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Ianto didn't see the funny side until they were almost home, he thought it was a burp until the deep booming laugh filled the vehicle and he leaned over to hold himself with amusement.
"Did you see their faces when they decloaked?" he chortled and Jack grinned as he watched Ianto flop back to gain better breath for more bellows of mirth.
Its' going to be a long day, followed by a longer night" Jack said softly as he turned the wheel, "we have no idea what those stupid praying mantis brains have in store for us."
"Careful" Ianto warned, "I resemble one on the inside."
"Yes but you are bigger on the inside love, you fit so much more than just a Predator behind that gorgeous big dicked exterior."
"Oh gods, just don't put that on my gift tag" Ianto replied and Jack laughed along with him.
"MR B.D.E." Jack giggled.
"Stop it, you are incorrigible" Ianto spluttered happily, looking back at the sleeping tot, "Do you think we got our message across?"
"I think Maddy slapping the Xenomorph head down as an offering to Lizzie sort of finished it" Jack nodded, "Likeā¦sealing the deal."
"She did look impressed" Ianto said happily, his head settling as he closed his eyes and that sleep thing he like to do in the car took over.
Jack drove sedately with care around corners so his beloved would sleep, revelling in a simple thing that was still a form of providing, right? He looked back over the past year, his son's arrival and most importantly, Ianto's return to his life and he wondered what he had done to deserve it. All the shit he had eating in life, this pay off was a doozy and it worried him that maybe the gods had another kick in the head getting aimed any day now.
Then he glanced over at his love and smiled, secure in the knowledge that Ianto would be there by his side with his teeth bared, blades out and blood boiling.
So much had happened in the space of such a short time, his time last year he was watching the stars while the rest of the world celebrated life, he had lain there out in a paddock in the countryside and simply existed as the world went around the sun so damned slowly.
Now it seemed to move so fast, the joy in his heart unable to be explained as simple love, gods this was so much more than just love. Just anything. Ianto dying had taken a part of Jack and now not only was he whole again but the addition of little monster Tuck had somehow completed a quest he hadn't even known he was on.
All this time he thought he was looking for the Doctor, looking for answers. Yet each time, he was left unsatisfied. He knew now. This is what he had been seeking. His quest had not be for an explanation or reversal of fortune, he was finally able to see that he was supposed to see what the fortune was. Realise how rich he was and accept the reward he had been given by Rose and the Tardis.
Ianto started to snore softly, matching their son's snuffles and Jack felt such a surge of affection his eyes prickled.
So dammed blessed.
Thank you Rose.
