Mirror Image

by Pooky1234

This is part of a series of stories called Looking for Ianto in all the Wrong Places. Jack travels through many worlds to find Ianto again. This is my version of what he finds.

9. Chapter 9

So Jack and Ianto take the kids to Barry Island. I'm hoping the carousal is still there; I loved it as a child. I've also been on the ghost train. The beach is now gorgeous but I love going there most in winter when the wind is blowing and the beach is empty except for a few dog walkers. It got a bit tatty for a while but having Gavin and Stacey has perked it up and now there is no Butlins on the cliff spoiling the view. The last scene at the station in the Doctor Dances – series 1 was filmed at Barry Island station in January. I believe it was very cold. Jack also had to deal with a Hoix there once. I think I know which kebab shop!

Anyway after a lovely day a policeman turns up on the doorstep. So will he know Jack as Jack knows him?

Mirror Image – Chapter 9

Jack stayed outside in the car while Ianto collected the children from Lisa. However, she saw him and hesitated, then asked, 'who's that in the car?' She stood with a hand on each child's head.

'It's okay I've known him for ages; he works at the school,' Ianto said, finding it was easier to lie than he thought.

I just wanted some adult company; with two of us it's easier to look after them. The kids will be just fine. Have you got their swimming stuff and stuff for the beach as we're off to Barry Island? I'll have them back by 4 as we agreed.'

'Yes that's fine Ianto and they're wearing their bathers already. I'm going out with Takaya today.' Takaya Tanizaki was the new boyfriend; he was a senior executive at the car firm.

'Come on you two,' Ianto said, putting the pack on his back and holding onto a hand of each child.

'Where are we going Daddy,' Euan asked.

'We're going to the seaside at Barry Island and, if you're good, on some of the rides as well. You can have your favourite fish fingers for dinner and some ice-cream after.'

'Don't give them too much rubbish Ianto.'

'I won't Lisa. I know what I'm doing. I have fed them virtually every day since they were born, after all.'

'Ianto you know I had to work.' Lisa protested.

'I'm not arguing with you Lisa and we need to be off.'

At the car Jack was waiting. Ianto brought the twins to the passenger side and Jack got out. He knelt on the drive.

'Carys, Euan, this is Jack. He's a friend of Daddy and he's coming with us today. Jack, this is Carys and this is Euan.' The children looked at him curiously. Jack put out his hand and took Carys'. 'Hello Carys,' he said shaking it seriously. 'My name is Jack.' He then did the same with Euan. Both children smiled and Jack got up. He helped Ianto to put them in their seats in the back of the car and stowed the bag in the boot. All the while Lisa stood watching on the doorstep. Jack flashed her one of his most winning smiles but she didn't look impressed.

'Four o' clock Ianto; don't be late.' Then she turned and shut the door.

Ianto edged the car out of the drive. He smiled at Jack.

'I hope you're not regretting your decision Jack. It's not everyone who'd want to spend the day with someone else's kids when they've only known them for a short time.'

'I want to spend the day with you Ianto; the kids are a bonus. I get to be stupid, build sandcastles and eat ice-cream, don't I?' he asked.

'Sounds good to me,' Ianto replied.

They drove through Cardiff taking the top road to Barry. The only times Jack had been to Barry he usually had some sort of alien to deal with, like the Hoix in the kebab shop. Then there was the device that sent a whole nursery school to sleep. No one had noticed until home time when the parents had stood around waiting. The police had called on Torchwood and the device had been removed and encased before it sent them to sleep as well.

They drove through Barry suburb until they got to the Harbour Road which led to the Island.

'The tide looks like it's on its way in,' said Ianto, pointing to the water in the Old Harbour. 'Now let's hope we can park somewhere near the beach. Still we are early. So kids beach or funfair first?'

'Beach,' Euan said and of course Carys said, 'funfair.' Ianto was about to ask Jack to decide when he realised that he wanted both kids to like him. He wondered would Jack stick around. He had no idea but he knew he wanted him to and the kids came as part of the package. He had no idea how Jack would feel about that. He knew that Jack regretted not being there for his own daughter. Suddenly Ianto realised that he was planning a future with a man, a man he'd met only a few days ago, a man he hardly knew but a man he'd slept with only the night before. It had taken him weeks to find the courage to ask Lisa out on a date and then several dates to sleep with her. Then it was a few years before they planned a future together and yet here he was imagining one with Jack. Sometimes life was very strange and this was some curve ball he was attempting to catch. He managed to find a parking space at the front. He got the kids out of the back, with Jack's help, and knelt down in front of them.

'Why don't we go to the beach first and run around, swim and build sandcastles, then we'll be hungry and after that we can go on the rides and have an ice-cream. Does that work Carys, Euan?'

'Yes Daddy,' Carys replied. 'Is Jack coming with us?'

'If you want him to yes.'

'Can you build castles Jack?' Carys asked.

'Well you'll have to test me and see,' Jack replied.

'Good. Okay Euan, we'll go to the beach, yeah?'

Jack stood amazed at this discussion. Carys was fantastic and so intelligent it was frightening. She reminded him so much of Tosh. He wondered what this girl might be capable of achieving in the future.

They walked along the path through the greens. Jack stood looking over the wall at the sea. Whitmore Bay looked good. It stretched quite a way between two cliffs. Jack remembered when there'd been practically nothing there at all. No one these days called it Whitmore Bay; it was simply Barry Island. There weren't many people there yet so they made their way down the slope, across the hard sand to the left and found a space near the rocks. Both men carried bags. Jack had forgotten how much stuff you needed when you had kids in tow. Ianto unpacked the throws and they all sat down. Bags were emptied of buckets and spades.

'We've already got our bathers on Daddy,' Euan said, attempting to get out of his clothes as quickly as he could.

'Good but let me help you.' Ianto put factor 60 on both kids before they ran further down the beach with their buckets and spades to start building. Ianto laughed as Euan dipped his toes in the water only to run back again.

The men undressed to their Bermudas. Jack was about to offer to put sun bloc on Ianto when he realised that perhaps he shouldn't.

'Ianto we are alright here with the kids aren't we?' he asked.

'What do you mean Jack?' Ianto looked puzzled.

'Well two men with two kids. Some people might think it's a bit odd that there's no woman with us.'

'Sorry Jack it hadn't crossed my mind. I just wanted you here and for my kids to meet you. Am I pushing you too far too fast? If I am you can get back to Cardiff quickly, as the station is just over there.'

'No Ianto I want to stay but be prepared. The twenty first century still has its labels and its judgements on what is right and wrong.'

Just then Carys ran up to him. 'Come on Uncle Jack you promised you'd help. We're going to build a castle with four towers and a gatehouse and a moat like the one Daddy took us to.'

Jack got up and Ianto watched him with the kids as they planned the design and then started to build it. But however much water they carried, they couldn't fill the moat. Ianto wondered how long it would be before Carys realised the problem. Jack suggested, 'if we build a channel as the tide comes in the moat will fill up. Ianto get up and help.' Jack yelled.

'But you're doing such a great job,' Ianto said putting down his book. Ianto saw Jack whisper something to the kids. They picked up their buckets and collected water from the sea. Both then came to stand next to Ianto.

'Daddy help us or you're going to get wet,' Carys said.

'Now you wouldn't do that would you? Not to me,' Ianto pleaded. 'Alright I'm coming.' Ianto got up to help and sat down next to the castle. They finished and sat back to admire their work. Ianto got out his camera and took a photo of Jack and the kids. Jack lay down propped up on one elbow. Ianto couldn't help but admire his torso, which was already pretty bronzed. A few girls had passed by and giggled to each other. Jack had smiled and Ianto realised that he felt jealous of the attention Jack was getting. Jack lay back and closed his eyes.

'Come on,' Ianto said to the kids, 'let's bury Uncle Jack.' Before he could move they began to throw sand over Jack. He suddenly jumped up and looked panicked.

'Jack are you alright?' Ianto was on his knees. He noticed that Jack was shaking.

'Yeah sorry, do you mind if we don't bury me?' Too many memories had crowded into Jack's mind.

'No it's fine. Come on kids let's go and sit down a minute then we can have a swim. Is that okay Jack?'

'Yeah it's fine, sorry I have a problem with that sort of thing. I'll explain sometime.'

Ianto got out a flask and handed Jack a cup of coffee. He gave Carys and Euan some water. Ten minutes later they were carrying one child each to the sea. They didn't go in very far but both kids could already manage to swim a bit. Euan was the strongest swimmer and he revelled in it. They swam about and splashed each other for the next thirty minutes.

'Swimming gives me the perfect excuse to look at your body Ianto,' Jack whispered. 'Although you could do with putting on a few pounds.'

'We can't all be as muscled as you,' Ianto replied.

'You need to work out more!' Jack winked; Ianto rolled his eyes and then blushed.

Finally, it was getting near lunchtime so they returned to the throws, dried off and got dressed. They gathered all the stuff together and put it in the car and then went off to Marco's Café. This was the café made famous by Gavin and Stacey. The kids had fish fingers and chips while Jack and Ianto tucked into burgers with salad.

'Healthy eating,' Ianto said smiling.

The kids tucked in and Carys began her questioning technique, which Jack thought would make her an excellent member of MI5.

'Uncle Jack where are you from?' she asked.

'I'm from America Carys, like lots of people in films.'

'Are you an actor then?'

'No I work with technology and stuff.'

'Like computers?'

'Yes sort of,' Jack explained.

'I've got my own computer.'

'Why am I not surprised,' Jack said to Ianto. Ianto shrugged his shoulders.

'Have you known my Daddy long?' Carys continued.

'No, not long,' Jack replied.

'Daddy has a twin; his name is Ifan. He looks like Daddy. He works in computers too. He helped me with mine. Daddy also has a sister, Aunty Rhiannon. She's married to Uncle Johnny; he's big. I have cousins called David and Mica, who are older than me. Uncle Ifan isn't married. Daddy was married to Mummy but they don't live together anymore. Mummy has a new boyfriend. Daddy doesn't, do you Daddy?' Ianto raised an eyebrow questioningly at Jack, who smiled. 'Daddy is a teacher. He teaches history to big kids. He takes us to lots of history places. My favourite colour is blue. What's yours?'

Ianto smiled and affectionately patted his daughter on the head.

'I think I just learned more about you in five minutes than I have in a few days,' he said to Ianto.

'Well you only had to ask. I've never been good at secrets, that's Ifan not me. I just open my mouth.' Jack smirked. 'Jack!' Ianto warned. 'and it all comes flooding out. I'm an open book.'

'Not like my Ianto at all then,' Jack thought.

Jack replied to Carys. 'My favourite colour is blue too; it goes with my eyes. Euan what's your favourite colour.' Jack wanted to engage the boy as well. Euan looked up from his dinner. 'I like red,' he replied. 'I have a red fire engine Daddy bought me.'

'Your Daddy looks good in red too,' Jack added. Ianto frowned. 'What? Well you do!'

'Come on you two finish your food and we'll go on the rides. Let's hope you aren't sick!'

'Can I go on the carousel Daddy? I like the horses. I'd like a horse but Mummy says that we haven't got anywhere to put it. Mummy says perhaps I can have one when we move in with Mummy's boyfriend. He has a funny name and a big house.'

'What!' Ianto said.

'Ianto leave it. This is a talk you need to have with Lisa. Come on I'll pay and we'll go on the rides.'

They walked around the funfair which stayed in Barry all year around.

'Can we go on the Ghost Train Daddy?' Euan asked.

'Okay but it might be scary.' Ianto explained.

'It's only play acting,' said Carys. Jack grinned remembering the time when Torchwood had had to deal with a real ghost on that ride.

The kids didn't scream once. It was Ianto who jumped as the spider's web hit him. Later they walked past an arcade. Carys saw a large toy tiger on the shelf.

'Daddy can you get that for me.' It was a shooting gallery.

'Daddy isn't good enough Carys,' he replied. Jack walked up to the stall. 'How many bulls' eyes do I need for the tiger?' he asked.

'Ten in a row,' the boy manning the stall replied, confident that no-one was likely to achieve this. Jack almost forgot and reached for his trusty Webley. The boy handed him the rifle. Jack picked up the gun and fired ten times, hitting the bulls' eye each time. Reluctantly the boy handed him the tiger, which was as big as Carys.

'Wow where did you learn to do that?' Ianto asked.

'Brought up on a farm,' Jack replied. 'Now Euan what do you want?' Euan pointed to the teddy bear which Jack won just as easily.

'I think you've just made friends for life,' Ianto said. His eyes were full of admiration and something else Jack recognised. At that moment all Ianto wanted to do was hug Jack. 'God is this man perfect or what?' he wondered.

'Can we have an ice-cream now Daddy?' Euan asked.

They got their ice-creams and sat on a bench. Time was moving on and they need to leave to be home soon. They all got in the car again and Ianto drove home. Jack amused the children singing all the verses of 'Wheels on the bus' and other favourites. Ianto thought, 'if I don't kiss him soon I may die of frustration.' He squeezed Jack's thigh. Jack smiled at him with the softest look in his eyes.

When they got home Ianto was surprised that Lisa wasn't there. He got the kids in and Jack came in too. While they emptied bags, Jack made some drinks.

'Uncle Jack come and see my computer.' Jack sat on the sofa as she showed him the laptop. Euan brought his fire engine to show Jack as well.

There was a knock at the door. When Ianto opened it two police officers stood on the doorstep.

'Can I help you?' Ianto asked.

'Are you Mr Ianto Jones? My name is PC Andy Davidson.'

'Yes I'm Ianto Jones; what is it?'

'Is your wife Lisa Jones?'

'Yes that's right. What is it? She's out with someone at the moment.' Suddenly it hit him. 'She's alright isn't she?'

'Can we come in Sir?' the PC asked.

'Yes, of course.' Ianto took them through to the living room where Jack was with the children. Jack immediately recognised Andy but the PC just acknowledged that he was there. However, he did look at Jack as if he was trying to place his face from somewhere.

'Officer, my wife,' Ianto said impatiently.

'Yes I'm afraid we have some bad news.'

'Jack could you take the kids upstairs please,' Ianto asked. Jack grabbed a hand each. 'Come on kids you can show me your rooms.'

The PC continued. 'There's been an accident Sir. Your wife and her companion were taken to hospital.'

'She's going to be alright though isn't she?' Ianto asked.

'I'm sorry,' said Andy, 'but she died just after arrival. She had serious head injuries. The man with her is in a serious condition too. He's not expected to live. Is there anyone you'd like us to contact for you?'

'Yes, her mother, Sarah Hallett.' He gave them the number. 'What happened?'

'It seems a lorry clipped them and their car turned over several times and ended up down a gully. They had to cut them out.'

The police got up to leave. Jack appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

'Ianto?'

'It's Lisa, she dead Jack, an accident. How the hell am I going to tell the kids?'

Jack didn't care now and hugged Ianto. He looked at Andy over Ianto's shoulder. He was sure that Andy recognised him.

'I'll see them out Ianto. Go up to the kids.'

Andy looked at Jack and said, 'Do I know you?'

'I don't think so Jack replied. I'm not from round here.'

'Strange your face seems familiar and Mr Jones as well. Oh well must be getting old or something. We'll be in touch again. Please tell Mr Jones.'

As he closed the door Jack realised that things were only going to get more complicated the longer he stayed. He was going to have to do something soon but as he looked at Ianto, tears flowing down his face and a child on each knee, he knew he couldn't leave now.

It has been some time since I had anything to do with four year old children but Carys is meant to be exceptional so I hope you'll forgive me if I'm expecting too much. So what will Jack do? Next chapter Ifan gets a surprise when he comes to visit his brother.