12

Ford was moving fast, pulling up his trousers as he moved from the room with grace born to a predator.

Jack took a deep breath to steady himself, then calmly adjusted his own clothing and shakily checked his hair before sauntering back up to the hub.

Ianto was laughing softly as Owen gave a blow by blow commentary of two pigeons on the CCTV feed.

"Come on Glo, let's get over to the wharf" Owen said in a screechy voice" I hear it's all happening there!"

"Oh no" Owen gave his voice an even worse screech "I can't possibly Maude, you never wear white to a funeral!"

"Don't be silly" Owen used the first voice and even bobbed his head, making Ianto snort, then colour with a pretty blush, "Everyone else will be!"

"Owen!" Jack said as he stepped behind him and the girly scream echoed.

Ianto's eyes flared with true mirth and Jack saw Ford wink before turning away, least he be discovered.

"Owen" Jack repeated like nothing had happened and Owen swung, puffing himself up.

"Yeah?"

"Could I possibly have that report on the blowfish from last week?" Jack asked politely, "I wanted to check the bloods for any …"

"Different drugs" Tosh chimed in "I already thought of that. Seems this one died of a heart attack, third fish in two weeks to go belly up. So to speak."

Tosh grimaced at the terrible pun as Owen laughed.

"Good one Toots!" he said softly as he turned back to Ianto.

"Owen?" Ianto asked softly, "Can I watch the next one?"

"Blowfish autopsy?" Owen asked with surprise.

"Well, I see the bits when you're done and I have to shovel them into the flames but I am curious as your notes indicate that they change colour inside as they get rigor." Ianto canted his head.

"Yeah! Yeah, they do. A whole bloody rainbow in their organs" Owen enthused as he began then looked at Jack and rolled his eyes, "Maybe later Bud."

"Cool" Ianto smiled softly and Owen grinned as he tripped off.

"You don't really want to look do you?" Tosh grimaced.

"No, but he is fascinated. Writes lots about it, maybe if I look I will understand why he feels the need to explain in such detail" Ianto shrugged, "It means something to him and I want him to know that I show interest in his chosen things."

"like me with my algorithms?" Tosh asked.

"Yes, now I see the patterns in the numbers and rhythm in the concept, I understand your interests. You look at the bird in flight or a dripping tap and you see patterns. Not just a bird, or droplet of water." Ianto smiled, "You see the rhythm of life."

Tosh smiled openly as she nodded.

Jack saw the protective gleam on Ianto's eyes as he looked at a member of pack.

So Owen obviously was pack to Ianto, too.

Gwen?