64

Jack had pondered Ianto's conversation with him as had Ianto and they both came to the same conclusion after seeing an advertisement on the TV for tandem bikes that can be in different sizes, and as many riders added as wanted.

By the same time next week the school was all outside with interest as Jack and the men unloaded twelve brand new tandem bikes, each capable of having up to four riders.

"This is so the little ones learn road safety while the older ones teach them. School outings can have an adult leading on this bike with the adult sized bike in the front the three little ones behind that the babies can be clipped into, the other kids can follow. There are also four single bikes so other adults are with the class as well. They can go to the mountain, down to the river… wherever they want and learn to be road aware. In time, as they prove themselves, these bikes here that are singles will be broken out and like a graduation class… they get one of their very own. They will learn maintaining and care for their bike, respect for property and they will ride in the group to help encourage the little ones still in tandem."

"Oh Ianto, you two do spoil us" River said with delight, her hands clasped together as one of the older kids whizzed past with two little on their seats behind him squealing, their little helmets all black with the Torchwood emblem on their side.

"Nonsense. Hawk wants to learn to ride a bike. You know… Ton can't either? He will learn for Hawk and be able to help supervise as well. For him, it will be important. Angel prefers the Baby House. You know… it needs a better name. Sounds like a Crack House for drug addicts. And really… my addiction is no one's business even if everyone does know I am addicted to those little squishy things." Ianto huffed as she laughed and threw her arm around him.

"You and this man of yours… you've changed my life. I always wanted to live in a village, be part of the world around me but you make this a family. Being an only child… believe me… this is special. I constantly get invitees to eat with families, some even try to wangle me on the school holiday vacations. They are shocked to find I want to stay back and do school stuff."

"You are such a good fit" Ianto assured her "Also… while we are doing wheels. That little VW bug of yours is never going to pass another inspection. You know that right?"

"I am simply putting off the inevitable" she sighed sadly "I love that… no. no. Ianto…no!"

Jack was driving the shiny new VW into the school yard, shiny and the brightest yellow imaginable. River's colour. The number place said TEACHR and she could only laugh with delight as Jack got out to hand her the key, the key ring a little red apple.

"Everyone get wheels today" Jack said with glee "Especially our teacher."

River had no words.

Spoiled.