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Jack was watching Ianto as he checked the place was shut down for the night before he signalled and they started to quietly move things around, revealing the hidden presents from 'Santa' for everyone, Jack slipping some more in when Ianto wasn't looking.

They then headed for bed, Ianto pausing to scatter some chocolate covered raisins around the reindeer food, scooping some of tht up as well so it looked like it had been eatten. Jack ate the cookies and drank the milk, Ianto not wanting that part.

Jack settled in the bed, Ianto slipping in with a surprise kiss … under the covers that had Jack grunt with surprise as he got a blowjob that not only made his toes curl, he is sure he died for a moment or two, his heart stopping with overload. He knows he must have passed out a bit.

Then Ianto slid up the bed and entered him, soft thrusts and peppered kissing as he made love to him and as always, the moment of completion had them both clutching at one another like they might meld into one person if they tried hard enough. Gods, it was glorious, Ianto panting in the afterglow as Jack sighed softly and spoiled the entire thing by whispering "Shame we can't have a child together."

Ianto grew quiet as the words hung in the air, and then he felt around for a shirt, cleaned them off and flecked it at the hamper before rolling on his side to sleep, his back to Jack. Jack spooned him and kissed his neck unaware of the huge insult he had uttered.

They did have a child.

She was sleeping in the next room.

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Everyone was excited, Alice screaming with glee as she pointed to the droppings and eaten chaff.

She was also excited by all the gifts, everyone starting to settle and open their respective presents as Ianto fussed in the kitchen. No one noticed him gone, his wraithing skills in full force and it wasn't until Owen lifted out a gift for him that Jack noticed, rising to go find him.

"Ianto?" Jack entered the kitchen and was about to turn to leave when he saw him standing in the dark pantry, looking out at him silently. "Ianto? Why didn't you answer me?"

"Just getting some food started' Ianto said as he stepped into the light and Jack felt sorrow coming off him.

"Hey, hey. What's wrong?" Jack asked stepping closer, reaching for him as Ianto stepped back. This was not a good sign and Jack frowned. "Ianto? Did I do something wrong?"

"No. I think I did" Ianto said in a soft voice "I forgot for a moment that I am a Ghost and … well. Doesn't matter."

"Ianto?"

"Why not go watch your daughter and brother enjoy the day?" Ianto asked with a closed look "I have things to do."

Jack watched Ianto move back into the shadows and he thought over the comment. Your daughter. "Ianto? Did I sat something offensive or …. About Alice that has upset you?"

Ianto moved back to the doorway to look at him and Jack got it. Vividly. "Was it the comment about a baby? You don't want a baby?"

Ianto stared at him. Then frowned "No. It's … you said it's a shame we don't have a child together. It sort of felt like … maybe Alice was not … I mean …"

"Ah shit. You think … it sounded like I meant Alice was not for sharing? Is that right? Ianto … I am sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I meant.. a child both of us made. I would have loved a child that was both our DNA."

Ianto sighed, "I thought … I thought you meant Alice. Ya know .. I am a bit prickly with my father on the scene and all . Sorry Cariad, I should have asked for clarification instead of assuming."

"Look … I have my own parental issues, she is due any minute. Let's just agree not to let them get to us. This is out family, our life now. Yeah?" Jack assured Ianto "Look, if I say or do something stupid, for fucksake tell me. I am not good at this. I have an ability to be blind to another's needs. Speak up, OK?"

"OK" Ianto smiled "You're right. Come on. Let's join the others."

"What about your sister, don't you call her each Christmas morning?" Jack asked as they walked back to the living room.

"Usually. But … if he is there … I am so pissed. I did all I could to cut him out of my life but you saw. You know the pictures of me on her walls … if he is in her life, he knows about mine. Right?"

"Only what you told her. She doesn't know you Ghost, doesn't know you are especial forces. Right? Neither does he then. You covered yourself, you were careful" jack counselled as they paused in the doorway "Look at me. I am proud of you. I am proud to say we are together and I will never … NEVER be disappointed in you. In us!"

Ianto kissed him, the hooting and taunts of those watching making Ianto blush.

But really …

He didn't mind being seen.

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OK, I know. That chapter was meant to be trimming, not rimming. I will leave that typo in there though … even more funny as I started this chapter of with a bit of ….well …. There ya go then! Getting this away just after 6 in the morning as I have to get up and away by 7 to catch the opening of the stores I need to visit in order to restock their Christmas displays before starting work at 8.30 at my own store … finished by 6pm tonight. Another long one … must be Christmas eh?