55

The house was small, compact really. It resembled Ianto's flat down to the hooks at the front door and Gray was smitten with the big red door with the bear head knocker.

It had three bedrooms, a study and open plan living area with just a breakfast island separating the kitchen from the living room.

All three bedrooms were doubles, the master had its own bathroom and Ianto noted that the study could accommodate the Torchwood workstation and extras he would want to bring from the hub.

The decor left much to be desired and Ianto saw a lot of wallpapering and painting needed to make it feel like home.

Gray was sitting at the island swinging on one of the bar stools as Ianto looked out the French doors at the large backyards.

"There has to be a catch" Jack was saying softly to the realtor, "You can't tell me that price with a straight face. Come on, what's the catch."

"Well" she looked over at Gray, "The elderly lady is quite eccentric next door."

Jack frowned and looked at the high fence, then gave a short bark of laughter as the address finally made sense.

"Don't tell me" he snorted, "Estelle, right?"

"Yes" she said with surprise, "Poor old dear is quite mad. Talks to fairies."

Jack just nodded and held back the grin as he saw a lot of baking in their future.

"Ianto?" He called out to the Timelord who stood straight and true as he pondered, "You like this one?"

Ianto swivelled on his heel and Jack didn't miss the soft sigh from the realtor as the afternoon sun created a halo behind him.

"Well, three bedrooms. I like the idea of a spare. Also, the office would be brilliant. I know it's smaller than the others but.. Well. You know our usual remedies for such things."

Jack stared at him and then blinked.

"You can do that?"

"Ayelish can do it, if I ask nicely." Ianto agreed. "Maybe a wardrobe room, for sure. We can work on the others. He likes it. First one he's been happy in."

"Oh. Building consent on this …."

"It's OK" Ianto said firmly, silencing her, "We have consent to do what we want, I know people."

She squeaked and then grinned at the lovely man who gave her the softest smile that made her go all …. Well. A woman of her age, swooning over a young boy like that. If she were twenty … well, maybe thirty years younger that boy would be in real peril.

Jack smelt her arousal and grinned, winking as he walked over to Ianto and looked out the windows.

"A nice little dog, a few cats maybe?" Jack said softly, knowing Ianto's like for cats, "Estelle has a big old cat called Moses. He's a cranky old git but I bet he would like you."

"Estelle?"

"I told you about her. I nearly married her but went to war." Jack whispered, "She think's I am Jack the second. The son of her sweetheart. The Mara?"

Ianto nodded as he recalled the picture of the pretty young thing on his arm and turned to face him.

"Yes."

"Yes?"

"Yes Cariad."

"YEAH BABY!" Gray yelled from the stool and Ianto realised that Owen was having an effect on the boy.

Jack began negotiations as Ianto wandered through the semi-furnished house. Already re-colouring and filling the rooms. Knowing they needed several more rooms to feel comfortable but also sure Ayelish would accommodate them.

After all, it was for the baby.