37
Jack was in pieces, unable to think as he sat mutely in his chair, Ianto's empty beside him … well … apart from several fluffs that all seemed to look at him accusingly. He was relieved that it was Malcolm who forgave him first, came to sit and shake his head at him as he scolded in the way a friend does. A brother does.
"He is at the Harper Lake House, gone for a few days to cool off. His blood pressure is a little worrisome and they thought the change of scenery might help soothe. Some bed rest and some silence. No press… no you. Or me for that matter. Just them." He told Jack "After that he wants to have options. You scared him. You've never directed that anger at him before, also … you struck me. He has never seen you strike anyone before let alone me. Your oldest friend. He needs to process. You know Ianto, he needs to chew on things and look for resolution. He wants to come back on his own terms, with set things in his mind. You know how he is. Wants to feel in control."
Jack nodded morosely then asked "But he will come back?"
"Yes. He says he still loves you."
Jack couldn't contain the sob as he leaned forward to hold his head in his hands.
.
.
.
.
.
Ianto sat nervously in the back of the car, Malcolm driving sedately up the driveway to the front steps of the palace. It had been two weeks, felt like an eternity. He was making a statement coming this way, squaring his shoulders and taking several deep breaths before nodding to Malcolm to get out and walk around to open his door, letting the press see him struggling to get out with his bump in full view, a tight fitting tunic over trousers instead of the usual coats and camouflage.
He knew Jack was in trouble here, the public turning against him. Fickle lot. First they hate Ianto, and then they adore him. Ianto was wary but knew the role to play as he stood and waved, smiling as he let them all seem him alive and well. Not dead like the latest reports.
He walked over to greet the public, little ones with posies that he gushed over, talking calmly and loudly as he told everyone he had been on bed rest for blood pressure and so relieved to be home. Jack waited on the steps, knowing Ianto would not welcome him racing over. He had returned and wanted them to see, to know and above all he needed control.
Finally he turned to acknowledge Jack and held out his hand, Jack walking down to wave to the crowd and he took Ianto's hand, kissing it as he reached for the flowers as if they were too heavy. Ianto smiled sweetly as he accepted a kiss on his cheek as well, and then rubbed his stomach as he told everyone he was hungry now.
Jack led him inside and the doors closed, Malcolm ushering the staff away as he quietly told them that high tea might be best in their private quarters. They settled in their chairs as the staff fussed, one reaching out to take Ianto's hands for a moment in a silent squeeze then they left.
Plates of his favourite things, a seeping pot of tea and a lovely bouquet of flowers.
Ianto took a deep breath "I want to speak. I have things to say and I don't want to be interrupted" Ianto said calmly and Jack nodded, gripping the chair arms.
"You hurt me. You scared me and you angered me. Most of all … you disappointed me" Ianto said then held up a hand "Not finished."
Jack nodded, settling back again.
"I will sleep on my own room, I will move at my own pace and when… when I am ready I will invite you into my chambers. If I ask you to leave, you will leave." Ianto took a breath "I still love you."
Jack let out the breath he had been holding, a sob following it as he nodded, still remembering his promise not to speak.
"I forgive the accusation, forgive the insult to myself and Malcolm. Malcolm has assured me that he has forgiven you too. You need to forgive yourself for this. We need to move past this and it will not happen by swallowing it down and ignoring it. We suffered a terrible loss, a horrible shock and then the Blob compounded that. Then this … your mother… I do not want her in this house EVER again. OK? Our son will never know her, never be in the same room and if she ever sets foot on our soil I want her shot out of a huge fucking canon back over the sea. OK?"
Jack nodded.
"You can speak."
"I love you, I'm sorry and I will do whatever you want Tiger."
"Good. Start by pouring the tea and letting your poor grandmother in, she must be getting a crick in her neck listening at the door."
Mary entered with a chagrined smile, settling in her chair as she watched Ianto rub the bump lovingly, then accept the cup of tea from Jack.
He did not accept the offer of a kiss.
Jack had to earn that.
Good.