7

Jack drove Ianto back to his flat and carried the sleeping child as Ianto carried some of the bags, then went back for the rest of the bags as Ianto encouraged the wee babe to wash for bed.

He was allowed to choose a onesie and chose the dragon one with excitement, Jack helping to dress him.

"He should eat something" Ianto whispered.

"Probably not used to it" Jack answered, "We don't want to give him a sore tummy on his first night. Tomorrow we can set a routine, what he ate at the mall café is OK."

Ianto nodded silently as he watched Jack carry Harry to the bedroom, placing him in the middle of the double bed.

"What if he rolls out" Ianto said and Jack smiled.

"Ianto, he's three. It's OK. The new bed comes tomorrow and we can sort everything then" Jack assured him.

"Sir?"

Jack froze, looking up.

"Jack, you keep saying we. You really mean that? I know how busy you are and I don't want to be a burden, I know I owe you so much and …"

"Hey" Jack walked around and took Ianto in his arms, feeling the way he held himself so tightly wound, "Jesus Ianto. It's OK, relax."

Ianto huffed and tried his head against Jack's shoulder, finding it felt quite nice to be hugged.

"This wee one isn't the only one raised without a lot of coddling, yeah?" Jack said softly.

"Mama said a coddled child is a needy child" Ianto sighed, his arms creeping around Jack's waist as Jack smiled into his hair.

"Oh Ianto" Jack sighed sadly, "You know she was wrong, right? See this wee one? That was you!"

Ianto drew back and stared at Jack, then the little boy and nodded meekly.

"That why you worry about coddling?"

"I don't want to spoil him only to take it away when I feel bad. Mama used to punish me when she felt bad" Ianto confirmed.

"Because you know how It feels, Ianto that's why you will never do that to a child" Jack assured him, "You have a good heart."

"Oh Jack" Ianto sighed, leaning in and kissing him softly, then rearing back with surprise. "Oh god! Sorry, sorry, oh god, I didn't mean, well maybe I did but I know, I mean oh god …."

Jack stopped the babbling by taking the stolen kiss back, deeper and with more intent.

Ianto went boneless, moaning as he canted his head.

"Ianto" Jack gasped as they broke for air.

Ianto was panting heavily as he stepped back, running his hand through his hair.

"Bloody hell, that was … was … wow. That was so …. Lovely" Ianto finished and Jack smiled.

"Ianto, I can be as lovely as you want" Jack said softly, cupping his cheek in his hand, "I would love to be lovely with you."

"Oh" Ianto squeaked then blushed prettily.

Jack looked at the little boy and considered a few things, then turned to Ianto who was folding clothes.

"Ianto? Are you happy here?"

"Oh gosh yes, I know we are moving a bit fast but … oh. What do you mean?"

Jack grinned, "Here. This pokey little flat."

"Oh. Dear. No but it's what I could afford, you know. Looking after Lisa and the airfares for Mr. … er." Ianto looked out the window for a few minutes as Jack bit his tongue. "Could magic the room a bit bigger, just never saw the point."

"I wish I had a house with a back yard, big rooms and stuff but if wishes were horses then beggars would ride" Ianto shrugged, reaching for a little t-shirt.

"I've not heard that expression for years" Jack laughed, "I do love that one."

"No, I'm serious. Lad needs room to play, breathe, get a pet or have a tent up." Jack shrugged, "This place is too small even just for you. I don't know how you live here."

"I don't, I live at the hub and this is … well, a big wardrobe with a kitchen," Ianto laughed, transforming into a handsome man.

Jack was getting more and more convinced that there was a reason for this, that Ianto Jones was placed in his lap … literally, thank you…. For cosmic reasons and he wasn't about to back down.

"Ianto, I want you to understand that I am going nowhere. We can move fast, slow, side to side, but not apart!" Jack said, hugging him tight.

"Oh Jack"

"Ianto, I was attracted to you the moment I saw you in that rent boy costume in the park, you know I was. That attraction hasn't faded with all that's happened. I still find you immensely attractive." Jack confessed, "I still want a place in your life."

"Oh Cariad"

Yeah, Jack relaxed as he got what he wanted.

As he heard the term of endearment Jack found Ianto's lips for another kiss, this one languid and full of promise.

Jack just needed to find them a home and convince Ianto it was one they all could share.