m_findlow

Title: Missing
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters: Jack, Ianto, OC
Author: m_findlow
Rating: PG
Length: 525 words
Content notes: none
Author notes: Written for badly_knitted's prompt "Any, any, splashing in a fountain" at fic_promptly
Summary: Ianto has lost something very precious

The bottom dropped out of his stomach as he called out again.

'Jack?'

There was no response, and no sign of him at all as Ianto looked frantically around the park. Ianto had been distracted for less than a minute, taking the phone call from Owen. No sooner had he pocketed the phone, bolstered by Owen's promise that he'd found a solution their problem, a four year old version of Jack, then Jack had disappeared from view.

'Jack?' he called again, finding the children's playground full of children, laughing and enjoying themselves, watched on by doing mothers and dogs on leashes. But still no sign of Jack.

If something had happened to him, Ianto would never forgive himself. He thought he'd been doing the right thing, taking Jack out for some fresh air before he got underfoot, or hurt himself on something he shouldn't touch. The hub was too dangerous for a toddler. The sudden realization that someone might have taken him filled Ianto with dread.

'Jack!'

'Are you alright, love?' came a feminine voice. Behind him was a petite brunette rugged up in a navy puffer jacket. 'Runaway dog?'

'Child,' Ianto replied. 'I only looked away for a second.'

The brunette took pity on him offering a comforting smile. 'I'm sure he's not far away.'

'You have kids?' Ianto asked.

'Two. They're at home with their Nan, giving me the afternoon off. Let me help you look for him. My name's Ceri.'

They wandered through the park, calling Jack's name. Ianto began to feel even more panicked.

'Worst parent ever,' he muttered.

'No, you're not. I lost one of mine in Tescos once. Finally found her tucking into a packet of biscuits three aisles away. Believe me, once you realise no parent is perfect, life gets a lot easier.'

He didn't think he could tell her he wasn't even a parent, thus his current predicament.

As they marched down the long gravel path through the park, the sound of a child caught their ears, squealing with delight. There in the middle of the path, standing in the shallows of the park's majestic fountain, was Jack, stomping and splashing, throwing water in the air.

'Jack!' Ianto cried out, closing the gap quickly. He scooped Jack up and out of the fountain, hugging him tight, ignoring the fact that his clothes were getting soaked. He kissed Jack on the cheek and brushed a hand through his soft hair, which was somehow completely dry.

'Don't you ever run off on me like that again.' Jack just hugged him back, oblivious to the drama he'd caused, like any four-year old.

'Well, all's well that ends well,' Ceri said, smiling. 'He's a cutie that one.'

'And he knows it,' Ianto replied.

'Probably sleep all the way home now after all that excitement.'

'Here's hoping. Thanks for your help. I think I might've lost my head otherwise.'

She put a reassuring hand on his arm. 'You're a good dad. Anytime you want a play date, give me a call.'

As she walked off, Ianto carried Jack back to the car. 'See what trouble you cause? Now she thinks I'm single.'