Chapter 6

It was several hours later that they finally went to sleep. Jack had been gone for a few months and Ianto had remained faithful. He had hope that Jack would come back to them, and his wish was granted. Ianto wasn't so sure whether Jack remained abstinent or not during their time apart, and Ianto decided he didn't really want the answer to that.

It was a funny feeling, really, to be back where they started. They rolled around on the bed, Jack pinning Ianto into the mattress, Ianto's arms stretched over his head. They had laughed and kissed and it was all so wonderful.

Everything was different when Jack was around. When he was with Lisa, well, he was the 'man' of the relationship. He planned their dates, was dominate in bed, but it reversed with Jack. It was odd – Ianto wasn't used to having someone else take care of him. He had always been a very capable kind of man. He basically took care of the HUB, made sure everyone was watered and fed, was able to track rift activity and even went on ground missions with the rest of Torchwood. Yes, he was definitely a very capable person.

However, with Jack he was able to put most of that aside. He let Jack take care of him, bring him pleasure as well as a midnight snack if the crave hit. The feeling of being taken care of was new to him, but he embraced it wholeheartedly.

The next morning Ianto woke up to find himself alone. It wasn't the first time it had happened, but he had hoped that on the night of their reunion he would be able to wake up next to Jack.

'It's silly,' Ianto tried telling himself, but the feeling would not subside.

After finishing his morning routine and dressed in a clean suit did Ianto take the time to go look for Jack. A pot of coffee was brewing at the moment, filling the small kitchenette with a refreshing smell. First place Ianto looked for Jack was in his office. He was actually surprised that Jack wasn't there. After a bit of thought, Ianto made his way outside by the dock. The sky was clear for once, the sun a bit brighter than necessary and a warm breeze wafted through.

Jack was standing against the fence, overlooking the water. Ianto could tell that his mind was elsewhere; probably on 'Gray'. However, Ianto knew better than to bring it back up. He hated to see that shuttered look on Jack's face and there were plenty of other stories that Jack could tell about himself.

Ianto walked over and leaned over the railing as well, his elbow touching Jack's.

Jack startled, surprised that Ianto found him.

"Thought you'd be looking all over the HUB still," Jack remarked, still overlooking the gentle waves.

"I know you too well for that," causually remarked Ianto.

It wasn't so casual for Jack though. His eyes grew wider as he turned his head to take in his lover.

"I'm not sure whether to be flattered or scared," said Jack, trying to sound like he was joking.

"Take it as a compliment. I like looking at you."

Jack smiled as he placed an arm around Ianto and dragged him in for a hug. "I really like looking at you too," Jack whispered heatedly into Ianto's ear.

Ianto's mouth became a grin. "Don't leave so early next time, Jack."

Jack's smile left his face, but his arm tightened around Ianto's shoulders. "I know, I'm sorry. I couldn't sleep anymore."

"It's alright," muttered Ianto. And it really was. This wasn;t the first time that Jack had woken early, usually from a nightmare, and left in search of someplace else.

"The others will be here soon," said Jack as he turned his eyes away from Ianto and focused on the sky.

"Would you like me to leave?" Ianto questioned.

"No, just..well, I am a bit hungry," grumbled Jack as his stomach answered the same way. Ianto let out a laugh as he escaped from under Jack's arm.

"I shall prepare something then. Coffee is almost done," Ianto turned to walk back inside.

"Ianto," called out Jack as his hand caught the crook of Ianto's elbow, turning the other man around.

Jack planted a kiss onto Ianto's lips. "Thanks," he whispered as he let go of his arm.

"No problem," Ianto replied as he turned around and headed into the HUB with a smile on his face.

Ianto knew that Jack wanted some more time by himself, but that he had appreciated Ianto's small interlude this morning. It was so easy to get wrapped in thoughts and memories that sometimes a distraction is necessary and welcomed.

Once inside Ianto began to reflect on this new chapter of his life. Working for Torchwood-Cardiff seemed like the thing to do after the disaster over at Torchwood London. After learning about all the wonders of the universe it was hard to want to go back to a normal, ignorant life. The choice to not only work for Torchwood, but to embark on a relationship with Jack was akin to signing his life away. There was no guarantee he would survive to see the next day, but in the mean time, the risk was damn well worth it.

Ianto knew that being with Jack would not be easy, but it wasn't as if that was what he was searching for either. Jack had his secrets, just as Ianto had his. The only thing he could do is continue to be by his side. He knew he wanted to be with Jack. And it wasn't really men he was interested in… it was just…him.

Just Jack.

END