1
"Well … I have called you all here tonight to make an announcement" Jack said as he looked over the family he loved … not the one of his birth but of his making. Drag queens and exotic dancers squealed as they looked at him expectantly.
"Well? Come on. We are wetting ourselves with anticipation!" someone shouted.
"I'm getting married!" Jack threw his arms out and as he had expected, they all stared with open mouths. He laughed and added "On Married at First Sight!"
The room erupted with laughter.
.
..
.
Ianto was nervously pacing as he waited for his cue to enter the room.
Stag night.
With strangers. Christ, what had he let himself in for?
Ianto hadn't had that reveal party others had, trying to tell Rhiannon over the coms but she kept cutting him off to complain about her children's bills. Instead of telling her, he had simply hung up and paid the bloody bill for her, sitting morosely as he realized she didn't' really care what he was trying to say. Money, all she cared about. All she ever cared about. She had her own but felt he owed her. He knew that would never change.
Now as he stood waiting for the cameraman to nod, he wondered how many couples there were, if he would like any of them let alone the one they would put him with. Gods, what a silly thing to do but really … he had no other way. Not really.
Who knows.
It might work.
CUE
Ianto entered through the doors to find five men sitting on sofas with drinks, waving to them as he walked to the bar and chose a fine china cup, pouring some tea. As he walked back one of them rose to greet him "Aye aye. I'm Rhys!"
"Ianto. Also Welsh, thank god" Ianto accepted the firm handshake and settled.
"Was just saying, I am in transport. A trucking firm. What about you Ianto?" Rhys said happily "What's your way to earn a coin?"
"I own some property" Ianto said softly, not sure if he should give anything away at this early stage and someone snorted to his left, making him jump then turn to find a handsome man sitting on the arm of a chair like a gargoyle with chiselled cheekbones and such bleached blonde hair it had to be bottle.
"Well … I don't know what the hell that means Eye-Candy. A dog house is property!" he oozed smarm.
"Shut up John" a little rat faced man snarled as he glared across the coffee table "You've done nothing but be a prick since we started. Hi. I'm Owen."
'Hello Owen" Ianto liked him instantly.
"So, did you find out the body count?" John asked.
"From what I overheard there are eight couples this time" Owen answered as he settled back and Ianto was able to hide in the cushions of the sofa "Don't know where we are going. This new thing of destination weddings is kinda weird but also exciting. Only chance I have to go off-world. Not since med school."
"Oh. You're a doctor?" Ianto asked softly "how dedicated."
"Yeah, unfortunately it doesn't bring out the best in me. I sort of alienate those I work around with my intensity" Owen sighed.
"Focus is not a bad thing" Ianto assured him "I know I could come across as a cold fish at my workplace too … my employees change their tack when they hear my name which makes it seem worse. I fear I am a bit of a tyrant."
"Hi guys" Jack called out as he entered the room then he saw John and his swagger faltered for a second, as did John's sneer. Both men blinking then regaining their masks.
After the introductions Owen pointed at Ianto "Tea-Boy here was just saying his employees are arse lickers. He doesn't think they like him."
"More likely you are just … a surprise" Jack said as he assessed this man again, the cant of his head and those steely eyes like little storms "I think they underestimate you. I get the feeling you are a bit more than you let on."
"As are you Captain."
Jack blinked then laughed softly as he pointed at him "How did you know I am a Captain?"
"You and Captain Hart here know one another as you served together. I recall the article about the bomb you redirected at the cost of your vessel. Almost yourself." Ianto smiled softly, transforming for a moment and Jack was now feeling something in his gut that he had not expected. Shit.
"Wait … the Gilford Snap?" Rhys asked gaping as he stared at Jack "You two … you two were on the Gilford? You pulled it from its trajectory towards Earth?"
"We did our duty" Jack replied, sighing softly as John preened and started to talk about the mission and their heroic actions. Well … his version. A few times he embellished or straight out lied and each time Ianto's left eye twitched slightly.
Jack found it endearing and incredibly funny that this dower librarian knew more about their mission that he was letting on, allowing John to be a complete tosser without correcting or commenting. A watcher. For some reason Jack was drawn to him over and over again as the night wore on and as they all bid one another a goodnight it was Ianto that turned and looked him in the eyes as he responded in kind.
"Oh, and Captain … good luck."
"You too Ianto. You too. Good luck with everything."
Another soft smile and he was gone, Jack left with his brandy and thoughts …and ….
"Nice arse" John hissed in his ear, "Look at that. Do you think he has those tailored to hug like that?"
Jack ignored his old friend as he looked at the retreating figure.
This was going to be interesting.