7

They had implemented the sleepovers and the kids grew to love it. They saw it as a cool weekend getaway with toys, great food, and like-minded friends. It was an event everyone looked forward to, not just for the activities but for the camaraderie it fostered among the families. over the following months it became normalized.

"So, we have another couple of years before this is something we can't walk back," Jack said to the silhouette that seemed quieter these days. The figure, though not physically present, still managed to convey a sense of hesitation through the screen. "Dragon?"

"Nothing."

"No… what is it?"

"I have a feeling, one of my 'waters' feelings as my friends always put it. I just need this to be set and settled. I need things ready for the push."

"The push?" Jack's confusion was evident as he glanced around the room, seeking answers in the dimly lit space.

"The next Visitation."

Jack turned to look around the room with confusion, then answered, "In two years."

"Hmmmmm."

Owen set down the drink he had been about to sip from and turned to make eye contact with Andy, both men nodding as they quietly gathered their things to leave. They understood the gravity of the situation, the unspoken urgency in Ianto's tone.

In their haste, they did not realize Jack was leaving too. Jack's departure was not merely physical; it was an escape from the weight of the conversation, the looming uncertainty that had settled in the room. He needed time to process the implications of the 'push,' the next Visitation, and what it meant for all of them.

As Jack stepped outside, he was greeted by the crisp night air, a stark contrast to the warmth and tension inside. He took a deep breath, feeling the coolness fill his lungs, grounding him momentarily. The street was quiet, with only the faint sound of distant traffic and the occasional rustle of leaves. It was in these silent moments that Jack found a semblance of clarity, a brief respite from the complexities of their current situation.

Meanwhile, inside the apartment of Andy Davidson, the conversation continued in hushed tones. Owen and Andy, now alone, discussed the potential ramifications of the Visitation, their voices low and serious. They knew that preparations needed to be meticulous, every detail accounted for. The safety and well-being of their families depended on it. Into was being his usually freaky self but something was going on. Something different.

"I think we need to involve more people," Owen suggested, his brow furrowed in thought. "This isn't something we can handle on our own."

Andy nodded in agreement. "You're right. We need a plan, a solid strategy. And we need to start now."

Regardless, they had to move forward. The Visitation was inevitable, and they had to be ready. They spent the next few hours sketching out plans, identifying key individuals to involve, and mapping out potential scenarios. It was a daunting task, but one that they faced with determination and resolve. By the time they finished, the first light of dawn was creeping through the windows, a reminder of the relentless passage of time.

As the sun rose, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Owen and Andy felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew the road ahead would be challenging, fraught with unknowns, but they were ready to face it head-on. Together, they would ensure their families were protected, and they would navigate the complexities of the Visitation with unwavering resolve.

Ianto, too, felt a shift within himself. As he watched the sunrise, he realized that the answers he sought would come in time, and that he had to trust in the strength of their collective efforts. With renewed determination, he turned to rejoin Owen and Andy, ready to tackle the challenges that lay ahead.

The bonds between the three friends, forged through shared experiences and mutual support, would be their greatest asset in the coming months. And with each passing day, they would inch closer to being prepared for the Visitation, united in their purpose and unwavering in their resolve.

.

.

"What do you mean… one of your feelings in your waters" Andy was demanding as Ianto stood in the doorway of his apartment. The ability to call them to him was still strong, their bond. Unbreakable.

"I mean this is something that has to be like a Pavlov reaction when the call goes out" Ianto replied, then paled as he saw a familiar figure in the distance, storming along the street "Fuck… he followed you? You two fucking idiots didn't even take action for a tail before coming here?"

"We went back to mine for a few hours to lock in some ideas" Andy slowly turned to face Jack and swore softly.

Jack came to a stop at the bottom of the steps and looked up at Ianto with confusion, then at the two men "You know Ianto?"

"We are old friends. Are you following us? What the fuck? What do you mean… how do YOU know Ianto" Owen spat with venom "For fucksake man. The birthdays are coming up and we need to … you know… sort the celebrations for the kids."

"I wasn't following you, I was walking in the park and felt… a pull." Jack frowned "Almost like someone had called my name."

"Well, I don't know about your little fella but mine wants to have the party in the bunker, if you can believe that" Ianto laughed as he tried to hide his horror at finding Jack able to hear his gift calling "The drills are working and I think it would be good for each anniversary slash birthday party to be there."

"Yeah, my slug was talking about that the other day. Wants to combine again, even if your fella and Mimi are that little bit sooner. Would make sense." Owen repaid.

"Actually… I was thinking of the anniversary date. It's the weekend and means more friends can come that also can celebrate." Ianto said without blinking as Jack nodded his agreement, not realizing he was still being called to "Can Alice make it?"

"Actually… that sounds great!" Owen said with delight "You know… we could make it a sleep over thing, like a lock in."

"What I was thinking" Ianto nodded softly, his gaze falling on Jack "Seven. A big deal, they think they are not babies anymore."

"Well... I am sure these two will have an invitation for Ali soon enough. We can send out invites to all the Gifted offspring right? I will see you there" Jack smiled as he turned on his heel and walked away, even as he felt that abdominal tug telling him to stay, to go up those steps, to face him and… I don't know.

What if he rejected him.

Again, Jack was in a world of his own, thinking of the party and not of the fact those three knew one another so well and both men had been a step down from Ianto.

Like a sign of respect.