So in this world Ianto doesn't work for Torchwood but his twin, Ifan does. Jack tries to find out more.

Mirror Image – Chapter 2

Jack had spent the last two weeks finding somewhere to stay and visiting the old familiar places, places where he and Ianto had spent the little time they had together. He'd watched the Torchwood team from afar, going about their business. He wondered what their fate would be; would the same things happen to them? He hoped that Ianto's brother kept his involvement with Torchwood from him. Did Ianto know what his brother did or that he was involved with his boss? There was a lot to find out about this Ianto Jones and if he stood any chance of persuading him to return with him to his world. He wouldn't even have to deprive Jack and Torchwood of Ianto's skills in this world. Jack wondered what Ianto did here in Cardiff as he gazed over to where the gorgeous man in question was sat in the café. Sally, the waitress brought his food. He'd found that he liked this place and he'd been in a few times.

'Getting to be a bit of a regular Sir, aren't you?'

'Can't keep myself away from you Sally, not to mention the great coffee,' Jack replied. At that moment Ianto looked up, distracted by their conversation. He looked directly at Jack who gave him one of his most dazzling, yes you're right I am interested, smiles. Ianto grabbed at his pocket and pulled out his phone. Jack could see him reading the message and then look disappointed. Jack knew that look so well; obviously Ianto's brother wasn't going to make it this week. Jack wondered if he could somehow manage to get Ianto's attention enough to get him interested in sitting with him. He came up with a plan. He got up and walked to the toilets. On his return he managed to knock over the pot of coffee; it just missed Ianto who looked none too pleased.

'Oh, I'm sorry. Did I get you?' Jack tried to put on his most contrite face.

Ianto shook his head.

'Look, I've got plenty; come and join me please, I insist.' Jack hoped it had worked. Ianto thought for a moment. 'Did he really just do that accidentally? I really don't think so. He really is very striking but I've got the kids to pick up in 45 minutes. Oh, bugger it, I've got time.'

He found himself saying, 'yeah sure but I'm really picky about my coffee.'

'Me too. I've go the same as you; Sally recommended it.'

Ianto stood up and Jack held out his hand. 'Jack Harper,' he said introducing himself.

'Jones, Ianto Jones,' came the reply and Jack felt every hair on his body rise as he remembered his Ianto using exactly the same words when they'd first met. 'Thankfully no weevil to deal with now,' Jack thought.

After they'd sat down at Jack's table Jack asked, 'so Jones, Ianto Jones what do you do in this lovely city?'

Ianto looked up at him those blue eyes sparkling under the long lashes. He replied in those lovely Welsh tones. 'I saw you in here a couple of weeks ago, didn't I? I was here with my brother. He's supposed to be here today but as often happens he's been called away by work, leaving me here twiddling my thumbs. I'm a teacher by the way; I teach history in a local high school. What about you?'

'A bit of all sorts really. I deal with security technology for various different governments and companies. I act as an advisor explaining what's possible and what isn't.'

'Sounds a bit top secret, men in blackish to me. I hope you don't have anything that will make me forget who I am. You should meet Ifan, my brother, he does something similar but he keeps exactly what to himself.'

'Oh who does he work for? I might know the company.' Jack said, wondering how much Ianto had been told about Torchwood.

'Not sure what the company is called. All I know is that he works in a team of five; led by someone he always refers to as the Captain. I've never met him but Ifan says he's a good boss, very hands on apparently.' Jack didn't know if Ianto was being ironic or not. 'Really,' he replied, glad that this Ianto had never met the Jack in this world.

'So,' said Jack, 'how long have you been teaching then. It's a tough job these days but at least the holidays are good.'

'Bloody hell that's all anyone ever says about this job; it drives me mad. Next week will be the first holiday I've had without having coursework to mark and I intend to do as little as possible.'

'Brilliant,' thought Jack, 'he's got some free time. I wonder if I can persuade him to spend it with me.'

'Sorry to go off on one. I've been teaching for six years. I got a head of department job last year. The school I work at is great and I love the job, in spite of all the hard work.'

'I bet you're great at it,' Jack replied, locking eyes with Ianto.

'Is he flirting with me?' the other man wondered. 'I think he is.' Out loud he replied, 'yeah who could resist this handsome face trying to teach them about the Weimar Republic?'

Jack had to stop himself repeating some gossip from a conversation he'd had with Christopher Isherwood once. Instead he said, 'I bet there's a big uptake for history among the girls at your school,' and then thought to himself, 'probably some of the boys as well.'

'So Jack are you working on something in Cardiff at the moment. I guess from the accent that you're not local, American?' Ianto asked.

'Originally from the US but I've been all over really. I've never stayed very long in one place.'

'So where do you call home then? Everyone needs somewhere to call home. Me, I'm a local boy, born and bred.'

'I can tell from those lovely Welsh vowels,' Jack said. 'Home is a bit fluid at the moment. I do need to settle down sometime though.'

'Not met the right person then,' Ianto replied wondering. Jack let his emotions show for a moment. Ianto saw the pain in his eyes and in his expression.

'Sorry I didn't mean to pry,' Ianto said.

'No it's alright. There was someone, someone special, but he died about a year ago. It was very sudden.'

Ianto noted the he. So perhaps he was right. This man was flirting with him. The question Ianto had to answer was, why was he flirting back? Why was he finding sitting here talking to this man so absorbing? His phone went again.

'Sorry,' he mumbled to Jack. 'Yeah, I know. I'm on my way. I said I'd pick them up at 11. No, he didn't show; he sent me a text saying that they had some sort of emergency to deal with. Yeah, I know typical. I'll see you in twenty minutes. Just make sure that Carys has her teddy bear or she'll whinge. Yes I got some fishing nets for Euan to catch crabs in the rock pools. Okay love, I'll see you soon. Sorry,' he said turning back to Jack, 'that was the wife. I've got to go and pick up the kids. We're off to Sully Island for the afternoon, as it's nice again.'

Jack didn't reply. He was too stunned. He hadn't expected that. Ianto was married, he had kids. Yet another dead end. Then Ianto looked at him.

'It's been great having a chat Jack. Look this may sound a bit mad but I'm off to the Big Pit on Monday to do some research for a trip. I was going on my own. I don't suppose you fancy going with me do you?'

Jack found himself nodding, although he had no idea what he was agreeing to.

'Right then I'll meet you here at 8.30 on Monday.' Ianto smiled and Jack's heart melted. He had no idea what was going on here. He felt totally out of control of the situation but he knew he couldn't wait for 8.30 Monday morning to arrive.