25

Ianto still felt odd in this strange new world, both upper and lower worlds actually. The rise and fall had been swift, those in power either bending the knee or succumbing to those they thought were bending to them. Unfortunately there was also some that were simply culled by those who saw a chance of a cover excuse.

Now little wars and conflicts had broken out and they were spilling above ground, the skirmishes caught on CCTV as Ianto was forced to watch dragons fighting in the streets like common hoodlums.

Ianto was incensed but knew he had to stay out of some of them or there could never be a new peace, those different houses must settle their own disputes and come to him with anything of worth.

He had spent a lot of time with Myfanwy up in her nest, her soft sighs of delight as he sang and stroked her head, telling her of wonderful things, memories and dreams. Finally he knew he couldn't hide anymore and eventually had to come out of hiding to walk in the sun once more, if only to show those rumours about his injury and even death were as false as those that the dragons had bent the knee to the humans.

He certainly did NOT want that again.

As memories faded and this new reality set in Ianto found himself able to shuffle both memories into one understanding and knew the easiest way to accept them was to simply let them lie.

Or float.

Jack was on the phone, pacing as well as shouting and Ianto wondered if it was to prove to himself or someone else that he was able to multitask as he told the poor UNIT sap that he intended doing terrible things to their jeep next time they parked it on top of a landing site he had already cleared.

Ianto decided his best idea was to take in the sun, heading up to the Plass where he calmly strode across the cobblestones towards the bakery, the sudden idea of a donut with cinnamon and brown sugar making the youngling inside him twist and turn with glee.

In the last few days he had felt it moving, little flutters at first but now he knew he could feel his child. His sweetling.

Ianto felt more than heard the commotion behind him and he turned slowly expecting to find a giggle of schoolgirls dancing along or even maybe a wedding procession as it was the season but instead he found himself transfixed, watching the men waking boldly towards him with weapons being pulled from their holsters with the clear intent of reaching him.

His blood boiled.

How dare they, his baby wanted sweeties, how fucking dare they.

A voice whispered that it was hormones but he didn't care as he crouched to engage but a low growl emanated from a chest far larger than his human form could produce, a huge red dragon standing up on the roof of the bakery was now making its own opinion known as it slithered down the side of the building, it's claws digging into the brickwork as it came to stand next to Ianto, the jaws opening in warning of impending doom.

"Thank you Rhys" Ianto said softly, touched that his friend would choose to reveal himself so openly and those approaching slowed as dragon after dragon transformed, those walking the Plass suddenly in a throng of anger as every third or fourth person revealed their scales.

Ianto could not believe how may Dragons there were, sizes and colours in the broad daylight in the middle of the world. No war, no call to arms just going about their business like everyone else.

"IANTO" Jack was running, his face flushed with worry as he drew close and skirted around a little green dragon that moved to one side for him and Ianto smiled. The rest fo the team followed, Gwen openly shocked as she looked up at the creatures around her.

"It's OK Cariad" Ianto said softly, "They didn't know we are so … alive in the world. This treaty means we are already here, everywhere."

"Who do you belong to" Jack demanded as he looked at the men who had realised they were surrounded, "What house?"

"I don't think they are Dragon, just handlers" Ianto sad softly, "Humans who handle things for the dragons."

"Like familiars for vampires?" Owen asked as he looked at the big red dragon and then at Ianto, then the dragon again.

"It's Rhys" Ianto waved a hand and Gwen gaped at her friend as he blinked calmly back. "I think it's his first transformation so don't judge. We don't all have the ability. Some don't ever get enough to do this. Tell us, whose house do you serve?"

The men stood firm.

"Go get your donut love" Jack said in a monotone, "I have a few things to see to."

Ianto considered and realised it was not a dismissal, it was a warning to those watching and he canted his head then leaned in to kiss Jack's cheek "Thank you my captain."

Ianto went to get his baby something sweet and didn't turn back as the men were lead away.

After all, Jack had been clear.

He had 'things' to see to.

Ianto hoped they enjoy finally meeting his mate.