Chapter Thirty-Two
Ianto sighed and fidgeted nervously with the looped knot of his bathrobe. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this."
Jack looked up from where he was setting up his camera. "You asked me what I wanted for my birthday. This is what I want." Grinning as though all his Christmases had come at once, he adjusted the tripod before turning his attention to the elaborate reflectors and lighting equipment he'd set up to transform their bedroom into an impromptu studio. "Relax, Ianto. This is going to be fun."
Ianto huffed with disbelief, even though, inwardly, he had been quite flattered by Jack's startling request. Shocked and horrified at first, but flattered nonetheless.
Eyeing the silky, deep red sheets and scattering of matching pillows that Jack had used to transform their bed, he sighed again, unfastened his robe and cast a critical eye down over his body. He'd managed to develop a bit more muscle tone since moving in with Jack and availing himself to Jack's exercise equipment and expertise, but he'd never compare to Jack's enviable physique. Still, he'd been trying to make an effort when time permitted. He even found that he rather enjoyed it, despite the aches and pains that frequently followed. Plus, he liked that Jack appreciated the results.
Reluctantly, he slipped out of the robe, folding it neatly and putting it aside. He resisted the urge to place his hands over his crotch, reminding himself that there was no reason to be modest or self-conscious. Being naked with Jack in their bedroom was an everyday occurrence. Being naked in their bedroom while surrounded by a plethora of photographic equipment, however, was new and disconcerting. "Are you sure I shouldn't do a bit of trimming before we get started?"
Jack looked up again, the heat in his gaze sending a shiver of anticipation along Ianto's spine. "No, you're perfect." Jack's eyes moved over him, lingering in the vicinity of his crotch before rising slowly back to his face. He grinned. "I love that you're all natural and manly."
Jack discarded his own robe, and it was Ianto's turn to treat himself to the view. He was still as captivated by Jack as ever. Even more so, if that was possible. Jack had gotten a haircut the week before, his thick mop of dark hair a little shorter and spikier than usual. It looked good, accentuating his handsome features and chiselled jawline. Meanwhile, the rest of Jack continued to be no less breathtaking, his broad build and lean, sculpted musculature a sight to behold.
It was the first Sunday in March, the day before Jack's thirty-third birthday, and just on three months since he'd moved in with Jack. The lease on his old flat was up for renewal this month, and they'd spoken to the landlord, arranging for Rhys to officially become the new tenant.
Looking back, he didn't have any regrets. He enjoyed living with Jack, and they'd achieved domestic harmony with less difficulty than he'd anticipated. There'd been the occasional minor argument when one or both of them was tired or stressed, and the demands of the bakery meant that quality time together was sometimes a rare commodity, but none of that was unexpected. Jack had even refrained from bringing up the subject of marriage, somewhat surprisingly. He suspected, however, that Jack was merely biding his time and counting down the days until their agreed six-month moratorium was over.
Jack disappeared into the wardrobe and returned holding up an innocuous-looking gift bag. "I've got a surprise for you."
Ianto groaned. "Oh no." He took the bag from Jack with what he believed was a fully justified sense of trepidation. Jack's surprises could be genuinely delightful, but they also tended to be rather unpredictable. After all, he had the Christmas elf slippers to prove it.
Jack was grinning at him, blue eyes alight with mischief. "Go on. They won't bite."
Ianto peered into the bag and found what appeared to be an assortment of men's underwear. Expensive designer underwear, he realised as he emptied the bag's contents onto the bed. Also highly revealing underwear, given how little fabric each of the garments seemed to possess. One of them was even made from some kind of sheer, see-through, mesh-like material.
He stared at the collection in disbelief before plucking out the most offensive of the lot – skimpy cotton candy pink briefs with a grey waistband emblazoned with their brand name in bold white lettering. He looked up at Jack. "You can't be serious."
Jack continued to grin. "What? They're cute. They'll look good on you. Besides, you wear pink shirts."
Ianto frowned. "That's different." He wasn't sure how it was different exactly, he just knew that it was.
"How?" Jack gave him a challenging stare.
"It just is." Ianto glared back, despite inwardly rolling his eyes at himself.
Jack laughed. "It's just a bit of fun. We couldn't have a photo shoot without some sexy underwear." He picked out a tiny pair of cobalt blue briefs with a darker blue waistband. Square-cut and slightly more modest than the rest of the collection, they still left little to the imagination. "Let's start with these."
Realising that it was ridiculous to complain about covering up when he was already naked, Ianto sighed and pulled them on, only just managing to tuck himself into the snug pouch at the front. It didn't help that the tightness of the fabric combined with the proximity of Jack's naked body was causing him to harden and strain against the unforgiving confinement.
"Those look amazing on you." Jack's eyes darkened as they raked over him. "Not to say you don't look stunning completely naked, but... wow... that's seriously sexy. Trust me, the camera's going to adore you as much as I do."
Flattered, but deciding it was best just to get on with things, Ianto looked at the bed again. With another sigh, he sat down on the edge. "So... um... how do you want me?"
Jack took his cue and moved behind the camera. "Just do whatever feels comfortable. Prop yourself up on some pillows, lie back a bit and give me a seductive smile. Try to forget the camera exists."
Looking into the dark and imposing camera lens, Ianto thought that was pretty bloody unlikely. The old adage of the camera adding ten pounds came to mind and conjured up some highly unflattering images. Nevertheless, he tried to do as Jack had suggested, arranging himself in a manner that he hoped didn't look too awkward or unwieldy.
Jack flashed him a reassuring smile. "Take a deep breath and relax. You look gorgeous, Ianto."
Alternating between using the camera hand-held and on the tripod, Jack directed him into all manner of poses, varying between wider full-body and more intimate, close-up shots. The fact that Jack was also naked worked as a welcome distraction from the camera. And judging by Jack's impressive erection, he was clearly enjoying himself.
Ianto tried to relax and settle into the role of uninhibited model. They worked through the selection of underwear, including the see-through and pink ones, despite his earlier protests. Then, after some provocative shots with the pink briefs pushed down below his hips, Jack instructed him to lose the underwear completely.
He stretched out, spread his legs wider and gave himself several slow, languid strokes, adding a soft moan as he trailed his other hand lazily over his chest and teased his nipples. He struggled to hide his smirk as Jack made a choked sound and fumbled with the camera. "You were right, Jack. This is fun."
"Damn, you're a tease." Jack laughed, moving to kneel between Ianto's legs as he continued shooting. "You know how much I love watching you touch yourself."
Putting down the camera, Jack leaned in and kissed him, sliding a hand over his chest and stomach before moving lower. With slow deliberation, he stroked Ianto from root to tip once and then again. But then he pulled away and picked up the camera again, causing Ianto to groan with frustration from the loss of contact.
Undeterred, Jack took several more shots. "Okay, now lift and bend your left leg and put both arms above your head. Let me see those gorgeous armpits and biceps."
After a few more poses, none of which allowed him to touch himself and gain some relief, Jack put the camera back onto the tripod and fiddled with it for a few moments. "Now I want some shots of us together."
Ianto sat up and frowned in confusion. "How?"
Jack climbed onto the bed and grinned as he opened his hand to reveal a small key-fob shaped device with a single round button in the centre. "Shutter remote."
"Of course." Ianto rolled his eyes.
Now that he had Jack on the bed with him, and without the impediment of the camera, he decided to take the initiative. Grabbing hold of Jack, he pushed him down and straddled his waist, then kissed him hard on the lips, groaning as Jack thrust up against him, hard, hot and eager.
They kissed and tussled, moving against one another and exploring whatever parts of their bodies were within reach. Rolling them over, Jack worked his way down Ianto's torso, caressing every inch of skin and leaving a trail of heated kisses in his wake. Ianto's body thrummed with pleasure, and he moaned happily as Jack's mouth moved over the swollen length of his erection.
Distracted as he was, he had no idea how many photos Jack managed to take of them together, although he was dimly aware of the intermittent click of the camera's shutter. It was a bit narcissistic, he supposed, but as long as he had Jack's undivided attention, he wasn't complaining. Besides, he would have been lying if he'd said that he wasn't curious about how they looked together.
As they were kissing again, Jack tossed the remote aside and the camera became silent. Dragging his mouth away from Jack's, Ianto gestured at the bedside table. "I restocked our supplies."
Jack raised his eyebrows, then reached for the top drawer, retrieving lube and condoms and tossing them onto the bed as he straddled Ianto again. "You know, planning to seduce your photographer isn't very professional, and I have a rule about never mixing business with pleasure. But I admire your initiative, so perhaps I can make an exception just this once."
"I hoped you might." Ianto reached for Jack and gave him a slow, teasing grope, relishing the feel of Jack's weight and hardness in his hand. "I like to be prepared for every eventuality."
"Yes, you do." Jack groaned as Ianto tightened his grip. "Top or bottom?"
Ianto smiled, stroking Jack once more. He enjoyed being on top, but, much to his surprise, he also loved bottoming, as did Jack. "You're the birthday boy. You decide."
Jack tilted his head to one side as if considering his choice. Then he grinned. "Both."
Ianto laughed. "Greedy bugger."
"When it comes to you?" Cradling Ianto's face in his hands, Jack pressed their mouths together in a toe-curling kiss. "Always."
Jack prepared him with his usual care, opening him up with first one and then two fingers. Squirming a little at the initial intrusion, Ianto took a deep breath and reminded himself to relax. He moaned with the rush of sensation as Jack probed deeper and teased his prostate.
Their eyes locked onto each other, and a warm, intimate smile passed over Jack's lips. Then Jack withdrew his fingers, readied himself, and slowly pushed into him, the initial discomfort giving way to the now familiar sense of fullness.
The first time they'd done this, he'd been anxious and intimidated, more so given Jack's substantial size. But more than that, he'd been worried that he wouldn't like it, not knowing what that might mean for their relationship. The first time hadn't been a resounding success, the discomfort and newness of stimulation to his prostate causing him to lose his erection and rush to the bathroom to pee. The second time had been better, though. By the third time, he'd understood what all the fuss was about, his climax so intense and all-consuming that he'd almost passed out. The act was so intimate and different to anything else he'd experienced, and he loved that this was something he'd shared only with Jack.
Eager for more, he pushed down and impaled himself the rest of the way, sending a dizzying jolt through his body and causing them to moan in unison. Embracing each other chest-to-chest, their mouths met in a slow and sensual kiss.
Jack eased back far enough to stare down into Ianto's eyes, his face lighting up with another breathtaking smile. Jack rocked his hips, swallowing Ianto's moans of encouragement with a passionate kiss, and then settled into a rhythm of slow, deep thrusts, just the way that Ianto liked. They both enjoyed more vigorous lovemaking on occasion, but they rarely lasted long when they didn't hold back. As exciting as that could be, he liked it best when they could take their time and make it last. Despite his teasing to the contrary, Jack wasn't the only greedy one in their relationship.
He almost whimpered from the loss of connection when Jack pulled out. But then they shared another voracious kiss, and Jack rolled them over so that he was underneath. "Need you inside me, Ianto."
Ianto nodded, kissing Jack again before turning his attention to the necessary preparation. He suspected that he was still overly cautious out of fear of causing Jack any pain or discomfort, but Jack never seemed to mind. Finally he pushed into Jack, revelling in the sensation as Jack responded with soft moans of pleasure. After several shallow, teasing thrusts, he resumed their slow, unhurried rhythm.
Jack climaxed first, Ianto following only moments later and shuddering with the force of his release. Breathless and sweaty, they collapsed in a tangle of limbs and held each other as they recovered, randomly kissing whatever heated skin was within reach.
Ianto trailed his fingers through Jack's hair, teasing his scalp and smiling at the relaxed expression on his face. "Good birthday present, then?"
"Best birthday present ever." Jack chuckled and nuzzled against Ianto's neck. "And I'm going to enjoy these photos for a long time to come. It's the gift that keeps on giving. This should be our new birthday tradition. What do you think?"
"Well, it would take the stress out of shopping for presents." Stroking the shorter hair at the back of Jack's neck, Ianto kissed his forehead. "Although if that means I'm buying you underwear for my birthday, isn't it a bit backwards?"
Jack shrugged against him. "Kind of, but that's what makes it perfect. Our non-traditional birthday tradition." Placing a hand on Ianto's chest, he lifted his head so their eyes met. "Do you know what would make this birthday even better?"
"What's that?" Ianto already knew that he was going to regret asking.
With a devilish glint in his eyes, Jack grinned. "If you wear the pink briefs instead of your regular underwear tomorrow. Along with your pink shirt."
Ianto groaned before frowning in confusion. "Why? You won't be able to see them."
"No, but I'll get a kick out of knowing you're wearing them. And I'll be the only one who knows you're colour-coordinated." Jack gave him a look that would have put the cutest of kittens and puppies to shame. "Please?"
Rolling his eyes, Ianto bemoaned his lack of willpower when it came to denying Jack. The man was far too used to getting his way. He sighed heavily. "Fine. But only because it's your birthday."
"Thanks." Jack kissed him, then disentangled himself and jumped to his feet. "Now let's check out our photos."
###
Ianto stood at the doorway between the front of the bakery and the kitchen, indulging in a rare moment to cast his eyes around the tiny world he'd created and take stock. Rhys and Jake were serving customers at the counter, and several more were dotted around the various tables, some of them regulars and familiar faces. Meanwhile, Jack was chatting with a middle-aged lady who had just purchased a signed copy of his book and been delighted to discover that Jack was on the premises. Jack's book was proving to be more popular than they'd anticipated, and Ianto had been doing his part to promote and sell it at the bakery.
He wasn't an immodest man and had never been one to boast about his achievements, few and far between as they were. However, as he gazed upon the realisation of his dream, he felt an undeniable sense of pride and accomplishment. Jack had told him just a week after they'd met that he'd created something special here, and he finally believed that might actually be true. But he hadn't done it alone, and it was his friends and loved ones who had made it possible: Rhys, Rhiannon, Jack, and now Jake. They'd all contributed to make Myfanwy's what it was today. They were all connected – they were a family – and that was something indescribably precious. He was certain that his mum would have been proud.
Today was an important day, in more ways than one. Firstly, it was Jack's birthday, and they were gathering at the seafront restaurant in Penarth for a celebratory dinner. Jack hadn't wanted a big fuss, so they'd decided on a nice meal with their friends and family at their favourite restaurant. The second part of the day's significance was the reason for the nervous anticipation which had been gnawing at his stomach all day.
Glancing down at his watch, he noted that there was a little under an hour before closing time. The baking for the day was done, but he still had to apply the finishing touches to Jack's birthday cake – his own decadent variation on the classic Black Forest gâteau – and, as always, there was an endless list of other jobs still to do. The life of a baker, especially a baker who owned the bakery, wasn't an easy one. He gave Jack a smile as their eyes met, then retreated into the kitchen and got back to work.
When closing time finally arrived, Rhys entered the kitchen after closing up out front. "Jack's just having another cup of coffee."
Drying his hands at the sink and removing his apron, Ianto nodded and took a deep breath, checking his trouser pocket for at least the dozenth time in the last ten minutes.
Rhys moved over to join him, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving him a reassuring smile. "He's going to be over the moon."
"I hope so." Ianto took another deep breath, wishing the turmoil in his stomach would go away.
"Of course he will. I'm so bloody happy for you both I could burst." Rhys grinned sheepishly, then surprised Ianto by pulling him into a fierce hug. He was still grinning as he pulled back and let Ianto go. "I'm a lot more touchy feely these days. Must be my inner gay coming out."
They both laughed. It still didn't seem real sometimes, but here they were, both inexplicably in relationships with men and both ridiculously happy. Ianto gave Rhys's arm an affectionate squeeze. "Thanks, Rhys. For everything."
Jake re-entered the kitchen from the back door. "Right, the cake's secure in the car. Come on, Rhys, let's clear out and give Ianto and Jack some privacy." He grinned at Ianto and patted him on the back. "Good luck, boss. Jack's a lucky man."
"Thanks, Jake." Ianto mustered up a smile. "See you both later."
He watched them depart, then strode with determination to the front of the bakery, quickly made himself a cup of coffee, and joined Jack at the table in the corner. Coincidentally, it was the same table where Jack had first asked him out and he'd refused. That hadn't been even a year ago, but it now seemed like another lifetime.
Jack was working on his laptop, but closed it and smiled as Ianto sat down. "What were you and Rhys laughing about?"
Ianto shrugged and took a sip of his coffee. "Oh. Nothing, really. We were just saying how life can be very strange sometimes."
Jack nodded. "Can't argue with that. Strange and unexpected and sometimes wonderful in ways we never could have imagined. Like the day Owen brought me here and I met you. Best thing that ever happened to me."
Ianto reached over and squeezed Jack's hand. "For me too, as it turned out."
Jack's lips curved with one of the soft, warm smiles that Ianto loved so much, and he squeezed Ianto's hand in return. "Just so you know, I'm planning to start counting backwards from next year. Or maybe I'll see how long I can stay thirty-three before anyone notices or at least until you catch up."
Withdrawing his hand to take another sip of coffee, Ianto rolled his eyes at Jack's vanity, but he laughed all the same. He suspected that Jack was going to be one of those annoying people who at age fifty could pass for someone still in their thirties. As it was, Jack easily looked like he could still be in his twenties. Fortunately he didn't look his age either, so he figured that he had a fighting chance of keeping pace with Jack. It was a strange notion, though, thinking of reaching middle-age and beyond together, amassing a wealth of shared memories and experiences along the way. He'd already shared so much with Jack, and yet it was still just the beginning.
Jack slipped his laptop into the bag by his feet. "Do you need a hand with anything, or are you ready to head out?"
Ianto swallowed against the sudden tightness in his throat and tried to muster his courage. "I want to talk to you about something first. Actually, it's kind of a surprise birthday present."
Jack's eyebrows drew together in a confused frown. "Our photo shoot was my birthday present. You don't need to give me anything else."
"I know. But this is something I wanted to do... and today seems like the perfect time. It's... well, it's for both of us." Cursing his lack of eloquence, Ianto decided that he just needed to take the plunge. He pulled the small blue velvet box from his trouser pocket and put it down in front of Jack, then clutched his hands together in front of him and waited.
Still looking confused, Jack stared down at the tiny box, then he looked up at Ianto with almost comically wide eyes. His mouth opened and closed several times, but no words came out. It seemed that, quite possibly for the first time in his life, Jack had been rendered utterly speechless. Under different circumstances, Ianto might have felt quite pleased with himself for achieving what no other person had likely done before.
Jack picked up the box and gingerly opened it. His breath hitched as he stared at the pair of rings nestled inside. He blinked several times. "They're beautiful. Are they... are you..." He swallowed, then he looked up at Ianto again, and this time his eyes were narrowed. "You told me we had to wait six months. It's only been three."
"Well, that was mainly so you wouldn't pester me about getting married every five minutes." Ianto shrugged. "I wanted to surprise you. Maybe it's too soon, but I don't see the point in waiting any longer." He took a deep breath. "Will you marry me, Jack?"
Jack looked back and forth between Ianto and the jewellery box, still appearing to be in a state of total shock. Slowly, he nodded. "Yes." He swallowed again and cleared his throat. "Yes, Ianto. Of course I'll marry you."
Letting out the breath he'd been holding, Ianto moved his chair closer to Jack's and reached for the slightly larger of the two rings with an unsteady hand. The elegant titanium bands with their subtle contrasting silver inlay were masculine and practical, the design simple and understated, yet still distinctive. As soon as he'd seen them, he knew they were perfect.
"I was thinking these can be both our engagement and wedding rings. We can wear them on our right hands for now, then move them to our left hands when we get married. Two sets of rings seem a bit excessive." He took Jack's right hand in his own. "May I?"
Jack nodded, and Ianto eased the ring onto Jack's fourth finger, relieved to find that it was a good fit. He'd estimated that Jack would need a ring two sizes bigger than his own and it seemed he'd got it right. The ring looked perfect on Jack's strong, masculine hand. Staring down at it, Ianto's chest tightened with the enormity of the moment. He and Jack were agreeing to spend the rest of their lives together.
Looking up, he found Jack staring at him with bright, intent eyes. Jack took the second ring from the box. Drawing a breath, he slid it carefully onto Ianto's finger. Ianto's heart was pounding so fast that he thought it might burst from his chest. After staring at the ring for a long moment, Jack looked up, their eyes meeting again.
Without warning, Jack leapt up from his chair. He hauled Ianto up too, and Ianto let out an unmanly yelp as he found himself lifted off his feet and spun around in the air. Jack was laughing and grinning up at him. "Oh, my God... we're engaged!"
"Jack, put me down!" Despite his indignation, Ianto was laughing too.
Just as he landed on his feet again, Jack took hold of his face in both hands and kissed him fiercely, then enveloped him in a bone-jarring hug. "I can't believe it. I'm going to be Jack Harkness-Jones."
Ianto pulled out of Jack's embrace. "Oh, no. We're not hyphenating our surnames. Not a chance."
Jack frowned. "Why not? Harkness-Jones has a nice sound to it. I like it."
Ianto replied with an emphatic shake of his head. "It's pretentious. I like my name as it is. I like your name as it is too. We're wearing matching rings. We don't need anything more than that."
Jack looked like he wanted to protest, but then seemed to think better of it. "I suppose you're right. Plus, professionally speaking, it would be better not to change my name."
Kissing Ianto again, he bounced on his toes, his exuberance returning in the blink of an eye. "So, how soon can we get married?"