12

I was…six the first time it happened" she said as Willem moved closer and leaned against her knee, "I was in the sandpit and looked up to ask Taddy something when it all …slowed down. A bird flying past was in slow motion and I was so confused. I turned to ask Taddy what was happening and I saw the dog. The neighbour's dog was running towards me so slowly his jowls were all floppy. Tad was there scooping me up like it was nothing, then it all sped up and the dog slammed into the sandpit."

Ianto was silently watching.

"Taddy told me that was adrenalin, that I was so scared it had seemed that way. I know now that was bullshit because I hadn't even seen the dog when it all started but as a little girl I believed it. I mean, Taddy doesn't lie, right?" she looked at him and he shrugged.

"The first time it happened for me was Weevil hunting" Jack said after a while, "Ianto slipped. One minute we were racing along the river bank and the next… he slipped and I turned to yell out with fear and he was there beside me, pushing at me to keep running. It wasn't until later I realised he had jumped several seconds."

"You knew? Even then?" Ianto was shocked now.

"I suspected something, not sure what it was. Like you said sweetie, I don't need to know to be grateful for it" Jack shrugged, "I figured you had something in you that could do that, after all there is something in you that holds me like a moth to a flame. I just accepted it was a Welsh thing."

Ianto laughed and leaned back "Well, it's definitely a Welsh thing Cariad."

"Ianto, you must have been terrified" Jack sighed, "Why have you never said anything?"

"I don't want to. Don't you get it? Magic on the words" Ianto admitted, "Maybe if I don't say it then it's not really true."

"You always did prefer to do that"

"Head in the sand, that's me" Ianto agreed "doesn't always work."

"Ianto, I always knew there was something special about you. I never knew what it was and you're right, it didn't matter to me. Doesn't. We are all a bit of this and a bit of that. All I know is that you are perfect for me" Jack said as he rose to finish the conversation he knew his daughter had started. After all, she was his daughter right?

"Taddy, I always knew you were different. No other little girl has a Taddy like you and I am so glad you are mine. As for that little one growing inside you, I hope he is special too, I hope he's just like you because this world needs more of you!" Kara said as she cuddled into him and kissed his cheek before going back to her chair, "Even if I have to share you now."

"Well, this one is definitely going to be needy. Especially if he takes after his father here" Ianto hooked a thumb at Jack who finally caught part of the conversation he had been ignoring.

"He?"

"Yeah. I'm not a hundred percent but… it makes sense. Somehow, the little child I am dreaming about is a little boy. Floppy dark hair and an infectious laugh. With Kara I saw a naughty little girl with excess energy dancing in the sunlight" Ianto smiled, "I loved her so much, even before I could hold her in my arms I held her in my heart. My wee Karaline."

"Oh Taddy, you never told me that you dreamed me" she said with wonder, his face softening with affection as he turned to face her.

"You know me darling, saying things gives them power. I never wanted to jinx you, never. I was always so sure I would lose you, be all alone in the world" he smiled "More fool me, eh?"

"I was dreamed into life" Willem said after a while, "My mother speaks of a time of wanting. My big oaf of a brother here so much like Dad, two peas in a pod and she long since lamented that there would be no other pup. She dreamed of one that matched her dark fur and seeking mind. She says one night she had a dream There was a wolf a huge black wolf that filled the sky, whispering in a language she did not know. She understood the words though, said there was magic in them. Telling her that not all wolves bow to the moon, some seek the light of the golden sun. She says it told her that I would come, I would one day bring her a dragon. Oregano or orange-eyo or something"

Ianto snorted softly, looking away for a moment, then back at him.

"Y Ddraig Goch" Ianto pronounced it like …. [ə ˈðraiɡ ˈɡo]

"That's the word!" he pointed, "You know it?"

"It's Welsh. A Welsh Dragon." Ianto giggled as he watched Kara's eye light up.

"no!" she squealed, "Me? It's me, right? The red dragon!"

Ianto shrugged.

Guess so.