10
Ianto was sitting on the back porch watching the children playing in the field, taking turns to chase the goat, then run as it chased them too. It was a hot day but sunscreen had been employed and he knew they were safe out there, Hoodlum enforcers joining in the fun with shrieks and laughter.
Both babies were asleep in their respective little cots with parentals watching over them happily … the world was at peace. He had nothing to do. He closed his eyes and let his head fall back and then lips were there against his, Jack was home.
Ianto opened his eyes and smiled "Hey. You done with the fence?"
"Yeah but the hinges for her gate are stuffed. Me and Tonny are gonna shoot into town for a new set. He has measurements, photos as well as the old ones to ensure she get her 'authentic' gate back" Jack sniggered.
"That little shit still has to paint it though" Ianto warned still angry that one of the local teens had smashed his car through her front yard in a drunken riot of stupidity. Jack nodded, the scolding on the night had been epic as Ianto stood in the rain screaming at the boy, then to everyone's shock Ianto had seized the boy by his ear and marched him home where his parentals had been roared outside to get a tongue lashing as well. Barely 14 and out at three in the morning in the family car 'killing' landmarks.
Of course, later Ianto had snorted with amusement at himself for his actions but at the time all he could think about was that face that the old woman who lived on that corner slept in the room in the corner of the house and a little to the left might have meant a car though her bedroom. The teen was now well aware of this too, not only apologising in the cold light of day but paying handsomely by being made to replant the garden and help fix the ruined picket fence.
Jack knew this boy would remember this for the rest of his life, the moment he fell from grace in the eyes of his village. Also, the fact that the man who had berated him had also hugged him as he whispered that the power pole on the outside of the fence he had missed by a hair's breadth may have killed him.
"Mark is still planting and she is happily forcing scones on him once he washes his hands, I could smell them. Ton considered and decided to stay. I will pick him up on the way past into town. Promised. Even if it is the wrong direction, you know Ton. No direction" Jack smiled.
"Only the one that matters" Ianto replied as he knew Ton was also no doubt cuddling the boy and telling him it was OK.
Shit happens.