10

Alice had managed to wheedle two books out of Ianto before drifting off and he left her room to find Jack standing outside waiting.

"I don't want our first fight to be over something as silly as this" Ianto said as he walked down the hall to the room he liked to read in and Jack followed.

"I don't want to sound like a broken record but I don't like her leaving the place without me knowing, she is my daughter after all" Jack replied, flopping into a chair, "I didn't mean to snap. You know, I never do. It's weird, it's like I was in total panic mode. I don't panic either."

"Like you said, you've been alone with her. Not used to sharing, right?" Ianto smiled softly, "This is a learning curve for both of us. All of us. Let's agree to be calm when we speak to one another, especially in front of the poppet. She startled easily and I guess she is not used to seeing you angry or upset. I propose we make this our argument or conversation room. Ok? Other places we remain calm and pleasant for her. In here we shout, bluster and act like an Arsehat."

Jack snorted as he said softly "Arsehat."

"I didn't just take her, I asked the nanny" Ianto said after he had let Jack settle, "She was fully aware of where we went. You just needed to ask her, she even waved us out of the room for the love of Pete."

"Really?" Jack said with a huff, "She just looked blankly at me."

"Jack, what are her qualifications? It seems to me that you are very kind hearted and she might have fudged her resume." Ianto said, then canted his head, "You did get references right?"

Jack grinned.

"You didn't" Ianto sighed, "Don't tell me, a friend of a friend?"

Jack grinned wider.

"Alice is so clever so intelligent. She is getting bored and clearly the woman is fond of her but perhaps not able to keep her entertained" Ianto said as carefully as he could, "You do know I trained as a First Contact Teacher before Torchwood recruired me right? I told you about that? I can see that she is above standard intelligence, given the right guidance she could really shine. I think she might be a lot calmer and happier if she was more focused."

"I have been wondering about schooling, I know she's young but she seems to be champing at the bit" Jack said as he agreed.

"When we get home, my home I mean I can look into some daycentres for her, I think interacting with other children will help get her assessed. Then we can place her in an advanced group and start her education early. She will probably blow them away" Ianto gushed, already mentally thinking of things to do for her.

"I really want us to look at that house I mentioned" Jack said as he looked around the room, "It's cosy. I really think it will make you happy."

"Well I will only be there for the year so don't buy one just for my old man tastes" Ianto said as he yawned and laid his head back.

Jack watched Ianto's face and wondered if a year would be enough, "What if there are issues? Delays?"

"I will stay as long as you need but we both know you need to think of the long term" Ianto muttered, then yawned again, "Wow, sorry. Big day, that storm was so bad in the night."

"I am sorry I slept through it, poor wee bub." Jack sighed, "She usually just climbs in."

"I think it was a wee bit of a test … a novelty too" Ianto assured him, "Not that she likes me more, just more like she wanted to know I was OK I think. I didn't panic, she didn't panic."

"She likes you, she doesn't usually make friends that easily" Jack said softly, then smiled, "Hey. Go to bed, you're falling asleep."

Ianto grunted.

"Yan, come on" Jack said gently as he rose and placed an arm around him, "Come on sleepy head."

Ianto let Jack lead him to the bedroom and he flopped on the bed with a grunt, wrestling his way in as Jack laughed and pulled off his shoes. Ianto was asleep as Jack pulled up the covers and Jack wondered if this was the real Ianto. Slightly playful when not chewing on something. Seemed to Jack that Ianto worried a lot about things, one of those born worriers. Always calculationg potential hazards.

Jack stood by the bed watching Ianto for a while then left the room as quietly as he could, if not reluctantly.

Jack then stood outside the door as he tried to sort his feelings. He had been panicked when he had found them gone, it had been almost terrifying and it was only now that he had a moment to really think that he realised why it had felt so slanted.

It was Ianto that had scared him.

The thought of him gone.

Huh.