Fic: The Joys Of Ikea (Torchwood Jack/Ianto Time Verse PG)
Title: The Joys Of Ikea
Author: magikalrhiannon
Beta: kajmere
Fandom: Torchwood AU
Verse: Time Verse
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: PG (language)
Spoilers: All up to Season 2 Ep 11 Adrift
Summary: It's time to furnish their new home... where else can one get everything they need on the day when the rift is quiet? Ikea!
Word Count: 7999
Disclaimer: All rights belong to BBC and Russell T Davies. I'm just finger-painting in someone else's masterpiece. No infringement intended.
Notes: For kajmere, cuz she owns me.
You will need to read Adrift In Time for this to make any sense.
Follows The Batcave
Work on Jack and Ianto's property had gotten done surprisingly fast, thanks to Ianto and Donna's combined efforts to placate and intimidate - in that order - the workman to get the work done in a timely manner so that Jack and Ianto could start shopping for furniture. Ianto had decided, in the interest of convenience and because Jack had such a short attention span - not to mention with the way the rift had been behaving lately, they weren't likely to get many opportunities to go shopping for furniture on a regular basis - that they should just buy everything from one place. The only place they could buy everything from was... Ikea.
“Ikea?!” Jack exclaimed when Ianto placed the catalogue in front of him. Jack looked up. “Isn't that the land of the allen key?”
Ianto smirked. “Weren't you the one complaining about how you haven't had a chance to do anything to make our house a home?”
“But it's square and rigid and-”
“Have you ever been to Ikea?” Ianto asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Well...”
Ianto crossed his arms over his chest. “Yeah. That's what I thought. Besides, you always comment about how much you love Tosh's furniture.”
Jack's face fell. “Let me guess... Ikea, right?” Ianto grinned. “Okay. So. We're shopping at Ikea.”
“Let's go, Jack. Tosh said the predictor is quiet for the next 24 hours. Which means that we can go to Ikea now. The others will call us if there's any problems, which there shouldn't be.” Ianto walked over to the coat rack and slid his own jacket on before picking up Jack's coat and turning around. Jack had gotten up and moved to stand behind him. Ianto helped him to put it on, smoothing down his lapels.
Jack pulled Ianto against him and pressed his lips against Ianto's softly. “Have I told you lately how happy I am that we're doing this?”
Ianto blinked. “What, furniture shopping?”
Jack laughed softly. “No, living together, creating a home.” Ianto frowned. “Hey, don't do that,” Jack admonished, pressing his lips against the wrinkles between Ianto's eyes. “Just because I haven't wanted to do this in a long time doesn't mean I haven't wanted to do it... with you.”
“Jack.” Ianto's eyes welled with tears as he wrapped his arms around Jack's neck and pulled him down for a deep kiss. “You're not just doing this to make me happy,” Ianto said in realisation.
“Have you ever known me to do anything to make someone else happy?” Jack asked, causing them both to laugh. “I'm a selfish man, Ianto Jones, you know that. I love you with everything I am, but I wouldn't be doing this unless I wanted to.”
Ianto smiled. “I wouldn't have you any other way, Jack.” Ianto kissed him again, his fingers delving into his hair at the back of his neck. Reluctantly, Ianto pulled away, causing Jack to moan in protest. “As much as I'd love to continue this, we have shopping to do.”
“Fuck the shopping, let's go to bed.”
Ianto pulled out of his arms. “Let's buy a proper bed we can fuck on,” Ianto suggested.
Jack frowned. “What's wrong with my bed?”
“Oh Jack, we don't have the time to list the many things.” Ianto reached for his hand. “C'mon. If you're a good boy, I'll let you test out the furniture.” He paused. “Clothed.”
Jack pouted. “You're no fun, Ianto!”
“I don't want to spend the day in jail.” Ianto pulled his lover out of the office and towards the garage. “Tosh, we're leaving now. We're on our mobiles if you need us.”
Tosh grinned as she watched Ianto pull Jack along behind him. “Have fun!”
Jack looked over his shoulder and flashed a grin. “Testing out beds, Tosh, what could be more fun than that?”
“Don't get arrested!” Tosh called out, shaking her head.
“You know me!” Jack yelled back, causing Tosh to giggle. That was the problem. She did.
~*~
“What the hell is that?” Jack asked as Ianto directed him to pull into a driveway that had a set of lights on it.
“That's the Ikea carpark Jack, now hurry up before the cars behind us start using their horns,” Ianto huffed.
“But... it's huge!” Jack spluttered.
“Yes. It has to be so that we can get everything in one place. Really, did you even look through the catalogues I gave you?” Ianto asked with a frown, “Or did you just shove them to the side and expect me to pick everything out?”
“Um, we drive down here, right?” Jack asked, avoiding the question.
“That would be a yes.” Ianto sighed. “Just... find a park and let's get this over with.”
Jack's shoulders sagged as he found a park as close to the door as he could. When he put the SUV into park, he turned to Ianto and stopped him from getting out of the car.
“Hey.”
“What?” Ianto huffed.
“I'm sorry.” Jack reached up to cup Ianto's cheek. “I know how much this means to you, and it means a lot to me too. It does. Shopping and choosing... things, it's never been my strong suit, Yan. To be honest, I've never done this before. Any of it. So... be patient with me? I'm learning. I'm going to make mistakes. I haven't done this relationship thing in over 250 years.” Ianto turned his head to kiss Jack's palm and nodded. “I love you, Ianto.”
“Love you too, Jack,” Ianto replied quietly with a small smile. “You know, one of these days, those four words aren't going to get you out of trouble.”
Jack chuckled and leaned forward to kiss him gently. “Yeah, but until then, I'm going to keep saying them. All the time.”
Ianto closed his eyes and breathed in Jack's scent. “Okay.” He opened his eyes after a moment. “C'mon, let's go inside. Lots to do.”
~*~
Jack was in awe, looking around at all the decorations and furniture pinned to the wall with advertisements of their prices as they traveled up the escalator. Ianto, however, was a man on a mission. He had a list of items that they needed to get, a very long list that he'd gone through with Donna, Tosh and Martha so that he wouldn't forget anything.
“Jack, be careful stepping off,” Ianto reminded him, as he walked off the escalator and moved over to the side. Jack nearly tripped but stepped off, and looked at the display showing pencils, paper tape measures and note paper. “We don't need them. They're for less organised people.”
“They give you pencils and tape measures?” Jack asked incredulously. “Why don't we need them?” Ianto rolled his eyes and shoved his hands in his pockets, retrieving a tape measure from one side and his PDA from the other. “Why did I even doubt you?”
“I have no idea.” Ianto turned and headed towards the lounge room displays. “This way.” He'd already gone through the catalogues himself and made a selection of what he liked and thought Jack would like as well.
“Wow.” Jack stopped and looked at a display. Ianto turned and looked back. Jack looked at Ianto. “All of this is from here?” Jack's hand waved at the lounge room display in front of him.
“Well. All of the furniture, yes. The television and books aren't real, but everything else, yes.”
“The rugs and lamps and boxes?” Jack asked. Ianto nodded. Jack went and sat down on the lounge chair. He frowned. “This chair is too hard.”
Ianto smiled. “That one wasn't on my list of choices anyway.”
Jack got up and smiled. “Good. It's gotta be big enough for us to have sex on, Yan,” Jack said loudly as he moved out of the display, that had filled up with other customers. Ianto sighed and turned to follow his lover.
He noted the jealous looks sent his way among the looks of disapproval and smiled. “Yes, Jack. I know.” Holding his head up high, he walked at a leisurely pace after Jack. Fuck them, he thought. If they don't like it, I don't care!
Jack had found the section with all the different lounge chairs and sofas in it and was busy trying them all out. Ianto watched him go from chair to chair, sitting, laying, kneeling, and frowning at each one until he found the Tidafors lounge.
“Yan! Come over here! You gotta try this one!” Jack had claimed the sofa, glaring at anyone who dared at come near him. When Ianto got there, he stood up. “Sit! Sit!” Ianto smiled at his enthusiasm. He had to admit, the lounge was comfortable. “Now, lay down.” Ianto did so. “Lay on your side.” Ianto frowned but complied. Jack then laid down beside him.
“What the... Jack!” Ianto spluttered.
“I told you, the lounge has to be big enough for both of us,” Jack said plainly. “You promised I could try out the furniture while clothed.”
Ianto closed his eyes and breathed in deeply before letting out the breath. “Please get up.” Jack snuck a quick kiss before doing so. He offered Ianto a hand, helping him to his feet. Ianto accepted the assistance, but still glared at his lover, then straightened his suit when he stood up. He cleared his throat. “Right. Now. I'm assuming the lounge passes the test?”
Jack grinned. “Yeah. I think it will do nicely.”
“Colour preference?” Ianto asked and frowned at the choices. They looked at the pallet.
They looked at each other and said at the same time, “Dark gray.”
Ianto pulled out his PDA and marked it off, as well as adding the colour preference, the codes they needed and the aisles as to where the items would be located. “Got it.”
They decided to get the matching chaise and single seat arm chairs as well. Once the main pieces of furniture were chosen for the lounge room, Ianto and Jack were able to design the look of their room around them. The entertainment cabinet and cabinets to hold their DVDs and gaming consoles for when Ianto's niece and nephew came to visit would go along one wall, and had the look of dark reflective glass. It would even hide the television from view when it was wall mounted. Cushions, throws, a rug for the floor, as well as a coffee table.
Next room was the office. Jack wandered back and forth between two displays before he settled on the one that Ianto thought he would choose. There were three desks to select, filing cabinets, shelving units, bookcases... Ianto knew all the little bits and pieces would be downstairs but the larger pieces were taken care of.
However when they went to select the office chairs, it wasn't so smooth sailing.
Again, Jack was adamant they had to hold the weight of both of them - in case the mood took them in the office. Ianto rolled his eyes but allowed Jack to pull him onto his lap as he tested out every single chair that caught his eye.
“This one!” Jack declared, holding Ianto as he rocked the chair back and forth.
“Jack, stop doing that. People are staring,” Ianto hissed.
“Let them stare. We're not doing anything wrong Ianto,” Jack retorted, glaring at an old couple who dared to tisk at them and shake their heads. Ianto heaved a breath and Jack's arms tightened around his waist as he leaned the chair upright. “You and me against the world, Yan,” he said in his ear. “Okay?”
Ianto patted his hand on his waist. “So. This one?”
Jack grinned. “Yeah!” He let go of Ianto, allowing him to stand up. “Three or four of these do you think?”
“Four is probably better.”
Jack nodded as he got to his feet. “Yeah. You're right. In black, Ianto!” Jack stated before turning and walking away. Ianto smiled and added the information they needed to his growing list in his PDA as he hurried after him.
~*~
When they walked into the kitchen area, Jack waited for Ianto to catch up. He gestured for him to go first. Ianto frowned.
Jack smiled. “I'm not stupid, Yan. If you want the house to burn down, fine, I'll go into the kitchen, but I figured since you'd banned me from yours all those years ago -”
Ianto rolled his eyes. Again. “I'm not cooking for ...” he looked around and then stepped closer to Jack and lowered his voice. “I'm not cooking for the pair of us for eternity Jack. You will learn how to cook a god damn meal if it's the last thing you do.”
Jack stared at him. Ianto swallowed hard. Jack's eyes narrowed. “Can I cook naked?”
Ianto crossed his arms over his chest. “If you wear an apron, you may be naked underneath.” Jack opened his mouth to protest. “Oil burns hurt, Jack.”
Jack considered. “Fine. I accept your terms. On one more condition.”
Ianto huffed. “What's that?”
“Kiss me. Now.” Ianto rolled his eyes and leaned up. Jack lifted a finger. “Not a peck either. I want tongue.”
Ianto grabbed Jack's face with both hands and pulled him to him, kissing him deeply but briefly.
“We have a deal then?” Ianto asked as he let Jack go and walked into the kitchen displays, pulling his PDA out of his pocket.
Jack grinned. “Oh yeah,” he said, watching his lover walk away. He noticed a group of beautiful young women giggling as they walked past him. He winked. “Ladies.” They giggled louder and blushed at Jack's attention.
“Jack!”
He grinned. “Gotta go. The other half is calling,” he told them, sliding his hands in his pockets. He noted their disappointment as he took off after Ianto and chuckled to himself. Eh, he still had it, but it didn't matter; he had Ianto. He wasn't interested in anyone else.
~*~
Jack found Ianto wandering through the kitchen displays, unaware of the attention he was attracting from the people around him. Jack loved that about Ianto; how absolutely oblivious he was to exactly how attractive he was to others, not just females but Jack saw a few men looking his way as well. It shocked Jack just how much he wanted to rush over and wrap his arms around Ianto, ferret him away and hide him from the world so no one would ever try to steal him from him. He'd never felt jealousy before. He knew he had nothing to worry about, of course. Ianto had no interest in anyone else, which is why Jack held himself back and let Ianto wander around. It didn't make the feeling go away though.
Ianto was inspecting an industrial style display, chrome and black, when Jack decided to make his presences known.
“I like this one,” Jack said in his ear, standing behind him. Ianto didn't even flinch. “It's...”
“Hub Chic?” Ianto smirked, turning his head slightly to look back at his partner.
“I was thinking more along the lines of a cafe, but okay. It's comfortable. Familiar.”
“Masculine.”
Jack frowned. “Are you making fun of me?”
“Not at all, Jack.” Ianto turned around to face him. “That's exactly why I like this display the most. It's masculine, not country cottage, or feminine wiles, family orientated. Maybe it is a little industrial, but we're used to that. Like you said, that's familiar, comforting even. A little of the Hub inside our home.”
Jack helped Ianto measure up the pieces they would need and Ianto added the numbers to his PDA. There was the drawers and cupboards and wall units. Jack was stunned at how many pieces they had to go through. Yet he didn't complain. In fact, if he was honest with himself, he was actually having fun. Ianto was listening to his opinion and taking it on board. No one else had ever done that when it came to household matters.
“Can we get the electrical goods here too?” Jack asked, looking around. “You know, refrigerator, dish washer...”
“Oh. Yes, Jack. Everything. Except for my coffee machine. We're not buying that here.” Ianto led Jack over to the selection of white goods - ironically named since they were all chrome coloured.
“Oh. You're going to be picky on that are you?” Jack asked with a smirk.
“Actually, Captain Smartarse, I've already purchased it, so we don't need to buy it.” Ianto started to peruse the white goods.
~*~
Jack's eyes lit up when he saw the next display section after the kitchens. Ianto couldn't help but smile.
“Go on, go play.” Ianto nodded in the direction of the furniture and Jack took off running before leaping and falling onto a bed. “The mattresses are over there, by the way,” Ianto pointed to another section. “These are just the frame displays.”
“We're getting the biggest frame possible.” Jack spread his arms wide on the bed. “The mattress is going to be the most important part, Yan.”
“Yes, I'd already worked that part out for myself, thank you.”
Jack got up and looked at all the frames on the floor. “I like the two black ones.” He went and sat on the Hemnes frame, then flopped back. “Yan! Get over here!” Ianto rolled his eyes but complied and sat down on the bed. “Lay back.” Ianto didn't move. “Please?” Ianto sighed but laid back down on the bed. Jack rolled over and frowned. “Hmmm.”
“What?” Ianto asked.
Jack just shook his head as he got to his feet. Ianto sat up and watched as Jack wandered over to the other black bed that Jack liked and flopped onto it. Jack called him over once more. Ianto shook his head at himself but climbed off the bed he was on and made his way over to the bed that Jack was sprawled on and climbed onto it.
“This one is solid,” Jack commented.
“I have it on good authority that this bed will not move no matter how raucous the sex is.”
Jack rolled over, rested his head on one hand and raised an eyebrow. “Who's authority?”
Ianto cleared his throat. “Tosh has the Malm bedroom suite.”
“Personal experience?” Jack asked with a lecherous grin that was met with rolled eyes.
“Yes, Jack,” Ianto said flatly, “Between chasing down aliens, being pawed at by you and making sure everything runs smoothly at the Hub, of course I have time to sleep around with Tosh.”
“I'm just saying, the thought is hot.”
“It's disturbing, Jack.” Ianto rolled his head to look at his lover. “She's like my sister.”
“Well, now she can't have you. I'm just saying, 200 years ago, it would have been hot.”
Ianto blinked. “You have the most unusual taste in what is attractive.”
“Keeps you on your toes,” Jack grinned, leaning down to plant a kiss on his lips.
“I suppose so.” Jack kissed him again. “Jack.” And again. “Jack, c'mon.”
“What?” Jack kissed him again.
“We'll get kicked out.”
Jack looked up and saw a staff member coming towards them. He sighed and rolled onto his back. “Sometimes I really wish we had decided to go into the 51st century. Hell, even the 31st century. They're just as open minded about sexuality.”
“Jack. You promised to behave.”
“I did no such thing. You said I could test out the furniture while clothed.”
“If you were a good boy,” Ianto emphasised.
Jack grinned widely. “I'm always a good boy.” He laughed when Ianto mumbled his disagreement. “So. We're going to take the one that doesn't move?”
“You okay with having the same suite as Tosh?”
“I don't care who else has it. It doesn't move, that's good enough for me. Let's pick a mattress!” Jack said and rolled to his feet, heading to the mattress display and bouncing his way across the mattresses on offer. “Oh, yeah! Ianto!” Jack called out loudly. Ianto sat up on the bed he was still on and looked over at Jack. “This is it, Yan! This is the one! I'm moving in here.”
Ianto shook his head and got to his feet. He walked over to Jack and stood over him, his arms folded over his chest. “You can't live here.”
“Why not?” Jack pouted.
“Well, there's no rift monitoring for one thing. For another thing, I'm not living in a fish bowl, so if you ever want to get laid again...” Ianto thinly threatened. Jack reached up and pulled Ianto down onto him. “Jack!”
“Seriously, Ianto!” Jack said, and rolled them over so that Ianto was on the bottom.
Ianto blinked. He blinked again. “This is comfortable.”
“See! We're moving in!”
“How about we just buy one of the mattresses and take it home?” Ianto asked, then closed his eyes. “Though I don't know that I can move again. I could go to sleep right now.”
“You do have the best ideas, Yan.” Jack kissed him lightly. “Home.” He sighed. “C'mon. Let's get the rest of this stuff chosen so we can go home and start moving it in.” He looked down into Ianto's questioning eyes. “I'm kind of anxious to move into our home, in case you haven't noticed.”
“Well. Best you get off me so we can finish this shopping and get it delivered then!” Jack went to move but Ianto stopped him. “Jack, I...”
Jack smiled. “I know. Me too.”
Ianto smiled back, and allowed Jack to get up and pull him to his feet. Ianto added the codes for the Malm bedroom suite in black and the mattress they'd chosen, before they moved on. The matching storage was added to the list, and they agreed to get the same sets for the guest rooms in a different colour.
When they had finished with the first level of Ikea, they found themselves at the restaurant. Ianto and Jack were starving, so before heading downstairs for the smaller items, they decided to stop for some lunch.
~*~
“Swedish meatballs,” Jack said gleefully before shoving one in his mouth. Ianto chuckled and shook his head. “Yan, you think you can learn how to make these?”
“I think you can learn how to make them if you like them so much,” Ianto replied, cutting into his chicken parmigiana.
“You're so mean,” Jack pouted before stabbing another meatball and eating it.
“Like you're really complaining,” Ianto smirked at his lover. “Now. We have to find a staff member and order the large furniture items first before we can head downstairs and get the smaller items.”
“There's more shopping?” Jack asked, quirking his eyebrows.
“Oh Jack. We haven't even touched the kitchenware, bathroom supplies, cushions, throws, pillows, linen and towels, lighting, décor-”
“Okay, okay, okay,” Jack waved a fork. “We can get everything here though, right?”
Ianto smiled softly. “Yes, Jack. You won't have to go through this again.”
“Thank the Gods for that,” Jack muttered, scooping up some mashed potato.
“But we will have to put it all together.”
Jack looked up from his plate and groaned at the look of glee on Ianto's face.
~*~
Jack was thankful Ianto had insisted on bringing their private SUV instead of the Torchwood vehicle as they pushed the three trolleys of smaller items that didn't need to be delivered with the larger furniture out to the car park. He wasn't sure how it was all going to fit, but he was sure that Ianto would work it out. In fact, he just stood by the trolleys and passed items that Ianto asked for until everything was packed inside.
As Ianto closed the back of the SUV, carefully, he looked at Jack and said, “Now drive carefully.”
“I always drive carefully!” Jack grinned widely, outstretching his arms.
Ianto rolled his eyes and gathered the trolleys. While Ianto returned them to the trolley bay, Jack reversed the car out and drove it over to meet up with his partner.
“Going my way?” he leered when Ianto opened the door.
Ianto smirked and got inside. “Let's go home.”
“When does the rest of the furniture arrive?” Jack asked as he pulled out into traffic.
“It will be delivered first thing in the morning, as everything was already in stock.”
Jack nodded. “And we really have to put everything together?”
Ianto smiled. “No. I arranged for the kitchen to be installed, and the delivery men will help us put the furniture together for a fee if we want.”
“I want us to do our bedroom together. Alone.”
Ianto looked over, and saw Jack's eyes glance at him sideways. He reached over and placed his hand on Jack's thigh. “So do I.”
Jack smiled, and focused on the road.
~*~
The next morning, Martha and Owen assured Jack and Ianto that they had the base covered for the day and they could be at their home when the delivery van showed up. Donna practically shooed them out of the Hub with the threat of going in their stead of they didn't leave, and the last thing Jack wanted was Donna Noble setting up his home instead of him. He adored Donna, but she did have a rather feminine touch, despite her tomboyish manner.
Jack pulled up the SUV, still packed with the smaller items they'd purchased the day before into their garage and turned to look at his partner.
“This is it,” he said, reaching for Ianto's hand. “It's painted inside, furniture is about to be delivered...”
Ianto laced his fingers through Jack's. “No going back now, is there?”
Jack chuckled. “Wouldn't want to.” Ianto looked up and Jack brought his fingers up to his lips and kissed them.
“Really?” Ianto asked, his insecurities rising once more.
Jack lowered their hands and leaned over. His breath ghosted over Ianto's lips. “Really.” He closed the gap, capturing Ianto's lips. Sliding his tongue along Ianto's bottom lip, he smiled as his lover willingly opened his mouth, moaning softly as their tongues tangled in a dance that Jack knew he would never, ever tire of. Pulling away, Jack pressed his lips to Ianto's nose. “I love you, Yan. We're in this together, forever. This is something I never dreamed I would have, but I always wanted. With you.”
“I love you too Jack. So much.” Ianto leaned up and captured Jack's mouth again, kissing him passionately.
They were interrupted by a horn out the front. Jack pulled away, laughing softly. “Work to do.”
“Yes,” Ianto agreed, and allowed Jack to disentangle himself and pull away. Ianto gathered the thermoses of coffee and followed Jack into the house. Jack went and let the delivery men inside while Ianto set up his base of operations in the office. Until the kitchen was installed, he couldn't make coffee on site, and he had a laptop with him, just in case the team needed them - thought they had assured them they wouldn't. Meanwhile, he'd spread out his floorplan of each room that he'd drawn up so they would know where each piece of furniture would go.
“Ianto!”
He sighed and wandered out of the study. “You bellowed?” he asked his lover. Jack was standing with two men, one short and stocky with short brown hair and the other taller and of a thicker build, with shaggy blonde hair, and a slight beard.
Jack grinned. “I did! This is Paul and Danny from truck one. They're installing the kitchen.”
Ianto walked briskly over and offered his hand. “Morning gentlemen,” he said, shaking their hands. “Anything you need from us, just ask.”
“Just need to know where the kitchen is going to be installed?” Paul, the taller of the two, asked.
Ianto took them over to where the kitchen was to be installed. “The power and water have been shut off at the mains, but when you're ready for them to be turned on, you can go and turn them on out here.” Ianto led them out to the power mains and water mains were.
The bathrooms had already been installed, as they couldn't purchase toilets, showers or bathtubs at Ikea. Ianto had arranged to have all the bathrooms completed first. The master bathroom had a large spa bath, big enough for 2, along with a shower that was also large enough for 2 and had shower heads at both ends. No expense was spared on the ensuite bathroom. Navy tile with white accents, and chrome fixtures. The main bathroom matched, just with normal sized shower and tub, as did the guest bathroom upstairs.
Jack had opened both doors of the front entrance, to allow plenty of room for the fixtures and furniture to be carried in. He offered to help Paul and Danny carry the furniture in, which they appreciated. Ianto went out to help as well. With the four of them working, they were able to get the kitchen moved inside in half the time. While Paul and Danny set about installing the cabinets, Jack and Ianto followed instructions, worked as labourers and cleaned up after them. Danny was also a certified electrician, so they were able to have their lights in the overhead cabinets installed at the same time.
By the time the second delivery van arrived with the rest the of the furniture, the kitchen was fully installed. Ianto, who had his coffee machine sitting in the study for safe keeping, still boxed up, and had brought all the necessities for brewing, offered Paul and Danny a cup before they left. Jack talked them into staying for a cup and they helped Jack move Ianto's coffee machine into the kitchen where it would be installed in pride of place. He brewed enough for everyone, including the new arrivals to have some before they waved off Danny and Paul, then got to work helping Tony and Akash unload the second van.
Ianto called out for pizza delivery at lunch time - it was the easiest to have delivered to the house.
As per Jack's request, Ianto and Jack carried their furniture into their bedroom and told Tony and Akash that they would put that furniture together themselves. Their bedroom door remained firmly closed once all the furniture pieces were inside.
While Tony and Akash put the furniture together, Jack and Ianto started to unload the SUV and carry in the smaller pieces. In between putting those pieces away in the kitchen or leaving them outside the room they belonged in, they would direct Tony and Akash as to where the furniture was to be placed once it was pieced together.
It was slowly coming together. A large rug was placed on the floor in front of the fireplace hearth that Ianto and Jack had installed in the lounge room. It gave the room focus, with the coffee table in the middle and the lounge chairs and single arm chairs framing it. The large screen plasma that Ianto had on order was to hang on the wall above the fireplace with enough room underneath for photographs and mementos.
The study was coming along now that it had desks, chairs and cabinets installed, but it still needed computers. Tosh had helped Ianto order the parts, and was coming over on her next day off to help him put them together and link up the computer system to the Hub. The security cameras were already in place but needed to be linked up to the home security system. They were already linked into the Hub system, but only Jack had access at the moment.
Ianto stood in the lounge room and surveyed the day's work, his hands on his hips. Twilight was upon them and it was time to put the lights on. He was exhausted, but they had yet to put together their bedroom furniture before they could crash in bed for the night.
Arms circled his waist and pulled him back against a firm chest. Ianto smiled as Jack's pheromones engulfed him, lips pressing against his neck.
“What are you thinking about?” Jack asked softly, rocking Ianto side to side to a tune that existed only in his head.
“Just looking around, seeing what we've accomplished,” Ianto answered him, moving his head to the side to give Jack more room to place kisses on his neck. Jack responded by sucking on the salty, sweaty skin below Ianto's ear. “Mmm. It's starting to look good, isn't it?”
Jack licked over the purpling mark he left on his lover's skin. “Yeah. Yeah it is. I'm looking forward to it being finished.” He turned Ianto around in his arms. “We're not going to finish everything tonight, are we?”
Ianto laughed. “No.” He wrapped his arms around Jack's neck. “No, I think it's time to order some chinese, drink some wine, put the bedroom suite together, christen the bathtub and then the bed.”
Jack grinned. “I love the way you think, Mr Jones.”
He let Ianto go long enough to let him order the chinese. To keep himself amused, Jack searched out the wine that he'd stored in the wine rack - one of the few supplies they'd brought with them to celebrate moving into their new home on their first night.
When the chinese arrived, they ate their first meal by candlelight on their meal table by their kitchen. Jack poured them each a glass of wine and held his up.
“A toast,” he said, his blue eyes glittering in the light. Ianto lifted his glass. “To us, in our new home. New beginnings, of a life together filled with love, trust and honesty.”
“To us,” Ianto repeated hoarsely, gently clinking his glass with Jack's before taking a big mouthful of wine. He was a little overwhelmed by Jack's toast. If he were honest, everything was a little overwhelming at that moment.
“Are you alright?” Jack asked, eyeing Ianto carefully. Ianto nodded. “Baby, are you sure?”
Ianto put his glass down and stretched over the table for Jack's hand. “I'm sure,” he said, lacing their fingers together.
“You'd let me know if this isn't what you want, isn't it?” Jack asked softly, looking down at the table.
“Jack?” Ianto frowned. Jack lifted his head. “Jack, I'm sure. This is what I want. It's what I've always wanted. You, me, together, a home, our home.” He smiled widely. “What you said, your toast, it just overwhelmed me a little.”
Jack stood up and pulled Ianto to his feet. “This,” he said, looking around as he drew Ianto close against him. “This is what I was dreaming about for 200 years. Missed opportunities, building a life together.”
Ianto pressed his lips against Jack's. “No more missed opportunities, Jack. We have a life together.”
“I so want to take you to bed and pound you into the mattress right now,” Jack growled, pulling Ianto's hips against his own.
Ianto rolled his eyes but smiled affectionately. “As fun as that sounds, we still have to put the bedroom furniture together.”
Jack pouted. “There's always a flaw in my plan.”
Ianto kissed him. “C'mon, eat up. You'll need your strength for putting the bed together before I zap it out of you in the tub.”
Jack nipped his lip in response before allowing him to sit back down at the table and resume his dinner.
~*~
Ianto insisted on cleaning up the kitchen before they started on the bedroom - one less thing they had to worry about before being able to fall into bed when it was all finished, he'd argued when Jack started to protest. Finally, though, they were in the bedroom armed with tools and boxes. The comfy looking mattress leaned against one wall.
“You're going to read the instructions this time, right Jack, and not put the back on the front like you did the bookcase?” Ianto asked, as he dropped the pillows and linen in the far corner of the room and put his hands on his hips when he faced his partner.
“What do I need to read the instructions for,” Jack asked frowning as he proceeded to tear open the box to one of the bedside cabinets. He looked up at Ianto as he thrust a piece of paper at him. “That's what I have you for!”
“As long as you're going to listen and not go ahead and try to piece it together as if it's Jack Harkness' big 3D puzzle,” Ianto muttered, opening the instructions.
“It is a 3D puzzle, Yan! That's the beauty of Ikea!” Jack said as he dumped all the nuts and bolts onto the floor. “Oh awesome! Yet another allen key. What's this, the 17th?”
“We'll never run out,” Ianto mused, reading the instructions. “You should group the different nuts and bolts into piles so you know which ones you need.”
“Yeah, if I was anal like you,” Jack mumbled, and then looked up to see Ianto glaring at him. “Of course, that's a wonderful suggestion and I should definitely take it on board because it will not only make the job go faster but it'll ensure I actually get laid tonight, won't it?” Ianto went back to reading the instructions. “Phew, nice cover there, Harkness,” Jack muttered under his breath.
Ianto looked up. “Right. I propose a challenge.”
Jack looked up, surprised. “A challenge?”
Ianto nodded. “Yes. You think you can put this bedside cabinet together without instructions?” Before Jack could answer, Ianto pulled a modern stopwatch out of his pocket. “I challenge you to a race. First one to put the bedside cabinet together correctly, in the fastest time, wins.”
“Where did you get that?” Jack asked, frowning.
“I bought it.” Ianto looked up at Jack. “My old one was lost on Havaasana. Destroyed by the Cryogens when I was captured. I...I missed having a stopwatch but I couldn't find-”
“Yan, stop. It's okay.” Jack looked at him. “What do they win?”
“Whatever sexual favour they want,” Ianto replied nonchalantly as he moved over to the other cabinet's box and started to open it.
“Anything?” Jack asked, his eyebrows raised.
“Anything,” Ianto confirmed, “Barring my two standing non-compliants, of course,” he added as he set up so that he was at the same point that Jack was on the opposite side of the room.
Jack smiled. “Of course.” Ianto didn't have sex with animals, and he didn't have sex with Gwen or John Hart.
“Ready?” Ianto asked, looking up. Jack nodded. “Go!” he said, clicking the button on the stopwatch.
Ianto had memorised the instructions, and quickly set about putting his cabinet together, his back to Jack so he couldn't see what he was doing. Jack, on the other hand, kept frowning and making a lot of noises as he tried to beat Ianto. Half an hour later, Ianto slid the last drawer into place and stood up. He turned around and clicked off the stopwatch. Jack had only managed to put together the drawers, but the rest of the cabinet was still in pieces.
Ianto smirked. “It looks like I win.”
“Yeah, yeah. You were right. Now, help me get this bloody thing together, would you please?” Jack begged, pouting. Ianto took pity on him and helped him put the beside cabinet together. Once that was put together, they worked on the disappearing headboard, then the bed itself. Tired and aching, they finally slid the mattress onto the bed.
“If you lay on that mattress before you've had a bath, you'll be sleeping on the couch,” Ianto warned when Jack looked like he was about to collapse onto it. Jack whimpered. “No! I don't want you putting dirt and sweat on the clean mattress.”
Jack sighed. “I guess you're right.”
Ianto walked over to where he'd dumped the linen and pillows. “Why don't you start running the bath?” he asked Jack, gifting him with a seductive smile. “It shouldn't take me long to make the bed.”
Jack took his suggestion and headed into the bathroom, after giving him a kiss, and started running the bath. Ianto quickly made the bed, navy sheets, and a burgundy quilt cover. The pillow cases were burgundy and navy. Satisfied everything was ready, Ianto kicked off his shoes and placed them in his shoe shelf in his half of the walk-in robe, then entered the bathroom.
Jack was peering at himself in the mirror. He seemed to be searching his face for something. Ianto leaned on the doorframe.
“Looking for anything in particular?” Ianto asked, amusement clear in his tone as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Jack jumped and looked at Ianto in the mirror. “Uh. No?”
Ianto pushed off the doorframe and walked over to his partner. He wrapped his arms around him from behind, hugging him. “You're gorgeous, Jack,” he said softly, resting his head on Jack's shoulder. “You know that.”
Jack smiled, pleased. “You don't think I look like I'm getting old?”
“You're 360 years old Jack. You are old-”
Jack's smile dropped. “Thanks. Thanks for that.”
“You didn't let me finish,” Ianto complained. Jack sighed but nodded for him to continue. “You are old, but you don't look a day over forty. So stop worrying.”
Jack turned in his arms. “Really?”
Ianto squeezed his arms around his waist tighter. “Really. What brought this on?”
Jack shook his head. “Nothing. I just... you look so much younger than me, Yan. You're so beautiful. I guess there's still that little part of me that's afraid that someone will steal you away from me.”
“Jack. Nothing,” Ianto moved one hand from his lover's waist, up his chest to cup his cheek, “nothing will take me away from you. The only thing that could separate us is the rift, and even then I know that you would search the universe just as I would, to find me.”
Jack stared into his eyes for a moment before he kissed Ianto passionately, pulling his body close against him. Ianto wrapped himself around his lover, surrendering himself to Jack. Deep, wet kisses matched with tight embraces and thrusting hips immediately increased the need in both men.
“Too many clothes,” Jack panted when they broke for air and started pulling at Ianto's sweaty t-shirt.
“Easy, Jack,” Ianto said as he allowed his shirt to be yanked over his head and tossed in the direction of the dirty hamper. “We have time.”
Jack's hand rested over Ianto's heart, feeling the increased rate thumping beneath the skin and grinned as his forehead bumped gently against Ianto's. “Yeah. We have all the time in the world.” He pulled Ianto in for another kiss before they broke apart again, this time for Ianto to pull Jack's shirt over his head - Ianto for once having talked Jack into a t-shirt instead of a button-up.
The tub was nearly full by the time jeans were pushed to the floor, underwear and socks as well. Jack shut off to the water and climbed into the tub. He held out his hand to help Ianto into the water and settled his lover against him.
“Oh god. Oh I'm so glad you talked me into this tub,” Ianto moaned, feeling his body relax in the warmth of the hot water and Jack's arms. Jack pressed a button and the spa jets turned on. Ianto moaned in ecstasy.
“Hey!” Jack protested. “I thought I was the only one to make you sound like that!”
“You pressed the button, didn't you?” Ianto asked, lolling his head on Jack's shoulder and pressing a kiss to Jack's neck.
“Yeah?”
“So, you're still the only one to make me moan like that,” Ianto reasoned, closing his eyes and pulling Jack's arms tighter around his waist. Jack chuckled and closed his own eyes, enjoying the heat and the bubbles. It had been a long day, and his muscles had been aching. Now they were finally relaxing. Jack sighed and Ianto turned a little to look at him. “You okay?”
“I was just thinking... now that the furniture is in, it's not going to be ours much longer,” Jack replied, idly running his hand up and down Ianto's chest.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, the team is going to want to see it, and Rhi, Johnny and the kids will want to come and stay...” Jack explained, trailing off.
“Oh,” Ianto nodded. “It won't be a place where only we have been.”
“Yeah,” Jack said sadly.
Ianto moved to straddle Jack, water splashing everywhere. “Jack, we don't have to invite anyone over until we're ready. This is our home. We have control here. Besides, until the electronics are fully installed, nothing is actually complete.”
“Tosh is meant to be coming over to help install the computers,” he protested as Ianto's arms wound around his neck.
“I can get Tosh to help me construct the computers at work and then install them myself here. I only need her assistance really in linking it up to the Torchwood mainframe, and for that we can do it via comms. Jack, for any problem there will always be a solution. Something bothers you, come tell me. We'll figure out a way to work around it.”
Jack's arms snaked their way around Ianto's body. “You don't mind? Keeping this place just for us for now?” he asked, his blue eyes imploring his lover's.
Ianto grinned. “Actually, I'm kind of relieved. I didn't like the idea of letting everyone parade through here like they do the Hub.”
Jack leaned up to kiss him. “What would I do without you?” He paused. “Actually, don't answer that. I think we both know the answer already.”
Ianto rocked his hips against Jack's, their groins colliding. “I know what you can do with me,” he said teasingly.
“Now that's an idea I can get behind,” Jack said, and promptly set about christening the tub with his partner, not caring that bathwater was splashing all over their brand new bathroom. Quite frankly, he didn't think Ianto cared at that moment in time either. When they were finished in the tub, Jack planned to do it all over again to christen that lovely, comfortable mattress.
Oh, the joys of Ikea!
Next story in Time Verse is Carnival Of Sins
Author: magikalrhiannon
Beta: kajmere
Fandom: Torchwood AU
Verse: Time Verse
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: PG (language)
Spoilers: All up to Season 2 Ep 11 Adrift
Summary: It's time to furnish their new home... where else can one get everything they need on the day when the rift is quiet? Ikea!
Word Count: 7999
Disclaimer: All rights belong to BBC and Russell T Davies. I'm just finger-painting in someone else's masterpiece. No infringement intended.
Notes: For kajmere, cuz she owns me.
You will need to read Adrift In Time for this to make any sense.
Follows The Batcave
Work on Jack and Ianto's property had gotten done surprisingly fast, thanks to Ianto and Donna's combined efforts to placate and intimidate - in that order - the workman to get the work done in a timely manner so that Jack and Ianto could start shopping for furniture. Ianto had decided, in the interest of convenience and because Jack had such a short attention span - not to mention with the way the rift had been behaving lately, they weren't likely to get many opportunities to go shopping for furniture on a regular basis - that they should just buy everything from one place. The only place they could buy everything from was... Ikea.
“Ikea?!” Jack exclaimed when Ianto placed the catalogue in front of him. Jack looked up. “Isn't that the land of the allen key?”
Ianto smirked. “Weren't you the one complaining about how you haven't had a chance to do anything to make our house a home?”
“But it's square and rigid and-”
“Have you ever been to Ikea?” Ianto asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Well...”
Ianto crossed his arms over his chest. “Yeah. That's what I thought. Besides, you always comment about how much you love Tosh's furniture.”
Jack's face fell. “Let me guess... Ikea, right?” Ianto grinned. “Okay. So. We're shopping at Ikea.”
“Let's go, Jack. Tosh said the predictor is quiet for the next 24 hours. Which means that we can go to Ikea now. The others will call us if there's any problems, which there shouldn't be.” Ianto walked over to the coat rack and slid his own jacket on before picking up Jack's coat and turning around. Jack had gotten up and moved to stand behind him. Ianto helped him to put it on, smoothing down his lapels.
Jack pulled Ianto against him and pressed his lips against Ianto's softly. “Have I told you lately how happy I am that we're doing this?”
Ianto blinked. “What, furniture shopping?”
Jack laughed softly. “No, living together, creating a home.” Ianto frowned. “Hey, don't do that,” Jack admonished, pressing his lips against the wrinkles between Ianto's eyes. “Just because I haven't wanted to do this in a long time doesn't mean I haven't wanted to do it... with you.”
“Jack.” Ianto's eyes welled with tears as he wrapped his arms around Jack's neck and pulled him down for a deep kiss. “You're not just doing this to make me happy,” Ianto said in realisation.
“Have you ever known me to do anything to make someone else happy?” Jack asked, causing them both to laugh. “I'm a selfish man, Ianto Jones, you know that. I love you with everything I am, but I wouldn't be doing this unless I wanted to.”
Ianto smiled. “I wouldn't have you any other way, Jack.” Ianto kissed him again, his fingers delving into his hair at the back of his neck. Reluctantly, Ianto pulled away, causing Jack to moan in protest. “As much as I'd love to continue this, we have shopping to do.”
“Fuck the shopping, let's go to bed.”
Ianto pulled out of his arms. “Let's buy a proper bed we can fuck on,” Ianto suggested.
Jack frowned. “What's wrong with my bed?”
“Oh Jack, we don't have the time to list the many things.” Ianto reached for his hand. “C'mon. If you're a good boy, I'll let you test out the furniture.” He paused. “Clothed.”
Jack pouted. “You're no fun, Ianto!”
“I don't want to spend the day in jail.” Ianto pulled his lover out of the office and towards the garage. “Tosh, we're leaving now. We're on our mobiles if you need us.”
Tosh grinned as she watched Ianto pull Jack along behind him. “Have fun!”
Jack looked over his shoulder and flashed a grin. “Testing out beds, Tosh, what could be more fun than that?”
“Don't get arrested!” Tosh called out, shaking her head.
“You know me!” Jack yelled back, causing Tosh to giggle. That was the problem. She did.
~*~
“What the hell is that?” Jack asked as Ianto directed him to pull into a driveway that had a set of lights on it.
“That's the Ikea carpark Jack, now hurry up before the cars behind us start using their horns,” Ianto huffed.
“But... it's huge!” Jack spluttered.
“Yes. It has to be so that we can get everything in one place. Really, did you even look through the catalogues I gave you?” Ianto asked with a frown, “Or did you just shove them to the side and expect me to pick everything out?”
“Um, we drive down here, right?” Jack asked, avoiding the question.
“That would be a yes.” Ianto sighed. “Just... find a park and let's get this over with.”
Jack's shoulders sagged as he found a park as close to the door as he could. When he put the SUV into park, he turned to Ianto and stopped him from getting out of the car.
“Hey.”
“What?” Ianto huffed.
“I'm sorry.” Jack reached up to cup Ianto's cheek. “I know how much this means to you, and it means a lot to me too. It does. Shopping and choosing... things, it's never been my strong suit, Yan. To be honest, I've never done this before. Any of it. So... be patient with me? I'm learning. I'm going to make mistakes. I haven't done this relationship thing in over 250 years.” Ianto turned his head to kiss Jack's palm and nodded. “I love you, Ianto.”
“Love you too, Jack,” Ianto replied quietly with a small smile. “You know, one of these days, those four words aren't going to get you out of trouble.”
Jack chuckled and leaned forward to kiss him gently. “Yeah, but until then, I'm going to keep saying them. All the time.”
Ianto closed his eyes and breathed in Jack's scent. “Okay.” He opened his eyes after a moment. “C'mon, let's go inside. Lots to do.”
~*~
Jack was in awe, looking around at all the decorations and furniture pinned to the wall with advertisements of their prices as they traveled up the escalator. Ianto, however, was a man on a mission. He had a list of items that they needed to get, a very long list that he'd gone through with Donna, Tosh and Martha so that he wouldn't forget anything.
“Jack, be careful stepping off,” Ianto reminded him, as he walked off the escalator and moved over to the side. Jack nearly tripped but stepped off, and looked at the display showing pencils, paper tape measures and note paper. “We don't need them. They're for less organised people.”
“They give you pencils and tape measures?” Jack asked incredulously. “Why don't we need them?” Ianto rolled his eyes and shoved his hands in his pockets, retrieving a tape measure from one side and his PDA from the other. “Why did I even doubt you?”
“I have no idea.” Ianto turned and headed towards the lounge room displays. “This way.” He'd already gone through the catalogues himself and made a selection of what he liked and thought Jack would like as well.
“Wow.” Jack stopped and looked at a display. Ianto turned and looked back. Jack looked at Ianto. “All of this is from here?” Jack's hand waved at the lounge room display in front of him.
“Well. All of the furniture, yes. The television and books aren't real, but everything else, yes.”
“The rugs and lamps and boxes?” Jack asked. Ianto nodded. Jack went and sat down on the lounge chair. He frowned. “This chair is too hard.”
Ianto smiled. “That one wasn't on my list of choices anyway.”
Jack got up and smiled. “Good. It's gotta be big enough for us to have sex on, Yan,” Jack said loudly as he moved out of the display, that had filled up with other customers. Ianto sighed and turned to follow his lover.
He noted the jealous looks sent his way among the looks of disapproval and smiled. “Yes, Jack. I know.” Holding his head up high, he walked at a leisurely pace after Jack. Fuck them, he thought. If they don't like it, I don't care!
Jack had found the section with all the different lounge chairs and sofas in it and was busy trying them all out. Ianto watched him go from chair to chair, sitting, laying, kneeling, and frowning at each one until he found the Tidafors lounge.
“Yan! Come over here! You gotta try this one!” Jack had claimed the sofa, glaring at anyone who dared at come near him. When Ianto got there, he stood up. “Sit! Sit!” Ianto smiled at his enthusiasm. He had to admit, the lounge was comfortable. “Now, lay down.” Ianto did so. “Lay on your side.” Ianto frowned but complied. Jack then laid down beside him.
“What the... Jack!” Ianto spluttered.
“I told you, the lounge has to be big enough for both of us,” Jack said plainly. “You promised I could try out the furniture while clothed.”
Ianto closed his eyes and breathed in deeply before letting out the breath. “Please get up.” Jack snuck a quick kiss before doing so. He offered Ianto a hand, helping him to his feet. Ianto accepted the assistance, but still glared at his lover, then straightened his suit when he stood up. He cleared his throat. “Right. Now. I'm assuming the lounge passes the test?”
Jack grinned. “Yeah. I think it will do nicely.”
“Colour preference?” Ianto asked and frowned at the choices. They looked at the pallet.
They looked at each other and said at the same time, “Dark gray.”
Ianto pulled out his PDA and marked it off, as well as adding the colour preference, the codes they needed and the aisles as to where the items would be located. “Got it.”
They decided to get the matching chaise and single seat arm chairs as well. Once the main pieces of furniture were chosen for the lounge room, Ianto and Jack were able to design the look of their room around them. The entertainment cabinet and cabinets to hold their DVDs and gaming consoles for when Ianto's niece and nephew came to visit would go along one wall, and had the look of dark reflective glass. It would even hide the television from view when it was wall mounted. Cushions, throws, a rug for the floor, as well as a coffee table.
Next room was the office. Jack wandered back and forth between two displays before he settled on the one that Ianto thought he would choose. There were three desks to select, filing cabinets, shelving units, bookcases... Ianto knew all the little bits and pieces would be downstairs but the larger pieces were taken care of.
However when they went to select the office chairs, it wasn't so smooth sailing.
Again, Jack was adamant they had to hold the weight of both of them - in case the mood took them in the office. Ianto rolled his eyes but allowed Jack to pull him onto his lap as he tested out every single chair that caught his eye.
“This one!” Jack declared, holding Ianto as he rocked the chair back and forth.
“Jack, stop doing that. People are staring,” Ianto hissed.
“Let them stare. We're not doing anything wrong Ianto,” Jack retorted, glaring at an old couple who dared to tisk at them and shake their heads. Ianto heaved a breath and Jack's arms tightened around his waist as he leaned the chair upright. “You and me against the world, Yan,” he said in his ear. “Okay?”
Ianto patted his hand on his waist. “So. This one?”
Jack grinned. “Yeah!” He let go of Ianto, allowing him to stand up. “Three or four of these do you think?”
“Four is probably better.”
Jack nodded as he got to his feet. “Yeah. You're right. In black, Ianto!” Jack stated before turning and walking away. Ianto smiled and added the information they needed to his growing list in his PDA as he hurried after him.
~*~
When they walked into the kitchen area, Jack waited for Ianto to catch up. He gestured for him to go first. Ianto frowned.
Jack smiled. “I'm not stupid, Yan. If you want the house to burn down, fine, I'll go into the kitchen, but I figured since you'd banned me from yours all those years ago -”
Ianto rolled his eyes. Again. “I'm not cooking for ...” he looked around and then stepped closer to Jack and lowered his voice. “I'm not cooking for the pair of us for eternity Jack. You will learn how to cook a god damn meal if it's the last thing you do.”
Jack stared at him. Ianto swallowed hard. Jack's eyes narrowed. “Can I cook naked?”
Ianto crossed his arms over his chest. “If you wear an apron, you may be naked underneath.” Jack opened his mouth to protest. “Oil burns hurt, Jack.”
Jack considered. “Fine. I accept your terms. On one more condition.”
Ianto huffed. “What's that?”
“Kiss me. Now.” Ianto rolled his eyes and leaned up. Jack lifted a finger. “Not a peck either. I want tongue.”
Ianto grabbed Jack's face with both hands and pulled him to him, kissing him deeply but briefly.
“We have a deal then?” Ianto asked as he let Jack go and walked into the kitchen displays, pulling his PDA out of his pocket.
Jack grinned. “Oh yeah,” he said, watching his lover walk away. He noticed a group of beautiful young women giggling as they walked past him. He winked. “Ladies.” They giggled louder and blushed at Jack's attention.
“Jack!”
He grinned. “Gotta go. The other half is calling,” he told them, sliding his hands in his pockets. He noted their disappointment as he took off after Ianto and chuckled to himself. Eh, he still had it, but it didn't matter; he had Ianto. He wasn't interested in anyone else.
~*~
Jack found Ianto wandering through the kitchen displays, unaware of the attention he was attracting from the people around him. Jack loved that about Ianto; how absolutely oblivious he was to exactly how attractive he was to others, not just females but Jack saw a few men looking his way as well. It shocked Jack just how much he wanted to rush over and wrap his arms around Ianto, ferret him away and hide him from the world so no one would ever try to steal him from him. He'd never felt jealousy before. He knew he had nothing to worry about, of course. Ianto had no interest in anyone else, which is why Jack held himself back and let Ianto wander around. It didn't make the feeling go away though.
Ianto was inspecting an industrial style display, chrome and black, when Jack decided to make his presences known.
“I like this one,” Jack said in his ear, standing behind him. Ianto didn't even flinch. “It's...”
“Hub Chic?” Ianto smirked, turning his head slightly to look back at his partner.
“I was thinking more along the lines of a cafe, but okay. It's comfortable. Familiar.”
“Masculine.”
Jack frowned. “Are you making fun of me?”
“Not at all, Jack.” Ianto turned around to face him. “That's exactly why I like this display the most. It's masculine, not country cottage, or feminine wiles, family orientated. Maybe it is a little industrial, but we're used to that. Like you said, that's familiar, comforting even. A little of the Hub inside our home.”
Jack helped Ianto measure up the pieces they would need and Ianto added the numbers to his PDA. There was the drawers and cupboards and wall units. Jack was stunned at how many pieces they had to go through. Yet he didn't complain. In fact, if he was honest with himself, he was actually having fun. Ianto was listening to his opinion and taking it on board. No one else had ever done that when it came to household matters.
“Can we get the electrical goods here too?” Jack asked, looking around. “You know, refrigerator, dish washer...”
“Oh. Yes, Jack. Everything. Except for my coffee machine. We're not buying that here.” Ianto led Jack over to the selection of white goods - ironically named since they were all chrome coloured.
“Oh. You're going to be picky on that are you?” Jack asked with a smirk.
“Actually, Captain Smartarse, I've already purchased it, so we don't need to buy it.” Ianto started to peruse the white goods.
~*~
Jack's eyes lit up when he saw the next display section after the kitchens. Ianto couldn't help but smile.
“Go on, go play.” Ianto nodded in the direction of the furniture and Jack took off running before leaping and falling onto a bed. “The mattresses are over there, by the way,” Ianto pointed to another section. “These are just the frame displays.”
“We're getting the biggest frame possible.” Jack spread his arms wide on the bed. “The mattress is going to be the most important part, Yan.”
“Yes, I'd already worked that part out for myself, thank you.”
Jack got up and looked at all the frames on the floor. “I like the two black ones.” He went and sat on the Hemnes frame, then flopped back. “Yan! Get over here!” Ianto rolled his eyes but complied and sat down on the bed. “Lay back.” Ianto didn't move. “Please?” Ianto sighed but laid back down on the bed. Jack rolled over and frowned. “Hmmm.”
“What?” Ianto asked.
Jack just shook his head as he got to his feet. Ianto sat up and watched as Jack wandered over to the other black bed that Jack liked and flopped onto it. Jack called him over once more. Ianto shook his head at himself but climbed off the bed he was on and made his way over to the bed that Jack was sprawled on and climbed onto it.
“This one is solid,” Jack commented.
“I have it on good authority that this bed will not move no matter how raucous the sex is.”
Jack rolled over, rested his head on one hand and raised an eyebrow. “Who's authority?”
Ianto cleared his throat. “Tosh has the Malm bedroom suite.”
“Personal experience?” Jack asked with a lecherous grin that was met with rolled eyes.
“Yes, Jack,” Ianto said flatly, “Between chasing down aliens, being pawed at by you and making sure everything runs smoothly at the Hub, of course I have time to sleep around with Tosh.”
“I'm just saying, the thought is hot.”
“It's disturbing, Jack.” Ianto rolled his head to look at his lover. “She's like my sister.”
“Well, now she can't have you. I'm just saying, 200 years ago, it would have been hot.”
Ianto blinked. “You have the most unusual taste in what is attractive.”
“Keeps you on your toes,” Jack grinned, leaning down to plant a kiss on his lips.
“I suppose so.” Jack kissed him again. “Jack.” And again. “Jack, c'mon.”
“What?” Jack kissed him again.
“We'll get kicked out.”
Jack looked up and saw a staff member coming towards them. He sighed and rolled onto his back. “Sometimes I really wish we had decided to go into the 51st century. Hell, even the 31st century. They're just as open minded about sexuality.”
“Jack. You promised to behave.”
“I did no such thing. You said I could test out the furniture while clothed.”
“If you were a good boy,” Ianto emphasised.
Jack grinned widely. “I'm always a good boy.” He laughed when Ianto mumbled his disagreement. “So. We're going to take the one that doesn't move?”
“You okay with having the same suite as Tosh?”
“I don't care who else has it. It doesn't move, that's good enough for me. Let's pick a mattress!” Jack said and rolled to his feet, heading to the mattress display and bouncing his way across the mattresses on offer. “Oh, yeah! Ianto!” Jack called out loudly. Ianto sat up on the bed he was still on and looked over at Jack. “This is it, Yan! This is the one! I'm moving in here.”
Ianto shook his head and got to his feet. He walked over to Jack and stood over him, his arms folded over his chest. “You can't live here.”
“Why not?” Jack pouted.
“Well, there's no rift monitoring for one thing. For another thing, I'm not living in a fish bowl, so if you ever want to get laid again...” Ianto thinly threatened. Jack reached up and pulled Ianto down onto him. “Jack!”
“Seriously, Ianto!” Jack said, and rolled them over so that Ianto was on the bottom.
Ianto blinked. He blinked again. “This is comfortable.”
“See! We're moving in!”
“How about we just buy one of the mattresses and take it home?” Ianto asked, then closed his eyes. “Though I don't know that I can move again. I could go to sleep right now.”
“You do have the best ideas, Yan.” Jack kissed him lightly. “Home.” He sighed. “C'mon. Let's get the rest of this stuff chosen so we can go home and start moving it in.” He looked down into Ianto's questioning eyes. “I'm kind of anxious to move into our home, in case you haven't noticed.”
“Well. Best you get off me so we can finish this shopping and get it delivered then!” Jack went to move but Ianto stopped him. “Jack, I...”
Jack smiled. “I know. Me too.”
Ianto smiled back, and allowed Jack to get up and pull him to his feet. Ianto added the codes for the Malm bedroom suite in black and the mattress they'd chosen, before they moved on. The matching storage was added to the list, and they agreed to get the same sets for the guest rooms in a different colour.
When they had finished with the first level of Ikea, they found themselves at the restaurant. Ianto and Jack were starving, so before heading downstairs for the smaller items, they decided to stop for some lunch.
~*~
“Swedish meatballs,” Jack said gleefully before shoving one in his mouth. Ianto chuckled and shook his head. “Yan, you think you can learn how to make these?”
“I think you can learn how to make them if you like them so much,” Ianto replied, cutting into his chicken parmigiana.
“You're so mean,” Jack pouted before stabbing another meatball and eating it.
“Like you're really complaining,” Ianto smirked at his lover. “Now. We have to find a staff member and order the large furniture items first before we can head downstairs and get the smaller items.”
“There's more shopping?” Jack asked, quirking his eyebrows.
“Oh Jack. We haven't even touched the kitchenware, bathroom supplies, cushions, throws, pillows, linen and towels, lighting, décor-”
“Okay, okay, okay,” Jack waved a fork. “We can get everything here though, right?”
Ianto smiled softly. “Yes, Jack. You won't have to go through this again.”
“Thank the Gods for that,” Jack muttered, scooping up some mashed potato.
“But we will have to put it all together.”
Jack looked up from his plate and groaned at the look of glee on Ianto's face.
~*~
Jack was thankful Ianto had insisted on bringing their private SUV instead of the Torchwood vehicle as they pushed the three trolleys of smaller items that didn't need to be delivered with the larger furniture out to the car park. He wasn't sure how it was all going to fit, but he was sure that Ianto would work it out. In fact, he just stood by the trolleys and passed items that Ianto asked for until everything was packed inside.
As Ianto closed the back of the SUV, carefully, he looked at Jack and said, “Now drive carefully.”
“I always drive carefully!” Jack grinned widely, outstretching his arms.
Ianto rolled his eyes and gathered the trolleys. While Ianto returned them to the trolley bay, Jack reversed the car out and drove it over to meet up with his partner.
“Going my way?” he leered when Ianto opened the door.
Ianto smirked and got inside. “Let's go home.”
“When does the rest of the furniture arrive?” Jack asked as he pulled out into traffic.
“It will be delivered first thing in the morning, as everything was already in stock.”
Jack nodded. “And we really have to put everything together?”
Ianto smiled. “No. I arranged for the kitchen to be installed, and the delivery men will help us put the furniture together for a fee if we want.”
“I want us to do our bedroom together. Alone.”
Ianto looked over, and saw Jack's eyes glance at him sideways. He reached over and placed his hand on Jack's thigh. “So do I.”
Jack smiled, and focused on the road.
~*~
The next morning, Martha and Owen assured Jack and Ianto that they had the base covered for the day and they could be at their home when the delivery van showed up. Donna practically shooed them out of the Hub with the threat of going in their stead of they didn't leave, and the last thing Jack wanted was Donna Noble setting up his home instead of him. He adored Donna, but she did have a rather feminine touch, despite her tomboyish manner.
Jack pulled up the SUV, still packed with the smaller items they'd purchased the day before into their garage and turned to look at his partner.
“This is it,” he said, reaching for Ianto's hand. “It's painted inside, furniture is about to be delivered...”
Ianto laced his fingers through Jack's. “No going back now, is there?”
Jack chuckled. “Wouldn't want to.” Ianto looked up and Jack brought his fingers up to his lips and kissed them.
“Really?” Ianto asked, his insecurities rising once more.
Jack lowered their hands and leaned over. His breath ghosted over Ianto's lips. “Really.” He closed the gap, capturing Ianto's lips. Sliding his tongue along Ianto's bottom lip, he smiled as his lover willingly opened his mouth, moaning softly as their tongues tangled in a dance that Jack knew he would never, ever tire of. Pulling away, Jack pressed his lips to Ianto's nose. “I love you, Yan. We're in this together, forever. This is something I never dreamed I would have, but I always wanted. With you.”
“I love you too Jack. So much.” Ianto leaned up and captured Jack's mouth again, kissing him passionately.
They were interrupted by a horn out the front. Jack pulled away, laughing softly. “Work to do.”
“Yes,” Ianto agreed, and allowed Jack to disentangle himself and pull away. Ianto gathered the thermoses of coffee and followed Jack into the house. Jack went and let the delivery men inside while Ianto set up his base of operations in the office. Until the kitchen was installed, he couldn't make coffee on site, and he had a laptop with him, just in case the team needed them - thought they had assured them they wouldn't. Meanwhile, he'd spread out his floorplan of each room that he'd drawn up so they would know where each piece of furniture would go.
“Ianto!”
He sighed and wandered out of the study. “You bellowed?” he asked his lover. Jack was standing with two men, one short and stocky with short brown hair and the other taller and of a thicker build, with shaggy blonde hair, and a slight beard.
Jack grinned. “I did! This is Paul and Danny from truck one. They're installing the kitchen.”
Ianto walked briskly over and offered his hand. “Morning gentlemen,” he said, shaking their hands. “Anything you need from us, just ask.”
“Just need to know where the kitchen is going to be installed?” Paul, the taller of the two, asked.
Ianto took them over to where the kitchen was to be installed. “The power and water have been shut off at the mains, but when you're ready for them to be turned on, you can go and turn them on out here.” Ianto led them out to the power mains and water mains were.
The bathrooms had already been installed, as they couldn't purchase toilets, showers or bathtubs at Ikea. Ianto had arranged to have all the bathrooms completed first. The master bathroom had a large spa bath, big enough for 2, along with a shower that was also large enough for 2 and had shower heads at both ends. No expense was spared on the ensuite bathroom. Navy tile with white accents, and chrome fixtures. The main bathroom matched, just with normal sized shower and tub, as did the guest bathroom upstairs.
Jack had opened both doors of the front entrance, to allow plenty of room for the fixtures and furniture to be carried in. He offered to help Paul and Danny carry the furniture in, which they appreciated. Ianto went out to help as well. With the four of them working, they were able to get the kitchen moved inside in half the time. While Paul and Danny set about installing the cabinets, Jack and Ianto followed instructions, worked as labourers and cleaned up after them. Danny was also a certified electrician, so they were able to have their lights in the overhead cabinets installed at the same time.
By the time the second delivery van arrived with the rest the of the furniture, the kitchen was fully installed. Ianto, who had his coffee machine sitting in the study for safe keeping, still boxed up, and had brought all the necessities for brewing, offered Paul and Danny a cup before they left. Jack talked them into staying for a cup and they helped Jack move Ianto's coffee machine into the kitchen where it would be installed in pride of place. He brewed enough for everyone, including the new arrivals to have some before they waved off Danny and Paul, then got to work helping Tony and Akash unload the second van.
Ianto called out for pizza delivery at lunch time - it was the easiest to have delivered to the house.
As per Jack's request, Ianto and Jack carried their furniture into their bedroom and told Tony and Akash that they would put that furniture together themselves. Their bedroom door remained firmly closed once all the furniture pieces were inside.
While Tony and Akash put the furniture together, Jack and Ianto started to unload the SUV and carry in the smaller pieces. In between putting those pieces away in the kitchen or leaving them outside the room they belonged in, they would direct Tony and Akash as to where the furniture was to be placed once it was pieced together.
It was slowly coming together. A large rug was placed on the floor in front of the fireplace hearth that Ianto and Jack had installed in the lounge room. It gave the room focus, with the coffee table in the middle and the lounge chairs and single arm chairs framing it. The large screen plasma that Ianto had on order was to hang on the wall above the fireplace with enough room underneath for photographs and mementos.
The study was coming along now that it had desks, chairs and cabinets installed, but it still needed computers. Tosh had helped Ianto order the parts, and was coming over on her next day off to help him put them together and link up the computer system to the Hub. The security cameras were already in place but needed to be linked up to the home security system. They were already linked into the Hub system, but only Jack had access at the moment.
Ianto stood in the lounge room and surveyed the day's work, his hands on his hips. Twilight was upon them and it was time to put the lights on. He was exhausted, but they had yet to put together their bedroom furniture before they could crash in bed for the night.
Arms circled his waist and pulled him back against a firm chest. Ianto smiled as Jack's pheromones engulfed him, lips pressing against his neck.
“What are you thinking about?” Jack asked softly, rocking Ianto side to side to a tune that existed only in his head.
“Just looking around, seeing what we've accomplished,” Ianto answered him, moving his head to the side to give Jack more room to place kisses on his neck. Jack responded by sucking on the salty, sweaty skin below Ianto's ear. “Mmm. It's starting to look good, isn't it?”
Jack licked over the purpling mark he left on his lover's skin. “Yeah. Yeah it is. I'm looking forward to it being finished.” He turned Ianto around in his arms. “We're not going to finish everything tonight, are we?”
Ianto laughed. “No.” He wrapped his arms around Jack's neck. “No, I think it's time to order some chinese, drink some wine, put the bedroom suite together, christen the bathtub and then the bed.”
Jack grinned. “I love the way you think, Mr Jones.”
He let Ianto go long enough to let him order the chinese. To keep himself amused, Jack searched out the wine that he'd stored in the wine rack - one of the few supplies they'd brought with them to celebrate moving into their new home on their first night.
When the chinese arrived, they ate their first meal by candlelight on their meal table by their kitchen. Jack poured them each a glass of wine and held his up.
“A toast,” he said, his blue eyes glittering in the light. Ianto lifted his glass. “To us, in our new home. New beginnings, of a life together filled with love, trust and honesty.”
“To us,” Ianto repeated hoarsely, gently clinking his glass with Jack's before taking a big mouthful of wine. He was a little overwhelmed by Jack's toast. If he were honest, everything was a little overwhelming at that moment.
“Are you alright?” Jack asked, eyeing Ianto carefully. Ianto nodded. “Baby, are you sure?”
Ianto put his glass down and stretched over the table for Jack's hand. “I'm sure,” he said, lacing their fingers together.
“You'd let me know if this isn't what you want, isn't it?” Jack asked softly, looking down at the table.
“Jack?” Ianto frowned. Jack lifted his head. “Jack, I'm sure. This is what I want. It's what I've always wanted. You, me, together, a home, our home.” He smiled widely. “What you said, your toast, it just overwhelmed me a little.”
Jack stood up and pulled Ianto to his feet. “This,” he said, looking around as he drew Ianto close against him. “This is what I was dreaming about for 200 years. Missed opportunities, building a life together.”
Ianto pressed his lips against Jack's. “No more missed opportunities, Jack. We have a life together.”
“I so want to take you to bed and pound you into the mattress right now,” Jack growled, pulling Ianto's hips against his own.
Ianto rolled his eyes but smiled affectionately. “As fun as that sounds, we still have to put the bedroom furniture together.”
Jack pouted. “There's always a flaw in my plan.”
Ianto kissed him. “C'mon, eat up. You'll need your strength for putting the bed together before I zap it out of you in the tub.”
Jack nipped his lip in response before allowing him to sit back down at the table and resume his dinner.
~*~
Ianto insisted on cleaning up the kitchen before they started on the bedroom - one less thing they had to worry about before being able to fall into bed when it was all finished, he'd argued when Jack started to protest. Finally, though, they were in the bedroom armed with tools and boxes. The comfy looking mattress leaned against one wall.
“You're going to read the instructions this time, right Jack, and not put the back on the front like you did the bookcase?” Ianto asked, as he dropped the pillows and linen in the far corner of the room and put his hands on his hips when he faced his partner.
“What do I need to read the instructions for,” Jack asked frowning as he proceeded to tear open the box to one of the bedside cabinets. He looked up at Ianto as he thrust a piece of paper at him. “That's what I have you for!”
“As long as you're going to listen and not go ahead and try to piece it together as if it's Jack Harkness' big 3D puzzle,” Ianto muttered, opening the instructions.
“It is a 3D puzzle, Yan! That's the beauty of Ikea!” Jack said as he dumped all the nuts and bolts onto the floor. “Oh awesome! Yet another allen key. What's this, the 17th?”
“We'll never run out,” Ianto mused, reading the instructions. “You should group the different nuts and bolts into piles so you know which ones you need.”
“Yeah, if I was anal like you,” Jack mumbled, and then looked up to see Ianto glaring at him. “Of course, that's a wonderful suggestion and I should definitely take it on board because it will not only make the job go faster but it'll ensure I actually get laid tonight, won't it?” Ianto went back to reading the instructions. “Phew, nice cover there, Harkness,” Jack muttered under his breath.
Ianto looked up. “Right. I propose a challenge.”
Jack looked up, surprised. “A challenge?”
Ianto nodded. “Yes. You think you can put this bedside cabinet together without instructions?” Before Jack could answer, Ianto pulled a modern stopwatch out of his pocket. “I challenge you to a race. First one to put the bedside cabinet together correctly, in the fastest time, wins.”
“Where did you get that?” Jack asked, frowning.
“I bought it.” Ianto looked up at Jack. “My old one was lost on Havaasana. Destroyed by the Cryogens when I was captured. I...I missed having a stopwatch but I couldn't find-”
“Yan, stop. It's okay.” Jack looked at him. “What do they win?”
“Whatever sexual favour they want,” Ianto replied nonchalantly as he moved over to the other cabinet's box and started to open it.
“Anything?” Jack asked, his eyebrows raised.
“Anything,” Ianto confirmed, “Barring my two standing non-compliants, of course,” he added as he set up so that he was at the same point that Jack was on the opposite side of the room.
Jack smiled. “Of course.” Ianto didn't have sex with animals, and he didn't have sex with Gwen or John Hart.
“Ready?” Ianto asked, looking up. Jack nodded. “Go!” he said, clicking the button on the stopwatch.
Ianto had memorised the instructions, and quickly set about putting his cabinet together, his back to Jack so he couldn't see what he was doing. Jack, on the other hand, kept frowning and making a lot of noises as he tried to beat Ianto. Half an hour later, Ianto slid the last drawer into place and stood up. He turned around and clicked off the stopwatch. Jack had only managed to put together the drawers, but the rest of the cabinet was still in pieces.
Ianto smirked. “It looks like I win.”
“Yeah, yeah. You were right. Now, help me get this bloody thing together, would you please?” Jack begged, pouting. Ianto took pity on him and helped him put the beside cabinet together. Once that was put together, they worked on the disappearing headboard, then the bed itself. Tired and aching, they finally slid the mattress onto the bed.
“If you lay on that mattress before you've had a bath, you'll be sleeping on the couch,” Ianto warned when Jack looked like he was about to collapse onto it. Jack whimpered. “No! I don't want you putting dirt and sweat on the clean mattress.”
Jack sighed. “I guess you're right.”
Ianto walked over to where he'd dumped the linen and pillows. “Why don't you start running the bath?” he asked Jack, gifting him with a seductive smile. “It shouldn't take me long to make the bed.”
Jack took his suggestion and headed into the bathroom, after giving him a kiss, and started running the bath. Ianto quickly made the bed, navy sheets, and a burgundy quilt cover. The pillow cases were burgundy and navy. Satisfied everything was ready, Ianto kicked off his shoes and placed them in his shoe shelf in his half of the walk-in robe, then entered the bathroom.
Jack was peering at himself in the mirror. He seemed to be searching his face for something. Ianto leaned on the doorframe.
“Looking for anything in particular?” Ianto asked, amusement clear in his tone as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Jack jumped and looked at Ianto in the mirror. “Uh. No?”
Ianto pushed off the doorframe and walked over to his partner. He wrapped his arms around him from behind, hugging him. “You're gorgeous, Jack,” he said softly, resting his head on Jack's shoulder. “You know that.”
Jack smiled, pleased. “You don't think I look like I'm getting old?”
“You're 360 years old Jack. You are old-”
Jack's smile dropped. “Thanks. Thanks for that.”
“You didn't let me finish,” Ianto complained. Jack sighed but nodded for him to continue. “You are old, but you don't look a day over forty. So stop worrying.”
Jack turned in his arms. “Really?”
Ianto squeezed his arms around his waist tighter. “Really. What brought this on?”
Jack shook his head. “Nothing. I just... you look so much younger than me, Yan. You're so beautiful. I guess there's still that little part of me that's afraid that someone will steal you away from me.”
“Jack. Nothing,” Ianto moved one hand from his lover's waist, up his chest to cup his cheek, “nothing will take me away from you. The only thing that could separate us is the rift, and even then I know that you would search the universe just as I would, to find me.”
Jack stared into his eyes for a moment before he kissed Ianto passionately, pulling his body close against him. Ianto wrapped himself around his lover, surrendering himself to Jack. Deep, wet kisses matched with tight embraces and thrusting hips immediately increased the need in both men.
“Too many clothes,” Jack panted when they broke for air and started pulling at Ianto's sweaty t-shirt.
“Easy, Jack,” Ianto said as he allowed his shirt to be yanked over his head and tossed in the direction of the dirty hamper. “We have time.”
Jack's hand rested over Ianto's heart, feeling the increased rate thumping beneath the skin and grinned as his forehead bumped gently against Ianto's. “Yeah. We have all the time in the world.” He pulled Ianto in for another kiss before they broke apart again, this time for Ianto to pull Jack's shirt over his head - Ianto for once having talked Jack into a t-shirt instead of a button-up.
The tub was nearly full by the time jeans were pushed to the floor, underwear and socks as well. Jack shut off to the water and climbed into the tub. He held out his hand to help Ianto into the water and settled his lover against him.
“Oh god. Oh I'm so glad you talked me into this tub,” Ianto moaned, feeling his body relax in the warmth of the hot water and Jack's arms. Jack pressed a button and the spa jets turned on. Ianto moaned in ecstasy.
“Hey!” Jack protested. “I thought I was the only one to make you sound like that!”
“You pressed the button, didn't you?” Ianto asked, lolling his head on Jack's shoulder and pressing a kiss to Jack's neck.
“Yeah?”
“So, you're still the only one to make me moan like that,” Ianto reasoned, closing his eyes and pulling Jack's arms tighter around his waist. Jack chuckled and closed his own eyes, enjoying the heat and the bubbles. It had been a long day, and his muscles had been aching. Now they were finally relaxing. Jack sighed and Ianto turned a little to look at him. “You okay?”
“I was just thinking... now that the furniture is in, it's not going to be ours much longer,” Jack replied, idly running his hand up and down Ianto's chest.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, the team is going to want to see it, and Rhi, Johnny and the kids will want to come and stay...” Jack explained, trailing off.
“Oh,” Ianto nodded. “It won't be a place where only we have been.”
“Yeah,” Jack said sadly.
Ianto moved to straddle Jack, water splashing everywhere. “Jack, we don't have to invite anyone over until we're ready. This is our home. We have control here. Besides, until the electronics are fully installed, nothing is actually complete.”
“Tosh is meant to be coming over to help install the computers,” he protested as Ianto's arms wound around his neck.
“I can get Tosh to help me construct the computers at work and then install them myself here. I only need her assistance really in linking it up to the Torchwood mainframe, and for that we can do it via comms. Jack, for any problem there will always be a solution. Something bothers you, come tell me. We'll figure out a way to work around it.”
Jack's arms snaked their way around Ianto's body. “You don't mind? Keeping this place just for us for now?” he asked, his blue eyes imploring his lover's.
Ianto grinned. “Actually, I'm kind of relieved. I didn't like the idea of letting everyone parade through here like they do the Hub.”
Jack leaned up to kiss him. “What would I do without you?” He paused. “Actually, don't answer that. I think we both know the answer already.”
Ianto rocked his hips against Jack's, their groins colliding. “I know what you can do with me,” he said teasingly.
“Now that's an idea I can get behind,” Jack said, and promptly set about christening the tub with his partner, not caring that bathwater was splashing all over their brand new bathroom. Quite frankly, he didn't think Ianto cared at that moment in time either. When they were finished in the tub, Jack planned to do it all over again to christen that lovely, comfortable mattress.
Oh, the joys of Ikea!
Next story in Time Verse is Carnival Of Sins