Author's Notes: So, here we have the next part (and I wish I could tell you that updates will be more frequent, but my Star Wars muses recently started talking to me again, and for all his politeness and general civility, Obi-Wan Kenobi will not be ignored). In addition, the last few weeks at work have been exhausting (as in sapping most of my creativity exhausting). But hey, I'll take whatever writing I can get! Here we have plans going forward for the picnic and reactions all around. And yes, for some oddball reason, I can see the Master/Koschei playing Assassin's Creed, and then getting very put-out when he finds himself liking the Assassins, even though he thinks he should prefer the Templars. So, in this chapter, we have first contact between Ianto and Sophia; later, Jack and Ianto catch up; followed by Ianto reflecting on what's to come. So yeah, an Ianto-heavy chapter this time around. Chapter title comes from Ianto's musings about Jack (yeah, he's pretty exasperated with Jack at the moment, but in an affectionate sort of way).
Chapter Two
Beloved Immortal Idiot
Tregarth Homestead, Oklahoma
Nine Days Later
A little over a week after she first issued the picnic invitations, Sophia's cell phone rang. She was in the process of cutting out a pattern, an outfit for her unborn grandchild. Oh, she knew that she could go to just about any department store or Wal-Mart, but she always loved sewing, and her middle daughter found some absolutely precious patterns at Amazon. It seemed to Sophia that just like Priscilla, Octavia was struggling with the idea that their baby sister was pregnant (again) … but where Priscilla was lamenting with where the time had gone, Octavia couldn't stop thinking about Sophia's years in the coma, both before and Natalie's birth. Add to that, the facts that a) Natalie was only a few years older than Sophia was when the 456 showed their ugly faces and b) Octavia couldn't give her young husband children … well, Sophia couldn't help but think that her Tavie was living vicariously through her little sister. If Natalie was aware of it, she never let on, and while living your life through someone else wasn't a good idea, Sophia couldn't bring herself to chastise her middle child in this case.
She sat at her sewing machine, pins stuck in her mouth as she carefully lined up the pattern with the fabric. As a young girl, she'd hated sewing and other such 'feminine' arts … as a grown woman, she came to appreciate the skill, and the way it could settle her mind, especially since … especially since Carlyon's death. Sophia pushed the grief back forcibly; she would never stop missing her husband, but he would have never forgiven her for putting her grief before the good of their children. And since he wasn't here to do it, she would spoil their grandchildren in his place … among other things. That was what she was doing now.
Since Natalie was nearly forty, she'd had all the tests done, and she knew that she was having a boy. A grandson for her to spoil … she'd spoiled Ailsa and Jocelyn as much as she could, but she never had the chance to spoil Lucas or Jason. A bit wryly, Sophia decided that Tavie wasn't the only one who was living vicariously, although she was doing it a bit differently. She'd tried to make up for the years she lost with Natalie through Natalie's daughters … and now she was trying to make up for the years she lost with Jason and Lucas through Natalie's son.
Her cell rang (and she was going to strangle Adriane for changing her ringtone again), and Sophia hastily placed the last pin before answering, "This is Sophia Tregarth." She gave the pattern and fabric a once-over, growing more and more pleased with the way it was looking. Natalie had told her that after much back-and-forth, she and Lucas had chosen the baby's name. It wasn't easy, her youngest admitted, because there were so many to honor, we could have never attempted it … so he's going to have a name all his own. She'd paused, and then asked almost shyly, Do you think that will upset anyone?
Sophia immediately reassured her daughter that it would not (and if it did, the offended could get stuffed). And all thoughts of her unborn grandson were forced out of her mind when a soft, Welsh-accented voice said, "Mrs. Tregarth, this is Ianto Jones from Safe Haven … we received the kind invitation you offered to your picnic. I am … I'm calling to accept it." Oh. Oh, that was somewhat unexpected, although maybe it shouldn't have been. What did surprise her was the delight she felt when she heard the familiar cadence of the Welsh accent.
"I am very glad to hear that, Mr. Jones. It's time, and long past time, for our teams to meet up … especially since, when all is said and done, we're one family," Sophia replied. She paused, thinking of what her long-time friend had told her about his young lover (who wasn't her granddaughter), before mentally saying 'to hell with it,' and added, "And call me 'Sophia.' We're both Torchwood operatives and we both love Jack Harkness." That surprised a laugh out of her phone companion, although she wasn't entirely sure why.
However, there was no questioning the warmth in Ianto Jones' voice as he replied, "Then you must call me 'Ianto,' Sophia. And you are quite right … by virtue of those two facts, we're part of a larger family." Sophia grinned to herself … excellent. He figured it out on his own. The young man continued, "The entire staff of Safe Haven will be coming: myself, Toshiko Sato, Rhys Williams … and Suzie Costello Williams." In spite of herself, Sophia stiffened. She had no issue with Rhys. They spoke on the phone quite often, and Skyped so Rhys could see his … could see their baby girl. But she had nearly as many issues with Rhys' second wife as she did with his first. Ianto must have realized this, for he added gently, "Suzie poses no threat to your daughter, Sophia. In fact, she is Natalie's fiercest defender, aside from perhaps you."
That was all well and good, and she knew from her recent conversations with Rassilon that Suzie regretted taking over Natalie's body to save Jack. She also knew that Suzie had become as protective of Nat as her own mother and sisters were. But … that didn't mean she trusted the other woman. She didn't, and likely never would. Natalie and Jack had both forgiven Suzie Costello Williams, and Sophia respected that. But trust wasn't the same as forgiveness.
She was also wise enough to realize that the young man on the other end of the line most likely loved Suzie as a sister, and so she changed the subject, "So, you and the rest of your team will be coming. I'm still waiting for word from the Avengers, but I think it's likely they'll be joining us as well. Now. I'm still planning the menu, so is there any dietary issues I need to be aware of?" Even after all these years, she still hadn't forgotten the disaster that ensued when her father's assistant planned an embassy dinner, rather than her mother. Wina was a bad-ass when it came to the administrative side of their job (and when it came to handling weapons) … but ask her to plan a formal dinner, and that was just asking for trouble.
"We're Torchwood, Sophia … we've eaten whatever happened to be available. We're all fine. But … speaking of the Avengers, there is something you need to be aware of. Bucky Barnes … he's been staying with us since the fall of the Triskelion … and he'll be coming with us for the picnic," Ianto Jones answered slowly. Bu … oh. Oh. Well. That would certainly make things more interesting. But Ianto Jones went on, "Bucky thinks he remembers killing Howard Stark while he was the Winter Soldier. Just … broken images, but I thought you should know, especially if Tony Stark shows up."
Yes … yes, Sophia saw his point. She replied, "I see. Well, while we're on the subject of things you should know … my youngest is pregnant. Her husband, due to certain events that occurred before they were married, is venomously protective of her. And he's become even more protective of her since learning of her pregnancy." There was a barely stifled snort on the other end of the line, and Sophia shook her head, adding, "Then again, you knew about that … you were on the helicarrier when she and Lucas learned about the baby."
"I was. And … and Jack told me about the incident in question," Ianto replied. Incident in question. Such an innocent term for her little girl's high school best friend trying to kill her. Ianto went on, his voice impossibly dry, "Officer North will find it very difficult to restrain Suzie if she ever lays eyes on Quinn Marshall. I suspect Rhys will be right behind her. Watching her clutch at her throat as she collapsed because Natalie's terror overwhelmed Suzie's shields isn't something he's ever forgotten, or forgiven." Hmm. Interesting.
However, as she often did when referencing the attack against her baby, Sophia left that alone, asking instead, "What about transportation? Do you have a way to get here?" Too late, she remembered that Safe Haven was Colasanto territory, which meant they had access not only to Colasanto Air, but also to the Avengers' aircraft. Not to mention, Rassilon had his own method of transportation. However, she wasn't sure if Rassilon would be coming (Ianto hadn't named him, but that meant less than nothing, especially if Rassilon was in a mood to spoil their mutual granddaughter) and thus, she wouldn't take back her inquiry. After all, her Angel's father would be coming with them, and she wanted him to be safe. She wanted them all to be safe.
Ianto answered, "Artie Pagonis is flying us down … up … over. From Nevada to Oklahoma, so we're fine there. Are you sure you have enough room for us to stay at the house? Tosh tells me it's rather large, but …" Tosh? Oh. Right. Of course. Toshiko Sato was a ghost in her home once … at the same time she and Carlyon learned that their eldest granddaughter Juliana hadn't died when she was born, but in fact grew up as Esther Drummond. Why had she forgotten that? Was it because she was focused on helping her eldest daughter deal with her rage that she'd lost so many years of her own child's life? She should have remembered that, because unlike Suzie Costello Williams, Toshiko Sato asked Natalie's permission before taking over her body to say good-bye to Jack and to Owen.
And she still hadn't answered Ianto's question, replying, "If there's not room at the main house, there's the bunkhouse and the stone stables. It's fine, I promise … I just have to remember not to put Steve Rogers in the room beside my middle daughter and her husband." She wasn't even sure if putting the Super Soldier in the room beside Lucas and Natalie was a wise idea. There was a slight cough on the other end of the line, and Sophia just knew that Ianto Jones was blushing. Of course he knew, he knew exactly what Octavia and Rex would be doing that Steve didn't need to be hearing. After a moment, the corners of her mouth quirked. What the hell. In for a penny, in for a pound. She added, "I suppose putting him beside Jack's room is out of the question as well. I'm sure the two of you will be very busy."
A snicker alerted her to the newcomer in her sewing room, and she looked up to see Jack smirking at her. She rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue at her old friend, before adding to the still-silent Ianto, "And speaking of Jack, here he is now. I'll let the two of you … work things out." She handed her cell phone to Jack, shooing him out of her sewing room so she could finish this onesie for Logan. That was the name Lucas and Natalie had chosen for their son … Logan Tierney North. A beautiful name for a beautiful little boy.
TWTWTWTWTWTWTW
"Hey, tiger pants."
He couldn't resist resurrecting that old nickname, if only to see Sophia look up from her sewing and roll her eyes at him as if to say, 'really, Jack?' and hear Ianto's exasperated, "Seriously, you're going to bring that up again? Do I want to know what kinds of nicknames you have for Esther?" Jack grinned, winking at Sophia as he left the room. It wasn't just the familiar exasperation that he could still provoke in Ianto … it was the easy way he said Esther's name, no hesitation or jealousy. It gave Jack hope they could work things out between the three of them. How and what, he wasn't sure, but … maybe something.
"Well, I could tell you, but I don't want to run the risk of little ears hearing," Jack retorted, laughing a little at Ianto's groan. Well, he didn't … and there were plenty of little ears to hear. Steven, Ailsa, his own little Jocelyn. And that wasn't taking into account Angel … or rather, Anwen. Mentally, he knew that the cute little baggage who scampered after his grandson was Gwen's daughter. In his heart … well, that was a whole different story. He didn't see Gwen when he looked at the toddler. He saw Angel.
And speaking of little ears … a familiar, piping voice exclaimed, "Da!" Right before a small, but sturdy, body ran right into his shins. Grinning, Jack swept his baby girl up into her arms, settling her against his chest as he added, "And I've one of those little ears in my arms right now … or rather, the little body attached to those little ears … my little girl, Miss Jocelyn Caroline Harkness. Jocelyn, honey, this is Yan. You'll be meeting him soon." There was a soft inhale from the other man.
"Yan? Yanni? Yan, Yan, Yan!" Jocelyn exclaimed excitedly and began babbling away. Jack grinned, hearing Ianto laugh on the other end of the line and respond to her babble in Welsh (which delighted Jocelyn to no end). He'd purposely chosen to 'introduce' Ianto to Jocelyn as 'Yan,' knowing it would be easier for her to manage. No doubt Ianto would make Jack pay for it, but it was worth it. Jocelyn was worth it. As Jack wandered back to the stairway that would take him to the attached Hub, he caught sight of Natalie in the living room sitting in her favorite recliner while Lucas fussed over her. He bit back a smile at Natalie's bemused expression. Relatively speaking, she and Lucas were still newlyweds, and the liaison between MI-5 and Torchwood took great pleasure in spoiling his wife. He swung Jocelyn into her step-father's arms, kissing her cheek as he did and ruffling Natalie's hair.
Natalie raised the pillow beside her threateningly and Jack escaped the living room, laughing as he did. He told Ianto, "I'm back … had to get Jocelyn to Natalie and Lucas. Now, where were we?" He was rewarded with an actual snicker, and Jack smirked as he lightly raced down the steps. Fortunately, he wasn't greeted with the sight of Owen and Adriane making out on the surgical table, the way he was less than a week earlier. That by itself wouldn't have been so bad, but Rex was with him and he'd annoyed Owen ever since with comments.
"Is that a rhetorical question, Jack?" Ianto teased, before continuing, "She's darling. And obviously has you wrapped around her little pinky finger. How is she now, one or two? Eighteen months? Okay, I was close. Sophia told me that Natalie is pregnant again, something I already knew, thanks to Suzie … although I didn't think telling Sophia that would be a particularly bright idea. Oh, just so you know … Rhys is coming with us, as is Suzie. Not sure about your tad yet, although it wouldn't surprise me. He's been saving up quite a few things for Jocelyn and Steven both. How's he doing, by the way?"
Jack sighed … it was a fair question, but not so easy to answer. His grandson had been through hell during the last few years between the arrival of the 456, being separated from his mother and Jack and then eventually reunited with them … only to lose his mother only months later. He said as much to Ianto, adding, "Incredibly, he doesn't hate me. Still loves me, still calls me 'Uncle Jack.' He seems to take the most comfort in the other kids, especially Angel. I know now that she's Anwen, but I spent several years thinking of her as Angel." And the four year old didn't hesitate to correct anyone who called her 'Anwen.' To the people who had raised her for the last several years, she was Angel, and she always would be. To Rhys, to her tad, she was Anwen. She actually told Jack that once after she'd finished a Skype session with her father, 'Taddy can call me 'Anwen.' Ever'body else gotta call me Angel." Okay. Fair enough. And then she hugged Jack's knees, saying, 'Night, Uncle Jack' and sped off into Octavia's arms.
"Not so incredibly … Rassilon told me that he explained a few things to Steven when he retrieved him from Ashildr's care. And Angel … it's a good name for her. Your daughter named her well when she was placed in Alice's care. And I know Rhys is looking forward to seeing her. Do you think it will confuse her, having two tads?" Ianto asked and Jack shook his head, even though Ianto couldn't see him (nor could he hear the rocks in Jack's head rattle, a comment Rex made on more than one occasion). He and Ianto didn't usually talk about Carlyon Tregarth or what he'd done to return Steven to his family, so Yan had no way of knowing this.
"No … oh, Carlyon absolutely doted on Angel, but Rhys is the only father she's ever known. Carlyon … he was never able to get down on the floor and play with her, and near the end, he couldn't hold her, either. Rhys is her only father, her only tad. And that's the way it should be."
There was silence as Ianto processed that, and finally, he asked light-heartedly, "So tell me more about her relationship with Steven, since you mentioned that he likes being around her. Are we talking childhood sweethearts here?" It was Jack's turn to roll his eyes, but he indulged Ianto with stories about his grandson and Gwen's daughter. Not just to make Ianto laugh (although that was part of it), but because watching the two children made Jack smile.
TWTWTWTWTWTW
Safe Haven, Nevada
He talked to Jack for the better part of an hour, sitting in Rassilon's chair, feet propped up on Rassilon's desk, getting important details for the picnic (including telling Jack that Bucky Barnes would be coming with them if he had to drag the Winter Soldier's arse onto the plane himself). The Time Lord in question passed by his office twice, rolling his eyes as he noticed the Welshman's position (to say nothing of his mischievous grin during certain parts of his conversation with Jack). Jack's father did not, however, do anything about it. Then again, the last time he did, he evidently forgot that Ianto figured out what he was buying for Jocelyn for her second birthday. Here was a hint: the biggest, most expensive playhouse he could find. He was taking the 'indulgent grandfather' role to heart in a big way … which would no doubt be accompanying them to Oklahoma. Then again, he never had the chance to spoil his son, any of his grandchildren or great-grandchildren before, so Ianto supposed he really couldn't blame him. That didn't stop him from telling Jack about it at his first opportunity.
And after talking to the little girl, however briefly, Ianto looked forward to seeing Jocelyn's reaction to her new house, courtesy of the grandfather she'd never met. Her mother's reaction was another story entirely. Jack seemed to think that Natalie Tregarth North would be torn between amusement and stunned belief. Ianto had no reason not to believe he wasn't entirely correct. He knew her better, after all … and unlike Suzie and Tosh, was happy to share stories about their landlady and the mother of his youngest child. Ianto was slowly putting together a picture of Jocelyn's mother, as well as the rest of her family. However, out of respect for Suzie and Tosh, he would also go into this with an open mind.
And, it was time to wrap up his conversation with Jack … Suzie'd just sent him a text, asking him when the last time he'd seen Koschei. While the erstwhile Master was largely reformed, he did like to cause trouble and it was best to keep an eye on him. The last time someone went more than a few hours without checking on him, he'd caused a bit of trouble in town (fine, he nearly started a Western United States version of the Hatfield-McCoy feud). Ianto told his lover as much, sighing, "If I'm very, very lucky, he'll be playing Assassin's Creed with Eleanor and whining about how it isn't fair that he likes the Assassins, when he should like the Templars."
That was if he was very lucky. Jack snickered, "Jason and Lucky introduced Steve Rogers to those games. Then Steve turned around and said something about how Edward Kenway reminded him a bit of me. Still not sure if that was a compliment or an insult, since Ailsa has a bit of a crush on him." Truthfully, Ianto wasn't sure either, nor was he sure if a nine year old girl had any business playing those games. Then again, she wasn't his daughter, so it was none of his business. Jack added, "She's not allowed to play the games, but she does watch things on YouTube. Usually over the shoulder of one of her cousins, assuming she's not caught." Ah. That explained things. Somewhat. Jack's voice softened as he went on, "Love you, Yan."
Ianto swallowed hard. Jack never ended a conversation these days without telling him that he loved him, as if to make up for being unable to say the words in Thames House. He didn't have to … Ianto knew that Jack loved him. He knew that responding in kind would have meant saying good-bye and he just couldn't do that. Not yet. He understood …but Jack was still struggling to forgive himself for so many things. So, instead of telling his beloved immortal idiot once more that it wasn't his fault, Ianto answered hoarsely, "As I love you."
He hung up the phone and sat back in Rassilon's chair, staring at the bookshelf in front of him without really seeing it. They were doing the right thing by going to Oklahoma, he knew that. It was time and long past time for Rhys to see his baby girl (who was now a toddler). It was time and long past time for Ianto to meet Esther Drummond and, if nothing else, thank her for what she'd done for Jack. More than that, he would have to wait to find out. He knew from his conversations with Suzie (who knew by way of her bond with Esther's aunt) that Esther was open to the idea of … well, more. She was willing to open her circle of herself and Jack to Ianto. He had only to decide if he was willing to open his circle of himself and Jack to her.
But that meeting was yet to take place. With a sigh, Ianto pushed himself to his feet and wandered to the study, where he found Eleanor and Koschei playing video games. Not Assassin's Creed, for which he was thoroughly grateful. He enjoyed playing the games, but only if Koschei wasn't around. Playing against Bucky (or Nebula) was fun. Eleanor looked up and smiled at him knowingly. Ianto ignored her, saying, "I just got off the phone with Jack about the picnic. Eleanor, have you decided if you're coming?"
"Of course. I need to reassure Dite that AngelAnwen is doing wonderfully and that Natalie Tregarth has made a full recovery. Hush you … I know full well that she's married now, but she was Natalie Tregarth when Dite met her, and that's how she'll always think of her," Eleanor said. This last sentence was directed at Koschei, who opened his mouth to chastise his game-partner. He closed his mouth with a snap, glaring at Eleanor. And true to form, this disturbed her not at all, as she added, "Besides, I'm sure I'll be needed."
"I won't be. I suspect Jack might want to rearrange my face … and even if Jack doesn't, Lucas North likely will. That's not taking into account what the various Ladies Tregarth might do to me," Koschei added promptly. Ianto smirked at that … well, yes, that was to be expected … and Koschei scowled. Ianto thought briefly about reminding the younger Time Lord what Francine Jones had done to him the one time he had shown his face anywhere near Jack or the Tregarths, and decided against it. Koschei had already decided against going … if Ianto pushed any further, he might decide to be contrary and go just to annoy Ianto.
"I think that's very likely. Besides, someone should stay here with Olivia," Eleanor observed with a wicked grin. Not surprisingly, Koschei brightened up at that. Ianto shook his head. There were times when he was just too predictable … and for the former Master, Olivia-baiting was a sport that just never got old. Eleanor went on, "Go see to your sisters, young Master Jones. I know Suzie is worried about this picnic … you might want to alleviate her mind as much as you are able." Ah, and that was the question, wasn't it … could he set her mind at ease? Not really, but he could tell her that Sophia Tregarth hadn't forbidden her presence. That, at least, was a start.
TBC
Additional notes: Yes … at this point, Jack is aware that Angel is also Anwen. No, he doesn't see her any differently … and he's still refusing to tell me how he found out, just that he learned about it after Alice's death. Also, I have just completely wiped out most of the storyline of Captain America: Civil War. No, I won't apologize for it. That isn't to say things will be okay between Bucky and Tony. Not even remotely. But I'm getting (even more) ahead of myself. As usual.