2
Apart from the bonding night, John had not shared their bed again and Ianto worried about his needs. His happiness. John had been following a young maid for a while now, even the children had noticed.
It still worried Ianto that John was the third wheel, standing to one side as Ianto and Jack cemented their bond more each day.
The two year deadline was looming and their thoughts had turned to protecting their brood. Two months and the ships would re-appear. The cycle might start again and Ianto worried about John's happiness.
Ianto's pregnancies had been without problems and the births handled without fanfare. John had revelled in the job of Poppa and Ianto wished he could have his own children to dote on with as much enthusiasm.
To see the slow stalking of this relationship between John and Emily, had Ianto on eggshells as much as the young lady who was covertly watching the handsome king following her every move.
Ianto learnt that she was of good blood, not involved in the politics of the colonies and every bit as enamoured with John as he was with her.
If only they could shake off the fits of shyness.
Ianto was watching them across the table of the feast to celebrate the birth of Theo. Although tired, he had insisted on attending and had enjoyed the fussing as Jack carried him like a damsel in distress to the table and lovingly settled him in his chair.
Theo was asleep in Jack's proud arms as he wandered around the table so everyone could touch his little head and give blessings. John was oblivious as he watched Emily laughing at something a friend had whispered to her.
John perked up as she looked in his direction and then she blushed.
Oh, that blush.
Ianto watched it bloom and saw a mirror to his own blush that John loved so much.
Could she be the one?
Ianto made a note to get to know her better, to see if he might like her as well.
The triad was comfortable and adding a new member might offset things, if she didn't like Ianto and they clashed it might place a wedge between them.
Ianto had much to think about.
He watched Jack laugh as John finally remembered the baby and was in the process of fighting Jack for a cuddle.
Jack finally relented and watched as John cooed.
He will make a wonderful father and he looked over at Ianto then saw his attention on the young maiden Emily and he smiled softly.
So this might be the one Ianto choses to accept for John?
He looked back at John and saw him heading for Ianto who whispered something and kissed his cheek, then John turned and headed for Emily with a look of excitement.
Yes, Ianto has decided to explore this. He has seen John's hopes and will swallow his own fears for the chance of John finding happiness. Jack felt proud of him as he watched him fidget in the chair and then smile softly at the next well-wisher.
Jack looked over at John, who had reached Emily.
Jack watched as she smiled at the child and reached out to give blessing, noting the way John's smiled faded as he examined her hair.
Oh yeah, she's the one.
Jack looked over at Ianto and nodded his agreement.
Now, they just had to get them together.