Previous part of Year of the Cat.

***

Jack sat at his desk the next morning, looking at the stack of forms that needed his signatures that he was sure must be of alien nature as they seemed to be procreating and producing more and more forms. He had just put his head on the desk to clear his mind when the door was flung open.

"Yes?" Jack asked without looking up. From the entrance, he knew who it was. "What do you need Gwen?"

"You aren't going to tell Ianto, are you?" She had her hands on her hips.

Jack slowly lifted his head, eyes still closed. "Tell Ianto what, exactly?"

"About John."

"What about him?" Jack held his chin in his hands, looking wearily at the Welshwoman.

Gwen, hands not moving from her hips, glared down at him with a death stare. "Jack Harkness! You aren't being fair to Ianto at all. I have a good mind to..." She stopped when Jack stood suddenly, sending his chair into the glass wall behind him.

"You don't have a good mind or you would know that there is nothing going on at all." He leaned toward her, his hands planted firmly on the desk in front of him, daring her to speak. She didn't. "Now, what have we learned about the Heshels?"

Her hands dropped from her hips and she flicked her eyes to the floor. "Nothing."

"What was that?" Jack tilted an ear in her direction.

"Nothing." Gwen was trying her best to keep her anger contained.

"Well, maybe if you put as much into this as you did worrying about what I am and am not saying to Ianto, then we would be one step closer to solving the mystery." Jack sat again, waving her out of his office without another word.

She turned on her heel and huffed out, wanting nothing more than to slap her boss around. Martha was at her desk cross-referencing a possible lead when she saw Gwen coming toward her.

"What's going on?" Martha looked up, sticking a pen in her hair. "Anything new to look at?"

"No," Gwen growled, throwing herself in her chair. "Nothing."

"I think I found a pattern," Martha said, pointing to the screen.

Gwen quit pouting and rushed over. "What is it?"

"Look - here." Martha typed a few codes and brought up another screen. "Here is what Norris Heshel's DNA strand looks like. Compare that to the DNA strands of the list other missing people that I got from Andy and you can see-"

"Andy?" Gwen frowned, crossing her arms on her chest. "When did you talk to him?"

Martha shrugged. "I ran into him on my way in. Said he'd been trying to call you, but you weren't answering."

"So, you just – what? I dunno – had breakfast with him?" Gwen threw her hands up. "Is everyone around here going mad?"

Martha was visibly confused. "Gwen, I don't -" She was going to ask her what the problem with that was, but by the time she had found the right words, Gwen was already in the kitchenette. Martha turned back to the screen, determined to find out what the connection – if any – there was.

Jack finished signing the small stack of forms on his desk and left his office, hoping one of the girls would be willing to go on a combined coffee/lunch run. Martha was at her desk; pen in mouth, staring at the screen in front of her while Gwen was reading files and making calls and notations about the case.

"Who's hungry?" Jack rubbed his hands together. There was no answer. " It's on me." Still nothing. "Okay, how about this – what does everyone want? I'm going out to get lunch."

"Better order in," Gwen replied, not taking her eyes of the notes she was reading. "Martha and I think we might be onto something."

"What is it?" Jack leaned on the desk closest to him.

Martha took this as her cue to speak. "There seems to be similar DNA structures in all of the victims. I can't say right now what this could mean, but it might be significant."

"Great work, Miss Jones!" Jack beamed at her. "Anything, Gwen?"

"Searching backlogs for possible other victims that were mislabeled," She threw a folder on the desk in front of her.

"And?" Jack stood full-height, hands in pockets.

"If I'm right – there were three other victims that we tagged wrong."

"Right. Work on tagging them right and getting the samples we need to confirm." He walked to where he had hung his coat. "I'm going to go get lunch and check on Yan. See how he and Henry are getting along."

Jack was almost to the lift when the alarm went off.

"Jack, we have unidentified Rift Activity. Lunch will have to wait." Gwen called out.

With a sigh, he waited for the women before activating the lift. "Where is it?"

"Programming the GPS now," Martha informed him. "I'm not getting a clear reading as to exactly where or what it is. We need to be careful."

"We're always careful," Jack gave her one of his famous grins. "Why would today be any different?"

"Jack, we're getting a new kind of reading. It could be related to the kidnappings," Gwen said, looking at her cell. "In fact, I am pretty sure they are."

"And why would you think that?" Jack frowned in confusion.

Gwen turned her phone around for Jack to read the text. 'GC, hpnd 'gin - AD'

"Aww, shit." Jack groaned. "Let's go see then. Gwen, text him back and tell him we're on it."

"Gotcha, boss."

"Dammit! Why couldn't it have just been a Weevil?" Jack groaned, looking down the alley.

Martha looked up from the device she was holding. "You would rather be chased around by Weevils than investigate a slight flux in the energy?"

"Martha," Gwen said gently, placing a hand on the other woman's shoulder, "It's never just a 'slight flux in energy'..."

"She's right," Jack agreed. "At least with Weevils, we can see the threat. Now, this – this has me wor-" Jack's cell vibrated in his pocket.

He looked at the display before snapping it open. "What's up, Yan? I'm kinda busy here." There was a heavy breathing sound on the other end and the muted sound of someone yelling. "Yan? Yan?" Nothing but the breathing, maybe a whisper, but Jack couldn't be sure. "Ianto?" The line went dead. Jack shrugged and put the phone back in his pocket.

"Was it Ianto?" Martha asked, not looking up from the information she was getting from readings of the area.

"Yeah, I guess. Must have been one of those accidental dialings." He leaned to look at what Martha was looking at. "Anything?"

"No," Martha looked frustrated. "And I just can't figure it out. Now it says there are no traces of anything here. But this is the spot!"

"Gwen!" Jack barked to the woman who was looking for anything that would have set off the alert. "You got anything over there?"

"No, I – hang on!" Gwen bent and picked up a small black metallic box. "What's this?" She brought it over for Martha to scan, but Jack snatched it from her.

"Did you just find this?" He was flipping it over, trying to find any marks other than the thumb pads.

"Yes, Jack," Gwen snatched it back and handed it to Martha.

"Gwen," Jack snatched it back, earning him a look from Martha that he never even saw. "I know what this is."

"All right then, Mr. Smarty, what is it?" Gwen tried to take it back, but Jack held it above his head.

"It's a Warp Pack." He looked down at Martha and handed it over when she looked interested. "It works on a basic Teleportation Processor-System. I haven't seen one in years."

Martha looked it over, seeing nothing extraordinary about it. "So you know how they work, then?"

"Oh yeah. See, all you have to do is-" Jack's cell went off again and he opened it after reading the display screen. "Yan?" Nothing but the background noise and a small sound of someone playing with the phone. "Yan?" The line went dead again. "As I was saying – all you have to do is-" The phone vibrated in his hand and he almost dropped it. "God Dammit, Ianto! Answer the phone!" Jack waited, but heard nothing. "IANTO! IANTO JONES!" Jack held the phone close to his mouth and made a few vague loud noises before noticing it had disconnected. Huffing, he held up a finger for the women to wait. He quickly dialed the house number and got the machine. Figuring that the call was made while Ianto and Henry were out, he continued one more time with his explanation. "You just-" Again, the phone vibrated and Jack let out a strangled scream as he flipped the phone open. "IANTO!" There was a muffled squeak on the other end, followed by a distant yelling. "Ianto? Is everything all right?"

There was the sound of soft breathing that Jack thought he recognized before the one simple word was heard. "Yeth."

Jack frowned at the phone. "Henry?"

More breathing. "Yeth."

"Henry, where is Ianto?" Jack spoke slowly, realizing that he had never heard the boy talk before.

An excited voice, "Toe?"

Jack waved Gwen and Martha off when they tried to talk. "Yes, Henry, Ianto? Where is he? Is he beside you?"

"All gone..." The boy's voice faded as he looked away from the phone to talk. "Toe all gone."

Jack's face must have gone pale because suddenly Martha was at his side. "What's wrong, Jack? What's wrong with Ianto?"

"Henry?" Jack tried to hide the panic that was rising in him. If there was someone after Henry's parents, what would stop that same thing from trying to get to Ianto – his Ianto? "Henry – can you give the phone to-" The line went dead again and, dazed, Jack closed the phone.

"Jack, what is it?" Gwen touched his arm and he jumped.

"I...I have to go," he was already halfway to the SUV as he said it, leaving a very confused Martha and Gwen behind.

Jack burst through the door, not bothering with the trouble of unlocking it. Standing in the middle of the room, covered in what appeared to be flour, was Henry. Henry, who was now wearing a dazzling grin upon seeing who it was.

Jack lowered his gun. "Henry? Where's Ianto?"

The little boy pointed and babbled quite a few things Jack supposed were words before saying, "Toe bat-roon."

Jack's eyes went to the bathroom door, which was standing wide open. "No, Henry. No one's in there, kid."

Henry frowned and ran to the hall closet and knocked. "Vac-lean!"

Jack held in a laugh. That was where the vacuum cleaner was kept. "That's right, Henry." He paused when he saw the look on the boy's face. "Now, where is Ianto?"

Henry made vague gestures with his hands as he tried to explain something to the man in the long coat standing in front of him, gun pointed to the floor. "Toe! Bat-roon!" He pointed one chubby hand toward the hallway before trying to grab Jack's free hand. "Come on." Bending to allow the child to drag him, Jack let Henry drag him to the bathroom that was in the master bedroom. "TOE!"

"Still in here, Henry," Ianto's voice was hoarse, but reassuring. Jack realized that he didn't know Jack was there yet. He took the time to holster his Webley and remove his coat.

"Ianto," he spoke, "What is going on?"

"Oh, thank God, Jack!" His voice changed to one of relief. "I have been stuck in here since before breakfast."

"How did this even happen?" Jack went to the dresser and took the paperclip that they used to prod the lock when it stuck and opened the door.

He was met with Ianto, a scowl on his face. "That damn thing is getting fixed. Tomorrow."

"You're welcome." Jack crossed his arms on his chest and leaned back on his heels.

Ianto grumbled and ran his hand through his hair. Jack noticed he was still in his pajamas, but thought better of saying anything out loud. It didn't take long for Ianto to notice the small boy in the doorway. "Henry, what do you have all over you?" He squinted as he got closer.

Jack tried to make himself invisible as he inched past Ianto and toward the door. Ianto stopped him with a tug to the arm.

"Where do you think you're going?" Ianto crossed his own arms on his chest.

Jack found it hard to take the man wearing pajama bottoms and nothing else seriously. He took in the sight of Ianto with his ruffled hair and stubble and cracked a grin. "Back to work. I left the girls at this place we were investigating."

Ianto didn't budge. "You don't think they thought to get a cab?"

"I was about to explain this-" Jack saw Ianto's eye narrow. "I'll help you clean when I get home?"

"Go, Jack." Ianto's command was flat as he bent to inspect the toddler. "Go before I change my mind."

Jack reached for his coat and gave Ianto a kiss on the forehead before he left. He was barely in the SUV when he heard Ianto's voice.

"What the hell happened in here? And who the hell kicked in the door!"

 ***

Jack was almost back to the part of town where he had left Martha and Gwen when his comm chirped. "Yeah?"

Gwen was so angry that Jack had to listen hard to make out what she was saying. "We're back at the Hub, no thanks to you, Jack Harkness!"

"Calm down, Gwen," Jack soothed over the connection.

"Don't you tell me to calm down! Ianto better be damn near dead the way you tore out of here and left us like that..."

Jack sighed heavily, not caring if Gwen heard it or not. From the noise he heard her make next, however, he supposed that she had. "He's fine. I'm on my way in and I'll tell you all about it." Before she could answer, he terminated the connection.

"Are they okay?" Martha all but tackled Jack before he could even make it through the cog door.

Jack smiled at her concern. "They're fine." He dropped his coat on an empty desk and went to look at the screen Gwen had in front of her. "What's all this?"

"This," Gwen snapped, "is the instructions to that little machine I found."

"Wow. Back down, Gwen," Jack held his hands up in surrender. "I had to go and check on Ianto and Henry. It wasn't anything serious, but it could have been."

"What about us, Jack? What if this thing had been dangerous? What then?" She stood and placed her hands on her hips, backing him up as she talked.

"Jack would never let us get hurt - I don't think he'd be able to live with himself," Martha stepped in. "He knew what that little machine could do. In fact, it seems he wrote the manual you are now reading."

Gwen was taken aback by what Martha told her. She hadn't looked at the author until now. "Sorry, Jack, I just..."

"It's been rough for all of us, Gwen," Jack moved to put his arms around her. "Now, have you found out if it still works or not? Or, more importantly, are there any genetic signatures left stored in it?" He moved over to where Martha stood holding the device.

"Genetic signatures?" Martha looked at the metal. "There doesn't seem to be any kind of storage unit on here that is capable of that."

Jack took it from her carefully and pressed the small button, holding it down for the count of eleven before handing it back to Martha, who watched as a small chip popped out. "Oh, is that so?" The side of his mouth crooked up in question.

"This is going to make things a bit easier." Martha remarked, smiling back at him.

"Okay, now that we have those, maybe we can figure out what is going on around here." Jack walked toward his office, but was stopped by Gwen.

"Jack, I just got another text from Andy. He says an 'Emma Rhosin' has gone missing. Do you want me to do a check?" She bit her lip.

Jack smiled back at her. "Yeah, get right on that. Good thinking. If either of you need me, I'll be in my office, finishing up paperwork." The women couldn't be sure, but they thought they may have seen him shiver.

"Martha," Gwen called the doctor over. "I found something in those fingerprints you got from the machine."

"You did?" Martha looked up from the files she was reading. "I thought it would take longer."

"Well, it seems, for some reason that the fingerprints are on file in the national database." She tapped the screen with a shrug. "They are coming up with the names Roderick Delany and Johnson Pruitt."

Martha scribbled the names down. "And the other two sets?"

Gwen shook her head. "Nothing yet, but I'll keep looking." She sighed and looked at her watch. If they were going to be there much later, she would have to call Rhys.

As if Jack had heard her, he called out from the door of his office. "It's quitting time!"

Martha and Gwen looked up from their desks and smiled gratefully. Jack didn't have to tell them twice – he barely heard them saying goodbye as they fled out the cog door.

Left alone, he knew he had to get home, no matter what was waiting for him there. He supposed he should have called Ianto to see how everything had worked out, but he was afraid of what the other man would say, so he had decided if Ianto had needed anything, he would have let Jack know. With that knowledge, he climbed in the SUV and drove home, noticing that it was starting to rain. He hoped that the door wasn't as bad as it had looked when he left.

Jack came home to find that the door was decidedly off the hinges for the foreseeable future and the living room was back to looking normal. He followed his nose into the kitchen and found dinner waiting for him in the oven, still warm. Jack picked up a piece of fish and nibbled, taking a handful of the chips as well. He munched for a bit, leaning against the counter before he went to look for Ianto.

"There are fish and chips in the oven staying warm," Ianto called from the bathroom, where Jack could hear the sound of splashing. "I'll be out in a moment."

Jack looked back at the door before walking down the hall to talk to Ianto. "What are we going to do about the door?" He pointed with a half-eaten chip in the direction of the item in question.

"Well, I called about having it fixed – which, by the way, the neighbors are all talking about. Did you have to kick it in?" Ianto lifted the boy from the tub as he pulled the plug. "I see you found dinner."

Jack smiled and popped the last bit of chip on his mouth, watching as Ianto hefted the toddler from the water.

Henry was shaking his head like a dog, splattering water all over as he laughed. Ianto almost lost a grip on him twice before being able to stand him on the toilet to dry him. All the while, the boy went between beaming first at one man, then the other.

"What does that mean?" Jack pointed to the hand gestures the boy was now making. Henry's fingers were splayed and pointed downward, much like a pianist about to start a concert.

Ianto sighed as he toweled the boy's hair and wrapped him up. "It's a helicopter."

Jack followed them into the bedroom, where Ianto fought to put a diaper on the boy. "And that?" All of the boy's fingers were extended, but squished together.

Ianto pulled the tab off the first diaper trying to get it tight and growled. Getting another, he glared at Jack. "It's a mouse." He reached for the powder and Henry accidentally kicked Ianto in the chin. "Henry! Quit moving!" The boy stilled. "Thank you."

Once the boy was dressed in pajamas, Ianto handed him over to Jack. "Here. You do it. You do something fabulously 51st century to get him to go to sleep. I am going to go and have my dinner." He left before Jack could stop him.

"Well, what now, kid?" Jack took off his coat and sat on the bed as Henry bounced beside him. "What did your mum and dad do to get you to sleep?"

Henry stopped bouncing for a moment, but didn't look as though he quite understood what Jack had asked him. "Toe?"

"No, kid, Ianto is done for today. You wore him out." Jack pulled the boy onto his lap and was relieved when the child didn't fight him too much. "It's my turn for a bit." He watched as blue eyes looked worried. "How about this – I can tell you the story of the plane with the broken wing." Henry's eyes grew wide. "Now, then, wait right here and I will be right back, okay?" Jack stood, glancing back every now and then to check that the boy was doing as he had asked him to do. Satisfied that Henry was going to wait for him, Jack went to the wardrobe and pulled out a wooden box. He smiled as he brought it back to the bed.

"Now," Jack opened the box and brought out a small wooden airplane that, indeed, had a broken wing. "This is the story of the plane with the broken wing. Are you ready?" The little boy nodded his head, and climbed into Jack's lap, pushing the box out of his way. Jack chuckled before continuing. "Now, Henry, this is a very special plane. He's seen things that other planes have not." The boy was reaching for the toy and Jack gave it to him. Henry turned the little red wheels and the yellow propeller as he listened to Jack's voice, small ear to Jack's chest.

"This little plane didn't always have a broken wing. He got it while he was fighting – which is bad, so don't do it. Well, it's only bad if you are doing it without reason. I mean, if you're fighting to help someone or something you love, then, generally, it's okay. But going off and hurting someone for no reason – that's wrong." He looked down at the boy and saw he was still playing with the plane. "Oh, I am really bad at stories, Henry. I'll just tell you how I really got that, okay?" Again, the boy nodded.

"I'm not really from this time, kid. I come from far in the future, a place you'll – sadly – never get to see. And I used to travel in time with a man named the Doctor. That is, until something happened and made it so that I can't die and stay dead. But that's another story. This one is about one of the many wars I fought in. But wars are bad – remember that. There was devastation everywhere, and, yet, out of all that pain and suffering, children still managed to see me as a hero. One of the boys gave me that to remind me." Jack let out a snort. "Like I was going to forget one of the faces that made me realize that it was all worth it." He looked down and saw that Henry was starting to doze off, the plane still clutched tightly in his hand.

"See? Told you I was bad at this." He began to rock and hum a song he had not sung in a long time. "Puff the Magic Dragon lived by the sea, and frolicked in the Autumn mist in a land called Honna-lee. Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff ..." Jack let the words drop off as the boy began to go limp and hummed until he was sure the boy was good and asleep before putting him in the playpen and going out to talk to Ianto about his day.

"He asleep?" Ianto asked, looking up from what he was writing.

Jack, nodded, flopping at the opposite end of the couch. "Wasn't that bad."

"Of course not, you didn't have to clean up the pancake mix and syrup mess that was coating a good part of the room – by the way, I billed the cleaning crew bill to Torchwood." He smiled a smug smile at Jack, daring him to refuse the request.

Jack tried to look sorry. "Ouch. Was that what he was coated in?"

Ianto closed his eyes as he shut the book he had been writing in. "Yes. I really don't want to think about it anymore." He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Any progress?"

Jack leaned back and encouraged Ianto to stretch his legs out on him. "Gwen found a device that might prove to be very important. She and Martha were working on it when I sent them home."

"Good to know." Ianto sounded like he didn't care to hear about Torchwood at all, and he changed the subject. "What was that you were singing?"

"In the bedroom? It was a Boeshanian lullaby. I used to sing it to the girls."

"Oh, I couldn't quite hear it and it sounded a bit familiar."

Jack began to tell the story, "It's about a dragon named Puff and a little boy named..."

"Jackie Paper," Ianto finished.

Jack was startled by the way he could finish the story. "How did you know?"

Ianto shrugged. "Mam sang it to me."

"Funny," Jack mused.

"What?" Ianto didn't like the tone of his voice.

"Nothing – just can't picture Glenda humming that..."

"And why not?"

"Uh, Ianto, there are some things that you don't know about her..."

"If you tell me that you slept with her, I'm going to give you a fat lip!" Ianto was giving Jack a warning look.

Jack chose his next words carefully. "No, no, no – never!"

Ianto fell back on the couch. "Thank God."

Unable to stop himself, Jack added, "Not that I didn't try..."

"I really hate you right now, Harkness," Ianto murmured, attempting to lift his arm before letting it fall to the couch.

"But, I love you, Yan," Jack tried to arrange him so that he could sit beside him. Ianto tried to push him away, but found it was useless. He gave up and let Jack sit as close as he wanted to, knowing he was going to get his way anyway.

"Leonard Lipton," Jack said after a long while.

Ianto opened an eye to glare at Jack. "Pardon me?"

"That was his name." Jack patted Ianto's leg, making him jump a bit.

He swiveled his head and opened both eyes to Jack. "Who?"

"The guy I met in a bar in New York – I was going by the name of Lenny Edelstein then - good old Lenny..." Jack was lost in a memory.

"What are you even saying?" Ianto's voice sounded heavy and he was getting harder for Jack to understand.

Jack laughed to himself. "I was so drunk I was reciting Ogden Nash – 'Custard the Dragon had big. Sharp. Teeth..."

Ianto was sleep-confused. "What?'

"The poem, Ianto," Jack came back to the present time. "Custard the Dragon was the poem." When he didn't see any recognition of the poem on Ianto's face, he continued. "Anyway, Lenny and I talked about a lot – Ogden Nash, where I was from-"

Ianto was more awake now. "You told him?" He felt hurt.

"I told you I was drunk-" he smiled weakly.

"Jack!" The way Ianto said it, it meant 'That's no excuse, you complete idiot.'

"Anyway. Turns out he wrote that song with the help of Pete Yarrow."

"Right – it was a song by Peter, Paul, and Mary." Ianto remembered the discussion he had had with a friend about it being a drug song.

"Yeah, I know. Pete was my roommate."

"Wait." Ianto sat up again. "Are you telling me that you are the reason 'Puff the Magic Dragon' was written?"

"Wouldn't be the first song I inspired..." He blew on his nails and buffed them on his shirt in fun.

Ianto sighed. "Was one of the others 'Hit the Road, Jack', by any chance?"

"That stings, Ianto Jones." Jack pouted at the other end of the couch.

"That's it. I've had enough. I'm tired. No more of today." Ianto moved to collapse against Jack.

A smile played on Jack's lips as he cradled Ianto until he fell asleep, only to be woken up minutes later by Henry crying.

"I'll do this, go ahead back in there – you have to get up early," Ianto rubbed his face and stood.

"No, you go to bed," Jack said when Ianto made his way down the hall, Jack following him. "I'll bring him out here with me."

"What about not having a door?" Ianto fell into bed as Jack bent to pick up the whimpering toddler.

"I'll put it on. Just won't swing. No big deal." Jack used his free hand to cover Ianto before taking Henry back into the living room and setting him on the couch so he could prop the door up and move a few kitchen chairs to hold it in place.

Going back to the couch, he swept up the boy and noticed he still had the plane in his hand. "Hey, you like that?" Henry just looked back at him. "Right. Maybe we should just try to get some sleep." Jack took off his watch and wrist strap so that he wouldn't scratch the boy as they settled into the couch.

***

The knock on the wooden door frame woke Jack with a start. A small hand clutched at his shirt and he opened his eyes to see that Henry had fallen between his body and the back of the couch. Easing the boy up, he heard the knocking again. "Yes?" Jack called, moving so that he was sitting, noticing that Henry was now trying to wake up, but not doing so well.

"Here to fix your door, Mr...Jones?" The male voice called back. "Is now a bad time?"

"No, uh, it's fine." Jack pulled himself together the best he could and tried to smooth his hair down a little. "Come on in."

The man pushed the rigged-up door as best he could and stepped inside, smiling when he saw Jack sitting on the couch with Henry. "Your boy – how old is he?"

Jack blinked at the question before answering. "Two – two and a half."

The handyman winked. "I can see where he got his looks from."

"Thank you." Jack stood, hefting Henry in his arms as he walked toward the kitchen, unable to contain his smirk.

The handyman cleared his throat. "I'll just see what I can do to fix this." He looked over it for a moment. "It looks like someone kicked this in..."

"I'll be in here if you need me," Jack said, disappearing into the room. "What do you eat, kid?" He looked down at the blank look on the toddler's face. "Great, no help there." Jack rooted around in the cupboard and found a box of cereal. "Looks like we're having this." The boy smiled as they walked back into the living room and took up their spots on the couch from the other night. "So, Hank, let's see what's on."

Jack flipped through the channels before finding a cartoon that looked interesting to him that he thought Henry would watch. "Have some cereal," he passed the box to the boy, taking a handful for himself.

Henry put his arm into the box, the whole time looking at Jack. When he was sure that he was doing what the man had told him, he smiled and dug in, his eyes going to the screen.

"Okay, so, as far as I can gather, this 'Prince Speed' has these things called 'Commando Frogs'..." Jack tried to explain to the boy. "Though, I'm not sure why."

The handyman laughed. "My nephew watches that show," he volunteered. "Be careful, or you'll be singing that damn theme song."

"Duly noted," Jack said back. He watched Henry watching the screen with confused interest. "What is going on up there, kid?"

"My guess would be that those frogs are on motorbikes for a reason..." Ianto said, his voice still tinged with sleep, as he shuffled into the kitchen, not noticing the handyman fixed the door. "Jack, what are you feeding Henry?"

"Cereal," Jack said back, looking over the back of the couch in the direction of his voice.

"I don't want milk on the couch," Ianto called back, over the sound of the grinder.

"We don't have milk. Only cereal."

"You aren't eating out of the box are you?"

"No."

"Are you lying?"

"Maybe."

Ianto let out an exasperated sigh that Jack could hear from the living room, knowing that it also had an accompanying eyeroll.

"Sounds like Ianto is mad at us, kid." Jack said, digging his hand into the box again with a shrug.

The man fixing the door cleared his throat. "Okay Mr. Jones, about done here...if I can just get you to sign this invoice for me?"

"Hang on!" Ianto called from the kitchen, where Jack could smell coffee beginning to brew.

"He's Mr. Jones," Jack explained when the handyman gave him a questioning look. "I'm Mr. Harkness."

"Knock it off, Jack," Ianto said as he came into the room and took the clipboard to sign. "And thank you so much for coming on such short notice."

"No problem," the man said, picking up his tool kit and leaving, glancing in Jack's direction before doing so.

Ianto glanced at the paper he held. "You can take this in when you go to work."

"I have to go to work?" Jack whined. "I'm not there now and they're fine."

Ianto folded the paper and stuck it in the pocket of the greatcoat. "About that – can you make sure you bring your cell in here next time? I had two of them going off in the bedroom early this morning."

"Oops."

"That's right. Not a picnic to wake up to Gwen screeching in your ear about how you aren't there and why aren't you there." He took the cell in question from his pocket and tossed it to Jack. "I don't know how Rhys does it."

The phone landed on the couch. Jack chuckled a little, tilting the box for Henry to get more cereal. The boy's eyes were glued to the screen still. "She's not that bad."

Ianto gave him a look that indicated that he thought otherwise. "And, Jack, stop watching 'Prince Speed and the Commando Frogs' – last time, neither of us could get that theme out of our heads for weeks!"

Jack parked the SUV and used the tourist entrance, locking the door behind him. He had a thermos of coffee with him that Ianto had made and pushed into his hands as he left. Jack smiled at the thought of how happy Ianto was that morning. He figured it had something to do with the fact that Henry's furniture was being delivered and they would have their room back. That was enough to put a giant smile on Jack's face.

Stopping to get a mug from the kitchen, he noticed that Gwen and Martha were not at their desks, but there was a familiar white pastry box on the table in the conference room. Jack headed up there and found that there were a dozen donuts in the box, and that two of them were his favorite jelly-filled. He grabbed one and sat in the chair at the head of the table, pulling a legal pad and pen over that was sitting in Ianto's usual spot.

Gwen dropped two heavy folders on the conference table as she walked by Jack to her usual spot.

"What's this?" Jack looked up from the memo he was composing for Ianto to look over.

"All the info on Roderick Delany and Johnson Pruitt I could find in the databases." Gwen beamed at him as she fell into the chair. "Go on, look at it."

Jack looked impressed as he opened the first folder – the one labeled 'Roderick Delany'. Gwen had included a few pictures that she had tracked down from CCTV surveillance all over the city. From what she had gathered, Jack found that the man was of a slender build, and possibly younger than he looked. The thing that made him stand out was his wardrobe, though. While Jack had to admit that it was flattering, it was also on the side of bizarre, with a mostly gray color scheme. He shook his head, thinking that he had seen the man somewhere before, but he couldn't be sure. "Wow, Gwen, you really did your leg work."

Gwen smiled again. "Yeah, well, with Ianto out, I thought I would need to help out a bit more."

"Do you make coffee?" Jack raised an eyebrow.

"I can try," Gwen was out the door and at the machine when Martha came from the archives.

"What are you doing?" She looked over to where Gwen was stirring sugar into a mug – Jack's mug.

Gwen stopped, pointing to the coffee machine. "Making Jack coffee?"

Martha dropped the file box she was holding and covered her mouth. "Gwen! You don't try to mess with the man's machine AND his well...man!"

Gwen innocently stirred. "What do you mean?"

"Listen, sister, that wide-eyed doe look may have everyone else fooled, but not me. I'm watching you."

"What do you mean?" Gwen was holding the mug in both hands now.

"You can't do that." Martha was waving her hands at the steaming beverage.

"Do what? All I did was make Jack coffee." She flipped her hair. "He asked me to!"

"Gwen, think." Martha went back to the box and bent to pick it up. "Think what Jack associates coffee with..."

"Martha, I know you love Jack – and Ianto – but..." She went to walk toward her, but got her heel caught in the grating and she had to yank it free. Gwen began to pitch forward, and before she knew what was happening, Martha was covered in scalding liquid.

She looked down at the light brown stain that was spreading across her white lab coat and back up at Gwen with a look of shock. Her mouth was opening and closing as if she wanted to say something but the words would not come out.

The only thing the Welshwoman could do was stand there, her hand covering her mouth, eyes wide and scared. She looked momentarily up at the conference room; Jack hadn't heard anything.

"You...you...you...do something!" Martha wailed, looking down at the mess covering her again. "This is hot!"

"I didn't mean...it was an..." Gwen looked close to tears.

"Problem, ladies?" Jack was in the doorway.

"None," Martha answered, death in her eyes. Eyes that were fixed on Gwen.

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Nothing going on?"

Gwen caught the warning look that Martha was giving her. "No, we're good."

"Am I ever going to get that coffee?" Jack joked, leaning on the doorway now. If he saw the mess that Martha was, he didn't say anything. Likewise, the twitch that Gwen had.

"Coming right up," Gwen called back brightly, but her face did not match her voice at all. Martha glared at her still.

"I don't have all day." Jack disappeared back into the conference room with a smile.

"I'm sorry, Martha." Gwen stepped forward and started to help the doctor take off her lab coat and the jacket underneath. "That was a complete accident – you have to believe me."

Martha took a deep breath and sighed as she let it out, composing her thoughts. "I know." She motioned to the front of her. "But it was hot and...Truce?"

Gwen nodded, "Truce." She leaned to shake hands, but found that her heel was still stuck. "Help?"

Martha helped her pry the heel out of the grating and, together, they looked at the damage. "Do you have another pair of shoes? These are done."

Gwen smiled as she took the other one off and tossed both in the bin. "Yeah, in my locker, I'll get them later." She shrugged and started back for the coffee machine.

Martha stopped her with a hand to her arm and a shake of her head.

"What?" Confusion twisted Gwen's face. "We used to joke about what we were doing wrong to make us the last two people in the world that hadn't shagged Jack."

"That was different. I thought we were just having a laugh, but what you're doing is serious and wrong and I can't stand for it." She was trying not to raise her voice.

Gwen was taken aback. "What? I..."

"Gwen, I know Jack – and before you tell me that you have been around him longer, I have to ask you this: Have you ever really watched them? Both of them? Not just Jack." Martha looked lost in a memory for a moment before turning back to the present. "Anyway, need to get cleaned up. I'll grab your shoes while I am down there if you want."

Gwen smiled, still a bit in thought. "Yeah, thanks, that would be great." She pointed to the coffee machine. "I'll just..."

Martha started down to the lockers before turning back. "Gwen, can you do me a favor in return?" She didn't wait for an answer. "Tell Jack you couldn't figure out the coffee machine. Back off."

"Right." Gwen agreed, nodding. "I'm just clean this up and go tell him."

"Thank you."

"No, thank you."

When Martha got back to the conference room, Jack and Gwen were laughing over the fact that Gwen couldn't figure out Ianto's coffee station. Martha smiled warmly as she took her seat. "Problem?"

"We'll have to keep getting our coffee from that cute little shop around the corner, I'm afraid," Jack said, looking sadly at his empty mug. He had no more of the coffee Ianto sent with him left.

"No shame in that," Martha smiled over at Gwen with a small nod.

"None at all," Gwen agreed. "In fact, maybe I should go and get..." She was cut off by the Rift Monitor going off.

"Our work here is never done," Jack sighed, pushing his chair from the table and standing. "Shall we, ladies?" He offered an arm to both.

"Jack!" Gwen called over the comms, "We can't find anything."

"Then meet me back at the SUV. I just want to check over here by the..." Jack's voice faded when he saw the gun pointed at him.

"Now, old man, here's what you're gonna do." The youth was backing Jack to the wall with the gun he held. "You are going to give me all your money. Then, I am going to shoot you."

Jack reached for his comm to warn Gwen and Martha, but the unknown assailant hit at his head and knocked it from his ear. He could hear Gwen's voice calling to him, but stepped back to crush it, not wanting them to give away their location. "I don't have any money on me..." Jack searched imaginary pockets.

The gunman relaxed his stance, never moving the gun itself from Jack. "Why do your type always say that?"

"My type?" He knew if he kept the boy talking that he could reverse the situation quickly.

The boy lunged forward, pushing at Jack with his free hand. "Shut up, old man!"

Jack's coat fluttered to the side just enough for the boy to see he had a gun of his own. Holding his hands up, his eyes flicked to the holster and then back to the youth. He wasn't sure what he thought he could do, but he never got the chance.

"This is better than that plastic piece of shit!" The boy threw the one he was holding and reached for Jack's holster.

The older man would have been fine, had it not been for the empty soup can that got caught under his foot. Jack's arms windmilled as the boy tried to pull the Webley from it's secured spot. The strap that Jack used to secure it was tight, and no matter how hard he pulled, the younger man couldn't get it free. He could, however, fire it.

Jack heard the noise, but didn't realize what had happened until he felt the wetness spreading down his side. The boy took one look at him and, realizing what he had done, ran. Jack felt his legs give way underneath him and he wished that Ianto were there. Ianto would have known what to do; Ianto would have assured him that was everything was all right, even though he would have known that Jack had been shot in the lung. Ianto would have held him as he felt himself slipping under – but Ianto wasn't here, only Jack.

"Kaget!" A familiar voice cut through the haze and a hand reached out to it. "Kaget! Can you hear me?"

Jack shook his head, trying to focus. He knew that voice from somewhere. His brain tried to get a fix on where it was from, even as the being it belonged to moved closer. "Who's there?"

"I'm sad you don't remember me; I remember you..."

Jack's vision cleared and he found himself looking at the calico face of his dreams. "You're..."

"Real?" She reached out for him with one hand. "Yes."

Jack sat slowly. "Why don't I remember you? Have I met you yet?"

The look on her face was enough to break Jack's heart. "Oh, Kaget, what did they do to you?" She stood in front of him and took his face in her hands. "My beautiful beautiful human..."

Jack looked at her for a long moment before closing his eyes. "Hessa..." he whispered, feeling her begin to shake. He opened his eyes. "What's wrong?"

Tears were disappearing into the fur on her face as they formed in her eyes. "You shouldn't be here." She shook her head. "You...you are made for better things. You will save so many people..."

Jack brought his hands up to her shoulders, drawing her closer. He didn't know what to say; he only knew who she was because of the dreams, and even then, he still didn't know why he knew her – or if she had ever been real. He felt a tug in his mind and she released him.

"You have to go now," she ran a finger down his cheek slowly. "They need you."

Jack nodded and kissed her gently before laying back down. She held his hand as he felt himself leaving wherever this place was. But he didn't miss the last words she said to him. "Of all of the things I missed about you, I missed your kind face the most..."

Jack gasped back to life - his first thought of Ianto. The second however, was the vision he had seen. What was going on?

***

Ianto surveyed the room in front of him – bright blue dresser, sturdy blue racecar bed, sleeping toddler – with a smile before turning to walk out the door. The satisfying click that told him that there would be no playpen in their room that night was almost enough to make him jump up and down like a child on Christmas morning. He and Jack had not had any time to themselves over the past few days, and it was starting to get to Ianto.

Pushing thoughts of anything else from his mind, Ianto flicked on the baby monitor that was sitting on the dresser and went to get a shower. He had the whole night planned out, and he was sure that Jack was going to enjoy every second of it. He had called ahead to have Jack's favorite restaurant deliver and already had his favorite wine at the perfect temperature.

There was a knock at the door and he went to answer, knowing it would be the fettuccine al burro e panna for himself and bistecca alla fiorentina for Jack. They were the best choices on the menu, and he knew the red wine would be a perfect compliment. Smiling, he set about the task of plating it up and putting it in the oven to keep it warm. He could hear the door open and close a few minutes later, so he got the two of them some wine and went to find out how Jack's day had gone. And for all the bitching Ianto had done about staying home with Henry, he had to admit that today had been a great day for the two of them – no worms, no locks, just putting together his 'big boy room'.

"How was your day?" Ianto asked, gliding in with a smile on his face. But his smile was not long-lasting once he saw the man lying on the couch.

Where Ianto had expected to see an exhausted but still happy Jack was a man who looked as though he had been dragged through the fires of hell. His shirt was crusted with what looked like blood. Ianto dropped the wine he had poured for Jack and heard the glass shatter even as he ran to his side.

"Jack! Jack! What happened?" He was pulling the coat away from him, making a note that it would have to be dry cleaned soon or the stains would set.

Jack could only groan; he had used all his energy getting up to the flat and falling on the couch. He was still sore from being shot and the dream of sorts had confused him to no end. He wanted desperately to talk to Ianto, but he didn't have the words for what he felt. "Yan, I..."

Ianto knelt beside the couch, soothing a hand over Jack's forehead. "Don't. Let's get you cleaned up and into bed." He tried not to sound disappointed as he helped Jack to his feet. "We'll get you into the shower and I'll..." he looked at what Jack was wearing, "Burn these clothes..."

Jack coughed, "Not the coat..." He tried to smile, but it hurt.

Ianto paused in walking the other man. "Don't be an idiot. Not getting rid of the coat." He wasn't sure, but it sounded like Jack was trying to laugh again. "Did Martha look you over?" He felt Jack nod as he helped him into the bedroom.

"I can't do this by myself," Jack said even as Ianto was helping him undress. Last pulled off was the wrist strap and the watch. The clothes were a total loss and Jack was going to have some impressive bruises – Ianto reasoned he must have been laying badly when he came back.

After getting Jack into the shower, Ianto went to check on Henry. The boy was still sleeping in the same position that Ianto had left him in, the stuffed pterodactyl Martha had brought him tucked under one arm. At least one of the flat occupants was having a good night. Ianto shut the door and went back in to check on Jack, finding that he had finished his shower and was putting on his pajama pants.

"You hungry?" Ianto asked, watching as Jack tied the strings. "I ord...can fix you some toast."

Jack shook his head mutely and looked up, the exhaustion apparent in his eyes. "Not hungry." He fell on the bed, noticing for the first time that the sheets had been pulled back already and the playpen was missing. "Where's Henry?" He sat up quicker than he should have in that moment.

"Relax," Ianto pushed Jack back on the bed. "We got his bedroom set up today. He's already asleep. You rest."

Jack looked up at him, trying to bring the younger man into focus, but finding that he was already falling into a dream. "You didn't have something planned, did you?"

Ianto shook his head, bending to kiss Jack on the forehead. "No, nothing. Only sleep. Like you are going to do now." He was halfway out the door when he heard Jack calling for him. "Yes?"

"I love you."

"I love you too, Jack." Ianto closed the door with a sigh and went to clean up the broken glass.

One hour and one bottle of wine later, Ianto was sitting on the couch by himself, listening to the drone of the radio behind him, trying his best not to be mad at Jack. It wasn't his fault – Martha and Gwen could have called him. That they didn't made him more than a little angry. How hard would it have been for the two of them to pick up the phone to call the man that was only practically married to Jack, for Chrissakes? He let the thought stew a bit more, the lyrics of the song that was on sinking into his thoughts.

"I know when it's getting rough all the times we spend trying to make this love something better than just making up again..." Ianto sang with drunken passion. "Dammit!" Draining the last of his glass, he reached for the bottle that was on the table and found it was empty. Ianto let out a sigh and got up to get the other one that was uncorked in the kitchen. There was no sense in letting them go to waste just because the universe had it out for him.

He was pouring the first glass and picking at his dinner when he had a thought. He walked quietly into the bedroom and reached under the bed for a box he hadn't touched for quite some time. It was filled with the things that Ianto had decided he couldn't let go of after Lisa. Carrying it into the living room, he opened it to peek inside. The box remained untouched and he found what he was looking for under a few photos of Lisa when they were on holiday. Taking his prize, he went back in the kitchen for the wine he had been drinking and went out the French doors and into the garden.

Ianto looked down at his hand and the box that he held. It had been well over a year since he had last held it, and was wondering if he still had the lighter tucked inside. He was sure they were stale now, but that was no matter. The nicotine inside would be enough to calm him, he was sure of that. The wine was making his ears buzz in a satisfying manner, but it wasn't enough. Jack had come home after being killed and no one had called him to warn him. He would have thought that Martha would have called. Ianto sighed, feeling like he finally knew his place in Torchwood. And it wasn't what he thought at all.

Sure, it could have been the wine talking, but Ianto wasn't inclined to believe that after the day that he and Jack had had - first separately, and then the lack of night they had had together. Lighting up, Ianto inhaled deeply, letting the first drag – no matter how stale the cigarettes where – take him away from the chaos of the day and into a place he felt safe. After a few puffs, he sat on the bench outside their door and pulled a leg covered by well-worn jeans up to his chest and looped his arm over, allowing the wine glass to dangle a little. He contemplated the hole in his knee that allowed the flesh to barely show through. Picking at a string, he burned a bit off with the cigarette – sipping his wine as he did. He was so intent on this that he didn't hear the footsteps of the person who later startled him, causing the second wine glass of the night to shatter.

"Dammit!" Ianto gasped, jumping up and wiping his now wine-splattered hand on the red v-neck t-shirt he was wearing. "What the hell do you mean doing that?" His hand instinctively went for his gun, not remembering that he hadn't worn it in almost a week.

"Calm down, Ianto," a familiar voice soothed as she stepped from the shadow. "I just came to check on Jack."

The Welshman fell back onto the bench a little harder than he meant to, reaching for the bottle that sat to the side. "Jack's sleeping." He took a long draw before offering the drink to the visitor. "You want some?"

"No," she answered, giving him a smile. "Having an early night then?"

"You could say that." Ianto lifted the cigarette and puffed. "But not by choice."

There was shock in the next question. "Are you smoking?"

Ianto shook his head, exhaling. "No, the cigarette is." His answer was flippant and dripped with the sarcasm that he was known for. Any other time, it might have been endearing; now, it was almost alarming. "Are you done with your line of questioning, Gwen? Am I free to go?"

"Ianto, what is going on?" She sat beside him on the bench, glancing back at the car as she did so.

"I should ask you the same fucking thing." He punctuated the statement with another drink.

Gwen tilted her head in confusion. "What does that mean?"

"Nice job fucking calling me when my..." Ianto searched for just the word to tell her how much Jack meant to him, as it was clear that she didn't understand, "...my...shit, Gwen, what should I call him? Boyfriend? We aren't in school. Lover? It's more than that. What, Gwen? What do I call Jack? What is he to me?"

"I don't know, sweetheart." Gwen's voice was sympathetic. "Call him what you want to."

"But, that's the problem – I don't know what to call him. I know how I feel about him, but I don't know how he feels about me."

"You do though. We all do."

"Do we? Do you?" He contemplated the ash.

"Yes, Ianto. He may not say it, but..."

Ianto snorted and took a long drag to finish off the cigarette. "You know, Gwen, you have the most beautiful black eyes."

She was startled by the compliment. "Thanks - but they're hazel."

Ianto laughed deep in his throat before leaning so close their noses were almost touching. "You keep flirting with Jack and they will be black." He straightened up and flicked the butt into the night.

"Ianto, it's not like that..."

"Then quit acting like it is. You think I don't see it? The way you watch him walk by?" He smiled a little. "I'm not always watching him – I can do that anytime."

Gwen changed the subject. "When did you start smoking?"

"When I was young." His voice was clipped and he lit another, blowing the smoke out in rings this time. "It keeps me calm."

"Does Jack know?"

Ianto turned his head to glare at her. "No. And he won't find out."

She took the hint. "Right."

There was silence for a moment as the two of them thought of what to say to one another. Ianto was the first one to get the words out. "Why didn't you call?"

"I tried Jack's cell and the comm, no answer." Gwen was twisting her hands in her lap. "Figured he had gone home to you."

"Not like the two of you did anything to help him out."

"We were out there too – tracking whatever it was. Never found it, by the way." She leaned back and crossed her arms on her chest, crossing her legs at the ankles. "Second time in as many days that we have had to call a cab, by the way. Might want to think about getting an expense account for Torchwood."

"What are you talking about?" Ianto shifted to face her, suddenly feeling very sober.

"Jack. He left us behind both days. What's going on?"

"Gwen, you didn't see Jack after you all went out to search?"

"No."

"Martha didn't look him over?"

"How would she? Ianto, Jack never came back to the Hub."

Ianto was up off the bench in a flash. "That son of a bitch!"

"Ianto, what is going on? Talk to me."

"No, Gwen, I am very angry right now. I have some things to take care of." He ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath.

"Is there anything I can do?" Gwen stood to put a hand on his arm, but he pulled away.

"Not unless you wanna hang around and blow me. Oh wait, it's Jack you're after, not me." He waited for the look on her face to fade. "I suggest you leave - go home to Rhys - you know, your husband?" He was in the flat and locking the door before she could say anything else.

Gwen shrugged back at Martha, who was waiting in the car before joining her.

Ianto stumbled toward the couch, cursing under his breath. Out of the corner of his eye, he spied the busted comm unit lying on the side table. He hated himself for not seeing it when he first came in the room, but reasoned that he hadn't been looking for it. In his mind, however, there was no excuse. Ianto should have been on his guard, heard that Jack's footsteps were not the same tired ones he had after a hard day of work. He felt like he had failed the other man. He felt like he should have known. He lashed out at the broken comm, swiping at it, but managed to knock over a bowl that held their keys, causing it to shatter. Ianto cursed louder as he bent to pick up the mess.

He had managed to gather the biggest pieces when the fact that he had been drinking asserted itself again, the room began to move a little and he put his hand on the floor to steady himself. He got his equilibrium back shortly, but his hand began to hurt. Ianto looked down to find a smaller shard stuck in his hand, a little blood welling up around the puncture. "FUCKITY SHIT!" The words pierced the air before Ianto could stop it. He clapped the hand that wasn't injured over his mouth, but he was too late.

Henry was crying now, the soft cry of someone who was fighting with themselves over the choice of waking or sleeping. Picking the bit of glass out and yanking the shirt over his head to use as a makeshift bandage, Ianto sighed and got up to check on the boy.

Henry was twisted in his sheets, calling out for his mother. Ianto lay down beside him in his new bed and stroked the hair back from his forehead, humming softly. Within minutes, both of them were asleep.

***

Jack ran a hand over his face as he heard the laughter coming from the direction of the living room – one decidedly child-like and the other belonging to Henry. He briefly remembered what had happened to him once he had gotten to the flat. Looking around the room, he figured out that Ianto must have had something planned that he himself had thrown a stick into the spokes of, and that made him more than a little angry at himself.

The smell of breakfast was getting closer to him, as was the chatter, so Jack pulled himself up and propped himself on the bed pillows. He ran a hand through his hair to try and arrange it when Ianto opened the door.

"See, Henry? I told you Jack would be awake once he smelled the food." Ianto smiled down at the boy.

Henry scrambled up beside Jack and watched as Ianto arranged the tray so that Jack could pick at it, being careful to put the drinks on his bedside table. He had learned that lesson the hard way.

"You didn't have to do this," Jack said, taking a big bite of the toast on the tray.

"Tac?" Henry moved close to the man's face.

"Yes, kid?" Jack didn't move.

"Tac – num?" Henry made a few vague gestures with his hands that Jack supposed meant food and smiled.

"Yes, kid, it's 'num' – Ianto's food is always 'num'." Jack looked over at Ianto to catch him looking at the boy.

"Eat up, we leave in about four hours," Ianto reminded him, sitting on the bed and scooting Henry into his own lap.

Jack arched an eyebrow as he dug into his eggs. "Huh?" he spoke around the food in his mouth.

Ianto sighed. "We're going to Mam and Tad's?" Jack frowned, confused. "Jack! It's my sisters' birthday...you said yes earlier this week..." Ianto batted Henry's hand from where he was reaching up to touch Ianto's face.

"Oh, right." Jack smiled. He wondered if maybe they would be able to get some time alone with Ianto's sisters around to take Henry and run off. "Del going to be there?"

"Not sure, Mam said she hadn't heard from him. He's probably going to make some dramatic entrance like before." Ianto brushed hair from Henry's eyes as he talked, only to have Henry smooth it back into place.

Jack smiled at the boy and reached for his juice. "I hate that."

Ianto quirked an eyebrow, "Henry, can you say 'Pot calling the kettle black'?"

Jack put on a pout as he put down his glass. "Hey, what is that supposed to mean?"

"Pop back!" Henry popped the second 'p' and bounced in Ianto's lap, narrowly missing hitting under the man's chin.

"Don't teach him that." Jack scowled.

"Lighten up." Ianto said, leaning to kiss Jack before standing, the boy in his arms. "I have to go and pack for us. I should have done it yesterday, but I got busy setting up...Henry's room." He hoped Jack wouldn't notice the hesitation. "There's a bunch of stuff that needs to be packed now that we have a kid – who knew?" Ianto set the boy down and he disappeared into the room across the hall.

"Glad to see he likes his room." Jack wiped his mouth and leaned back. "Did you come to bed last night?"

Ianto stood in the doorway. "No, I, uh...Henry started crying. I was in there with him."

"Oh." Jack was trying to hide it, but Ianto saw that he was a little jealous of the child. "How did you fit in his bed?"

"Snugly." Ianto smiled at Jack. "At least he doesn't steal the covers – unlike some people I know."

Jack threw the covers back and stood to stretch. "Ya' know? I think that must be why I got such good sleep – no one snoring in my ear."

"Touche." Ianto smiled again, this time more warmly. "Go ahead and take a shower to wake up. When you're done, you can help me load the car." He turned to leave, but Jack called him back. "Yes?"

"Thanks."

"For what? Breakfast? You needed it." Ianto shrugged it off. "Now get ready."

"Ianto, you know that wasn't what I meant at all." Jack was looking for the right thing to say, but couldn't begin to find the words. "Thank you for not being mad."

"At what?"

"You had a night planned last night and I ruined it. I'm so sorry."

"Shut up. Go and shower. I'll call and check in at work. Then, we can be on our way." He looked at Jack, daring him to say anything different. "All right?"

"All right." Jack went to take a shower.

Ianto took a deep breath to steady himself and went to get Henry ready.

"How in the hell are we supposed to fit all this in here?" Jack whined, watching the pile of thing to go with them grow.

"It's going to fit." Ianto said, going back in the flat for the last load.

Jack scratched his head, "I just don't see how." He reached down to ruffle Henry's hair as the boy got close to him. "How about you, kid? You think all this stuff will fit?"

Henry was too busy with his fingers crammed in his mouth to answer with anything other than a smile.

"Look, I'll get Henry all belted in with his snacks, you see what you can figure out here." Ianto hefted the boy into the carseat in the back.

Jack grumbled, reaching for the playpen, it being the largest thing they had to load. "Henry gets snacks..."

Ianto looked around to where Jack was in the trunk. "What was that?"

"Nothing. Just don't know why we couldn't take the SUV." Jack dropped the playpen in the back with a 'thump'.

Ianto came around to where he was, forgetting what he was doing. "Because Gwen and Martha might need it, that's why."

"Can't they just take Martha's car? Or Gwen could get Rhys to drive one of the lorries..." Jack looked hopeful. "Or you could leave them this..."

Ianto's hands went to his hips. "Jack. It is not impossible to get all this in here. Quit being a big baby."

He bent to pick up a few of the bags and put them in, letting Jack stand there and watch him. When he was on the last bag, he realized that scooting the playpen back about an inch would make everything fit perfect. Ianto's head was in the trunk when the horn honked, making him jump and whack his head on the open trunk flap. "Jesus Christ, Jack!" Ianto rubbed his head and looked at the other man who looked as confused as him. "Shit! Henry!" Both men ran around to find the toddler behind the wheel, laughing, as he found the horn over and over.

"Oops," Jack suggested, going for the door as Ianto went back to the job at hand. The door that he found locked. "Uh, Yan?"

"Yes?" Ianto shut the trunk and went to stand beside Jack. "You need?"

"Do you have the other set of keys?"

"What other set of keys?" Ianto's eyes went a bit wild.

Jack grimaced. "I was afraid you were going to say that."

"What are you saying?"

He only pointed at the car. "The doors are locked. The kid must have done it on accident."

Ianto's shoulders fell. "I don't have an extra key. Well, I did. Then you lost it."

Jack bit his lip. "Oh. Right."

"So, now what?" Ianto threw his arms up, flustered. "Call Gwen and Martha?"

Ianto was running his hand through his hair again, and he desperately wanted a cigarette – but not with Jack around. "What can they do?"

"Good point." Jack thought for a moment. "We could call Andy."

Ianto groaned. "Andy?" But Jack was already on the phone with him telling him the situation.

An hour later, Henry was sleeping in his carseat as Jack thanked Andy for coming to their aid.

"Not a problem," Andy smiled, "When I heard what had happened..." He laughed a little behind his hand. "Just thought it would be wonderfully ironic to come to the aid of Torchwood."

"We owe you one," Jack said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Don't we, Yan?"

Ianto grumbled as he got into the driver's seat. "If we're going to get there on time, we need to get going, Jack."

"In a minute," Jack waved him off. "Andy, have you found out anymore about Henry's parents?"

Andy shook his head. "No. But I can tell you this."

"What?"

"That I feel a whole lot better that you and Ianto took the boy. I asked Gwen, but she said that she and Rhys didn't want a family right now."

Jack put his hand on his hip and relaxed his stance. "What do you mean?" Jack touched his lips in thought.

"Well, I talked to Gwen about the Heshel case the other morning." Andy unconsciously mimicked Jack's stance. "Didn't she tell you?"

"Uh, yeah, she did." Jack nodded. "Told me you were really helpful."

Andy beamed at the thought of his former partner giving him praise. "That's our Gwen."

Jack smiled and clapped Andy on the shoulder again. "That's our Gwen, all right. Thanks again, Andy. I'd love to chat more, but if I don't get in the car, I'm afraid that Ianto will run over me and go alone."

"Right," Andy agreed, "Got other things to do anyway, not all unlocking cars for friends, ya know."

"Yeah, I know." Jack climbed into his seat and looked over at Ianto. "Ready when you are."

Four hours of trying to explain to Jack why he couldn't eat Henry's snacks and then keeping him from eating said snacks made Ianto glad to pull into the familiar driveway. Mrs. Jones was just finishing up frosting the girls' cake when she heard the door open and saw her younger son step through with the first of the bags.

"Where is he?" Mrs. Jones hugged her son briefly before looking around him for someone else.

"Who? Jack?" Ianto set the heavy bag on the floor and turned back to the door. "He's outside, getting his share of the stuff to bring in."

"Ianto Andras Jones!" Mrs. Jones cuffed him. "Why didn't you tell us?"

Ianto gingerly rubbed his head. "Tell you what? And maybe, that thing you just did, is why I didn't tell you whatever it is I didn't tell you."

"Don't be cheeky. Mrs. Foster said she saw you at the grocers with a boy. I told her you didn't have any kids and she said she was sure it was you." Glenda narrowed her eyes at her son. "So, why didn't you tell us?"

"Because it isn't permanent, that's why." He glared back at her. "Don't know why it's any of Mrs. Foster's business..."

"Shut up, none of that matters." Mrs. Jones went to peer out the door. "Besides, might be my only shot at a grandchild. You lot don't seem to be that productive. Get him in here."

"Jack's bringing him in," Ianto told her, hoping he would hurry.

As if he were waiting for a cue, Jack appeared, a drowsy toddler on his shoulder. "Where can I put him?"

Mrs. Jones pushed her son out of the way to get to the blonde boy currently clinging to the greatcoat. "Give him to me."

Jack watched as she separated the two and walked into the living room with her prize, cooing. Ianto rolled his eyes at the now-grinning Jack.

"Oh, hi, Jack," Myfanwy threw herself into the space vacated by Henry, before turning to look at her brother. "You're in trouble. Mam talked to old Mrs. Foster."

Ianto gave her a false smile. "Hi, Myfanwy. I know."

"You didn't tell Man and Tad. I heard them talking about it last night when they thought we were asleep," She didn't leave Jack's arms as she talked, allowing him to sway.

"I am aware of that, thanks."

"I thought you talked to them," Jack frowned. "Didn't Mam call?"

Ianto was flustered, feeling like the room was ganging up on him. "Yes, I talked to Mam - but I didn't tell her about Henry. What is wrong with that?"

Jack gave a disapproving look. "Why wouldn't you tell her?"

Gwen appeared in the doorway. "Oooo – are we talking about Yan?"

Ianto buried his face in his hands. "Hi, Gwen."

"Hey there, big brother," she edged her way into Jack's embrace as she talked, making Myfanwy move over so she could join their rocking. "You know, Mam and Tad are mad."

"Did they take out an ad?" He threw his hands in the air and stalked out the door.

Jack looked at the armful he had. "I need to help him bring the rest of the stuff in, try to smooth this over. Not that I don't enjoy this..."

"He'll be okay," Gwen said, dropping her arms, "He just needs to write it in his diary, right, Myfanwy?"

The twins were still laughing as Jack went to help him unload the trunk.

"And here we are, young man," Mrs. Jones said to Henry as she sat on the couch with him. "The living room." Sitting on the couch, she arranged him on her lap as she looked over at the paper her husband was hidden behind.

There was a grunt from his direction. "That him?"

"Yes, Ifan." She replied in a scolding tone.

Even behind the paper, Glenda could hear him roll his eyes. "Oh."

"You be nice, Ifan Dafydd Jones!" She snuggled the boy closer, but he pulled away to look up at her.

The toddler's lip began to tremble and the corners of his mouth turned down. Before she could react further, Glenda Jones found herself holding a sobbing child. "TOE!" The wail carried through the house, bringing the girls in to find out what was wrong.

"Shhh...little one..." Mrs. Jones tried to soothe, but Henry was having no part of it. Instead, he screamed louder and went limp in an attempt to get down.

"Maybe sing to him?" Myfanwy reached for him, but he managed to evade her.

Gwen eyed her sister suspiciously. "With the way you sing? We're better off listening to this."

"Enough," Glenda barked. "He wants Ianto. Go get him, Gwenda."

Gwen jumped to her feet and ran out the door to find her brother. Myfanwy was fast on her heels.

"No need to cry, Henry."

"Oh, stop it, Glenn." Ifan lowered the paper. "He's scared, yes, but you know that Ianto is spoiling him rotten."

Mrs. Jones defended her youngest boy. "What do you mean?"

The look that Ifan gave her was one that both boys had managed to inherit. "Glenda Mari Price! You're going to sit there and tell me that you didn't coddle that boy?"

She took offense. "I didn't! You take that back."

Ifan slowly raised the paper, popping it when he heard his wife huff.

That noise was all it took to make Henry stop calling for Ianto. He slipped from Mrs. Jones' lap and toddled over to the paper, suddenly interested that it could make that noise. He was peering all around, Ifan not really noticing him as an insert shook itself free. Ifan popped the paper again to fix it. Henry looked down at the newsprint in his hands before sitting on the floor and looking up at the man in the chair.

Glenda watched, interested, as he arranged himself the way that he saw Ifan sitting. He looked from the paper in his hands to Mr. Jones and back again. He was contemplating the arrangement when voices could be heard in the kitchen. Mrs. Jones held a hand up in silence to the group coming in the living room. Everyone stopped and watched as Henry took one last look and put on a determined frown. With his head held high, the boy grasped both end of the paper longways and pulled quickly.

The 'pop' that it made was loud enough to startle Ifan. He jumped and dropped the paper he was holding to the floor, startling Henry.

"Was that you?" He looked down at the boy, still holding the insert. When he got no answer, Ifan bent to pick up the boy, who allowed him to with no protest. "Well, that was good, I'll give you that." Henry smiled up at him and leaned on the man's chest. Then, the two disappeared behind the paper.

Ianto shook his head and looked back at Jack, who was hiding a laugh behind his hand. Mrs. Jones caught his eyes as they turned to her and shrugged.

"You can go on and finish unloading," Mr Jones said. "Won't get anything done staring at me. Go on, I've got the boy."

Jack, Ianto, Gwen and Myfanwy filed past carrying luggage and trying not to look at Ifan. When they were gone, Glenda turned to her husband.

"Didn't coddle him..."

***

"Okay, that was more than a little weird," Myfanwy sat on the bottom bunk with a confused frown.

Jack dropped the playpen and unzipped the bag it was in. "What do you mean?"

Gwen looked around at the others. "Well, that thing with Tad."

"Yeah, that was a bit weird," Ianto agreed, going to Jack's aid as he fought with the playpen. "Let me, you're going to break it."

"Why the hell does it have to be so complicated anyway?" Jack kicked the playpen one last time before letting Ianto have it.

"It isn't." Ianto put his hands on his hips and looked down at the mess Jack had made. "You just refuse to read the directions."

Jack snorted and sat down by Myfanwy. "I don't do directions."

"So I have noticed," Ianto muttered under his breath, bending to try and set up the bed for Henry.

"Okay, we gave you long enough," Gwen broke in. "Who is the kid and why didn't you tell Mam and Tad?"

"Not up for discussion," Ianto tried to close the conversation, but Jack spoke.

"His name is Henry."

"Whose is he?" Myfanwy pressed.

"Well, he's not mine – or Yan's – if that's what you're wondering." Jack answered, a smile creeping on his face.

"I didn't say anything," Gwen defended, holding up her hands.

"Jack you almost bent the bar on this thing," Ianto said, ignoring the rest of the room. "Please try not to kick it again."

"Right, noted," Jack said, leaning back against the wall. "So, how old are you going to be tomorrow?"

"A lady never tells her age," Myfanwy fell into Jack's lap and looked up at him.

Jack smiled down at her, running a hand through her hair. "So? How old?"

He deserved the punch that he got. "I'm a lady."

"Right," Jack mumbled as he rubbed his arm.

"How are my kids doing?" Mrs. Jones poked her head into Ianto's old room.

"Myfanwy hit me!" Jack whined in answer.

Mrs. Jones just looked at him with a bemused look as she continued. "Ianto, your tad and I talked about it. You and Jack can sleep in the big room." She watched as her son popped the rails of the playpen in place and dropped the mattress in. "Would just be easier if Henry woke up."

"Yeah," Ianto agreed with a sad sigh. "That might work out better."

"We get the big bed?" Jack's ears perked up. "I like the big bed."

"You would," Myfanwy punched at him again, but he caught her hand. "Hey!"

"Quit hitting Jack and help the boys move," Mrs. Jones patted her daughter's foot to get her attention.

"Won't Del be mad that he doesn't get his room?" Gwen asked, picking up the bags she had just set down.

"Delwyn will have to deal with it, now won't he. He should have been here a day early." Glenda was polite, but precise. "Besides, one of him – three of them."

"Mam," Ianto rolled his eyes.

"Didn't I say shush?" She slapped his arm as he walked by her, pushing the playpen into the room across the hall. "Now, you kids finish up here and then come in and grab some dinner."

"Yes, Mam," the four chorused as she left the room.

"What's for dinner?" Jack asked, leading the group to the table. "It smells wonderful!"

Glenda Jones smiled at the group. "I made chicken parmesan. Hope you brought your appetites."

Ianto sat, pulling Henry onto his lap. "Jack always brings his appetite. He might forget his shirt, but never his appetite."

"That's rude," Jack said, talking to Henry. "Who knew Ianto was so rude?"

"I did," Myfanwy answered, getting a look from her mother. "What? It's the truth."

"Don't pick on your brother."

"That's right, Myfanwy, don't pick on Ianto." Gwen defended, smiling at him. "That's Del's job."

"Is Del going to be here?" Ianto looked at Jack, suddenly a bit worried.

"He didn't say one way or the other when he called." Ifan put his paper down to survey the group around the table. "Ianto?"

The younger Jones looked up, pausing in what he was doing. "Yeah, Tad?"

"Is there a reason that you're cutting Jack's food?" He chuckled, picking up his own fork.

Ianto looked down to see that he was doing just that. "Jack! Why didn't you say something?"

Jack shrugged. "Thought you were just being nice?"

Ianto gave Jack a look and passed Henry to him. "You can feed him now."

"Thanks." Henry bounced in his lap a bit, turning his head the other way whenever Jack got close with the fork. "This is easy..."

"So, who did you invite to the party?" Gwen asked, digging into her own food.

Myfanwy looked over at her. "No one." She caught the way her twin was looking at her. "What? No one worth inviting."

"No one?" Gwen arched an eyebrow. "Not even Lloyd?"

Myfanwy narrowed her eyes and stared at her plate. "Especially not Lloyd."

"Well then." Ianto coughed into his hand, catching the look on Jack's face. He knew better than to get into the girls' relationships."So it's just family?"

"Just family," Mrs. Jones confirmed. "Where is my head? Drinks?"

"Sit, Mam, I'll get them," Myfanwy said. "Maybe Ianto will help me?"

Jack looked confused at Ianto, who returned the look before answering slowly. "Yeah...I can...do that."

Once they were out of earshot, Myfanwy turned to her brother. "Help."

"Help?" Ianto reached for the glasses. "What do you need help with? I'm getting the glasses."

Myfanwy crossed her arms and gave him a tired look. "About Lloyd."

"What about him? I thought you said you didn't want him here." Ianto leaned back on the counter, watching as his sister poured the drinks.

"He's well, it's complicated. I don't want him here unless – well, you know..." She wrung her hands. "How did you know that it was okay to bring Jack? I mean, it's kind of the same thing here – Lloyd's my boss..."

Ianto thought for a moment about how he had made the decision. What he wanted to say was - "Well, to start off you need to have your former lover partially converted into a murdering machine. Then, threaten to watch your boss suffer for what he did. Slowly start to like your boss and after nearly getting eaten by cannibals and resurrecting a colleague, proposition your boss over said colleague's corpse after they are killed again. Dabble a bit and then be abandoned by your boss when he finds the person that he has been looking for for over a century. When your boss comes back, agree to a date after he finishes telling you about his office fetish. After that, it should be safe to bring him around for Christmas. If he is still with you after Christmas, then he deserves to be with you." However, what he said in reality was, "If a boy gets within 10 meters of you, they are DEAD!"

"Nice." Myfanwy turned away from Ianto and stalked back to the table with two glasses and put them in front of her father and Jack, leaving Ianto to bring the rest. "You better not have spit in mine," she said as she sat.

"Problem?" Gwen asked, looking from brother to sister.

"Not anymore," Ianto answered, cutting his own food.

"What was that in the kitchen?" Jack asked, changing into his pajama pants. "I thought she was going to claw your eyes out for a minute there..."

Ianto smiled as he placed Henry in the playpen. "Fanny has a crush on her boss..."

"Is it a power thing with you Jones'?" Jack dodged Ianto's playful slap. "And she wanted advice?"

Ianto chuckled, covering the boy up. "Yeah, I think she did. Seems to think that I would know the right answer."

"Well, tell me, Ianto Jones, how does one managed to net their boss?" Jack put his arm around Ianto's waist, pulling him around to look at him face to face.

Ianto looked into the impossibly blue eyes, forgetting for a moment where they were. "I haven't the first clue," he deadpanned. "Maybe like this?" Ianto pulled Jack in for a kiss.

Jack let himself be pulled in before remembering for the both of them where they were. "That would be a start. However, we have young Hank here with us."

Ianto let his arms go limp with a sigh. "I can't wait to get home..."

"I know." Jack pulled back the covers and got into bed, Ianto right behind him. "But at least we aren't sleeping with him between us."

"There is that," Ianto agreed. "Good night, Jack."

Jack would have answered, but he was already asleep.

Jack was running, but he didn't know where. Then, he saw a scrap of the fabric of Hessa's dress as she turned the corner. "Hessa!" He thought he saw her turn for a moment, but he couldn't be sure; she moved with an unnatural ease. "Hessa!" This time he was sure that he saw her go up the stairs that led up to the roof of a three-story building that looked like primitive apartments. Jack swallowed the lump in his throat and looked up. He hated heights, but if he wanted to talk to her, he knew he was going to have join her.

"Don't, Kaget," she said, her heart only half in it. "I don't want to get you involved. I already told you more than I should..."

"In for a penny, in for a pound..." Jack sighed as he climbed higher up the steps, trying hard not to look down or notice that there was no railing to hold on to. "You happened to tell me enough that I would be considered an accomplice. May as well tell me," Jack called as he climbed, hoping she could hear him.

"No, Kaget, that's not fair." She turned to him, her dress blowing back in the wind, making Jack's breath catch in his throat. "I can't do this to you. You should leave now."

"Can't," Jack walked to her side. "I'm too intrigued." He wrapped his arms around her, feeling her lean back into him.

"Don't get too close, you don't know what – uh, who – I am." Hessa tried to pull away from him, but he held tight.

"Not getting away that easy." Jack chuckled in her ear, letting the fine hairs tickle his lips. "I want to know more about that info-chip."

Hessa laughed at him. "So, it's all about the info-chip?" She turned her head, tickling his neck with her whiskers again. "You sure know how to make a girl feel good."

"Well, I was going to, but you ran off." He spoke in a hushed, intimate tone, leaning as close to her as he could without touching her.

Hessa grinned, licking her teeth."Right."

"What?" He couldn't help but stare at her mouth now, with all the attention that she was drawing to it.

Bit of her pink tongue poked out."A bit sure of yourself, aren't you?"

"Why shouldn't I be?" Jack moved as close as he could to her, trying to get a response.

Hessa pulled as far away ask she could with the way he was holding her. "Why should you be?"

Jack pulled her back, a smirk on his face. "No fair twisting the question."

"All's fair in love and war."

"Which is this? Love or war?"

"Which do you want it to be?"

"Well, now, that's a very good question."

Hessa twisted in his arms to face him. "You know nothing about me. You should just turn and run." She looked at him seriously. "Really. Turn. Run." She bared her teeth at him and a low growl followed.

"I couldn't even if I wanted to. With that little stunt that I pulled down in the market, I'm as wanted as you," Jack pointed out, brushing a hand down her back. "Now, can we get back to the business we started back there?"

"You still want to be around?" Hessa was confused. "I gave you a chance to leave, to run. Why do you stay?" She tried to read his features, but had no luck.

Jack stared at her, thinking about the words he would use. "You're...its..." Jack looked out at the night. "We're up so high. Do you think maybe we could..."

Hessa laughed. "Are you afraid of heights?"

"No." Jack turned away.

"That's a lie." Hessa lifted a finger to paw his nose. " I can see it in your eyes. Why would you be afraid of heights?" She looked to the sky for inspiration.

Jack puffed up his chest."I'm not. Really, not afraid."

"Oh, so you would be shaking because..."

"...because you intrigue me?"

"Such a bad liar." She reached to kiss him.

When they broke, Jack pointed behind him."So, anyway, can we go back? Finish what we started?"

"One track mind?"

"Is there any other track?" A slow smile spread on his face, he had never known the look to fail him.

"Jack?" A firm hand was on his shoulder. "Are you going to toss and turn like that all night?"

"Like..huh..wha?" Jack fought to see who was talking to him.

"You're practically pushing me off the bed," Ianto complained. "And your hands are wandering – not that I mind." He snuggled closer to Jack. "But we'll have to keep quiet if we don't want to..."

As if it were planned and rehearsed, Henry let out a cry.

"I swear to all that is holy!" Jack spoke into Ianto's neck. "We need to get that radar of his fixed."

"Let me just get him..." Ianto started to edge away from Jack, but a dark form appeared in the doorway.

"Go back to sleep, periadd boten," a voice soothed as it entered and crossed to the playpen. "I got this one."

Mam bent to lift the boy, murmuring soothing words in Welsh as she did so. Ianto had a feeling it wasn't just for Henry's sake. "Now, you boys sleep. I'll give him back in the morning."

"What about Tad?" Ianto asked sleepily.

Glenda Jones smiled in the darkness. "Oh, he might not want to give him back..."

***

Jack and Ianto woke up the next morning with a distinct lack of child between them. Ianto's eyes snapped open in panic. "Jack, where's Henry?"

"Hmmm?" Jack wiped at his face with a hand.

"Henry, Jack." Ianto resisted the urge to shake him awake as he patted the covers in search of the boy. "Small child that is usually firmly wedged between us?"

"Oh...yeah...him," Jack mumbled into his pillow. "I'm sure he's fine – real resourceful kid."

"Jack!" Ianto yelled, making Jack's eyes pop open and reflexively go for his gun.

"Wha?" Jack was now sitting up, eyes still unfocused but searching the room for the threat.

"Do you know where Henry is?"

"Who's Henry?"

Ianto growled and climbed out of bed. "Nevermind. Go back to sleep, Jack."

"Thanks, Yan," Jack answered as he fell back onto the bed, clearly still asleep.

He was halfway down the hall when he heard his sisters laughing in the kitchen, followed by the 'pop' of Ifan's paper.

"Say 'Jack', Henry." Myfanwy coaxed, bouncing the boy in her knee.

He looked from the paper to Gwen for a moment before declaring, "Tack!"

"Now say 'Ianto'," Gwen urged the boy.

"Toe!" The grin that followed was immeasurable.

"Myfanwy?"

"A-fawn-me!"

"Gwen?"

"Gwen."

"Well, not much change there," Gwen laughed. "Can you hear him, Tad? He's saying everything we tell him."

"I heard." The voice drifted over the paper. "Leave 'Tic' alone now."

The girls looked at one another and asked in unison, "Tic?"

Ifan put the paper down to answer them, a very put upon look on his face. "Yes, Tic. There's already a Tac and a Toe. Seemed only right." Mr. Jones disappeared behind the paper again after a brief smile at the toddler.

"Figures you two would have him." Ianto helped himself to coffee and sat at the table, picking up a part of the paper that he father had discarded. "You done with this?"

Ifan peered out from behind his section and nodded. Ianto disappeared behind his own part. Gwen and Myfanwy exchanged raised eyebrows and turned their attentions back to the toddler.

"Has he eaten?" Mrs Jones came in the room, heading straight for the coffee pot.

Myfanwy looked at her mother. "Has who eaten?"

"Well, I don't mean your father."

"Henry?" Gwen asked, taking the boy from her sister. "Did you think we wouldn't know to feed him?"

"I never meant that." Glenda sat at the table and looked over at the two sets of papers, smiling. "In fact, why don't you two take Henry outside for a while. There's a treehouse out there just dying for a little boy to play in it."

"I have a better idea," Myfanwy smiled at Mrs. Jones and then Gwen. "Let's play dress up."

Glenda sipped from her mug. "Now, Myfanwy, you be nice."

"We aren't going to hurt him." Myfanwy rolled her eyes.

"No bows," Ianto said from behind the paper.

"Who? Us?" Gwen did doe-eyes at her brother.

"Did you forget that I grew up with you two?" Ianto's voice was muffled by the paper.

"No," they chorused, a bit guilty.

"Can't you do something more constructive?" Ifan asked from his side of the table.

"Like?" Myfanwy looked his direction.

"You could go wake up Jack," Ianto suggested.

"We could?" Gwen was interested.

The paper rustled. "I can't think of a better punishment."

"For what?" Mam raised an eyebrow.

"Take your pick," Ianto went back into silence.

The girls exchanged looks with one another before taking Henry and sneaking down the hallway the best they could.

"That probably wasn't the best idea you have ever had, son," Mrs. Jones talked to Ianto, even though she couldn't see him.

"I think, Mam, that you underestimate me." Ianto couldn't see the smiles on either of his parents' faces, but he could imagine them just fine.

Jack's arm was thrown across the side of the bed vacated by Ianto. A thin line of drool ran down his cheek, making Gwen giggle behind her hand and wish she had her camera. Myfanwy set Henry down and looked to see what he would do. He inched slowly closer to the bed, unsure of the man that slept there and what he would do. Myfanwy bent to put a hand on his back and smiled, pushing him slightly, inching forward herself. Gwen caught what she was doing and joined her on the other side of the boy. With a small signal passed between them, they scooped up the boy and dropped him on the bed – and Jack.

There was a brief flutter of motion as Jack and Henry and the covers got tangled. Then, laughter as the girls added themselves to the mix. It was stopped by Jack grabbing Henry to him and half-pouncing Myfanwy.

"Now, normally, parts of this would be a dream come true." He winked down at the girl he had trapped. "But, given the circumstances, I am going to have to take a raincheck."

Myfanwy smiled up at him. "Careful, I might take you up on that."

"She might." Gwen agreed, taking Henry from Jack. "And I have to say that it's a good thing that you wear pajama bottoms to bed..."

"Or what?" Jack arched an eyebrow in her direction.

"Or I would be forced to kill you for looking the wrong way at my sisters?" Ianto's voice was there, somewhere.

"Wouldn't want that." Jack rolled to sitting.

Ianto leaned on the doorframe and smiled a smile that always reminded Jack of the Mona Lisa. "Get up. You're missing out on breakfast. Once Mam cleans up, nothing until lunch."

Jack sprang out of bed with a wonderful display of grace and agility. "And you were going to let me sleep? I might have starved!"

"Not likely," Ianto pinched the tiny bit above his waistband and kissed him on the cheek when he began to pout. "Come on, let's get you fed before you waste away."

"How could you start the party without me?" Del was in the doorway. And he wasn't alone. He stamped his feet on the entryway rug and went to give Mrs. Jones a kiss, his visitor close behind him.

"Who is this?" Glenda asked, looking up at the man that was with her son.

"Captain John Hart, ma'am," the voice rolled across the room like honey. Jack's look of fear was not missed by Ianto, but was gone almost as fast as it showed up.

"So, sit..." Mrs. Jones was pushing John into the sofa – right beside Jack.

Jack shifted to allow John to sit beside him, a tight smile on his lips. Glancing over at Ianto, he saw that the man had a nauseated look on his face. "I'll just go check on Henry," Ianto excused himself.

"Where are the girls?" Del asked, peering down the hall. "I wanted to see what they wanted for their birthday."

"They're in their room," Mrs. Jones told him, her hands on her hips as she looked, not at him, but the man sitting on her sofa. "But you are going to tell me what is going on here, Delwyn Robert."

"What?" He dangerously mimicked her stance. "I can't bring anyone to our little get-togethers?"

"I never said that," Glenda intoned. "Don't put words in my mouth."

Del suddenly looked like a snotty teenager. "Then what? What am I supposed to think? Oh, that's right, he's your golden boy..."

"Welcome home, Del," Ianto whispered, hoping no one heard.

There was a rustle as the paper was lowered. "Don't talk to your mother that way."

Del drew himself up with a deep breath. "Like what, Tad?" The room turned to the man in the recliner for his reaction to his son. All except John Hart, that is. He stared at the floor, usual smirk in place.

"Watch it," was the only warning that was issued before the paper was raised again.

"Oh, sorry, I forgot, Ianto does whatever he wants." Del was walking a thin line and he knew it, but he really didn't care. He turned to John. "Well, this is the family. Mam, Tad, you saw my baby brother Ianto as he was on his way out." He looked over at Jack with a pointed look. "Except him. He's not in our family. That's Jack."

"So, where are your sisters?" John looked around, ignoring Jack completely. "I thought it was their birthday."

"It is," Del smiled at him. "Let's go see them." Del helped John to his feet and pulled him down the hall to meet the girls.

Once they had left the room, Glenda turned to her husband. "So, what do you think?"

"Another bloody Captain..." Ifan muttered, picking up his paper and shuffling off to the basement. "Harkness, come on."

Jack stood and smiled at Mrs. Jones before following, his hands in his pocket.

"Sit," Ifan instructed, motioning to a folding chair.

Jack complied, moving quickly.

"What is the story on this John Hart?" Ifan sat directly across from Jack, his paper forgotten on the floor. "Don't be shy – I saw your face when you saw him. What's the deal?"

Jack looked at the floor. "He's an old...acquaintance."

Ifan raised an eyebrow and Jack fought back a shiver of familiarity. "Is that right?" He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "I think there's something you aren't telling me."

Jack thought about what to say for a moment. There were so many things that he could say about John Hart, but how many of those were (a) relevant to this discussion and (b) appropriate to talk about with your significant other's father? He drew a deep breath and relaxed his posture before answering, "We used to work together."

"Uh-huh," Ifan nodded. "Go on."

"We were in the agency together." Jack looked at his feet.

Ifan was quiet, waiting for more, his eyes never moving from Jack. Jack, for the most part, was trying to decide how much to tell the other man about John Hart. He knew that the story of the time loop was definitely not the story to tell, nor would the story about the con the two of them played on the eldest Princess of the Nolilit family of Hetti IV. He tried not to, but he was pretty sure he had smiled a little at that last thought; he caught Ifan's eyebrow raising in curiosity. "He's bad news. That's all I can really tell you."

Ifan nodded slowly. "I figured you would say that." He smiled. "And that is good enough for me. What do we do?"

Jack rubbed his face. "In my experience, John Hart never goes anywhere without reason. Until we know that reason, we should just keep quiet."

"Is that really the best idea?"

"I can't believe I am saying this – but yes. I know how to handle him."

"All right then, Harkness, I am going to trust you. Don't let me down."

"No sir." Jack watched as Mr. Jones stood and walked to his workbench. He smoothed a piece of cloth that sat on top.

"How do you think Henry would look in this color?" He held the sage green material up for Jack's approval. Jack nodded. "He needs a good shirt," Ifan explained, "They don't make enough good dress shirts for boys that age. And every boy needs a good dress shirt..."

Jack smiled. He knew it was Ifan Jones' way of saying that everything was going to be fine. But more importantly, he was welcoming Jack to the family formally. "I guess I should get back upstairs." Halfway up the stairs, he turned around. "Thanks, Tad."

"Get up there and keep an ear open." Ifan half-scolded, never looking up from his work.

Jack mock-saluted and continued to climb. "Yes, sir."

"Oh, and Jack," Ifan added, looking at the man now, "Protect Tic."

"Tic?"

"Yeah, Tic."

"Why Tic?"

"Truth?" He motioned for Jack to come closer.

Jack complied.

Ifan looked him in the eyes. "It fit. You being 'Tac' and my son being 'Toe'." He waited for a reaction, but Jack only held his gaze. "All right, dammit, you got me, but don't tell Glenda. I know it's not permanent, but that kid has attached himself to my heart. No matter where he goes, he'll always be my grandson...at least the closest you lot are going to give me..."

Jack could only smile broadly as he left Ifan alone to work on the boy's shirt.

By the time Jack got back upstairs, Ianto and Mrs. Jones were in the kitchen talking. Henry was sitting at the table, running a car back and forth, and there was no sign of Del or John – nor the girls. "Where are they?" Jack walked over to ruffle the toddler's hair.

"Where is who?" Glenda leaned against the counter, watching as Ianto put the afternoon dishes into the soapy water.

"Del and John? The girls?" Jack joined Ianto and his mother near the sink.

"Well, the girls went out to the treehouse. They wanted to clean it up so that they could take Henry up." Mrs. Jones told Jack as she leaned into him.

Jack put his arm around her. "And the other two?"

"They went outside to get their stuff," Ianto all but snorted. "I guess that means they are staying tonight." He threw the dishrag in the sink. "Why the hell does he always do this?" He looked at both his mother and Jack. "He comes in here like the prodigal son, sweeping in on a horse made of diamonds. Must be nice not to care about what others might be feeling or doing or how you actions will affect them. 'Oh, look at me! My brother has a boyfriend, I have to get one of those too!' He's always doing this! Always!"

"Calm down, Yan. I'm sure that..." Jack reached for him, only to have his hand pushed away roughly.

"You know what? Don't." He looked at Jack as Mrs. Jones sank back, "This is something you know nothing about."

Jack's face fell and he stumbled back as if Ianto had hit him full force in the chest. He set his jaw and shut himself off from further comment by crossing one arm over his chest and bringing the other hand over his mouth. Jack drew in a deep breath as the look of betrayal and tears began. Mrs. Jones stepped up to the both of them.

"Ianto. Out." She pushed her son toward the door. When his feet seemed firmly planted to the spot, his eyes glued to Jack, she cut her eyes to the boy sitting at the table. "I said out. Take a walk." She looked back at Jack. "A long walk."

"But..." Ianto was balling his fists at his sides. "You don't...you can't..." He yelled wordlessly before stomping out the door into the yard.

Once he was outside, Mrs. Jones turned back to Jack. "Are you okay?" Jack looked at her wordless, not moving. "Let him cool down. He's a little hot-headed when it comes to Del. Always has been." Jack's shoulders began to shake and he lurched forward to embrace her. Glenda fell back a little under his weight. "If anyone had told me over 30 years ago that we would be in my kitchen, you bawling on my shoulder, I never would have believed them." She laughed a little and then began rubbing the man's back. "God help me, my son loves you. He loves you or he wouldn't act like that. Give him time. Let me fix you the best cup of coffee you ever had and we'll sit and talk. I think it's time we got to know each other right anyway."

Jack pulled away from her and nodded, wiping his tears off roughly as he sniffed. "Best cup of coffee I've ever tasted?"

She patted his back. "Of course. Where do you think Ianto learned it?"

***

"Hey there, baby bro," The greeting was familiar, as was the voice. But it was all wrong. All very wrong. Those two factors were not supposed to match up – ever.

"I'm not your baby brother." Ianto glared at the figure before him. "So don't call me that."

"Would you prefer we go back to 'Eye Candy'?" The swagger was apparent, even though he wasn't moving.

"How about 'Ianto'? That always seems to work the best." Ianto shoved his hands into his pockets roughly.

"Ooo, witty on top of it all."

"Why are you here?"

"You saw me come in with your brother."

"It can't be that simple."

"Oh, but it is. Did you think this was about you – or Jack?" John watched his teeth clinch from the mention of the name. "Oh, that's sweet. You thought it had something to do with Jack and you were ready to rescue him. I think I may barf."

Ianto went for the gun that wasn't there. "You should leave."

"Why would I do that?" The Welshman's action didn't go unnoticed.

"Because you aren't welcome here."

"Del is plenty welcoming."

Ianto wished for a heavy object to hurl at the man. "You didn't have to say that."

"What's wrong, Ianto?" The name sounded like an insult when he said it. Ianto flinched. "Have a problem with your brother's boyfriend?"

Ianto recovered enough to sneer. "What are we in junior school?"

John tipped his head with a smirk. Ianto tried to look away from him, but found that he couldn't. "Oooo. The Jones boys in junior school? What they must have looked like then..."

Ianto's hands balled into fists at his sides. "Just do us both a favor and leave."

"Both? Who would that be?" He appeared to be thinking about it. "Not you and I. So...Jack and you, maybe?" He leveled his eyes with Ianto's own. "But then how would Del feel?"

Ianto said nothing, only fixed a steeled gaze on the man in front of him.

"You don't believe that I like Del, do you?" John's posture suddenly relaxed. "Why is that so hard for people to believe?"

"I don't know," Ianto shrugged. "Maybe something about trying to kill Jack and me and getting two members of our team – no, family – killed? Maybe that has something to do with it. At least from where I stand."

"Now, Ianto."

"Don't you 'now Ianto' me! You have no right to be standing here like this! You didn't earn the right! You didn't!"

"And now I can't decide if you sound more like a jealous lover or a bratty little brother..."

Ianto could feel the adrenaline rush and tried not to act on it. Closing his eyes, he took deep breaths until he thought he was going to hyperventilate. When he was sure the feeling had passed, he opened his eyes to find that Del was now also standing in front of him.

"You okay?" Del asked, something that could have passed as sympathy in his voice. "Yan?"

Ianto managed a nod.

"I'll leave you two to talk then – catch up." John kissed Del on the cheek and began his walk back inside, a bag over his shoulder. "Besides, I have catching up of my own to do..."

Ianto slowly closed his eyes again, willing the headache he felt building to go away. "Del..." he spoke, eyes still closed. "What is going on?"

"With?" The tone Del used was genuinely one of confusion.

"You and...John." Ianto all but spat the last word out. "Why do you do this, Del?"

"Do what, Yan?"

"This, Del." He motioned with one arm. "All of this. How well do you know him?"

Del shrugged. "Well enough."

"Well enough? Well enough for what?"

"Are you asking me about my sex life?"

"No." Ianto kicked at the dirt, looking down, then up at his brother. "Yes."

Del raised his eyebrow in amusement.

"No, I'm not asking for specifics. Just if you know what you're doing." Ianto tired to clarify.

Del smiled. "Like...with the...logistics..."

Ianto threw his hands up. "NO! The relationship itself. The feelings..."

Del shrugged. "What can I say? It's fine for now at least, I guess."

"But what do you know about him?"

"I know that I like him and he likes me."

"Jesus Christ! It is junior school out here."

"What else do I need to know then? Yan, it isn't like I am planning my future out with John. We haven't looked at houses together or talked about what color the carpet should be in the lounge. It's fun."

"John? John Hart? John Hart is fun?"

"How would you describe him - other than hot and mysterious?"

Ianto wanted to tell his brother that this was no new relationship for him – how mysterious the man he was dating really was, but words failed him. Instead, he shrugged and turned his attention to the treehouse – and the twins sliding down the firepole exit. "I wouldn't."

"You mean to tell me that you wouldn't get lost in that face? Such sharp angles..." Del looked as if he were lost in a daydream. Ianto sighed and rolled his eyes, bringing him back. "What are they doing?" He indicated the girls with a nod of his head.

"Cleaning up the clubhouse. They want to take Henry up there." Ianto smiled in his own memory.

"Henry?" Del searched for a face. "Oh yeah, that kid you and Jack brought to show is all up. Good job, little brother."

"What are you talking about?" Ianto thought of what he should say about it, and settled on the truth. "Jack and I are foster parents. Not nearly enough out there. Henry needed us."

"Right." With one word, Del was back to his old self. "You know as well as I do that Mam was dropping giant hints at Christmas about grandkids. Thanks for taking that away from any of the rest of us."

"Are you serious?" Ianto was livid. "You think I did this to be the favorite?"

Del chuckled harshly. "Why else? And while we are on the subject of kids – what the hell are you even thinking? You and Jack with a kid?"

"What do you mean?" Ianto scratched behind his ear. "We're doing just fine, thank you."

"Fine like Bridget the hamster?" Del raised his eyebrow in question.

"What?"

"Bridget...The hamster we had?" Ianto frowned, not remembering. "She ate her babies..."

"Who ate her babies?" Gwen's voice asked behind Ianto.

"Bridget." Del answered simply.

"I thought you said they went to the baby hamster playground." Gwen's eyes got watery.

"Who?" Myfanwy asked, catching up with them finally.

"Bridget's babies," Gwen answered, holding back tears.

"They were cool – they went to the baby hamster school for adventurous hamsters." Myfanwy smiled at everyone in turn. "What?"

"Fan-wee, do you really think there is such a place?" Gwen put her arm around her twin.

"There isn't?" Myfanwy was only half-kidding.

"Myfanwy, I love you, but maybe you should go ask Mam." Ianto hugged her for a moment and patted her on the back.

"I am," she threatened, "When I go in to get Henry – we got the treehouse clean. He's going to love it."

"I'm sure he will – after dinner." Ianto agreed. "If you take him now, he won't want to leave."

"You're the boss," Gwen said, smiling. "Isn't it the best, Del? Ianto and Jack and Henry?"

"Yeah, the best." Del's tone indicated otherwise as he watched the girls go into the house. "So, does good little wife have dinner waiting for the family every night?"

Ianto blinked once, slowly. "Well, Del, why don't you ask your new boyfriend about what a good little wife does?"

"Go ahead, baby brother, laugh it up. I know you're going to crack. You always do. And don't look at me that way. We all read your diary."

"Jackass," Ianto spoke to the retreating form of his brother.

"I heard that!" Del called back over his shoulder.

"Good." Ianto said back, not caring if he had been heard or not as he made his way to the treehouse and Del opened the door to the house.

"Mam? You seen Jack?" Del closed the door behind him, setting the bag he had been carrying on the floor.

"No, son, what is it?" Mrs. Jones looked up from her crossword.

"Nothing, Ianto is just upset - I think the stress of the kid is getting to him. Haven't seen him this way since Bridget. I thought Jack could help. Let me know if you see him." Del picked up the bag and went to put it in his room.

"Oh, and Del," Mrs. Jones called after him, "You get Ianto's old room. He and Jack are in your room – we didn't know if you were coming."

Suddenly Del didn't feel even a tiny bit bad for sending Mam after Jack. In fact he hoped Jack had heard him, maybe then he'd catch his oh so perfect brother doing something not quite so perfect.

Ianto was in the treehouse, sitting pressed against the back wall smoking, just like when he was a teenager when he heard Jack calling him. He hastily stubbed out the butt and picked up the corner of the rug to hide it. "Up here, Jack!" He called out, pulling out a piece of gum and popping it into his mouth.

Within minutes, Ianto was greeted by the slightly confused face of Captain Jack Harkness. Captain Jack Harkness with a barrette in his hair. And God help him, but was that eyeliner as well?

"You noticed," He smiled a thousand-watt smile as he crawled through the door to sit beside Ianto. "I got too close to the girls when they were playing beauty shop with Henry." He offered by way of explanation. "Which reminds me, I think he needs a haircut - they managed to get two lovely little ponytails in his hair..."

"They have a habit of doing that." Ianto remembered with something that was almost fondness. "I spent a good part of growing up running from them."

"Oh come on, I bet you look dead sexy in eyeliner," Jack teased, rubbing at his eyes.

Ianto glared at him sideways before slapping at his hands. "Don't. It smears. And they use the kind that, while it smears, you have to use the magical remover to get it gone for good."

"Is that right?" Jack quirked another smile as he reached up and popped the barrette loose.

"Maybe," Ianto smiled back. "How did you know I was out here?" He picked at the hem of the shirt he was wearing.

"Mam told me." Jack was suddenly serious. "What is that smell?"

Ianto panicked for a moment. "What smell?" He looked around like he was looking for something visible.

Jack sniffed the air hard. "Cigarettes?" He sniffed Ianto's sleeve, but found nothing and shrugged. "I thought I smelled cigarettes..."

"You did?" Ianto frowned. "I wonder if one of the girls is sneaking up here..." He shrugged.

There was a long pause in conversation where Jack looked at Ianto. When the silence became unbearable to endure, he spoke. "Ianto, if it's too much, why don't you say something? I told you to talk to me – this is what I meant."

Ianto felt as if Jack had read his mind, and was a bit scared to answer, but as he spoke, he became bolder, laying all the cards on the table. "Why didn't I tell you I was feeling overwhelmed earlier? Are you really asking me that? When should I have told you? When you were chasing weevils around Cardiff alone?" He was looking at all of Jack's face, looking for a clue as to if this was sinking in or not. "Or maybe after you died. Alone. Again. When would have been a good time? We don't have time anymore. That's the problem."

Jack's eyes grew sympathetic. "No problem, we can make time."

Ianto turned away, looking toward the tiny curtained window. "A little late for that now."

"It's never too late, Yan. We have time now. Tell me." Jack touched his arm to get his attention again.

Ianto found it hard to stop staring at Jack with an incredulous look on his face.

"What?" Jack wiped a hand over his face, "What am I missing here?"

Ianto's words were slow. "Do you think this is going well? I'm barely hanging on as it is. And now let's throw in some more Torchwood business. And, yes I know that Henry is officially Torchwood business but bringing him home to my family...makes it more..." Ianto let his words fade; let them sink into Jack's brain. "And now John?"

Jack waited patiently, knowing anything he said now would sound empty, hollow.

Ianto continued, spurred on by the silence Jack was allowing him. "I can't leave the house. Do you know what I would give for just 1 hour to myself?" Jack shifted to stand, but Ianto pulled him down with surprising force. "Don't you dare leave! I've got you paying attention now; you stay!"

Jack's voice was barely a whisper. "I thought you had it all under control." He reached to smooth hair out of Ianto's face, but the Welshman flinched back, angry and in no mood to be soothed. "And I didn't know about John. Honest."

Ianto looked closely at Jack's face. His Torchwood training had taught him that everyone has a little something to tell you when they were lying. "All your gadgets and you're going to tell me you had no idea John was back in town?" He waited. And there it was, the tiny tic under Jack's left eye. Ianto pounced on the movement."If only there was some sort of detector for that..."

Ianto's glare was on the verge of painful. Jack was suddenly reminded of Glenda in her days as an interrogator. "WHAT?" His own eyes darted from Ianto's left to the right and back again. "I didn't. I thought he was gone. He said he was going. I even took his vortex man...nip...pew...lay...tor..." Jack realized that he had revealed himself. "Oops." He quickly broke eye contact with Ianto and looked as far away as he could from him.

Ianto let out a deep breath – one that Jack knew from experience was accompanied by Ianto counting silently to himself backwards from ten. "When did you see him?"

"When he..." the rest of that sentence was lost to a mumble. Jack was forced to look back at Ianto. "I forgot to tell you about that, didn't I?"

Ianto was running a hand through his hair, never a good sign. "Forgot? Probably not. You always know what you're doing, Jack."

The older man shrugged it off, trying to go back to his normal attitude. "It wasn't important. I helped him do a job and then he left." He hoped it was working as he continued. "I didn't know he'd be back - I still don't know how that happened..." Jack reviewed the process in his head for the first time since John had reappeared.

Ianto wasn't fooled. "This isn't just an 'old friend popping 'round'. This is John. There is always more with him. You know it and I know it."

Jack tried again. "He seems to be on the level. But I'm watching him."

"Should I add this to the list of things you and the girls haven't been telling me?" Ianto looked coolly down at his hands as if inspecting his fingernails, knowing he had the upper hand without even seeing the other man's face.

"What have we been keeping from you?" Jack's voice faltered. He tried to cover with a joke. "That we know where you hide the chocolate biscuits?"

Ianto's tone was as cold as his expression. "So, Jack - how exactly did that checkup with Martha go? Hmmm?"

Much to Jack's credit, he held his ground. "I told you. Fine. She sent me home."

"Strange. She doesn't seem to recall even knowing anything happened to you. Neither her nor Gwen."

Jack looked panicked. "When did you talk to them?"

It was as if Jack hadn't spoken. "As far as they're concerned you just failed to pick them up. Again."

Jack was silent, unsure of what to say. "What? What are you talking about?"

Ianto stared at Jack's attempted poker-face. Jack felt the shiver of memory coming back as Ianto's eyes narrowed – he was taken back over thirty years to a dingy room in UNIT headquarters and a very nasty meeting he had once had with the one who gave his own beloved the very eyes he was staring into now. Remembering how that incident had ended made the decision on how to treat this conversation easy. "Okay, maybe I did leave them. But, in my defense, they know how to call a cab. And I was rescuing you the first time." Ianto's stare didn't change. It was starting to scare Jack a little. "And I was killed by thugs the second."

The voice that came from Ianto was so calm and collected that Jack felt as if he had been punched. "But Jack? I thought everything was under control as far as you were concerned? If that's true then neither of us should've needed a rescue." The only thing that would have scared Jack more was if there had been a table between them and Ianto was leaning palms flat on it.

"When Henry called, I was worried," Jack stuttered out.

Ianto was too close to him now, and the treehouse was too small. "And you should have been."

Jack needed air, he shifted to get closer to the window. "Well, I was."

"It's not as easy as it looks you know..."

"Then why do you make it look so easy? If I had thought you were struggling, maybe I would have been able to do something to help."

"Easy? EASY? I'd rather face an army of weevils without spray then get up some mornings. I don't know what to do with him...I've read all the child care books, watched the videos; God help me, I've even talked to the park moms, but..." Ianto paused, purposely blocking Jack's attempt to get comfortable. "I know you think this is the best way to take care for Henry. He needs to be watched over. I get that. Really I do. But what do we know about kids?" Ianto looked to see if any of this was getting through to the immortal in front of him. Jack was pulling at the neck of his shirt, trying to get air. Ianto liked that he had control and went on. "Sometimes he just sits there and looks at me with this look of...expectation...I don't know what to do. And all the time I'm not spending taking care of him I spend thinking about you. And work. And all that is piling up there - all the things that are sliding through the cracks because you don't even realize what I do. None of you do."

Jack watched Ianto's gaze turn to a toy teapot sitting on the milk crate table. "I have a list of day nannys," he offered. "We can call on Monday. Until then, maybe you can take him into the Hub for a day?"

Ianto's eyes turned back to him. "Oh yeah Jack, let's bring a toddler into the Hub. What could possibly go wrong there? Didn't we cover this?" Ianto reached for Jack, but pulled back at the last moment, opting to turn back to the toy teapot, picking it up to inspect it. "Think Jack! Think before you speak!" He hurled the teapot at the wall, shattering it.

Afraid to speak, but feeling something needed to be said, Jack offered another solution. "Okay then, I can take him for a day or two. How would that be?"

Ianto snorted and shook his head in bemusement. "You wouldn't know what to do with him. You think things are 'under control'? Half the flat would be burned to the ground before you even noticed the smoke." He thought for a moment, almost comically smiling. It was scaring Jack. He had never seen Ianto look that mad. "The only bonus there is maybe I could see what disaster awaits me back at work, but I don't think I really want one more thing to have to clean up for you right now."

Jack was hurt. "I can take a kid for one day - had two of my own – remember?"

The voice was Ianto's, but the words were not – they couldn't be. "HAD, Jack, HAD."

Jack pushed his chin up in defiance. "I was a good dad."

"And what kind of single father do you think you'd make? Because that's what you've all expected me to do. Expected me to be happy to do."

"I didn't realize, Yan."

"And don't say that I'm not a single father. You're not there, Jack. You rush in all big damn hero and rush back out just as quick. There for the highlights. That's all you are." Ianto paused, thinking. The silence was thick and it was a surprise when he started talking again, making Jack jump. "You didn't realize because you aren't there. Maybe if you spent more time paying attention to the things around you..."

"Yan, I don't know what to say - I thought it was easy for you. It was easy for Candace - I went and did my thing and she did hers. The girls were just there. There were no problems."

Something different flashed in Ianto's eyes. "Think back. Did you do your own thing then like you do now? Did you think she had it under control like you think I do? For someone who has seen so much, you miss an awful lot Jack." He was shaking his head slowly, but holding it together.

"I was...that was before the time agency. But I had a job. She never said anything..."

"Maybe she didn't want to disappoint you? And besides - she was prepared for the girls. It's not like they showed up unannounced one day, was it?"

"Oh." Jack looked at Ianto and saw him for the first time in a long time. He looked far older than the 31 years he was. And not all of it had to do with Torchwood."What can I do to make this right?"

Still shaking his head, the laugh he made was in no way one of joy. "Like I said before...it's a little late now, don't you think? Not like we can give the kid back is it? Besides he needs us - well at least me apparently. And now it turns out we have a 'John situation'..."

Jack was approaching this like a hostage situation. Something had stolen his Ianto from him and he was determined to get him back. "We can work on that. What can we do about Henry? I have the 'John situation' under control."

"Yes Jack, you obviously have John under control. It's not like he just showed up after traveling through space and time with the aid of a device you thought was confiscated by who?" Ianto narrowed his eyes. "Oh yeah. You."

"I honestly don't know how he got back, but I will find out."

"That's the point I'm trying to make, Jack. We were already down half our team. Yes, Martha is there, but still...Now I'm gone. You obviously aren't keeping up alone. I can't deal with Henry alone and worry about what I missing there at the same time. And as much as you say things there are under control I know better than to believe it." Jack could see that Ianto was close to a breaking point and he intended to be there when Ianto would need him. And he would have said so, if it hadn't been for the giant commotion that accompanied the girls running out of the house looking for Ianto and Jack, more than a little panic in their shouts.

Ianto's first thought was that something had happened to Henry, and he shot the most pained look at Jack that he had seen from Ianto in quite a long time. But that proved to be an unjustified worry as Myfanwy's head appeared in the doorway.

"Ianto, it's Becca." The man felt his heart fall to his feet.

"What's wrong with her?" He was on his feet and clambering for the firepole. "Was she in an accident?"

Myfanwy stopped him with a gentle hand laid on his chest. "Nothing like that." She waited for her brother to catch his breath before she continued. "She called to tell Del that Kyle was missing. As soon as I heard, I thought you should know."

Ianto didn't wait to hear any more, he was out of the treehouse before Jack could even react. Myfanwy gave Jack a small smile. "They were close for a long time..." she tried to explain.

"I understand." Jack followed her down the steps and into the yard. "But I'm worried about him."

"Don't be," She threw an arm around Jack's waist as he put one around her shoulder. "Ianto's tough. He can take anything you throw at him." She halted their walk to look up at him. "Anything."

Jack looked back at her. "You have no idea," Jack confided as they went into the house to see how they could help.

***

"What is it?" Ianto burst through the door, panting.

John looked up from where he was sitting with Henry, crayon still in hand. "What is what?"

"Toe!" Henry looked up with a smile.

"Don't do that," Ianto yanked Henry off John's lap under a frown from Gwen.

"Wow, big brother, chill out. They were just coloring and having fun. John was keeping him busy; we thought you would appreciate the time off. What's the big deal?"

Ianto looked at her open-mouthed, child still on his hip. "The big deal is that you don't know anything about him!"

John looked up, periwinkle crayon still in hand. "What is there to know? I live in Splott, I like to take long walks along the beach and I can make a killer martini…not that anyone is listening..."

"Neither do you, and we didn't know anything about Jack when you brought him home and he turned out fine." Gwen defended, smiling over at Jack, who smiled back before catching the look he was getting from Ianto.

"He's cute." John remarked, watching Ianto look over the boy for anything wrong. "Who's his dad?"

Myfanwy reached for Henry, but Ianto growled and narrowed his eyes at John before shoving the toddler into the arms of a confused Jack. "Shut up, I don't like you."

Henry wiggled around, trying to get back to John, the man with the crayons, confused as to why he had been taken from him in the first place.

"Yan?" Myfanwy looked at Jack for an answer, but only got a shrug.

"I have to find Del." Ianto was already heading into the living room.

"What was that about?" Gwen asked John, who, much to his credit, had an excellent shocked look on his face.

"I dunno." He looked over Jack, who took a seat with Henry. "So, you been in the family long?"

Jack thought it was best to play along. "How do you mean?"

"Aren't you and Ianto..." he held his left hand up and wiggled the fingers. Jack did the same in answer. "Oh."

Glenda smiled and took Henry from Jack before either could protest. "We need to go get Grantad..."

Jack rolled his eyes at the name and looked at the others in the room.

"It's okay," Myfanwy patted him on the arm. "Let her have her delusions. It keeps her off our backs for another year. We should be thanking you."

"So," Gwen turned back to John, who was now coloring a car in the book in front of him, careful to stay in the lines. "How did you meet Del?"

"At a museum, actually," John looked up and smiled in an endearing manner.

"Del?" Myfanwy asked, looking over at Jack. "Del Jones? At a museum?" Jack shrugged, unsure.

John nodded, a slight smile on his lips. "Yeah, that's where it was." He held the picture he was coloring up to show the group. "How's this?"

"I like the flames," Gwen tapped the picture. "Those weren't there before, were they?"

"Nope." The pride radiated from him in waves. " I thought it needed something."

"Flames," Jack snorted, crossing his arm on his chest and leaning back. "You would think flames..."

"Jack?" Myfanwy looked back at him questioningly. "You okay?"

"Fine." Jack huffed.

"Jack, is it?" John leaned on the table in an attempt to get closer. Jack looked up, scowling. "I can see that you're a big part of this family. Why don't you tell me more about them?" He broke contact with Jack to look over at Gwen. "Maybe start with this cute little thing?" He bumped into her with his hip and a grin.

"Yeah, I like to think that I'm part of the family." If he could have burned John with his eyes, the man would have burst into flames, much like the ones on the coloring page.

"You are, Jack," Myfanwy patted his arm and smiled, getting a smile in return. "We love you."

"As I am sure we will learn to love John," Gwen assured the other man with a pat. "Once we get to know him..."

"Don't you know it," he laughed back at her.

Jack spoke. "So, Del. And you. At a museum. You work there?"

John leveled his gaze at Jack as he sat back down. "A bartender at the museum? Not bloody likely. I was looking at art."

"Who's Art?" Del strode back into the room and put his arm around John, leaning on him. "You seeing someone else?"

Not moving his eyes from Jack's, John answered. "No, sweet. Only eyes for you."

"Better be," Del bent to kiss John on the forehead. Jack felt instantly sick and went to stand when he saw Ianto coming through the door, running his hand through his hair.

"Ianto, you okay?" Jack was on his feet so fast that he knocked the chair he was in over. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Ianto slightly pushed Jack away. "We can talk about it later. Becca's coming over tomorrow."

"For the party?" Myfanwy asked, hopeful.

"No," Ianto answered. "After. Thought that was better." Ianto let Jack pull him closer this time. "Where's Henry?"

"Mam took him to go get Tad," Gwen answered quickly. "Or should I say 'Grantad'..."

"Oh, Jesus, she isn't," Ianto groaned, falling a bit into Jack. "She can't start that, you know."

"She's Mam, she can do as she likes," Del reminded them.

John looked up at him and received a nod. "You don't mess with Mum?"

"Don't call her that," Jack and Ianto said in unison.

"Fine." John held up his hands in surrender. "Wow, touchy."

"They have a kid – no sleep." Gwen offered up as an explanation. "That will do anyone in."

Ianto pulled himself away from Jack. "We don't have a kid. We are looking after a kid. There is a big difference..." he started to explain.

"You're right, you don't have a kid," Glenda said, coming back in the kitchen childless. "He has you. Well, at the moment, he has Tad, but you know what I mean. And don't sigh at me like that Ianto Jones. May as well pack up the eye-rolling as well – you aren't too big to get a smack."

"Who is getting smacked now?" Ifan came in, Henry bouncing in his arms. "I told you not to cross her – been telling you that since you were kids."

Jack gave a questioning look to Ianto. Ianto shrugged.

"No one is getting smacked – if they behave." Glenda smiled at her husband taking his seat with Henry still in his arms. "Is anyone going to set the table or are we going to play savages and eat off the wood?"

"We got it," Del pulled John up and walked to the cabinet to get the plates.

"I may barf," Ianto whispered to Jack. "Laying it on a bit thick, don't you think?"

Jack sneered as he nodded, turning to look at the men laughing in the kitchen and then back to Ianto. "That's all an act, you know. John doesn't get that happy."

Ianto looked back at Jack, noticing that he wasn't as much in the room as he appeared to be. "What do you mean?"

Jack shook his head, not realizing he had spoken out loud. "Nevermind."

"No," Ianto stared into Jack's eyes. "You said something. What was it?"

"All I said was he is not that happy – ever. It's not in his nature. He looks relaxed, but he's not." Jack closed his eyes against the memories. "That's all one big act." It had to be. John, in the time they had been in the time loop together, had never been so playful, so alive. And if anyone was going to cause that emotion in someone it sure as hell wasn't going to be a man as ordinary as Delwyn Jones. What did Del have that Jack didn't, after all? Sure, okay, he was a Jones, but still – nowhere as dashing as the man that was now calling himself Jack Harkness.

"...Henry," Ianto's voice was in Jack's ear, but he hadn't heard what was being said. Ianto noticed. "You were somewhere else. Where?"

"No where important," Jack sighed, watching the annoyance in Ianto's usually calm features. "Really. It's fine."

Ianto was about to press further when there was a frantic beating on the door. Myfanwy got up to find that it was Becca, looking more than a little distraught. Ianto let go of Jack to find out what was wrong.

"It's Kyle," Becca fell into Ianto's arms, sobbing loudly.

Ianto smoothed hair down, humming reassurances. "Shhh...it's fine. They'll find him..." If he had glanced around the room at that moment, he would have seen the way the other members of the family were watching Jack watch him.

"It's not just that. He was...he was..." She dissolved in another fit of tears, making the rest of that sentence disappear.

"Maybe I should take Henry in the other room?" Jack offered, taking him from Ifan. "That way you can deal with this..."

"I'll just be downstairs," Mr. Jones stood and shuffled away, feeling like he was not needed for this part of the night. "I'll just grab a sandwich later."

"We all will," Mrs. Jones said, going to Becca. "Ianto, I have some of your old toys in the closet in your old room, you can take my sweet boy in there and find something for him. We shouldn't be long here."

"I'll only be a minute," Ianto assured Becca, turning her over to his sisters and mother. "I'll be right back after I get Henry situated." Becca looked confused at the name. "And explain exactly who Henry is. You'll be okay." He back away from her.

"Mam?" Del asked, "I thought I was your sweet boy." He smiled over at John, who was grinning back.

"Delwyn," Mrs. Jones' tone was not one to be messed with. "Go find something useful to do."

"Hey, I need a smoke anyway," John remarked, throwing his arm around Del. "Let's go check out that treehouse."

"John?" Mrs. Jones called him back as he headed for the door with Del.

He stopped and came to stand by her. "Yes?"

She smiled sweetly at him before reaching to pinch him under the arm. "Don't smoke. It's bad."

John frowned and rubbed his arm. "Owww..." He turned back to Del. "Your mum is mean."

"You don't know the half of it," Jack called back, earning a look from Mrs. Jones. "Not that I would know..."

"Come on, Jack," Ianto called from the hallway. "The sooner we get Henry situated, the sooner we can get to the bottom of this."

Jack bent to whisper in Glenda's ear. "If you need me, come and get me. Don't listen to Ianto."

Glenda smiled at him, whispering back, " I haven't yet, why would I start now?" She stood tall and pushed at him. "Go – take Henry to play. This is grown-up talk."

"Do you want to see something?" Jack asked, smiling at Henry.

"Jack," Ianto warned with a playful grin.

"Yan-toe has a secret." He stooped to talk to the child sitting in Ianto 's lap. "Right here in this room."

Ianto frowned, unsure of where Jack was going with this. Henry shifted around, excited more by the tone of Jack's voice than the actual secret that Ianto might have. Jack stood and took the boy from Ianto before walking over to stand under the window.

"You see, kid, Yan here has a wonderful other world in this room. It all involves a very nice man." Jack paused and winked at Ianto before continuing. "His name is the Pastry King..."

Ianto rolled his eyes and stood. "Okay, you fill his head with silly stories. I am going to find out what is going on with Kyle. If I need you, I'll come and get you."

"We're fine." Jack assured him, giving Ianto a little wave as he walked out, the expression on his face indicating that he wasn't so sure that was the case.

"So, yeah, kid, like I was saying, 'Toe has this tiny man living just up here." He lifted Henry up to see the small table that was in the eave. Henry leaned forward and picked up the table and dropped it on Jack's head. "Shit – I mean – crap – no, uh – nevermind..." Jack pulled him back down and set him on the floor. "Stay there." He motioned with his hand in the manner befitting a dog. "Just don't wander...off..." Jack tried to take the words back even as he was saying them, smiling as he shook his head in memory.

Getting the chair that was sitting at the desk and doing nothing better than holding John's infamous jacket, Jack picked up the tiny table and went to put it back. That's when he noticed the handkerchief with the familiar monogram. "Oh, Ianto Jones, what is this?" Jack spoke to no one. He lifted the corner and smiled slowly.

Jack pulled down the battered brown volume, bringing the hankie with it. He was stepping off the chair when he noticed that Henry was no longer there. Jack meant to go look for him, but he remembered the book in his hands. Figuring that there wasn't much trouble a two-year-old could get into with Ianto's sisters hovering around him, he sat on the bed and opened to a random page.

I trusted him when he said he was ready, that he'd done research and thought about it. I didn't know he had found some of the most horrible literature on the planet and had gone and asked people for advice. And he got advice. Some of the worst advice in the world.

I don't ever want to hear the words, "Spank me, I'm a dirty boy!" ever again.

Ugh.

PS: And then he tried topping from the bottom and that pissed me off all over again.

Jack nearly choked on the laugh that bubbled out of his without warning. It was more than a little shocking, but so like Ianto that Jack wished he had known him then. He flipped to another page and began to read.

GranTad lives in a nice quiet neighborhood on a dead end street. The street is somewhat dark. So every Sunday morning for the past month or so, GranTad has found a used condom tossed in the middle of his driveway. Last Saturday night, GranTad heard a noise outside. He went outside to check and - because it's quite dark outside - he got somewhat close to the car to see if someone was in it. What he discovered was a teenage couple going at it.(The couple thought they were being smart by putting their sun shade on the window for privacy.) Both were completely naked, so GranTad got a view of everything. He went right in and called Mam. She was not happy with Becca or me...

Jack felt a little sorry for Ianto then, but noticed, underneath, in different pen and handwriting, another notation.

Jeez, Ianto. Like GranTad wouldn't know the car. Think. Love, Your much smarter sisters. P.S. If you need the money to take her somewhere nice, we can always float you a loan...

That was enough to send Jack into another laughing fit. Drying his eyes and hoping that no one had heard him, he flipped to another random page. This one was not like the others, having been written and then smudged in places.

We got the call this morning. I was on my way out the door to my first class – late as usual. Auntie Gladys said he was gone before anyone could do anything, and that he died in the garden – his pride and joy. She had gone over to check on him. That was Tuesday. Tad had just seen him on Monday. He took him the usual Sunday-leftovers that he didn't tell Mam were for GranTad. Not that she would have minded – she was taking him desserts that Tad didn't know about. I want to cry, but I just can't. Something inside isn't letting me. Twice, I have caught Del. Myfanwy and Gwen haven't stopped crying. Tad looked at me with red-rimmed eyes, but that's all I saw. Mam was the one who drove us to meet with Auntie Gladys. She wanted to clean his house out as soon as possible, though no one was sure why. Mam told me later that Gladys said it was because she wanted to still be numb.

As we were walking in the door, I looked over at the weeds in the garden, silently telling myself I would get them later. And then I stopped. My world came crashing down around me. I held it in, though – for Tad. If he could do it, so could I. Almost lost it again when I saw Mam unwinding the preserved flower chains from the banister. Those were put there when the twins were 12. Right before GranMam died. GrandTad never disturbed them – because she had touched them.

The thing I will remember most about the day, though? When Tad walked into the kitchen and took GranTad's cup off the mug tree Del had made him. He didn't say a word when he heard me behind him. He only turned and, smiling, pressed the mug into my hands. "It's yours."

So, here I sit, bawling like a right idiot, smearing this damned ink everywhere and drinking tea from GranTad's mug. That stupid one with the horrible cartoon butler that GranMam got him so many years ago that says 'Do you want a coffee' on it.

Someone pressed a kiss to Jack's cheek and, smiling, he turned, expecting to see Ianto. "Yan, I..." He stopped instantly when he found himself face to face with the smirk of Captain John Hart. Jack's face changed to a scowl. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

John stood up and placed his hands on his hips. "Little trick I learned from my very own Welsh Ninja..."

Jack growled low in his throat without realizing it. He snapped the book shut.

"What? You think you are the only one good enough to get a Jones boy?" He clucked his tongue. "You really do underestimate me, Captain."

"I said 'what the hell do you think you're doing'?" Jack pulled himself up to full height, knowing he had a few inches advantage on the other Time Agent.

"Relax." John shrugged, not bothered by Jack's show of power. "I was trying to find Del, saw you in here – reading of all things. So, I thought – what could make the great Jack Harkness sit still that long? I mean, the last time I saw you do that was..." He looked at the ceiling, a finger on his chin in a mockery of thought, "...well, never."

"Get out." Jack's jaw was set, his eyes narrow.

"Oh, come on." John reached out and flicked the book. "What's in there? You can tell me."

"Get. Out."

"So, am I to understand that you don't like me being here?" John looked shocked at the idea of Jack not wanting to be anywhere near him. "I thought you would be thrilled to see me – if we ever crossed paths again."

"Are you trying to tell me that you had no clue that Del was related to Ianto?" Jack's tone was one of extreme disbelief.

"I didn't." John half-circled Jack in a predatory manner. "So, what's in that, then?"

Jack growled again. "It's nothing."

"Yeah, right. You find something that you're keeping from me and I'm supposed to believe it's nothing?" He made a grunt of laughter. "Not buying it, Harkness. Hand it over if it's so nothing."

"No." Jack clutched the volume to his chest.

"Come on you teenage girl, give it over."

"I said no. I mean no."

"I see. The old 'no means no' routine." John winked and sicked at his top lip for a moment. "Not so good at that rehab, either. Hand. It. Over."

Jack pushed at John with his free hand. "I. Said. Back. The fuck. Off."

"Mighty strong words for such a girl." John pushed back, knocking Jack's head into the wall.

Jack jumped up, leaving the book on the bed as he flew at John, knocking him over in the process. John let out an 'oof' of surprise as they rolled on the floor, punching at one another and trying to grab at any available part they could injure.

"Get off me, you ponce!" John bucked, trying to dislodge himself from Jack's grasp.

Jack smiled down at him. "Oh, now you're singing a different tune. Where's the John who wanted to roll around with me?"

John smiled back up and, taking advantage of the loose hold that Jack had on him and flipped Jack onto his back, leaving John's hands free to grab the journal. Once the book was in his hands, he jumped up and ran to the window to stand underneath.

"Oh yes, I see now, your precious boy's diary. What does it say in it, Jack? 'Today I bumped my knee and cried like the little girl I am'? Or maybe it says something about how much better Del is and that he resents him for it." He looked hard at Jack. "That would be a fair thing for him to put in, don't you think?"

"You give me that right now, you bastard!" Jack leapt at him again, managing to get a half-hold on the book.

"Nothing doing!" John kicked at Jack, but never let go of his half of the book.

"Listen you..." Jack's threat was cut short as he heard a very feminine squeal from the direction of the doorway.

He and John looked up to see Gwen and Myfanwy there, holding one hand over their mouths in perfect imitation of one another. In his fury, Jack could not tell which twin was holding Henry, only that the boy was there and watching the action before him. He sputtered to try to tell them what was going on while simultaneously trying to wrench the tome from John, who would scratch him every time he would get close to achieving his goal.

"God Dammit, John!" He yelped, pulling a hand back. "This isn't what it looks like!"

"Oh sure," the twin not holding Henry spoke. "That would be why you are holding one of Ianto's diaries and all the pastry king's furniture is scattered on the floor."

Before he could explain more, the girls were running for Ianto, yelling. "Fuck!" Jack pounded the wall beside John, making him jump. "Now look what you did!"

"Not my problem," John shrugged, flipping the book to a random page. "Now, to see what the younger Jones boy was writing about in his troubled youth..."

"You son-of-a-bitch!" Jack pulled the book from his hands a little too hard, managing to throw it into the doorway and right into the shoe of a very mad Ianto.

Ianto was panting from having run, thinking that something akin to murder was occurring in his old bedroom thanks to the reaction of his sisters, Del close at his heels. "What the hell is going on in here?" He reached down to pick up the journal and then saw the toy furniture on the ground as well. "What the fuck were you poking around in here for?"

"I...we..." Jack was at a loss for words as he watched Ianto's eyes darken from anger. "It was an accident."

***

Next part of Year of the Cat.

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