Chap 1
Jack was running late and he swore softly as he pulled into the compound and found the Blue SUV pulling out.
"I'm sorry, Jesus" he cried out as he flew from the driver's seat and ran to the other SUV.
"You were supposed to collect them half an hour ago, Walter's late for practice" Ianto said sadly, not looking at Jack.
"Sorry Bubby Bum" Jack looked through the seats at his son who glared back.
"We have to go" Ianto said softly.
"I'll follow you, yeah?" Jack raced back to his vehicle quietly cursing himself as the Blue Bustard roared off.
The baseball field was nearby and Jack parked in time to get a writhing toddler dumped in his arms, "Needs changing!"
Jack took the baby and the nappy bag to the back of his SUV and made silly faces at Noah while he changed his youngest son.
"Go Walter" Ianto screamed as Walter swung at a ball with a little roar.
Jack hurried into the stands with Noah and sat next to Ianto who frowned and looked down.
"You wore those pants when you knew you were picking up the kids?" he referred to the pale cream trousers and Jack groaned.
"I didn't have time to change into Kid-safe clothes, God Ianto" Jack snarled, "Sorry for fucking well getting dressed this morning."
Ianto grunted and rose to walk down the seats until he sat behind the batter's box and he clapped as Walter ran in.
"Did you see Taddy? I hit a homer!" Walter enthused.
"Well done squirt" Jack had followed and smiled down at Walter who frowned again.
As Walter turned to watch his teammates bat, Jack settled with Noah on his lap. Ianto still wasn't looking at him and he struggled to find a way to start a conversation that wouldn't end with Ianto storming off again.
It had been six long months of hell.
"Noah's birthday!" Jack suddenly burst out with and Ianto turned to look at him.
"Yes" Ianto replied. "Next weekend."
"Are you having a do at the compound or coming home … I mean ... to the firehouse for the weekend?" Jack asked plaintively.
"It's not your weekend for the kids next one" Ianto replied softly and Jack sighed. "You know I don't like to break the routine."
"So, compound then?"
"Idris is planning something, yes" Ianto huffed. "I don't know if he's done the invites or…"
"It's OK" Jack said hurriedly, knowing he wouldn't be invited in there, "I can have a wee party the next weekend, Noah won't mind waiting a week."
"Mind what?" Walter puffed as he ran over for a hug.
"His birthday party" Ianto said slowly, knowing where this would lead as he closed his eyes.
"Yeah, you coming Daddy?"