Chapter Two
Ianto swung his sister from side to side gently as he held her close, enjoying the feeling of having her in his arms. He smiled into her hair as she clung to him, face buried in his shoulder, arms circled around his neck. He could remember when she was five and used to do this with him. She'd run at him and he sweep her up into his arms and whirl her around playfully. Set her back down and kiss her nose. It had become their greeting since then. God, he adored her.
Ianto allowed himself to get lost in her beautiful green eyes for a moment, remembering what it was like to be so innocent. Finally, snapping out of his trance, he reached over and pulled Jack closer to them. "Livi, this is my partner Jack. Jack, this is the girl you have to impress in order to marry me."
Jack chuckled as he accepted her proffered hand. Raising it to his lips, he brushed her knuckles against his lips with a gentle kiss. "Looks more like a woman where I'm standing."
Ianto could help but roll his eyes as he reached out and playfully smacked his lover. "Behave." Without another word he moved over to their car, leaving Jack and Livi time to bond. He grabbed their bags, tossing one at his younger sister. "Here cupcake."
Livi led them into the house, her arm looped through Jack's. "Carys is in the kitchen with mam. Come on Jack, I'll introduce you."
Jack gave Ianto a panicked look, but the tea-boy turned field agent had already dropped the bags and was headed towards the kitchen. Ianto stood in the doorway of the large kitchen smiling as he got lost in the smells emanating from within.
"MAMA!" A high pitched cry came from the front door, Margaret Jones looked up just in time to see her six year old son racing towards her, tears streaming from his eyes, pants bloodied at the knees.
"Oi!" She cried out as she easily intercepted her baby boy. Lifting him into her arms she pressed a soft kiss to his damp cheek. "What's wrong my love?"
He didn't reply, rather he turned his face into her shoulder and began to cry. Seconds later, her thirteen year old daughter came rushing in. "He fell off his bike mam, I'm sorry!" She gasped, looking stunned.
Maggie waved her eldest child off. "Ianto, love, I placed nice warm biscuits in the oven, how about we pour you a nice tall glass of milk, get you a couple biscuits so mama can clean you up?"
Ianto looked up at her with his big blue eyes and nodded slowly, as he strung his arms around her neck, leaning further into her. If possible, Maggie was sure her son would try to melt into her body. He was a mother's boy that much was true.
Every room in this house had a memory for Ianto, and nearly every one of them involved the woman standing at the kitchen counter, dotting over the vegetables she was cutting. Maggie was a tall woman, a head shorter than Ianto. Everything Ianto had could likely be traced back to her genes, the blue eyes, the long face, the black hair, his lanky form. Everything, including his temper he'd gotten from his mother. Perhaps that was part of the reason he'd been so firmly attached to her for the first ten years of his life.
"You going to stand in that door way all day an' gawk, or are ye' goin' to give your mam a hug?" She spoke without even looking up at her boy.
"Just watchin' the most beautiful woman in the room." He joked as he strode over to her, wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
Maggie shook her head in response and turned around to hug her son. "You got that from your tad you did. Oi, look at you, don't you eat!?"
Carys chuckled; she'd been standing by the cooker for the entire time, finally glancing up at her brother. Unlike her baby brother, Carys looked more like her father, with light brown hair and jade green eyes, she too was lean, though had a little more weight around her hips from having three children.
Ianto stepped from his mother's embrace and pecked his sister on the head, standing a little taller than her as well. "Hi brat." She replied as she grabbed him and wrapped her arms around him.
"Twat."
"So where's this boy of yours?"
Ianto chuckled softly. "Livi's in introducing him."
Carys laughed again. "I hope he's strong, he'll go running for the hills. Tad's been talking about giving him the interrogation for three days!"
Ianto groaned. "The Interrogation" as the Jones children called it, was their father's way of checking out all prospects for his children. Generally it entailed mildly embarrassing questions—that no parents should have answers to, followed by a scowling look of disapproval no matter how vague the answer. Those who managed to survive "the interrogation" were always warmly welcomed into the family. It was really Gareth Jones' way of welcoming people into the family. He was a loving man, with a heart of gold, a mind like a sponge and the temper of a rhino.
"He'll manage; though with my luck he'll come out of it with a date an' I'll be short a lover."
"Oh, Sean is taking lists of what everyone is doin' for the Christmas Talent night, have you told Jack about it yet?" Maggie asked.
Ianto grimaced, he'd completely forgotten. Another part of the Jones tradition, their house was one full of humor, fun and music, so every Christmas the Jones family had a talent show of sorts, every member had to provide at least one talent, there could be duets. "Haven't told him yet, though I'm sure he probably won't want to do anything. What's everyone else doing?"
"Uncle IANTO!" came an excited scream, followed by another one.
Ianto looked up to the doorway just in time to see two blonde girls running towards him. He grinned as wide as he could and threw his arms open, sweeping both Billie and Kate up in his arms at the same time. "Hello my loves!" he greeted, pressing a kiss to both their foreheads.
"Unca Yan! Guess wha' I'm singing for my talent!" Kate Jones was Ianto's niece, his brother's middle child. And she was the apple of Ianto's eye, had been from the moment she'd been born five years ago on a cold winter night and nearly died. Ianto could remember every moment of looking down at the little baby inside the incubator praying she wouldn't leave the world just yet. He'd been attached to her like glue ever since. Now five, she was stubborn and pigheaded—something the family attributed to Ianto.
"What will you be doing!?" He asked, equally as excited as her.
"Despardo!" she grinned.
"No dummy it's Desperado!" Hissed Billie.
Ianto looked at his other niece. "Billie, that's not nice."
Billie took a heaving sigh and looked back at her sister. "Sorry."
Ianto nodded then turned back to his younger niece. "Well that sounds spectacular, love. I can't wait to see it! "
The girl giggled and gave her uncle another hug before running back out of the room. Ianto chuckled then looked back down at his other niece. "What's hanging kid?" He loved to goof off with his nieces, but Billie was especially fun, because she was quite similar to her uncle. Reaching out with the ease of a loving uncle, Ianto scooped his seven year old niece into his arms.
"Uncle Yan? Is that man in the living room your boyfriend?"
Ianto made his way out of the kitchen with Billie and nodded. "He is indeed, why?"
"He's cute."
Laughing out loud, Ianto pressed a kiss to her chubby cheek. "I know. What's my little sprout doing for her talent?"
She blushed for a moment, looking down sadly. "Dunno—"
Ianto was surprised, Billie was always the most excited about doing the talent shows, she had a wonderful voice, even being so young. He found it hard to believe she didn't have anything. "Sprout? What's wrong?"
"I heard a song when we's was in America—an' I can't find it."
Sean worked in America three months out of the year, sometimes he took the girls over there when they weren't in school. Billie especially loved going, seeing the different sights. She'd even developed a bit of an American accent, which Ianto had come to find quite endearing. "What's the song, I'm sure your Uncle Yan can find it!"
Leaning close she cupped her hands around his ear and whispered into it. Ianto's eyes grew wide as he smiled. He looked back at her and nodded. "I happen to know for a fact that I have that song, I also happen to know it's a duet and I don't have a song yet? May I join you?"
"YES!" She cheered.
o0o
Ianto walked into the living room, CD in hand which held Billie's song on it. In his other hand he was gripping Billie's smaller one. She'd yet to leave his side. Jack was sitting in a chair by the corner, watching as home videos played across the TV screen in the Ianto Jones home. It took a moment but Ianto realized it was Cam, his nephew's, third grade Christmas concert.
"Uncle Ianto!" the three boys, who'd been occupying the floor by the piano and tree, all stood up and ran towards their uncle. Releasing his niece, Ianto grabbed the three boys in a hug, grinning as he pressed a kiss to each of their heads. He missed this some days, missed being around his boys.
"Daniel, I love the glasses! Pat—have you grown?" Then Ianto reached out and lifted his Cameron into his arms. "I'm sorry I missed your concert, Cameron."
The boy shrugged as he rested in his uncle's arms for a minute. Ianto smiled, knowing he'd miss when they grew too big to be in his arms. Daniel and Pat had already reached that point, though he was well aware both boys would willing still took his hugs.
"Jack, have you been properly introduced?" Ianto questioned as he looked around at the rest of his family.
Sean, Ianto's older brother sat next to his wife, Anne on the couch, their three year old son Christopher Ianto sitting between them napping. In the recliner was Tad, who had Kate sitting in his lap. Ianto about lost it at the sight of the familiar scowl—Jack had made it this far obviously, though he looked nervous. On the other love seat was Mike, Carys' husband. Livi had taken up her usual spot under the Christmas tree near the fire place.
"Yeah." He replied grinning.
"We like him Uncle Yan! He tells us stories 'bout you!" Giggled Cameron.
"Oh he does, does he!" Ianto poked his nephew in the ribs playfully before setting the boy down. "Tad, you can stop the scowling now, Jack's impenetrable."
"Oi! I was hoping to see how long he'd hold out!" shouted Jack; the entire living room erupted into giggles, realizing it had been something of a staring contest.
When the noise settled down, Gareth Jones chuckled and nodded. "He's a keeper son."
Ianto nodded. "I know, thanks Tad." Moving over to his lover, Ianto squeezed Jack's hand and sat down in front of him. "So—what have I missed!?"
"Well the boys are going to be doing a magic act for the talent show." Sean offered grinning from ear to ear.
"Talent show?" Jack questioned, suddenly confused.
Ianto winced again as he turned around. "Every year—since before I can remember, we've done this Christmas Eve special—it's a preface to church. Anyway everyone in the family has to perform a number of some sort. I'm sorry I forgot to tell you, though I'm sure you can get out of it—"
Jack shook his head. "Nonsense, family traditions are important, can I sing?"
Anne giggled as she looked at the man. "Ianto he really is a keeper! When Lisa heard about it she all but ran for the hills. You can sing, dance, do just about anything rated PG. If you'd like I'd be more than happy to help out. I married Sean five years ago, but I've gotten the hang of it pretty quickly." Anne didn't notice her brother-in-law's wince, or Jack's glace over at him.
Ianto returned the look at his boyfriend and shrugged slightly. "She just wasn't as willing to act goofy." He offered.
Jack smiled. "I'd like that." He replied looking at Anne gently.
Quickly the conversation turned to what the children were doing in school, their latest scores and what was new in the job world. Jack found himself truly feeling at home as he watched Ianto interact with his family. Periodically, Jack would offer an anecdote of some sort, or a brief story, but generally he sat back and watched, enjoyed the feeling of not being the center of attention. This was a new side to his partner he hadn't seen before—he liked it, the domestic side.
o0o
Dinner proved to be full of interesting conversations. Through most of it though, Jack hung back and let the family get reacquainted. However, it was about halfway through dinner when Kate came running over to her Uncle Yan, threw her arms around him and waited. Ianto easily swept the girl into his arms and cuddled with her for a moment—the boys had been picking on her.
Jack's mind raced as he watched the scene, as it built a mighty fleet of visions that would, or might come.
"Daddy!" The excited cry cut through the air as Rosie ran towards Ianto, her arms outstretched waiting to be swept off her feet.
Ianto leaned over, lifting her under the arms and threw her in the air slightly before catching the bundle of giggles. Pressing a kiss to the child's flawless cheek Ianto turned around to look at Jack, a smile warm on his face. "Jack? Are you ready?"
"Ready and waiting." Jack replied playfully as he stepped over to their daughter and took her into his own arms. "Come on Dancing Queen, let's go watch your play!"
"Jack—" Ianto whispered, his hand touching Jack's.
"Sorry—I was just thinking." Jack replied shaking his head slightly, forcing a smile that didn't want to quite be there. He wanted nothing more than that to be a real vision, for him to really have a little daughter named Rose. But after everything he'd been through he was terrified they'd never have a child.
"So Yan, tell us how you and Jack met." Sean spoke up from where he sat beside his wife and eldest son.
Ianto blushed as he glanced over at Jack, well aware he couldn't really tell much. "Well, uh—"
"Actually, Ianto rescued me. I was working and was in trouble and Ianto came to my rescue."
"Was it love at first sight?" Carys questioned.
Jack had to laugh at that as he glanced over at Ianto. "Definitely not, more like annoyance and frustration. Ianto wanted a job and I didn't want a worker."
Ianto smirked; it was fun to hear Jack's side and what he'd been thinking. "I liked him, but my mind was on other things at the time." Ianto replied—other things, Lisa.
"So when did you fall for each other?" Livi piped up.
"Well, for me it was third time's a charm. I didn't need a new employee at the time and Ianto really wanted the job—he was rather determined and I kind of liked that. But then we landed in a precarious position of sorts and I got a really good look at him—saw something there."
"What?" Livi asked again.
"He was just a kid, but there was loyalty beyond his years and love and fear. I realized when I got my first good look into those baby blue eyes that he was a man I could fall in love with."
Ianto reached out and gripped his lover's hand, hoping that was still true. "It was that moment for me too, it terrified me. Then, eventually Jack and I began to spend more time together, got to know one another."
"Uncle Yan! You're sleeping with the boss." Daniel grinned from ear to ear.
Everyone burst out laughing, Jack threw his head back as he grinned and wrapped an arm around his lover. Ianto chuckled and shook his head. "Why yes, I am."
o0o
Ianto would be sleeping in the extra room with his nephews, while Jack got his old room. Jack was dressed in his favorite pair of flannel pants, deciding commando wasn't the way to go as a guest. He'd found one of Ianto's old photo albums on his desk and had been looking at it when he heard a light knock on the door.
Glancing up, he smiled warmly as Maggie Jones stood in the open doorway. "I brought you some extra blankets and a pillow; I'm not sure how you like your bed."
Jack nodded and accepted the small gifts. "Thank you Mrs. Jones."
"Call me Maggie. Jack, may I ask you a question?" She asked, still standing in the doorway.
"Sure." He replied as he sat back on the bed and studied her for a few moments.
"I'm not as foolish as that sweet boy of mine believes. I know what he does is dangerous and I know—or at least I'm fairly sure I know what Torchwood is. I know you can't promise me he's always going to be safe, but you strike me as an old soul—promise me that you'll make sure he doesn't grow old too quickly."
Jack was surprised by her request, he felt a little sadness in his heart. Before he could reply though, she continued, "It sounds stupid, but he really changed after Lisa's death—but then you came along and I see my boy coming back. He deserves to live happy. That serious man isn't the boy I know and love."
Jack reached out, gripping her hand gently. "I'll do my best, and I'll try to get him home more often."
"As long as he's happy, so am I. There are so many things Ianto doesn't know." She smiled sadly.
"I don't understand?"
"I told you Jack, I'm not as stupid as he, or the rest of the family thinks I am. When I found out Ianto was working for Torchwood—I was upset."
"Why?" He prodded, suddenly curious to know what—or why this woman knew.
She shook her head. "He's not a bad man, Jack."
"Ianto?"
She smiled. "No, the Doctor."
"How—wha—huh?" He was lost.
She chuckled. "It's a long story Jack, and my guess is if you know anything about The Doctor—which I assume you do because you work for Torchwood—then you know it's complicated."
"I know that—I'm just curious how you know."
"That, my boy, is a story for another night. Get some sleep."
"Wait—" Jack shook his head, unsure he was ready to hear that story. "Thank you." He whispered.
Reaching out she pressed her hand to Jack's cheek, kissing his forehead she smiled. "Sometimes everyone needs a mother."
"Can—can I have lunch with you sometime? And ask you questions?"
"Are you ready for the answers Jack Harkness?"
He smiled. "Yeah—but does Ianto know?"
"No, but maybe it's time."