1

The twins had enjoyed their third birthday and Ianto was relieved that his little diva had started to let go of her dislike for little Zane who would soon have his first birthday.

Jax and Storm had also found a harmonious way to co-exist instead of the constant battle for attention they had experienced in the last year. Indeed, Storm had realised she got a lot more attention when being a Princess while Jax really just wanted everyone to be happy and more than once Ianto had caught him being her 'slave for the day' complete with simpering like other vsiting family's slaves sometimes did. Damec was also starting to relax as the little cow seemed to settle and he had told Ianto that Gray had been an unpleasant child at first too. Jax was a little star but Zane had Damec clearly under his spell as he smiled lovingly.

Ianto had also noticed the other baby Damec dotted in, those lilac eyes a bit like Gray's left him with no doubt why little Grace was included in things at times, being just a little bit older than the smallest gift.

Zane was a lovely little man, peaceful and happy like his brother but without the wild hellion of a twin sister to share with and it showed with his smiles and gentle cooing that held his Daddy entranced.

Jack was currently engrossed in some Zane Time as he lay on the floor with the little boy who was babbling in that nonsense the way they do and Jack was drinking him in, his tiny face so angelic that Jack was almost beside himself.

"Oh gods, put him away" a little voice demanded as her Royal Pain-ness arrived, stomping over to peer down at him, then smile briefly before remembering she was in a mood and she stomped over to her Taddy who was quietly darning a doll's dress "Tadda, he is taking all the Daddy kisses."

"No he's not, he's helping Daddy practice for when it's time to love you" Ianto replied calmly, watching her face as she considered and find that acceptable. Jax had entered and was crouched over his baby brother cooing, then he saw that his Taddy was doing.

"Oh Taddy! Pretty!" he rushed over, "Is that for one of Sissy's babies? So nice."

"Actually your sister wanted a new hat for her riding lessons" Ianto replied calmly, "She already chose a black one with a feather in it didn't you sweetie."

"Yes, I will ride the big black one with the red eyeballs everyone sez is naughty. He likes me" she said and Ianto was inclined to agree, she had a natural ability with animals and the large stallion was a pussy cat in her hands.

Ianto watched his son's hands wring as he glanced at the dress again, wanting to know which doll it would be for. Ianto reached down and pulled out a new doll, one with long black hair like Tosh with little red lips.

"Oooo" Jax breathed with wonder as he watched the little dress covered in tiny rosebuds slide onto the doll, "So nice, like Blossom."

"She is a bit like Blossom isn't she" Ianto agreed as he did the dress up and handed it to Jax, "But you will name her something new. Might get confusing if you lose her and walk around asking for Blossom back."

Jax stalled out as he realised this was his gift, Sissy got a hat he got a doll.

"Finally, someone has it right" she broke the silence, "I am so sick of those things. Give me a piece of riding tack any day."

Jax sat and stoked the doll's hair as he tried not to cry, his heart overflowing with glee as he held his first real dolly.

"Rosebud" he finally said, "For her dress. Like Aunty Rose and her pretty dresses."

"Wonderful choice, why not go with Grandy now, go show Blossom." Ianto said and Jax jumped up to hold out a hand for his grandfather, the old slave rushing eagerly to take it and then glance back at the baby longingly. He knew Jack would be there all afternoon though, at least until the Princess bullied him into another riding lesson.

"Come little man, let's go see your cousin" he sighed, letting the little boy lead the way to Owen's where little Blossom would eagerly welcome her friend, her little self two now. Ianto rose to follow.

"How are you today?" Jax politely asked the little girl who yelled and held her arms out for a cuddle, Jax happy to oblige.

"Brother!" Tosh said happily as she entered the room, her belly just starting to show the second offering, "I was just about to make some tea."

"Sounds good" Ianto smiled, as he settled back in the chair, "Where is your mate?"

"One of the workers crushed his hand, Owen is trying to save it and the words were not agreeable with the chick" she patted her belly, "I chose to come relieve Emdo"

"She is a good nurse?"

"Yes, still strange to have another mind my child but Blossom likes her too. Poor old woman, no family of her own" Tosh sat, "She is very loving. Owen likes her too."

"His mother was not kind, nice for him to have a mothering" Ianto agreed.

"All good brother?"

"The Brollit Delegation comes tomorrow" he said softly, "They do not agree with free slaves, remember last time?"

"Ah, Owen warned me. I will stay indoors with the Blossom" she said softly, "Many of us will hide for their visit as we always do."

"Wish I could" Ianto sighed as he grimaced.

They were horrible bores.