6

Jack was walking around with the barefoot princess on his hip, her look of satisfaction at winning the shoe argument obvious even though Ianto had known from the first growl it was going to be that way. He had found that letting her win gave her some sort of glee that was worth it, she needed to control something.

Ianto was watching the two boys who were politely carrying around platters of food, their delight in feeding making Ianto glow as his little ones tried to look grown up and in charge. He then watched Deidra laugh as she chatted with someone from Jack's side of the family Dylan had invited, someone who had a little girl that Carley watching intently. So far there had been no playing but Ianto was hopeful maybe Carley would warm up to her once she knew Jack wasn't going to share hugs.

He then saw someone standing in the garden that didn't match everyone, someone in Cammo. A soldier. He remembered why they were there and that they were supposed to be unseen so he wandered over with a soft smile, "Hello there. My husband is busy, can I help?"

"There was a man fitting the description given, he had been detained and the authorities now have him" the solder said in a clipped tone, "We are standing down?"

"Yes, you ID'd him?"

"Wallet confirmed" the man nodded and Ianto sighed softly with relief.

"Thank you" Ianto nodded, seeing the man out and then turning to see Jack watching with raised eyebrows. Ianto nodded and Jack lit up lifting his little one onto the air as he crowed and called out to everyone that he had the most wonderful children.

"Taddy?"

"Yes Lorenzo?"

"Is he gone?"

Ianto paused, this one too quick for his own good and then he knelt, "Yes. The soldiers were watching and they took him to the Heddlu"

"They didn't shoot him? I would shoot him" Lorenzo said with those large eyes growing even wider.

"When you are big and strong and wear the uniform, you will know the difference between punishment and duty." Ianto explained gently, "One day you will look at your Da and tell him he was wrong. You will be bigger than him, stronger and he will be afraid."

"Really?"

"I would be, but I know you will never be so angry with me" Ianto smiled softly as he stroked the little boy's face, "You are clever and know the difference between me and your Da already. See? You learn so fast."

"One day …. One day I will tell him he killed my mama" Lorenzo nodded, "But he didn't take her away, she's here in my head and the photos you put in the book for me."

"Exactly, and in here" Ianto tapped the little boys chest, "Mine is in my heart too. Why I know your heart is strong and true. Mama in there to hold you to course."

Lorenzo leaned into Ianto and he was annoyed that this special day was being ruined so he whispered, "Present opening time I think, I wanna go first."

Lorenzo lit up and ran for the chair Dylan had made the men carry out for a throne, the orange cloth crapped over it to show the 'Enzo Colours' with the purple cushion finishing it off.

As he accepted Ianto's' gift there was a moment of silence then they all heard a faint "Mine?"

Laughter as Ianto turned to look at the one jiggling in Jack's arms as Jack looked at Ianto was hope and he sighed, "Go on then. I know you did."

Jack looked furtive as he slid to the side of the house and then Carley reappeared on a little push along car that looked like a hover, her face regal and calm as she waved, Jack pushing her eagerly as he told Ianto it was on sale. Really, was a steal and that when he had purchased all the bits and bobs it was practically nothing.

"Bits and bobs" Ianto repeated softly, "Jack? What else if you get the kids?"

"Well … we can't have just for one. I mean….um….er…."

"Jack, just give them to them and be done with, you know I am not angry. Only credits" Ianto shrugged and Jack took off, reappearing with matching mini hovers still with plastic on them.

"NO WAY!" Dylan screamed as he saw them, one red and one blue.

"Jack? The little push and go was cheap because these were the real purchases?" Ianto giggled, "you big push over."

"Well … they aren't real. Just pedals, see? Stop and go. We have already set up the perimeter markers so the gardens are safe and…and…er…."

"We?"

"Um, Andy and Owen helped."

"And who got stick in one so you had to take it back and get a replacement?" Ianto asked, Jack's mouth falling open with shock that Ianto would even know that.

"There's no camera in the garage!" Jack accused.

"Simple logic" Ianto shrugged, "Owen, right? Smallest?"

Jack grinned, "His bum got stuck, yeah."

Ianto snorted and turned to watch the children all croon over the gifts, Dylan proudly telling everyone it was Lorenzo's day and he was so happy they share everything like brothers should.

The little minx sliding past with her feet pushing her pretend hover was eyeing up the real ones with the same look of interest.

Ianto wondered how long before she stole one.

Gods, she was a little Hoodlum in the making.