11
"So, just… skirt around it with small talk. You know, start off with a comment about the implants and then go on about how getting them out will be a right pain and how stupid the entire thing is" Jack was advising as Toshiko stood pointedly taking her orders like he was not 'mansplaining' something that really did not need to be such a big deal.
"Right" she said calmly.
"We don't want to upset her, you've seen her go off at poor old Rhys. I mean… Christ. If we can just keep things smooth here…. We are only six weeks in for fucksake. Maybe… here's a thought… maybe ask her to help you find who did it? Put her on the spot a bit without actually… I know that look. My e-wife used to give me that look right before the no-sex rule would slam down for a few days. Am I being a twat again?"
"Jack, I've got this" she assured him with the same soft voice that soothes everyone.
Jack nodded and made a shooing motion like she was dillydallying, even though he had been the one holding her up.
Ianto had been watching and found it amusing to watch, knowing Jack was pulling things out of his arse with no idea at all what to do. But man… he faked it like a boss.
Toshiko nodded, smiled and turned on her heel to walk across the dining room, the pretty dress she was wearing fanning out around her like some movie star walking in a photo shoot. Ianto glanced at Owen who was looking lovingly after her and he felt a slight pang as he knew that feeling. Lisa had fooled him into feelings like that. At least their love was real.
Toshiko got to the table where Gwen sat eating and slammed her hand on the table, while simultaneously yanking up the arm of Gwen's t-shirt to expose the still healing wound. The small disc now on the table "Look familiar Cooper?"
"Oh. Shit" Jack said with shock "She went a totally different way."
"I think she decided for… ah… a more… manly approach. Likey ou would have done it" Ianto answered diplomatically as he took a step over to stand next to Jack, his hands behind his back like they were considering a stroll in the sunshine "After all, Gwen is an Alpha Female and needs to have a direct attack from the front. You would have done the same. Nice you worried about Toshi handing it but… she clearly wanted to emulate you."
Jack smiled a she glanced over at Ianto "Bullshit. Nice smoke blowing but my arse is not willing to accept that… thanks though. You know Gwen actually scares the shit out of me. Soooooo tantrumy."
"Tantrumy…. Is that a word?"
"Must be… I just used it" Jack said, winking as he swung and kissed Ianto's cheek before he could comprehend the attack and then Jack flounced of as Ianto stood there in total shock at the public display of affection.
He blushed deeply as he looked around the room for the disapproving stares of others but it seemed like not a single damned person even noticed.
Oh.
Ianto smiled softly as he started to head after Jack finding himself doing that a lot lately.
Going after that man.
But come on… he is fun.
.
.
"I think they are ripe enough for now" Skippy was holding out her hand, the strawberries looking plump and sweet. With a little noise of excitement Donna accepted one and took a bite, groaning as it exploded in her mouth.
"Oh god… perfect" she said as she ate the rest of it.
Skippy preened as she admitted that she had been the one in charge of the strawberry plants, with Ianto helping sometimes with advice bit… they were her patch.
"Well, clearly you are a natural born gardener" Dona assured her.
"Do you wanna see my pumpkins?"
"Sure."
Ianto sat nearby watching as the two moved off, the older woman not only treating the teenager with respect but Skippy seemed enamoured with her as well. They were more like sisters now. Ianto was pleased to see that, Skippy being prone to withdrawing into herself. Not always a good thing. Ianto caught that thought and then reminded himself that he was the same and he snorted with mirth.
Of course he was an introvert. Look at him, on the feckin news every night no doubt. He did wonder briefly how Lisa felt seeing his mug up there on the screen at times when he could not avoid the cameras. Was it wrong to feel just a little satisfied with the perceived annoyance levels she must be having right now? Was he being an arsehole in that glee? Ianto pondered and then did a rare thing.
He approached the cameraman who was currently ignoring Mort and leaned over "Want to see the trout?"
The man lit up, "Really?"
"Come on Mickey… this is so boring I might have to actually be nice to one of them and god... I am not ready for that level of horror." Ianto winked and Mickey laughed, rising to follow Ianto to the fish pond they knew nothing about.
"Whoa! Wicked!"
Mickey raised his camera and Ianto decided to play nice, taking time to explain the build and development of this area as well as the importance of the pond not only for food but as an eco resource for the birds and such who also used the water. The Ianto threw some fish food so the people at home could see the frenzied feeding of the large fishes, both Mickey and Ianto laughing at the sudden washing machine effect.
Ianto did not think about her again.
Why would he.
He had all this.
Out in TV land, they were happy to be part of that world too.