So, if you're enjoying this, you can thank the lovely tenroseforeverandever, who puts up with all sorts of babbling and strange emails and bits of ideas.

"So, is this a thing here? The family picnics, I mean," Jackson clarified, at John's puzzled look. "It's lovely, really. This is the nicest one we've been asked to."

"Well, you know how it is when they're so little," John hedged, glancing up from the grill over to where Freddie, Astrid, and Rose were helping the twins roll a ball.

"Yes, that's just what Gwen and Rhys said. Mrs. Chandra, too. Lovely woman, if a bit…er…"

"Exactly," John agreed.

"Anyway, it's so kind of you all to include us, and Astrid, of course."

"Of course." John smiled, though mentally he was gritting his teeth. His wife and her friends weren't being particularly subtle.

"And Jack and Ianto keep offering their services as babysitters. Not that I have any need. It's not like I go anywhere without Freddie."

"Well, something to keep in mind. Everyone can do with a bit of grown up time, now and again."

"Actually," Jackson began hesitantly. "I…I know Astrid and your wife are good friends. Is it…that is to say…would you think it unseemly of me if I were to ask Astrid out to dine with me? Sometime. Not right now, but…sometime."

John smiled. "Jackson, life handed you a terrible tragedy. But I think life also has a way of sending us good people to help us through the rough spots. So yeah, when you're ready, I think you should ask her out. But only when you're ready," he emphasized, "and not because of the good ladies of Pendragon Performing Arts."

"You know, John, they do say it's only happy women who are matchmakers," Jackson replied with a sly grin.

"I always thought I'd like a daughter," Jackson mused wistfully, as he balanced Jackie on his hip. "I wouldn't trade Freddie for anything, you understand, but Caroline and I had always thought…maybe someday…"

"Plenty o' somedays left," John replied as he deftly finished changing Allie.

"Yes, of course."

"Oi! Spaceman! Come out here and help me with these packages!"

"What the-? Donna?" John hastily stepped over to the door, gesturing at Jackson to mind Allie.

"Happy Easter!" the redhead said, smiling warmly. She shoved a large bundle into John's arms, and barged past him, into the trailer, making a beeline for the changing table, where Allie was seriously contemplating stuffing her toes in her mouth.

"Oh, aren't you just the most beautiful thing!" she cooed, sweeping the baby up into her arms.

"Careful," John warned, "Allie doesn't always take to new people…" His voice trailed off as Allie giggled, and reached out to pat Donna's long red hair.

"You were sayin,' Spaceman?" Donna replied smugly. "Us girls gotta stick together, don't we?" she said to Allie.

"What've you got in here?" John grumbled, hauling more bags inside.

"Blame Alistair for the books," Donna informed him, "and mind you don't squash that cake! Lynda made it special for the girls."

"John, did I just see - Donna!"Rose exclaimed, launching herself at her friend. "Oh, I've missed you!"

Jackson edged closer to John, shifting Jackie into her father's arms. "Feeling a bit superfluous here. I should go collect Freddie."

"Oh, are you the new bloke? The one with the little boy?" Donna demanded. "Why don't you go fetch him? Lynda sent me with way too many goodies. I'm sure he'd love some cookies. I'm Donna, by the way."

"I…"

"Go on," John encouraged, "bring back Freddie, and Astrid, if you see her."

"Well, if you're sure."

"You wouldn't leave me here outnumbered, would you?" John asked plaintively.

Jackson found Astrid leaning against the outside the office trailer, watching the kids - Freddie included - kicking a ball around. She smiled as she saw him and walked over to meet him. Astrid's smile dimmed as she noted the faraway look in Jackson's eyes.

"You OK?" she asked softly.

He cleared his throat roughly. "Yes, of course. It's just…Freddie hasn't wanted to play ball since…well, that day."

"Time's a great healer, especially for kids."

"I wish he could forget that day, but I don't think he ever will. But at the same time, I'm afraid he'll forget her. That doesn't make sense, does it?"

"Doesn't have to," Astrid assured him. She looped her arm through his. "I think you won't let him forget the important things. And you know what? Time is also pretty good for grown ups."

"Time, and good company. Which reminds me…we have an invitation."

"They're getting kind of obvious, aren't they?" Astrid remarked, with a grin.

"Just a bit," Jackson agreed. "They mean well. Erm, if you don't want to come -"

"I do. I just don't want you to feel like I'm pushing in."

"Please come. I just…feel…better…when I'm with you."

Jackson cringed at how terribly awkward that sounded, but Astrid just wrapped her other hand around his arm, and gave him a gentle smile.