9

Ianto tried again, reaching for Jack's hand at the last of the evening drinks the men sometimes had before bed, careful to let himself to demure and soft… so soft. Jack responded by pulling his hand back and physically distancing himself across the room.

Now that was cruel. Ianto swallowed back his hurt and went to leave, finding his path blocked by Gray "Leaving already? I've seen so little of you."

"Sorry… i… ah…."

"Is everything alright Ifan?" the lovely Queen Gamora asked gently, her had on his arm.

"Majesty, how is your husband?" Ianto asked, changing the subject smoothly.

"Getting better. We are amazed with his progress and that lovely old man your mother sent it a godsend, whatever those poultices are that he has applied, my husband is already finding strength to stand, and soon he will walk unaided. More than we hoped for" she smiled back "Nice try. What is wrong?"

Ianto was conflicted, but then said softly "I am with child. For some reason my husband has reacted to this by abandoning me. I am unsure if the little one is causing it or if he genuinely does not see me as attractive anymore… if he ever did."

"Oh dear" her eyes widened "He spoke of you with such affection."

"Yes well… it's gone now"

"He is grieving, it affects us all in different ways. Is it wrong to admit I do not shed tears for that woman?" she whispered "I hear she showed you her less flattering side also."

"She hated me and openly showed it by trying to kill me a few times… yes" Ianto huffed.

He queen stared at him, and then nodded "What do you need sweetie?"

"I would like to return home, I came for him but he does not want me so… I should retreat I think to let him have the comfort of those he would rather be around right now.. I need another place to sleep tonight if there is a room spare." Ianto said after considering "He will be more comfortable in his chambers without me there I guess."

"Oh, what a shame. Of course darling" she reached out and patted his arm, her sadness for him seeming genuine "I will arrange a bed for you… and transport for the morning to take you back home."

"Thank you majesty" Ianto smiled softly.

"Gomora" she said as she squeezed his arm "Call me Gomora."

"And I am Ianto to the few friends I have" he replied "Ifan was my grandfather's name."

Ianto retired to the chambers to repack the few things he had taken from his bags when he had thought he and Jack would share the space then followed the footman to the smaller room with little cot in the corner. "Thank you."

"I am sorry it is not to the same level…"

"Not at all" Ianto assured to footman "I have slept in smaller and been perfectly fine. Thank you… I shall retrieve my child and be ready in the morning for travel."

"Sir."

.

.

Ianto rested. He could not sleep as the spark bombarded him with emotions and movement. Seems he is not the only one that is not happy with Jack right now. Ianto sighed as he rubbed his tummy "Well? Make your mind up. Go away. Come here. Go away. You can't do that. Daddy does not want either of us now."

Ianto laid back on the bed and stared at the wall, the tears rolling down his face the only betrayal he would acknowledge as he tried to think ahead to activities upon his arrival home.

The sound of a large Hover woke him and he was surprised to find he actually slept. The baby took it out of him already. He rose and opened the door just as the doorman about to knock. At least he had slept in the clothes, ready. He scooped up the still sleeping toddler and they made their way down to the Hover that waited to take him home.

Gomora was there with a basket that she handed him once the baby was inside "Here, some sweet breads and such for the journey. When I was with child I found travel cumbersome. We shall meet again under better circumstances."

Ianto kissed her hand gently and then went into the Hover and bowed his head, admitting a defeat as his bond mate rejected him. Was it the spark causing it? Or was it him. Was he so unattractive with a belly? It was only a small one, barely there. If Jack reacted like that to a small bump, how would a fully protruding one make him feel?

Ianto felt even more sorry for the poor woman who had given Jack three wonderful children. Was she shunned each time too? Or was it just him.

Ianto made a mental note to check and find out if this was something that would pass and Jack would naturally come back to him or was this an anomaly.

He was not sure which he preferred.

He just wanted to know it would end.