2
Ianto was glad that John was happy to stay in the firehouse in their absence.
He was also happy that Jack had been more firm than him with the list of "Don'ts" he gave John and the threats of retribution were indeed severe.
John was still licking his wounds after a surveillance job had gone south leaving him with broken ribs and a bruised ego when Jack had proved himself right.
Not only were they on the wrong man, they were on an enraged one.
Ianto had the cat cages ready, bags packed and Jack had been travelling back and forth while Ianto and Walter were at school, ferrying the boxes Ianto packed to the holiday home each day.
Jack was excited too.
So much has happened, so much sorrow and regret tempered with pleasure. Jack was determined to make this Christmas special.
Ianto packed the last of the gifts, knowing Jack would peek at his and keeping his real present safely hidden in the last place Jack would look. The Babbit's nappies.
Only the gifts for those not coming to the holiday home sat under the tree and Ianto smiled as he turned on the pretty lights.
Ianto did a mental check list for what he might have forgotten, knowing there was sure to be something important to the boys that he would overlook.
He then went to start dinner with a soft hum.
God!
Ianto stopped with surprise. He suddenly had a thought that wouldn't go away.
Stephen.
It kept whispering at the back of his mind. Stephen. Ianto couldn't get it out of his head.
Jack came in and called out, a sleeping Babbit in his arms and an excited Walter hanging up his scarf.
"Gonna snow babe" Jack said with glee, "So slick out there, I thought I was gonna loose traction a few times."
"Do you have the snow tyres on?" Ianto asked as he checked the meat and closed the oven door.
Stephen.
"Yep, changed them over last Tuesday babe" Jack smelt the air like a predator and Ianto smiled.
"Talked to Alice lately?" Ianto asked as he rose and moved to the sink.
"Yeah, should be here already" Jack stretched, "Must be running late."
"Here?" Ianto turned with surprise and looked at him.
"Ah shit. Sorry, they wanted to exchange gifts before we leave" Jack face palmed, "I forgot to tell you."
Ianto looked at Jack and then moved for the phone, Stephen still niggling in the back of his mind.
He rang Alice's cell and it rang out to answer phone.
Ianto frowned and rang it again as Jack watched with confusion.
When it finally answered Ianto knew by the unfamiliar voice on the other end that he was too late.
Jack caught Ianto as he crumpled with a wail.