Title: Family Affair 4/10

Genre: Torchwood AU
Characters: Names are the same… that's about it!
Rating: K
Spoilers: None, completely AU
Disclaimer: Sadly not mine, that whole RTD/BBC thingy.
Summary: Widowed Jack Harkness is in need of a kid tamer; enter one Jones, Ianto Jones.

A/N: This is my first posting at Fanfiction. I wrote this for my livejournal a while ago and have begun to post my stories here. Hope you enjoy.

***Part 4

Jack could hear Ianto's soft footfalls in the corridor signaling his nightly rounds, quietly closing doors and shutting lights, picking up any toys left out by the children. When did he become so integral? Taking care of all of us, he thought.

Usually Ianto asked if Jack wanted one more cup of coffee, but Jack figured tonight he'd be left alone to brood into the fire, and that was fine with him, he liked brooding.

Jack was surprised to hear the clink of glass as Ianto set a tumbler filled with scotch down next to him, what surprised him even more was that Ianto sat down next to him with a second glass for himself; loosening his tie and undoing a button at the throat making himself comfortable. The two men sipped their drinks, with only the sound of the fire crackling for company.

Finally Jack sighed, "I'm a shit father."

Ianto turned his face from the fire towards Jack and waited patiently for the older man to continue.

"It's true. I haven't a clue what I'm doing. Estelle… Estelle was the one who knew what to do. I would just whirl in with presents and trips to the zoo."

"Were you… separated?" Ianto asked.

"Yes and no. I was working overseas, I came home for visits. Hell it wasn't even my home. It was hers, in Cardiff. I knew you were from Wales right off, it's those vowels, those lovely Welsh vowels, they drive me crazy you know." Jack smiled sadly and continued.

"We never fought; I think that may have been our problem. We were never passionate enough, but I loved her, I really did."

"But you weren't in love with her?"

Jack shook his head, fighting tears, "No, I don't know if I ever was, or her with me for that matter. We were both young, and in love with idea of love. After Gwen was born she asked if they could move back to Wales, I was never around and she didn't know anyone in London." Jack seemed unaware that he was pouring out his heart to the young man.

"How did she die?" Ianto's soft voice prompted.

"Brain aneurism," Jack said quietly, downing the rest of his drink and pouring another; silently asking Ianto if he wanted more, when the answer was no Jack moved to stand near the fire and continued. "She was making lunch for Owen, we had a cook, but like I said, she knew how to be a parent, she always made his lunch. She just mentioned a headache and fell over, died instantly, right in front of our ten year old son."

"Oh Jack, I'm so sorry." Ianto said.

"What are you sorry for?" Jack sneered draining yet another glass of scotch, "I'm the one with a dead wife and two kids that I don't know what to do with."

Ianto stood up and faced Jack, "You don't mean that. You love them, you wouldn't be this upset if you didn't."

Jack scrubbed his face with his hand and sighed, "I do. I just don't know how to help them. I don't know what I'd do without you here. Owen's right I probably would have sent Gwen back to her uncle, she was happy there."

"Then make them happy here, become a part of their lives, stop being afraid of them. You need them just as much as they need you." Ianto stated firmly.

Jack reached for the decanter again and Ianto stopped him, placing his hand over Jack's, "I think perhaps that's enough for one night sir. Maybe a better idea would be to retire for the evening."

Jack raised his eyebrow, "Is that an offer Mr. Jones?"

Ianto grinned, "I think tucking in two members of your family is quite enough for one night sir."

"Owen's a big boy; he doesn't need help, I on the other hand…." Jack trailed off suggestively.

Ianto merely pointed to the door indicating Jack should go.

Giving in good naturedly and turning to go, Jack paused thoughtfully, "I really don't know what to do, how do I connect with them Ianto?"

I have an idea sir." Ianto said.

"Tomorrow, let's go fly a kite."