No spoilers
Beta-ed: GlassSplinter
Ianto emerged from the archives a few moments later. He heard the cog door, and thought that he was alone in the hub. At last he could relax for a while, and do some real work. He didn't think that harassment at work would be so demanding. He smiled, it did live up to its potential, he hadn't thought of anything else the whole day. Watching that Jack didn't catch him alone took some maneuvering. The hub was big and everyone was on the move, so he had to predict their location. Luckily he was good at that, so no one noticed his shadowing them; except for Jack, of course. His face was more and more tense, his eyes showed lack of patience. He knew Jack wasn't very good at waiting, but he'd expected a dose of casualness. Obviously he hit the right note with his game. Jack loved to win. He let his smile widen. He only had to time his departure with the others' and he would get another day of this tension in the air. It'd be fun. In that moment he felt arms sliding around his waist. He froze in first instant, but then Jack's aroma covered him. He had kept his distance the whole day, just because of that scent. It would weaken his will like it did right now. Jack leaned against his back, his breath down his neck; to hell with advantages.
"Didn't I ask for a file, Ianto?" He whispered in his ear, sending hot air around his earlobe.
"It's right here, sir," Ianto managed to say with just small stutter. "I'll bring it up with coffees for all."
"I don't think they would like cold coffee, Ianto," said Jack, and he could hear his smile. He was pleased with himself. He could easily erase it, but he waited a moment too long, and Jack's teeth found his earlobe. He closed his eyes and leaned backwards. Will to reverse was gone. With his free hand Jack reached into his pocket and, to Iantos surprise, took out his stopwatch. He pressed a button and the clicking began.
"We have an hour, two if we're lucky. I'll give you a minute and twenty seven seconds to undress, and then five minutes advantage. Then I'll go looking for you. Use your knowledge of the hub well, because when I find you, you're mine to use." He took a step backwards and waited.
Ianto stood there for a second disoriented. Then he marched off towards the archives, untying his tie on the move.
"What," asked Jack, "I don't get to see the show?"
"No free tickets," replied Ianto, leaving through the door.
"At least leave me a trail of crumbs!" yelled Jack.
"Trail of crumbs..." murmured Ianto. He took his clothes off, and placed them down on the way. Then he traced back and went sideways away from the trail. His route took him down a familiar path. He didn't even notice when he passed the corridor through which he'd dragged body of doctor Tanizaki, but when he approached Lisa's door he stopped. For a brief moment he didn't know what he was doing here. Then cold air on his naked skin reminded him. He felt ashamed, he felt the urge to go back up and call everything off. But what would be left for him then; a job with its endless repetition, a memory of the metallic Lisa who haunted him, and almost complete isolation. No, he forced his chest to breath deep again, he'd had enough of that. He'd done his best and it wasn't good enough, he couldn't save her. Now he'd do what was offered, and Jack'ss skin was so warm and alive. Lisa was dead and that chapter was closed. He turned his back to the door and searched for some place Jack couldn't think of. Maybe he did want Jack, but that didn't mean that he would make it easier for him.