11
Ianto knew he had two choices.
Either have the place renovated and then move in or move in and renovate around them. It was a no brainer.
Flynn roared with glee, followed by an equally excited Owen as they explored the house, Tosh and Gwen searching more sedately as Gwen pointed out the dry rot, damp and mould with that gentle patting of the arm to show that she was being helpful. Really.
She was about to start on the kitchen and Ianto smelt it in the air, swinging before she could say anything negative as he looked at Tosh, "Perfect, isn't it? I am not changing a thing! Maybe the pots but other than that, maybe the light fixtures. Some leadlight? Oh isn't it magical. Reminds me of me Grandma's place. I was still so little when she passed but I do remember the big shiny floors, so good for sliding along in me socks. Flynn is going to be a bugger on those stairs but I know Jack will be the main instigator in the inside sledding if I don't watch them."
Gwen's mouth closed as he glanced at her as if forgetting she was there, "And you and Rhys must come one evening once we are settled. A nice meal and then drinks by the fire. Have you seen that fireplace? You could roast a pig in there, god don't say that in front of Jack, I just got this image of him all stripped off, just his trousers as he leans in to turn the pig, his skin gleaming…oooo….gone all shivery now."
Tosh was fighting the giggles as Ianto gushed and flapped his hand in such a camp way that there was no mistaking the audience. Gwen's face starting to redden.
"I would show you me bedroom but…" Ianto leaned in with a soft blush and fluttering eyelashes, "We already christened it and I'm still savouring that…us…smell, Ya know?"
Then he giggled and flounced off as Gwen huffed softly, her knuckles white as Tosh struggled to follow the bloody diva.
"You are in a shit mood!" she scolded with giggles and snorts as she slapped at him.
"Did you see her face?" he hissed, "She is going to burst!"
"Did you really…christen it?"
Ianto's' face changed as he looked at her and softened to one of dreamy affection, "Oh yeah. We definitely warmed the bed. It was glorious."
"I am so happy for you" she smiled, then stepped back as a small child ran between them making beeping noises. Followed by a larger one who was making a growling noise. Then came the largest one, his arms flailing as he made weird screeching noises and then had to stop as he choked from laughter, then Owen looked back and poked his tongue before following Flynn around a corner so Jack started pursuing again.
"Well, someone's gonna put an eye out" Ianto sighed, "Bloody Muppets."
"I've never seen Jack this happy" Tosh smiled as she slid her hand inside Ianto's elbow, "Little Flynn is adorable too."
"I'm glad he's adapting to all of this" Ianto agreed, "A lot to take in for a wee guy. A new home, a new family member and I swear I head Jack promising him a dog earlier."
"Well it is a doggy kinda house. Imagine one sliding across the tiles and running on the spot" she goggled, "Just don't let Jack choose. He will come home with eight or nine."
Ianto's laugh was light and airy as he agreed and Jack listened with delight as he stood with Owen in a headlock, Flynn pulling on Owen's legs to help restrain him.
"I think he's happy" Jack said softly, "That sounds happy right? I do want to make him happy. He's had so little happiness in his life."
"He has me" Flynn said looking up at the handsome man and Jack smiled down at him.
"And hasn't he been lucky" Jack replied, "You are the bestest thing in his life and he told me that there were times all he wanted was a hug from you to make the whole world good again."
"Really" Flynn canted his head as he considered.
"Yeah."
Flynn smiled and took off, running through the house until he found Ianto and he threw his arms around him, the cast on his arm no hindrance to a good hug and Ianto crooned happily as he hugged him back, rubbing his little back as he whispered his affections.
So happy.
So loved.
Home.