32
It was a week until evacuation, as it were and Ianto knew everything was done that could be done, everyone on edge as they counted down to not only their release but their payday.
"OK, settle down children" Ianto boomed across the table as they sat for their evening meal and soft laughter showed that they were all bloody kids.
A piece of broccoli flew past his ear, and he frowned, even as the dog aced to retrieve and eat said morsel.
Giggling ensued for a while, then he finally let his grin show "Pirates then?"
They all roared and thumped the table with agreement that they were pirates then.
"Right, we all have press tomorrow so clean undies and not proving it in front of the cameras ya heathens" Ianto wagged a finger and they roared again, then he sighed "Seriously. One week to go. I know we are feeling quite high about it but be careful about the hidden traps. That reporter form CNN last week almost tripped me up by twisting my words and I am a bloody robot. I don't know what they hope to achieve by trying to get us to admit we were outside without protection when the cameras everywhere picked it all up but this conspiracy theory that we all go home at night to some bloody luxury resort nearby… I hope there is one because I would love room service."
"There have been the naysayers all along, I don't think that will change and once those doors open and they can get in, there will be no stopping them either" Martha agreed with a huff of annoyance.
"Well, we have security all lined up with those I trust to make sure only small groups of up to six at a time, each one with a handler to make sure nothing is fiddled with or … go forbid… pinched" Jack laughed and then shook his head "That will be the main one, I think. The fans would pay handsomely for any items that are actual artifacts from in here."
"I was gonna ask" one of the young ones grimaced.
"If you have anything for yours you want to sell… bring me a list. Anything that is property of the Domes you can't, but we can discuss things. Maybe some charity or something for the stuff that does not belong to you but is not essential and therefore saleable, anything personally yours can be your money for whatever purpose you see fit." Ianto nodded, everyone knowing Ianto would not dicker about who owned what in the end.
He was the Phoenix after all.
"The other thing… family coming" Mickey cut into the thoughts around the table "We have set rules there and I know everyone wants a hug and cuddle but… again, be mindful of cameras. I know hugging Martha's family will make rumours fly, her sister is a pretty young thang… ow."
Laughter as Martha thwacked him solidly before shaking her head.
"So, get a good night's sleep, me and Jack are patrolling first watch… see you all in the morning" Ianto rose and signalled that he was done and left them to talk as Jack rose to follow.
"Are you OK?" Jack asked as he fell into step "I know you compartmentalize a lot but this is a big deal."
"Yeah, I am not looking forward to it. You know me, I hate change. The scheduling and routine here is so… comforting. To be able to close those doors again and just live… will be nice but I know there will be a time of shitty fuckery in the meantime" Ianto huffed as he swung to face him "But I have you. I can take on anything, if I have you."
"Awwwww, you say such sweet things to a girl" Jack clutched at pretend pearls as Ianto laughed and stepped in close to kiss him, not caring that cameras were everywhere.
"One more push" Jack said softly, stroking Ianto's face to try and smooth the frown lines that he hated to see forming "It will be OK. Whatever happens, we will be together and together we can do anything. Archie is onto the fucktards that caused the fires and security outside the domes is terrifying. Even the President of the United States would be hard pushed to get near us."
Ianto nodded, snuggling in before breaking away and shooting his cuffs. Doing that feather fluffing thing that Jack adores.
As night settled in so did Ianto, the ritualistic pacing around the Domes was claiming, the sound of Jack singing softly as he did the alternate route was calming too. After a while he joined in, his soft voice blending with Jack's.
Out in TV land many sighs issued as people settled to sleep, this as much a part of their settling routine as it was in the Dome now, the soundtracks of the men singing had gone viral and unbeknownst to them, they had a cult following of music lovers.
When the first email asking for a particular song to be sing confused them, they quickly found it interesting to learn new songs and enjoy the change of pace with different styles.
"Cariad" Ianto called out as he came to the main Hub "You there?"
"Here my Tiger" Jack came over.
"Want a sandwich and some coffee before the next round?"
"Oh god… NOW you are singing my song" Jack sank into a chair to pick up a tablet and input the nightly data.
Ianto was mother.
Yes.
He wanted this forever.
