9

The children did not seem to miss their parentals and Ianto surmised it was due to the fact they had not actually been the ones to raise them, just create them. Those children had been raised by servants, were used to a turnover of people and had formed attachments to one another where possible, not adults. As a result they were resilient and eager to have fun, learning that the governess at this place was lenient and allowed afternoons off for play was something they had never thought possible and each day was filled with noise and glee.

The servants had simply imbibed the children into their ranks, those that sometimes slept above the servant floors in the spare bed in with the 'little prince' and his shadow not even talked about. It seemed… a new normal.

Jack marvelled in the fact that within the space of a year this cold, dreary place had gone to one full of light, delight and above all... love. Ianto was the catalyst for all of this, he knew that. So did the others, revelling in their Dragon King and his huge heart that transcended rules.

Corbin was a reminder to Ianto of his lost son, so much like him in age and in the demeanour he thought his son would grow into. They had been friends, little playmates before the fires and now after all this time it was like having a little piece of him back.

If that makes sense.

Rane was excited to have so many friends and it was pleasing to find that all the kids liked him, no fighting in the ranks as if were, all of them used to being in a little group. A bunch. Ianto saw his son flourish as he and his friends took over the servants and their hearts. Time away from chores to entertain and play not discouraged.

One big family now, Ianto was once again creating a realm within a realm without really thinking about it. His main focus was on Jack and their life together here. Now. He let go of the past.

What choice is there?

Besides, he had other fish to fry… sorry… too soon?

"Healer Harper!"

"Ianto!" came the same volume of response as Owen stood from behind the gurney he was fiddling with and Ianto grinned at him..

"Owen, I don't mean to be a bother but…"

"Stop that. Come on, what is it?"

Ianto seemed to hesitate, considering options before admitting "I seem to be in need to a… um… looking at."

Owen stared at him for a moment or two then slowly said "ooookaaaayyyyyy. Why?"

"Tastes have changed, my sleep pattern has changed and although I was recently upset with some past grievances that gave me nightmares for a while… that ws resolved. Still, mighty waking as if someone is speaking to me. I know it is not the dragons, not Jack. I don't know what it is." Ianto shrugged. "I came to you before I go to a seeker."

"Come on, let's have at you. You know, you don't often let me have a look as you are so shy. Most pets don't mind but you… so shy. Right. Let's have a look" Owen knelt as he helped Ianto disrobe and soon Ianto stood naked as a jaybird.

Owen used some instruments, hummed, and then had him lay on the gurney he had just been fiddling with. Owen then palpated his stomach a bit and hummed some more, finally asking if Ianto had noticed the little bit of eight gain.

"Not that I am picking at you, this is not a disparaging comment. You look the better for it" Owen rushed to assure Ianto this was not a criticism.

"Yes, my clothes are a little snugger. Jack likes it, says I am cuddlier in the bed and less bony. I had no idea he found me too skinny and I am glad I could rectify that." Ianto agreed with a soft smile, one hand on Owen's like it was no big deal.

Owen then asked Ianto his lineage some more and did that mumbling thing he does when thinking that always annoys Jack but Ianto found soothing. It meant he was thinking, assessing and going over mental files. Ianto understands this, his own internal muttering a real thing.

After a while it started to get a little annoying so Ianto asked "Owen? Problem?"

"Well, you are from the Jones bloodline right?"

"Of course, it's my name. For my stable of birth." Ianto said slowly like Owen was thick but as he spoke it all sort of slotted into place and Ianto sat staring at him with wide eyes.

"Yeah" Owen grinned as he got another instrument and placed it on Ianto's stomach "Ahhhhh. Yeah."

"Well…. Shit."

"Yeah."

.

.

"Cariad? Do you have a moment?"

"Hmmm? Hey good looking" Jack looked up from his maps and lit up, watching as his handsome man walked towards him with that catlike stealth. So dammed pretty. Ianto was looking around the room making sure they were alone. Jack wondered if it was going to be some afternoon delight on the map table… might crease the maps.

"Jack, I need to talk to you about something and… well... I don't really know where to start. Except, you know there are some Pets built for breeding right? I was from the bloodline of Jones, bred specifically for pleasure and reproduction" Ianto said softly as he leaned against the map table, facing Jack.

"That's right. They almost did you a terrible disservice before finding it in the paperwork and stopping the procedure" Jack nodded, the scar on Ianto's ball sack one he was careful about touching when they made love.

"Well, you know a characteristic of a Jones Bloodline is… well… male pregnancy is also possible if two have Jones in them?"

"Yeeeeeeessss?"

"And you great grandmother was a pet you said?"

Jack stood staring at Ianto with a deep frown that made his face look like he was constipated "Yessssss."

"OK. We are both of Jones bloodline, yours diluted but mine almost pure. We make love and… I prefer to be the receiver… ah… the ah… bottom? Ah… the… er… wife?" Ianto was struggling now as he could see Jack was totally unable to grasp the situation. "So I've been feeling a bit… h…"

"You're pregnant" Jack suddenly blurted, physically lurching forward to seize Ianto's arms and look into his face "Are you telling me that you are with child!"

"Yes!" Ianto breathed a sigh of relief.

Jack stood there for the longest time and Ianto wondered if he was stroking out or something, then came what he had hoped for.

Whooping, leaping about and general stupidity as Jack had a convulsion of joy.

The huge red dragon on the barn roof canted her head as she listed and hummed softly to herself.

Babies are wonderful things.

She could not wait.

.

.

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