The day of the Silver Celebration is here …
Anniversary – the day
- October 4718, Cardiff and Ogmore
Waking early, Jack went to the office and put in a couple of hours work. There had been too many alien incursions in recent weeks for it to be coincidence and he had set a team to analyse the data and see if they could detect a pattern. Going through the results he thought he spotted something they'd missed and sent messages to his subordinates; Jack may be having a weekend off but they weren't going to have the same luxury. Clearing some other, less critical, work he finally closed the screen around six o'clock and went to check on Jonty.
Jack loved the boy and hoped Holly and Stu would add to their family soon, he missed having youngsters about the place. He entered the child's room and found him restless but still sleeping. Jack sat down and waited, expecting him to wake properly shortly. He looked round the room at the items left by Owain when he had moved to his new apartment in Toulouse. The boy was a concern, no doubt about it, but unlike Ianto he understood Owain's need to kick over the traces and let rip. He was young, rich and successful – let him enjoy it. When it became too much of a habit or someone looked in danger of getting hurt then was the time to step in. The other children gave him no such concerns, though he thought Luke worked too hard and didn't relax and enjoy himself enough. The boys were such contrasts, just like their parents who they also resembled physically.
"Uuuhhh," came from the bed and Jack turned his attention to his small grandson who was not yet quite awake.
It was wonderful to have the boy around and he appreciated being a part of his life. He had lost his other surviving grandson only months before when Goran had died after a short illness. He had been relatively young – eighty seven – but had always acted older. At least his last few years had been happy ones as he and Annese had revelled in their own grandchildren, Toto and Harriet now fourteen and eight respectively. Jack knew that the children were helping Annese come to terms with her loss.
With a sudden spurt of energy, Jonty opened his eyes and sat up rubbing at them with small fists. He looked round and spotted his grandfather and smiled. The boy always woke suddenly but then took a little while to gather his wits about him. "Gwamps," he said blinking the sleep out of his eyes.
"Jonty." Jack smiled and pulled the chair to the side of the bed. "Come here, soldier." He opened his arms and the boy crawled out of the covers and onto Jack's knee, curling up in a small ball. Pulling a cover from the bed and wrapping it round the small body, Jack hugged Jonty close and waited for him to wake up properly.
An hour later, Jack had the boy washed and dressed and had given him a biscuit and juice to keep him going until breakfast. He had enjoyed listening to his chatter; the boy talked a lot and had a good vocabulary. He also like to draw and Jack believed he had inherited his father's artistic talents and temperament as well as his looks. They entered the main bedroom, taking elaborate measures to keep quiet as they crept to the bed where Ianto was still sleeping. Jack picked the boy up and sat him on the bed and then leant down and kissed his partner. Ianto stirred slightly and smiled but Jonty decided it was taking far too long and moved in to help. He crawled over the Welshman before plonking a wet kiss on his cheek. The combination finally penetrated Ianto's sleep and he opened his eyes to see Jonty peering at him from a distance of just a few centimetres.
"He wake!" cried the boy who promptly sat on his grandtad's stomach.
"Wretch," said Ianto, looking round and spotting Jack in the background. "Did you have to bring this thug in with you?" he said, laughing.
"He insisted. Anyway time you were up and about. We have a big day.." He grinned at Ianto's answering groan and then disappeared into the bathroom to wash.
Ianto managed to ease himself upright and sat with Jonty. They were in the middle of a surreal conversation about grass when Jack emerged from the bathroom. "Do you fancy a walk before breakfast?" Ianto asked.
"Good idea. We've a while before Stu gets here." Jack was getting dressed in an old pair of trousers and shirt as he spoke; he'd change into his finery later.
"You take this one away while I wash and dress. Does Glonnix know we're eating late?"
"Of course. She's coming with us afterwards." Jack picked up the boy to give Ianto room to get out of the bed. In the living area he sat on a chair with Jonty on his knee. "Now, let's talk to Daddy," he said booting up the big screen.
"Daddy?" Jonty looked round, expecting to see him.
"No, love, he's not here, not yet. We'll talk to him on the vid-screen." Jack pointed and the boy looked expectantly at the screen. In a few minutes, the connection was made and a tousled and unshaven Stu appeared.
"Daddy!" cried Jonty, clapping his hands and bouncing up and down. "Time wake up."
"No, it's still the middle of the night," murmured Stu, holding his head in his hands and yawning.
Jack smiled. He'd forgotten that like most people involved in the theatre, Stu worked and rose late. "Sorry, Stu, suppose you didn't get to bed too early. Look, it's only a quick call. There weren't any things for Jonty to wear to the Celebration. Just wanted to remind you to bring them with you when you come."
"Oh, yeah. Holly left them out ready somewhere. I'll bring them over." He blinked, still not fully awake. "Is it okay if I change at your place?"
"Sure. We're not changing 'til after breakfast." He chuckled, "Look, go back to bed. See you at ten."
"I'll do that. Bye. Bye, Jonty." Stu managed a smile for his son and a wave.
"Bye-bye, Daddy." The boy waved both arms enthusiastically as Jack closed the connection.
With Ianto dressed, the three went out into the chilly but bright morning. The area around the apartment was a mixture of commercial and residential buildings and there were some large open spaces as well as a playground for children. Jonty ran around and played on the swingboats and hoverboards, getting rid of some excess energy. His grandparents hoped he would have a nap before they left for Ogmore. There would be time as they had had strict instructions not to arrive before noon. They began the walk back to the apartment and saw Stu step off the teleport some metres ahead of them.
"Look, sweetheart, Daddy." Ianto pointed the man out to the little boy and he went tearing off after him, screaming in that high pitched voice all little children possess. He watched as Stu paused and turned, putting his bags down to scoop up the boy and swing him round. "Remember when ours were like that?" he said to Jack as they strolled after the boy.
"Oh yes. I miss those times too." They exchanged a smile. "But they're over now. You understand that, don't you, Ianto?" Jack had been aware of his partner's recent restlessness.
"I'm not stupid, Jack," Ianto replied, rolling his eyes. "I just hadn't realised how much I would miss them," he admitted, linking his arm through Jack's.
"I know, but we still have each other."
"It'll just take some getting used to, bear with me." Ianto kissed Jack briefly and then greeted Stu. Jack took his son-in-law's bags to leave Stu free to hold his son and they all walked to the apartment.
-ooOoo-
At half past eleven, Jack and Stu were in the living area. The younger man was dressed in a smart tunic and top and was rubbing a finger round the neck which was a bit tight. Jack was in his usual blue shirt and trousers but he had donned a fancy, blue and silver waistcoat. He was wearing the cufflinks his son Tonan had given him many years ago, his last Christmas present to his father. The front door opened and Glonnix came in. She had returned to her suite to dress and was now back to join them for the ride to Ogmore, the children having insisted she attend.
"Glonnix, you look lovely," said Jack and meant it. The woman was trim and neat and looked smart in her deep yellow tunic and skirt with a wide, fancy belt. "Ianto's just getting Jonty so we'll be away shortly."
"I'm under instructions to delay you if it looks like we'll arrive early," she replied, smiling. She was delighted to have been asked to join the Celebration and was looking forward to it immensely.
"Here he is," announced Ianto appearing from the bedroom corridor. "All neat and tidy." Jonty was wearing new dungarees and top and even had some smart shoes on his small feet. He passed the boy to Stu and turned to Glonnix. "I like your outfit," he said.
"Thank you." They all stood in silence for a moment or two, none of them quite knowing what to do or say, as is often the case when waiting to leave. Jack looked Ianto over, admiring the dark grey suit and red tie.
"Come on, let's go," said Jack finally. "If it looks like we'll be early I'll circle round a time or two."
With a sigh of relief the others fell in with the plan and they donned their coats and trooped off to the flivver pad on the top of the building. They settled in the flivver and Jack took off, rising vertically for several hundred metres to clear the surrounding buildings and then headed off for Ogmore. For part of the flight he had Jonty on his knee and showed him the controls, just as he had with the boy's mother many years before. The boy liked the attention but displayed no interest in the flivver as a machine, another sign of his artistic bent. As they neared the house, having flown as slowly as Jack could manage, they were still five minutes early and saw a succession of flivvers landing and taking off; the guests were still arriving.
"A quick trip out to sea, I think," said Jack, heading away from the coast and over the island, doing a large loop. "Have you seen the house from this angle, Glonnix?" he asked.
"No. It's a beautiful setting." And it was. The sun was shining on the house which looked as if it had grown out of the cliff, surrounded by established and verdant trees even at this time of year.
"There's a lot of people down there," commented Ianto, seeing groups on the grass outside the front door as well as some walking closer to the beach. He felt a small fluttering in his stomach; he still didn't like crowds even if they were friends and family.
"Better go and join them," laughed Jack, "it's time." He expertly swung the flivver to the landing pad. "Let's go and face the hordes," he joked as he handed Glonnix out and took Jonty so Stu could clamber down the steps. "You too," he said pointedly to Ianto who was still sitting inside, "I'm not doing this on my own." With a grimace Ianto joined him.
"Welcome!" cried Holly coming to greet them. She kissed them all and then linked her arms with Jack and Ianto and pulled them along. "Come and meet everyone."
The next hour was spent in a blur of greetings, laughter, one or two tears and great happiness for both men. Everyone was gathered in front of the house. Minda was the first to run up and hug them both but Owain was not far behind with his boisterous back slapping. Luke greeted them more quietly but just as sincerely and then it was the turn of Carillys and Hummel and their two children, who seemed to have grown considerably in the few months since Jack and Ianto had last seen them. Jack was especially pleased that Annese had come and hugged her gently. She had aged since losing Goran but was smiling bravely.
With a, "Hey, Boss-man," Olly engulfed Ianto in a hug before passing him on to Konni who kissed him soundly. They were adopted family and their three children – Marci, 12, Jyl, 10, and Ian, 6 - capered around until restrained by their grandparents, Benj and Marca Tulke, who had also been invited. Stu's parents were there and smothered Jonty in affectionate kisses until the boy wriggled away and went to pester his Uncle Owain who had a small entourage of young boys and girls wanting to be near their soccer hero.
"I don't believe it!" exclaimed Jack as he saw Salannd sliding towards him. "How long has it been?" He took her in a hug and kissed her, feeling her tentacles wrapping around him.
"Too long, Jack, too long," she laughed, catching her breath. "You remember Unpimor and Piccolo," she said, gesturing to her husband and son to come closer.
"Of course I do. How wonderful to see you again." He hugged them both and caught up with their news.
Ianto spotted his friends Pellow and Kiff with their two daughters at the edge of the crowd and went to them. "How lovely of you to come," he said, briefly hugging them all. They had been good friends to him from the start. Meanwhile, Jack had found Doug Forsyth accompanied by the latest in a long line of his young, attractive boyfriends standing a little apart and hugged and kissed them both.
Jem and Dem were there too along with Liki who, as well as being a guest, was overseeing the provision of drinks to the thirty or so people. A number of waiters circulated efficiently, friends of Luke whom he had persuaded to help out.
"Tad it's time to go inside," said Holly coming across him chatting with Konni. "Where's Dad?" It was one o'clock, time for lunch.
"I don't know, sweetheart, haven't seen him for a while." He looked about but could not see Jack's distinctive figure.
"Drat the man!" exclaimed Holly. "Konni, keep this one here. I'll go and chase down Dad." She weaved among the guests but couldn't see him. Then she spotted him and Owain on the beach and walked down to them, marvelling again how alike the two men were. "Dad, what are you doing?"
"These two attractive young ladies were kind enough to accompany us on a short walk." He smiled at Harriet, who looked very like her mother Carillys, and Jyl, Konni's middle child. Both girls were grinning as was Owain.
"Come on, time to go inside." Holly led the way while Jack and Owain followed, escorting the young girls. Holly stopped by Ianto and waited for her dad to catch up. "Okay, Dad you come with me and Tad you go with Carillys."
"Oh, very formal," said Jack, laughing. He was enjoying himself immensely, thrilled to have his entire family in one place. It didn't happen often enough these days. "What have you got in store for us, gorgeous?" he asked, proud to have her on his arm and looking over his shoulder at Ianto and Carillys and the guests who were following behind them. Holly didn't answer, just led him into the house that she had decorated using all her skills at theatre set designer.
Jack stopped and Ianto let out a small 'Oh'. The hallway was awash with silver decorations: the stairs had swags of silver on the banisters, small silver bells hung from ropes and silver lights were strung around the space. A large banner was suspended from the ceiling proclaiming 'Jack and Ianto – 25 years'. The two men were led through to the dining room where delicious smells were coming from the kitchen. The room had been rearranged; some furniture removed and the dining table set against the back wall with other tables arranged in a horseshoe. Waiters stood behind each table ready to help serve. This room was also decorated and the walls and tables were draped in silver cloth. The tables were heaped with platters of food and the end of one table had been set with places for the youngest children but the adults were left free to circulate.
Luke stood in the middle of the room, smiling anxiously. He had cooked for his parents many times in recent years but this was the first time he had prepared for them a formal meal for so many guests. "This way," he said, leading his parents to one of the side tables. "Start here and work your way round. It's all savouries to start. The desserts will come later."
"Goody, don't want to miss those. I'll leave some room." Jack grinned and winked at his son.
"It all looks and smells wonderful, cariad," said Ianto. He hugged Luke and whispered, "Relax and enjoy it."
"I'll do that when everyone's eaten!" he replied quietly but grinned.
The children were seated and had a waiter of their own who got things from the tables as well as a few special dishes that Luke had prepared just for them to meet pernickety eating habits. Jack and Ianto led the adults round the tables taking a little of every dish. The food was magnificent. All of it was in easy to manage portions, even the fish soup was served in small cups. There were human delicacies as well as some specifically for the aliens present which was much appreciated. As one platter was emptied it was removed and replaced by a full one with such seamless efficiency that no one noticed it being done. The guests ate and talked, marvelling at the tastes and textures and Luke, who hovered in the doorway to the kitchen overseeing matters, was repeatedly asked for recipes. He patiently replied to all the queries having learnt the importance of keeping customers – in this case guests – happy. The days of prima donna chefs was long gone: restaurants had to make money and they only did that if the staff and customers were content.
When the savouries had been eaten small dishes of sorbet were handed round to clear the palate. This gave time for the tables to be cleared and re-set with the desserts. Jack walked over to look at the wonders appearing from his kitchen and his mouth watered. Even he would be putting on weight if he tried all of these! Jack led the guests round the tables again as he decided which dessert to try first. Half an hour later, when everyone else had just about finished, Ianto found Jack going back for 'just one more' fruit meringue.
"Enough, Jack!" He pulled Jack bodily away from the table to everyone else's amusement.
The remaining food was cleared into the kitchen and a cake was pushed into the room by Luke. It was four tiers high, and it shone with white and silver icing. Swags of blue and red flowers made of icing sugar hung from tier to tier and more were gathered on top of each. On the very top were recognisable figures of two men, one in a greatcoat and the other in a suit. Luke had been working on the cake for weeks and his heart was in his mouth as it travelled the final few metres into the centre of the room. The guests stood back and Jack and Ianto were called forward. Waiters circulated with champagne as Holly addressed them.
"Before we cut this cake, as the eldest I've been elected to say a few words. It won't be a speech, I promise, but it wouldn't be a Celebration without a toast. Tad and Dad or Ianto and Jack, we're all here today – your family and friends – to show how much we have enjoyed sharing the past twenty five years with you. Your friends tell me that you, Dad, have been a different man since Tad came back into your life, a happier one. And that Tad has carved a place for himself in their affections, not only as your partner but in his own right. As for us kids, I can honestly say that you've been the best parents we could possibly have had. You taught us to be honest, to help others, to work hard and to aim for the stars. And you did it all with boundless love and a whole lot of fun. How you managed it while running Torchwood and Jones the Coffee I will never know! We are so proud to be your children. If you all have your glasses ready, I propose a toast. To Dad and Tad, Jack and Ianto, may the next twenty five years be as happy and fulfilling as the last. Jack and Ianto!" The toast was echoed and champagne drunk. Even the children joined in, most getting bubbles up their noses.
Jack and Ianto were smiling but visibly moved and it took a moment for Jack to gather his thoughts and with much clearing of his throat, he replied.
"You may not believe it but I'm almost speechless," he admitted to general laughter. "Thank you, gorgeous, that was … well, it means a lot to be told that we did right by you all." He drew in a deep breath. "Okay. Ianto and I appreciate you all coming here today so much. It doesn't seem like twenty five years since I had the crazy idea to bring Ianto back into my life but when I look around I realise it must be. There're you kids who are all grown up and the rest of you have more grey hair and wrinkles than before." There was a ripple of laughter. "We have been tremendously happy together and so lucky in our family and friends. These have been the best years of my life and as you know that means something coming from me!" More laughter. "And thanks too to Holly, Owain, Luke and Minda for thinking of this Celebration, persuading us to agree and for organising it so magnificently. And extra special thanks to Luke and his helpers for the most fabulous food I've had in a very long time." There was a round of applause for this. "And now we'll cut this magnificent cake, which seems a crime, unless you have anything to add, Ianto."
"You've said it all. I just want to add my thanks to those of you who were so supportive when I first arrived and to the children for … well, for being you!" With that the two men clasped the knife and cut the bottom tier of the cake, at the spot Luke indicated. At that moment, silver petals were released from hidden caches in the ceiling and fell gently down on Jack, Ianto and the guests to everyone's great surprise and the children's delight. Luke and two waiters took the cake to one side and began slicing and distributing it.
"Um, this is so good," said Ianto as he ate his piece of cake. "Luke, you're not eating."
"I shall do, don't worry. Just want to check something in the kitchen first." He smiled and walked off, accepting compliments on the way.
"Who would have guessed, all those years ago, that he would ever be able to do all this?" said Konni at Ianto's side. "I never truly thought he'd become a chef." She was immensely proud of her one-time charge and looked after him fondly.
"I know. But then, I never expected Owain to be a soccer star or Holly to design such amazing sets."
"You have exceptional children," she smiled. "I was privileged to help raise them."
"Nonsense, they were privileged to have you! I have no idea what we would have done without you. And you helped Toto off to a good start too." Konni had been the boy's nanny for almost two years until her eldest daughter had arrived and she had decided to stay home and raise her.
"He's a lovely boy." Konni smiled at the memories of life with this extended family. She had spent many happy days in this house, had met Olly through Jack and Ianto and had spent her honeymoon here. They all saw each other regularly and the Jones children often popped in for a chat or advice, Luke and Holly especially.
"Tad, I'm stuffed," came from beside him.
"Then you shouldn't have eaten so much! Honestly, Minda, I saw you go back to the table time and again." He wrapped an arm around her, surprised once again when her head topped his shoulder; she was growing so fast and in her smart clothes she looked very grown up.
"I was just keeping Dad company." She grinned at him cheekily.
Ianto groaned. "Don't remind me! He's just plain greedy."
"Hope you're not talking about me. I was on my best behaviour!" Olly came up behind Konni and put his arms round her, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"No, we were saying how greedy Dad is," replied Minda. "Oh look, coffee." She edged away from her tad and went off to find her favourite waiter, a tall redhead with classic good looks.
The guests started to separate as the coffee appeared. Ianto led the way, taking Annese's arm and walking with her to the living room – which had subdued decorations - and sitting on a couch for a chat. Some of the older guests followed, glad of the chance to sit down. Jack lingered in the hallway with the children and the younger adults. He was holding Jonty who as the youngest present was being petted and mothered by the girls - Harriet, Marci and Jyl in particular – and had sought refuge. After giving his final instructions in the kitchen, Luke allowed himself to relax and was sat in a hall chair chatting to Hummel.
"I want some fresh air and it's still nice out there, fancy a walk anyone?" asked Owain in a lull in the conversation.
"Count me in," agreed his dad, "and you'll come, won't you soldier?" He tickled Jonty who laughed and arched his back away from Jack and nearly fell to the floor. Others agreed and began to make for the front door.
Owain put his head round the living room door. "We're off for a walk if any of you feel like joining us."
"I will," said Carillys, jumping up. "You too, Benj." She pulled Benj Tulke to his feet and others stirred to follow them.
The walk involved all the guests in the end and culminated in a free-for-all soccer match on a pitch that had been created years before at Owain's insistence. The guests divided into two teams fairly evenly with each having a sprinkling of the old and young, male and female, human and alien. Jack cheated shamelessly though as he was carrying Jonty most of the time no one challenged him too fiercely. The three Rewdellicamos joined in but their lack of speed hampered them and Salannd and Unpimor retired to the sidelines to watch while Piccolo went in goal where he was a sensation. Using his nine tentacles to devastating effect, no one got a ball past him. The match petered out and became a series of attempts to score against him. After everyone else had failed, Owain had a turn and with a simple-looking feint slotted the ball neatly into a corner of the net to loud cheers.
The light was fading when the last of the soccer players straggled back to the house. In their absence, the waiters had washed up and packed the additional crockery they had brought with them. The remaining food had been set out on one table in the dining room for anyone who might still be peckish and the waiters were ready to leave. After being thanked profusely, they left in a flivver piloted by Dem.
"Still think this was unnecessary?" asked Jack coming across Ianto.
"No, of course not. It's been fabulous."
"The food was way beyond what I expected. Luke's learnt a lot."
"You should know, you ate most of it!"
"Just showing my appreciation of the boy's skill," grinned Jack. "I wonder what Holly and Stu are planning next."
"What do you mean?" Ianto looked round but couldn't see either of them in the crowd.
"They've gone into a huddle with Jem and Liki. Something's going on."
Jack was right. Half an hour later the guests were called together again and ushered onto the terrace to watch a short but exciting firework display. Jem had set them up on the island and cascades of coloured light and loud explosions filled the sky for about ten minutes while loud music blared out an accompaniment. The children were ecstatic and the younger ones, who had had a long and tiring day, got rather over-excited and over-emotional. Their parents spent quite a while calming them down. Only Jonty was unaffected, he had gone to sleep in Stu's arms and slept through the entire display.
And then it was time for the guests to start to leave. Kiff and Pellow and their daughters were the first to depart. Ianto walked them to the landing pad, wishing he had had more time to talk to them. They were great friends and he insisted on making a firm date for seeing them again. Stu's parents departed next, travelling in the same flivver as Doug Forsyth and his boyfriend. A little while later Konni's parents left along with Glonnix; Jack and Ianto had tried to persuade the latter to stay but she preferred to sleep in her own bed.
Salannd and her family were persuaded to stay after Owain happily offered to sleep on a couch in the living room to free up a room and Piccolo said he didn't mind where he slept, the floor would do for him. Olly and Konni had been invited to stay form the start and would be using her old room while their two youngest children slept in what had been her sitting room. With everyone else shoehorned in somewhere, Ianto was happy with his over-full house.
As the evening wore on, the living room became the centre of relaxation leaving the more active guests to join Olly and Hummel in the games room for pool or to play the various other games there. Luke stayed in the living room, exhausted after his stressful day. He watched his parents sitting close on a couch as they chatted and smiled; he could not imagine one without the other. Despite their differing personalities and separate interests, they were always at their happiest when together.
"Having a snooze, little brother?" asked Owain, perching on the arm of Luke's chair.
"No, watching Tad and Dad. Just look at them, they're so happy together even after all this time."
"Yeah. They're very lucky." Owain sipped his Martian brandy and wondered if he would find someone who would mean so much to him. Not that he was in any rush, he had plenty of feminine company whenever he wanted it and enjoyed playing the field. "You with anyone?" he asked Luke.
There was a pause as the younger man wondered whether to say anything. He had met someone, a co-worker at the restaurant, but it was so new he didn't want to jinx it by speaking too soon.
"There is," said Owain, reading his brother like a book. "Come on, tell your big brother all the details."
"Nothing to tell. Not yet anyway," he added with a grin.
"At least tell me her - or is it his? - name."
"His. And it's Bruce."
"I'll be in your neck of the woods next week, we're playing the Giants on Friday. How about we meet up and I take a look at this guy?" Despite them both being regarded legally as adults, Owain still felt protective of his little brother and wanted to make sure this Bruce was suitable. Luke had a record of choosing doubtful friends which had started way back as a kid.
"Okay, yeah, okay. Just don't say anything to Tad, he'll only start pestering me. And leave Dad out of it too or he'll have Bruce pulled in and interrogated!" Luke knew his parents so very, very well.
Luke dropped off to sleep a bit later and had to be shaken awake by Holly when most other people were heading for their beds. "Come on, Luke. You'll have a crick in your neck if you sleep here." She grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet. "I know everyone has already said it but the spread you put on today was just wonderful. And the cake was perfect." She hugged him and kissed his cheek. "Thanks so much."
"Your decorations were great too," he replied, walking with her to the door. "The petals worked a treat and I don't think anyone spotted them before they fell."
"They didn't, did they?" She grinned, pleased with her ingenuity in fixing them. "Oh, it's been a great day and I think Dad and Tad enjoyed it."
"I know they did.." He yawned, covering his mouth. "Bed is calling me."
"You go on up, you're in your own room. Gods know where everyone else will end up!"
"You must be tired too." He had seen her rushing around the house all the day before and most of the morning arranging and supervising everything but the food which she had left to him, at his insistence.
"Oh, I won't be long. I'm going to find Stu. Olly took him off a while ago and I need to rescue him or he'll be too drunk to get upstairs." She laughed, too pleased with the day to be overly concerned about an errant husband. She waved and went into the games room where loud male laughter could be heard, as well as Carillys' higher pitched voice.
Above them all, Jack and Ianto had reached the haven of their suite and were standing at the den windows, looking out over the restless sea. Ianto had his arms round Jack, made bold by a little too much Martian brandy. "Thank you, Jack," he murmured into his partner's ear. "Thank you so much."
"What for?" Jack was smiling, amused by Ianto's slightly slurred speech.
"For creating me, for bringing me to this time and for the four best kids a man could have." He nibbled at Jack's ear until the man turned to face him.
"I did it because I needed you, Ianto. I'm nothing without you. And you had a hand in creating those kids; I see more of you in them than me. Besides, if you hadn't taken me in hand and taught me how to raise them, well, I don't want to think what would have happened." Jack kissed Ianto, slowly but thoroughly. "Now, if you're not too drunk, let's got to bed."
"I'm not drunk. A bit tipsy, maybe, but definitely not drunk." Ianto pulled away and took a step. If he hoped to prove his sobriety he was let down by a wobble and having to reach out and grip the back of a chair.
"Of course that's what you are," laughed Jack, carrying him into the bedroom.
Next chapter we learn more about the family as they recover during the day after the Celebration …