7

Ianto approached Jack after they got back "Walk?"

Jack nodded and accepted the offered hand. It was becoming a habit, this walking hand in hand. Was kinda nice.

"I have to discuss something I would rather talk to you about in the inner sanctum." Ianto said as they headed to the clearing Ianto had shown him last time and Jack settled on the moss expectantly. He felt no fear, knew whatever this was, it was not a negative.

"Right. Me mam. Ah. Right. We are bonded, we are now together and I feel it only fair to spill the beans as it were. A secret. Many living here do not know it either … so … hush" Ianto sighed. I am adopted. Not hers either. My mother was someone else, my father the prince. I was given to the Jones Couple to raise. This was … about … a hundred and ten years ago. The mama kind, the father not so much. The money given to them to pay for me went on booze and nastiness. It was a relief when they were dead and gone even If I do mourn the one I called Mama."

Ianto let Jack think it through and watched as he finally raised his eyebrows and asked "Rhiannon?"

"Alice?"

Jack stared at Ianto and then snorted softly. "Really?"

"Yes. My daughter. My mother was… unique and it appears I am too. I don't know … it is one of those things that we do not speak of. Never talk about and I do not know all the facts except she was called Jenny, came from another world and left soon after claiming she had to find her father who she was chasing across the universe or something. It's hazy"

"So. You are royalty, but not." Jack surmised "You don't feel like you are worthy even if you are more than you show yourself to be. You prefer it that way. You come from a long line of shadows."

"Yes" Ianto smiled softly "Not all of my people realise that that a part of me is not entirely human or Cy"

"Entirely" Jack repeated "So Jenny was … part human?"

"Yes"

"And the other part?"

Ianto did not answer and Jack found a door slammed in his psyche as he tried to reach for Ianto's thoughts. A shield like none he had ever known. Gods, he was powerful.

"Cariad. You must decide. If we go forward you may never learn that weird part hidden away. I might never feel able to tell that one. It is something that is NEVER spoken of. They do not know that I know. It is only due to a weird accident that I found a letter my mother left for me that explained things. I cannot share that as she asked me not to. I cannot be the one to show it." Ianto explained "But … I can tell you my longevity is assured."

"Because of your heritage?" Jack asked.

"No. Because of yours" Ianto laughed "We are joined. You are immortal. I am now immortal"

"Oh"

Ianto laughed at Jack's simple acceptance and knew he had worked that one out already, just didn't want to admit it out loud in case it gave Ianto away.

"Come on Cariad" Ianto said gently "Let's get join the evening meal and then find some comfort in our bed, hmmm?"

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"Where the fuck were you?" Owen demanded as he saw them approaching.

"Sorting out the punishments for those who cuss in front of the children" Jack replied "We decided to castrate them."

"Fu….nny. OK" Owen frowned shifting in his seat as Jack let Ianto choose a seat then sat next to him.

"Is everything OK?" Kelianne asked Ianto and he nodded as he reached for a sandwich.

"Just that?" Jack asked, "Not some roast meat? Ianto you have to eat."

"I know. I'm just too tired. Big breakfast remember?" Ianto replied and Jack sat back remembering the prayer at the other place. He was now seeing that there were clear factions, all different as they settled to eat.

Ianto smiled softly as he reached out to pat Jack's hand and Jack grunted, starting to eat as well. This was not his place to ask about things that had been years in the making. He was just happy to be here.

"Me too" Ianto whispered as he leaned in and kissed him, sharing the moment of delight "And later I will show you how happy I can make you!"

Jack couldn't help but laugh at his cheeky Tiger.

His.

Yeah!