10

Ianto watched Tannr as he approached and settled at the table opposite him. This had gone far enough, clearly Jack was too busy dancing around the problem still, Ianto had to make the next move himself "Thanks for meeting me."

"I had nothing else to do" came the dry reply.

"So, have you found work? Somewhere to live?"

Tannr shrugged and looked at the ceiling for a moment "I am using the last of my credits to rent a little flea ridden room as it seems my kind are not wanted or needed around here."

"Sorry. I would have warned you of that. This place is… old fashioned. It is a shame, with your talents. Well. I am not here for Sophia. Not here to beg you to give her another chance or try to excuse her actions in any way. Let's just get that out there first of all." Ianto said and Tannr relaxed visibly. Ianto then started to push the pram his way "I am here because the little one is fussing and upset. I think she misses you."

Tannr rose and reached for the baby girl, his face one of adoration and he sat cradling her gently in huge hands. Cherry Pop slept on, totally unaware her not-twin was gone.

"We both know Sophia is playing a game, a nasty one and it will not end well. Either way, that is no longer your problem now you have walked away and I respect that. I am here because the children do not deserve to suffer through this. Also, I took the time to see the CV you are handing around and am impressed with it. I do not have a formal Security Force. There are a couple of guards from Jack's businesses but it's weak and ineffective. I have been needling Jack for some time to add a security detail to our staff. I am here to offer you a job."

Ianto knew how proud these creatures are and took the only route he could think of to bring him back right now "I would feel safer with you in the house again. I was bereft when you left as I felt the change in the air. Please. Sophia is not part of the deal. Whatever happens with her is none of my business and I do not care. She is an adult who can create her own quagmire."

Tannr made a show of not being sure, even as Ianto saw his eyes light up at the thought of a good job like that. Head of security. He wanted that badly. Sophia was the fly in the ointment.

"Oh, Mister Harkness-Jones." One of the waitresses finally noticed him and her hands clasped together as she looked at him imploringly and he nodded, letting her reach in and hook out the sleepy baby who had started to finally notice her cuddly friend missing "Oh… her hair is growing!"

Tannr had barely moment to register what was happening before another set of hands snatched the baby from him and then they were gone. The man blinking with confusion as he stared at his palms. Then he turned his head to see the staff all crowding around to examine the babies, their joy clear and their gushing immense. Especially as Cherry Pop reached for her not-twin. Ianto said softly "She needs a proper name."

"Then ask Joy. It is customary for an older sibling to name" Tannr said as Ianto looked at him with surprise.

"Well, you learn something new every day. I did not know that. Thank you Tannr. The poor kid has probably been weaning patently for the request. Well. Thank you. The kids have been calling her Bubbles. You know… Cherry Pop and Bubbles?"

Tannr laughed softly and nodded.

Ianto left with his babies feeling better to have sorted that out, and also interested to learn what Joy though of for a name for her little sister.

He flew home humming to himself.

.

.

Jack looked up from his paperwork to find Sophia in the doorway of his office, her face streaked with tears as she ran for him sobbing. He had talked with Ianto and they had agreed not to be alone with her, Ianto was going to talk to Sean about giving her a room at his place instead. They had agreed and now he was trying to reach for the intercom to call a staff member in quickly. But… then she gave such a heart rendering sob that he could not ignore the poor girl.

"Sweetie, what happened?" he asked as he pushed the chair back and let her land in his lap, as you would a little girl. She curled into him and sobbed, clinging to his shirt and he held her crooning softly with open concern. Wait… hang on…

"I am so alone" she sobbed into his chest "Nobody loves me."

"Oh now that's not true. I love you!" Jack answered automatically as he leaned back from her but inadvertently she was now laying in a way that allowed her to lay her head on his shoulder, her face in his neck under his chin.

"I am so lonely, no daddy or mummy."

"Awwww, poor little Sprog. Come on now, it will all be alright" Jack crooned as he rubbed her back and hugged her. She was just a little girl after all, he had misjudged her advances as something sexual when really… it was clear that she needed a father.

The kiss was unexpected, as was the hand snaking down the front of his trousers and then she hissed "Show me."

Jack leapt up, sending her flying back to land on her arse as he stood gapping at her, both his hands over his crotch like she might seize it with her teeth or something "What the fuck!"

She sat there with wide eyes "But… but… I thought…you said…"

"Goram Sophia Ellen Mae! I said I love you … as a child, not that I want to fuck you!" he roared with shock and anger, "I belong to Ianto. Goram. That was… not good. No. no. Do not do that. I am sorry if you are under the impression that there is anything more here. No. No sweetie ah… no."

He then did the only thing he could do under the circumstances.

For the first time in his life…

Jack Harkness fled.