23

Curtis was humming as he adjusted his tie, Walter calling to that the kids were heading across to the Big House. Curtis still giggled at that, the Parental house called that. Same as a prison was called sometimes. It was where most punishments were metered out and the naughty step was notorious I guess.

Curtis checked himself one more time, the early morning light still dim and he reached tot to turn off the beside lamp that would soon not be needed as the dawn crept along.

Walter waited for him impatiently, then sighed as he started up the stairs to hurry him along. Gods, seven thirty in the morning and he's fussing on a tie. He really has married his Taddy hasn't he? You know he….

Curtis was on the floor, out like a light and Walter stood with surprise as he said his name softly. "Curty? What the hell are you doing? Are you asleep in the job love?"

Curtis was still. So still.

Walter then noticed the bedside lamp tipped over and he knew…he knew… racing to his side as he took a deep breath and reached tot to touch him "Baby, no. Don't …don't …baby…."

He touched Curtis and found him still warm, like he just needed to take a breath. Waiter checked his neck for a pulse even though he knew…he knew…. He remembered. Taddy said it was something every parent needed to know. Every parent should learn how to save a life, how to do CPR.

Walter gave two hard breaths and then started chest compressions as he called out "Alexa. Call Taddy"

"Calling Taddy"

"Did you release the hounds?" Ianto's voice was full of laughter in the speakers in the room. "They came in here lie…"

"TADDY! Curtis has been electrocuted" Walter yelled "HELP ME!"

He focused on his task until hands slid under his arms and lifted him off his husband, Jack falling to take his pace and resume the CPR, Ianto there holding Walter against him as they watched others pour into the room.

Owen was there, yelling out numbers as Toshiko fumbled with a bag. A defibrillator … the village had several scattered about. A lot of oldies and Ton had insisted there be one within running distance at all times for his Biddies …. "CLEAR!"

"Taddy" Walter whispered.

"Right here" Ianto said calmly into his ear, his own tears rolling down his face not helping anyone as he tried to remain calm for his son "We are here together love."

"PULSE!" Owen roared after a while, then checking "BREATH! OXY…"

"OWEN! Toshiko snapped "For fucksake I am right beside you!"

"Sorry" Owen panted as he snatched the mask and placed to over the unconscious man. Walter finality released from his Taddy's grip to fall to his knees at Curtis' head, his hands reaching out to stroke his cheeks.

"OK, I hear the ambulance. Walt, we are going to the city with this. Come on … look at me. He's breathing, his vitals are stabilising. It's OK. He will be OK." Owen said softly, reaching for Walter and gripping his arm tightly "We need to be calm and it will be OK."

"Thank you Owie" Walter whispered, his gaze locked on his beloved.

That had been so close, too close.

Too soon.