35
Few words were spoken as both men prepared for the evening out, but Jack was relieved to see his favorite suit brought out of the closet. A new blood red shirt made Jack's mouth go dry as the darker red tie came as well.
They also rode in silence, apart from an occasional huff or intake of breath in the dark.
Jack knew Ianto wouldn't let him open his door for him so he slowly walked around, giving Ianto time to exit the vehicle and stand waiting as he shot his cuffs.
"I love that colour on you" Jack blurted out and a raised eyebrow was the response.
Then they were led to their table and Ianto slumped.
"Come on, I'm hungry." Jack said softly, as he pushed the waiter aside to pull out his husband's chair.
Ianto sat and fussed with the napkin as Jack took his own seat, nervously ordering the wine he knew was Ianto's favorite.
Ianto tasted and nodded silently, his hands shaking as he reached for the glass.
Jack cursed himself for not seeing the signs of fatigue sooner, this was his father's death all over again. Stupid. Selfish.
As if hearing Jack's self-belittling, Ianto reached out and caught his hand, smiling for the first time.
"How on earth did you get fresh Jazmine?" he asked softly, initiating conversation.
"Frankie." Jack shrugged, indicating at the manager who was hovering nearby, watching anxiously.
"Franc, you did this?" Ianto turned to him and the compact man grinned as he rushed over, clasping the joined hands with his own and kissing them.
"Every year, this time has been a time of celebration. The anniversary of your meeting. I was so sad to hear of your loss, I was worried. I see now that I was foolish" Franc gushed.
"Thank you dear franc" Ianto smiled and Jack relaxed as he watched Ianto coming back to him.
"Ah, you are impressed by this? Wait until you see desert!" Franc giggled, then rushed off to tell his wife that all was well.
"Ianto …"
"Line! Yeah? We both feel pretty raw and both feel that things were not right. Let's just agree that it sucked and put a line under it. I know you would never hurt me. I know you love me. God, I know how much I channel Taddy at times, hearing him come out of my mouth is always a sobering moment!" Ianto huffed.
"You overheard something and I should have been up front instead of it being a secret." Jack held up a hand as Ianto's head rose, "I know. I know. No more secrets. It's a good one."
Jack reached into his pocket and removed the adoption papers, placing then on the table.
Ianto eyeballed them, then with a sigh he scooped them up and began to read.
"Oh cariad"
Too much.
Ianto wept.
To his horror, in a restaurant full of strangers Ianto howled as Jack left his chair to envelop him and protect him from other's eyes.
Several staff rushed over and formed a barrier as they all started to softly sing "I love you because" as it was one of the songs Jack had requested.
Laugher bubbled up as Ianto heard to sing and Jack pulled him to his feet, kissing away the errant tears.
Fuck the restaurant full of strangers.
Ianto laid his cheek against Jack's and they danced.