74

Ianto was taking a quiet day in the Stronghold living area while his mate was away at the Outpost. He did not expect visitors so when Stephen leaned around the doorway to ask if he was free was a lovely surprise, Ianto finding himself quite pleased to see his lovely …well…grandson.

"Is Granddad out GrandTaddy?"

"Yes love, he's at the Outpost with Hope. Time for their report which we really want with all the newbies there" Ianto smiled "But I would like some company if you are not on duty?"

Stephen smiled as he nodded entering and picking Jack's seat, looking a lot like him as well. Handsome young man with weight about him. Ianto waited to see what was wrong, subconsciously checking the bond and finding all pups OK. The Predi-pups were occupying them more these days.

"Coffee?"

"Yes please' Stephen smiled, shifting in the chair. A definite problem he was chewing on. Ianto was curious now.

"So. I hear you have been checking out some of the new dwellings cleared out" Ianto said calmly.

"Ah. Yeah" he said slowly, looking more nervous now.

"Fen. Spit it out love"

"Well … ah. Travis."

Ianto looked up "Juniper's Travis?"

Fen looked aghast.

"Wait… your Travis? Stephen? Did you pinch him?" Ianto asked, then he laughed as he saw that he was right. Jack's grandson had finally decided to settle and it was with someone else's mate. "Stephen. You and Travis? Wow. I did not see that one coming."

"Neither did she. She's kinda pissed" Stephen sighed "Will not give him Clay. Says he's her child now and it's causing some real problems."

Ianto's smile faded as he sighed. "Well … shit."

"When his mama died he took Clay on without a second thought. I mean … he was like a Da to him already. Now this is really messy. They were not living together, not sleeping together or anything just… dating. I didn't know I would feel so ….so… annoyed about it until I saw them together and …man. I felt … I told him. He was so relieved. Turns out he has feelings for me too and thought I was straight. Man. We are both bi. I think." Stephen finally stopped talking, picking up his cup to take a sip.

"So, you are still with your mama. He is in the Main House with the Mayor Morris over in Fallback. I guess it's a bit crowded with him and Brandy finding one another. Those teenagers of hers are bloody loud when they come down here. Of course, the sorrow of losing Trey will be making that house sullen … of course he would rather sort things out. Juniper is her sister so … she will feel weird about this too. OK. Juniper did not cohabit with him just Clay staying over wih the other kids so … I guess it's not like you straight up stole him and she has no right to claim Clay. I will talk to Fay, she will sort it out" Ianto assured him and Stephen's relief showed on his face.

"You don't think it will be a big deal …you know… with everyone?"

"You mean pinching him from under her nose or the fact you are both male? Sweetling, anyone has something to say they can come to me. OK?" Ianto assured him "Your mother will be slightly annoyed though, that big wedding she always had planned. Damn. You will not look so cute next to him with a peach and cream theme."

Stephen snorted as he relaxed more, and then lit up as Pip toddled from the bedroom, rubbing his eyes "Hey. Look who's awake. Hey buddy."

Pip lit up, moving quickly for a hug and he settled in Stephen's lap happily. Stephen rubbed his back "I did want these though. Strange, I want him more."

"We find some in strange places, always need parentals for those waifs. You will have children. Don't worry about that. Where there is a will, there's a way." Ianto smiled.

"We might move upstairs for a while since she is Fallback. Less likely to come all the way across to have a go all the time."

Ianto frowned "That bad?"

"She's sore"

"Right" Ianto rose and pointed "He OK with you?"

Stephen lit up as he hugged Pip "Come on Poppity, you and me can go check that calf that dropped in the night."

Pip screamed with glee as he was swung onto the young man's hip and Ianto watched his baby get taken without a second thought as he went in search of Fay.

Yeah.

He would sort this out.

Spring had a funny way of mixing things up and new couples would form as the sound of babies made people clucky. Others amorous. Right now … seeded and cranky … Ianto was feeling slightly less inclined to feel empathy for others with his own Pup already causing him discomfort.

This one would not be an easy pregnancy.