1

"WICK!"

Ianto was scanning the yard with that feeling of dread every parent knows. He had been looking for almost fifteen minutes and although there was no hole in the fence to be found he couldn't shake the fear that the little shit had somehow got out.

Finally defeated, he touched his coms "Cariad? You doing anything?"

"What? Lots. Um … files. Yes… I am just reading…." Jack flustered on the other end.

"No, I don't mean for you to pretend to be busy, I am asking if you have a moment" Ianto was amused knowing full well Jack had been in his office with his feet on his desk playing with that stupid piece of tat he would never get working …. Not since Ianto had removed the battery pack when he was not looking. Serve him right.

"Oh. Right, well … what's up good looking?" Jack asked.

"I can't find Wick. Where was that hiding place you found last night?"

"Ah…. Under the wattle tree in the corner of the yard, there's a bush under it and a tiny gap he had slipped into." Jack answered "Find him there Tiger?"

Ianto looked "Nope."

Jack didn't hear a pop on that P and knew their son was in trouble now, Ianto more than slightly unnerved. He considered "Did you check Rhiannon's? Could have gone there, or Gwen. The newborn is fascinating to him."

Ianto considered then realised he was being far too human in his thoughts. Looking for a hole for fucksake. He mentally head thumped himself as he knew as well as anyone that they can bloody fly. He walked down the pathway to the other fence, opening the gate and letting himself into Gwen's back yard then walked to the open back door, calling out softly as he entered.

"In the living room Brother" she called in return and he entered to find his toddler standing with a look of pure devotion as he peered into the bassinette of the sleeping baby Anwen.

"Wick, I've been looking everywhere for you, you could have asked ya know!" Ianto scolded gently, the fourteen month old's eyes wide as he saw he had made a mistake. "It's OK, I am not mad, just freaked out when I can't find you. It's a Parental sort of thing, we need to know to feel you are safe."

"Sowy" the little sing-song voice answered as Wick looked back "Bubba!"

"Yes, she is a pretty bubba, isn't she" Ianto smiled as his son reached out to stroke the tiny head with wispy fine flicks of hair.

Ianto settled and rang Jack back "He was at Gwen and Rhys' place."

"Good, bloody idiot. How did he get out?"

"Flew I think" Ianto sighed "He's getting better with his wings, can go straight up, must have mastered up and over. Still can't go distance but it's only a matter of time before I have to teach him about updrafts."

"Oooooo, can't wait to see you fly"

"Is that Jack? Can you ask him to remind Rhys about the laundry?" Gwen asked as she put her book away and rose to kiss Ianto's head "Cuppa?"

"No thanks love" Ianto smiled as he heard Jack yelling at Owen about something, hiding the grimace as her coffee was awful … really most coffee was. Ianto only like the stuff he brewed and could get the ratio right "This little stinker actually has to come with me. Going shopping. Do you have a list?"

Jack was used to this, waiting patiently on the other end as they talked like he was in the room. A Kelpie thing Ianto did, including everyone. After a while he said gently "Still need me lover?"

"Always Cariad. Will see you tonight. Tell Rhys bout the laundry" Ianto smiled, "Kisses"

"Love you too sexy"

Ianto closed the phone and slid it into his pocket, looking over as his son leaned in to touch noses to the baby, this sign of affection not lost on Gwen who had watched a lot of the little ones do this. It was a kiss, Kelpie style.

"Well then … Looks like you re gong shopping. You might find a little trinket for your cousin here?" she crooned, Wick lighting up as he looked at his Tadda for confirmation and Ianto nodded, a little bell already on the list now the baby was a couple of weeks old and more used to the loud noises of the outside world. A dinky little tinkling one Wick would have fun shaking, Kelpies love bells. Anwen will like seeing his joy as her little eyes seemed to drink Wick in.

"No list for me, Rhys has it all under control thanks. I am just gonna change the bed and do some vacuuming" she answered as she watched Wick walk confidently over to his Taddy, hands up for a pick-up.

Such a handsome little man, his skin a soft tanned colour, not unlike Jack's which made it easier for people to think he was Jack's. Almost a middle eastern or Polynesian tinting to him with those huge blue eyes a surprise when he made eye contact on the odd occasion. Like all Kelpie, he knew the power in holding a gaze.

Wick was learning fast.

He had all the hallmarks of an Alpha.