Jack and Ianto sat at the same spot of the beach where they had sat yesterday. Ianto wasn't as talkative as he was yesterday. He just watched as the waves came in crashing loudly on the rocks. Jack knew that the older version of Ianto loved things that were continuous--things that wouldn't stop, not ever. Jack had a theory that it was why his Ianto was attached to his trusty stop watch, besides the button on top of course, time never ended, not really. Time always found a way to move on.
"What happened, Yan?" Jack asked softly. He had an arm wrapped around Ianto's small frame, the brunettes head leaning against Jack's chest. Jack was pleased that even though he was in a teenagers body, he still had his muscles.
"My mum told you." Ianto replied quietly, he didn't want to break the spell of the waves.
"I know, I just want to hear it from you." Jack smiled, his left hand playing with Ianto's hair. Threading the strands through his fingers enjoying how soft his hair was.
Ianto stayed quiet for a while, just listening to the beach. It was a good five minutes before Ianto started to talk. "I couldn't sleep, I can never sleep." Ianto said frustratingly pulling at his top. "I woke up and it was really dark, I just looked up and saw it."
"Saw what?" Jack asked. Ianto shivered at just the memory. He wished he could have been there last night to help him. He didn't want to let the fucking demon of fear win. He wouldn't let it win.
"I don't know." Ianto sighed. "I just... he was so tall Jack. Just looming over my bed, and those eyes..."
"What about his eyes, Yan?" Jack said trying to get more out of the terrified Ianto. He hated making Ianto relive these memories, even if they weren't true.
"They were so red Jack." Ianto had tears in his eyes now, Jack could see them threatening to fall and when they eventually did he cradled his boy in his arms and rocked gently, whispering comforting nonsense in his ear. "I could make out his teeth and... I didn't tell the police they wouldn't have believed me. Would have said I was mad... but you believe me don't you Jack... please tell me you believe me..." Ianto was crying hysterically now, the last time Jack had seen his lover so distraught was when he had been ordered to kill Lisa.
"I believe you, Yan." Jack said confidently. He used his thumb to wipe the tears away and left his hand resting against Ianto's pale cheeks. The younger boy leaning into the touch, his blue eyes wide staring into Jack.
"I... I wish I didn't come here." Ianto sighed, he didn't move away from Jack's hand or embrace he just turned slightly so he was back to staring at the ocean.
"Why did you come?" Jack asked, again he was curious. Although his older lover had spoke about coming here with his mum he had never mentioned why. Without the demon of fear helping, Jack knew the reason wasn't a good one.
"I told my family I was bisexual two months ago." Ianto shrugged. Jack's eyes widened now, he hadn't expected that. "They weren't pleased."
"Oh." Was all Jack could say and Ianto chuckled.
"My mum said that I was too young to make decisions like that. She said I was just confused, but my dad he... freaked would be an understatement." Ianto never spoke about his dad and now Jack understood why. "I had two months left of school till I was done with it, and mum thought it would be nice to get away just us two. My dad avoided me like the plague when I was at home, only said horrible things to me. When he drank... he wasn't very nice."
"He hit you." Jack said softly. Ianto nodded. Jack held on to him tighter as though his protective embrace would be like bubble wrap, permanently keeping his boy together.
"I have these nightmares all the time about him. And I know it's stupid Jack, but the man... he was my dad." Jack rubbed his hands up and down Ianto's shivering form.
"It's not stupid." Jack said softly. It wasn't the demon of fear was doing what it was best at, making Ianto's fears come true. Most children dreamt that there was something in their closet, for Ianto it was his father. "I wont let him hurt you, Yan."
"Promise?" Ianto wiped his tears away, determined he wasn't going to cry any more.
"I promise." Jack sealed his promise with a gentle kiss to Ianto's cheek.
Ianto blushed a beautiful shade of red and Jack smiled. "It's weird." Ianto mumbled.
"What is?" Jack asked.
"I just met you yesterday, but I feel like I've known you years." Ianto's comment made Jack smile. "I trust you completely, and I don't even know you." Jack didn't say anything just smiled. "Don't leave me alone, Jack."
"I won't." Jack smiled. Ianto turned around and smiled at Jack before pressing a soft kiss on Jack's teenage pink lips.