Author's Notes: Well, it's date night for Jack and Ianto. :-) Enjoy! Special thanks to the brilliant Prothrombintime for invaluable feedback, suggestions and encouragement.
Chapter Sixteen
April 8th, 2004 (continued)
Ianto stood in his bathroom, staring critically at his reflection. He fiddled at length with his hair, adjusting the gelled tufts into a slightly more casual style than he wore at work. He smoothed his eyebrows, inspected and carefully trimmed his fingernails, quickly shaved again to remove the day's growth of stubble, trimmed and combed his sideburns, scrubbed at his face for a second time, cleaned his teeth furiously, and finally dabbed on a small amount of aftershave.
He rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbows, unrolled them again, sighed, and rolled them back up. Then he toyed with the top buttons of his dark red shirt, fastening all but the top most button. Deciding it looked too formal, he then unbuttoned the second one, adjusting the fabric as he wondered if too much of his chest hair was visible. His eyes lowered to his dark blue jeans. They were his best pair, and he wondered if they were a little too snug, although he'd always thought they looked good on him, accentuating his slim build and height. He looked at the studded leather belt he'd selected to complete the outfit, and he wondered if it was too suggestive. Rolling his eyes at himself, he sighed again, lowered his hands, and turned away from the mirror, flicking off the light, and returning to the kitchen.
Glancing around the compact kitchen, he double-checked everything was ready. He'd settled on Chicken Chow Mein for dinner; it was quick to cook and tasty, and he'd been able to prepare all the ingredients earlier. Jack liked Chinese food so a home-cooked alternative had seemed like a safe choice. The chicken was diced and waiting in the refrigerator, and everything else was neatly lined up on the shiny black marble bench-top, each ingredient prepared and in its own bowl, ready to be added to the fry pan at the correct moment.
His phone buzzed from where he'd left it next to the coffee machine, and he picked it up, opening the new text message.
Hope you're cooking something delicious. All quiet here, leaving now. J.
Smiling to himself, Ianto shook his head in amusement before putting the phone down again. His eyes settled on the bottle of red wine he'd bought on the way home. It had been an extravagance at thirty quid, but he'd wanted to get something nice. Staring at it for a long moment, he realised it would be the first time he'd had wine since breaking up with Lisa. His preference was usually beer, or some decent Scotch on occasion, although he quite enjoyed a good-quality wine too.
Thinking of Lisa, the familiar pain was far less acute than it had been not long ago, but he immediately pushed the thought aside. He'd ponder that further when he wasn't expecting his boss to arrive on his doorstep at any moment.
Deciding to check the wine was okay, he deftly opened the bottle and filled a third of a glass. He took a generous sip, allowing the intense, slightly woody flavour to roll around his tongue before swallowing. He felt unaccountably nervous. He knew it wasn't really a date, he and Jack weren't dating, they were just friends. Well, a bit more than friends, but they weren't together. Anyway, the idea of dating another man seemed weird, not in general terms, but specifically for him. Sex was one thing, but the idea of dating Jack seemed rather ludicrous. Jack didn't really seem like someone who went on dates, although Ianto assumed he must have at some point in his long life.
He was also anxious about how the later part of the evening would play out. He knew what he wanted to happen, but he wasn't sure how to go about broaching the subject. He hoped an opportunity would present itself. Regardless, he was looking forward to an evening alone with Jack, outside of work – a tiny slice of normality in their unconventional lives – and something to help him put this unusual relationship he had with Jack into a framework of familiarity he could better understand.
True to his word, Jack arrived on time. After closing the door and helping the older man out of his coat, Ianto felt his mouth become dry as he took in Jack's appearance. Jack was wearing a navy shirt with the two top buttons open, his usual white undershirt conspicuously absent, a teasing expanse of firm, bare skin in its place. Instead of his 1940's style trousers, Jack was wearing a pair of snug-fitting jeans. They weren't overly dark in colour, a couple of shades lighter than what Ianto was wearing, and they framed Jack's hips and crotch to perfection. A black leather belt and matching shoes completed the outfit, both a sharp contrast to Jack's usual grey braces and tan-coloured boots. Ianto swallowed hard, momentarily losing the ability to speak.
Jack smiled, looking annoyingly pleased with himself as his eyes roamed over Ianto in their usual less than subtle manner. "Wow! You look gorgeous, Ianto. Love the shirt."
Stepping closer, Jack traced the tips of his fingers down Ianto's open collar, lingering over the exposed skin, and causing Ianto to shiver in anticipation.
"Thanks, Jack." Ianto managed to recover his composure, smiling self-consciously as he looked into Jack's eyes. "I've been told red is my colour," he quipped. "I, um... I like your jeans... very smart."
Jack shrugged. "Haven't worn them in a while." He stepped back and spun around dramatically. "Not bad, huh?" he asked with a cheeky grin.
Ianto simply nodded, a retort about Jack's lack of modesty dying on his lips, his mind far too preoccupied with the arousing sight in front of him.
"So, what's for dinner?" Jack asked, taking a step closer again.
Ianto cleared his throat and moved towards the kitchen. "Chicken Chow Mein. Is that okay?"
"Mmm. Sounds great."
Jack followed him into the kitchen and peered at the various bowls of ingredients. Meanwhile, Ianto donned his white apron, retrieved the chicken from the refrigerator, then turned on the heat for the fry pan.
"It doesn't take long to cook." Ianto gestured towards the sofa. "Watch some telly if you like. There's wine if you want to pour yourself a glass."
Jack nodded and half-filled both glasses, taking a sniff from one and then a sip. He made an appreciative noise and moved to stand close behind Ianto, his hand settling casually over Ianto's hip. A shiver ran up Ianto's spine as Jack's warm breath teased the sensitive skin of his neck just below his ear. "I'll keep you company. I want to see these culinary skills of yours for myself."
Ianto huffed slightly, glancing over his shoulder at Jack before returning his attention to the sizzling chicken in the fry pan. "All right, but don't distract me. You're, ah... well, you can be very distracting at times."
Jack chuckled with obvious amusement. "I'll behave myself."
Ianto sincerely doubted that, but he proceeded to prepare their dinner while Jack watched on, apparently fascinated by the entire process. He stayed close to Ianto, but didn't make any overt gestures beyond the occasional casual touch of his hand. Although Ianto did have to slap Jack's hand away a few times when he tried to sneakily sample the food before it was cooked.
"Almost ready," Ianto announced a short while later, having stirred in the noodles and adjusted the heat. He turned around to face Jack and accepted the glass of wine Jack passed him, taking a sip. "Thanks."
"You've been holding out on me, Mr. Jones," Jack said, looking at him appraisingly. "What other talents are you hiding behind that composed exterior?"
Ianto smirked. "Oh, there's a few."
"I bet there are," Jack said, his blue eyes bright and teasing as his expression turned slightly lecherous. "I'm looking forward to discovering each and every one of them."
Feeling a surge of heat rise to his cheeks, Ianto quickly turned back to the food. "Right, this is ready. Can you take the wine over to the table, Jack? I'll bring the food."
"Okay," Jack replied, collecting their glasses and the bottle.
Ianto distributed generous portions onto their plates and carried them over to the sofa, having already placed cutlery and napkins on the coffee table earlier. He passed a plate to Jack and settled down beside him, tucking a napkin into the collar of his shirt and giving Jack a significant look. Jack pulled a face at him, but then reluctantly did the same. Ianto grinned at the minor victory.
Over the course of the next twenty minutes, Jack devoured two helpings along with a second glass of wine, praising Ianto's cooking enthusiastically as he ate. Ianto couldn't help feeling a little bit flattered, having never received such unequivocal praise for his cooking efforts before.
Jack sighed contentedly and leaned back into the sofa, resting his hand on Ianto's knee and tilting his head to look at him. "It's been a long time since anyone's cooked for me. Thanks."
Ianto smiled and rested his hand over Jack's. "You're welcome. I enjoyed it. It's more fun when you have someone to cook for."
"That's true," Jack agreed. "I'll have to return the favour sometime."
"You mean, cook something for me?" Ianto asked in surprise and Jack nodded. Ianto quirked an eyebrow. "Will my kitchen survive the experience?"
Jack laughed. "I think so. But you'll be there to keep me in line. You're good at that."
"I suppose it could be worth the risk," Ianto said, chuckling slightly as he tried unsuccessfully to conjure up the image of Jack in an apron and cooking him dinner.
"Good," Jack said, looking oddly excited by the prospect. "Now, what's for dessert?"
###
Ianto rolled his eyes when Jack grinned mischievously and produced another Buffy DVD. He started watching an episode while Ianto did some quick cleaning up, having refused Jack's offer to help, assuring him it would only take a couple of minutes. Serving up portions of the apple and cinnamon cake he'd bought on his way home, accompanied by cups of his best coffee, he settled down next to Jack again and they watched the show.
Jack eagerly consumed his cake and coffee, accompanied by further murmurings of appreciation. The episode finished and Ianto thumbed off the television, glancing at Jack a little nervously as he put the remote down on the table.
"Come here," Jack said, seizing Ianto's arms and pulling him into his lap.
Their lips met as Ianto settled himself between Jack's thighs. They kissed hungrily until Jack's fingers began working at the buttons of Ianto's shirt. Ianto pulled back, giving Jack better access, simultaneously turning his attention to Jack's shirt. Freeing the last button from its hole, Ianto pushed the fabric aside and traced his hand over the bare flesh of Jack's torso, while Jack did the same, teasing his fingers through the expanse of dark hair adorning Ianto's abdomen and chest.
Looking down at their bodies, Ianto was once again struck by the marked contrast between them. He looked into Jack's eyes, feeling a sudden stab of insecurity. "You don't mind that I'm a bit... well, a bit hairy?"
"Hell, no," Jack murmured, his hands continuing to explore Ianto's chest enthusiastically. "I love it. It's gorgeous and very sexy." When Ianto raised a disbelieving eyebrow, he added, "Hair on men isn't as common where I come from as it is here. The downside of a few thousand years of evolution I suppose."
Ianto nodded, feeling relieved and enjoying the sensation of Jack's warm hands against his skin. He'd quickly realised that Jack was a very tactile person, somewhat unlike himself, but he was surprised by how much he liked Jack touching him, and how much he enjoyed touching Jack. "I used to shave it all the time," he admitted.
"Why?" Jack asked, resting his hands on the sides of Ianto's chest and looking horrified by the suggestion.
Ianto shrugged. "Lisa didn't like it. Come to think of it, there were a lot of things about me she didn't like very much."
"Well, I love it," Jack said firmly. "Don't try to change yourself, Ianto. Not for anyone. And especially not for me."
Ianto nodded, sighing ruefully. "Sorry. I shouldn't have mentioned her. It's just that I was thinking about her today."
"It's okay, you can talk about her if you want." Jack looked at him intently. "Do you still miss her?"
Ianto shook his head. "No, not really. I did... but... I think I'm finally realising we were never a good fit... that it wasn't going to work."
He smiled down at Jack, feeling more content than he had in a long time as he realised the truth of his words. Jack seemed to genuinely like him for who he was, and he could just be himself with Jack when they were together like this. As much as he'd loved Lisa, he'd often felt inadequate, like she was trying to change him into the person she wanted him to be. "I'm where I want to be, Jack," he said with certainty, leaning in and kissing him again.
"Bedroom?" Jack asked as their kiss eventually ended, his fingers stroking over the soft skin at the base of Ianto's back.
"Bedroom," Ianto agreed, standing up and offering Jack his hand.
After quickly divesting each other of their clothes, they sprawled out on the bed, with Ianto on top of Jack. They kissed passionately, both of them hard as their bodies moved against one another.
Jack's fingers trailed down Ianto's spine and settled on his buttocks. Ianto moaned into Jack's mouth as he felt Jack's fingers spread his cheeks and tease the tight ring of muscle at his entrance, sending a shudder of excitement coursing through him.
"Jack," Ianto began nervously as their lips parted. "Obviously I've never done this before, but I... I want to feel you inside me."
Jack looked surprised. "Are you sure? There's no rush, you know. There's plenty of other things we can do." He grinned playfully. "And I don't mind doing it the other way around. I'm a flexible guy."
Ianto matched Jack's grin with one of his own. "I'll keep that in mind, but..." He paused awkwardly. "I want to try it. I've had fantasies too, you know."
Jack laughed and looked impressed. "Have you now?"
"Yeah." Ianto nodded, trailing his fingers down Jack's chest.
"You're sure?" Jack asked again, looking at him searchingly.
Ianto nodded once more. "Seems silly to wait any longer. I, uh... I've got the necessities." He pulled away from Jack and opened the top drawer of the bedside table, retrieving a tube of lubricant and a packet of condoms. Turning back towards Jack, he tentatively proffered the items.
Jack raised his eyebrows. "So, you planned this, huh?" A teasing grin spread across his features. "Decided to get me drunk, and have your way with me?"
"Something like that," Ianto replied, grinning back and feeling some of his anxiety ease.
Jack chuckled, but then he became serious again, looking into Ianto's eyes with what seemed to be hesitation. "Ianto... since you know about me... I have natural immunity to diseases from this time period, plus others that don't even exist yet... so we don't need to use protection. Actually, I'd like it if we didn't, but we can if you want to... I want you to feel comfortable about everything we do together."
"Oh," Ianto replied in surprise, but realised it made sense given that Jack had several thousand years of evolution and medical advancement on his side.
"Of course, you should always be safe when you're with other people," Jack continued hastily. "But when you're with me, it's not something you need to worry about."
Ianto nodded. "Okay."
"Yeah?" Jack asked cautiously.
"I trust you." Ianto smiled. "Besides, it will feel better, and it's my first time. Might as well make the most of it."
Jack captured Ianto's face in his hands and kissed him. Taking the items from Ianto, he tossed the packet onto the table and held onto the lubricant. He kissed Ianto again, more gently this time. "Turn over onto your stomach."
Ianto nodded and rolled over, turning his head and glancing up at Jack, feeling a swell of nervous anticipation. He was about to be buggered by a man... a man who couldn't die, who travelled in time, who came from thousands of years in the future, who was over eight times his age, and who also happened to be his boss. He was pretty certain his life couldn't get any more bizarre.
Jack looked down at him with a reassuring smile. "If you feel uncomfortable, or you don't like it, just tell me to stop, okay? It might hurt a little at first, but if it's too much, I'll stop."
"Okay," Ianto agreed, resting his head on the pillow as Jack's hands caressed down his back.
Jack was surprisingly gentle as he prepared him, slowly working a single slick finger inside him before adding a second, and eventually a third. The sensation was strange and new, but not unpleasant. Ianto's initial tension quickly ebbed away as his body relaxed, and he was soon moaning softly as Jack continued his ministrations. He shifted his hips, gaining some friction for his erection trapped between his stomach and the bed. Jack's fingers moved deeper and brushed his prostrate, causing Ianto to gasp involuntarily as an intense shudder of pleasure shot up his spine. "Oh, God," he mumbled, his hands clenching tightly at the sheets.
Then Jack's crown pressed at his stretched entrance, and there was a fiery burn as Jack slowly eased into him. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to relax, not wanting Jack to stop. After a few more moments he realised Jack was all the way inside him. He felt impossibly full and stretched, but as the burning sensation eased, it began to feel incredible.
"Okay?" Jack murmured, pressing his chest down against Ianto's back as he placed soft kisses along Ianto's shoulders and neck.
Ianto tilted his head to meet Jack's lips in an awkward kiss. "I'm good. Just, uh... just don't stop."
Jack smiled against his lips before pulling away, easing out of him, and then sliding slowly back in again. He continued with slow, deep thrusts as Ianto whimpered with pleasure, moaning intermittently as Jack seemed to hit just the right spot each time.
"Turn around, Ianto. I want to see your face," Jack whispered, pulling out of him.
Ianto quickly flipped himself over, feeling the sudden loss acutely and wanting Jack inside him again. Jack pulled his legs up, and Ianto wrapped them around Jack's waist as Jack eased back inside him. Gradually increasing his pace, Jack stroked his hands over Ianto's erect shaft and across his chest before leaning in, staring down at him with desire burning in his eyes. Ianto grasped Jack's shoulders, pulling him down into another frenzied kiss. Jack's mouth swallowed his breathless groans as Jack continued to thrust into him. With his eyes clenched shut, Ianto was lost in the sensation of Jack both inside and around him.
Jack's mouth moved away, and his hand wrapped around Ianto's erection, stroking him in counterpoint to his thrusts. It was almost too much sensation at once, and Ianto felt his mind slipping as his consciousness wavered. Jack murmured his name and Ianto snapped his eyes open, gazing up at the other man. Jack looked magnificent, his skin flushed and shimmering with sweat, eyes glazed, lips wet and kiss-swollen, and his expression euphoric.
Jack twisted his hand, tugging almost brutally, and Ianto couldn't hold on any longer. Crying out as his body convulsed, his release spurted out over his torso in thick, pearly streams. With one more deep thrust, Jack buried himself inside Ianto, letting out a breathless, guttural groan, and Ianto felt Jack pulse repeatedly, filling him with liquid heat. The spasms of Jack's climax rippled through Ianto's body, heightening the aftershocks of his own orgasm.
The entire experience was more intense and erotic than he'd ever imagined. And just like everything else he'd done so far with Jack, he absolutely loved it.
Jack pulled out and fell onto the bed beside him, smiling as he pulled Ianto into his arms. Ianto could feel Jack trembling against him, and finding each other's lips, they shared languid kisses as their breathing slowly returned to normal.
"Are you okay?" Jack murmured.
Ianto nodded, feeling warm, happy, and content in his post-coital haze. So much so, he didn't even care about the messy state of their bodies. "Do you really need to ask?" He smiled softly. "That was incredible, Jack."
"For me too," Jack whispered against his neck.
Ianto sighed wearily. "I don't want to move, but we should get cleaned up."
"Stay put. I'll take care of that," Jack said, disentangling himself and getting up slowly.
Ianto was surprised when Jack returned with a warm, damp flannel from the bathroom, and proceeded to gently clean first Ianto and then himself. He'd never expected Jack to be quite so thoughtful and attentive.
"Thanks," Ianto murmured when Jack had finished and was lying beside him again.
Jack chuckled in his ear. "Did I wear you out?"
Ianto smiled at him, tugging the bed covers over them as his bare skin began to feel cool. "Maybe just a bit."
Jack shifted closer, kissing Ianto's lips as he traced his fingers lightly along the curve of Ianto's jaw. "My turn next time?"
Ianto pressed himself up against Jack, and Jack's arms wrapped securely around him. "Yep," he answered softly.
They stayed that way for a long time, exchanging the occasional kiss but mostly just holding onto each other. Ianto was starting to drift off when he heard Jack sigh and felt him begin to pull away. "I should get back to the Hub."
Ianto nodded and helped Jack retrieve his clothes, then pulled his own jeans and shirt on again. He followed Jack to the door and helped him into his greatcoat.
"Thanks for a fantastic evening, Ianto. I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you in the morning, Jack," Ianto agreed.
Jack kissed him briefly before opening the door and striding away.
After watching Jack's retreating form for a few moments, Ianto sighed and closed the door, turning his attention to finishing off tidying the kitchen. This time he couldn't help feeling more disappointed that Jack hadn't stayed.