55

The front room was now a hospital room, the large pull out sofas full of sad faces as John cuddled in one with both little boys and Ton lay in the other with his dearest Daddy fussing as Badger settled at his feet.

"This is worrying" Owen said as he sat at the end of one of the beds, "More cases popping up nationwide. It's not like its fatal or anything but those who don't know and let it get too bad face meningitis. Also in adults it can cause sterility."

"Gods, good thing we smelt it out here then" Jack said softly, his hand stroking Ton's hair as he lay across his chest staring morosely at the TV screen.

"Sterile?" John said softly, to nobody in particular, "But I would like another one some day. We caught me early, right?"

"Ice Cream" Ianto said as he entered with a tray, all faces perking up as bowls were offered and the dog sat licking his little scoop with open glee as his master opened his mouth to be fed by his daddy bird.

Ianto made sure everyone was OK and headed to the kitchen where Chrys sat watching though the doorway, her smile soft as she watched John pull the covers over both babies and croon as he checked they were not getting ice-cream everywhere.

"You OK?" Ianto asked and she nodded, her own mumps scare as a little girl now making her unborn baby safe.

"Are you sure you can handle all of them?" she asked as Ianto nodded, "Jack is here and an amazing nurse ya know, loves to fuss. He hates seeing Ton upset, poor little guy doesn't understand about illnesses and things, as innocent as the babies. Hard when he's such a big boy and there is no way I can carry him to the bathroom like Jack is. I mean, he can walk. It's not like he's crippled but he can put in a show when morose. His Daddy's taste for theatre."

"I've noticed" she giggled, "Poor kids. At least they can be sick together. Did you see Harley offer his robot to Ifan for comfort?"

"Yeah" Ianto smiled "Warren is in there somewhere too, I have to dig him out actually."

Ianto rose and went over, digging about and finding the doll which he pulled from the bedding as Ifan whined softly "mine"

"Yes love but you don't want him to get sick do you? Just a baby and all. I will put him to bed for a nap, he will not miss out then" Ianto soothed and Ifan considered then nodded as he snuggled more without the lump in his way now, then Harley hooted and shoved the robot at Ianto.

"Ah, good idea. They can both have a snooze, well done Monkey Man" Ianto crooned as he rescued the hard object between the boys and they could now hug one another freely. Little heads lolling together as they sighed and settled for snoozing.

Jon smiled up at Ianto, "Thanks mate that robot was digging into me."

"Anytime" Ianto replied softly, stroking a swollen cheek, "You snooze too, yeah?"

John closed his eyes, obediently sliding off to sleep as Jack smiled over in the other bed.

Ianto was such a good fusser, the women of the village no doubt about to descend as well as word got around.