37
Ianto returned to the bridge first, his face slightly flushed and what appeared to be a bit of whisker rash. He had spoken to Jack about that and Jack returned a short time later. Freshly shaven and looking dapper with his shit eating grin turned up to the top notch. Ianto didn't even glance at him as they all settled, the crew all stealing glances with excitement as they all knew a little nookie had just been enjoyed.
"Mister Davison" Ianto said calmly, "When you are finished with the Ship-wide announcements, I have something to add."
Andy nodded as he continued his warnings and then turned to Ianto with a nod, Ianto stepping toward to the mic, "This is a ship-wide announcement on behalf of myself and the Captain. Tonight in the Mess we will be celebrating our decision to bond our families and all are invited to attend. All crew. A second small celebration will happen in the early morning in the Mess so those on duty who could not attend may still come to offer congratulations and speak with us. At these times we will not be on duty and may be approached as citizens."
The sound was slightly muted by the large bulkhead but easily identifiable as the vessel erupted with cheers and Ianto turned to Jack with a look of surprise like he didn't realise how many had been waiting for this but Jack did know and took his cue, touching the button on his chair to take the coms, "Thank you to all who have helped, cajoled and pushed. Stop the clock, the book is closed. The winner of the poll may dine at our table tonight."
"Poll?"
"Yes there is a poll going on when we were going to finally declare. Some were quite mean in their estimations of how long you were going to make me beg" Jack pouted, "As if. I mean …. I would get on your nerves sooner or later and you would have given in for peace, right?"
"Yes captain, this is purely so you will stop begging. So unseemly for a grown man to beg like that" Ianto said drolly and laugher echoed as Jack grinned as he pointed at the red button glowing to remind Ianto that the mic was still on.
"Thank you Ianto" Jack said softly and Ianto bowed, allowing for one rule to be broken as he replied.
"And thank you Jax."
They entered the Mess later to cheers and clapping as the celebrations began and Jack was nervously waiting for what he knew was going to be quietly upsetting even if he knew it was ritual and he must allow it.
Ianto walked in and calmly picked up a large ceremonial knife then before anyone could react he drew it across his palm and hissed at the pain of it, swinging to hold his hand over the large chalice of wine Rhiannon was holding with glee.
Ianto opened his hand with a frown as the blood stopped flowing and stared at it with interest, then drew the knife again, this time watching it bleed, heal…seal….huh. "Look at that."
"The nanites" Owen said as he leant over to watch, "Wee buggers are still there, no vial see? You …what?"
Ianto gave him a look and he watched Ianto pass the knife to Jack who took a deep breath and drew the blade across his own palm to mix blood with Ianto's in the wine. Ianto seized Jack's hand and watched intently as it slowly sealed….healed….huh.
"OK, freaks" Owen hissed, "Bloody freaks. You keep this quiet. They are sure the gods have predestined this merger, if they learn the nanites chose to split between you both too we will have a new religion or something."
Ianto snorted and looked at Jack, "Don't worry. They will probably die off or find a new vial or something."
"Or not" Owen said happily, "There was warning of the old stock being contrary. Stop whispering, everyone is watching, do the rings."
Ianto cleared his throat and turned to smile at those gathered, raising the chalice and then taking a sip before offering it to Jack who gingerly took a sip too.
Ianto took a deep breath, the addressed the room, "Here today I declare my heart the property of Captain Jack Harkness. I also accept the reasonability of ownership of his heart in exchange."
Jack shakily said the same and then grinned as he realized this was some sort of wedding, their people do not do the flowers, costumes and prancing about. Gorgan are not fluffy. This was it. Ianto was doing it. Jack pondered the fact Ianto was taking the lead and realised it was how it was supposed to be. He had offered first, Ianto was accepting him. Gorgan way declared Ianto the one to give acceptance.
Jack watched his children clutch at one another as rings were slid onto fingers, all three in a huddle of joy as they watched their family compete itself like a puzzle falling together, the pieces all fitting.
Jack felt whole.