Spoilers: None. Maybe a little one for Something Borrowed. Just a mention of it. A quote, if you will.

Disclaimer: Don't own either the books nor the show. I know, it's sad. Wish I did, but whatcha gonna do about it?


Max woke up the next morning to the sound of footsteps. She immediately became alert, a trait acquired over the years of hiding out, then tried to find out who, or what it was. To her relief, she saw Ianto, entering the Hub and making his way up to the boardroom. He looked down towards the sleeping bird kids, then smiled apolegetically towards Max when he realized he had woken her.

"I'm sorry for waking you," he said. "You didn't get much sleep last night, I assume."

"Why would you assume that?" asked Max. "What time is it anyway?"

"6:00 a.m." came his polite reply. "If you're already up, why don't you come with me. I'm just about to make some coffee."

Max followed the Welshman up to the coffee room. When they reached it, he began to bustle about the room, grabbing different types of ingredients, turning various knobs.

Max watched in a sort of quiet fascination. Within minutes he had a steaming cup in front of her. As much as she had liked the hot chocolate, she was glad for the caffeinated pick-me-up. Even more glad when she tasted the coffee. Not only did it perk her up almost instantly, but also the array of flavors washed over her taste buds and down her throat, and she was in a state of euphoric bliss. Almost as good as the scent of homemade chocolate chip cookies. Almost, but not quite. Those would always be her favorite. Now that she was a little more clear headed, she looked across at the Welshman who was sitting with his own cup, sipping it, while staring at her.

Awkward silence ensued, then Max broke it with a subtle question. "You always come in this early, especially when leaving so late?"

"Always," came the Welshman's reply. "Sometimes I only have time to take a shower and change before I have to come back. The only reason I go home those nights is to get a fresh set of clothes."

"Must be exhausting." stated Max.

"Most of the time, but you learn to live off the adrenaline. I suppose it's the same for you, except with less fresh clothes." Ianto tactfully shifted the conversation away from him. He never did like being the center of attention.

"Yeah, I suppose." laughed Max. "We're lucky most nights if we even get to sleep. Never mind clothing issues. Once a week, a new pair of jeans from come thrift store that we have to steal because we have no money. Being on the run, I recommend against it."

"Suppose it wouldn't be too fun," said Ianto, smiling slightly.

Not sure of how to continue the conversation, Ianto stood up, intending to get ready for the rest of the day. He paused as Max spoke.

"Don't hurt Nudge, ok?" she said.

Ianto turned towards her, his eyes questioning.

"One of each Flock member's dreams is to find their real parents, and now that Nudge has one of them, I just couldn't bear to see her get hurt."

"Of course," said Ianto. "I wouldn't dream of it."

"Good," said Max, as she walked around the table and stood in front of Ianto. Her brown eyes glinted dangerously. "Because, despite the fact that most of us are not related by blood here, we are about as real of a family as you can get. This Flock is all we've got. I like you, Ianto Jones. You seem decent, but if you hurt Nudge, or ANY of my Flock for that matter, you will have me to deal with, and not in a good way. Are we clear."

Ianto nodded, impassively. He wouldn't let his emotions show, no matter how strong they were. It was only after Max had left the board room, did he turn away and let the sadness fill his face.

He honestly didn't know how to not hurt the little girl. Working for Torchwood, he wouldn't be able to give her any sort of stability. Plus, by working for Torchwood, he couldn't expect his life to go past 30. For all he knew, a Weevil could maul him tomorrow, or he could fall victim to some new alien threat. But he was comforted in the knowledge that she did have a family, her Flock. They were with her for her whole life, and they would take her of her. For now, Ianto would just have to try to be the best father that he could be.

"What's my favorite Welshman up to?" Ianto straightened quickly at Jack's voice, then turned to the sleepy looking American.

"Good morning, sir," he said. "Just making some coffee for the Flock and team once they get up."

"Need some help?" said Jack. "That's a lot of coffee. And, also, don't call me sir. None of the team is here yet, so Jack is just fine."

"Alright, Jack," said Ianto, for once not willing to argue. "No offense, but you really can't do anything to help me in the coffee department. I would go to say so far as that you might actually be a deterrent."

"And why would that be?" Jack stepped closely towards Ianto, his nose nearly touching the other man's face, as he looked into his eyes. The guarded walls gave Jack no hint as to what his young lover was thinking.

"You're a distraction," mumbled Ianto, looking away from the piercing blue eyes of the older man.

Jack smiled delightedly as the blush spread across Ianto's pale complexion. He loved to see the Welshman flustered because most of the time, that was the only emotion he could elicit from him during work hours.

"Really, Jack," said Ianto, as he forcefully pushed the captain away. "If you want to be helpful, go buy some bagels for breakfast for the kids. I'm sure they will be starving when they wake up. And get a lot."

"Right," said Jack, a little miffed by Ianto's rejection. "I'll be back in 30."

Ianto nodded, then turned to busy himself with the cups of coffee.

After Jack had gone for breakfast, he began to have some realizations. Like, how would Jack factor into the kid's life. Like a dad? Or maybe Jack didn't want any sort of responsibility like that. Ianto knew about Jack's daughter, Alice and his grandson Steven, he had read about them in the archives. Jack almost never spoke to either of them, and Ianto assumed it was because he just never wanted the commitment of a child. In that case, Ianto wouldn't want to be the one to push Jack to have to do anything outside his boundaries.

Similarly, Jack was having the same sort of thoughts as he exited the Hub and headed towards the nearest bagel shop he knew was open this early. He wanted to know how he would factor into the kid's life. Like a dad? Despite what the others thought, Jack could committ, he could handle responsibility. Furthermore, he wanted to handle that responsibility with Ianto. Lately, he had begun to realize that his feelings for the man were beginning to grow into something far more than just sex. But, maybe Ianto didn't want that kind of commitment, or maybe he wasn't ready. In that case, Jack wouldn't want to be the one to push Ianto to do anything outside his comfort zone.

TORCHWOOD TORCHWOOD TORCHWOOD

One by one, the bird kids began to wake up, as the decadent smell of coffee reached their noses. Max, already awake and alert watched fondly as the younger kids rubbed the sleep from their eyes.

The kids relished the morning. Despite the fact that it was extremely early, it was still good to wake up for once in a decent place and not have to instantly worry for their well being. Ianto came walking out of the boardroom, tray with 5 coffee's in hand. When he handed out the cups, one by one, Gazzy, Nudge and Angel all showed signs of disappointment at the absence of chocolate, however they quickly smiled after they tasted the hot beverage.

Iggy and Fang accepted the cups with nods of thanks. Max smiled when Ianto carefully guided Iggy's hands to grip the coffee cup firmly.

"You should be careful," he warned as Gazzy started to eagerly gulp the coffee, then gagged. "It's very hot."

At that moment, Jack walked in, carrying a large bag of bagels. "Breakfast!" he called cheerfully, as he brought the bag of food over to the hungry children. They didn't hesitate to dive into the bag, each bringing out a bagel, indiscriminate of flavor.

"There are plates in the boardroom-" Ianto began, then stopped when he saw they weren't listening to him, rather focused on the food. "Or you can eat it right here." he finished.

Jack smiled as Ianto winced visibly when Gazzy accidentally let part of the bagel fall to the floor. Similarly, crumbs surrounded each of the boys who were eating. Jack walked over to his lover and put an arm around his waist. "Don't worry," he whispered into the Welshman's ear. "I'll clean it up."

Ianto looked at him and smiled. "I doubt that very much, sir. I don't think I would let you. You may just end up making even more of a mess."

"Now, Ianto," said Jack, pouting. "Why does it seem that you think I can't do anything right this morning?"

"Oh, but sir, you can do many things right. There's really quite a list." whispered Ianto, seductively, using his Welsh accent to his advantage.

"And I don't suppose you'll let me show some of these things?" asked Jack. He really hated Ianto right now. It was all he could do from throwing Ianto down on the couch in front of those children and taking him.

"Maybe later," said Ianto. Just then, the cog door rolled open, signalling the arrival of Tosh, who was always the second person in during the morning. "I've got to get Tosh her coffee."

Jack watched appreciatively at the retreating Welshman's back.

"You should tell him," came a small voice. Jack whirled around to see Angel standing behind him. "Excuse me?" he asked.

"Tell him that you love him," she said innocently.

"How do you know that? I don't let anyone read my thoughts, ever!" he exclaimed.

"It's in your eyes," she said, as she turned her back to him to get more bagels.

Jack was slightly disturbed by the small girl. She reminded him so much of the tarot card reader he had seen right before joining Torchwood those many years ago.

TORCHWOOD TORCHWOOD TORCHWOOD

Within the next couple of hours, Owen and Gwen had come in. Owen right after Tosh, after all he didn't need to sleep, and Gwen about a half-an-hour later. The day proved to be about as quiet as it had been the past weeks, with no Rift activity.

Jack was in his office, working on some papers when Ianto came in. Jack looked up at him, a smile lighting up his face. "There's my favorite Welshman."

"Sir, you've used that phrase twice in one day." said Ianto, one eyebrow raised.

"What, I'm not allowed to speak the truth?" said Jack.

"It's just, I assumed that being in Cardiff for all these years, you would have picked up a great deal of Welshmen." replied Ianto.

"You, Ianto Jones, are the only Welshman I will ever need." said Jack as he got up from his desk and pulled the young man into a soft kiss. He pulled away a few seconds later, leaving Ianto slightly breathless. "You needed something?" he asked.

"Yeah, uh" stammered Ianto, momentarily flustered. Then he regained his composure and resumed his business-like tone of voice. "I was just wondering, since the Rift is pretty quiet, maybe I could take a small trip out, just for an hour or two."

"What for?" asked Jack.

"Just picking up some essentials, for the kids. Looks like they are going to be here for a while, so I should get stocked up on food and stuff."

"That's a good idea Ianto, but do you think you'll know their sizes and styles?"

"Well, sir, I did say my father was a tailor, and as for styles, I've observed them enough to know what they would want to wear."

"I do recall that. I also recall we haven't tested that family eye yet." said Jack suggestively.

"Maybe later sir," said Ianto, firmly resisting Jack's attempts to seduce him. "Right now, I need to head out and get the stuff."

"Yes, sir, I did think it would be a good idea. So, I'll be heading out now. Torchwood credit card, sir?"

"Actually, use mine," said Jack. When Ianto looked like he was going to protest, Jack stopped him. "We have to write up an account of all the expenses on the credit card. I'd rather that Unit not know about these bird kids. Anyway, I've been working for Torchwood for years, I think I can handle one shopping spree."

"Very well, sir" replied Ianto. He started to leave the office, then on an after thought, he turned around and gave Jack a quick kiss. "See you later."

Jack smiled. Slowly but surely, Ianto was beginning to trust him more. Maybe he could tell the Welshman how much he loved him soon. Hopefully, Ianto would reciprocate.

TORCHWOOD TORCHWOOD TORCHWOOD

Max was a little suspicious when Ianto went up to talk Jack. They had been talking and constantly looking over at the couch where the Flock was lounging. Finally, Ianto had walked out of the office, then out of the Hub without saying a word.

Normal people would call this paranoia. Then again, normal people weren't constantly dodging bullets while trying to stay free from an organization that had raised them as lab rats and was trying to kill them. So, really, it wouldn't be paranoia. Mostly, extreme caution. As a matter of fact, considering what Max and the Flock had been through, not being overly suspicious would classify as downright stupidity.

And then there was the issue of Angel not being able to read the minds of over half the team.

"So, honey," said Max to the blonde curly haired girl on the sofa. "You're telling me you can't get any reading off Jack? Or the doctor Owen?"

"No, it's weird," Angel wrinkled her forehead in concentration. "The only one that is really easy to read is Gwen. Tosh's thoughts are murky, like she's also read minds before. Inside of Owen's head is just darkness, it's scary." She shivered and Max pulled her close. "Don't worry, Angel, the thoughts can't hurt you."

"Yeah," she sighed. "I suppose. And then there's Jack. He's got a wall around his thoughts. Not like Owen. He is thinking stuff, he's just protecting it. Like he's been trained to withstand mind-reading or something. And Ianto too. He has a wall, like Jack's, only not as strong. He can't keep the really strong emotions hidden. Like Lisa." The whole Flock shuddered as they recalled the horrific story of his converted girlfriend.

"Poor Ianto," murmured Max. "I don't usually say this, since we've all been through so much, but his life has throughouly sucked. Watching hundreds of people die, then trying to save someone you love, but not being able to. It must have been horrible. And working for this place, with the horrors you see every day. I'm surprised none of these people are driven insane."

"Actually, Torchwood has a forty percent rate of employees who go insane." The Flock jumped at the new voice. Tosh stood behind them. "Of the 26 survivors of Canary Wharf, 19 were committed to asylums. Best in the country, of course, but asylums nonetheless. And one of our own agents recently turned against us a year back and was killed. Torchwood gets to you. And then, of course, there's the life expectancy. Most Torchwood employees live to their late 20's early thirties."

Max was really starting to feel at home here. Not knowing when you were going to die and expecting not to live for very long anyway, the Flock dealt with that everyday.

"So, what, none of you guys are going to live for another 10 years?" asked Max.

"Nobody knows" said Tosh, matter of factly. "There could be an alien invasion and tomorrow we would have to give our lives to save the world. It's part of the job."

"But why?" asked Nudge. "Why would you do something that might kill you? It would be better to have just a regular job, wouldn't it?"

"Some of us don't have a choice, other's do it because it'll help avenge the one's we love." replied Tosh.

At that moment, the cog wheel door rolled back. Ianto came in, carrying large bags of foodstuffs and other essentials. He walked past them, into the boardroom. The younger kids ran up towards him.

"Oh, what'd ya get?" exclaimed Nudge. "Food, shampoo, soap? I'd like a shower, I haven't had a shower in a very long time. Where would we take the shower? Are there showers here? Is it warm water? I would like a warm water shower? Look at all that food! What's for dinner? Is it-" she was cut off by a hand over her mouth.

"Hey Nudge Channel," said Iggy. "Not all of us can see, so let the man explain."

"Thank you, Iggy." said Ianto. "Though Nudge does have some very good questions, which I will answer in due time. First of all, I would like your help in unloading the SUV. I stopped by some clothing stores to pick up some stuff for you guys."

Angel, Gazzy, and Nudge lit up like Christmas trees, while Max Fang and Iggy merely smiled in relief. Finally, some new clothes and a possible shower. What a relief.

"I only need a few helpers, so Nudge, Gazzy and Angel, come on." he said, and the children eagerly followed him up.

Up at the SUV, Ianto handed each kid two bags of clothing. "Head on down." he told them. "I'll get the SUV in the garage." As Nudge, Gazzy and Angel disappeared into the shop, Ianto smiled. He was glad to have made them happy. As he circled around the back to the SUV to get to the driver's side, he suddenly felt the cold barrel of the gun press against his back. "You've been hanging with the bird-kids." came a growling voice.

Crap, thought Ianto. Someone from that "School" the kids were talking about. Ok, gotta stay calm. Gotta let Jack know what happened.

"Who are you?" he asked authoritatively. "What do you want with me?"

"You know what we want. Those bird-kids." stated the voice.

"At least let me see you. I can't talk to thin air." Ianto was spun around and flinched slightly at the hairy, wolf-like face that stared at him.

"Don't lie to me, I saw you with the little blonde girl, the boy and that black girl. We know they're from the School and we've been sent to capture them."

"Ahhh," said Ianto in realization. "So you're an Eraser?"

"Yeah I am, but you better stop asking the questions and start answering them, or else you'll be in a world of pain."

Ianto smiled, simliar in the way he had smiled at that cannibal before headbutting him. "I think you are the one who will be in a world of pain." Before the wolf-man could react, Ianto quickly kneed him, then knocked the gun out of his hand. He turned to run, and at the same time turned on his comm. "Jack, there's Erasers here from the School. They've come for the bird-kids. Promise to keep them safe. Don't let-". Suddenly, Ianto felt a ripping pain across the side of his face. The last thing he saw before he hit the pavement was the leering grin of multiple wolf-men standing around him, then he faded into the blackness.


Oh my gosh! I just realized something horrible. I was brushing up on Maximum Ride, and I realized that my timeline is wrong. It's meant to be set after they go to New York, but there is no Total or Celeste. I'm so sorry, to all you Total lovers, really I am. I feel like a complete idiot. I'm not sure if I can integrate this into the story in some way. But I will try.

Also, sorry for the update time. I'm really having a writer's block right now. Just the weather in my city is making me feel really off and unable to write anything good. Sorry about any mistakes I made regarding Canary Wharf, or anything else. Feel free to correct me.