Ianto and jack sat there, hand in hand, enjoying the peace and quiet that they so seldom were able to witness. Gertrude and Olivia appeared beside them. Instead of clearing way their dishes, however, they held out to silk cloths. One TARDIS blue, the other, crimson.
"Miss Mayweather? What are those for?" Ianto asked, fear hidden under confusion.
"Relax child. We won't harm you. We have one last gift for you this evening," Olivia knelt beside Ianto.
"I promise, you're going to enjoy this." Ianto looked at Jack, who shrugged, then tapped the side of his head.
"No better time to test if this is empathy or just me, eh Yan." Ianto rolled his eyes. But focused on Olivia. He couldn't reach her thoughts, but felt very strongly feelings of happiness and compassion, and, something else. An attachment, attached to him. Then Gertrude. Similar feelings directed to both of them this time. But no anger, or malice. He gripped his head tightly, searing pain shooting through it, as he tumbled out of his chair.
"Yan!" Jack shouted, as he dashed up and cradled the Welshman in his arms.
"Jack." He groaned, rubbing his temples. Gertrude looked down in horror.
"Did we frighten the poor thing?" Olivia whispered, and Ianto held up a hand. The feelings of guilt and pity pouring off the two woman were unbearable.
"I'm alright, just a head ache. Could I trouble you two for some aspirin, or coffee?" The relief flooding Ianto from the loving couple buoyed him a bit.
"Jack, help me up yea? I don't want to get this suit dirty, it's growing on me." Jack chuckled, helping the Welshman up. Ianto fought off a dizzy spell, before leaning softly against Jack. The four went inside, Olivia brewing some coffee, and Gertrude getting some aspirin from the cupboard. Jack knew exactly what was happening, and felt bad for his poor Welshman.
"So, Empathy then." He stated flatly, and the Welshman nodded. He gripped his head again, the motion sending the room spinning.
"I tried, and then it wouldn't stop. The pain is better now, with them gone. You don't hurt." Jack tried not to let the saying get to him, but the phrase spread a smile across his face.
"I don't know if I could handle hurting you." The Welshman kissed him softly, feelings of love surrounding them both.
"I didn't get solid thoughts though. Just feelings and directions. With you I get full sentences, like your voice is in my head." Jack pulled away, cradling his lover's head in his hands.
"Mildly telepathic honey. Our connection would be stronger, though this empathy did pick a very in-opportune time to manifest itself." Ianto chuckled.
"Don't I know it."
Gertrude stood beside the pair, as they gazed into each other's eyes. She wanted to hand the pills to the men, but they appeared to be lost in their own world. Her thought of them having a conversation with their eyes was nearly confirmed when Ianto spoke. Torchwood She thought, but said nothing. Ianto turned to her, confusion and humor gracing his features.
"Here is that aspirin you asked for. Olive will bring you your coffee in a moment, as for that surprise, I really do not think that it's the best idea with that head ache. So we'll get a rain check." Olivia appeared, a thermos of coffee in hand. She handed it to Ianto, before turning on the Captain.
"You take him home then. Treat him right. And I expect to hear from the pair of you in the future, yea?" Ianto smiled, sipping the coffee gingerly and relishing the taste.
"Ma'am, I truly appreciate all that you have done." He looked at Gertrude. "Both of you. Tonight has been truly amazing. As for seeing you again, you had better believe it. With coffee this good." The Archivist held up the mug. "I'll be back quite a bit." The two woman hugged the pair, before shoeing them back out to the SUV. They remained there, looking after them as the both got into the SUV.
"I do hope they visit. That Welshman is cute, and I was looking forward to dancing again." Olive murmered. Gertrude smiled down at her, holding out her hand, the glow of the light escaping the open door casting a hallo about her white hair.
"May I have the honor of your accompaniment in this dance?" The other woman giggled, taking the hand and heading back into the house, following the soft strains of Moonlight Serenade into the dance hall, where they twirled and shuffled in each other's arms.