Chapter Text
After an agonisingly long flight that stopped in Amsterdam and Calgary, Fish finally stepped off the plane in Vancouver. He smiled politely at the attendant as he left the gate. Even though he was bursting with impatience and excitement, he walked slowly, limping a bit. His knee had grown stiff from hours of sitting on the plane. Miranda had instructed him to get up and walk every few hours, but it hadn't helped much. He followed the signs leading him through customs and immigration, easily passing through with his Torchwood credentials. He followed more signs directing him to the baggage claim area. Even though it was his first holiday since joining Torchwood, he felt a bit guilty as he walked along.
Fish had monitored the rift predictor program carefully over the past few months, trying to time his trip for when the rift would be quiet. He'd pushed off the date twice, but Miranda and Jack had dragged him aside one day. They'd pronounced him unbearable and told him that if he didn't get his arse to Vancouver, they'd toss him into the rift. So Fish had scheduled his flight regardless of what the rift predictor had said and tried to keep it short. He'd be here barely a week. He'd timed it so it would coincide with the opening reception of Henry's art show. It was too early to catch Henry's mid-June birthday, but it was close enough to have a go at celebrating anyway.
Impatiently, he tapped his foot, watching random luggage as it passed him on the carousel. Finally, he spotted his large black case and heaved it up, grateful the airline hadn't lost it. Henry's extremely hard to select birthday present was inside. It was immediately followed by his garment bag. He shouldered the bag and wheeled his case out of the baggage area, his heart beginning to pound in his chest. The motion sensor glass doors opened and Fish stepped through, scanning the small crowd for Henry. It had been over two months since they’d seen each other.
"Joe!" Henry cried as he bolted into the walkway.
"Henry!" Fish shouted. He waved his arm and started wheeling his case towards him.
Henry collided with him, wrapping his arms around his lover and spinning him so hard that his feet lifted off the ground. Fish dropped the garment bag and the two of them kissed deep and long. He tightened his arms around Henry, burying his face in his lover's shoulder and fighting back tears of joy and relief.
"I missed you so much," Fish said. His unsteady voice was muffled by Henry's jacket. He could barely breath Henry was hugging him so tightly.
"I missed you too. I love you," Henry said. The immortal man's face was buried in Fish's neck.
"Love you too. I love you so much," Fish said, letting out a small dry sob.
The two men stood there, clinging to each other. An inpatient throat clear behind them interrupted the joyous reunion. They turned simultaneously to see a rather stern looking woman glaring at them.
"My apologies, ma'am," Henry said with a crooked smile. They assumed the reason for her annoyance was their blocking the passage of other travelers. He shifted Fish and himself out of her way and bent down for the handle of Fish's case. Fish also knelt to pick up the dropped garment bag. When Henry stood up, he stared into Fish's hazel eyes, ran his hand down his cheek and kissed him one more time. The annoyed woman clicked her tongue at them.
Fish narrowed his eyes at her, realising the true reason for her displeasure. Out of the corner of his eye, Fish could see other people staring at them. This was his first same sex relationship and while it had been going on for over two months, most of it had been conducted privately. Fish had seen the stares and insults occasionally hurled at Jack and Ianto in public. Now the narrow-mindedness was directed at him and Henry and he hated it just as much.
"You want to say something, say it," he challenged.
The woman looked shocked at having been confronted and Henry steered Fish away.
"Ignore her, Joe," he said softly. "Let's get you home. I'm not parked far."
Fish took a deep breath and turned his attention back to Henry. Henry was the reason he was here. He shrugged off the woman and her continued glare. With his arm around Henry, they stepped out of the airport. A light rain was falling. They walked towards Henry's car and loaded his case into the boot. Fish laid his garment bag across the back seat.
"I'm sorry about back there," he said as he got into the passenger seat. He shook the rain water from his hair.
"Don't apologise, Joe," Henry said, starting the car. He started to drive out of the airport and reached for Fish's hand. "I understand that this is not something to which you are accustomed."
"I know I shouldn't let it get to me. You're used to things being so much worse," Fish said, shaking his head.
“Just because we won't be executed or jailed doesn't make the prejudice any easier," Henry said.
Fish brought Henry's hand to his lips, kissing the back. He took another deep breath, trying to shake off the negativity. Things were getting off on the wrong foot.
"Feels like Cardiff, the rain," Fish chuckled.
Henry smiled. "There wasn't any rain in the forecast. I'm pleased your flight wasn't delayed. How was it, Joe?"
"Bloody long," Fish said with a sigh. "Cramped fucking seats…"
Henry said, "I told you I could upgrade your ticket-"
"Yes, and I said no, I should have listened to you," Fish conceded.
It had been a small argument before the trip. Henry had wanted to pay for a first class ticket because of his lover's troublesome knee. Fish had insisting on paying for the entire flight himself. It was one of the reasons he was arriving on a damp Tuesday night, the ticket price had been significantly less. The moment he'd walked passed the first class compartment, he'd wished he'd allowed his lover to spoil him. Henry lifted Fish's hand and brushed his lips across the knuckles, barely touching them.
"I'm just glad you're finally here," he said, his breath warm on Fish's hand.
Fish felt his breath hitch in his throat. Henry had this uncanny ability to make him exist in the moment. The annoying woman and the stares were forgotten. The ache in his knee was forgotten. He squeezed Henry's hand, a genuine smile breaking out on his face.
"I can't tell you how happy I am to see you," Fish said, his voice unsteady.
Henry squeezed Fish's hand. "Me too."
"I've never been to Canada,” Fish said as he looked out passenger window which was now on the other side of the car. He'd gotten used to the right drive cars of the UK and felt a bit like he was sitting on the wrong side. It was nearly midnight and the city was lit in an orange glow. In the dim light, Fish could see Henry's eyes sparkling. Fish dipped his head to look out the windscreen at the city. He swiveled his head, his eyes landing on Henry's neck. The street lights almost made the skin glow, casting a shadow along the hollow of Henry's throat. Fish felt his heart beat a little faster as desire started to well up in his belly.
"I'll take you on a tour. Vancouver is a beautiful city," Henry said. "I live down by the water."
"Why did you decide to move here?" Fish asked, trying to distract himself with small talk.
"It was a random decision. I'd never lived in Canada before," Henry said with a shrug. Henry's thumb swirled along the back of Fish's hand and Fish swallowed as his throat went dry.
"Where were you living in America?" Fish asked, still trying to distract himself.
"New York," Henry said, smiling. He let go of Fish's hand and rested his hand on Fish's knee.
Drive faster… Fish shifted in his seat, taking advantage of a moment when Henry looked over his shoulder to check his blind spot to adjust himself in his jeans. "Were you there for university? You said you went to the School of Visual Arts."
"I went there in the sixties," Henry said. He turned a corner and changed lanes. "I left New York in the early nineties. Here we are, Joe."
Fish leaned close to the window, looking up at the modern high rise. It slipped away from view as Henry pulled into the underground car park. He parked in his assigned space and got out. H heaved Fish's case from the boot and Fish slid his garment bag out from the back seat. Hand in hand, they walked to the lift. Fish raised an eyebrow as Henry inserted a key next to the lift button for the top floor. He turned the key and pressed the button. Fish snaked his arm around Henry's waist. He hooked his thumb into the waistband of Henry's jeans, tugging him close.
"The penthouse? Very posh, Henry," Fish chided. "What's the key for?"
"Security purposes," Henry said. "There are only two apartments on the top floor. Mine and my neighbor. He is some sort of television actor. The apartment is vacant right now. I believe he and his family only return to the city for filming."
"What show?" Fish asked.
"I don't know, not something I watch," Henry said with a shrug. "He told me the name once but I don't remember."
Fish only nodded. He looked up when the lift opened, surprised. There was no hallway, only a small vestibule with two doors. Henry unlocked the door to their right and led Fish inside.
"Make yourself at home, Joe," Henry said as he tossed his keys onto the kitchen counter. He flipped on all the lights.
Fish's jaw dropped at the beautiful view. Through the floor to ceiling windows, he could see the harbor. The moon and the street lights were sparkling across the water. The apartment itself was quite large with an open floor plan. Fish's entire flat could’ve fit inside the lounge alone. The furniture was of a modern, trendy style that surprised Fish. There were several paintings on the walls. The apartment seemed devoid of any other personal touches. There were no photographs or mementos and Fish realised Henry probably had to censor what he displayed.
Henry came up behind him, his arms encircling his waist and his body pressed into his back. He kissed along the back of Fish's neck and down onto his shoulder, pulling aside the collar of Fish's shirt to reach the skin. Fish felt his knees threaten to give way as Henry latched his mouth on the crook of his neck. He swirled his tongue over the skin, sucking gently. Fish's eyes slid closed and he couldn't help the moan that escaped his lips. He was amazed they'd managed to wait this long. He'd wanted to pounce on Henry from the moment he'd seen him. The anticipation had built up the entire drive to the apartment. In the lift up, Fish had wanted nothing more than to sink to his knees in front of his lover but he'd held back, waiting for privacy.
"Are you tired, Joe?" he asked, his voice low.
"Completely knackered but never for you," he said eagerly.
Fish whirled around and kissed Henry deeply, pressing the other man into him. Henry broke their kiss only to tear off his coat and rip his jumper up over his head. He dropped both pieces of clothing unceremoniously to the floor.
"Bedroom?" Fish asked. He removed his own shirt, tossing it on the growing pile of clothing.
“Too far," Henry said urgently.
He dragged Fish towards the sofa and pinned him to it. Fish screamed as Henry latched his mouth on his nipple, sucking hard and swirling his tongue again. Henry pressed the palm of his hand into Fish's erection straining against his jeans and Fish let out a low moan.
"Yeah, too far," Fish laughed as he dragged Henry up for another kiss and so he could attack Henry's belt.
Henry undid Fish's jeans and sat up, practically ripping them from Fish's body. He pushed his own trousers and pants down to his ankles and then kicked them away as he dove back down onto the sofa.
"You know a naked man wearing socks is never sexy," Fish joked.
"You could be doing better things with your mouth than talking," Henry scolded with a laugh. He yanked off the socks and then leaned in for a kiss, pressing his hips into Fish's, their erections sliding together.
Fish threw his head back and shouted at the jolt of pleasure shot through his spine. Henry continued to thrust against him, sliding their erections together. He slid his hands down Henry's sides, digging his fingers into the other man's arse to pull him into him faster and harder.
"Oh God, you feel so good…" Fish said, hoarsely.
"Joe… I love you…” Henry whispered into his ear.
“I love you too.” Fish reached up and twined his fingers with Henry's. He brought their joined hands down between them, wrapping them around their erections. The two men thrust into the channel created by their hands. Fish moved his hips in time with Henry's and each movement sent shocks up his spine as he felt his whole body begin to tremble.
"Fuck… yes… Oh God…" Fish whispered on a husky voice.
Henry wrapped his free hand around Fish's neck, the two men kissing deeply.
"I love you, Joe," Henry whispered into his mouth.
"I love you too," Fish replied and then threw his head back and moaned. "Oh God… I missed this… missed you…”
Henry buried his face in Fish's neck, sucking a mark up on his shoulder. The two men sped their movements. Over two months of pent up sexual frustration was finally being released and this was going to be over very quickly. Henry's moans grew louder and his rhythm erratic. Fish could feel the muscles of Henry's thighs trembling against his.
"Joe… I'm… I can't…" Henry said, leaning his forehead against Fish's.
"Me too… oh God…" Fish said, his eyes sliding closed. "Oh! Oh, fuck, Henry! I'm…! FUCK!"
"JOE!" Henry screamed.
Simultaneously the two men roared out their completion, their cocks both spurting, wildly sending ropes of hot come up across their bellies and chests. One of the spurts from Henry's cock arched high enough to land on Fish's mouth and chin, the rest smearing and combining with Fish's.
Trembling, Henry let go of their wilting erections and gripped Fish's, gently stroking him, smiling as each movement of his hand made Fish convulse. Fish mimicked him, pleased to elicit the same reaction from Henry. He licked his lips, tasting the come on his face and breathing in the scent of Henry and sex. With a smile, Henry reached up, wiping the come away from Fish's chin with his finger. Before Henry had a chance to move his hand, Fish dipped his head forward, capturing the finger in his mouth, sucking hard and swirling his tongue around the digit. Henry's eyes darkened. He let out a low groan and shivered then yanked his finger from Fish's mouth to kiss the other man deeply. When the kiss broke, they clung to each other.
Fish felt tears prickling his eyes. Now that Henry was finally in his arms, he was realising how much of his heart had been missing. Now, laying in Henry's arms, he felt like he was healing. He buried his face in the crook of Henry's neck, unable to stop the tears leaking from his eyes.
"I've missed you so much," Fish said, unsteady. He stamped back the sadness that he was only here for a short while and then he would be without Henry again.
“And I you, Joe. I’m so glad you’re here,” Henry said. He pushed between Fish and the sofa, encircling him completely. He squeezed hard and buried his own face into Fish's neck. After a few minutes, Henry let go of Fish and lifted his head. "Let's get cleaned up. I know it's late and you must be exhausted."
"I'm starved too," Fish said. "My lay overs were short. All I've had is a few packets of peanuts and some crisps."
"Let's get you something more substantial and into bed, love," Henry said as he got up off the sofa. He walked towards the kitchen. Fish heard the sound of the tap and the paper towel roll.
Fish turned his head to the side and his eyes went wide. They hadn't closed the blinds. "I guess we put a show on for anyone with a pair of binoculars."
Henry chuckled, “Or a camera phone. Perhaps it will end up on PornHub.”
"Oi!" Fish said. "Don't even joke!"