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Part 14

Martha grinned as Ianto remerged from the bedroom twenty minutes later looking decidedly ruffled. He was straightening the collar of his t-shirt and she got a glimpse of a fresh bruise on his neck. Barley containing her laughter, she asked, ”Drawer all fixed now?”

He stared at her, blinked once, then broke into a sheepish grin and purred, ”Oh yeah – all fixed.”

Martha rolled her eyes, sighing, "Honesty, you two are impossible. Are you two going to be able to keep your hands off each other at this match?”

Ianto gave her a very hurt look and chuckled, “Martha – I’m Welsh. Rugby is my religion. You really think I’d commit sacrilege by not paying attention to a match?”

Martha roared with laughter as at that point Jack joined them. Without warning he caught Ianto by the hips, spun the younger man round into his arms and purred, “What - not even if I did this to you?”

He titled Ianto back, dropping him down backwards and kissed him. Despite Ianto struggling in his grip, Jack didn’t break the kiss until he finally righted the young man. Ianto glared at him and giving Jack a slap on the chest, he snarled, "You do that at the match and you’ll be losing a favour part of your anatomy!”

“What?” Jack looked slightly stunned and turning to Martha, asked, “What did I do wrong? I was trying to a good boyfriend!”

"Really, Jack, you have no idea,” she just shook her head and sighed, “Never even joke at coming between a Welshman and his rugby.”

“See," called Ianto, as he threw Jack his coat, “Martha understand me.”

“Yeah, well,” replied Jack, still slightly hurt at Ianto’s rejection of his advances, "I understand you...most of the time except when you get all Welsh on me.”

Ianto raised an eyebrow and as he opened the door, quipped, “Most of the time? You could have fooled me.”

Jack was still grumbling about confusing Welshman as they set off to meet Gwen.

******************************

Lunch was a relaxed affair. Ianto had slid into place beside the wall and pulled Martha down beside him much to Jack’s disappointment. Jack had console himself by sitting opposite his lover. Gwen sat beside Jack. The group were soon eating and laughing, sharing tales and trying to or out which of Jack stories where true or not. However, as the meal stretched one, Martha found herself getting more and more irritated. Despite the fact she liked Gwen, she couldn’t help noticing the way Gwen would touch Jack’s arm every time she spoke or the way Gwen grinned each time Jack turned to included her in the tale he was telling.

Noticing that Martha’s face had clouded, he waited for an opportune moment and as Jack turned to address Gwen directly, Ianto lent across and whispered to Martha, "Hey, what’s wrong?”

Martha looked at him and hissed back, "She keeps touching him.”

Ianto gave her a knowing smirk and replied, "It’s just the way she is.”

Martha pursed her lips and glancing at the others, she saw they were still deep in conversation. Leaning closer, she growled, ”I don’t like it. She should keep her hands to herself!”

Ianto gave her an indulgent smile, one that lit his face. Patting her arm, he said softly “It’s okay, honestly Martha, it’s just how they are together.” Seeing Martha was still unconvinced, he chuckled and soothed, ”Martha, they are just good friends, honestly.”

“Hmmm,” replied Martha still unhappy, “If you say so.” She resumed eating her lunch although she kept a careful eye on Gwen and her wandering hands.

Ianto shook his head and lent back in his chair, listening as the others talked. He was gazing at Jack, loving the way Jack’s face lit up as he told another wild tale about his past adventures. Hiding his smile with his glass, Ianto slowly toed off his trainer and eased his foot up Jack’s leg. He was rewards with Jack stuttering slightly but other than a quick glance in Ianto’s direction Jack carried on talking. Wanting to see how far he could go before Jack lost control, Ianto sank lower in his char, lifted his foot higher and ran his socked foot up the inside of Jack’s thigh. He bit his lip to stop himself laughing as Jack gave a slight gasp as Ianto's toes gently nudged his groin.

Jack swallowed and glanced across, staring at his young lover. Now he understood why Ianto had chosen to sit opposite him rather than beside him, and why Ianto had insisted that both men took the seats next to the wall. Without drawing attention to himself, Jack shifted position, widening the spread of his legs, letting Ianto's foot have clear access.

Ianto raised a questioning eyebrow to which Jack gave a slight nod. Slowly Ianto started to caress Jack’s groin with his foot, loving the way he could feel Jack’s body respond to the slight movement. He could feel the outline of Jack’s hardening shaft becoming more apparent even through his socked foot.

Jack’s voice caught slightly as Ianto pressed with slightly firmer stocks causing him to groan slightly but eh covered it before either of the girls noticed. Ianto just chuckled wickedly and licked his lips, gazing at Jack under his lashes. Jack swallowed hard, again thinking how no one else had ever made him so hard by doing so little. Without warning he caught Ianto’s foot and ran his thumb along the socked sole, loving the way Ianto’s eyes clouded with desire. He knew what happened when he massaged Ianto’s feet. He knew the mewing state he could reduce his young lover to with just a few expert touches on the balls of his feet.

As Ianto gasped, Martha turned and raised an eyebrow, asking softly, ”You still fixing that drawer?”

Jack burst out laughing while Ianto flushed bright red, quickly pulling his foot back from Jack’s grasp. Martha chuckled as she watched him straighten in the chair, the heat from the blush almost tangible as he mumbled something about show-off U.N.I.T. officers.

Gwen completely missing the joke, asked, ”Drawer? What drawer?”

Martha turned and gave her a strange smile, saying, “Don’t worry – private joke.”

Gwen smiled, not catching the slightly frosty undertones in Martha’s voice. Ianto however did and without Gwen noticing, he lent across and squeezed Martha arm mouthing, “Be nice! It’s fine.”

Martha just pursed her lips and raised a very sceptical eyebrow.

Gwen lent forward and with her hand once again resting on Jack’s arm, looked at her watch saying, “Guys, I hate to say this but if you don’t hurry you’ll miss the start of the match.” She smiled at Jack and leaning in said, ”Jack, have a wonderful time – I’m sure they’ll be gentle on you seeing as it’s your first time.”

Ianto and Martha both laughed as Jack gave all of them a worried glance, "Seriously,” he asked, “Why do we have to go? It’s cold outside and they said rain was due and…”

“Jack Harkness,” purred Martha, “I can’t believe that you don’t want to see 30 very fit men all getting dirty, violent and sweaty.”

Jack gazed at her, then as a huge grin grew across his face, he looked at Ianto then Gwen and purred, ”Okay – see now I want to go.” He glanced at Ianto asking, “Why did you ever describe it like that?”

“Because," replied Ianto, getting to his feet, “I take it far more seriously than that!” he shook his head at Jack, and wandered away to pay the bill. Jack watched him go then as Gwen started to speak turned back to the table laughing as she spoke.

“Jack, really,” laughed Gwen stroking Jack’s arm, “Ianto and I take rugby seriously. We’re Welsh, it’s in our blood. Whereas Martha, she only watches it for the men...”

“And the violence," correct Martha grinning as Jack cocked an eyebrow at her, "What?" she exclaimed; "I can appreciate the finer points of rugby as well.”

Before any of them could speak Gwen's comm. unit beeped. As she answered it her smile quickly turned into a frown. Jack lent closer then as Gwen flicked a glance at him, he activated his own comm. link. Without moments the two of them were standing and grabbing their coats. Martha stared at him and as Gwen walked away, she stood and said, “Oi!” Where are you going?”

Jack looked at her and said softly, ”Something’s come up. I’m going to investigate with Gwen, I’ll be back soon.”

Martha stared in disbelief at him then said urgently, "And what about Ianto?”

“What about him?” asked Jack, genuinely confused.

"You’re just going leave? Just like that. Jack!” Martha was fuming, she couldn’t believe Jack would just walk away.

Jack stared at her and said, "He’ll understand. It’s work. Look, I’ll join you at the match as soon as possible, I promise.”

He lent forward to give her a peck but Martha pulled away, snapping, ”You don’t deserve him sometimes. “

“What’s going on?”

Martha spun to see Ianto standing behind her, just putting his wallet way. He glanced at her then Jack and seeing the angry looks frowned and said, ”Okay, I’m guessing something’s happened that’s work related.”

He gave a long sigh, then shoving his hands into his pockets, glanced at Jack and without reproach, asked softly, “You’re going with Gwen?" when Jack nodded, Ianto shrugged his shoulders and sighing asked, "Okay then – see you back at the flat or will you meet us for drink in town?”

Jack gazed at him, his face a mix of love and anguish. He stepped closer and purred softy, ”I will join you as soon as I can, I promise. I’ll try and make the match. If not, I’ll meet you for post match drinks, I promise." he hesitated then added, "I’ll be as quick as I can.”

Ianto just nodded, ”Right well, see you soon then.”

Martha stared opened mouthed at Ianto. She couldn’t believe how understanding he was being. She folded her arms over her chest and glared at Jack, willing him to say something that would give her cause to let rip at him. He didn’t, instead he indicated for them to follow him. As soon as they’d cleared the restaurant and the crowds thinned out, he grabbed Ianto and pulled him closer, kissing his lover hungrily.

As they broke, Ianto smiled at him and sighing said, "Go on, you’re keeping her waiting.” As Jack started to walk away, Ianto called, ”Jack!” as the older man turned, Ianto flashed him warm smile and said, "Please be careful.”

Jack nodded before running to catch Gwen up.

Martha stood staring at him – obviously still angry. Ianto raised an eyebrow and asked softly, ”What’s wrong?”

"You are!” she exclaimed, hitting him hard on the arm.

Ianto yelped and laughed asking, "What was that for?”

“You just let him walk away just like that! He’s supposed to be spending the day with you and yet you…”

Ianto smiled and holding out his hand to her, explained gently, "Martha, we work for Torchwood - it’s a miracle we managed to get through lunch without the comms going off. I don’t need Jack with me all the time to now he loves me…”

“Yeah about that,” interrupted Martha, curling her arm round his and leaning against his shoulder as they walked towards the rugby match, "A little bird told me that 3 magic words were said last night and not by you.”

Ianto smiled dreamily, "Yeah he did...” his voice faded as he thought of the moment Jack had said I love you.

“And?” prompted Martha, eager to hear more.

“And what?”

“Well - when are you going to tell him?” She grinned as he shot her a sideways glance

Ianto took a deep breath and said softly, ”When I’m ready.”

Martha looked as if she wanted to explode but instead she snarled at him, laughing as Ianto rolled his eyes at her.

**********************************

Jack never made it to the game or to the drinks afterwards. Ianto and Martha were in fact half way through the 2nd bottle of wine by the time he arrived back at the flat. Martha glared at him as the door flew open and Jack charged in. He looked a mess. The coat was covered in dirt and he had a bad gash above one eye. Ianto simply stood and crossings his lover, sighed and took the coat off Jack. Glaring at him, Ianto turned and walked into the kitchen, calling, “Martha, can you see to the cut for me?”

Martha was fuming as she unfurled from the sofa and indicated for Jack to follow her to the bathroom. Within moments, she was cleaning the gash with a medi-wipe, still glaring at him. Jack looked at her via the mirror and asked softly, “How was the match?”

“Good,” came the cold reply, “Too bad Ianto didn’t really enjoy it because he was looking out for you most of the time.”

Jack flinched – he really had tried to get there but the incident had turned difficult and taken far more time to sort out then he’d expected. He started to apologise to Martha but she snapped, “Save it!” she slapped his shoulder, “I’m not the one you should be apologising to, Jack.”

“I know, I know - I’m sorry.” he sighed. Running a hand over his face he looked at her and asked, ”How mad is he at me?”

“He’s not!” she snapped, “That’s the worse part.” She took a deep breath, “Damn it Jack - he just accepts it as part of your relationship. God Jack, if it was Tom and he'd treated me the way you treated Ianto today, I’d kill him!”

“Well then it’s a good job you're not the one dating him then, isn't it” called an amused voice from the doorway.

Hey both turned and saw Ianto leaning in the doorway to the bathroom, smiling softly. He padded forward and took the wipe out of Martha’s hand, saying gently, “We’ve finished that last bottle – be a love and go open a new bottle.”

He held her gaze and, despite all the snarky remakes bubbling to the surface, Martha just nodded. She gave Jack an evil look then as she brushed past Ianto said softly, ”You’re too nice.”

Ianto just smiled and waited for her to leave before letting the door shut softly behind her.

Jack gazed at him and didn’t know what to say. He closed his eyes; Martha's words had struck a cord with him. He did treat Ianto badly, he never meant to and yet he always did. And Ianto never said anything, never snapped at him for ruing date after date. He never moaned because Jack left their bed in the middle of the night or was missing when Ianto woke up. He was always just there, understanding, offering comfort and support, never demanding anything more from Jack, never asking for more attention.

Jack glanced up and asked hesitantly, “Why do you stay with me?”

Ianto stared at him then quirking an eyebrow, replied softly, ”I would have though that was obvious.”

Jack stared at him, then said softly, "No – not really. Not any more. I treat you like crap and you never complain, you just accept it…why?” he searched Ianto’s face seeing no anger nothing except soft indulgence.

Ianto shook his head and said softly, ”Jack, we don’t have a normal relationship I knew that when we started out. Our lives can never be normal – our relationship will never be so called normal. I might not like it when I wake up and find you gone but that's just one part of our world, things happen and we have to react without time to plan and …”

Ianto stepped closer and held a hand out. Jack took it slowly, his thumb rubbing soothing circles over Ianto’s. Ianto started down at their clasped hands and smiling said, ”I have never been happier than I am right now. I need you to believe me. What we have, whatever you want to call it – I love it. I love what we share but most of all I love you, Jack. I always have and I always will. No matter what happens, no matter what the universe throws at us - I will always love you.”

Jack gazed at him in total and utter astonishment. He couldn’t think; he could barely breathe let alone move. Then suddenly he was moving, wrapping Ianto in his arms, all but lifting the younger man off the floor with the force of the embrace. He buried his head against Ianto's neck and whispered, ”I love you too. Please you have to believe, I do love you, I love you so much…”

Ianto soothed him. Pressing his head against Jack’s hair cooing softly, ”Jack, it’s okay…come on what brought this on? This isn’t like you." he eased back lifting Jack’s head so he could look at his lover. Seeing tears in Jack’s eyes unnerved Ianto, he wasn’t used to Jack being so emotional. Gently he caressed Jack’s cheek, watching Jack’s eyes flutter closed as Ianto’s thumb brushed over his lover cheek and asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

Jack stared at him then confessed softly, “I’m frightened of losing you.”

Ianto stared at him then laughed. A soft, soothing laugh that washed over Jack, “You silly old fool” sighed Ianto, leaning forward to kiss Jack softly. Breaking the kiss, Ianto rested his forehead against Jack’s and said fondly, “Really for someone who has seen so much, you are so naïve. Jack, I love you. I have always loved you and as far as I can state I will love you till the day I die,”

He linked his hand with Jack’s and brought their linked hands to rest on his heart. Pressing them against his chest, Ianto gazed into Jack’s eyes and said softly, ”Feel this – this beats for you, Jack, and you alone." He lent forward and gave Jack one of the most erotic kisses Jack had ever known.

After what seemed an age, Ianto slowly broke the kiss and pulling away he stood, smiling indulgently at Jack, and asked, “You done be foolish?”

When Jack glanced up in surprise at him, Ianto said, ”Come on, we have a guest who dying to hear how you seduced me into your bed – and I thought you could tell her better than I can.” He paused then giving Jack a very cheeky grin chuckled, “After all, I was concussed at the time and barely able to stand and you took such advantage of me…” he gave Jack a wink then ran out of the bathroom before Jack could catch him.

*************************

Martha look up in surprise as she saw Ianto barrel thought the bathroom door laughing his head off followed by an irate Jack, who was yelling “… I did not take advantage of you! You were a willing partner, you little sod!”

“Now, now Jack,” giggled Ianto from the bedroom door, "Be a good lover, sit down and entrain our guest”

“Why? What are you doing?" called Jack, sinking down beside a confused Martha

“Never you mind,” floated back the muffled replied, "Just sit there and entertain Martha.”

Jack turned and gave Martha a grin

“All fixed?” she asked taking sip of her wine.

“Yeah,” replied Jack. He took the offered glass and leaning back said “You bring out the worst in him” he gave her a grin,” And I like it.” He lent across and gave her a peck on the cheek.

Martha pursed her lips and said, ”I’m still annoyed at you,” Jack gave her such large puppy eyes she couldn’t help but laugh. She sighed as he lent into her, snuggling down into her embrace. Martha lent her arm over his shoulder and said, “You two really are in love, aren’t you?”

Jack didn’t look at her. Instead he stared at the bedroom door and said softly “Yeah we are.”

Slowly they started chatting about everything and nothing, every now and then sinking into companionable silence. After ten minutes, Jack sat up and gazing longingly at the bedroom door, called, “Ianto!”

When there as no answer, Jack stood and was just setting his glass down when he heard Martha’s gasp of amazement. Looking up, Jack nearly fell over. Ianto stood in the doorway to their bedroom dressed in the U.N.I.T. outfit Martha had sent then a few months before. It never ceased to made Jack how good Ianto looked in the uniform.

Martha just started then stammered, “Oh my god – you look so hot in that!”

Ianto kept a straight face and snapped to perfect parade attention barking, “Private Jones reporting for service, Ma’am!”

Jack could only stare open mouthed as Ianto then turned and holding Jack’s gaze, said in the most erotic voice Jack had ever heard, “Awaiting further orders – Sir”

The flat was silent.