52
Late afternoon, still in the schoolhouse.
They had worked quickly to glean anything of use and now they were down to the bare bones, fire extinguishers, First Aid kits etc.
Ianto was standing, staring at one of the classroom walls.
Jack looked up from the plastic toy box he was filling with art supplies and looked over at the still form of loveliness.
He was about to call out to him when he noticed the straight back and tight stance. Something was wrong.
Ianto was opening and closing his hands like he wanted something in them, but couldn't reach it.
Jack walked over and placed a hand in the small of Ianto's back as he said his name softly.
Ianto turned and Jack saw tears forming, pulling him close and kissing him gently.
"What's wrong babe?" Jack whispered.
"All those babies" Ianto said, turning back to the wall.
Now Jack saw. It was a display of class photos. Children the same age as their wee boy waiting back at home. All grinning for the camera, also held by someone who no longer exists no doubt.
One small girl had braces on her legs, another sat in a wheelchair.
Dressed in blue cardigans that all looked handmade, not exacting matches that showed a small town that agreed to a general uniform. Some had patterns in the wool, others wore simple patterns. All looked happy, and well cared for.
The group shot had them all surrounding those weaker children with loving hands on them, showing the comradery.
Jack hoped their deaths were quick, prayed that they didn't suffer.
Jack squeezed gently as he shared the grief for little souls that never had a chance to shine. One town, about twenty odd kids, now gone.
Some faces were similar showing bloodlines and some were uniquely different, showing the cultural mix.
Jack saw the hope, the promise and sighed as Ianto leaned into him. They took a moment to say a silent prayer for those little innocent souls, then Ianto took a deep breath and turned to Rhys who was walking past.
"Stephen's birthday next week" he informed him and Rhys turned with surprise, "Maybe you and I should find the Headmaster's office. The confiscated contraband is sure to have something a boy of his age would want."
It was obvious from Rhys' face that he didn't know about the impending birthday and was extremely grateful to be given the heads-up.
Although he and Alice were living together, Ianto knew their relationship was still forming. Rhys loved her, and Stephen, that was obvious and Ianto really did want him to succeed.
"Bloody brilliant idea mate!" Rhys boomed, slapping Ianto's shoulder affectionately.
Jack let his hand brush against Ianto's as they went back to work and Ianto's look of affection was enough to sustain him.
Ianto and Rhys made their way to the second level and soon found the office. Ianto calmly shouldered the door, making the door frame buckle and splinter.
"Wow!" Rhys enthused, "You go for it Hulk!"
Ianto snorted with good humour as they went through cupboards and drawers, the small pistol on a lock box the most surprising find.
They then found a drawer full of toys and small weapons. They sniggered as they pulled out the homemade stuff like slingshots and small spud guns, then whistled as they found switch knives, knuckledusters and to the immense delight of both men, flavoured condoms.
They laughed and threw them at each other like they were the children, then slowly sobered and placed the things in a bag.
"For Owen" Rhys whispered as he shook a playboy at Ianto and Ianto snorted as he covered his mouth to stop the others finding out they were having too much fun for a recon.
"Some good stuff for gift bags at the party" Ianto said as he checked the other drawers, "That small bowie knife will be his favourite thing though. I'm going to tech knife throwing soon, he'll be the envy of the other kids."
"Yeah?" Rhys grinned as he examined the pearl handle knife.
Ianto grinned at Rhys and opened the small bathroom door, letting out a Z.
