20

They were almost there and coming around a bend when Ianto saw something and headed off to look, finding a large overgrown area with fruit trees and large wisteria all entwined. Ianto knew instinctively what it was and called to his pups to come see.

They left the train as it puttered along and they entered the labyrinth following the scent of their Tad. Jack assured everyone on the train that whatever Ianto had found, it was not dangerous just something interesting for them and everyone relaxed, going over what they had managed to scavenge and what the official story would be about the school. No need to alarm people, some sheltered within the dome and not remembering the horrors out there.

Everyone was more interested in those seeds, the great haul that included something Ianto longed for. Watermelon. Gods, Jack could almost taste it with his mate's dreams.

.

.

.

.

"Hope" Ianto called as he heard his pups.

She was in the dark interior of the little woods and she found her father in human form. She changed, not embarrassed to be naked. Her Tadda could create clothing from his fur now and she knew when she grew she would learn. Here, alone with her family there was no need to be uncomfortable. They are pack after all.

"What is it?" Dean hissed, looking at the large lump of ivy.

"A house" Ianto replied softly "It's a country cottage… well was once upon a time, this was originally it's garden. Look. It's a house inside all that."

"Wow" Dean's eyes widened, "And it's not collapsed under the weight of all that?"

"Has been well made. You know, a good backbone to a house will stand it in good stead. Why we are so careful with our buildings and their framework. Like a ribcage, it needs to protect that within." Ianto explained.

"What do you think is within that?" Hope canted her head "Can we look?"

"If you can find the door you have…. Ten minutes until we go to meet the train."

Ianto settled to wait as the kids went around the building and found a window they could smash. They were soon in and were amazed to find the old furniture, the mouldy walls that clearly had stuff on them like at home, even if they could not see the pictures for the black stuff on the walls. They also knew their Wolfling selves were safe from something that might make a normal human sick as Owen had explained mould spore once, opening cupboards to look at things with curiosity.

"Look! A horse!" Dean gasped and the two youngsters looked at an old statue of a horse standing on full tack waiting for its rider to appear. "Pip would love this."

"Do you think we can take it?" Hope whispered "He didn't say if we were allowed to take anything."

"He didn't say we couldn't" Dean said with his father's loop-hole brain working so they lifted it with ease, carrying it out with Hope also hooking a few little things from the shelf just in case. No idea what they were but maybe if they wash them they can see. She felt them in her fingers and they seemed to be something cold and shiny. Glass?

Ianto was waiting and they raced for the train, stopping to wash in a creek before placing their goodies in a snap-lock bag … germs are a real thing ya know. Tadda said there was once something called a Vaccine but these no longer existed so germs and illnesses that could not harm Wolfling might hurt humans. Best to be careful. Tadda had explained they could not give their blood for a Vaccine thing as they were Wolfling. Dadda might I guess but that is another conversation at some stage I guess.

They then got on the train and gleefully watched as within an hour they had home in sight.

Ianto was relived as well, tired but triumphant as his pups had proven themselves, even if there had been a moment of boundary pushing. Ianto had forgiven them, knowing Jack had too but they still had to talk to Pip who might give them a little bollocking, something weird to watch as the toddler screamed and shook his fists in a parody of his former self.

You have to be careful, how many times does this have to be said?

They heard it clearly and looked at one another as they were warned he already knew. Shit.

Jack was still thinking about Scotland and Ianto knew their next recon had to be to Torchwood house. Not only to see if Archie was there but the tech hidden below in those lower levels was what really had Jack thinking. There were things they could use, time to break in and see before it was as gone as that cottage back there.

Ianto agreed silently, watching as his daughter twitched, listening to their bond conversation. Ianto really wanted Marley along though, best wait for that baby to come along. There was time.

Jack didn't think so.

Ianto sighed.

OK then. We will give it a few weeks for everyone to get over this one and calm down then we will see about a Scotland run. If the tracks are up to it we will take Tommy and some crew.

Dean punched the air and several people looked at him with confusion as they had no idea the conversation going on in the air around them, Ianto snorting softly as Jack sighed and saw why Ianto wanted to wait.

Damn.

Have to bring the puppers?

Yep!

Prepper Puppers Dad!

Ianto glared silently at his mate as Jack finally saw that he had opened Pandora's Box.