A/N: I'm sorry for the wait. I have excuses, but long story short: life has been beyond stressful. Big thanks though to everyone who has followed and favourited, and to all you loves who have left such kind reviews. I adore each one of you.
*Special thanks to Ash for listening to me complain about this one. She's the best.
Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or anything related. That all goes to the BBC.
~24 and 34~ (Part One)
"Tell me again why my presence is required?"
"Because you're my best man. Isn't that what best men do?"
Ian quirked an eyebrow at his friend Jack. The pair had met early on in their youth when Ian stayed with Jack's family in the States while on his study abroad program. It was during that time that Ian had learned of his family's tragic demise. The two boys had lost contact over time, but five years ago Jack tracked Ian down to let him know he was moving to the UK for work. Finding they had more in common now than they did before, they quickly became great mates.
"I don't think the best man typically helps choose the wedding photographer," he pointed out. "Besides, I don't think Ianto actually even needs your help choosing anything for the wedding. He seems to have it all down pat."
Jack chuckled. "That is true. But he's trying to include me, bless. Anyway, it was his suggestion that you join us today."
"Really?" Ian questioned suspiciously. "Ianto wanted my help choosing a photographer for your wedding? A photographer, I might point out, that he already knows."
"Is that so hard to believe? Yan respects your opinions."
"Jack..."
The American man finally threw his hands up. "Alright, alright. He happened to mention to me how pretty this photographer friend of his was and I just thought it couldn't hurt for you to be there."
Ian shook his head in disbelief. He turned and looked accusingly at the woman walking on his right. "Is this why you're here too? I thought Lee was at a conference this weekend and the kids were with his parents. And that's why you didn't want to be alone?"
Donna sniffed. "Lee is at a work conference, the kids are with the in-laws, and I didn't care to be alone this weekend. And if Jack happened to mention setting you up with Ianto's pretty photographer friend, so be it."
"You two are impossible! How many times do I have to say it? I'm happy! I don't need a girlfriend- or boyfriend," he added when Jack tried to interrupt. "I don't need you two trying to set me up every chance you get."
The other man conceded. "Fine, fine, but listen. You're already here. What's the harm in just meeting her? She doesn't even know about you so you don't have to worry about any awkwardness."
"And if you happen to hit it off, no harm done," Donna tagged on cheerfully, looping her arm through his.
"Here we are!" Jack announced before Ian could come up with a reply, leading them inside the quaint cafe near Cardiff Bay. "Yan's text says they're near the back."
As they made their way towards Jack's fiancé, Ian nudged his shoulder. "I can see what you mean, Jack. She's gorgeous."
"Stop it. She's probably just not here yet."
"Who's not here?" Ianto asked after rising to his feet and giving Jack a chaste kiss. One thing Ian had learned over the years was that while Jack was all about outlandish flirting and displays of affection, Ianto was the exact opposite.
"The photographer," Ian answered.
The quiet Welsh man gave his partner a knowing smile. "Actually, she is." He nodded towards the thick photo album sitting at their table. "She just went to go wash her hands. In fact, here she comes now."
"Be nice," Donna whispered in his ear as Ianto and Jack stepped around them to greet the former's friend.
Ian sighed at his cousin's warning. "I'm always nice." Behind them he heard Ianto clear his throat and turned around.
"Everyone," he started, "I'd like to introduce you to-"
"Rose," Ian finished, his heart racing. Seven years. It had been seven years since he'd last seen Rose Tyler. Unbidden memories of their last meeting flitted through his mind, their harsh words echoing in his ears. He had thought, over the years about trying to contact her, but could never build the courage to do it. He tried telling himself that if she wanted to connect, she'd contact him. The truth was he was just a coward. Every time.
Feeling himself pushed out of the way, he watched as Donna pulled their old friend into an embrace. "Oh my god! Rose!"
"Donna! Wow. Hi!" the blonde responded, though her eyes never left Ian's.
"I take it you all know each other," Jack said, watching Ian carefully.
Donna pulled back from Rose. "Know each other!? I used to babysit this girl! And now look at her. Blimey, what has it been? Six... Seven years?"
"Yeah," Rose responded with a grin. "It's, uh, it's nice to see you. It's nice to see you both!"
"Look at you!" Donna gushed before asking all the questions Ian himself wanted answers to. "Where have you been? What have you been up to? Why are you in Cardiff?"
Rose took a deep breath and smiled apologetically. "Um, maybe we can chat about all that later. It's just, I have my appointment with Ianto and Jack and I know Yan has another meeting in a bit that he needs to get to."
"Oh my god. I'm so sorry, boys!"
Ianto smiled and pulled out a chair for Rose. "Quite alright. I don't mind, though she's correct, I do have a meeting with our cake decorator in an hour."
"Great, then let's get started," Rose said, taking her offered seat. "First off, congratulations to you both."
"Thank you," Jack replied on behalf of himself and his fiancé.
"I have here an album with some weddings and events I've shot, along with a sheet listing the various packages I offer. And of course we can always customise a package that will work best for your big day."
Ian watched with unspoken pride misting his eyes as Rose conducted the meeting with his friends, going over various styles of photography. She was so... grown up. Her hair fell in natural blonde waves, just past her shoulders. Her make up was subtle, though she made an impression with her red long-sleeved shift dress. Never had he seen or imagined Rose like this. In the past seven years he had two pictures of her in his mind. One of her as a little girl, so innocent and wanting to go on adventures, and the other as the last time he saw her, broken and making poor choices. But whatever happened to her during their years apart had obviously changed her into a beautiful, smart, put together young woman. Did he mention beautiful? And grown up?
"These photos are gorgeous, Rose," Donna injected, pulling Ian out of his thoughts. "Do you work with a second photographer?"
Rose beamed under her old babysitter's praise. "Occasionally, if requested. Though I find having a second photographer is always a good idea. You get more of those special moments captured that way. It's a small fee, but a second can be added to any package. Also, no worries about booking right away. Take some time to think about it and go over your options. This is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. I've got your big day penciled in just incase."
With a nod from his fiancé, Ianto responded, "Actually, Rose, I really don't think Jack and I need anymore time. We want you to be our photographer. Your pictures are amazing and are just what we're looking for."
Looking truly humbled, she asked, "Are you sure? You don't have to choose me just because we're friends."
"Trust me," Jack told her, "that's not why we're picking you."
"Well, I would be honoured to be your photographer. Thank you." Suddenly her phone began buzzing. "I'm so sorry. Do you mind if I take this?" With Jack and Ianto's nods of approval, Rose grabbed her mobile and took a few steps away.
Ian breathed a sigh of relief. This would mean that he would for sure be seeing Rose again after this day and she wouldn't just disappear on him again.
"Sorry about that." Rose returned looking frazzled. "Something's come up and I've got to dash. Jack, it was lovely meeting you. You and Yan are a fantastic couple and I look forward to shooting your big day. Just email the contract when you decide which package you'd like to go with."
"But, I thought... I was hoping we could, you know, catch up," Ian sputtered. Afraid that if she walked away now he wouldn't see or speak to her again until the wedding.
She smiled apologetically. "Me too. Tell you what, how about we all have dinner tonight? Are you free?"
"We're free!" Donna jumped in. Jack and Ianto also confirmed their availability.
"Perfect! There's a great little restaurant down the road called Cooper's. Do you know it?" she asked as she began gathering her things.
Ianto handed her the album and said, "I can give them directions."
Rose leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "You're a gem. Sorry to rush out like this. Cooper's, six o'clock?" she questioned.
"We'll be there," Ian promised, watching her race out of the cafe. He couldn't get over the turn his day had taken. For years he had wondered about her, worried about her, agonised over the choices she'd made. He knew his Aunt Sylvia still spoke to Jackie Tyler on occasion, but the few times Donna had inquired after Rose, Sylvia would shrug and say that Jackie preferred not to talk about the situation.
Now he was about to see her again. Speak to her. Maybe now he could properly apologise for what happened the last time they saw each other. He could explain where he was coming from and why he reacted the way he did. And perhaps, she too would explain her actions. Make him see why she did what she did. And then maybe, just maybe, they could start to rebuild the friendship they once had. 'Or more,' his traitorous mind whispered. Well, that just wouldn't do. He could not be thinking about Rose like that. Not at all. He had spent years going over what Joan had said about his and Rose's relationship and had found it to be absurd. So what if anytime he'd met another woman he secretly compared her to Rose? She had a lot of admirable qualities when she wasn't running away with lousy musicians. And that train of thought had to end right there. He couldn't hold that over Rose. It had been years. She was clearly a different person now who had made a life for herself here in Cardiff as a photographer.
Though that did make him curious. Why Cardiff? Why not go home to London? And what happened to her art? True, if the album she'd shown earlier was anything to go by, she was an extremely talented photographer. But she also had a talent for drawing and painting. He wondered why she wasn't pursuing that. He sighed and rubbed his clammy palms on his trousers. Hopefully he'd get the answers to his questions soon.
"Would you calm down," Donna chastised as they walked towards Cooper's Restaurant. "Cripes, you're acting like this is a first date or something. We're just meeting Rose."
"What do you mean calm down? I'm calm. Couldn't be calmer. I'm the epitome of calm," he rambled.
She frowned. "Stop being weird. What happened in the past is just that, in the past. Rose is an adult now, not a teenager. So just relax."
Ian nodded. It was easy for Donna to say that. He hadn't shared all the details of his last meeting with Rose with anyone, instead choosing to keep their harsh words to himself. Despite all that, she was right. Rose was an adult now and there was no reason why they couldn't all sit down and have a nice conversation.
Entering the restaurant the were greeted by a burly Welsh man. "Welcome to Cooper's, I'm Rhys. How many in your party?"
"We're supposed to be meeting a few friends," Donna began.
"Ah! You're with Rosie I presume? She called just a few minutes ago and said she was meeting some people. Should've known it would be you two."
"Why's that?" Ian questioned.
The burly man grinned. "She told me to look for a tall ginger woman and a man with lots of brown hair. Really great hair were her exact words, I believe."
Ian blushed and nervously adjusted his tie. "Right then... That would be us, I guess."
"Also the other two gentlemen in your party are already here. Right this way," Rhys replied, leading them to the table Jack and Ianto were already seated at. "Rose should be here any minute. If you need anything in the meantime, just flag down one of our servers and they would be happy to help," he said before heading back to his post at the front of the restaurant.
After greeting their friends, Donna eyed the number of seats at their table. "Huh. There's two extra chairs. Was Rose bringing a date?"
Ianto blinked in surprise. "Not that I'm aware of. I assumed she was bringing-"
"Sorry I'm late," Rose interrupted, slightly out of breath as if she had run part of the way to restaurant.
"No problem! No problem at all!" Ian replied enthusiastically. He didn't realise until he actually saw her standing there how afraid he'd been that she wouldn't show up.
"And who do we have here?" Donna asked.
Ian looked at his cousin in confusion before following her gaze and seeing what, or rather who, she had been referring to. Peeking behind Rose's long red skirt was a little girl, no older than four or five, with wavy blonde hair and large brown eyes. He felt his heart stutter. It was as if he had travelled back in time. He knew those eyes. He had seen those eyes light up with laughter, fill with tears, and grow wide in wonder. But that would mean...
"It's alright, sweetheart," Rose said softly to the little girl. "Everyone, this is my daughter."
Please review xoxo