2

Chrys sat on the floor with the little boy who was looking up at her with a silent rebuke as she handed back his toy with a whispered apology.

Damn.

Ianto turn to suggest an alternative when the little boy rose and toddled over, placing a hand on his knee and offering the toy to him. Ianto politely accepted it and absently lifted the boy into his lap as he spoke.

"Seems there is a slight difference of option, maybe Serene would be a better choice? She has raised three wonderful children and has a….yes. A bee. A wonderful one" Ianto stopped talking as the child shoved the toy at him and Ianto smiled softly as he cuddled the poor little waif. The boy was small for his age, almost a dwarf with his tiny hands and face, huge eyes and sad heart. His mama was gone. Jack's ex-wife had been killed instantly when the truck had ploughed into the vehicle she was piloting, the little boy in his lap had watched her die, had not spoken since.

Jack watched his son as he smiled meekly at Ianto and placed his head on Ianto's chest, Ianto smiling back and rubbing the little back as he whispered that bees are one of the most important bugs in the worlds. His son's eyes grew larger in question as Ianto explained about pollination as well as bees moving seeds by mistake and helping keep plant life growing.

"You know, you made a great selection there" Ianto said as he let the child wriggle and settle more, "I like bees too."

Jack watched Dylan's fingers trace Ianto's buttons.

"He might not want a woman, maybe he sees it as replacing his mother. Maybe if you look at Andy's…"

"What about you" Jack blurted, "He hasn't been this actively communicative with anyone since the accident as he is with you here today. Eye contact, even a smile. I wish I could stay but… finishing off my service means they can't ask me to redo it, I can't do another two years. I have to complete and get signed off."

Ianto blinked, then frowned as he looked at the child who seemed so forlorn.

Ah bugger.

"Six months" Ianto muttered, "Home for Christmas?"

"Yes, hopefully in time for Santa" Jack said as he smiled encouragingly at his son who simply stared at him and then looked away with disinterest. Ianto watched Jack's face shut down with sorrow knowing a two year absence would be far more harmful to this little one than a six month one.

But what a horrible time.

"There is not family?" Ianto asked as the little one started to go limp with sleep, "I read that there is a sister? Also you have a brother?"

"Yes, my sister-in-law Gwen" Jack grimaced, "She is the reason Lucinda and I were going through ah…troubles."

Ianto nodded, knowing the little one was listening even with his eyes closed and two fingers in his mouth so he changed the subject, "I do not work actively anymore, I had a bad experience in my last field work. I was benched as it were, why I decided to start my own agency."

Jack nodded sadly, "I understand. Maybe we can try this Andy bloke. Dylan does seem happier with you. A male influence might be a good idea, he is in need of a strong influence."

Ianto rose to see Jack out and realised he was carrying the child, the blush deep as he awkwardly tried to hand him back, that spark again as their arms brushed and this time there was no mistaking the attraction as Jack froze as well, blinking back a retort. It was almost like pain and he grunted as he yanked his son from Ianto.

"Goodbye Dylan, I did enjoy playing with you, wait" Ianto rushed back to the seat and plucked the bee off the floor, rushing back, "Here. I think he chose you to keep him safe."

Dylan accepted the little soft toy and looked at Ianto with those sad eyes then crushed the bee to his chest. He gave another weak smile and settled against his father's chest.

"Thank you" Jack said with a frown, "Add the cost of it to my bill."

"Not at all" Ianto assured him, "Bee was ready for a new friend, Dylan was just the ticket. I mean look, what a happy little bee to have a special friend."

Dylan lifted the bug and stared at it like he was considering, then hummed as he hugged it tight. He looked up at Ianto again and as they left a little hand waved gently over Jack's shoulder as Dylan showed another milestone in saying goodbye.

Owen watched with open interest as the little boy didn't interact with anyone except Jack.

He looked back as he followed his friend and godson out the door to find Ianto smiling as he waved back, open and welcoming. If only Katie were still here, they would have taken Dylan but Owen knew her death and his subsequent fall from grace with his breakdown meant Jack would not trust him again, neither would he really.

Owen hoped this Andy Davison would be as nice.

Dylan deserved nice.