21

Owen was watching Ianto as he stoked the fire and crawled back to the sofa where he settled back on the mattress that had found its way there and all the warm blankets were a lovely nest.

Heath was asleep in Owen's arms and he moved slightly to let Ianto cuddle in against him and kiss the wee chick.

"They'll be a while" Owen said and Ianto swung his head with a raised eyebrow, "My boots came off in different areas so they'll have fun finding them with the fresh snow that's fallen since we've been back."

"Be nice if the dogs helped with their superior noses" Ianto snorted, "Shame about their brains."

Both men laughed softly as Heath stretched and yawned, then snuffled back against Owen.

"He is so precious" Owen whispered and Ianto felt a surge of affection for his friend, pulling him tighter against him.

"Ianto, can I ask you something?" Owen asked after a while, "Just us."

"Sure"

"In the water …how did you do that?"

"Do what" Ianto said flatly, looking down at Heath as little eyes fluttered open to stare back up, feeling the mood change in his Taddy.

"It all happened so fast, I know some things are hazy but I'm not stupid" Owen said with the same tone, "I'm not judging here. I love you, you know that, right? You can tell me anything and I will defend you to the end of time, right?"

Ianto shifted and sighed as he realised he had given himself away, "This …thing. Cuckoo abilities …we don't talk about them."

"Abilities" Owen breathed with awe.

"Telekinesis is one of them."

"I knew it!" Tosh said from the doorway as she dropped a dripping boot, "That mug! You …you …willed it to you!"

"Ianto, just tell me one thing" Owen said as he gripped his arm tightly, "I need to know, please, I have to know before we can move forward."

Jack had entered and saw the fear in Ianto's eyes, wanting to rush to comfort but also sensing something big was happening so he waited by Tosh with the other boot.

"What" Ianto barked.

"This ability" Owen said as he stared into the twin storms, "Is it for good? I mean …can it turn you to the dark side?"

"Dark side?" Ianto frowned as he stared at Owen.

"You know …your breathing has been deeper since the lake and …maybe a bit raspy" Owen shrugged and then sobered again as he leaned closer.

"Ianto?"

Ianto blinked.

"Are you my father?"

Ianto blinked again and then finally got the Star Wars analogy happening, surging back with anger before Jack's laughter filled the room.

"You bloody arsehole!" Jack said once he had gained control, "Shit."

"Just need to know if we are safe with a bloody Jedi in the house, that's all" Owen sniffed and then he grinned, "Pretty bloody cool though."

Ianto was relaxing as his fear waned and Heath looked at him for assurance, so he leaned over and kissed him as he whispered that they were still safe.

"Shit, did I scare him?" Owen was suddenly contrite.

"He felt my spike of fear through our bond" Ianto explained, "You startled me."

"I …sorry. I didn't think you would be scared, not of me" Owen said sadly, "I was just so fucking amused when I thought back to how you propelled me up like Luke Skywalker getting his lightsaber, Jack looming above us like the big snow monster."

Ianto smiled and nodded as he plucked his chick from Owen's arms and cuddled him close, still feeling uncomfortable.

"Now I've upset you" Owen guessed, "I didn't mean to …I didn't know how to ask."

"I never talk about it, it's part of our creed to be hidden, safe and silent" Ianto explained "To speak of it causes us discomfort, almost like a pain."

"You know I love you" Owen said forcefully, "I don't care if you are part fucking Weevil. I might if you are part Swiss. Those fuckers are sadists, those chocolate bar things are like a torture devise."

"Yes dear" Ianto said softly, his humour returning.

"Look …I know you come from a communal race and you are currently alone and unsupervised here" Owen said with a soft smile, "But imagine mate. It freaks me out too. The possibilities are endless"

Ianto blinked as Owen jiggled excitedly.

"You could fix the lottery ball drop!"

No they were all laughing as Owen looked hopefully at him like a child asking for a lolly before tea.

"Owen …." Ianto sniggered, "I love you so much."

"Don't be silly" Owen huffed, "You're not that stupid!"

"Ah, but you see …we are bred to assimilate to our surroundings and mimic those around us" Ianto crooned as he reached for Owen's face and cupped a cheek, "So…yeah. I'm getting stupider by the second."

"You …you …." Owen spluttered with fake anger, "You fucking bastard!"

"Ooooo, swear Jar is gonna be so full by the time we get home" Jack sighed as Ianto laughed, hugging Owen to him and Heath reached out to grasp at Owen as well.

"We might be stupid" Owen muttered into Ianto's chest, "Be we be fierce wee beasties!"

"Yes Owen" Ianto sighed happily, "We be fierce."