17

"Thank you Ianto" Gray said softly as he watched Ianto change into casual clothing, no doubt heading over to see his horses.

"hmmm?"

"For bringing up the ... marriage thing ya know? I had been trying to work out how to. I was kinda scared she might say no and… I would look a fool on my knees or something. You know … when you started the conversation I really hoped… ya know?" Gray said nervously. "I didn't really want to ask her dad, he's a dick."

"I guessed as much, why I said it" Ianto smiled back "I know you sometimes have trouble voicing your emotions. It's not your fault. Your mother sort of made it hard for you to understand these things. I get that. I also get that this is all time sensitive, I have to do what I can to stop her leaving with them. I want hi gone along with his bad juju. This way she doesn't have to go. It doesn't mean a wedding straight away, you can revel in courting one another as a betrothed couple now… without fear of her family's reactions or pettiness."

"I want to do the proposal thing" Gray grinned "For the cameras."

"Good… so … we do not announce until you say so. Do a romantic thing, something that is sweet and bold and she will love it" Ianto agreed as he reached out to place his hand on Gray's shoulder "She already loves you, clear in the way you make her smile."

You sure?"

"Definitely." Ianto hugged him for a moment, then released him "Right, I'm off. Jack has the monsters and I need to shake off this funk after all that has happened over the last few weeks… this has not been fun for any of us and really… fun is an important part of being a Grup. The need to be a kid sometimes to stay young and foolish."

"I don't' think you were ever a kid" Gray said as he walked with Ianto, "I think toy were born a Grup. And Jackie will never really grow up."

Ianto laughed softly, shaking his head as he patted Gray's back then turned to the other doors as Gray continued to wander along the halls to his brother's offices. For a young man he was sometimes quite serious. He reminded Ianto of himself sometimes.

Ianto got out to the stables and saw that everything was good, his lovely big monster chewing chaff happily which meant he would not really want a ride. Ianto sighed and wandered to the guard quarters where he passed those in the office and wandered into the vehicle pool to see what he could mess about with. Bored today, like a cat waiting for the rain to pass.

He found one of the motorcycle guards kneeling by a bike tinkering and he stopped to look at it with interest "Gerome, that's not one of ours."

"Sire" the man shot to his feet with horror "No Sire. Its mine. Needed the filter changed Sire."

"Stop with the Sire thing, sounds like a weird form of tourettes" Ianto waved a hand at him and smiled "Harley?"

"Yes S… Yes it is" Gerome smiled "I like the official Ducati of the royal class but love meself a good Harley Davidson. A different beast."

"It is pretty, that chrome against the red tank … looks beefy" Ianto looked at the bike with appreciation and Gerome canted his head.

Would you like a go? Just around the grounds?" he finally asked Ianto "No one need know."

"Temptation cometh like a fine summer shower" Ianto said softy, reaching out to run his hands over the curve of the fuel tank "But my, the lady has form."

Gerome grinned as he placed his key in the ignition, not having to explain to Ianto that it was an automatic starter as he knew his king well enough to know there was little Ianto did not know about any and all forms of transport. Ianto swung his leg over and settled on it, bringing it level as he tested the weight.

"Gorgeous" He said as he started it and Gerome turned to grab a helmet only to find that was Ianto's cue to take off roaring off across the forecourt as Gerome swore softly and rushed to another of the bikes to follow.

He was relieved to find that Ianto had waited, a slow purr a he let the man catch up then with a cheeky grin he gunned it again, letting the engine of the Harley growl while leaning forward and he whooped as he raced along the large greens along the back of the palace, heading for the horse track where he could really let her out. Horses away and fed, no one else around … magic.

Gerome gave up on the scold that was pending, knowing Ianto was a good rider and more competent than some of the security detail, why he hadn't bothered to bring the helmet. They raced.

As Ianto relinquished the bike later he turned to regard the row Ducati leaning along the side of the motor pool and frowned "You know… there is no comparison. Not only is it powerful, but you feel more in control. More … omnipotent somehow on one. Graceful and fast, there is no comparison … like a Tiger and a pussy cat."

"My view exactly My liege, why I ride whenever I can." Gerome nodded, grinning as he had enjoyed the little half hour of fin.

"Hmmmm. Let's get a few more shall we? I want my motorcade to have them instead. Tell Harvey, give him a mental breakdown. Four Harleys … don't have to be new… classics might be nice. I like the soft tail myself."

Gerome laughed as he walked with the king, with his friend.

Ianto's step lighter too.

Cobwebs definitely blown away.