So Ifan comes to comfort his brother and finds ….

Mirror Image – Chapter 10

Ianto tried to tell Carys and Euan but they didn't really understand; they just knew that Daddy was sad. Jack helped Ianto to put them to bed after they had had something to eat. Later he ordered pizza and they sat down together on the sofa. Ianto tried to eat something but he couldn't eat much. Jack put his arms around him and Ianto lay with his head on Jack's chest. They didn't speak. Jack knew to wait until the initial shock had worn off. He'd dealt with death too many times. He knew what grief felt like, he knew about guilt as well. Jack had a lot to feel guilty about and now there was likely to be more. What was he going to do? It was only a matter of time, he was sure, before someone found out about him. He had to tell Ianto who he was and why he was there. He couldn't just leave, not now, but he couldn't stay either. He couldn't stay with two Jacks in the same world, but for now Ianto needed him and that was enough. Jack felt him grasp tighter and Jack began to close his eyes.

Suddenly the phone woke them both. Ianto peeled himself away from Jack reluctantly and answered.

'Hi Sarah. Yes, they're fine, they're asleep. I'm staying here with them. No, you don't need to come round; I have a friend with me. I know, I'm sorry. I loved her too. I still do. I'll see you tomorrow. Yes, I know, we have a lot of decisions to make. Bye Sarah.'

'I assume that was Lisa's mother,' Jack said. 'Come on, sit down and try to eat a bit more of this.'

'I don't think I can.'

'You've got to eat, Ianto, you've got the kids to look after, but I'm going to stay and look after you, if you want me to? I'll sleep on the sofa.'

'No Jack, you'll sleep with me.'

'But it's Lisa's bed! I didn't think you'd…'

Ianto put a finger to Jack's lips. 'It was my bed too and I want you with me.'

'What about the kids? They might come in.'

'We'll just have to deal with that,' Ianto said. Jack could see he was determined.

'Alright, as you want it Ianto.'

Through the night Ianto hardly slept, Jack just held on to him, kissing him gently at times, but nothing more. By 6 am they'd both managed to fall asleep and then Jack was woken abruptly.

'Uncle Jack, is Daddy alright?' Carys said, as she stood next to the bed.

'Let's go downstairs,' Jack said, grabbing his trousers. He left Ianto sleeping. 'Is Euan still asleep?' Jack asked.

'I think so,' Carys replied. Jack looked in at the door.

'Just give me a minute, Carys. Go and put on your dressing gown, while I just pop to the loo.'

Downstairs Jack set about making breakfast. 'What do you want Carys?'

'Ready Brek please and a glass of juice.'

Jack sorted this out and made himself some toast and coffee. He found some jam as well and put some in Carys' porridge. 'Carys, you're a clever girl for four year's old. Daddy is going to be sad and I'm going to look after him. Your Mummy was hurt in an accident. She died, Carys, so you won't be able to see her again. But Daddy will look after you and Euan.'

Jack put the radio on in the kitchen and they sat down talking. Jack didn't hear the front door. The first he knew that someone else was in the house was when Ifan opened the kitchen door.

'Ianto I've just heard about Lisa. I thought….' Jack looked up and their eyes met.

'What the hell?' Ifan said looking at Jack. 'Who are you and why do you look like Jack Harkness. What are you doing here?'

'This is Uncle Jack, Uncle Ifan. He's Daddy's friend. Daddy is sad because of Mummy.'

Just then Ianto appeared; Ifan hugged him tightly. 'I came as soon as I heard. Why didn't you phone me?' All the while he was staring at Jack over Ianto's shoulder.

'I just wanted to be here with no fuss and I wasn't on my own. This is Jack who I told you about. Jack this is Ifan, my brother.' Jack got up and held out his hand. Ifan took it.

'Daddy!' Euan was shouting from upstairs. Ianto picked up Carys and said, 'let's go upstairs and get you dressed. Jack will you make Ifan a coffee and use the good stuff, as he's very particular about his coffee.' When Ianto left the room Ifan shut the kitchen door.

'So are you going to explain what the hell is going on here? I left Jack back at the Hub but you look just like him. You need to give me one good reason why I shouldn't contact Torchwood now.'

'I'm exactly who you think I am Ifan. My name is Captain Jack Harkness. I work for Torchwood. I was born in the 51st century and I'm immortal. My team are Ianto Jones, Gwen Cooper, Owen Harper and Toshiko Sato. We work in the Hub under the water tower in Roald Dahl Plas.'

'But Ianto doesn't work for Torchwood, I do.' Ifan said.

'Not in my world,' Jack replied.

'So you're telling me that you've come from a parallel world and that you are really Jack Harkness.' He thought for a moment. He knew such things were possible as Jack had told him what had happened to Rose Tyler. Suddenly it struck why this Jack had come to this world. 'You came looking for Ianto didn't you, expecting him to work for Torchwood, but in this world he doesn't. What about me?'

'In my world you don't exist and the rest, well you'll understand that I'm not going to tell you.'

'What are you doing with Ianto? Did you come here to find him? You know he's half in love with you don't you?'

'Really?' Jack replied.

'He cried all over me the other night when he ran away from you in the hotel. He was scared of what he felt for you.'

'I think we got over that yesterday,' Jack replied, raising an eyebrow and grinning.

'Ah and I assume you stayed here last night. What do you want? My Jack will want to know why you're here.' He put his hand to his comm. Jack put his hand on his arm to stop him.

'Look Ifan give me a few days. I will tell Ianto the truth but he needs me now and he wants me with him. For his sake and for the fact that you know the sort of man I am and what I represent, let me have a bit of time. I can't just disappear now.'

'Okay Jack this is probably against my better judgement but I love my brother. You've got until after the funeral to sort this out. I won't say anything to my Jack.'

'Hmm,' thought Jack, 'interesting to know where your loyalties lie at the moment. Mind you in this world you seem to be the one who can keep his secrets,' Jack knew how well his Ianto had been able to do this both from him and for him.

'But hurt him and I don't care what world you're from. If I catch you I'll kill you. Do you understand?' He stopped as he realised what he was saying. 'Christ I can't even do that can I, but there are other ways of containing you Jack and I know what they are; so do we have a deal?'

'Yes,' Jack replied. 'We have a deal.'

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