Then & Now - Chapter 12

[madbottoms]

Title: Then & Now

Author: Madbottoms

Prompt: 17 Again

Pairing(s)/Characters: Jack/Ianto, Owen/Tosh, Gwen/John Hart, Stephen, OMC’s, OFC’s.

Rating: NC17

A/N: See chapter 1 for notes and disclaimer.

Chapter 12

---

Jack kept his promise to Stephen, to teach him the finer point of basketball and he was enjoying himself immensely. It felt great getting back into the game and spending time with his family, even if they had no idea of his true identity. The time he got with Ianto and his family was precious to him and although he was a little frightened of his daughter, he took full advantage of the time he’d been given.

 

And over the next couple of weeks, life just seemed to fly by...

 

...Stephen dribbled, using both hands, while running through a maze of cones. Whenever he messed up, Jack made him start again.

 

...Jack and Ianto settled the limestone rocks into the freshly laid sod creating a walkway.

 

...Gwen solved a difficult problem on the board, much to Mr. Adam’s chagrin. She turned from the chalkboard and smiled flirtatiously at Jack. John caught this exchange and popped the back of Jack’s head.

 

...Lights shone down. Stephen stood behind the three point line as Jack fed him balls. Stephen shot and moved... and again... More misses than hits.

 

...Again, Jack and Owen sat before a stern Tosh.

 

...Jack taught Stephen the crossover dribble in the backyard. Ianto brought the boys water. Jack checked him out as he went back in the house. Stephen bounced the ball off his head.

 

...A muffled buzz. Jack reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone. A pix message. Jack opened it. A close up of perfect cleavage. Jack glanced over his shoulder... the Wonder Bras were texting on their phones. He was confused until... Jack turned a little more in his seat... Gwen smiled seductively at him, blew a kiss. Jack gasped, spinning back around... traumatised.

 

...Ianto filled holes with plants then watered them with a hose before dropping it to the ground. He turned and found a shirtless Jack sleeping in the grass. Ianto picked up the hose again and turned it on him, Jack leaped up, chased him.

 

...Jack, Stephen, Nicole, Gwen, the Bras and a slew of kids hung by Jack’s Aston. John, Jazz and Kevin were all that was left by John’s Mustang.

 

...Stephen scampered through the maze of cones, dribbling from hand to hand... and did it perfectly. Jack and Stephen hi-5.

 

...Jack and Ianto lugged an ornate, wooden bench to its spot. They sat after, resting from the exertion. Jack casually placed a hand on Ianto’s leg. Ianto casually removed it.

 

...A game of 1 on 1. Stephen dribbled up to Jack. Jack crouched in a defensive stance. Jack went for the ball. Stephen crossed over. Jack missed. Stephen pulled up, shoots and scores. Jack grinned and shook his head.

 

...Again, Jack and Owen sat before Tosh. She handed Owen a slip of paper... three detentions. Owen choked back crocodile tears.

 

...Jack placed books in his locker and shut the door revealing ... a goo-goo eyed Gwen. Jack startled and ran with Gwen giving chase.

 

...Stephen stood behind the three point line as Jack rapidly feeds him balls. Stephen caught the balls in turn and shoots and moves. This time... they all went in. Jack passed the last ball. Stephen released the ball and...

 

*~*

 

The ball sailed through the hoop and Stephen followed and he and Jack tapped fists.

 

The day had finally arrived... tryouts, and both ‘James’ and Stephen were on fire. Coach Harvey, a number of hopefuls, Gwen, Nicole and the Bras watched the game of half court, 2 on 2. John and Jazz vs. Jack and Stephen, in the school gymnasium.

 

Jack and Stephen dazzled them with steals, picks, fancy passes and scoring. The Coach watched with awe. A final three pointer by Jack in John’s face sealed the deal.

 

“That makes 11-3. Game over. Gather up.” As Stephen passed, Coach Harvey stopped him. “You’ve gotta little bit of your old man in you, Harkness-Jones.” The team and the hopefuls huddled around Coach Harvey. “As you all know due to the amount of seniors coming back I only have two open spots on the roster. It’s Harper and Harkness-Jones. The rest of you hit the showers.”

 

The hopefuls trudged out of the gym. Stephen leaped into the air. “Wooo! We did it, James! We did it!”

 

“You killed it out there!” Jack patted him hardily on the back in congratulations.

 

Stephen ran over and hugged Nicole. Jack beamed with pride.

Coach Harvey put an arm around him and grinned. “Son, I don’t know where you came from but you just made my year.”

*~*

 

Stephen rushed through his front door with Jack and Gwen following and to Jack’s absolute horror, Gwen slapped Jack on the butt. He jumped and quickly followed his son.

 

“Dad! Dad!”

 

“I’ll be right out, Stephen!”

 

“I gotta use the bathroom.” Jack walked down the familiar hall. As he passed a half open door, he paused, peeked in...

 

Ianto was facing away, pulling a pair of jeans up over his gorgeous behind. Jack watched longingly, lovingly, lost in the sight of his half naked husband until... Ianto turned, startled.

 

“James? I didn’t know you were there.” And he quickly pulled a t-shirt over his head.

 

“I’m sorry. You just look so hot”.

 

Ianto blushed... it had been a while since he’d heard that from someone and actually believed it. “Thank you, but that’s a little inappropriate. “

 

“Can I zip you up?”

 

“I’m wearing a t-shirt.”

 

“Your jeans?”

 

Ianto walked towards him and... SLAM... shut the door on him.

 

Jack wandered to the bathroom, shaking his head. “Stupid, idiot, stupid.”

 

Jack entered and stepped over to the toilet when Gwen slipped in behind him and shut the door. He whirled around. “Gwen, what...?”

 

Gwen placed a finger on his lips. “Shhh. I get it now. Why you didn’t want me to be with John, the nice things you said in the library. It’s because you wanted me.” Gwen backed Jack against the wall.

 

“Gwen, listen to me. I’m not the person you think...”

 

“Shhh. Yes, you are. You’re a good guy. You’re not like the others.”

 

“That’s right! I’m not like the others. I’m very different than the others. So very different that you and I can never be...”

 

Gwen stopped, looks quizzically at Jack.  “What are you trying to say? Are you... confused?”

 

“Yes! Yes! What?”

 

“Ohmygod! It all makes sense now! Your hair. The highlights.”

 

Jack started to speak. Stopped. Maybe she was getting it. “What? Oh yeah, I am gay. I’m... and I’m in love with someone already.”

 

Gwen switched back into predatory mode. “Who is it? Does he go to our school? Do I know him?” She gasped, “Is it Stephen?”

 

“No, you don’t... you’re not gonna do anything. Now...” He eyed the toilet. “...if you don’t mind?

 

“Tell whoever it is, he better keep a close eye on you. I reckon I could turn you.” Gwen smiled and slinked out.

 

Stephen was typing on his phone when joined him again. “Who you texting?”

 

“My dad. I have to tell him about today.”

 

Jack nodded... then realised... BEEP... BEEP. Stephen and Gwen looked to Jack. Jack checked his phone.

 

“Did you just get a text?”

 

Jack was a little nervous. “Me? No. Yes. It’s Owen. I mean dad. Not your dad. My dad. I’ll just call him back.”

 

Ianto entered the room finally, and he looked amazing. “So? What happened? Tell me. Tell me. I’m dying to hear.”

 

“I did it. I’m a Falcon! The first game’s in two weeks.”

 

“Oh my God, Stephen! That’s so incredible!” Ianto wrapped Stephen in a big hug. Jack watched, a bittersweet moment for him. “I’m so happy for you. And now I want to show you guys something.”

 

Ianto, unable to contain his excitement, led Jack and Stephen to the French doors and flicked a light switch... “Ta da!”

 

Thousands of tiny, white lights illuminated Ianto’s Oasis.

 

“You hung the lights!” Jack said in wonder.

“I wanted you to be the first to see it.”

 

“Dad, it’s sick.”

 

As they stepped further outside, Jack was truly blown away and started snapping pictures with his iPhone.

 

“It’s amazing, Ianto. I’m speechless. I’m sorry I never saw how talented you are... I mean when people see this and how talented you are you’ll be designing sanctuaries all over the city.”

 

Ianto beamed. “Thank you, James.”

 

“Dad, why are you dressed like that? Are you going out?”

 

“Oh crap. I almost forgot. I have a date.” And a horn sounded and he headed for the door.

 

Jack was stunned and marched in behind Ianto. As they reached the door, he stepped in front of him. “Let’s see who the lucky guy is.” Jack swung the door open revealing... Dom Johnson. “I knew it!” SLAM. Jack blocked the door. “You can’t do this! You took vows. What kind of example are you setting for the kids!?”

 

“James, I’m flattered. Really, I am. But I’m too old for you.” Ianto moved Jack aside and opened the door. Dom stood in the doorway, a big grin on his face.

 

“Wow. You look gorgeous.”

 

“Keep it in your pants, Casanova,” Jack growled.

 

“Don’t mind him. You all set?”

 

“Let’s do it.” Ianto headed for the van and Dom looked to Jack. “Hey, kid... if the vans’ a rockin’... well you know the rest.” Dom imitated humping and jogged after Ianto.

 

What a sleazebag! Jack just wanted to deck the guy. Maybe he could pull a few strings and get him arrested...

 

“Don’t you lay a finger on him, you jerk!” Jack slammed the door and headed back through the house and into the kitchen.

 

A contemplative Stephen scooped lasagne onto plates. An agitated Jack enters, pulls up a seat at the counter.

 

“It’s weird to think about my dad with someone other than my other dad.”

 

“It’s adultery! You need to talk to him.”

 

“He’s been pretty sad the past few months. He deserves to be happy. My other dad obviously is... wherever he is.”

 

“Maybe he’s not? Maybe he wishes he could be here right now with you but there’s a real good reason he can’t be.”

 

“No, my dad’s not a family guy. This is dumb but I used to tell him I was on the basketball team because I knew he’d never make it to a game.”

 

“Then why would you tell him that?”

 

“I guess I was hoping it would make him like me more.”

 

Jack was crushed. He really didn’t know his kids at all. Ianto was right. He’d made a complete mess of things. His daughter was way out of control, his son had been lying to him and his husband was on a date with the biggest sleaze on the West Coast. And there didn’t seem to be a damn thing he could do about it.
 
Chapter 13 

Comments

[missthingsplace.livejournal.com]

Oh Jack *hugs*

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I felt sorry for him too. Here he really sees what he has become and what his family think of him.