6
Ianto was going over the supplies they were packing into the carriage when he smelt it, faint but sure and he swung to stare at the most recently seeded member of the collective. He was surprised and he took a moment to consider this, his eyes watching though his lashes.
Unaware of the eyes on her, she continued to help pack things into the cupboards along the top of the seats so if there were emergency weapons and such would be available. He knew she had to be told before they left, had to know she was limited and he motioned for her to follow him from the carriage, others loading the train not noticing, even if Jack did and turned with interest as the bond crackled to look around with surprise at what he was hearing.
"I think you are seeded" Ianto began without delay, knowing she needed to know and her eyes widened.
"What?" she spluttered "But it's …. No. Really? No."
"Yes. I am sure, you need to confirm. I will not stop you from coming with us but you will be limited" he explained and she knew she could not go. The moment she knew in her heart he spoke the truth she knew she could not possibly go on an overnight recon. Her unborn was more important. She knew it a plainly as he did but she did appreciate him saying she had a choice.
"I need to find Billy" she turned to leave and Ianto hooked Marley's hand, pulling her into a hug and a gentle kiss to her cheek. He was pleased for her, wanted to show it even if he felt a little jealous.
"I think I am jealous" he whispered into her ear, "I think this shall be a blessed one. The first of spring. What a wondrous thing, Mama Francine will go mad. You know she will, I hope she does not smother you to death in her boobs."
Marley was glowing as she ran for the Security room where she knew Billy was packing flat jackets, even if she was effectively benched she knew he would be so happy, another one for their little family. A perfect gap between kids with Daisy old enough to understand the need to share her Mama. Thank the gods she was weaned. They were upgrading their cavern and this was the perfect reason to add another room. She couldn't wait. Also, it meant they would be Downers. A newling best protected down below.
Billy saw her coming and her joy told him before she spoke. He gaped "No. Are you…"
"Taddy said so" she clutched his hands, "We need to ask Owen though. Check it out, you know … I can't come now. I will not risk it."
"No!" he agreed "We will be safe enough with three Wolfling along for the ride, have you seen Deano in Wolfling form? He's bigger than Hope!"
"He is more like Taddy than her, she has Dad's temper but he had Taddy's reasoning, the way he hunts if freaky. He can be there behind you and you …EEEEK!"
Dean stood in the doorway with an annoyed look "What is going on. Are you talking about me?"
"Baby" Frank grunted as he pushed past "Mal has baby in her. Nice. I want one."
"Dude, I wanna live first. Travel, see the world. Don't try to pin me down!" Dean rolled his eyes then laughed at the joke, Frank scuttling over to shove him.
"You get me one" Frank snarled "I don't care about your driving."
"That ginger had her kittens" Marley said, Frank gasping before running off with soft shrieks of glee.
"Great, a Kitty baby. Thanks" Dean sighed, then smiled "I better go after him or we will end up with twins or something. Gods knows one is so much work! You are game to have another one after Daisy already shat everywhere that time. And you know … Mama will smother you in her boobs! Gotta go, I wanna boy!"
"Listen to them, like an old married couple" Billy laughed and Marley leaned against him.
"Like us?" she asked.
"Oh baby, I never wanna grow old" he drawled and she giggled as she shoved at him then they went searching for Owen.
She knew they would never grow old if they were together, their love alone keeping their hearts young and full of life.
Just like Nainny and Poppy had been.
Something to aspire to.