It's the day after the Celebration and time for catching up and making plans …
Anniversary – the day after
- October 4718, Ogmore
"Thought I'd find him with you," said Holly coming across her dad and son in the kitchen. She had woken and gone to check on Jonty only to find his bedroom empty. It was early and they were the only ones about.
"I heard him so thought I'd look after him for you. You don't mind, do you?" Jack smiled up at her as she crossed to the coffee machine.
"Not in the least, you know that. He's very quiet," she said, looking across at the boy. He was seated at the counter, balanced on a number of cushions atop a stool chewing mightily. "And why are you in here?"
"We're having a contest to see who can eat the most in one go. And we're in here because when I looked in my office I found it full of furniture and the living room is full of sleeping bodies." He checked on the boy who was just about to swallow. "All right, soldier?"
With an audible gulp, Jonty swallowed the last of his mouthful. "Um. Got ceweal, Mummy," he announced.
Holly filled two mugs and joined them at the counter, shaking her head at them both. "Don't let him choke, Dad. He's very precious." She ran her fingers through the boy's fine, blond hair. "And I'm sorry about the office. We didn't have anywhere else to put the stuff we moved out of here."
He put a hand to her cheek, smiling gently. "You know I don't mind, gorgeous. And thank you for a wonderful day yesterday. Your tad and I really enjoyed it."
"Good. Well, I'm going back to bed for a while. I'll leave you two to enjoy your game." She walked out of the room, taking the coffee upstairs for herself and Stu.
Jonty looked after her but didn't try to go with her. He was quite content to stay with his gramps and eat his breakfast. They were still there, cereal eaten, when Annese came in looking as smart in her sleepwear and robe as she did when she was properly dressed.
"Good morning," said Jack. "Sleep well?"
"Not bad, thanks. I tend to wake these nights and then it's hard to get back off again." She smiled, resigned to the upset sleeping pattern as she adjusted to life alone. Goran and she had been a self-sufficient couple, relying on one another for companionship and support and his loss had left a big gap in her life. She had stayed with Carillys and Hummel for the past four months and they had recently asked her to join them permanently.
"Can I get you anything? Coffee, pastries?"
"Ceweal?" offered Jonty, looking at her with big round eyes over his beaker of juice. "Me eat ceweal."
She laughed. "Oh, you are a cute one." She sat on a stool near the boy. "A coffee would be nice, Jack. One of the milky ones?"
"A latte, coming up. Could you keep an eye on Jonty? He's not too secure on his cushions." Jack got up and went to the machine, making her the drink while she and the boy chatted. "Here, one latte." He passed the mug across and sat down. "Have you tried sleeping potions, they may help."
She shook her head, sipping the drink. "I did but I can't rely on them forever. I take one occasionally, when I really need to. Actually, now I've got you alone, I'd like your advice." She put the mug down and gathered her thoughts. "Carillys has asked me to move in with them. To give up the Cardiff apartment and make a life in Llandudno. I don't know whether it's a good idea or not. What do you think?"
Jack hesitated. He'd learnt long ago that giving advice on these sorts of matters was fraught with danger. "You should think about it very carefully. You'd love being with the children, obviously, but they're growing fast; I couldn't believe it when I saw Toto yesterday! When they've flown the nest, I get the impression that Hummel would like to spread his wings a bit more. The job with the National Park won't satisfy him for ever. If that happens and you're living with them, you'd have to go wherever they ended up."
"I know." She nodded slowly, looking thoughtful. "And I'd hate to think that they didn't take a dream job just because I couldn't cope or didn't want to go."
"On the other hand, they would be company. And I expect you're feeling pretty lonely right now."
"Down, Gwamps." Jonty patted his gramps' arm to get his attention.
"Okay, soldier, down you go. Go and play with your toys in the dining room, where I can see you." He watched him run off.
"I am. I never realised how much I'd miss him." Annese was cradling the coffee mug, staring into space and her eyes wet with unshed tears. Jack reached over and put an arm round her, holding her close for a moment as she battled for control.
"I really do know how you feel, Annese. I thought my world had ended when Ianto died the first time. Took me a very long time to recover but I did. Look, I don't want to give you definite advice, you must make up your own mind, but if I were you I'd stay in Cardiff. Spend long holidays with Carillys and the family and have the children to stay with you but keep your independence. You have your painting and in a couple of years Toto will be starting an internship somewhere, probably in Cardiff. He'll need a place to stay and where better than with you."
She brightened at this suggestion. Toto was good with figures and there would be more opportunities for him in the city. "I hadn't thought of that. That's true."
"And we're around, Ianto and I. You know you can drop in any time for a chat or a meal and you can come down here at the weekends with us, or in the week if you want. Use the place like your own."
"That's very kind of you and I may take you up on that. I'd like to paint some of the views round here, improve my technique."
"Any time. And if you want to bring a couple of your painting group chums, don't hesitate." He paused then added, "I don't want to pry but if there are any concerns over your finances, I'm more than willing to help out."
The woman smiled, a genuine smile that suffused her whole face. "Goran left me very well provided for, he was a good Advocate and was sensible about things like that. I don't think I'll need to bother you but thanks for the offer." She stood up, placing the empty mug on the side. "I think I'll go and get dressed, maybe take a walk before breakfast. Thanks for the advice, Jack. I think you're probably right but I will think about it a bit more."
When she had gone, Jack went looking for Jonty who was remarkably quiet. He found the boy under a table, sitting looking at two of the silver petals that had escaped the clean up the day before. "What have you got there?" he asked, sitting cross-legged by the side of the table.
"Peckals." The boy held them up. "From sky."
"Why are you on the floor?" asked Owain, wandering into the room and staring at his dad with bleary eyes. He had drunk rather a lot the night before and was having a hard time focussing.
"Talking to Jonty."
Owain looked round and then fixed the other man with a sceptical eye. "Am I still asleep or are you telling me you're talking to someone who's not here?"
Jack merely pointed under the table and Owain, with various groans as his head swam and his vision blurred, bent down and looked at the boy sitting there. Jonty waved at him. "Believe me now?" asked Jack.
"Yeah, you're not losing your marbles after all." He walked slowly to the kitchen and got a large glass of juice before coming back to sit on the floor next to his dad. "Good do yesterday," he commented.
"We really enjoyed it, thanks."
"Don't thank me, I didn't do anything. Bossy Holly was in charge. She just pointed at what she wanted doing and stood over me until I'd done it." Owain took a large swig of the juice. "Minda and I were lowly furniture shifters."
"How did she and Luke get on?" The two were both controlling and organising and often clashed as each tried to outdo the other.
Owain laughed evilly. "He drew a line in the sand. Told her that he was in charge of the kitchen and the food and that she was not to interfere. It worked, she backed off and left him to it. They just collaborated on this room." He drank more juice. "Oh, why do I drink so much?" he murmured and lay down on the floor on his back, eyes closed.
Jonty decided a prone Owain was more interesting that the petals and handed these to his gramps for safekeeping before crawling over to his uncle. He was on all fours looking into Owain's face when Owain opened his eyes and started in surprise. Jonty grinned and lay on top of his uncle, resting his head on the man's chest.
"Good question, Owain," said Jack slowly. "Why do you drink so much?" He was stroking the silver petals.
"Don't start on me, Dad. I've heard it all from Tad countless times." He wrapped his arms round Jonty and closed his eyes again.
"I was just curious. Must be some reason."
"It makes me feel good."
"Yeah, I can see that," said Jack ironically.
Quick footsteps came from the hallway and Minda appeared in the room. She stopped short when she saw them on the floor. "What's going on?"
"Your brother has a hangover."
"Oh, is that all? I was going to have a swim, want to join me?" She at least was bright eyed and bushy tailed, the only one of the children to have inherited Jack's love of the early mornings. She went to the fridge and poured some juice before returning to their side.
"Is that all the sympathy I get?" asked Owain, one eye open and peering at her. "I'm suffering here."
"Then you shouldn't drink." She was totally unmoved. "Anyway, what about a swim?" She stood with hands on hips looking down at them. "Might make you feel better."
"I doubt it."
"Well, I'm in," said Jack rising to his feet. "How about it, soldier, want to swim in the pool with Auntie Minda and me?"
Jonty shook his head, still lying on Owain's chest. "Stay Unca Owain."
"That all right with you, tiger?" Jack put the petals in his shirt pocket.
"Yeah, I'll take care of him." Owain's eyes were closed again.
"Make sure you do or Holly will have something to say about it. Come on, petal, let's have a swim." He held Minda's hand and they walked through the hallway to the games room and the swimming pool beyond.
On the floor above them, Ianto had surfaced earlier than usual and was making a surreptitious circuit of the bedrooms, checking who had ended up in which bed and if they were all right. He felt like a burglar or peeping tom, creeping around listening at doors, but he couldn't think of a better way to discover if people were awake or not. He heard Konni and Olly talking in their room and knocked lightly on the door.
"Konni, it's Ianto. May I come in?"
"Yes," she sang out and he entered to find her and Olly sitting up in bed with Ian, their youngest, standing by the window. "It's so good to be back in this room. I was just telling Ian about some of the lovely times I've had here at Ogmore."
"That's good to hear. Did you all sleep well?"
"Great thanks. Though this one should learn to drink less," she elbowed Olly in the ribs. "He was very late to bed and still smells of booze."
"It was all Owain's fault, he encouraged me," said the subdued Olly. He looked paler than normal and was obviously feeling the effects of the evening's drinking. "Did you want us for something?" he asked, wondering why Ianto had bothered them so early.
"Not really, I was just checking where everyone slept last night." Seeing Olly's expression, he added, "And I don't mean that! I just wondered how you all sorted yourselves out. I'm rather embarrassed that I left you all to it."
"Well, we were in here and Jyl and Ian slept next door, didn't you poppet?" She smiled at her only son with affection. "Marci was going to share with Harriet but Salannd and Unpimor found the beds rather small so the girls volunteered to sleep downstairs - they were just waiting for an excuse! - so they could have a room each. They're up the other end of the corridor, with Annese and Luke. Carillys and Hummel have that large guest room. Holly and Stu are in the one this end, with Minda and Jonty opposite."
Ianto had been keeping count. "So that means Owain, Toto, the girls and Piccolo were downstairs? Can't have been very comfortable."
"They're young," put in Olly. "A night on the floor is nothing to them."
"I suppose you're right." Ianto was still rather doubtful; his standard of hospitality was slipping if people were sleeping on the floor. It hadn't seemed so bad last night after he had had a few brandies. "Anyway, I won't interrupt any longer. I'm sure Liki will be doing something about breakfast soon so whenever you're ready, come down. Or stay in bed if you prefer, up to you." He smiled and opened the door to depart.
"That sounds like a plan," sighed Olly, sinking back under the covers.
"Don't even think it, Olly Grandew," was the last thing Ianto heard as he closed the door behind him.
Across the corridor, Ianto discovered Jonty was not in his room and Minda was also up: her door was always half open when she wasn't in there. Even at fifteen she hadn't got the hang of closing doors after her. He tapped on Holly's door and went in when Stu answered.
"Morning," Ianto said, smiling at them both. Stu was still in bed but Holly was sitting in a chair with her legs stretched out in front of her. Empty mugs beside them showed they had been awake some time. "I came to offer to take Jonty off your hands but I see he's not here."
"You're too late," laughed Holly, "Dad has him downstairs. They were eating cereal when I went down an hour ago."
"Why is it that our relatives only want to see Jonty, never us?" mused Stu. He was finding it tough to get a moment with his son with the rest of the family around.
"Because he's cute and let's me cuddle him," replied Ianto joining in Holly's laughter. "You're cute but you've never been so keen on the cuddles."
"Oh, I don't know," commented Holly suggestively.
"I think I'd better leave." Ianto held up his hands in mock horror. "No rush this morning, come down when you're ready." He left the room, happy his daughter was so in love with her partner.
"Good morning, Ianto." Annese was coming down the corridor, dressed for the outdoors. "I'm off for a walk."
"Good for you. Everyone else I've seen so far seems to want to laze in bed a bit longer." He smiled at her, thinking she looked more confident in some indefinable way.
"Jack's downstairs, he made me a coffee earlier. And Holly was up, I passed her on the stairs. Carillys is awake, I know that, I popped in not so long ago." She smiled encouragingly. "Go and have a word, they're decent." She headed down the stairs with a determined air. Ianto looked after her, amazed at the change from the grieving woman of the past few months.
Passing Luke's room, from which he heard snores, and the two rooms occupied by Salannd and Unpimor from which there was no sound at all, he came to the large guest room which had been Tonan's when he had lived here. There were still some days when Ianto expected to go in and find him sitting at the desk writing his books. He had been a welcoming presence when Ianto had appeared, fresh from the cloning machine, and a dear friend by the time he passed away only two years later. His last book, which he had completed on the morning of his death, had been very successful; a fitting memorial to the man.
Putting aside the memories, Ianto knocked on the door. "Carillys, it's Ianto."
"Come in." Ianto entered and did a double take. Carillys was sitting at the desk and while she looked nothing like her grandfather, it startled him. "Are you okay?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Yes, yes of course I am. Sorry, I was just thinking of your grandfather and how he sat at that desk for at least part of every day. Bit of a shock to see you there."
"Then I'll move," she said smiling, standing and coming to give him a welcoming kiss. "Hummel's in the bathroom, lazing in the tub, so we won't disturb him. Let's sit and look out at the windy day." It was indeed windy outside. The trees were swaying and the sea was choppy. "Can you believe my mother has gone for a walk in that?"
"I just met her. She seems a bit more like her old self, more confident."
"You noticed it too. I'm not sure why, she's been down for months." Carillys looked thoughtful as she pondered the change. "We've asked her to come and live with us. Don't know if that's made her feel more secure."
"That's very generous of you," replied Ianto diplomatically. His initial reaction was that it would not be a good thing but he wouldn't interfere.
"We had to, couldn't do anything else. I'm not saying it will be easy, it won't. It's been hard to juggle the kids, her and our jobs but she's my mother and she needs us."
Ianto put a hand on hers and squeezed it in sympathy. "I'm sure she appreciates it."
"I think she does. Anyway, you don't want to hear our troubles. Did you want us for something?" She turned her bright gaze on him and he knew that it was time to change the subject.
"Just to check that everyone found a bed for the night. I understand Toto and Harriet ended up downstairs."
"Their choice," she laughed. "Toto was determined to be down there with Owain, and where Toto goes Harriet has to follow. We'd have had her in here with us but Marci was going to be downstairs too so I didn't mind." The two chatted for a little longer until Hummel emerged wrapped in a voluminous robe – he had put on weight – and pink from his hot bath.
"That was wonderful," he said, coming up to join them. He sighed as he sat down. "I feel so much better now."
"Sweated out all the drink you had last night," pointed out Carillys. "That boy of yours, Ianto, is a bad influence on my husband."
"I know. I don't know what to do about him." Ianto looked inward for a moment, aware that Owain's lifestyle was impacting on the whole family.
"He'll grow out of it," said Hummel placidly.
The man had slotted into the extended family easily and was happy with his own wife and children. However, there was a nagging doubt at the back of his mind that he should stretch himself more. The job with the National Park was interesting and it had kept them close to the rest of the family but after fourteen years and with the kids growing up he felt there was more he wanted to do, more he wanted to achieve before he grew too comfortable. He was only forty six and had at least another forty productive years before him. Terraforming attracted him still. A few years on a new world was what he wanted, when the kids were settled in careers, but he was enough of a realist to see that if Annese came to live with them it would be impossible. It was hard to give up on a dream but he would do it for the woman he loved, his Carillys.
"I hope so." Ianto smiled ruefully, "Kids!"
"Tell me about it!" agreed Carillys. Her own two were her pride and joy. Toto was a good but not spectacular scholar with a flair for figure work that would serve him well in many careers. Harriet, at only eight, had still to show her talents. She was a happy child and Carillys was content for her to take her time growing up. "You must be happy to have Jonty around, they're so uncomplicated at that age."
Ianto beamed at her. "He's gorgeous and I'm so lucky we get to see him so often. But I mustn't keep you, I'm going to see if I can find Jack." He stood up. "No rush for breakfast, take your time."
Downstairs, Ianto looked into the living room and saw three sleeping bodies – Piccolo, Toto and Marci – and one awake young girl, Harriet. There was no sign of Owain but a heap of discarded covers showed where he had been. He gestured to Harriet and the two went into the kitchen together, quietly so as not to disturb the others. Liki had arrived and was starting to prepare breakfast. Owain and Jonty were still lying on the dining room floor as Jack had left them although they were now both asleep.
"Why are they on the floor?" asked Harriet, her head cocked to one side looking at them.
"I have no idea. Are you hungry?" He made for the coffee machine, needing a shot of caffeine.
"A bit." She left the sleeping pair and sat on a stool at the counter.
Ianto stayed in the kitchen for the next couple of hours as his family and guests appeared, singly and in pairs, for breakfast. Everyone was content to take it easy and it was late in the morning when Ianto could bear the state of his dining room no longer and with Holly's assistance organised Owain, Piccolo and Minda to get the furniture back in its right place. They took down some of the decorations, packing them away carefully, leaving only a few to remind them why they had gathered together. Jack left them to it and took the children and anyone else who wanted to go for a long walk along the beach. The day was overcast and windy and they laughed as they battled to stay upright and at Salannd and Unpimor frolicking in the frigid water. Those people not otherwise occupied kept out of the way either in their rooms, the library or living room.
Lunch was a mid-afternoon meal, jointly cooked by Luke and Liki who worked well together. Everyone was in a good mood - hangovers now dispersed – and they chatted and laughed, talking over the events of the weekend and catching up on news. Jack managed a long talk with his former secretary and was delighted to learn they were coming back to live on Earth; Unpimor had been assigned to the Rewdellicamos embassy. They promised to meet again when they were settled.
Carillys and Hummel and their children were the first to depart after lunch. They and Annese were accompanied to the landing pad by Jack who was pleased to see Annese more energised than when he had met her the day before. Perhaps their chat had helped. Next to go were Salannd and her family, back to Cardiff to complete their reconnaisance visit prior to Unpimor taking up his new post. Owain accompanied Jack to see them off, he had always been friendly with Piccolo and they had made plans to get together as soon as they could. The Grandews left just before it got dark. Owain hitched a lift with them as he had to teleport on to Toulouse in time for training the next day and he had a date that night. The whole family saw them off and Jonty got quite upset at seeing his uncle leave. Holly tried to console the boy but it was Ianto to finally got him to stop crying.
Those remaining ended up in the living room, which had been returned to normal after doubling as a bedroom, and spread out on couches and chairs. Minda was sitting with legs curled up underneath her next to her tad, helping keep Jonty amused with Stu and Holly on the couch opposite them. Jack was talking to Luke, whom he had hardly seen all weekend, finding out about his training.
"So tell me again. You've finished doing the vegetables, is that right?"
"Yeah. A whole year dicing and slicing but it's great preparation. I'm just about finished on pastries and baking and should start on the main meals soon. Of course," he added, "I've done a bit of that already. Maitre Colon encourages us to take on all the duties when there's an opportunity."
"He's taught to you well. The food yesterday was magnificent, I really mean that, pumpkin. The cake was … oh, it was too good for words. Hey, there must be some left." His face brightened.
"A couple of the smaller tiers," admitted Luke.
"Anyone want some cake?" Jack asked, getting up. There was general agreement. "Come on, Luke." The two went off to the kitchen.
"It's in here." Luke opened a cupboard and pulled out the tier that had already been started. "Get some plates, Dad."
"And what else is happening in your life, pumpkin? Any romances?" Jack put the plates down and watched his son's ears turn pink. This boy was so like Ianto and pink ears meant he had hit on something. "Tell me all," he encouraged, pulling over a stool and sitting down.
Luke had his head down, cutting the cake and refused to look at his dad. How did the man always manage to winkle things out of him? "Who said there was anyone?" he countered.
"I know you too well to keep secrets from me."
Sighing, Luke rested the knife on the counter. "There's a guy. His name is Bruce."
"How did you meet?" Jack reached across and took a piece of cake, munching on it as he regarded his son steadily. Luke had not had many love affairs, though he had been close to a couple of girls. It didn't surprise Jack that Luke was also attracted to men, nothing could be more natural to his mind. "What's he like?"
"He's a trainee too, a couple of years ahead of me. And he's not very tall and I suppose he's not particularly good looking but he has the cutest smile." Luke looked off into the distance dreamily, smiling to himself.
"Sounds serious. When are we going to meet him?"
With a groan, Luke turned to the other man. "Please, Dad, don't do that. We've only known each other a little while and I have no idea if it will lead to anything. We're just enjoying being together. And if I find out you've made any enquires about him I'll … I'll … Oh, just don't!" He turned back to the cake, exasperated.
"As if I would."
"You did with Tanya. And Corinn. I know you, Dad, and I know you mean well. But please don't, not this time." He looked across appealingly.
Luke had no idea the effect that look had on Jack. The boy still closely resembled Ianto and they had been mistaken for brothers on more than one occasion, twin brothers once. Jack melted when he saw how serious Luke was; this Bruce must mean a lot to him. That didn't affect Jack's decision to check on the man, he'd just make sure Luke never found out.
"Okay, I hear you. I hope it works out." Luke looked at him suspiciously. His dad never normally agreed so easily. "May I tell your tad?"
"If you have to, but not until Holly's gone. She's worse than you!"
Jack chuckled, his daughter was a bit of a steamroller when she wanted information. "Promise. But I hope you will bring Bruce to see us, when you're ready." He stood and picked up the plates leaving Luke to bring the sliced cake and napkins. "We just want to see you happy, pumpkin, that's all we'll ever want."
"If you want me to be happy, stop calling me pumpkin!" This was an old refrain and one Jack consistently ignored. The two men walked across the hallway. "Where did you get it from anyway?"
"Do you know I can't remember. Ianto, why do I call Luke 'pumpkin'?" he asked as they walked into the living room.
"To annoy him?" queried the Welshman.
"Very funny. I can't remember where I found the name, that's all." He put the plates down and left Luke to serve the cake, sitting in a chair. "Holly was always 'gorgeous' because she was such a pretty baby." He smiled at her.
"Thanks for the compliment, Dad," she chuckled.
"And Owain was 'tiger' because he was so loud. That boy cried for the entire first year of his life." He shuddered at the memory.
"What about me? Why am I 'petal'?" asked Minda.
"You were so small and sweet, seemed right for you somehow."
"Gwamps, peckals!" demanded Jonty, remembering his silver ones from the morning.
"I have them safe. Here." Jack took them out of his pocket and held them up. He deliberately didn't hand them over, wanting the boy to come to him so he could hold him. His ploy worked and Jonty was soon sitting happily on Jack's lap, petals in hand.
"But what about 'pumpkin'? pressed Holly.
"I really don't remember, unless we had pumpkin for dinner that day." Jack accepted his cake and broke off a piece for Jonty.
"Great, I'm lumbered with the stupid name because of what you ate for dinner." Luke glowered at his dad as he sat down, cake in hand.
"I know," said Ianto quietly, "and I'm hurt you don't remember, Jack Harkness." He gazed at his partner steadily but Jack looked back, still at a loss. "You called me that at one time and as Luke looks a bit like me," Ianto still refused to see the resemblance, "you gave him the name too."
A big smile came over Jack's face. "Now I remember. Of course! It was either that or 'little Ianto' which is a bit of a mouthful and confusing." He turned to Luke, "You should be flattered."
"Well I'm not, it's still a daft name." Luke stuffed cake in his mouth.
"More, Gwamps." Jonty poked Jack, looking at the fast diminishing slice of cake.
"Here you are, soldier." He popped a morsel into the boy's open mouth.
Stu had been listening with interest. He was an only child and he often sat back and listened as this larger family interacted. "And why is Jonty called 'soldier'?"
"Because he was long and thin when he was born, looked like a soldier on parade." Jack smiled down at his grandson who was resting against his chest.
"At least Tad was sensible, called us all 'sweetheart' and 'cariad'." This was from Minda who had finished her cake and was putting the plate on the table.
"Much easier," Ianto agreed, reaching an arm to pull her against his side.
"No, you were just plain lazy," declared Jack.
"I like the way Konni called us 'poppet'. She does the same for her kids now." commented Holly who had a good relationship with her ex-nanny. They lived reasonably near one another and shared babysitting duties.
"You're all growing so fast," began Ianto only to be drowned out by cries from his children. They had heard him say it so often it was a family joke.
An hour later, it was time for Luke and Holly and her family to leave. They all walked down to the landing pad in the dark night, carrying the various bags and cases containing their belongings. With everything stowed away, hugs and goodbyes were said and Holly took the controls. She was a skilled pilot and loved the opportunity to fly the craft. Once in Cardiff Luke would teleport on to Paris where he was based, Stu go to the theatre and Holly and Jonty would go home. The three left behind walked slowly back to the house where Minda went to her room. They would not be returning to Cardiff until the morning.
Jack and Ianto stood in the hallway where the banner still hung above them. "It's been a wonderful weekend," said Ianto, head resting on Jack's shoulder.
"It's been a wonderful twenty five years," replied Jack, placing a kiss on the top of Ianto's head.
"It certainly has."
"And the next couple of hundred will be just as good, Ianto. I know you wonder what it'll be like without children around but I promise, it'll be as good as I can make it." He held the man close, trying to reassure him.
"I'm sure you're right, cariad." He kissed Jack to reinforce his words. "I want to be with you, you know that, don't you?" Jack nodded. "I suppose we've been so busy raising the children there's a bit of a gap to fill."
"We'll find something, don't you fret. We can travel more, take a few really good holidays. And there'll be more grandchildren and then they'll have children and so on."
Ianto laughed. "It seems impossible I'll live that long yet I guess I shall. Actually," he added thoughtfully, "I had something else in mind. A business venture."
As they stood in one another's arms, Ianto outlined his plans which, if they came to fruition would certainly keep him busy for many years to come.
I shall have more for you about the family in due course. A tale of Holly and dancing next, I think …