25. Crazy Train

All the way home the storm raged outside the SUV and Ianto had started rocking in his seat. They tore into the driveway and Jack made the executive decision to drive through the low hedgerow onto the front lawn so they were as close to the front door as possible.

After a day of comforting Owen, Ianto was close to breaking point, Jack's main aim was to get Ianto to safety at any cost.

Jack slid out and held out his arms as Ianto shot across the seat and out of Jack's door, which was the closest to the front door. Jack caught him and swung him down with a soft kiss then deposited him on the doorstep which was under a small alcove.

Ianto had his key-card and he swiped it with a nervous whine then shot inside as the boom of thunder overhead even made Jack duck with surprise.

Jack closed the door and followed Ianto to the living room where he upended boxes desperately whining as he searched for Shawn. Finally he found his sheep and he crawled to the sofa where he hugged Shawn to his chest as he whispered comforts. Jack didn't know if Ianto was comforting Shawn or Shawn was comforting him.

Jack pulled the old patchwork quilt over Ianto, placing him in darkness like a spooked horse and Ianto's frantic whispers died.

Next, Jack put the stereo on and turned the music up so the storm was drowned out by Ozzy Ozborne. Jack groaned at the music but Ianto had danced to this music before being "Grown-up" and it hadn't been changed.

Jack left Ianto cowering under the quilt and went to the kitchen to make hot chocolate. He was pouring the hot milk when a roar of "All aboard" from Ianto in the living room made him jump. He took a moment to calm his nerves and then carried the cups through.

Ianto was sitting up on the sofa belting out the song at top volume, Shawn appeared to be dancing along to the music. When he saw Jack he shot Shawn under the quilt and hung his head with shame.

Jack sat and offered the cup and tried to think of a way to help. Ianto sipped at the drink politely while humming under his breath. Jack rose then left. He peeked around the doorframe and saw sheepie was dancing again on Ianto's knees.

Jack went to the bedroom and found what he needed, changing quickly then waltzing back into the living room and settling back down with his cuppa.

Ianto sat with his mouth open as he stared at Jack who sat there in the onesie Ianto had never seen before. It was a giraffe. A pink giraffe and Jack had topped it off with a pair of oversized sunglasses.

After a few minutes Ianto leaned forward to look from a different angle and Jack casually took another sip from his mug.

"Crazy weather, huh babes?" Jack asked and Ianto snorted with glee.

Ianto flew from the room, Shawn thrown back at the giraffe who caught him and stuffed him down his front to peer out.

Ianto returned in his onesie, retrieved from the wardrobe. A turtle and a giraffe enjoyed their hot chocolates in peace as Ozzy wanted to come home to his mamma.

Jack had never been so warm and was now not surprised that Ianto had loved his. "Need to go get some more of these hon."

Ianto looked at Jack out of the corner of his eye and raised an eyebrow, "Not in this we're not"

"Nope. When it's a nice day, make a day of shopping. A few thrift shops to see yet and I'd like a selection of these. Gods, how warm" Jack shuffled and Ianto saw Shawn.

"Shawn! That's my spot you bloody sleaze!" Ianto hooked out the sheep and placed his head there, cuddling into his chest/pillow.

"Love you baby" Jack said softly, rubbing Ianto's back as he finally had his little man back.

"Love you too Cariad" came a muffled reply.

"Long crazy day" Jack sighed as they settled into the embrace.

"Crazy trains are like that."