4
"And just like that… you said you would go. What if it's a coven? Or a cult? What if they dance naked in the moonlight and sacrifice that goat… huh?" Owen was teasing as he poked at Jack "He might want to take you there to tie you up and ravage you in the moonlight."
"Well… I wouldn't' t say no" Jack admitted with a grin "He is…. Over there. Ianto?"
By the entrance to the Police station stood a handsome man in the black three piece suit and he even had a cane in his hand, the raven's head handle striking against all the black. Jack took off towards him "Ianto!"
Ianto smiled "Jack. Hello there. I remembered you came out this time of day for your coffee."
"Did you now" Jack smiled back "And I never told you that."
"No… a little birdie did" Ianto replied, then he looked over at Owen who was approaching.
"This is Owen Harper, the team's criminal pathologist…"
"Doctor" Ianto said as he held out his hand and Owen looked over at Jack with a look of glee.
"See that? HE knows I am a doctor. See?" Owen poked at Jack some more.
"Will you stop poking me? Like an old fishwife… poke poke." Jack poked him back.
"And I didn't' even have to use my Cult powers to know that" Ianto quipped and Jack started to laugh as Owen stumbled a step and gaped at him.
"How the hell do you know what I said to him?" Owen asked.
"Because I am powerful… I am a wizard…" Ianto made claw-like motions with his hands and Owen started to laugh as well, seeing how playful he was as he added "No… seriously. It's just one of the things people say when they know and Jack clearly likes you as a friend so likely told you of me. You are not surprised to see me and I just took the next step in the introductions. I don't really have a cult… not enough people for that. I need at least three more"
Owen roared with glee, skipping to keep up as he plucked at Ianto's sleeve "Tell me… do you sleep under the stars and shit?"
Ianto looked over at Jack and said softly while leaning closer like they were sharing a secret "Yes… I do shit under the stars Owen, but I like to sleep in a bed."
Owen laughed some more, racing ahead to open the door to the coffee shop and as they entered a voice called out "Blessings Be Brother Ifan!"
"Blessings Be Sister Morwen" he called back, waving to the pretty lady behind the counter with her long flowing hair tied back with a bright cord "You are in good spirits?"
"Yes sweetie. The muffins are fresh and I have a walnut and coffee one with you r name on it" she lifted up a plate and he bowed to her theatrically as she giggled. Now they knew how Ianto knew their routine. Clever Tiger.
"Wonderful mistress… and I hope you have my blend of I might cut a bitch" Ianto said as she giggled and nodded, waving a hand at him as he pointed "I have two minions with me… not quite smart enough to be familiars but I can train them to be good followers. Starting a cult ya know."
"Get out of it" she scolded laughed as she waved her hands at them, "Take your usual table ya big dollop."
"Dollop" he repeated, winking as he headed to the window seat.
They settled and Owen looked around with interest at the little dark alcove they were in. Ianto explained "We can see the quay from here, the Plazz and everything while sort of invisible to those walking past. I like to 'people watch' but don't like to be noticed."
"Me too, cop mentality I guess" Jack replied as he leaned back to let the woman lean in to place down a tray of drinks, Ianto's in a large cup with a dragons' head on it.
"Ooooo… I get Horace today?" Ianto asked as he lifted it.
"The cups are named?" Owen asked. "My cups never got names before."
"Oh, only the good mugs have names" Ianto winked.
"You're playing with me, aren't you!" Owen frowned after a while and Ianto giggled softly.
"Who can tell Owen, this one is a little batshit crazy ya know" Jack said happily like it was a good thing. Ianto hummed and nodded his agreement.
"So… do you have one?"
"One?" Ianto raised an eyebrow "what? A bat?"
"A familiar."
"Ah yes… she is a black cat"
Owen looked around and Ianto saw the amusement thrumming as Owen answered "Where is she?"
"Owen… she is a cat. Not a seeing eye dog. I know… I could get a parrot I guess, carry it around on my shoulder but.. cats are… better" Into replied "Maybe you can have a cat like a service animal. I could get her a little vest and leash… but she would be a bitch to get a raincoat for. Do you even get raincoats for cats? And rude… she is soooo rude."
Owen stared at him silently for a few beats, then leaned back in his chair and brayed with laughter as Ianto took another sip of his coffee.
Jack watched on with delight as Owen warmed up to the man faster than he had seen him with anyone before… including Toshiko. It had taken almost an hour before a tentative touch. Jack knew Ianto was different and as he watched Owen act like a little boy behind the bike shed smoking with his friends he wondered just how others will respond to his newfound soul mate.
Most of all… he pondered if it matters what they thought at all.