InsaneJournal

Who: Ianto and Portia
When: Mid May
Where: Cafe
What: Random encounter
Rating/Warning: Low/None
Status: Complete



The cafe was almost always busy, but that never stopped Ianto from coming in once or twice a week. It had a homey atmosphere, the owners were nice people, and they had damn fine coffee in his opinion. It also helped that it was relatively close to the store so he could just slip in on his way to work or on his way home, depending on his moods. Today proved no different with the long line and crowded area. It took a few moments for him to get his order and he made sure to put a few bills into the tip jar.

Once he had his drink and muffin in hand, Ianto did a quick scan of the room to see if there would be any empty tables inside. Due to the nice weather, he already knew that the sidewalk tables were already full. A few seconds later he spotted a woman sitting off near the window by herself. Taking a chance he moved towards her. If he was lucky, maybe the stranger wouldn’t mind some company. At the very worst, she’d just tell him to piss off.

“Excuse me miss” He started, smiling politely. “Would you mind if I joined you at your table? Everywhere else seems to be taken at the moment.”

Portia had been lucky enough to bag a table once she had arrived and had gotten out her sketch book to work on a few new costume designs for the next project she had agreed to work on. She liked this place, it was busy but that kind of hustle and bustle just spurred her on. She liked busy places.

She looked up at the voice and smiled at the polite man, "Oh no please, take a seat. It's really busy today" she added in her usual friendly manner.

“It is. One of the reasons I love it here. And thanks.” He replied, taking the empty seat across from the woman. “I’m Ianto by the way.”

Opening his bag, the man pulled out a small notebook, opening it and looking at a few lists before stealing a glance at the pad in front of his new acquaintance. He wasn’t exactly sure what it was she was drawing but it seemed obvious she had a talent.

“You’re very good” He commented, taking a sip of his coffee. “Are you an artist?”

"Not a problem, I'm Portia" she replied holding out her hand before returning to her work. She didn't mind chatting but knew that not everybody was inclined to chat to a stranger.

When he spoke Portia smiled, "Thank you. I'm a fashion designer and stylist so an ability to draw comes in handy" she explained, "Helps people to visualise the item rather than just trying to describe it"

“That sounds like a very interesting career choice.” He offered with a smile as he listened to her. He was minimally fashion oriented as in he knew what colors went well together and no, he couldn’t wear that shirt with this jacket. But he never really payed attention to the tiny intricate details that went into the fashion world. “How long have you been designing?”

“It’s certainly given me a lot of different work experiences. I’m currently working for a movie studio” she told him with a smile, “I’ve been designing since school, my degree was in fashion. I’ve been lucky really. How about you?”

“Now that sounds like a fun experience. How long has that particular project been going on?” He asked curiously. It was actually nice, making small talk with a random stranger. At her question of what he did, he gave a small shrug.

“I own a small bookstore a few streets over” He answered. “It isn’t much, but it something that I’ve always wanted to do. The store is my baby in a way, I’m embarrassed to say” He added with a soft laugh.

"I've been working at the studio for almost a year but the current film I'm working on designs for doesn't start filming for a few weeks" she explained. She had to agree it was nice to just chat with someone.

"Well that's lovely" Portia said, "Owning your own business is something to be proud of" she smiled. "I'm afraid I don't get much time to read although I used to when I was younger"

“Sounds like a lot of hard work” He mused. He watched plenty of movies; he had quite a collection built up. But he had never really put much thought into what went into creating one. “Do you have a team or do you do the majority of the work yourself?”

Ianto smiled as they spoke of his store. “I’m very proud of it” He admitted as he nursed his coffee. “It something I had always wanted to do so I guess it’s my baby in a way”

“It is but very rewarding when you see the finished product” Portia smiled, “I have a team. I think I’d drive myself crazy if I tried to do it completely on my own. Especially since I get involved in the hair and makeup aspect too”

It was nice to see someone who obviously loved what they did, too many people didn’t follow their dreams often enough. “I’ll try and stop by sometime. I’ll definitely tell my friends niece, she’s a big book reader. She collects fairytales”

“I’ll have to go see this movie and then tell people I met the brilliant mind who created all of the lovely outfits.” The man said with a playful tone. Checking his watch, Ianto was slightly saddened at the fact that it was almost time to head back to the store and open up. Pulling out his wallet he retrieved a card before sliding it over to Portia.

“I’m afraid I have to be going. But this has been a nice chat. If you’d ever like to do this again, only next time planned feel free to get ahold of me” He offered with a smile.

Portia grinned, “I’ll be sure to let you know when it comes out” she told him with a smile before looking at her own watch. “Oh of course, it’s been lovely to talk to you Ianto. I’ll definitely give you a call, thank you so much for your company”