Now that the Con I was preparing for is done. I hope to get more writing done!
I will do my best, but I make no promises...
In the meantime,
Enjoy!
...
It felt odd at first; the quiet humming and reassurances. The hand he held would grip and he'd call that he was still there. Prince Jack's eyes had begun to clear and the tight look of fear slowly began to fade. Ianto didn't think he was doing much. Just holding the older man's hand and singing softly as they continued on.
It wouldn't do to stay there in the dark. Now, would it?
They finally exited into the light and Prince Jones gave a sigh of relief. "There now. That's better, that is." The slightly younger Prince remarked.
"I uh… I…um." Jack was at a loss as he stared down at their still clasped hands. His cheeks starting to heat. It wasn't often The Crown Prince of the Golden Dunes was embarrassed, but something about the other Prince had him feeling flustered.
The younger man followed the older man's gaze and huffed. Ianto let the hold drop. "I think Thank and You, might be what you're looking for." He arched an eyebrow at the other Prince. Daring Harkness to make the help any more than it was.
"Yes of course. Thank You." Prince Jack answered; rubbing the back of his head. "Honestly I'm a little embarrassed. I haven't had an attack like that in years." He admitted softly; looking sheepish and kind of adorable.
Prince Jones realized he was staring and shook his head. "Well you're feeling better now, yeah?" Ianto replied quickly; as he moved a tapestry to reveal stairs. "Almost there!" He exclaimed and Jack let out a sigh of relief.
ACoWACoWACoWACoWACoWACoW
Theta was overseeing the set up for the ball tonight. Directing everything down to where the centerpieces went. Even the smallest details needed to be perfect. A lot was riding on tonight and he was determined to see it run smoothly. Anika already had enough to worry about. Without him adding; the stress of setting up the event, on top.
"Come on people we don't have all day!" He griped as the servants scurried about. The Duke looked up as a few of them bowed. King Theta was about to yell at them; when he realized why they had done so. Mollified when they almost immediately went back to work.
Anika had walked in with Lady Donna and her cousin smiled. "Giving them hell Ta Ta?" She smirked; snorting when he bowed as well. The High Princess and her Lady curtsied in response. She rose up and grinned as she hugged her cousin in greeting.
"You know how your father is, Neek." Theta sighed; then postured and in his best impression of his uncle, thundered. "Perfection! Anything less is an insult to the crown and my dear poppet." He declared with his chest puffed out.
Anika bit her lip; making weird snorting sounds. Finally she lost the battle and burst out laughing. "You were always so good at that." She grinned. Holding her stomach as she continued to chuckle.
Jack and Ianto smiled at each other. Seemed they were both attracted to her laughter. They snuck forward; assuming they were undetected, hidden up in the balcony. Neither noticing Lady Donna's gaze drifting to their exact position.
Suddenly Theta held out his hand. "Test the floor with me, eh Neek? May I have this dance Your Grace?" The Duke inquired; bowing low. She giggled, taking his offered hand. He led her out the polished floor. The live orchestra was there practicing and they struck up a tune as the two began a slow waltz.
She was as graceful as ever; like she belonged on the dance floor. The High Princess bowed as the song ended and she smirked at her cousin. "Something a little more upbeat Ta Ta. I'm in a day dress not a ball gown." Anika snorted; motioning to the shorter style. "I waltz with my father." She winked; motioning to the band, who discarded their former music sheets, for a more appropriate tune.
Jack rubbed his hands together; delighting in the scene they were getting to witness. He nudged his new friend with a grin. Ianto smiled back and looked just as excited; if only she didn't have her mask on. They watched her shift and twirl in her cousin's arms. Never missing a step; in perfect synch with the music. Theta would twist her out only to pull her in again. Their smiles blinding as Lady Donna watched them glide around like they skated on ice.
~ACOW~
They had observed for a few more songs; when Ianto motioned to Jack that they should leave. The older Prince didn't notice Jones had pulled up short at the bottom of the steps. Ramming into his younger friend and causing them to spill to the floor. They both looked up in time to see Anika pass by as Lady Donna stopped in front of them with a huff.
"Alright children, playtime is over!" The older women snorted.
"Oh don't be too hard on them Donna. They're just curious." Anika laughed; as she waited a few steps away. Purposely avoiding looking at their faces.
"Curiosity killed the cat." Lady Donna smirked.
"Ahh yes, but satisfaction brought him back!" The High Princess replied; with a subtle wink. Aimed towards the heap of limbs on the marble floor.
The Chief Attendant scowled; but there was a twinkle in her eye. "Up you get clever clogs. Unless you'd each prefer to greet the High King from the floor when he arrives." The older woman 'tskd' and both Princes scrambled to stand.
ACoWACoWACoWACoWACoWACOW
The walk back; after a good tongue lashing from Lady Donna. Was a tense and quiet affair. Jack was about to say something; when Ianto broke the silence.
"I can't dance!" Prince Jones blurted and Prince Harkness blinked.
"What!?" The Prince of The Golden Dunes spluttered as he turned to his new friend. "I thought you were mad at me for a bit there…" Jack chuckled; relieved.
"What am I gonna do Jack? Cor she was perfect. And I…I was born with two left feet…" Ianto lamented; continuing to walk with his hands shoved in his pockets.
"Well I doubt she'll judge us on our ball room dancing skills, but if it has you so worried. I can teach you if you like." The slightly older Prince offered. His smile wide and innocent. "I doubt I'm as good as she is, but I know enough." Prince Harkness shrugged.
"You don't mind? Helping your competition?" Ianto replied; finding it hard to keep his guard up when Jack smiled like that.
"Truth be told. If it's not me, better you than any of them. And on the off chance she picks more than one. I'd rather it be a friend I trust than some slime ball." Prince Harkness explained.
"Friend you trust…Y…you trust me?" Prince Jones spluttered and the older Prince nodded.
"Most people would have left me behind. Like I said you don't strike me as every other typical royal. That automatically makes you trustworthy in my book." Jack replied. "So you want me to teach you or no?" He added; his grin back.
Ianto thought about it and nodded an affirmative.
...
Hope you enjoyed!
Loves my Peeps
