, and he'd decided to be pragmatic about it. He was certain Jack would never pressure him, but it seemed like an inevitable progression, and he wanted to experience it with Jack.
It seemed pointless to wait until it became something more awkward and bigger than it really was. But he also wanted the experience to be unhurried, enjoyable, and memorable. He could march into Jack's office right now, drop his trousers, bend himself over Jack's desk, and they could just get on with it. A part of him was tempted to do precisely that. That would be exciting and satisfying in its own way, it might even be rather fun, but it wasn't what he wanted for a first time. He hoped it wasn't what Jack wanted either.
Scratching distractedly at the back of his neck, he decided all he could do was hope that the third time was indeed the charm. It seemed like the Rift had finally settled down again, and he hoped that meant they'd have at least a brief reprieve.
With renewed determination, he tapped on his keyboard to open an instant message window, and stared at the blinking cursor as he waited patiently. The last time he'd seen Jack, he'd been sitting in his office and catching up on a backlog of paperwork, so he hoped he was still there.
JHarkness: Ianto, everything ok down there?
Ianto rapidly typed a reply.
IJones: Yup. So, I was wondering... any plans tonight?
JHarkness: Just the usual. Pizza. Save the world a couple of times. Fantasise about a certain young Welshman. Why? Got something in mind?
Ianto rolled his eyes. Coy really didn't suit the Captain, but it was amusing nonetheless.
IJones: Maybe.
JHarkness: Naked hide and seek?
Ianto felt his mouth fall open as he paused and tried to figure out how that would actually work. Two grown men running around completely naked seemed wrong on so many levels. Definitely too many bits bouncing around. Besides, he was sure Jack would cheat.
IJones: No.
JHarkness: Strip poker?
Ianto had to admit that had possibilities, and he'd always thought he had an excellent poker face. He was fairly confident he'd be able to beat Jack, assuming the other man played fairly, although that seemed unlikely. Not that losing wouldn't have its advantages.
IJones: Nope.
JHarkness: Spoilsport.
Ianto grinned at Jack's predictability. Taking a deep breath, he quickly typed again.
IJones: Dinner at my place? 8pm? I'll even cook something.
JHarkness: You can cook?
Ianto huffed and scowled at the screen. Just because he didn't choose to cook very often didn't mean he couldn't. He typed furiously again.
IJones: Of course I can. Besides, we eat too much take-away. Might be a nice change.
Ianto bit down on his lip as he waited anxiously for Jack's response.
JHarkness: Ianto Jones, are you asking me out on a date?
Ianto rolled his eyes again, remembering the last time Jack had asked him that question. It was such a short time ago, and yet things had changed rather a lot since then. He stared at the screen uncertainly for a moment. They weren't dating or doing anything remotely conventional, but there didn't seem to be any reason why they couldn't have a nice evening together.
IJones: Yes. And don't be late. Rift permitting.
Pressing the Enter key, Ianto hoped he hadn't stepped over some arbitrary line and edged into dangerous territory. He still wasn't sure what the rules were when it came to Jack.
JHarkness: 8pm it is. Rift permitting.
Ianto let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding, both surprised and relieved by Jack's simple but apparently sincere response.
JHarkness: Ianto?
Ianto frowned, hoping Jack hadn't already changed his mind. He sent back a reply.
IJones: Yes, Jack?
JHarkness: I'm looking forward to it.
Ianto felt a smile spread across his face as he replied once more before closing the message window.
IJones: Me too.