4

The banquet was in full swing and Ianto smiled politely as yet another well-wisher placed a gift by his feet and clucked over the little boy asleep in the bassinet between the two chairs.

The formal wear was taxing and Ianto felt slightly ill with the tight fitting suit styled before his pregnancy. The fan was doing nothing and he felt effeminate with it, choosing to sit and quietly sweat instead.

He hadn't lost the baby weight as he had hoped, like he had after Thea and now the suit was way too tight.

Of course Jack told him he was being too hard on himself and looked fine.

Fine.

Ianto was sure that he hated that bloody word these days!

If not for last night's 'rompey pompey' he might have thought himself unattractive but the wanton cries and soft whispered endearments as his husband mounted him bore that one no merit.

The baby was dressed in a pale blue gown with the same silver stitching as on Ianto's jacket and he marvelled at the needlework.

All those fine circles, all entwined like ripples on a pond. Just beautiful to match his electric blue tunic jacket.

At least he didn't have those horrible fluffy sleeves he hated so much, he knew Jack probably would though. He loved to 'accidentally' wave them in people's faces.

He saw John enter with a wide grin and a pretty Em on his arm, matching gold brocade a sign that the talk had worked.

The whispers started and Ianto rose, waving to show his favour.

The two walked over and Ianto stepped down from the stage, cuddling them both loudly proclaiming them a good match and asking about the possibility of a wedding soon.

The gasps in the crowd pleased him and Ianto was shocked at his ruthless streak he didn't even know he had. The satisfaction in some female faces who has made disparaging remarks worth the effort.

Em was flushed as she leaned over and touched the little royal head and Ianto turned to hug John, further fuelling the whispers.

"You're just being naughty now!" John whispered.

"Oh John!" Ianto laughed as he drew back, "After the time lost with that bub in my belly, I fully intend to have a party!"

Jack bustled in with his usual entourage that filled the place with noise.

Ianto regained his seat and watched Jack bound over and leap up to sit next to him, lifting the baby into his lap for another look.

"I just can't stop looking at him" Jack said happily as a little cupid mouth pouted.

"I know" Ianto grinned, "Athena all over again."

"Wow, a matching pair" Jack grinned, "We are so blessed."

"Cariad" Ianto said softly, his fears of angering the gods by appearing too prideful had been a sore point between them and Jack sighed good-naturedly.

"So?" he changed the subject instead "Another wedding?"

"I think so" Ianto grinned, happy to watch as John danced with his pretty date.

"You move fast, young squire!" Jack hissed as he cuddled the baby.

"Well, time is precious" Ianto whispered back, "She is earth after all."

"You cheeky devil!" Jack laughed softly, "Joining two planets as well as two hearts. By the time you are done, there will be so much mixed blood between the planets, they would be attacking their own family."

"The thought never crossed my mind!" Ianto said with wide eyes as Jack laughed.

"Minx!"