31

Ianto knew this wasn't his bed. Too bright.

He blearily blinked open his eyes and found Owen leaning over him with a stethoscope.

"Back with us then?" Owen huffed as he rucked Ianto in.

"Tarn" Ianto croaked, then coughed.

"Here. Drink this" Owen unceremoniously shoved a straw between his lips, "You were puking for a bit and your throat won't love you for it."

"Tarn" Ianto repeated, clearer this time.

"Scared, but fine" Owen assured him.

"Oh thank god" Ianto slumped into the bedding.

"What the hell were you thinking" CJ roared as he came into the room, "Tarn was almost killed by that thing. Jesus Taddy I …."

"That's enough!" Tarn barked and everyone jumped. "Leave him alone."

"Tarn's right Bug" Jack agreed as he slid past and walked over to the bed. "Containment seal broke. Could have happened anywhere, to anyone. We're just lucky it was in the archives, not in the back of the SUV in midday traffic."

Ianto smiled as he reached for Jack and Jack took his injured wrist, then kissed the bandage.

"M poor wounded soldier" Jack crooned and Ianto hummed with a loving smile.

"Tarn" Ianto reached for him with the other hand, "You did exactly what you were supposed to. You showed a lot of heart. Important thing to have in this place. I am so proud of you."

Tarn grinned as he accepted the praise and CJ sighed.

"Sorry Taddy" he pouted, "I didn't mean to go off on one, I just panicked."

"I know Buggy bum" Ianto smiled, "Come give me a cuddle."

CJ hurried over and pushed Jack out of the way as he clambered onto the bed and settled in Ianto's arms, sighing as he listened to his Taddy's strong heartbeat.

"It's OK darling" Ianto crooned, "I was scared too."

Ianto pulled Tarn until Tarn got the message and climbed onto the bed and enjoyed the hug as well.

"I love my boys" Ianto crooned, "My shiny stars."

Tarn basked in the adoration and looked at CJ who had his eyes closed as he also enjoyed the praise. Ianto's hand was rubbing circles in his back and he was humming like Ianto sometime does.

Don't be mad Cay-Jay" Tarn whispered, "I was so scared. Your Taddy was so brave."

CJ smiled and reached out to touch Tarn's face. "Sorry Tarnished Love."

Tarn smiled as he closed his eyes and listened to Ianto's heartbeat along with CJ. The melody of love soothing them.

"I was scared too" Jack pouted.

"Later Cariad" Ianto smiled over the heads of the boys, "You can kiss it better. I need lots of better though, it does hurt."

"Oh my poor baby" Jack crooned and Ianto smiled.

Just enough warmth, more than enough love for everyone to go around, just right.

"It could have taken you away" Tarn whispered as he held Ianto a bit tighter.

"But it didn't" Ianto assured him, "You saved us."