Chap 42
Knowing that he had forgotten Ianto's birthday, their anniversary of the first day they met, filled Jack with shame. Time to step up.
He was pleased that Rhia was more than happy to have the kids, knowing Ianto would be happier with them at her place than left alone with his mother. He hoped that problem would smooth over eventually as a line under their difference of opinions was definitely not in the near future between them.
He felt awful knowing the reservations he'd made were for the night after that date they should have been for, and he'd taken the wrong person. God, what a mess. Jack strikes again.
He made the preparations and made sure Ianto's lovely pinstripe was clean and hung it on the wardrobe door along with a white shirt and sweet apple green tie he'd had put away. Ironically, for his birthday.
Ianto had gone on a few errands and had no idea. Jack was pleased with his plans and chuckled as he thought of Ianto's possible reactions. He heard the front door and went out to meet him. Ianto stepped into the main room and saw Jack walking towards him face full of love and he melted into his arms, hopeful that their afterhours talk in the dark had hit home.
He had promised Jack to try again, his children deserved every effort and Jack had begged until he was sobbing for Ianto to hold on, not give up. Ianto was withholding judgement, his desire for Jack still so strong that the sight of Jack in tears almost tore him apart.
The final words whispered by Ianto in the dark haunted them both, "I love you, I will always love you and I know I will always want you in this bed but you have to realise something. Jack, I just don't need you. My boys come first and if you ever make this family unhappy it'll break my fucking heart but I will walk away!"
Jack was excited when Ianto slid the keys to the Blue Bustard into his hand and let him drive. The restaurant was lovely and Jack ate with gusto, even ate some of Ianto's as well.
They returned to a silent house, Jack's mother had gone home to tend to her plants, and Jack kissed him softly as he removed their clothes.
No words were needed as their lips were busy with soft sighs and moans as they reconnected.
Jack loved that tie, hanging it on the bedpost while making a crow of triumph like an Indian with a scalp and Ianto laughed softly, pulling him back down to the warmth of their coupling.
It was early the next morning when Victoria returned, dragging another suitcase as she placed a pot plant on the coffee table. She frowned when she saw the shoe in the middle of the floor and she stormed into the bedroom to place it by the bed.
Jack was snuggled in Ianto's arms, his face serene as he slumbered next to his love's heart. Ianto was awake, rubbing circles on Jack's back as he lovingly looked into his face.
She hesitated, unsure if what to do and Ianto spoke quietly, "It's Jack's. I don't think I'll ever house train him."
His voice was full of love as he stroked the sleeping man's face.
"I didn't mean to intrude" she whispered, unable to look away.
"It's OK. I know you didn't," Ianto smiled, "You never do. I guess it's just a learning curve to have a mother about the place. I keep thinking you will see how useless I am sooner or later."
"Oh darling," she sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed, "I am harsh, aren't I? My lovely husband was the nurturer. I never did have much patience."
"It's not your fault" Ianto smiled softy, "I've not been nurtured that much. Me Mam was my everything and I suppose her death was like a betrayal. My Da said it was my fault and I believed him. Why wouldn't I? I needed someone to blame and it made sense."
"No mother wants to leave her child" Victoria assured him and was surprised when he laughed softly.
"Tell that to the wee Babbit." Ianto's face fell as he considered the talk he would need to have one day with their youngest child, "She was more concerned with her baby weight than him."
"But look at him now. He is better off with you" she placed a hand on his bare arm, "He'll be more loved here with you two boys."
"I'll make sure of that!" Jack muttered as he squeezed his husband around the waist and Ianto sighed.
"Me too Cariad, me too."