SEA OF LOVE - Chapter 3
Title: Sea of Love - Chapter 3
Author: iantosdreamer46
Genre: AU
Pairings/Characters: Ianto/Jack, Tosh/Tommy, Owen, Martha Jones
Summary: Jack is the Foreman at a shipyard in Belfast. They are building what is rumoured to be the biggest and best cruise liner of all time - The Titanic. Ianto arrives at the shipyard having left Cardiff quickly to get away from his family and his ex-girlfriend, Lisa.
Rating: NC-17 Overall
Wordcount: 3,604
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, they belong to the BBC and RTD, I just like to experiment with them from time to time.
A/N This AU is a subject close to my heart. Having researched the history of it for English lessons at school, I decided to give it the Jack and Ianto treatment. I hope I do it justice and that you all enjoy it.
A/N2 Apologies for any of you who are getting this multiple times, it's cross posted
The weekend flew by and Ianto found that it was more difficult to find a permanent place to live than he’d first thought. He hadn’t wanted to disturb Jack, yes he’d offered his help, but he didn’t want to intrude.
Jack arrived for work feeling a little disappointed. He’d hoped Ianto would have taken him up on his offer, he wanted to see him, talk to him, explain about himself. He walked into the workshop thinking he’d be on his own, but stopped in his tracks when he saw the young man already there.
“Morning Jack, I was hoping to catch you before everyone arrived.”
“Oh, morning Ianto, sure what can I do for you?”
“I erm….was erm….hoping I could take you up on….erm….that offer of help finding somewhere to live.”
“Hey no problem, why didn’t you come around over the weekend?”
“Oh I, didn’t want to impose.”
“I told you I’d help. Right, what say we go after work, I know of a place just down the road from me, the landlady’s a friend. I think she still has a room to rent.”
“Great, thanks Jack. I’ll….I’ll see you at lunchtime.”
“Ok, yeah, see you then.” For the first time in a long while Jack was wishing lunchtime would hurry up. He wanted to find out more about the young man.
As Ianto left to start his work for the day he couldn’t stop thinking about the Captain, and he wished that lunchtime would hurry up and come around, he wanted to know what Jack had meant on Friday night about explaining himself to Ianto.
The day flew by, but Ianto didn’t see Jack at lunchtime, he’d been called into a meeting with Bruce Ismay. Ianto hoped that Jack wasn’t in trouble. Why are you concerned Ianto, he’s your foreman. Ianto couldn’t help feeling concerned that something was wrong.
The claxon for the end of the day sounded and instead of leaving straight away, Ianto hung around wanting to talk to Jack, make sure everything was ok.
“Hey Ianto, you coming?”
“What, oh sorry Doc, erm….not just yet. I need to see the Captain about something.”
“Ok, I’ll see you tomorrow, have a good evening.”
“Thanks Owen, you too. Hey don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” He grinned knowing Owen was a ladies man, the complete opposite to himself, and he was always on the look out for a pretty face.
“Well that gives me a huge scope then doesn’t it?” Owen laughed, “you should come with me one night, I’m sure I could find you a nice girl.”
“Not ready for one yet, thanks Owen. I’ve had my fill for now. Anyway by all accounts you always get the pretty ones.” Ianto shouted as he walked off to find Jack. He didn’t know why but he would rather talk to Jack than any girl Owen introduced him to.
He found Jack in the workshop and he looked deep in thought. “Hi Jack, you ok?”
“What? Oh hi Ianto, mmm yeah I’m good, I’ve just been given a chance to do something that I never thought would happen.”
“Oh, you wanna talk about it or is it personal?”
“No, it’s not personal, it’s just come out of the blue.”
“Ok, how about we go look at that room you promised me, then we can find somewhere quiet and we can talk.”
“Great, thanks Ianto, I’d like that and besides I did promise you some help.”
“Ok, let’s go, the quicker we sort out my living accommodation the quicker we can talk.”
Jack smiled, he was excited about his news, but on the other hand he didn’t want to brag about it. But Ianto would understand.
They made their way out of the ship yard and as they walked talk turned to Ianto’s job in Cardiff. He told Jack that it was hard work, and not as friendly as this one. He said he was enjoying this job far more and that the men here were more friendly than those he’d worked with in Cardiff.
“That’s my riveting personality then?” Jack laughed.
“Oh yeah, I can see why your men love working for you.” He blushed slightly which didn’t go unnoticed by Jack.
Jack stopped, “And do you love working for me too Ianto Jones?” He put a hand on the young man’s arm to stop him.
“Yeah, yes Jack I do.” Ianto felt the hand on his arm and didn’t know why but it felt good to have it there. He looked into the blue grey depths and smiled.
For several seconds neither of them spoke, it was Jack who broke the silence. “We’re here. This is where I live and that house, two doors away, is where Martha has a room.”
“Oh right, would Martha mind having someone else living there?”
“No, not at all. She had to take in a lodger after her husband Mickey was killed at the shipyard.” Jack’s face dropped.
“Did you know him Jack?”
“Yeah, he was a really great friend. Mickey was the one person who helped me when I moved here. He didn’t mind one bit about my past, he just took me for who I am.”
“And who is that Jack?” It was Ianto who now put his hand on Jack’s arm. “I’m sorry, that’s your business, I….I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No….no you’re not, and if you’ll let me, once we get your accommodation sorted out I’ll explain everything to you. And I’ll tell you what Mr Ismay told me today, as well.”
“Ok.” Ianto realised he still had his hand on Jack’s arm, he looked at it, looked into Jack’s eyes, blushed and went to remove it.
“No, Ianto….shit, I’m sorry. Look, let me explain everything, but….what I’m trying to say is….is, thank you.”
“What are you thanking me for?”
“Not judging me.”
“But there’s nothing to judge is there? From what I can tell you’re well respected and a nice guy. You keep yourself to yourself and unlike some I’ve met whilst I’ve been here you don’t broadcast your private life. And I respect you for that.”
“You might not think so when I explain. Look let’s not get into that out here. Let’s go talk to Martha and then we can go for a drink if you want and I’ll tell you my darkest secrets.” Jack tried to laugh but Ianto saw the laughter didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Before Ianto removed his hand from Jack’s arm, he squeezed it slightly and smiled. God Jack, you’re a nice guy, what is it that you think is so wrong?
They looked into one another’s eyes, something unspoken in both of their eyes.
Knocking on the door, Jack was pleased Ianto had agreed to meet Martha. If nothing else he could see him every day, even if he didn’t return any feelings towards him. It was nice to have a friend. Well he hoped he’d still be a friend after his revelation.
Martha opened the door, “Why if it isn’t Captain Harkness, and who do we have here?”
“Martha Jones, the voice of a nightingale, let me introduce you to Ianto Jones. He’s just started working at the shipyard, and he’s looking for somewhere to live.”
“Well if he doesn’t mind a small room, then I’ve got just the thing for him.”
“Hello Mrs Jones, I’d be pleased for anything right now. I’ve….”
“Hold on.” Martha stopped him mid sentence, “if you’re going to be living here then it’s Martha.” She smiled.
Ianto was worried, then he grinned. “Oh sorry, Martha. It’s just that I’m still finding my way around, I’ve just moved from Cardiff and well….”
“No worries, look let’s go in we can’t stay all night on the doorstep. I can show you the room then.”
She led them into a cosy sitting room indicating for them to sit down. Ianto sat on the small sofa, Martha in the only chair which left Jack the other place on the sofa. Ianto couldn’t understand why his heart was racing at the thought of being close to Jack.
Jack sat, his leg brushing Ianto’s, a shiver travelling up his spine. He had to explain to this young man what he was feeling. He hoped that he wouldn’t scare him away.
As Jack sat, Ianto felt the closeness of the older man and felt his leg make contact with his own. He needed to speak to Jack, needed to understand why he was feeling as he was about this older man.
They discussed the terms of renting the room, Martha showed Ianto it and welcomed him to her humble home. They stayed chatting for about an hour, Ianto agreeing to move in the following day.
“Well Miss Martha Jones, I am sorry but I promised Ianto here an insight into the night life of Belfast.”
“Not a problem Jack, I’m looking forward to having him here. He’ll be able to keep me company when he’s not out gallivanting with the rest of you!” She laughed.
Ianto had taken an instant liking to Martha and was pleased Jack had suggested it. They bid one another goodbye and Jack led him down the street towards the pub.
“Jack….” Ianto wanted to know more about Jack and he didn’t want lots of people to hear their conversation.
“Yeah?”
“Would you mind….erm, what I’m trying to say is….”
“Hey, are you alright?”
“Yeah I’m fine, just….” He knew he was stalling, “do we really have to go to the pub? We can’t really talk there can we? I mean you said….”
Jack stopped walking, placed his hand on Ianto’s arm to stop him. “Ianto, I only suggested the pub because I thought you’d be more relaxed there. But if you want, we can go to my house and talk there. I even think I may have some whisky if you want a drink.”
“No Jack, I don’t want a drink, not alcohol anyway, maybe tea? I’m sorry, but you worried me earlier, I just want to know what is so wrong with you that you don’t think I’ll stick around.” Ianto saw sadness in Jack’s eyes. “I’m sorry Jack, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Oh Ianto, you haven’t, it’s just….shit, when I’ve finished explaining I think you’ll run a mile, or at least not want to speak to me ever again outside of work.”
“Jack, until you tell me, how can I comment. You’re so secretive, no, that’s not the word. You need to tell me, let me decide what I think. I’m a grown man and I can make my own decisions.”
“Oh Ianto, you are a really nice guy, I really don’t want to lose your friendship.”
“And you’re not going to. I like you Captain Harkness, I want to help.” Ianto felt himself blush as soon as he’d uttered the word like. He hoped Jack hadn’t noticed.
Jack smiled, you’re even more gorgeous when you blush. “Ok, come on let’s go grab a cup of tea and I’ll tell you my darkest secret.”
They made their way to Jack’s house in silence. Each stealing a glance when they thought the other wasn’t looking. Climbing the steps to the front door, Jack hesitated as he put his key in the lock.
“What’s wrong Jack?”
“I just want you to be certain you want to hear what I’ve got to say.”
“I’m certain, it can’t be that bad can it?”
Jack didn’t answer him just opened the door and led the way to the kitchen. He busied himself making a pot of tea, not saying anything, not wanting to have anything disrupt what he had to tell this beautiful Welshman in front of him.
Ianto sensed the tension in the room, but didn’t want to force anything from the handsome American before him. Tea made, Jack led him through to his sitting room.
Sitting down Ianto placed his mug on the floor at the side of him. “Jack, please come and sit down, you’re worrying me now, whatever it is can’t be….”
“It’s bad Ianto. I need to tell you something about me. When I’ve finished if you want to leave I’ll understand and I’ll not mention it again. The only thing I’ll ask of you, is that you don’t mention any of what I’m going to tell you at work.”
“I promise. You have been good to me and I class you as my friend. I only hope you feel the same about me.” He blushed again, not really knowing why. This time he knew Jack had seen as he sat down next to him. The closeness of the older man, the blushing and Ianto’s heart rate speeding up again, caused his blood supply to head south. He shifted in his seat hoping Jack hadn’t seen his reaction. He was scared as well as a little excited. This had never happened before, not even with Lisa. He glanced down and realised that he was hard. Shit Ianto you shouldn’t be thinking like that. He couldn’t look up, he couldn’t make eye contact with Jack.
Jack noticed the blushing and took a deep breath, but not before he felt himself become hard. Shit Jack, be careful. He looked at the young man noticing his eyes had dropped. He put a finger underneath Ianto’s chin and forced him to look at him.
“Ianto Jones you are the nicest man I’ve met in a very long time. I value your friendship.” Jack was having difficulty controlling his emotions, all he wanted to do was kiss the young man in front of him.
Ianto felt Jack’s finger touch him instantly feeling a bolt of electricity surge through him. He looked into the Americans eyes wanting nothing more to lean forward and kiss him.
Jack’s finger remained on Ianto’s chin until Ianto’s hand reached out to hold it. “Jack….I….you are not going to lose my friendship, but please….just tell me what it is. I’m scared, I….”
“Scared of what Ianto?”
“Scared of my feelings towards you. I….your touch sends shivers down my spine, I know I shouldn’t be feeling like this, but….”
“But what?”
Ianto held on to Jack’s hand, “what I really want to do is….is this.” He leant forward and gently kissed Jack’s lips. Pulling back he let go and stood up to move away. “Fuck, I’m sorry Jack, I shouldn’t have done that, I don’t know what….”
Jack, surprised at the young man’s actions, smiled gently, went and stood infront of him and took both of Ianto’s hands in his own. “Hey, don’t be sorry, don’t beat yourself up over what you’ve just done.”
“But….but I’ve just ended a relationship with a woman, I….I shouldn’t….it’s not right….it’s illegal to….”
“Stop right there. I know you’ve just ended your relationship with Lisa.” Ianto was surprised Jack remembered her name. “Yes I also know that it’s illegal….but that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
“What Jack?”
“That….that firstly, I’m gay and secondly I have feelings for you. And from what you’ve just done, you have feelings for me. Am I right?” Ianto nodded gently and looked down. “Hey, look at me.” Jack put a hand on the side of Ianto’s face. “I’ve been trying to think of the best way of telling you about my feelings but I was scared that you’d think I was disgusting and you’d leave. I couldn’t have coped with that, knowing it was my fault if you’d left.”
Ianto leant into Jack’s hand, it felt good to have it there. “Oh Jack, I’ve been worried this last few days, you know since we all went for that drink. I like how it felt being close to you. I was disappointed when the evening ended, but I was scared, scared that what I was feeling about you was wrong.”
“No Ianto, it’s not wrong, we’re two adults who have feeling for one another. Ok we’re going to have to be careful and not let anyone know, because yeah you were right it is deemed illegal, but saying that I know of men who are in a relationship with other men. But I wouldn’t say anything, I know what it’s like to be found out.”
Ianto looked at him with concern. “What happened Jack?”
Jack led him over to the sofa and explained all about John and why he was now in Belfast.
“I’m so sorry Jack, that must have been awful for you both. Do you ever hear from him?”
“No, my letters were returned unopened, so I’ve moved on. I haven’t seen anyone since I moved here five years ago.” He reached up and stroked Ianto’s cheek. “You are a gorgeous man Ianto and….I….oh God….what are we going to do? I know how I feel about you….it’s just….”
“Ssshhh Jack, would you do something for me?”
“Yeah, sure, anything.”
“Kiss me!”
Jack looked at him, “you sure?”
“Yeah Jack, I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life before. I want you to kiss me, show me what it’s like….please.”
Jack leant forward, still holding onto Ianto’s hand, placing his other hand behind the young man’s neck. Ianto felt himself being gently pulled towards Jack. Then Jack was kissing him slowly, gently.
Ianto placed his free hand on Jack’s thigh, hot skin seeping through the fabric of the trousers.
Jack broke contact with Ianto’s lips and looked into the blue pools of his eyes. “You ok?”
“Mmm yeah I am. Are you?”
“Oh yeah.” He leant in and kissed him again, this time darting his tongue over the young Welshman’s lips asking for entry.
Ianto was surprised at first but then responded by parting his lips. He was then surprised by the presence of Jack’s tongue, but soon they were taking it in turns to map out every millimetre of one another’s mouths. Their kisses got deeper, wetter, their breathing faster, hands threading through hair, scrabbling to get to bare flesh underneath their shirts.
Ianto was the first to break away as the need to breathe overwhelmed him.
“Oh Yan….sorry, Ianto. You are….”
“Jack, mmm….what….” He was having trouble breathing. “What are we going to do. And for the record I don’t mind you calling me Yan, it sounds nice. No one has ever shortened it before. I like it, I like you calling me it.”
“I promise I won’t do it at work. That’s just between us. And as for what we are going to do, that is up to you. I know I want more but only if you feel the same.”
“I….I do want more, but I’m not sure how….”
“Will you let me teach you, show you?”
“Yes please Jack.” Ianto looked at the clock on the mantelpiece. He hadn’t realised it was so late. “Jack it’s nearly 10 o’clock, I should be going.”
Jack looked at him, not really wanting him to leave but not wanting to force him to stay. “Do you want to go home?”
Ianto did want to stay, but at the same time didn’t want to disappoint Jack. “No I….I don’t want to go, but I’m scared.”
“Scared of what?”
“Not being good enough for you, not knowing if I’m getting things right. I’ve never had these feelings for another man. In fact I’ve never had these feeling for anyone. It’s different to what I felt for Lisa, stronger, more intense and I don’t know if I’ll be able to live up to what you want from me.”
“Hey, stop worrying, I’ve said I’ll help you, show you and I meant it. I want you more than I’ve wanted anyone before. I’ll teach you. If you want to go home tonight I’ll respect that.”
“I want….oh God, I want you Jack. But I thought you’d want me to leave, what are your neighbours going to say if they see us leaving for work together?”
“They will think we had too much to drink and you stayed on my sofa. That’s what I’ll say. Now, do you want to go?”
“No….I don’t.” He leant forward and kissed Jack again, this time his tongue asking for entry into Jack’s mouth. Breaking apart “what was that other thing you had to tell me Jack, you know what Mr Ismay wanted you for?” Jack smiled, then his face fell “what is it Jack, what’s wrong?”
“That meeting I had was to tell me that I could have passage to New York on the Titanic if I wanted. I said yes, but now I don’t want to go, not if we….I couldn’t bear to lose you.”
“Hey” Ianto placed a hand on Jack’s cheek and he leant into it. “We may find that we don’t want to be together and we….”
“NO! Sorry Yan, no don’t say that. The way I’m feeling I don’t want to be without you.” He leant forward to kiss him but pulled back quickly.
“Now what’s wrong Jack?”
“I’ve got an idea.” Jack grinned and stood up, “I’m going to ask Mr Ismay if you can have passage too.”
Ianto got up and went over to Jack who was pacing up and down. “Stop Jack, stand still please. You’d really do that for me?”
“Yeah, if it meant we could be together, then yeah I’d do it for you, for us.”
Ianto hugged him. “Take me to bed Jack, show me how to be with you. Please.”
Jack drew back and looked into the eyes of the young Welshman. “You sure you want to stay with me?”
Ianto nodded, Jack took his hand and led him up the stairs.
tbc
Chapter 4 http://iantosdreamer46.livejournal.com/53085.html
Author: iantosdreamer46
Genre: AU
Pairings/Characters: Ianto/Jack, Tosh/Tommy, Owen, Martha Jones
Summary: Jack is the Foreman at a shipyard in Belfast. They are building what is rumoured to be the biggest and best cruise liner of all time - The Titanic. Ianto arrives at the shipyard having left Cardiff quickly to get away from his family and his ex-girlfriend, Lisa.
Rating: NC-17 Overall
Wordcount: 3,604
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, they belong to the BBC and RTD, I just like to experiment with them from time to time.
A/N This AU is a subject close to my heart. Having researched the history of it for English lessons at school, I decided to give it the Jack and Ianto treatment. I hope I do it justice and that you all enjoy it.
A/N2 Apologies for any of you who are getting this multiple times, it's cross posted
The weekend flew by and Ianto found that it was more difficult to find a permanent place to live than he’d first thought. He hadn’t wanted to disturb Jack, yes he’d offered his help, but he didn’t want to intrude.
Jack arrived for work feeling a little disappointed. He’d hoped Ianto would have taken him up on his offer, he wanted to see him, talk to him, explain about himself. He walked into the workshop thinking he’d be on his own, but stopped in his tracks when he saw the young man already there.
“Morning Jack, I was hoping to catch you before everyone arrived.”
“Oh, morning Ianto, sure what can I do for you?”
“I erm….was erm….hoping I could take you up on….erm….that offer of help finding somewhere to live.”
“Hey no problem, why didn’t you come around over the weekend?”
“Oh I, didn’t want to impose.”
“I told you I’d help. Right, what say we go after work, I know of a place just down the road from me, the landlady’s a friend. I think she still has a room to rent.”
“Great, thanks Jack. I’ll….I’ll see you at lunchtime.”
“Ok, yeah, see you then.” For the first time in a long while Jack was wishing lunchtime would hurry up. He wanted to find out more about the young man.
As Ianto left to start his work for the day he couldn’t stop thinking about the Captain, and he wished that lunchtime would hurry up and come around, he wanted to know what Jack had meant on Friday night about explaining himself to Ianto.
The day flew by, but Ianto didn’t see Jack at lunchtime, he’d been called into a meeting with Bruce Ismay. Ianto hoped that Jack wasn’t in trouble. Why are you concerned Ianto, he’s your foreman. Ianto couldn’t help feeling concerned that something was wrong.
The claxon for the end of the day sounded and instead of leaving straight away, Ianto hung around wanting to talk to Jack, make sure everything was ok.
“Hey Ianto, you coming?”
“What, oh sorry Doc, erm….not just yet. I need to see the Captain about something.”
“Ok, I’ll see you tomorrow, have a good evening.”
“Thanks Owen, you too. Hey don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” He grinned knowing Owen was a ladies man, the complete opposite to himself, and he was always on the look out for a pretty face.
“Well that gives me a huge scope then doesn’t it?” Owen laughed, “you should come with me one night, I’m sure I could find you a nice girl.”
“Not ready for one yet, thanks Owen. I’ve had my fill for now. Anyway by all accounts you always get the pretty ones.” Ianto shouted as he walked off to find Jack. He didn’t know why but he would rather talk to Jack than any girl Owen introduced him to.
He found Jack in the workshop and he looked deep in thought. “Hi Jack, you ok?”
“What? Oh hi Ianto, mmm yeah I’m good, I’ve just been given a chance to do something that I never thought would happen.”
“Oh, you wanna talk about it or is it personal?”
“No, it’s not personal, it’s just come out of the blue.”
“Ok, how about we go look at that room you promised me, then we can find somewhere quiet and we can talk.”
“Great, thanks Ianto, I’d like that and besides I did promise you some help.”
“Ok, let’s go, the quicker we sort out my living accommodation the quicker we can talk.”
Jack smiled, he was excited about his news, but on the other hand he didn’t want to brag about it. But Ianto would understand.
They made their way out of the ship yard and as they walked talk turned to Ianto’s job in Cardiff. He told Jack that it was hard work, and not as friendly as this one. He said he was enjoying this job far more and that the men here were more friendly than those he’d worked with in Cardiff.
“That’s my riveting personality then?” Jack laughed.
“Oh yeah, I can see why your men love working for you.” He blushed slightly which didn’t go unnoticed by Jack.
Jack stopped, “And do you love working for me too Ianto Jones?” He put a hand on the young man’s arm to stop him.
“Yeah, yes Jack I do.” Ianto felt the hand on his arm and didn’t know why but it felt good to have it there. He looked into the blue grey depths and smiled.
For several seconds neither of them spoke, it was Jack who broke the silence. “We’re here. This is where I live and that house, two doors away, is where Martha has a room.”
“Oh right, would Martha mind having someone else living there?”
“No, not at all. She had to take in a lodger after her husband Mickey was killed at the shipyard.” Jack’s face dropped.
“Did you know him Jack?”
“Yeah, he was a really great friend. Mickey was the one person who helped me when I moved here. He didn’t mind one bit about my past, he just took me for who I am.”
“And who is that Jack?” It was Ianto who now put his hand on Jack’s arm. “I’m sorry, that’s your business, I….I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No….no you’re not, and if you’ll let me, once we get your accommodation sorted out I’ll explain everything to you. And I’ll tell you what Mr Ismay told me today, as well.”
“Ok.” Ianto realised he still had his hand on Jack’s arm, he looked at it, looked into Jack’s eyes, blushed and went to remove it.
“No, Ianto….shit, I’m sorry. Look, let me explain everything, but….what I’m trying to say is….is, thank you.”
“What are you thanking me for?”
“Not judging me.”
“But there’s nothing to judge is there? From what I can tell you’re well respected and a nice guy. You keep yourself to yourself and unlike some I’ve met whilst I’ve been here you don’t broadcast your private life. And I respect you for that.”
“You might not think so when I explain. Look let’s not get into that out here. Let’s go talk to Martha and then we can go for a drink if you want and I’ll tell you my darkest secrets.” Jack tried to laugh but Ianto saw the laughter didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Before Ianto removed his hand from Jack’s arm, he squeezed it slightly and smiled. God Jack, you’re a nice guy, what is it that you think is so wrong?
They looked into one another’s eyes, something unspoken in both of their eyes.
Knocking on the door, Jack was pleased Ianto had agreed to meet Martha. If nothing else he could see him every day, even if he didn’t return any feelings towards him. It was nice to have a friend. Well he hoped he’d still be a friend after his revelation.
Martha opened the door, “Why if it isn’t Captain Harkness, and who do we have here?”
“Martha Jones, the voice of a nightingale, let me introduce you to Ianto Jones. He’s just started working at the shipyard, and he’s looking for somewhere to live.”
“Well if he doesn’t mind a small room, then I’ve got just the thing for him.”
“Hello Mrs Jones, I’d be pleased for anything right now. I’ve….”
“Hold on.” Martha stopped him mid sentence, “if you’re going to be living here then it’s Martha.” She smiled.
Ianto was worried, then he grinned. “Oh sorry, Martha. It’s just that I’m still finding my way around, I’ve just moved from Cardiff and well….”
“No worries, look let’s go in we can’t stay all night on the doorstep. I can show you the room then.”
She led them into a cosy sitting room indicating for them to sit down. Ianto sat on the small sofa, Martha in the only chair which left Jack the other place on the sofa. Ianto couldn’t understand why his heart was racing at the thought of being close to Jack.
Jack sat, his leg brushing Ianto’s, a shiver travelling up his spine. He had to explain to this young man what he was feeling. He hoped that he wouldn’t scare him away.
As Jack sat, Ianto felt the closeness of the older man and felt his leg make contact with his own. He needed to speak to Jack, needed to understand why he was feeling as he was about this older man.
They discussed the terms of renting the room, Martha showed Ianto it and welcomed him to her humble home. They stayed chatting for about an hour, Ianto agreeing to move in the following day.
“Well Miss Martha Jones, I am sorry but I promised Ianto here an insight into the night life of Belfast.”
“Not a problem Jack, I’m looking forward to having him here. He’ll be able to keep me company when he’s not out gallivanting with the rest of you!” She laughed.
Ianto had taken an instant liking to Martha and was pleased Jack had suggested it. They bid one another goodbye and Jack led him down the street towards the pub.
“Jack….” Ianto wanted to know more about Jack and he didn’t want lots of people to hear their conversation.
“Yeah?”
“Would you mind….erm, what I’m trying to say is….”
“Hey, are you alright?”
“Yeah I’m fine, just….” He knew he was stalling, “do we really have to go to the pub? We can’t really talk there can we? I mean you said….”
Jack stopped walking, placed his hand on Ianto’s arm to stop him. “Ianto, I only suggested the pub because I thought you’d be more relaxed there. But if you want, we can go to my house and talk there. I even think I may have some whisky if you want a drink.”
“No Jack, I don’t want a drink, not alcohol anyway, maybe tea? I’m sorry, but you worried me earlier, I just want to know what is so wrong with you that you don’t think I’ll stick around.” Ianto saw sadness in Jack’s eyes. “I’m sorry Jack, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Oh Ianto, you haven’t, it’s just….shit, when I’ve finished explaining I think you’ll run a mile, or at least not want to speak to me ever again outside of work.”
“Jack, until you tell me, how can I comment. You’re so secretive, no, that’s not the word. You need to tell me, let me decide what I think. I’m a grown man and I can make my own decisions.”
“Oh Ianto, you are a really nice guy, I really don’t want to lose your friendship.”
“And you’re not going to. I like you Captain Harkness, I want to help.” Ianto felt himself blush as soon as he’d uttered the word like. He hoped Jack hadn’t noticed.
Jack smiled, you’re even more gorgeous when you blush. “Ok, come on let’s go grab a cup of tea and I’ll tell you my darkest secret.”
They made their way to Jack’s house in silence. Each stealing a glance when they thought the other wasn’t looking. Climbing the steps to the front door, Jack hesitated as he put his key in the lock.
“What’s wrong Jack?”
“I just want you to be certain you want to hear what I’ve got to say.”
“I’m certain, it can’t be that bad can it?”
Jack didn’t answer him just opened the door and led the way to the kitchen. He busied himself making a pot of tea, not saying anything, not wanting to have anything disrupt what he had to tell this beautiful Welshman in front of him.
Ianto sensed the tension in the room, but didn’t want to force anything from the handsome American before him. Tea made, Jack led him through to his sitting room.
Sitting down Ianto placed his mug on the floor at the side of him. “Jack, please come and sit down, you’re worrying me now, whatever it is can’t be….”
“It’s bad Ianto. I need to tell you something about me. When I’ve finished if you want to leave I’ll understand and I’ll not mention it again. The only thing I’ll ask of you, is that you don’t mention any of what I’m going to tell you at work.”
“I promise. You have been good to me and I class you as my friend. I only hope you feel the same about me.” He blushed again, not really knowing why. This time he knew Jack had seen as he sat down next to him. The closeness of the older man, the blushing and Ianto’s heart rate speeding up again, caused his blood supply to head south. He shifted in his seat hoping Jack hadn’t seen his reaction. He was scared as well as a little excited. This had never happened before, not even with Lisa. He glanced down and realised that he was hard. Shit Ianto you shouldn’t be thinking like that. He couldn’t look up, he couldn’t make eye contact with Jack.
Jack noticed the blushing and took a deep breath, but not before he felt himself become hard. Shit Jack, be careful. He looked at the young man noticing his eyes had dropped. He put a finger underneath Ianto’s chin and forced him to look at him.
“Ianto Jones you are the nicest man I’ve met in a very long time. I value your friendship.” Jack was having difficulty controlling his emotions, all he wanted to do was kiss the young man in front of him.
Ianto felt Jack’s finger touch him instantly feeling a bolt of electricity surge through him. He looked into the Americans eyes wanting nothing more to lean forward and kiss him.
Jack’s finger remained on Ianto’s chin until Ianto’s hand reached out to hold it. “Jack….I….you are not going to lose my friendship, but please….just tell me what it is. I’m scared, I….”
“Scared of what Ianto?”
“Scared of my feelings towards you. I….your touch sends shivers down my spine, I know I shouldn’t be feeling like this, but….”
“But what?”
Ianto held on to Jack’s hand, “what I really want to do is….is this.” He leant forward and gently kissed Jack’s lips. Pulling back he let go and stood up to move away. “Fuck, I’m sorry Jack, I shouldn’t have done that, I don’t know what….”
Jack, surprised at the young man’s actions, smiled gently, went and stood infront of him and took both of Ianto’s hands in his own. “Hey, don’t be sorry, don’t beat yourself up over what you’ve just done.”
“But….but I’ve just ended a relationship with a woman, I….I shouldn’t….it’s not right….it’s illegal to….”
“Stop right there. I know you’ve just ended your relationship with Lisa.” Ianto was surprised Jack remembered her name. “Yes I also know that it’s illegal….but that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
“What Jack?”
“That….that firstly, I’m gay and secondly I have feelings for you. And from what you’ve just done, you have feelings for me. Am I right?” Ianto nodded gently and looked down. “Hey, look at me.” Jack put a hand on the side of Ianto’s face. “I’ve been trying to think of the best way of telling you about my feelings but I was scared that you’d think I was disgusting and you’d leave. I couldn’t have coped with that, knowing it was my fault if you’d left.”
Ianto leant into Jack’s hand, it felt good to have it there. “Oh Jack, I’ve been worried this last few days, you know since we all went for that drink. I like how it felt being close to you. I was disappointed when the evening ended, but I was scared, scared that what I was feeling about you was wrong.”
“No Ianto, it’s not wrong, we’re two adults who have feeling for one another. Ok we’re going to have to be careful and not let anyone know, because yeah you were right it is deemed illegal, but saying that I know of men who are in a relationship with other men. But I wouldn’t say anything, I know what it’s like to be found out.”
Ianto looked at him with concern. “What happened Jack?”
Jack led him over to the sofa and explained all about John and why he was now in Belfast.
“I’m so sorry Jack, that must have been awful for you both. Do you ever hear from him?”
“No, my letters were returned unopened, so I’ve moved on. I haven’t seen anyone since I moved here five years ago.” He reached up and stroked Ianto’s cheek. “You are a gorgeous man Ianto and….I….oh God….what are we going to do? I know how I feel about you….it’s just….”
“Ssshhh Jack, would you do something for me?”
“Yeah, sure, anything.”
“Kiss me!”
Jack looked at him, “you sure?”
“Yeah Jack, I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life before. I want you to kiss me, show me what it’s like….please.”
Jack leant forward, still holding onto Ianto’s hand, placing his other hand behind the young man’s neck. Ianto felt himself being gently pulled towards Jack. Then Jack was kissing him slowly, gently.
Ianto placed his free hand on Jack’s thigh, hot skin seeping through the fabric of the trousers.
Jack broke contact with Ianto’s lips and looked into the blue pools of his eyes. “You ok?”
“Mmm yeah I am. Are you?”
“Oh yeah.” He leant in and kissed him again, this time darting his tongue over the young Welshman’s lips asking for entry.
Ianto was surprised at first but then responded by parting his lips. He was then surprised by the presence of Jack’s tongue, but soon they were taking it in turns to map out every millimetre of one another’s mouths. Their kisses got deeper, wetter, their breathing faster, hands threading through hair, scrabbling to get to bare flesh underneath their shirts.
Ianto was the first to break away as the need to breathe overwhelmed him.
“Oh Yan….sorry, Ianto. You are….”
“Jack, mmm….what….” He was having trouble breathing. “What are we going to do. And for the record I don’t mind you calling me Yan, it sounds nice. No one has ever shortened it before. I like it, I like you calling me it.”
“I promise I won’t do it at work. That’s just between us. And as for what we are going to do, that is up to you. I know I want more but only if you feel the same.”
“I….I do want more, but I’m not sure how….”
“Will you let me teach you, show you?”
“Yes please Jack.” Ianto looked at the clock on the mantelpiece. He hadn’t realised it was so late. “Jack it’s nearly 10 o’clock, I should be going.”
Jack looked at him, not really wanting him to leave but not wanting to force him to stay. “Do you want to go home?”
Ianto did want to stay, but at the same time didn’t want to disappoint Jack. “No I….I don’t want to go, but I’m scared.”
“Scared of what?”
“Not being good enough for you, not knowing if I’m getting things right. I’ve never had these feelings for another man. In fact I’ve never had these feeling for anyone. It’s different to what I felt for Lisa, stronger, more intense and I don’t know if I’ll be able to live up to what you want from me.”
“Hey, stop worrying, I’ve said I’ll help you, show you and I meant it. I want you more than I’ve wanted anyone before. I’ll teach you. If you want to go home tonight I’ll respect that.”
“I want….oh God, I want you Jack. But I thought you’d want me to leave, what are your neighbours going to say if they see us leaving for work together?”
“They will think we had too much to drink and you stayed on my sofa. That’s what I’ll say. Now, do you want to go?”
“No….I don’t.” He leant forward and kissed Jack again, this time his tongue asking for entry into Jack’s mouth. Breaking apart “what was that other thing you had to tell me Jack, you know what Mr Ismay wanted you for?” Jack smiled, then his face fell “what is it Jack, what’s wrong?”
“That meeting I had was to tell me that I could have passage to New York on the Titanic if I wanted. I said yes, but now I don’t want to go, not if we….I couldn’t bear to lose you.”
“Hey” Ianto placed a hand on Jack’s cheek and he leant into it. “We may find that we don’t want to be together and we….”
“NO! Sorry Yan, no don’t say that. The way I’m feeling I don’t want to be without you.” He leant forward to kiss him but pulled back quickly.
“Now what’s wrong Jack?”
“I’ve got an idea.” Jack grinned and stood up, “I’m going to ask Mr Ismay if you can have passage too.”
Ianto got up and went over to Jack who was pacing up and down. “Stop Jack, stand still please. You’d really do that for me?”
“Yeah, if it meant we could be together, then yeah I’d do it for you, for us.”
Ianto hugged him. “Take me to bed Jack, show me how to be with you. Please.”
Jack drew back and looked into the eyes of the young Welshman. “You sure you want to stay with me?”
Ianto nodded, Jack took his hand and led him up the stairs.
tbc
Chapter 4 http://iantosdreamer46.livejournal.com/53085.html