8

"I have a question for you."

Ianto was not sure if he liked that, Jack not only appearing at his shoulder in the kitchen like a fucking wraith or the serious tone of his statement. Barely a week since their talk and he had been on tenterhooks watching her interactions with others. He knew this was coming, Jack chewing over words in his mind, he was working himself up to a confrontation.

"OK."

"Do you think Alice is improving or is it my imagination being so damned hopeful?"

Ianto relaxed, this one he could answer "Yes, she is showing great improvement. Mage Arch is very pleased with her, he is sure her gift is strong, and she is capable of wielding it."

Jack considered his next words before saying "I don't want her to be a soldier. I never saw her in battle. Maybe why I ignored the fact she was starting to exhibit. I mean, I ignored Lucia too since us both being Mutes meant a 50/50 chance offspring might be too."

"You have to get over that, being a Mute is not a death sentence or a terrible affliction. Their lives here are going to be different to what we endured… why we came here remember? To leave the Norms and their prosecutions behind. And as to her place? No, I agree she is too emotional for full service… but as I said, there are many ways to defend. As a bodyguard at the school to protect the children if we are invaded… that is a worthy spot too" Ianto assured him "I already talked to them and the security detail there is happy to take her under their wing and make her part of their private security for the creche or something. She can serve, hone her skills and if we are ever in a position where her skills are needed, she will be the last line of defense, not on the front lines."

"My little brother Gray did not shield, or hide from the assessors and was taken when we were both young and… the thought of losing her… I am being silly" Jack relaxed, "It has all moved so fast. I know you did not intend taking over and I also know there was no disrespect in helping her as she clearly needed it and I am grateful but… I do feel slightly out of the loop."

"Sorry, I should have discussed it with you, but I do not regret answering her plea for help. I owe it to any fellow mutant. She felt unable to approach you due to the Gray issue… she knew his loss scared you for her and Stephen" Ianto smiled as he placed the dishcloth down and gave his full attention to Jack "It is not like our inductions. It is different now, mutants are not shunned or treated like second class citizens. The perception changed after the Great War. I know you worry… your shields do not fully contain it, like water seeping out… but she is not only fine, she flourishes."

"And that hover…."

"Was Lisa's. I thought it girly, used to razz her over it actually, fitting a little girl should have it" Ianto shrugged like the expensive thing was a trinket.

"Thank you" Jack settled in his own chair "for everything. I have not been this comfortable in a long time. I would also like to admit to having feelings for you, but I will not let them interfere with our friendship."

Ianto stifled a snort of amusement as clearly Jack had no idea how strongly his desire wafted off him like a deep, cloying scent. Ianto was well aware of the attraction and answered "Well, I am attracted to you also and am growing impatient waiting for you to make a move actually."

Jack stared at him "What?"

"At first I found you to be an insufferable twat and almost did not a have a mind to get to know you… but you know… you are rather a sufferable twat after all."

Jack gaped at him and then started to laugh, the underhanded insult was so finely done… it was perfect.

"Do you think…" Jack paused nervously before continuing "Mabe we could go for a meal together in the mess hall? Maybe, a walk around the gardens being reconstructed or something?"

"Are you asking me on a… a date?" Ianto asked incredulously.

"Well… would it be a yes?"

Ianto seemed to ponder this, and Jack realized he was playing with him as the air crackled with humour and then Ianto finally said "I suppose so."

Jack laughed, clapping his hands together before saying "Saturday night. Book me in, please. I will do everything; you just turn up."

Ianto had no idea what he had in mind, but he was willing to give it a try. They might not be there in his house much longer, the rebuild underway and the thought of the house being so quiet once more filled him with a fear he had not expected.

Or was it that thought of waking up to a house not full of this man's musk?

He had things to think about.

.

.

Ianto was nervously checking his tie again; the antique suit one Lisa had always loved on him and he knew he made a striking figure in it. The three piece was a soft light grey with powder pink silk lining and the white shirt made the matching pink tie look so cute. Ianto noted that he had put on a little weight in the right places, the suit fitting perfectly but his bum was… well… larger. Hmmm. Funny how the body can change, good thing the tailored suit stood up to the curves.

Finally ready, Ianto checked himself one more time then exited the bedroom with the jacket hooked on his hand, intending to get Rhiannon to check the buckle on the back of his waistcoat to make sure it was fastened securely.

Jack was talking to the kids who were all at the table waiting for their own meal and as Ianto entered the room Jack made an audible groan, stepping back to gape at the handsome man who seemed oblivious to the effect he was having on him.

"Rhia, check my buckle will you love?" Ianto asked turning to let her tighten the clasp, so the waistcoat became more pinched, the arse now even more prominent. Jack gaped.

Ianto turned to face him as he shrugged on the jacket, and he frowned "What?"

"Nothing… just… nice."

"Oh, thanks. One of my favourites. I haven't worn it in years, a whole wardrobe full of these babies, the only thing I could not give up when we emigrated. Lisa told me I was so vain" Ianto laughed, pulling at the jacket.

"If you've got it… flaunt it baby" Jack leered "And you got it in parsecs."

Ianto blushed as he turned to face the kids, winking at them as they all drank in the handsome man now accepting the overcoat Jack was holding out for him to slip his arms into. Ianto returned the favour with Jack's Great Coat that showed his service in the front guards and the two exited the house to head to their 'date night' as the kids giggled amongst themselves and whispered that they both looked so happy.

Rhiannon settled with the family meal underway and hoped to the seven hells things would go well tonight, the clear intention to see if they could court behind the evening. If one of them stuffed this up… she might bang their heads together.

She could only live and hope.