CH 33 What Goes Around, Comes Around
When Jack returned home from his first day on the set of his new show he was bursting with excitement. "It was fantastic Ianto! The crew, the directors, the producers, the actors, the whole lot are great. The writing is really good too. I think people are really going to respond to this series. It really seems to hit on so many different levels; I don't see how it won't succeed."
"With you in the lead, I know it will succeed too." Ianto wrapped his arms around his spirited partner and gave him a deep kiss. Jack kissed him back; pulling their bodies tightly together.
"I did miss having you around though. You know it is okay if you come to the set. I can always use your… assistance." Jack's hands squeezed Ianto's bum with his last sentence.
"Hmmm. I don't really think the set would be the appropriate place for that type of assistance. Besides, I would just be in the way if I was there. They have wardrobe people and make-up people and food people and people to take care of everything you will ever need while you are there. I need to be here with Lily."
Jack gave a playful pout. "Oh, okay. But I would like you to come sometime to meet everyone. You can bring Lily down so I can show the two of you off."
xoxoxoxoxoxo
A few days later Jack and Ianto talked as they cleaned up after breakfast. "Jack, I have to go over to Tosh and Owen's this morning. Owen and I are working on the tour for the fall and Tosh and I are going to work on a little get together to welcome Lily. You okay with her this morning?"
"Yeah. I think I am going to do some work in the garden and she can watch."
"Okay. I'll call you when I'm done. If you need anything give me a call." He placed a soft kiss atop Lily's head and a deep one to Jack's lips before heading out.
Jack dressed Lily and went out to the garden. He placed her in her stroller where she could see him as he worked. "What do you think Lily? Should we put the mums here and the daffodils on the other side?" The little girl seemed to watch his every move. Every once in a while he would go closer to talk to her and she would smile and wiggle her arms and legs around. After getting all of the flowers planted he picked her up and went inside. He changed her nappy and washed his hands before making her a bottle. Before she had finished the bottle she was sound asleep. Jack placed her in her cradle and went to take a shower.
He stood with his face in the stream of water, enjoying the warmth. He felt a soapy sponge begin caressing his back. "Mmmm, that feels good Ianto."
Jack turned around only to see Janet standing in the shower with him. Instinctively his hands went down to cover his manhood. "JANET! What are you doing?"
"I just thought you might need a hand." She reached forward and ran her hands up Jack's chest. Jack grabbed her wrists and pushed her away.
"You need to get a towel and get out of here. I don't know what made you think this was okay but it is definitely not okay. I am in a relationship with Ianto."
"Come on Jack. It's just a little fun. I know you like fun."
Jack had turned the water off and wrapped a towel around himself and was holding one out in front of Janet. "Not with you. Get out."
Janet sighed and took the towel before slowly walking out.
It took Jack several minutes to compose himself. Once he had calmed down a bit he dressed and went downstairs. He was going to have to check with Ianto to see what the status was of getting Janet her own place.
He was sitting in the office answering some e-mail when Ianto returned. Ianto come into the office and gave him a quick kiss. Jack grabbed him around the waist and pulled him into his lap. "Hi baby. Did you get lots of work done?"
"Yup. We set up a brutal schedule for your tour; we don't want you getting soft now that you are a big television star."
Jack thrust his hips up into Ianto. "With you around, I don't think there is ever any chance of me going soft."
Ianto leaned in for another kiss, running his tongue along Jack's bottom lip. His lips parted and their tongues tangled. Hands began caressing and the kissing was turning quite passionate when a little cry interrupted them. "Mmmm. Don't forget where we were and I'll be back."
Ianto went and got Lily and changed her before returning to the office. "Hey Ianto, what's the status of getting Janet her own place?"
"To be honest, I haven't had much time to work on it. Why, is there a problem?"
Jack hesitated a minute too long before speaking. "Oh, uh, no, I was, uh, just wondering."
Ianto knew Jack too well. He gave Jack his best 'oh really' look. "Jack. What's going on?"
Jack sighed. "Well, this morning after Lily and I were done in the garden I went to take a shower. While I was washing my face, I felt a sponge running up and down my back. I assumed it was you but when I turned around I found Janet standing there."
Ianto could feel the heat rising through his body but he tried to remain calm. "What did you do?"
"I told her to get out of course! Ianto, you know I don't have any designs on her. I just think the sooner we can get her out of here the better. She is proving to be rather unpredictable."
"Unpredictable? She's a right loon!" Ianto was pacing around the room by this time, trying to work through his anger and find the quickest solution to their problem. Jack grabbed his hand as he passed.
"Ianto, it's okay. I can deal with her."
Ianto stopped and looked at Jack as he spoke. "You're right Jack. I'm sorry I got so upset. This just isn't something I could have planned on dealing with. Everything has moved so fast. I'm not handling things very well. I should be more in control."
"I should be apologizing to you Ianto. I've dragged you into my mess and you don't deserve that. I should be taking care of these things, not making you deal with it."
"Jack, you're not 'making' me do anything I don't want to. I would do anything for you, for us. This all is just a little out of my bailiwick and I haven't responded to it very well. We'll get it figured out." He gave Jack's hand a squeeze. Lily cooed in Jack's lap, making them both smile.
"Thanks Ianto. I thought you might decide to move out."
Ianto's brow rose. "That's it Jack!"
Jack's brow furrowed. "You're going to move out?"
Ianto gave his signature eye roll. "No Jack. We move Janet into my flat. It's already set up except for the baby stuff and we wouldn't have to deal with any estate agents or anything and we could move her right away."
"You. Are. Brilliant! I knew there was a reason that I loved you!"
"I knew there was a reason too but I didn't think that was it." He gave Jack a suggestive look.
Jack let out a sound that was something akin to a growl.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Over the next few days Jack and Ianto worked tirelessly to get Janet moved to the flat. They hated the thought of Lily not being with them all of the time, but having Janet under their roof was only going to lead to more problems. They had worked out a new custody arrangement with Janet; a five-two, two-five schedule in which they would have Lily for five days and then Janet would have her for two, then they would have her for two and Janet would have her for five. The schedule allowed them to have her every week on Wednesday and Thursday and every other Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They would make it work for the time being.
Their first weekend with Lily and without Janet they had a party to welcome Lily to the family. It was an afternoon barbeque in the garden with their friends and family. Tosh, Owen, Connor, Gwen, Rhys, Mickey, Eugene, Suzy and some of the road crew came as well as Ianto's sister and her family. Martha and Tom weren't able to make it in from London but had sent a gift anyway. Everyone ate lots of good food and enjoyed the company. Jack and Ianto received many nice gifts for Lily. After the cake was served Owen rose and tapped his fork on the side of his raised glass.
"I would like to propose a toast: To Jack, Ianto and Lily. I never thought I would see the day Jack Harkness settled down and I definitely never thought he would have a kid." The others in attendance gave a little laugh. "But I have to say that I have never seen him happier and it suits him well. I wish them all a lifetime of happiness. Cheers"
Everyone raised their glasses and a round of "here heres" went off. Jack wrapped his free arm around Ianto's waist and pulled him into a kiss. Ianto's face turned a bright shade of red. He still was not used to public displays of affection like Jack was, but he was happy.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
"Hey Ianto, do you know what the day after tomorrow is?" Jack questioned with excitement in his voice.
Ianto knew exactly what Jack was referring to but decided to have a little fun with him. He very matter of factly stated, "Thursday."
"No. That's not what.."
Before he could finish Ianto started again. "Yes it is Jack. I think you better check your calendar."
"Okay, yes it's Thursday, but do you know what else it is?"
"The fourteenth."
"No."
"Again Jack, I think you better check your calendar." Ianto could see that Jack was becoming frustrated but he was having fun.
"I know it's the fourteenth. I mean do you know why it is a special day?"
"Oh, of course. It's Bastille Day."
"NO! That's not.." Jack was getting frustrated now.
"Yes, it actually is Bastille Day."
Jack sighed and was losing some of his good mood so Ianto decided not to push him any further. He walked over to Jack and slid his arms around his neck and looked into those beautiful blue eyes. "Of course I know what it is Jack. Do you think I could ever forget the most important day of my life? It was the day I met you one year ago."
Jack wrapped his arms around Ianto's waist and gave him a huge smile. "You were messing with me weren't you?"
Ianto leaned in and pressed his lips to Jack's in a kiss. "Yes."
Jack pulled back a bit. "Well just for that, I'm not going to give you the surprise I was going to give you." He stated in a petulant, but playful tone.
Ianto leaned in and kissed him again. He ran his tongue along Jack's bottom lip until he parted his lips and Ianto's tongue snaked in. He kissed him sensually for a few minutes and then whispered, "Please Cariad."
Jack melted. "Well, okay. I have something special planned for Thursday but I'm not going to tell you beforehand. And I think you should do something for me to make up for your little game."
Ianto cocked his head to the side. "What did you have in mind?"
Jack got a wicked grin on his face before grabbing his lover's hand and pulling him up the stairs.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
When Thursday rolled around Jack and Ianto were both in an almost giddy mood. They took Lily over to Tosh and Owen's before returning home to get ready for their night out. Their shower took longer than it should have, but what can you expect with soapy hands and naked bodies. They didn't let themselves go too far though, in anticipation of what they both knew would come later.
"Jack, since you haven't told me what we are doing, I don't know what I should wear."
Jack walked over to the wardrobe and pulled out some clothes for Ianto. He laid a dark charcoal colored suit on the bed along with a plum colored shirt.
"No tie?" Ianto questioned.
Jack gave a lecherous grin. "Naw. I think I may want easy access later."
Jack's words went straight to Ianto's groin.
Just as they made their way down the stairs, the bell rang. Jack opened the door to find the driver standing on the stoop. "Good evening sir. Are you ready to go?"
"Just about. Give us a few minutes. You can take the bag." Jack motioned to the case sitting on the floor near the door.
"Well Mr. Jones, shall we?" Jack held his arm out for Ianto. Ianto hooked his arm through Jack's and they went to the car. The driver opened the door and they slid into the back.
The driver pulled away from the house as if he already knew where they were going. Jack reached into his pocket and pulled something out. Ianto watched as Jack unfolded a satin piece of material. Ianto looked up at him with a question. Jack just smiled and lifted the material in front of Ianto's eyes and reached behind his head, tying a knot.
"Jack." Ianto moaned. "Do you really think a blindfold is necessary?"
"A little mystery adds to the fun Ianto. Besides, the blindfold could come in handy later." Jack's tone let Ianto know exactly what he was referring to.
Ianto decided he may as well sit back and enjoy it since he knew Jack wasn't going to give in. Jack grabbed his hand and interlaced their fingers. They talked quietly as they rode. After about fifteen minutes the car stopped. Ianto heard the driver pop open the boot to retrieve their bag before opening the door for the two men. Jack got out first and guided Ianto out. Jack put his finger to his lips to indicate to the approaching staff that he wanted them to keep quiet so that Ianto would continue to be in the dark. Jack held out his hand to take the card the man offered.
Jack wrapped his arm around Ianto's waist. "Come on Ianto, this way."
Ianto could tell that Jack and led him inside of a building based on the feel of carpet under his feet. Once inside they walked twenty or thirty feet and stopped. He heard a ding and Jack walked him a few more steps forward before turning him around. He could tell they were in a lift when he heard another ding and felt a slight jarring. When he heard the whoosh of the doors opening again Jack guided him out. They turned and walked several steps before stopping again. He heard Jack opening another door as he was guided through. Again after a few steps they stopped.
Jack placed his hands on Ianto's shoulders and turned him so they were facing each other as he reached up to untie the blindfold. As Ianto's eyes adjusted he looked around at his environment. He could see that they were in a suite at the St. David's. There were red roses everywhere and on the table was a bowl of fresh strawberries and a bottle of champagne chilling.
"This is wonderful Jack." Ianto leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Jack's lips.
"I thought I'd bring you back to the place that I fell in love with you."
Ianto looked a little surprised. "You knew you loved me the night you met me?"
"I may not have known it was love then, but I definitely knew you were something special that I needed to have in my life."
"I knew there was something special about you too. I definitely didn't understand it then though. If you hadn't been so persistent I may have never known. Thank you for that." Their lips met in another kiss.
Jack pulled away and went over to the table. He opened the champagne and poured some in the two glasses. Handing one to Ianto, he raised his. "To the best year of my life."
Their glasses clinked together and they drank. Jack moved them over to the sofa were the sipped their champagne and reminisced about that first night.
Ianto began. "I don't think my heart has ever pounded as hard as when we ran into each other in the hall after the show. You made me feel things I had never felt before, even with Lisa. It took me a while to wrap my head around what I was feeling for you, but the feelings were there from the beginning. This past year has been far from easy, but I couldn't be happier with were we are."
"I was instantly hard when I ran into you! But I felt so much more looking into your eyes. I really did feel bad about putting you, us in the position we were in when I kissed you. There are a lot of things I wish I could have changed about the way I behaved over the past year because I know I did a lot that hurt you. I'm just so grateful that you are such a caring, forgiving person. I love you." The shared another kiss that was interrupted by a knock at the door. Ianto's brows rose in question.
"That will be our dinner." Jack strolled over to the door and opened it, revealing a young man pushing in a covered cart.
"Your dinner sir." The young man sat about uncovering the gourmet meal and lit the candles on the table before pouring them some wine and dimming the lights in the suite. "Will there be anything else sir?"
"No, this is fantastic. Thank you." Jack gave the young man a generous tip and followed him to the door. He made sure the 'Do Not Disturb' sign was in place before closing the door and returning to sit across from Ianto at the table. They continued to talk as they enjoyed the fabulous meal. When they had finished, Jack poured them another glass of champagne and pulled Ianto up from his seat.
"Come on. Let's go out on the balcony."
Out on the balcony they set their glasses down and stood looking out over Cardiff Bay. Ianto leaned back into Jack's chest and Jack wrapped his arms around Ianto's waist. They stood there for some time, just relishing being together. Jack began laying kisses along the side of Ianto's neck before he finally turned him around to face him.
Looking into his eyes, he began, "Ianto, I love you more than anything. I don't want to imagine, I can't imagine my life without you in it." Jack slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box. He pulled it open to reveal a ring. "Will you spend the rest of your life with me?"
Ianto was overcome with emotions.. The only thing he could do to respond was to take Jack's cheeks between his hands and bring him into a kiss. Jack wrapped his arms around Ianto and they continued to kiss; a slow, passionate, emotional exchange that continued for some time. When they finally broke from the snogging session, Jack spoke as if he was a little unsure of himself.
"So is that a yes?"
Ianto's face was lit with a smile. "Yes. Yes! I love you Cariad."
Jack's smile grew wide before he began a series of jubilant, lustful kisses falling all over Ianto's face. Ianto grabbed Jack's hand and led him into the bedroom to begin the rest of their life.
~fin~
A/N – Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. This isn't exactly how and where I had intended to end this, but I have been unable to devote the time I want to continue as I had planned. Sometimes real life needs a little attention too. I do hope to do a sequel at some point in the future, but since I don't know when that might happen, I didn't want to leave this hanging. Thanks for all of the nice reviews! Oh, by the way, if you hadn't heard, GDL and his lovely wife welcomed a beautiful little girl to their family in June and guess what they named her? LILY! (I guess I was experiencing a little precognition!)