16
"Ianto. There's something we need to talk about" Jack said as he settled at the table for breakfast, the kids almost finished as they got ready for school and he saw Ianto almost panic for a moment then realised how that had sounded "About work."
Ianto relaxed and Jack could have kicked himself for making it sound dire.
"Are you leaving us?" David asked with wide eyes, Jack smiling as he knew they needed to know the score. If the councillor had taught him anything it was to communicate.
"I have to go to Rio for two weeks for a part of the movie to be filmed. Just two weeks, then I will be back for weekly work and hopefully weekends off … and some week days too … the most of the movie to be filmed in the next couple of months before Christmas."
"But you ARE coming back" Mica said sternly.
"Yes princess. I promise. The thing is… Uncle Gray has some holiday time and was wondering if he could keep the spare room and wait around for me while I am gone. Have some time here with you." He said diplomatically, Ianto swinging from the sink to stare at him as they both knew why Gray would take time off and settle in the house like a bloody bodyguard.
Blue.
Still not seen, still out there somewhere and for all his saying it didn't matter, they both knew Ianto was afraid that he might reappear. Gray would be a welcome housemate while Jack was away and he could easily call back for updates without the kids knowing there was a problem. Ianto was touched.
"Well if he is staying I need to change the linens again" Ianto started to fluff and Jack watched as he shooed the kids out the door then shot upstairs. By the time Jack got up there Ianto was already pulling his things about … including Jack's things out of out of the spare room he was in. Jack was confused as Gray was in the other one and wondered if Ianto had misunderstood the timeline.
"Hey, I am not leaving now" Jack laughed.
"No, put your things in my room. You will be there anyway in the end. We both know that … well … you know. When you come home it will all be set up right" Ianto shrugged as he kept moving things and Jack smiled as he helped, nervously placing thing in his side of the bed, like he always did.
"Ianto…"
"Just… little steps yeah?" Ianto glanced at him "Especially with you going away. I know you have to but … I will be nervous the entire time."
"I know. Look … there will be no Gwen. I talked to the studio and one of the concessions to me honouring the contract is that they recast the lead lady. Miranda. You know her, the blonde girl from the series about the dragons. You like her, she is cheeky. I am actually excited to work with her, I think she will be fun. Like working with a little sister." Jack said happily.
"Oh! I remember her. She spilt her drink at the wards and then slipped in it. Oh, she was lovely. She danced with me out back to a Gaga song" Ianto lit up as he recalled the sweet girl who he knew Jack would definitely look at as a little sister to be protected. He felt a little silly for even worrying, he is trying to trust him after all but still … he didn't have to worry about that now.
"Blue's horse is still here but I don't like it." Ianto sighed "I don't want anything of his here. Who is minding his horses while he's gone?"
"He has a cousin or something. I will call in there when I go to meet Gray from the library. We will ask him about coming to get the horse while she is still at school" Jack said then paused.
"What?" Ianto knew his look, it was his …. But wait… look.
"Well … She loves riding so … what if we get her a horse of her own? I would love one too. We could ride together. What do you think? David is more like you, preferring to watch but she is a little spitfire. I think she could do some dressage with the right horse. You know… there is a little local group of kids that do riding, trekking and such … she was telling me her new friend Corrine is on it … she could join and be independent, it's a real club. Adults and teens helping out."
"She never talked to me about that" Ianto was surprised but not hurt by this, he was the parental now. Jack still a friend so conversations were different with him to Ianto's talk of homework and chores.
"We will ask around. The Sheriff might know of a small horse for her first one. Maybe twelve hands or smaller. I will have to sort a stable or barn though, they need proper shelter for winter. A dirt bike for Davy? So he's not jealous? He might like some jumps…." Jack was off with muttering and planning, the children in his thoughts as Ianto sat on the edge of the bed and blinked.
Just like that.
Jack was back. Despite Ianto still feeling there was more to be said … more happened than admitted… It felt better than he thought it would. He better not fuck up again, this life was so right, how could Jack have gone so wrong.
Still.
Line.
Right?
Maybe.