6
"I need more help with the boys" Ianto said in a small voice, Jack hesitating as he went to pull the covers aside to slide in next to him.
He settled in the bed and pulled Ianto close, kissing him gently and then stroking his back as they settled into the cuddle Jack had craved all day.
"Josh is acting out, just his age and as I said earlier I think he has growing pains with his gift coming in" Ianto muttered, breathing Jack in and gaining comfort. "Jay craves attention, he is a clever wee monkey and he wants stimulation more."
"What do you want love?" Jack asked softly, "You've spoken of both children, but what about you. What do you want?"
Ianto moved his head to look at Jack and he reached out to stroke his cheek, "I think that depends on you. What do you want Cariad."
"Well that's easy" Jack smiled softly, "You."
Ianto snorted and nuzzled into him. So much to consider, so many options and none of them the right or perfect one.
"We have options" Ianto sighed. "We move out here so Josh has the power of the earth to guide him. We give him to the Grandys and he lives with them. We muddle through with just weekend passes?"
Jack lay there considering all of these things, especially the pride Ianto had in their home.
"Well. Weekend passes means travel each Friday and Sunday, something that might be a negative despite the positive in that small window." Jack tried to be clinical. "I know giving him to your grandparents would kill you, not to mention me. He is our wee man and we both need to constantly reassure ourselves that he is real, so perfect and clever. No. We cannot. Even a night apart is a slow torture for him as well as us. No. I would imagine him crying and wanting us even if he didn't."
"That leaves…" Ianto whispered, then sighed.
"You love our home" Jack said sadly, "You have made it perfect. Wonderful."
"And it will still be there I guess. A couple of years and we can…oh I don't know" Ianto was pouting, Jack could feel it against his neck. "We can use it as our city base. I hate to say it but it means a few nights a week apart if we move into a homestead out here. I know you have responsibilities."
"Moving here would mean changing schools but I guess he already has friends here within the family. Owen is keen to take on more." Jack said after a while, "This is an important time for both of the boys. A little more Dad about the place would be nice, yeah? Maybe not retire but take a step back for a while? Owen is more than confident now. I don't see why I can't be a little selfish."
He felt Ianto wriggle, a sign of pleasure and knew he had chosen the right words as Ianto hummed softly, his lips finding his neck once more.
"There is one more matter that can't really wait" Ianto was holding Jack tighter and Jack frowned into the darkened room.
"The bloody council, right?" he asked, "They still pressuring you to take a more active role on the mystical council?"
Ianto snorted at Jack's nickname for the Council of the Wilderness Clans Elders.
"You know I would never hold you back, if this is something you have to do but if I am stepping back..." Jack was starting to get into one of his long winded rants and Ianto recognised it by the deep breath he has taken so he interrupted him with a kiss.
"No ya numpty" he whispered, "In fact I have made it clear that I want more time with the family and they have agreed to stop pressuring me about that."
"Really?"
"Really" Ianto laughed softly, the tension leaving Jack as he realised Ianto was nervous, not upset. Something was still hanging in the air and he rubbed Ianto's shoulders encouragingly.
"There is nothing we can't face together" he whispered to his Welsh Fae, "Nothing I would not do. You know I am a bit thick, just lead me love. I will follow. OK?"
"You might not like this one, I am still undecided on the matter given recent weeks" Ianto whispered softly, "These boys are behaving in a way I never expected my children to. I don't know if this is a good idea or not."
"Well, good or bad its one we can face tighter, right?" Jack asked with a gentle squeeze, "What is it dumpling? Come on. Tell the big dumb captain before he starts worrying here."
Ianto smiled as he wriggled again, "You are not dumb. You are wonderfully clever…sometimes."
Jack laughed as he held Ianto tighter, "Ho, ho. IS that right you beastling?"
"I love you Jack" Ianto sighed happily, "Whatever comes I know you have my back."
"Of course" Jack assured him, "Always."
"Well." Ianto took a breath and wriggled again. Whatever it was it was catching in his throat with its enormity and Jack frowned, now starting to worry.
"Cariad. I'm with child again."