7

People stated arriving but Ianto had retreated to the bedroom with his heartbroken daughter, both of them under the covers hiding like children during a thunderstorm.

Neither spoke, there was nothing to say really, not anything of worth that might help.

Jack had entered a couple of times and dug out Ianto's face for some kisses and Ianto had stroked Jack's face as they had looked lovingly at each other, their own love raw as they silently thought of their own loss of one another one day.

May their own demise be as swift and united.

The thought of leaving the other twisting in their guts.

About lunchtime Eugene slid into the bed and Ianto exited, Babs now clinging to her Grandy with a fierce logic that he was old too, so he might be next.

How could Ianto argue when it was his own fear, his parents leaving him?

Stumbling out into the main room, conversation died as he looked around sadly for his husband and Jack said his name letting him know he sat in Heck's chair, still Heck's chair with usually only Babs allowed in it.

Ianto slouched over and dumped himself into his love's lap and sighed softly as he nuzzled his neck and Jack crooned as someone dropped a crocheted rug over them. Then a cup of coffee was pushed into his hand and he took a sip, feeling Jack's warmth more than the hot liquid.

"About three O'clock" someone said and Ianto was suddenly aware of it, turning his head to look at Manny.

"The town wants to know what's going on and the weekly newsletter isn't right" Jennifer from the Pharmacy said softly, "We are going to put up an official statement on the notice board darling. So we all know what is happening and we can update it as we know more."

"Saturday" Ianto croaked out, "A nice wee service for them and everyone can come here to say goodbye. I'll be bringing them home to rest here in the main room."

"Oh!" Chuck gasped, "Wonderful. An old custom many don't do these days. So sad we couldn't with young Sean. Brilliant. John, Connor, you need help with any set ups?"

John seemed confused with the question so Connor answered, "Yes please. A marquee out in the grassed quad so we can set up tables and chairs. A lot will want to come pay respects and Ianto will not want the house heaving. Lovely weather predicted. That way everyone can be outside of a day, talking and reminiscing and Ianto can come back here to hide a wee bit. The kids need to be able to grieve with some peace. Too any people will only upset them more. I don't know how to tell the twins. They were their grandparents, ya know."

"Where's Ton?" Ianto croaked out.

"River took him to the school. Told him the butterflies were hatching and she needed someone to help watch and count the new monarchs." Em smiled, "He is so confused. We don't know what to say so we've left it for you. I know he will only believe you anyway. So proud of his counting, he was excited to show off"

"They promised they were coming back" Ianto sighed, "He has never been told a lie by them and until they are back here I will not say. He will see them and I will explain then and he can see they kept their last promise. They will come home to him."

"Their wedding outfits" Jack said after a few moments quiet reflection, "They will want to be in those, also a time for the kids to see them looking like they did when so happy. The wedding portrait Walter took framed on a table at the head of the coffins."

"Will they…I mean. Both have spouse already buried…." Someone asked.

"Together" Ianto said firmly, "The plot on the other side of Sean. His parents will be either side of him then. It's empty, I know because I bought it for… well. We can get another, closer to the trees anyway Cariad."

"Agreed" John nodded, glaring around to see if anyone might object, "What do you need Sweetling? Anything right now?"

"Just some sleep, but I do not think I will get any for some time" Ianto sighed "Not until they rest too."

"You've not eaten" Jack said softly, "We both need to eat something."

"Yes Cariad" Ianto whispered, accepting a mug of tomato soup and they took turns sipping from it, holding on to each other like children with their hands entwined around the mug.

Ton came in and headed for them, pulling at Ianto until he lifted him awkwardly into their laps and the little boy snuggled happily with his parents, wondering why they were so sad.

Ianto reached out and touched Jack's face, stroking his top lip, around his mouth and down his chin, pulling him in for a kiss.

Jack held it, lingering in the comfort of his sweet Welsh tiger.

They just needed to hold on.