12
Lizzie had told them to take break, go and relax. She was 'cleaning house' and whatever is meant, it would be epic. No one wants their sweet little queen turning into a raging monster on them. Not this one.
She has the backbone of a mother.
They retreated to the cabin, Heath enthused as were his dogs but Ianto was too tired to care. Owen and Tosh promised to follow in a day or so knowing Jack wanted time with his little brood on his own, some cuddling needed for all of their sanities. It was all aired out and ready for them, a note left welcoming them back and reminding them that the truck in the garage was not working. Ianto had looked at it and considered as he tapped his finger on the bench top then he said "Maybe we need a new one."
"New what?" Jack asked as he struggled with his son's zipper, Heath patiently allowing Jack to paw at it even if he could probably fix it quicker. A loving stroke of his father's head as Jack muttered and tugged.
"Truck. If the old one has broken down again, maybe…"
"Classic!" Jack huffed, "I like that old truck. No, I can fix it."
Ianto saw a lot of grease and oil in the future, then shrugged as at least Jack would be happy under the hood of the damned ting and who knows, Heath might enjoy some 'man' time with matching cracks on display as they lean over to discuss the finer points of a combustible engine. Heath loved learning about everything, engines not something they had really delved into with him yet. Would need old clothes.
"Well … I have a list"
Two heads shot up, eyes wide and bright with glee as Heath slapped his father's hand away and zipped his jacket back up to show he was ready to go. Jack accepted the list and a kiss as he asked if Ianto was coming and Ianto told them to go, he would start some food so when they got back they could eat.
Of course he was going to unpack without them underfoot but they liked the idea of helping. Ianto saw them off as the SUV roared like an overexcited kitten down the street. Good.
Ianto sat and stared into space, the silence comforting now as he finally had the house to himself …well ..himself and a Red Setter that had decided to play dead instead of going to the village with her mental fur brother. No don't like the little guy leaning out the window howling like a siren all the way there as Heath laughed wildly. Tad didn't allow that. Dad always did without Tad in the car. As if Ianto would not know. Hmmm?
Soup?
Ianto rose and started some soup, knowing they would be a while as that bloody truck was going to get several things done to it whether it needed them or not, Jack in total mechanic mode. After consideration he also put some rolls in the oven on low so they would get crunchy. Heath loved those.
He also made some cheese on toast.
Jack loved those.
And made coffee.
Ianto loved that!
The SUV was soon crunching back around the house with the familiar howl that had Janet groaning softly in her bed to show her annoyance at her little brother, voices full of energy and glee as the two men in Ianto's life burst into the house and stopped at the smells, groceries forgotten still in the SUV. Of course.
Ianto suggested they unpack while he gets plates ready.
They ate with gusto, both talking through their food as Ianto bit his tongue. They agreed ya see. At home manners were employed but here it was a free zone of madness, naked wandering and food on the floor. Those rules … eating at the table, mouth closed, politely clearing mouth before speaking and definitely no feeding the dogs from your plate. Nope, here it was madness and they were all wild heathens.
Ianto found that he sort of liked it actually, the freedom to slide a crust to a little furry face.
The rabbits at the school were flourishing, Heath a natural and Ianto knew the little fella was angling for another pet somewhere along the line and Ianto was not quite sure what would fit with the dogs. It had to be sturdy, used to madness and loud noises, forgiving of accidental running over and generally a bit insane. Hmmmm. Yeah. That about summed it up.
"There is a fair this weekend" Heath suddenly said "We saw a flier"
"Yes!" Jack pointed his knife, a blob of raspberry jam flinging across the table as Ianto looked away lest he laugh or scold …maybe both and Jack continued "the village fete. We will be here, never been to one have you. Fun. I will give you some pocket money so you can get some stuff, maybe we remember Aunty Tosh is about to have a birthday and look for a gift? With the baby coming a lot of things are being got for it, maybe she would be touched if we found something just for her?"
Heath wriggled in his chair and Ianto placed a hand on Jack's arm leaning in for a kiss as he was reminded of how much he loved his mad man.