Chap 38
The day was breaking.
Although it was still semi-dark there was already a warmth to the air. Ianto stood in the middle of the wilding wood.
Noah was asleep on his chest, the front pack was the only fabric between them as Noah's nappy was his only covering and Ianto wore just his PJ bottoms.
It had been a sticky night, summer finally making a late appearance and he had woken early to Noah's kitten call.
Ianto closed his eyes and breathed the good clean air of the woods, Noah's little hand stoking his chest hair as the wee rabbit snuffled against him.
Ianto has slept like the dead. He didn't know who had tended to his wee babe in the night but suspected Idris. The nappy was secure but a little lopsided.
Ianto breathed.
A rustling signalled the waking of the day and the place erupted into birdsong as the sun began its slow journey.
The wee Babbit jumped against his Taddy's chest and listened to the calm heartbeat that soothed him back to sleep. All was well.
Ianto opened his eyes and looked up through the canopy to see blue sky slowly emerging through the oranges and red of sunrise.
Beautiful.
He felt a small hand slide into his and looked down as Walter looked around with surprise.
"See that tree?" Ianto whispered and his son nodded as he stared at a huge old oak tree that stood majestically in the middle of the clearing.
"We call that the "Old Man" and he has things hanging from his braches, do you see?" Ianto whispered and smiled as Walter wandered over to touch the rough bark.
"See that?" Ianto pointed out initials carved into the bark just above Walter's curls, 'EJ Luvs IJ for eva'.
"Uncle Eugene?" Walter guessed and preened when Ianto nodded. "Loves you?"
"No, that's not me. That's uncle Idris." Ianto laughed softly, the deep rumble making Noah smile in his sleep. Taddy.
"See that?" Ianto pointed up to a ceramic cross that was swinging in the soft warm breeze, "That's Mummy."
Ianto brought the cross down so Walter could see his mother's name and photo on the cross.
Ianto plucked a pottery heart from beside it and Walter saw his own name.
"All the people of the wilding Wood. The Hoodlum family all come here to remember and love" Ianto sighed as he replaced the items.
"Where's Daddy's?" Walter frowned.
"Not yet" Ianto felt sorrow at the remark, "Daddy still has to earn a spot on the Old Man, he doesn't let just anyone live in his leaves baby."
Walter thought for a while, then turned and looked at the tiny bare foot dangling by his face. He leaned over and kissed the sole, watching the toes clench and then unfurl.
"Babbit isn't just anybody, Taddy" Walter said with big brother knowledge, "He's special. He needs a place up there so Mummy knows to watch over him as well."
"Good idea Walty bum" Idris had been enjoying the family moment but was shaken as Jack's name was brought up. He was surprised to learn that Ianto wasn't sure if he was worthy. Well, well.
Toto has a backbone still, then.