9

Since the revelation Ianto had found a new level of peace in Jack's arms, no longer afraid as the only people that mattered loved him back and although he wanted to understand what had happened to his parents, what had happened back there at that lighthouse a lifetime ago, he was more than prepared to let it simmer as he enjoyed a new life he never thought he would have.

Today Jack said he had a surprise and they were taking Heath with them as the SUV's tires hummed softly along the road.

Jack hadn't told him anything, but had laid out one of the suits he had gifted him as a surprise only the day before.

He had called them his armour.

Ianto liked that, also loved the suit, all blue and pretty like something off the catwalk. How weird as he would have never chosen it for himself but it felt and looked perfect.

Ianto looked back between the seats and watched a tiny mouth pucker, then grin as Heath realised he had an audience and then to Ianto's immense delight the little man started to babble.

Jack pulled over and turned in the seat to watch with open joy as their baby waved his hands and gobblygooked at them for a good five minutes, pausing now and to consider and then examine a hand before starting a new subject.

Ianto was laughing with delight as he pretended to agree and Jack was struck with how handsome Ianto was with a natural glowing smile.

"I love you" Jack said with a hand over Ianto's.

"Jack?" Ianto frowned as he caught nervousness in Jack and Jack smiled softly.

"A surprise" Jack whispered, leaning over to kiss Ianto, then he drove on to a little country cottage. Ianto frowned as he slid out and watched Jack stride inside, and then he got Heath out as he waited for explanation.

"Sweetling, this way" Jack called and Ianto walked over with a frown still marring his features, then he stepped inside and froze.

"Hello there, this is the little one is it?" the Doctor stepped forward and Ianto immediately stepped back, the clear message that he was not going to hand over his chick.

"It's OK, I just want a peek, you can keep hold" the man spoke softly his mop of hair falling forward and he smiled encouragingly as Ianto let the blanket fall enough for Heath and the Doctor to meet.

"Awwww look at those stormy eyes" he whispered, "I am called The Oncoming Storm and my eyes aren't half as intense as yours."

Heath blinked slowly as he considered then he smiled.

"Awwwwwwww" the Doctor gushed, "Does your Daddy smile like that?"

"Taddy" Ianto corrected, "I'm Taddy and Jack is Dadda."

"Jack is Dadda" the Doctor repeated slowly as he straightened and looked over at the suddenly nervous man.

"They are my loves" Jack told him, "I found my Rose."

"Ah" the Doctor smiled softly as he canted his head, "So how can I help you?"

"We are bonding and I want Heath to feel me as I feel him. I want …no" Jack huffed, "We. We want to be together and bonded."

"Oh! Why didn't you day so!" the Doctor laughed as he pulled at his bowtie, "I thought it was something difficult. Righteo. So. We do it here?"

"Do what!" Ianto finally snapped.

"Bond!" Jack said back like Ianto was being silly, "I want a bonding."

Ianto stared blankly at them.

"Ah. Er …wedding?" the Doctor offered a substitute word, "I bind you together like a wedding ceremony and afterwards your bond is strengthened and Heath can flourish more. With both of you feeding him through the bond he will grow like a weed!"

Ianto's face lit up as he realised what was happening and he turned to Jack, his eyes wide, "Jack. Are you marrying me?"

"Yes" Jack slumped with relief, "Yes Sweetling, I am marrying you, the Doctor is officiating."

"Now?" Ianto gaped, "But ….but …it's just us!"

"We can have a party later, even another wedding ceremony where everyone can be there and have a cake, photos and stuff but this is different. This is to connect us and make our link stronger."

"Oh!" Ianto looked down at Heath, "What do you think Heathy Bum?"

Heath gurgled and lifted his kissy hand with a look of determination, Ianto crooned as he kissed it like a good Taddy and then watched as his wee man tucked it back against his chest and closed his eyes.

"Oh, he's tired" Ianto sighed softly, "My sweet little boy. Taddy has you, you go nun-nyes."

Heath sighed softly as he nuzzled in deeper and went limp.

"You speak Chameleon Bavara!" the Doctor said with interest as his gaze now drank in the man, "You! Oh ho ho! Jack! You found a cockoo and awwwww, a chick and a nurturer!"

Ianto looked at Jack with a nervous frown and Jack grinned.

"Mine! I don't share!" Jack warned as he stepped close enough to hug Ianto, "He is not going to go play with you."

"Spoil sport, they travel so well" the Doctor pouted like a child, then shrugged, "Oh well. I guess we need to find those bonding rings, I know I have a few sets somewhere."

It was real.

Ianto had to sit down.

Jack was about to put a ring on it.