4
"She owns… well her husband owns the local contracting company and has a prime contract with the Dam Maintenance. She acts like she owns the bloody town. She saw a picture Paul drew of devils dancing, decided we were all going to hell then kicked u a fuss about it." Ianto said under his breath like the woman might hear him as her blonde hair shone under the lights "She does not like new blood. Hates me since I arrived, poor Jennifer there has only been here a year. To Yvonne she is lower than a dog's balls…oops… sorry boys."
Giggling as they imagined dog's balls for a moment, Jack finding himself giggling as well as Ianto showed himself to be a little gossip with cheeky tendencies.
"So, she's the big kahuna" Jack nodded as he glanced at the poor fat little man who was the downtrodden husband. Clearly something was not right with her meal according to her demands and it was now somehow his fault as he didn't speak up and campaign for her. Of course, clearly no one could compare in the whinging category as she shrilly demanded the manager and a freshly made pizza with the correct toppings. Finally Jennifer managed to tell her that she had snatched the wrong pizza off the counter and the family who DID order it were not happy either "Poor bugger. You know… I would campaign for you!"
"Indeed. I swear, he has only spoken three or four times in all the time I have lived here.. Maybe that IS his campaign … to become invisible?" Ianto rolled his eyes and Jack laughed loudly now, finding this man more than entertaining.
Pizzas came, they ate. The boys managed to spill only one drink and Jack was relieved to find his son not panicking as the mess developed, Shae loudly yelling for help and apologizing to Jenifer like he had done it as she told him he was a good boy.
Dessert of chocolate mousse arrived for everyone, Jack noticing Ianto hadn't ordered it and asked. Ianto told him he didn't like ice cream so they made these for people who wanted something other than sundaes since he first asked. Now there were a few townsfolk who like the change as well. Ianto had created change without meaning to, something else he told Jack made Yvonne a little less warm towards him. apparently, she does not like anyone else having a unique idea let alone a newbie.
They finished their meal and Jack saw with a start that Ianto had paid. Ianto noticed Jack's discomfort and asked "What. Used to being the one paying?"
"Yes. Well… been a long time since I dated" Jack shrugged, then floundered "I mean…er…"
Ianto then did something Jack would think about for the rest of the night, laying in the bed staring into the dark with his grin wide enough to fill the room.
Ianto Jones blushed.
.
.
.
.
Jack was pleased to see Shae waiting for Joseph, his face lighting up as he waved enthusiastically and Joseph took off, both boys in their own little world. Ianto was at the gate watching them take off, then turned to Jack and smiled "Good morning Mist… Captain. Sorry. Military right?"
"I was" Jack nodded, the cover story not untrue. He had decided to leave the FBI bit out, not really needed as his military background would ensure a better transition in a small town. He hoped his service in earlier years would warm them to him a little more. Clearly Ianto was part of the gossip grapevine for sure. Jack made a note of this, knowing who to ask about anything that he didn't seem to work out. Clearly, this man had already worked out most of the things needed to fit in "But I would prefer you call me Jack."
Ianto smiled as he tucked his chin in, looking at Jack through his lashes then he whispered "Careful Captain. Breaking hearts, so you are. So many single mothers watching you and you going all…. Lovely… at the weird little bisexual freak."
Jack hated the word freak and the way Ianto said it, clearly he did too. So Ianto's transiting into this town had not been pleasant . No wonder he was helping other newcomers. Case in point. Jennifer who was approaching with a little red headed larrikin holding her hand, his hair wild, his face covered with freckles and glee, pulling at her to let him go.
She did and he ran for the two boys, screaming Shae's name and the boy good naturedly let the boy join them "Good morning Mister Jones. Hello Jack. I swear to god, the little shit tried to flush his tie down the bog!"
"Ah. They do not all like the uniform. Personally… I don't either. But, I suppose it makes sense to start as we mean to go on. Life is all about wearing uniforms right? Conforming?" Ianto said with a shrug.
"Yes" she said softly, turning to watch the boys play "We all wear masks."