Ianto finished making your tea before going to sit with the other two. You remembered Jones now. You remembered him being kind, and accepting of his Sire's role in the treaty; accepting of you. Theta however, Theta was new, and you wondered how long he'd been with the other two. It takes you a second, but you manage to face them. "Where do we go from here?" You sigh, your voice is quiet, but you know vamp senses are stronger. "Saxon killed more than just my pack. Any Wolves left I'm sure are in hiding. Is there even any point to a Promised and Intended anymore?" You wonder aloud, surprised by how sad it makes you feel. Then you reach for your expertly made tea, really needing something to do with your hands. "If you still want me to. I'm willing to work for you, but if that's all it is, then that's all it is." You add as an afterthought. The warm drink is calming, and you start to relax a little.
As expected, none of them really know how to respond at first. Your Intended, if he even is anymore. Looks more like he's preparing a response, rather than having none at all. Ianto, and Theta wait patiently for Harkness to collect his thoughts, letting their Coven leader be first to speak. The love mixed with trust, and respect between them is nice to see. It's hard not to want to be a part of it.
"Yes, Saxon left us all scattered, and on edge." The Much older man sighed as you took another long sip of your tea. "However, I very much think there would still be a point to a Promised, and an Intended, especially now. I think our union would bring both of our species together again. Show that bastard how strong we can still be." Jack stated confidently, your eyes flash gold, and you can't help the small smile.
"Very well then vampire Childe. As my Intended wishes, so shall it be." Your tone, and cadence changing, making the words feel foreign in your mouth even as you speak. You feel like another person is trying to take over, but that isn't really what's happening. You're just remembering, letting the Goddess in you awaken from its forced slumber. "We should probably have the next ceremony soon then." You remark thoughtfully, Celesta's memories coalescing in your mind as each second passes. Something like a bond is itching as it reconnects in your mind. The mark at your hip is burning, but it's not a painful heat. You remembered now, how this all should have happened.
The full process of an Intended/Promised Mating was complex, and therefor time consuming to complete. Such a lengthy, and intricate process was implemented to make sure the coupling would be accepted, and blessed by the Gods. When the uprising/attack on the palace had begun you hadn't even gone to live with the vampires yet because the Waiting wasn't over. The Waiting was a period of time after the Tethering ceremony, when the initial connection between the two of you would either strengthen and begin to form a truer bond or fail. Proving the union wasn't meant to be. Ianto had actually participated in said ceremony back then. Maybe that was why you felt a bit connected to him as well. Not nearly as much as Jack, but there was a feeling of familiarity there.
Noting their sheepish looks of confusion, you state. "I'd read up on the particulars if I were you vampire childe. My guess is, you've forgotten how a Promised/Intended union really works almost entirely over these many years."
"It nearly killed me when I thought I'd lost you. I refused to let others bear that pain, so I hid everything to do with what was supposed to be, let you fall into vague memory and legend." Harkness admitted quietly. You can feel his honesty, his regret, and the almost overwhelming sadness at all you both have lost.
You surprise even yourself when next thing either of you know, you're tucked up in his lap. "I'm sorry Jack…I…I'm not good at this." You apologize, feeling awful for being so insensitive. His hand trails over your hair, and the other two vampires curl in closer like shields. For a few moments you all just enjoy the impromptu cuddle, and the bond begins to strengthen.
He's still holding you; he can't seem to let go just yet. Harkness took a heavy breath, and recollected himself. "Honestly, I should have known you were just hidden, and not really dead." He lamented, adding, "Especially when the bond only dulled, and never fully went away." Jack sighed thoughtfully.
"Well, That explains the weird mood swings." Theta blurted with a snort, and Ianto chuckled quietly. Both realizing said bond must have affected their Sire's moods, and reactions at odd times.
"Yeah fine, make fun of me." Jack grumbled, and you nuzzled under his chin till he smiled at you. Part of him wanted to cancel the party tonight so he could spend it getting to know you again, but he knew he couldn't.
There was a nock at the door, "Hey An…Celesta…um….Tosh was able to find a different dress for you for tonight. So…when you're ready."
"I think, sir that's also our cue." Ianto stated wryly, standing from the cuddle to collect the empty teacup, and tea cart.
TBC...
