UNCLEAN SPIRIT FINAL PART

Ianto and Tosh were both sitting in silence enjoying the sunlight that poured in through the window of his private hospital room. Ianto had to quietly admit that it was far nicer than the NHS equivalent and now that he was feeling that much better, physically at least, he was able to appreciate it. Tosh was seated in a chair beside his bed her hand still gripped in his as she had finally stopped crying over Elam. Ianto couldn't help but feel sorry for her, once again let down by love. Tosh certainly had a knack for picking the wrong partners. The silence was comforting in a strange way because both of them had been overwhelmed by the events of the previous week and Ianto was still desperately worried about Jack. On coming into his room that morning Tosh had told him once again that Jack had still not revived from death. Maybe finally he was gone, Ianto didn't want to accept that, refused to, not after everything that had happened. Michael had promised him that Jack would be safe, would be there at the end of time to give his final message to an old friend. Ianto had not understood of course, but he trusted whatever it was that Michael was, be he alien or angel, it didn't matter. Elam was destroyed and that was after all what they did, eliminate threats. He cautiously rubbed at his sore abdomen. The stitches were irritating from the second operation and he still had a naso gastric tube in place which was also damned uncomfortable, but they were planning on removing it later that day, small price to pay really, especially when Jack was still not alive yet. Ianto wondered what it was like for him in that state, was he sure he was aware when he was on the other side? Was it the same for Owen? His reverie was disturbed by Tosh moving and getting up to stretch.

"I'm just going outside to call the Hub and check everything is ok and get some coffee."

Ianto smiled at her. "Can't wait to have my first one." He said wistfully.

Tosh straightened out her coat. "Not until that stomach of yours is completely better, you know what the doctor said no caffiene for another few weeks at least."

Ianto rolled his eyes in a way that only he knew how. "Thanks Tosh, I'll just sit and sniff yours then."

At that she let out a little chuckle, and it was lovely to hear. "I think I might let you do that, shan't be long."

Ianto watched her go before resting his head back against the pillows and drifting off in a doze. He was vaguely aware of the door opening sometime later and didn't bother opening his eyes as he assumed it was Tosh until he felt a light touch against his forehead and a familiar warming brush against his cheek.

"Jack?" His eyes fluttered open and he looked Jack's oceanic orbs as the man pulled back with a smile.

"Hey."

Then Ianto saw what was in his arms. "Jack?"

Jack stood back as Ianto sat himself up awkwardly. "What the hell is......?"

He took in the sight of his boss, macho, comic strip hero, friend and lover stood there baby Elliot squirming in his grasp in his little green suit.

"I brought your son to see you." Jack ventured a tentative pace forwards. "He's not safe Ianto, he needs to be here with.... with you." Jack's words were as apprehensive as his body language.

Ianto gaped at them, torn between being horrified and laughing at the adorable picture before him.

"Elam said that others would come for him. It's not fair to put Talia and the rest of the family at risk. We can't just abandon him to his fate, Yan."

Sighing Ianto made himself as comfortable as he could. "I've never held a baby before. I don't know what to do."

He watched as Jack sat down on the edge of the bed beside him and Ianto suddenly registered just how tired Jack looked. "Just learn to love him Ianto, he's your son, he needs you."

For a moment a surge of anger flared in Ianto's chest, but he sucked in a breath and pushed it down.

"What happened is not his fault, not your fault. If you're not willing to take care of him then I will."

Jack was looking at him earnestly now and Ianto shrank away from his intense gaze.

"I don't know what to do Jack." He repeated.

"Here..." And before Ianto could protest Elliot was pushed into his arms and Ianto automatically embraced him and looked down at his face. His own eyes gazing back up at him.

"See, that's what he needs, his Tad."

Ianto looked up, his eyebrow quirked then looked back down; he knew the decision was already made.

"Will you help me?"

And finally Jack smiled. It felt like the first one in years.

"Yes."

Ianto continued to watch Elliot's face as he lay there, fingers in his mouth and dribble running over his chin, tiny fingers. He was aware of Jack moving about beside him and then a bottle came into his line of sight.

Ianto moved to hand Elliot back and Jack shook his head. "Uh uh..Hold him like so." And Elliot was carefully adjusted in Ianto's arms and the bottle in Ianto's hand was suddenly being sucked on fast and furiously, big orbs watching Ianto with every swallow.

"He's quiet." Ianto commented.

Jack got himself comfortable on the bed next to Ianto. "Like his Tad."

"Is he though? Is he really mine Jack? I mean that thing that was inside of me..."

Jack felt him shudder and placed a comforting arm over his shoulder. "When Elizabeth was pregnant, she prayed, for hours every single day, I'd like to believe that made a difference."

Ianto couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You really think that?"

"I don't have any other answers. Biologically that is your child and he is as human as you are. Don't question it Yan."

"I have to Jack. It's what we do." He was still focussed on Elliot who was by now half way down the bottle. "Can we really keep him safe? I mean who's to say I won't get taken over again or....."

"Ssshh. We can only do as much as we can." Jack assured him.

"And what about Torchwood? It's not exactly kid friendly Jack and I can't turn my back on it." Ianto half wondered how selfish that sounded.

"You won't have to. I will sort something out..... we will, I promise you. It won't be easy, but it is the right thing to do."

Ianto knew that was the truth of the matter. He vaguely contemplated if would ever be able to show or feel the love that Jack spoke of, even if he was willing to finally accept the responsibility. Part of him didn't want to disappoint Jack another part of him wanted to forget the whole damned idea, forget that Elliot had ever been born or conceived. He realised there was no turning away from this.

"I can't do this alone Jack, caring for him, I have no clue. I don't even like children."

"Well, you've got me and believe it or not I know a little bit about raising kids, he'll have two doting aunties and I'm sure even Owen could bring himself to do the odd bit of babysitting once in a while."

At that Ianto looked at Jack through narrowed eyes. "Owen would sooner put him on a spit and roast him."

Jack had to concede the point. "Ok, maybe not Owen."

"And how the hell do I explain him to my mam and sister?"

Jack had to admit he hadn't thought of that. "We'll come up with something.... You're good at cover stories, should be a doddle." He smiled that somewhat naughty encouraging smile he used before playful sex.

"Oh hi Mam, this is Elliot, my boyfriend Jack gave birth a few months ago.... Yes mam didn't you know men can have babies these days... one simple little snip and bobs your uncle!"

Jack's rumbling laughter caused Elliot to abandon his meal by spitting out his bottle.

"You need to sit him up and rub his back." Jack advised.

Ianto did as he said, fumbling a little and rather taken aback by the massive belch and grin that followed, from the tiny thing in his hands. Jack was pleased to note the faint up curve of Ianto's lips as he rubbed the child's back.

"See he likes you."

"He burped Jack, is that normal?"

Fin........

AN: Really hope that wasn't too sentimental............ Thanks for reading and reviewing everybody....There will be a sort of final story for the Fallen Angel series, but not til after my finals....just in case I hand in the wrong document by mistake!