A/N: This one is dedicated to Michelle, of TW:NS, because, after all, everyone needs a little Candlelit Romance now and then... Hopefully, this seems less fake than "that scene" to you!

&

"What's all this?" Ianto asked, his step hesitating on the threshold to Jack's office. Jack looked up from his task. He'd gone with a pair of khaki slacks and a royal blue dress shirt, open at the throat, and Ianto had to swallow past the sudden urge to throw himself at the Captain. Jack smiled, his teeth gleaming brightly in the scattered candlelight.

"This is for you…"

"What?" Ianto asked, clearly out of his element, and Jack chuckled.

"Your quick mind and clever turn of phrase never cease to amaze me." Taking a step closer to the confused Welshman, Jack let his sarcasm bridge the gap between them. It was exactly what Ianto needed to regain his composure, and Jack knew it. He came to a stop directly in front of the younger man, about an arm's length away. A sound, music, Ianto realized, was playing quietly in the background, and just as quietly, Jack began to sing along.

"I won't send roses, or hold the door.

I won't remember what suit you wore…"

Ianto met Jack half way, and the Captain took a deep breath, offering Ianto a hand. As he pulled the other man into his arms, he began to move them slowly to the music.

"My heart is too much in control
The lack of romance in my soul
Will turn you grey, kid
So stay away, kid…"

Ianto couldn't help but smile at the serenade. It was so Jack…

"Forget my shoulder
When you're in need
Forgetting birthdays
Is guaranteed
And should I love you, you would be
The last to know
I won't send roses
And roses suit you so…"

Even though he knew he was being warned, Ianto rested his chin on Jack's shoulder. They hadn't said more than three lines to one another, but the song seemed to speak for Jack. Ianto knew he didn't want to let go and allowed his weight to sink him further into Jack's embrace.

"My pace is frantic
My temper's cross
With words romantic
I'm at a loss
I'd be the first one to agree
That I'm preoccupied with me…"

Ianto chuckled, and Jack ran a hand down his back in a manner that was both soothing and somehow possessive.

"And it's inbred, kid
So keep your head, kid
In me you'll find things
Like guts and nerve
But not the kind of things
That you deserve
And so while there's a fighting chance
Just turn and go…"

Jack pulled back and met Ianto's gaze. He was willing to back off if he had to… okay, so maybe willing wasn't the right word, but he didn't want to push Ianto… this was too important. Ianto met his look, eye for an eye, and didn't seem to be making any movements toward the door.

"I won't send roses
And roses suit you so…"

Jack let his voice fade out along with the end of the song and seemed to be waiting for Ianto to respond. At a loss for words, Ianto took a deep breath and leaned in.

His lips met Jack's, trembling slightly. Jack sighed, as if he'd been holding his breath, worried that Ianto may have refused. The kiss was tender and sincere, undemanding; an unspoken agreement that more pleasures would follow. Jack was the first to pull away; he was trying very hard not to rush things.

He slowly released Ianto and stepped over to his desk. Ianto glanced around the office as Jack opened the bottle of wine that had been chilling. Every available surface had been covered with a variety of candles.

Candles of every shape, color and size could be seen, and Ianto wondered if there were any candles left in the whole of Cardiff, as every single one appeared to be in Jack's office. A glass of rich burgundy wine was offered to him, and Ianto took a quick sip, enjoying the way Jack's eyes darkened when he licked a droplet from his lips.

"Jack, what's all this for?" Ianto had to ask, his voice a deeper timbre than usual.

"It's for you." Jack repeated, and Ianto shook his head.

"No, I mean, why?" This was what was most confusing, "Why all the candles and music and wine? It's not as if this is our first time, and you have to seduce me or anything." But now Jack was shaking his head.

"That's different. It was different before… before I left. That was sex."

"How is this different?" Jack sighed and set his glass down on the desk, coming over to Ianto and resting a hand on his cheek.

"This is making love." He whispered.