6

Ianto and Rhiannon stood in the house as Mica ran from room to room, her excitement clear as she squealed and declared one hers. As he had thought, it was empty and perfect for hem with four bedrooms and plenty of space, their courtyard shared with Ianto. He knew he still had to sort Alice and Steven but knew they were happy a little longer being close.

It had been a long day already though not yet lunchtime and he knew Jack was ready for a time out as well, taking him by the hand into the undergrowth beyond the back courtyard between the houses. The leaves moved to allow them into a small clearing where the moss was soft and the air seemed lighter. Ianto settled on the ground and looked up at Jack who stood looking down at him wih surprise. Ianto putted the moss "Sit. Its completely dry."

Jack settled and Ianto reached for his hands "Jack. Cariad. I know you are struggling to find your step, you are trying hard not to step on mine. It's OK. You are doing fine. You are doing exactly right. OK?"

Jack felt something shift and ease as he looked into Ianto's' face and saw the complete sincerity there, "I didn't mean to hit him but …"

"It was all he understood" Ianto agreed "Now he knows you mean it, now he will pull his head in or he can jog on. You merely said what I was thinking. If I was ever annoyed or embarrassed you would know and I feel deep down that … you will NEVER disappoint me. Never do me wrong. I feel this in my very soul. The first time we met, I felt it like … a recognition. I trust you."

"So what now?"

"Now … we spend the rest of the morning going around meeting those I know you will want to put faces and names to then lunch. We will then spend the afternoon with the rest of the team, do a debrief and let them vent, ask questions … voice opinions or fears … try to settle."

Jack considered "Sounds good. What people?"

"Security, maintenance and communications. I know they are top of your list. You can see our layout, our goods as it were and maybe see where we need something tweaked or added to?" Ianto shrugged and for a moment Jack wondered of Ianto was handling him like everyone else, then felt silly as he knew Ianto was walking him into restricted areas with his own name on the line.

"Sounds good Tiger"

"One behind you."

"One what?"

The white tiger stalked into the clearing and Jack felt his mouth go dry as he saw how huge it is up close, the skin rippling as it walked and it's huge eyes so intelligent. Ianto sat calmly and smiled "Maurice me old china. Did you gobble that chicken? You bad boy!"

The Tiger gave a low chuffing sound in his throat and Ianto laughed softly, reaching out to stroke the huge head that made his hand look like a child's one. Then the tiger bounded into the foliage in one huge leap.

"First time you called me Tiger, I thought of him. You think of the orange ones, right? White's were even more rare. We have some oranges somewhere but Maurice is their boss so they will only show themselves if he wills it." Ianto explained "Why I never took offence, I know you remember them and I was touched to think you saw me so majestic."

"Cheeky, strong, powerful and sexy" Jack whispered, then a huff on the back of his neck had his eyes widening as Ianto laughed softly and chastised the tiger, telling him Jack was taken but he agreed that the smell was divine.

"Ianto?"

"Yes Cariad?"

"Swimming, you went swimming this morning in the lake. You came back … smelling ..ah…"

"The lake had healing properties, there is a spring in the middle if this island with water fed from the lake, when you bathe there you will understand" Ianto assured him "Something in the water."

"Usually is" Jack sighed theatrically "As long is it doesn't tickle my dick!"

As he had hoped Ianto roared with mirth, his eyes dancing as he leaned in and kissed him, sweet and long. "Come on Cariad, people to meet, things to fiddle with and slip into your pockets like the magpie you are!"

"What?" Jack gasped as he got to his feet "Me? Pinch things?"

"Mmmmmm" Ianto started to walk backwards "You've had me heart in your top pocket for a while now and I don't think I shall ever get that back."

Jack laughed, rising to chase him into the sunlight of the village, their laughter echoing as children raced past, two more having joined the tiny gang of monsters. The four resident children were overjoyed that three more had joined their tiny flock and they were all getting along well, the robot dog running to keep up with a soft whirr of its gears.

"Oh dear" Ianto sighed as he held out his hand for Jack and as Jack accepted it he looked at Ianto with interest.

"Problem love?"

"Yeah" Ianto looked at him with such affection that Jack felt his mouth go dry, "Mimi has a kitten."

Jack laughed.