Previous part of - Never Say Never.

***

The Doctor sat next to Jack's bed, humming tunelessly to himself. Ianto had been taken into the operating room an hour ago. The healers were keeping Jack in stasis until they could transfer the baby to Ianto's womb and then they would let his injuries follow their natural course.

"I can see why he's so important to you, Jack," he said. "In spite of everything he's seen and done, there's still so much hope in him. We need people like him, you and I. Of the two of us, you're the braver one though. I pick up people and spend a few months showing them the universe, then leave them behind. You, though, you went back to him - and stayed." The Doctor shook his head. "When I asked you to travel with me again, you know I would've let you bring him with us if you'd asked. But you didn't ask. You chose to stay and protect the Earth. I'm proud of you, Jack. You're a good man…"

His musings were interrupted by the ringing of Martha's old phone. It was just as well, these were things he really needed to tell Jack when the other man could hear them.

"Hello, Martha! Good to hear from you. How are things…"

"Don't you hello me, Doctor. I've been trying to get hold of Jack and Ianto for hours now, but neither one of them are answering their phones. What's going on?" Martha's tone reminded the Doctor forcibly of her mother, Francine, and he shuddered slightly in response.

"What makes you think anything is going on?" he protested. "They could just be busy."

"Doctor, I know Jack and Ianto. They may be on vacation, having a good time and all that, but they are both dedicated Torchwood agents. They would answer their phones if they could. Now, what. Is. Going. On?"

"We've run into a bit of a situation - well, I say we, but really it was Jack…not that I'm blaming him, he couldn't help it…"

"Doctor! I'm jumping out of my skin here, just tell me what happened," Martha demanded.

"An old enemy of Jack's from when he was a Time Agent found him and tried to kill him. No one knew, even Jack, but Jack is pregnant. So the healers are keeping him in stasis until they're done with the procedure that will allow Ianto to carry the baby. Ianto's in surgery right now."

Dead silence greeted his run-down of the facts.

"Martha? Are you still…"

"I'm here, I was just moving to a private area where I won't be overheard," Martha's voice came back on the line. "Doctor, how could you let this happen?"

"I didn't know Jack was pregnant, or that someone would try to kill him. What was I supposed to do once it happened? Stop Ianto from trying to save their unborn child when the technology is there to do something to save it?"

Martha sighed heavily, knowing the Time Lord was right. "No, I understand. Ianto would never just stand by if there was anything he could do to save the baby." She gave a small chuckle. "It's a good thing I knew about Jack's ability before this happened, otherwise I'd be in total shock right now. Gwen will be gob smacked."

"Are you going to tell her?" the Doctor asked.

"No way! I'll let Jack or Ianto explain this one. You better keep me posted on what‘s going on, Doctor."

"I will, Martha," the Doctor promised. "Everything is going to be just fine."

 

Ianto Jones had been in surgery for three hours. It happened just after the healers transferred the fetus from Jack into Ianto.

"Teaboy, you really get yourself into some strange situations, but this has got to be the strangest." A voice said.

"Owen?!" Ianto groaned. "Lovely, I‘m having a drug-induced dream and my subconscious chose you to haunt me."

"Could be worse, Teaboy. And how do you know you're dreaming? Maybe I'm really here and you can just see me because you're unconscious."

"If that was true, then where's Tosh? She'd be more likely to watch over me from beyond the grave than you would."

"I'm hurt, Ianto," Owen laughed. "You were like the little brother I never had, of course I'm going to watch out for you. Daft sod."

"Wanker. Do you know…" Ianto's voice trailed off.

"If the surgery is going to be a success?" Owen asked knowingly. "It all depends on the next few minutes, Ianto, so be strong. There's someone else that wants to talk to you though."

"Hello, Ianto," a soft voice spoke from behind him.

Ianto turned around in shock. "Lisa?!"

Alarms started going off in the operating room.

"His system is going into shock. We have to get him stabilized, or we're going to lose both of them…"

***

Jack's eyes snapped open and he sat up gasping. "Ianto?!"

A pair of hands grasped his shoulders, steadying him as he looked frantically around the room. "Easy, Jack, calm down."

Jack looked into the Doctor's concerned face. "Where am I? What…oh gods, the baby!"

The Doctor's eyes widened in surprise, "You knew you were pregnant? And you still put yourself in danger?"

Jack's eyes filled with tears, "No, I didn't know, Doctor. If I did I certainly wouldn't have…" He buried his face in his hands, shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs.

Remorse welled up in the Doctor as he watched his friend's grief. "Jack, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I know you wouldn't have done anything to hurt your baby." He shook his head. "Like I told Ianto, I'm rubbish at this comforting business."

"Ianto. Doctor, where is he? Did he…does he blame me, too?" Jack asked, dejected.

"No, oh no, Jack. Ianto doesn't blame you, not at all," the Time Lord hastened to reassure him.

"Then where is he?" Jack looked forlornly around the room, needing to see his lover - no, his partner and feel the reassurance of Ianto's arms.

"He's still in surgery, Jack," the Doctor replied softly.

Jack's eyes flew to the Doctor. "Surgery! Why? What happened? Was he injured?" He threw the blankets back and moved to stand up.

"He wasn't injured, Jack," the Doctor placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "The healers told us that they could save the baby by transferring it from your body to his. He was in surgery for two and a half hours having the modifications done that would allow him to carry the baby and they transferred the baby over about an hour ago."

Fresh tears tracked down Jack's face. He opened his mouth and then closed it again, not knowing what to say.

"He loves you very much, you know."

"I know," Jack whispered. "I don't deserve him. But, Doctor, I'm so glad that he's in my life. Have they given you any idea of how he's doing?"

"Not yet. When they brought you back, they said transplant was complete, but not if it was successful or what Ianto's status is."

"So we have to wait," Jack said flatly. He looked around the room, seeing his clothes on a chair next to the bed. Quickly getting dressed, he sat back down.

A soft smile crossed his face at the realization that he and Ianto were going to have a baby together. He chuckled. The Doctor looked at him questioningly.

"I was just wondering if we can find Ianto a maternity suit," Jack grinned.

The Time Lord laughed and shook his head. "Only you, Jack."

"Hey, Ianto is very particular about his clothes. His father was a master tailor, you know." Jack paused, a serious look coming over his face. "He's going to be all right, isn't he?"

"He'll be fine, Jack. Just keep thinking about how strong he is. Ianto is a survivor, hold onto that."

Jack stood up as Healer Nestad walked into the room. The Doctor thought he looked like a man braced for a firing squad.

"How is he?" Jack demanded.

"Mr. Jones is out of surgery. He is still under the effects of the anesthetic, but should be waking up soon," she explained.

"And the baby?"

"So far the transplant appears to have been successful. We will know for sure within the next few hours." She turned to Jack. "Captain Harkness, if you would like to sit with him, you may do so. In fact, it would be good for him to have someone he's close to with him. And I have the feeling it would do you good too."

Jack smiled and nodded. "Yes, thank you. Doctor?"

The Doctor shooed him away, "Go, go. You need to be with him."

Jack followed Healer Nestad down the short hallway to Ianto's room. His breath caught in his throat when he saw Ianto's pale face against the pillows.

Ignoring the healer, Jack sank down in the chair next to the bed. The blue eyes he loved so much were closed, dark lashes spread across his cheeks. Leaning forward, he gently kissed the smooth forehead, clasping the warm hand in both of his.

"Come back to me, Ianto. I need you and we have a baby to plan for. Please come back to me, Love."

***

"His system is going into shock. We have to get him stabilized, or we're going to lose both of them…"

"Lisa?!"

Owen faded away as Ianto pulled Lisa into his arms and inhaled the familiar scent of vanilla and sandalwood. His cheeks were wet with tears as he leaned back to look at her beautiful face.

"How…why?" Ianto stammered.

Lisa chuckled affectionately, running her hands over his face. "Oh, my wonderful, Ianto. We never really got to say goodbye, Yan, and I think you need to in order to fully move on with your life. So tell me everything that you've wanted to, but never got the chance to say."

Words tumbled out of Ianto‘s mouth. Things he‘d wanted, needed to say for over a year. "Oh, Lisa, I am so sorry that I couldn't save you. I've felt so guilty for so long that I survived and you didn't. It should've been me, it should've always been me. I loved you so much, but I was so angry at you. I told you the ghosts weren't safe, but you just had to see what was going on. If you'd listened to me, you would've hidden and you wouldn't have died that day at Canary Wharf. I knew. Deep down I knew it wasn't you that I pulled out of that conversion unit, but I couldn't stop trying to save you. Then the cyberman escaped and still I couldn't bring myself to end it. After, I was so ashamed of what I'd done. It almost broke me."

"But it didn't, Ianto. You didn't let it break you. You survived and built a new life for yourself, with Jack. And you need to be strong and survive again, for him. Jack and the baby, they both need you. He loves you, Ianto. I'm so glad you found someone that makes you happy. So fight for them, Ianto. Fight with all that Welsh stubbornness. Fight for the life that you both deserve."

Lisa cupped his cheek in her small hand and stood on her tiptoes to press a kiss to Ianto's lips.

"It's time for you to back now. He's waiting for you. Go back to him and live your life to the fullest."

"I love you," Ianto whispered.

She smiled her beautiful smile. "I love you, too, Ianto. Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Lisa. Thank you."

 

"Please come back to me, Love," Jack pleaded.

Ianto's eyes opened to see Jack's dark head bent over the hand held between both of his.

"Jack."

Tear-filled blue eyes locked onto Ianto's face at the sound of his voice.

"Ianto…" Jack breathed. He leant forward, pressing a soft kiss to Ianto's lips. "I'm sorry. If I'd known, I wouldn't…" His voice broke and the tears spilled down his cheeks.

"Shhh, I know, Jack." Ianto gently wiped the tears away. "We didn't know it was possible, so why would you think you were pregnant?" He grinned mischievously. "Think we should sue the manufacturers of that ‘permanent' birth control?"

Jack burst out laughing. "Oh, Ianto, that's one of the many reasons I love you - your wicked sense of humor."

The blinding smile Ianto gave him made Jack aware of what he'd just said. A faint blush tinged his cheeks as he gave Ianto a crooked grin and shrugged. But his eyes were completely serious as he held Ianto's gaze.

"I may be a little slow on the uptake sometimes, but never doubt that I do love you, Ianto."

"I know that you daft sod, your actions showed it a hundred times a day without ever needing to say it," Ianto replied. "Nice to hear the words, though. And, for the record, I love you, too."

Jack placed another chaste kiss to Ianto's lips, only to pull back when the younger man tried to deepen it. His confused glance took in the slight glare in Ianto's eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Ianto rolled his eyes. "Jack, just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean that I'm suddenly made out of candy floss. You're not going to break me if you give me a proper kiss."

"You just woke up after being in surgery for almost four hours, Ianto."

"For an experienced time-traveler, I think you're forgetting what century we're in. If the healers were correct…" Ianto lifted the blankets and pulled up his shirt, showing Jack the lack of incision, or even scarring, on his pale skin. "Yep, gotta love advanced medical technology. Now get over here and snog me senseless."

Ianto scooted over and patted the bed beside him. Chuckling softly, Jack toed his shoes off. He climbed into the bed and gathered Ianto into his arms. When he captured his partner's lips, Jack kissed him with all the relief, passion and love in his heart

The Doctor smiled to himself and stepped away from the door, heading back down to the family area. It was about time those two admitted their feelings for each other - they were going to be parents, after all.

***

A week and a half later, Ianto was ready to shoot Jack just to get a few minutes of peace. He loved the man, but overprotective didn't begin to describe Jack's actions since Ianto had left the hospital.

Ok, so the healers had said no strenuous activity for two weeks. That did not mean he couldn't do things for himself. Except cook. The smell of food cooking made him throw up regardless of the time of day. And wasn't it supposed to be morning sickness?

"Christ, Jack, do you want to hold my dick for me when I piss, too?" Ianto exploded one afternoon. Jack had just offered to carry his book down the hall to the library for him. "What is this - secondary school? Next thing I know you'll be asking me to a dance and bringing me flowers!"

"Ianto, I…"

"Oh wait, no, it wouldn't be a dance, because that would be too taxing on my delicate condition, wouldn't it?" Ianto turned and walked away, muttering to himself.

Jack sighed. He knew the restrictions were driving Ianto up the wall. He also knew that he was going a little overboard with wanting to help, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. He'd almost lost Ianto -- again -- because of someone out of Jack's past-- again.

"Forgive me for being a little paranoid," he mumbled to himself.

"You know, most species see talking to yourself as a sign of insanity. Well, except for the Grunarien hermits of Stazle Two, they didn't have anyone but themselves to talk to since they were hermits. It's really sad their race died out over a millennia ago."

"I'm surprised they managed to survive at all if they didn't talk to each other," Jack replied.

"Hmmm…what?" the Doctor asked.

Jack shook his head. "Never mind. Where have you been the last few days?"

"Here and there," the Doctor said evasively.

"Be honest, Doctor," Jack smiled. "You've been hiding out."

The Time Lord grinned back. "Maybe just a little. Ianto's been a bit…testy lately."

"I've actually been thinking of something that may help a bit. I'm going to need your help, though…and possibly Martha's," Jack mused.

"You know all you have to do is ask, Jack," the Doctor replied.

"Well, as much as Ianto loves the TARDIS, I think he'd feel more comfortable someplace that is ours. Someplace he doesn't feel he's imposing."

"He's not imposing on me, I invited both of you to come with me," the Doctor protested.

"I know that, and so does he. But circumstances have changed somewhat and I think Ianto feels like we're keeping you here because he has to have the weekly hormone treatments. Ianto is far too polite to bring it up, but if we could come up with a good enough reason that you had to leave…" Jack shrugged.

"I see what you're getting at, Jack. Enter Martha and a reason for me to go back to Earth, while you two stay here." The Doctor nodded. "Yes, that just might work."

"Shall we go call Miss Jones?" Jack asked, grinning.

The Doctor nodded again and the two men walked off to call Martha and enlist her aid.

 

Ianto was in the library, ostensibly reading. But, if he was honest with himself, he knew it was closer to sulking. He wasn't the type of person that coped well with inactivity. Even when he'd been injured in the field, he'd been able to do things around the Hub or his flat to keep busy. Living on the TARDIS, there wasn't much for him to do besides read.

Jack had taken him out for a few short walks, but Ianto tired easily these days, so they couldn't go far from the TARDIS. The combination of tiredness, nausea and hormones rushing through his body was causing him to be very short-tempered. Sometimes he wished the TARDIS had windows, just so he could distract himself by people watching for a while.

Then there were the physical changes he was experiencing. At almost two months pregnant, he wasn't really showing yet, but he'd noticed a change in the way his trousers fit. There was a slight hardness to his belly that hadn't been there before. He was going to have to go through the TARDIS wardrobe to find some things that were more comfortable to wear as his waistline expanded.

Thankfully, he hadn't started to crave any particular foods yet. Other than coffee anyway, and he was pretty sure that craving came from deprivation rather than being pregnant. Ianto made a mental note to ask Healer Nestad if he could have an occasional cup the next time he went for the hormone therapy. Maybe it would improve his mood.

Jack walked into the library just as Ianto's mobile rang. Recognizing Martha's telephone number, Ianto grinned.

"Miss Jones, what a pleasant surprise," Ianto exclaimed.

"Mr. Jones, how's my favorite pregnant man?" Martha laughed. "You know this brings ‘avant garde' to a whole new level."

"You have no idea, Martha," Ianto intoned. "It's kind of like having the stomach flu permanently."

"Poor baby. Just think of all the advice you'll be able to give Gwen or I if we decide to have kids."

"I'm sure I'll have plenty of horror stories for you. Are you calling just to brighten my day or do you need help with something?"

"Both. I was wondering if you know of any information in the archives on S'uleran technology?" Martha knew there wasn't, she'd checked while on the telephone with Jack and the Doctor.

"S'uleran? No, it doesn't sound familiar. Why?" Ianto asked.

Jack looked questioningly at Ianto. "Is everything okay?"

"Don't know yet, Jack. Martha, what's going on?"

"A device came through the rift yesterday and it's emitting a low-level radiation that seems to be increasing. We've been able to identify that it's S'uleran, but nothing else," Martha replied.

The Doctor entered the library while Martha was talking and Jack asked him about the S'ulerans.

"Ianto, put her on speaker," he instructed.

After an extended discussion, Jack suggested that the Doctor return to Earth to check out the item.

"We can find a place to stay here while the Doctor is gone," he stated.

 

Later that evening, Jack and Ianto were lying in bed. Jack had found a small, furnished house that they could rent, close to the hospital. The Doctor was leaving for Earth in the morning, so this would be their last night on the TARDIS for awhile.

Jack was cuddled up next to Ianto, hand resting on the slight swell of his partner's stomach. Ianto's fingers threading gently through his hair. He started slightly at the sound of Ianto's drowsy voice.

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to, Jack Harkness."

Putting his best innocent look on his face, Jack looked up and said, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Uh-huh. If that's the way you want to play it. But I know better. And, Jack? Thank you," Ianto said softly.

Jack sighed. He should‘ve known Ianto would suss out the real reason for this. "I just want you to be as comfortable as possible, Ianto. And I know you've been concerned about imposing on the Doctor, even though you didn't say anything."

"Mmmm…Jack?" Ianto continued, "Do you think there are any bananas left in the kitchen?"

Jack's eyes widened in shock. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me!"

***

Jack watched in fascination as Ianto sat next to the window, happily munching on laver bread and drinking a banana shake. What made it entertaining, in much the same way as watching Britain's Got Talent was entertaining, was the fact that Ianto was dipping chunks of laver bread in a jar of horseradish. Jack shuddered - it was just wrong.

"I can't believe you actually found this, Jack," Ianto said, smiling at his partner.

"There's a small shop on the other side of the city that specializes in traditional British food," Jack explained. He continued without thinking, "They even had Haggis, if you fancied some."

Jack cursed to himself as he watched Ianto's face turn paper white. The younger man clapped a hand over his mouth and bolted for the bathroom. Jack followed and found his lover on his knees in front of the toilet, emptying the contents of his stomach.

"Bastard," Ianto gasped between heaves.

Turning the tap on, Jack held a flannel under the cold water before wringing it out and placing it on the back of Ianto's neck. He rubbed his hand up and down Ianto's back until the nausea subsided.

"I am so sorry, Ianto," Jack said, handing Ianto a glass of water. "I just didn't think."

"When you were pregnant before, did you get sick like this?" Ianto asked.

Jack ducked his head sheepishly. "Not like this, no. My stomach would be slightly upset in the mornings, but that's about it."

"That is so not fair," Ianto pouted, accepting Jack's hand to help him off the floor.

"I know," Jack kissed Ianto lightly on the forehead. "I'll try to be more thoughtful in the future. What time is your appointment with Healer Nestad?"

"In a couple of hours," Ianto replied, yawning widely.

Jack chuckled and guided his partner to the couch. "Lie down and rest until it's time to go, you look like you could use it."

"Will you lay down with me?" Ianto asked. He grinned at Jack, looking up coquettishly through his eye-lashes. "I'd really like to be held in your big, strong arms."

Laughing loudly, Jack picked up the remains of Ianto's lunch. "You are such a brat, Mr. Jones. But, yes, I'll lay down with you. Just let me put these in the kitchen first."

Settling down together on the large couch, Jack lay flat on his back with Ianto snuggled into his shoulder, lying half beside and half on top. Ianto buried his nose in the crook of Jack's neck, inhaling deeply.

"Mmmm, you smell delicious," Ianto murmured. "I love those 51st century pheromones of yours."

"I'm just glad they don't make you nauseous," Jack replied.

"Nope, not nauseous. Far from it." Ianto wriggled his hips slightly against Jack, letting the older man feel the effect the pheromones had on him.

Jack moaned as he felt Ianto's half hard cock rub against him. As worried as he'd been about Ianto, the last two weeks had been torture. Having his lover close to him and not able to do anything more than kiss.

"I am asking Healer Nestad if we can start having sex again. The combination of my heightened sense of smell, the hormones and your pheromones is driving me crazy," Ianto complained. "I want you, Jack."

"Let's keep our fingers crossed that she says yes," Jack replied. "Because I want you, too, Ianto. Now behave yourself and get some rest. If the answer is yes, you're going to need it!"

Ianto chuckled quietly. "You're going to be such a good dad."

"Do you really think so?" Jack asked, grinning widely. "You'll be a natural at it. Are you hoping for a girl or a boy?"

Ianto propped his chin on Jack's chest and looked thoughtfully at his partner. "Haven't really thought about it. Guess I've just been thinking that as long as it's healthy, I don't really care if it's a girl or a boy. What about you?"

"I always thought it would be fun to have a little boy, but I have to admit, the thought of a little girl with my eyes and your curls…" Jack shrugged. "Either way, I'm happy."

 

 

"Would you two like to see your baby?" Healer Nestad asked towards the end of the appointment.

Jack and Ianto looked at each other excitedly, anxious to see for themselves that the baby was okay and developing normally.

Smiling at the eager looks on their faces, the healer held a scanner over Ianto's abdomen, projecting a full-color, 3D image on the screen next to the examination table.

Ianto gasped as the image appeared on the screen. "Jack, look, it's our baby," he whispered in awe, his heart swelling with love for the little person growing inside of him.

When there was no answer from Jack, Ianto looked up to see his partner staring at the screen, tears filling his eyes.

"Jack…Cariad? Are you okay?" Ianto asked softly.

"Just look at the little eyes…" Jack murmured. "And arms and legs…it's beautiful." He looked down at Ianto. "We made that - together. A part of you and me, growing into a whole new person."

Jack leaned over and kissed Ianto gently on the lips. They broke apart and looked back at the image of their baby on the screen. Jack helped Ianto sit up, then sat down on the bed behind him, arms wrapped around Ianto's middle, hands resting on the slight swell of the baby.

Healer Nestad smiled at the sight of the two men who were so obviously in love. Her empathic nature told her that they were excited about the baby, found comfort in each other, and were anxious to resume having physical relations.

"Everything looks normal and exactly how it should," she told the parents-to-be. "Ianto, I'm lifting the restrictions on your activities. Listen to what your body tells you and don't push yourself too hard. I'll see you guys next week for the hormone therapy."

"Thank you, Healer Nestad," Ianto replied. "We'll see you next week."

They left the hospital and walked back to their small house. As they entered the door, Ianto looked at Jack and gave him a wicked grin.

"What?" Jack asked, smiling. "Is your body telling you something?"

"Yep. It's telling me that we need to get naked and fuck."

"Gods, yes! I love it when your body tells you things like that."

***

Ianto moved forward and pressed himself against Jack, rubbing against his lover's body suggestively. He dipped his head and licked a path from the base of Jack's neck to just behind his ear.

Jack shivered and cupped the firm cheeks of Ianto's arse, pulling him closer and grinding his erection against Ianto hardening cock.

"What do you want, Ianto?" Jack's voice was low and sultry.

Ianto's cheeks turned faintly pink. "I…" He shook his head.

Jack was intrigued, it had been a while since Ianto had blushed over something sexual. "What is it? Tell me, Ianto," he encouraged.

Ianto looked into Jack's eyes, almost drowning in the love and desire he saw.

"I want to suck you while you suck me, but I'm afraid…" he ducked his head in embarrassment. Jack's finger raised his chin, forcing him to look up.

"You're afraid that you might get sick again?" Jack asked. At Ianto's pained nod, he chuckled slightly and said, "We can take it slow. You control how much of me to take in your mouth and I'll warn you before I cum."

Ianto breathed a sigh of relief and captured Jack's lips for a fierce kiss. Moving together, they headed down the hallway to the bedroom, a trail of clothes littered behind them.

Reaching the bed, Jack laid Ianto back into the pillows and sat back to gaze at the sexy sight in front of him. Ianto was gorgeous in his suits, or jeans and a jumper, but this was the way Jack liked him best. Hair disheveled, skin flushed with passion, lips swollen and red from kisses - Jack's kisses. The knowledge that he was the only one that saw Ianto like this went straight to Jack's groin, making him even harder.

"Do you have any idea what it does to me when you look at me like that?" Ianto asked softly.

"Tell me," Jack entreated, his hands caressing Ianto‘s chest and stomach.

"My chest gets tight and my breaths get shallow. My pulse races. You make me feel desirable and cherished. I feel like I'm the only person in the universe that you want. You make me feel special."

"You are all those things, Ianto. Never let yourself feel otherwise," Jack said. He stretched out next to Ianto and took his lips in a possessive kiss. Trailing kisses down Ianto's throat and across his chest, he paused to gently bite the small, dark nipples.

Ianto gasped and clutched his hands in Jack's hair. "Please, Jack. Suck me. I want to feel your mouth on my cock."

Shifting so they were laying on their sides, Jack teased the head of Ianto's cock with his tongue, licking the pre-cum from the tip. He gasped as he felt Ianto do the same to him.

Ianto groaned at the taste of Jack on his tongue. Closing his lips around the engorged head, he sucked lightly, moving his mouth slowly down Jack's length. He wrapped his hand around the base of Jack's cock and stroked up to meet his lips.

Jack followed Ianto's lead, taking his lover's cock into his mouth to the root and hallowing his cheeks as he sucked hard. Ianto thrust forward as Jack pulled away. Grasping Ianto's hips in his hands, Jack held him still. Lashing the underside of Ianto's cock with his tongue, Jack took him deep into his throat again and again.

Continuing to work Jack's cock with his hand and mouth, Ianto used his other hand to reach under the pillow for lube. Pouring some on his fingers, he rubbed around Jack's puckered opening. Slipping one finger into the tight hole and moving it in and out.

Pulling back from Ianto, Jack moaned and murmured, "You don't play fair, Ianto."

Ianto added another finger and hummed his agreement around Jack's cock. His hips twitched forward as Jack took him back into his mouth. The moist heat and suction on his cock causing the rhythm of Ianto's hand and mouth to stutter a little.

Jack's hand cupped Ianto's balls, rolling them between his fingers as his head bobbed up and down Ianto's shaft. The slight tightening in Ianto's sac, and swelling of the cock in his mouth signalled that his lover was close. Jack sucked harder and began humming, sending vibrations through Ianto's cock, making the younger man lose control.

When Ianto felt his orgasm begin, he added a third finger in Jack and crooked his fingers to find Jack's prostate. Gasping and moaning around Jack's cock, Ianto pumped his fist harder, wanting to give Jack as much pleasure as he‘d just been given. Moving his mouth as far down Jack's cock as he dared, he sucked hard, messaging his partner's prostate with his fingers.

"Ianto," Jack gasped, "gods that feels good. I'm going to cum, Ianto."

Sucking hard one last time, Ianto moved his mouth off of Jack's cock, still not sure how his stomach would handle swallowing like he usually did. Stroking Jack inside and out with his hands, Ianto licked his lips as he watched the thick, pearly ropes begin to spurt across Jack's stomach. Needing to taste his lover's release, he opened his mouth and caught the last few drops on his tongue, humming happily when his stomach stayed calm.

Removing his fingers from Jack's arse, Ianto licked Jack‘s stomach clean. Loving the debauched pleasure on Ianto‘s face, Jack pulled the young man into his arms, covering Ianto's lips with his own. Immediately deepening the kiss so their tastes mingled on their tongues.

Pulling away breathlessly, Ianto collapsed onto Jack. They lay in a tangled heap on the bed, waiting for their racing hearts to slow and bodies to cool down.

Jack smiled to himself when he heard a soft snore from Ianto. Pressing an affectionate kiss to the top of Ianto‘s head, Jack maneuvered them under the covers. Tucking the blankets in to make sure Ianto didn't get chilled, Jack settled back onto the pillows. He held Ianto close in his arms and drifted to sleep with a contented smile on his face.

***

Ianto sighed as he read the text message from Gwen.

When are you and Jack coming home?

They were going to have to tell Gwen what was happening, but it wasn't a conversation he was looking forward to having over the telephone. Every time he'd imagined it, the call had ended with his eardrums shattered from the shrieks.

Startled out of his musings by a knock at the door, Ianto set his mobile next to the plate of laver bread and went to see who it was. A wide grin crossed his face at the sight of the Doctor standing on the doorstep with a large shopping bag in one hand and a brightly wrapped gift in the other.

"Doctor, come in," Ianto invited. "It's only been three weeks. We didn't expect to see you back so soon."

The Doctor laughed. "Martha thought you could use some of the comforts of home and she wanted to be the first to get you a gift for the baby," he replied, handing Ianto the items he'd carried with him.

Ianto set the gift to one side to open later with Jack and started digging into the shopping bag. He exclaimed happily at the bag of special roast coffee beans. Healer Nestad had told him on his last visit that a cup or two of coffee a day wouldn't harm the baby, but he hadn't found any coffee on this planet that was worth drinking.

Inhaling the rich aroma of the beans, Ianto set them aside and grabbed his mobile. He punched Martha's speed-dial number and waited for the call to connect.

"Ianto, everything okay?" Martha's voice sounded through the small speaker.

"Martha Jones, you are a goddess among women," Ianto exclaimed. "I love you and would offer to have your babies, but I'm never going to do this again!"

Her delighted laugh rang through the telephone. "I take it the Doctor arrived with your care package?"

"Oh, yeah," Ianto breathed. "Thank you so much, Martha."

"Hey, anything for my favorite pregnant man," Martha replied. "Have you opened the gift for the baby yet?"

"Baby? What baby? I thought you were talking to Ianto?"

Ianto rolled his eyes. The weevil was out of the sewers now and Jack wasn't even here to help him explain.

"Ianto?" Gwen's hesitant voice sounded in his ear. "Why is Martha asking you about a baby?"

"Gwen, hello!" Ianto shook his head when the Doctor doubled over laughing.

"Don't you ‘hello' me, Ianto Jones. Tell me what is going on," Gwen demanded.

Ianto sighed. "You know all those jokes Jack makes about being able to get pregnant?" he asked.

"Oh my God," she screeched. "Is Jack pregnant?"

Pulling the mobile away from his ear, Ianto replied, "Well, um, no, not anymore. I am."

"WHAT?!?"

Ianto winced, thankful his ear-drum wasn't damaged.

"Ianto…how is that possible? What happened?"

Jack came home while Ianto was explaining the situation to Gwen. When he realized who Ianto was talking to, he almost turned and walked back out the door. Ianto gave him a look that said if Jack left now, he'd better stay gone. Suitably chastened, Jack sat down on the couch and listened to Ianto's side of the conversation.

"Yes, Gwen, I'm fine," Ianto said. "Almost three months."

The Doctor's head snapped up, studying Ianto intently. Jack reached for the brightly wrapped package sitting on the table, only to have his hands slapped away by Ianto.

Putting his hand over the mouth-piece of the phone, Ianto said, "Jack, leave that alone. We'll open it together."

"Jack's there?" Gwen asked.

Grinning evilly, Ianto replied, "Yes, Gwen, he's right here. Would you like to speak to him?"

Glaring at his partner, Jack took the phone.

"Ianto, could you stand up for minute?" asked the Doctor.

Looking confused, Ianto stood up. The Time Lord crossed the room and reached out his hand.

"May I?" he asked, indicating Ianto's abdomen.

Nodding his assent, Ianto watched as the Doctor felt the bump that had been getting steadily more noticeable the past couple of weeks.

"Interesting," the Doctor mused. "Three months, you say?"

"Gwen, I have to go," Jack said, more interested in what the Time Lord was doing to Ianto. "We'll call you later," he said, hanging up the mobile.

"Doctor, is something wrong?"

***

"Doctor, is something wrong?" Jack asked.

"What? Oh, no. Well," the Doctor hesitated. "It's just that Ianto seems to be showing more than he should for being three months pregnant. I think."

"Jack?" Ianto looked worriedly at his partner.

"I don't know, Ianto," Jack replied. "I remember thinking that I got big fairly quickly, but it's been so long. Maybe men just show sooner than women do?" He pulled Ianto close and ran his hand gently over Ianto's belly. "We can ask Healer Nestad about it tomorrow, okay?"

Deciding not to worry about it until they talked to the healer the next day, Ianto sat back down to see what else Martha had sent.

"What did Gwen say?" Ianto asked, smirking.

Jack playfully glared at his partner. "Brat."

Ianto stuck his tongue out at Jack. "Wimp. I took the worst of it, you know. She was already over most of the shock when I handed you the mobile."

"She just told me that I'd better take good care of you or I would answer to her," Jack replied. He slanted a quizzical look towards Ianto. "What is it about you that makes everyone so protective?"

"My blinding good looks and cute arse," Ianto said straight faced. "They all want me. You're just jealous."

Jack laughed uproariously. "Oh, I love you, Ianto Jones. What's in the bag?"

"I know you do – I'm irresistible," Ianto replied. "Martha sent us a care package. Look, there's real coffee, a grinder, a cafetiere…I may have to marry her, Jack."

"Not if I get to her first," Jack exclaimed. He sent a pleading look Ianto's way. "Yan, coffee? Please?"

Ianto rolled his eyes at Jack's antics, but got up from the couch. He turned around and pointed a finger at his lover. "If you ever call me ‘Yan' again, Jack Harkness, you will be on Tesco's brand decaf for as long as I live," he shuddered. "I hate that nickname. Doctor, coffee or tea?"

"Tea, please," the Doctor replied, laughing at the look of terror on Jack's face. To be honest, the Time Lord had missed his two Companions. Ianto's dry wit and quiet intelligence were the perfect compliment to Jack's more flamboyant style. The affection and respect between the two was obvious, and the Doctor felt like part of a family again when he was around them.

"Ianto," Jack called. "What's in the present?"

Carrying the cups out on a tray, Ianto gave the Doctor his tea before settling down next to Jack. "How would I know, Jack? It's not open yet," he reasonably pointed out.

"Can we open it now?"

"Honestly, you're worse than a little kid," Ianto said laughing. "Yes, open it. Let's see what Martha sent."

Jack tore into the wrapping and opened the box. Inside was a white layette set with the red Welsh dragon embroidered on the items. Ianto picked up the shoes and held them in his hand.

"They're so small," he murmured, blue eyes shining softly.

Jack smiled at the wonder in Ianto's face and leaned over to kiss him, placing his hand on Ianto's abdomen. They sprang apart when they both felt a fluttery movement beneath Jack's hand.

"Jack! Did you feel…?" Ianto's eyes were wide.

"Yes, I did. That shouldn't be happening this early," Jack replied. "Doctor, what is going on here?"

They discussed the situation late into the night. Ianto fell asleep on the couch, head in Jack's lap. Jack and the Doctor came up with many theories, but until they could talk to Healer Nestad, they really had no idea what was happening.

 

"Your friend was correct, Captain Harkness, Mr. Jones," Healer Nestad stated. "The fetal growth rate has accelerated. Chronologically, Mr. Jones is three months pregnant, but developmentally, the fetus is closer to five months."

"But what is causing it?" Ianto asked.

"I don't know yet, Mr. Jones," Healer Nestad replied. "But I intend to find out," she said grimly. "I'll need blood samples from each of you to start testing."

"Will the accelerated growth cause any risks for Ianto?" Jack asked, tightening his grasp on Ianto's hand.

"There is the probability that Mr. Jones will experience muscle pain and cramping due to the accelerated growth. Your body won't have time to adjust to the growth like it normally would. Mr. Jones, we'll need to adjust your diet to accommodate the added demand for nutrients. A normal pregnancy causes stress on your heart and circulatory system. The accelerated rate of growth could place additional stresses on your system. Fortunately, you're young and in good health, but we'll watch your blood pressure and heart rhythms closely."

Both Ianto and Jack were silent, taking in all of the information. Ianto leaned back and rested his head on Jack's shoulder. He could feel the tenseness in his partner's body and knew Jack was worried, not only about the baby, but also for Ianto.

"Gentlemen, I know you're both concerned. I want to reassure you that, other than the accelerated growth, your baby is perfectly healthy. In fact, if you would like, I could tell you the baby's gender?"

They looked at each other questioningly. Jack could see the curiosity to know in Ianto's eyes, but there was also a strong desire to be surprised. Ianto could see the same feelings in Jack's eyes, and they made their decision. Ianto turned to Healer Nestad.

"No, we don't want to know. Thank you for giving us the choice."

They left the hospital complex after giving their blood samples and walked slowly home, discussing the possibilities.

"Do you think my immortality could have any effect on the accelerated growth?" Jack asked.

"I don't know, but if it did, why didn't the baby start growing faster while you were pregnant?" Ianto pointed out.

As they walked, neither man noticed the green-haired, grey-skinned figure shadowing them with hatred in its eyes.

***

Ianto stood in front of the mirror in nothing but his pajama bottoms.  He sighed as he ran his hand across his expanding waistline.  They still didn't know what was causing the accelerated growth.  Healer Nestad and the Doctor had been working on it for a week now and thought it was something to do with the hormone therapy Ianto was receiving, but needed to run more tests. 

 

Both Ianto and the baby were in good health.  He was the equivalent of 23 weeks pregnant and had really started to show.  He grinned as he felt a small push against his palm.

 

"Well, good morning, Sprout," he murmured.  "Did you decide it was play time with Tad?"  Laughing at the answering kick, Ianto sat down on the edge of the bed.  He continued talking softly while playing a bizarre game of tag with the baby.

 

Jack stood in the bedroom doorway watching his partner affectionately.   He surreptitiously opened his wrist strap and recorded the tender scene in front of him.

 

"Your daddy thinks he's being sneaky over there, but we see him, don't we?"

 

Laughing, Jack climbed onto the bed behind Ianto and wrapped his arms around the young man.

 

"Having a conversation with the sprout again, are you?" Jack asked.

 

"Yep.  Asking it to lay off tap-dancing on my bladder for awhile," Ianto replied.

 

Jack chuckled.  "Are you going to the university library again this afternoon?"

 

Ianto nodded, leaning back against his lover.  "Yeah, it's nice to get out and do something.  As nice as the time off is, I miss the busyness of the Hub."

 

"We're going to have to figure out a place for the baby while we're at work," Jack mused.

 

"And find a bigger place to live," Ianto added.

 

Jack looked startled at that idea.  Ianto gave him an amused look.

 

"What were you thinking, Jack?  That we could all live at the Hub?"

 

"No.  I…I hadn't really thought about that part yet," Jack admitted. 

 

Ianto sat up.  "Jack, we've basically been living together since you came back from traveling with the Doctor.  We're having a child together.  Don't you want to…?" he frowned.

 

"Yes.  Ianto, yes," Jack cupped Ianto's cheek.  "I want to move into a place of our own and be a family.  It just caught me off guard.  I haven't done domestic for over a hundred years."

 

"Domesticity has its benefits," Ianto said, leaning forward and kissing Jack intently.  He pushed the older man back on the bed and straddled his hips.  Ianto huffed in annoyance when his belly wouldn't let him get as close to Jack as he wanted.

 

"Are you sure you're up for this," Jack asked softly. "With things changing so fast in there, I don't want you to hurt yourself."

 

Ianto braced his hands on either side of Jack's head, and leaned awkwardly over to brush a kiss over his lips. "Hormones and pheromones are driving me crazy. If I don't do something, I'm likely to go mad."

 

Jack's grin was brilliant. "Then let's get you more comfortable. On your back. Now."

 

Ianto shivered at the possessive note in Jack's voice, and carefully slid off to rest on his side. Jack pushed him gently until he was on his back, his hands tracing patterns down across Ianto's chest and extended stomach.

 

"Have I told you how hot you make me? Just looking at you like this."

 

A low groan slipped from Jack and he bent his head to suck hard on Ianto's nipple. Threading his fingers through Jack's hair, he fought his body, unsure of if he wanted Jack to do more, or pull him off.

 

"You're killing me," Ianto moaned.

 

"I somehow think you'll survive."

 

Then, Jack was on the move. He licked and nipped his way down Ianto's body, pausing to pay special attention to rise of Ianto's stomach, before he hooked his fingers in the band of the pajama bottoms, tugging them down.

 

Jack's hot breath ghosted over Ianto's cock, causing him to shudder and clutch at the sheets in a desperate attempt to stop him from bucking off the bed. But it was the feel of Jack's tongue tracing a circle around the tip of his cock that drove all reason from his mind.  The velvet heat of Jack's mouth quickly engulfed him, and Ianto was no longer able to think.

 

"Fuck, Jack. Won't…last…with you doing that."

 

The affirmative hum from Jack was followed by the click of the lube bottle being opened, and a moment later, the wet press of Jack's finger against him. Ianto's body ran on impulse and learned response. His hips pulsed in a steady rhythm as he fucked himself on Jack's finger. Ianto tried to relax his body, but he couldn't quite loosen his grip on Jack's hair, as his partner increased the tempo of his sucking.

 

"Oh, god. Jack. Going to come."

 

For one blissed out moment, Ianto thought that his orgasm would be too much for the baby to handle, before all coherent thought was driven from his mind. Pleasure rolled through him in waves as he felt Jack swallow him down. With a gasp, Ianto relaxed back on the bed, willing the world to stop spinning.

 

The intensity of his orgasm was probably why he didn't notice Jack's actions at first. The bed shook, a slow steady rhythm that felt, odd. When Ianto opened his eyes, he felt another unexpected bolt of lust shoot through him.

 

Jack was on his knees, staring down at Ianto as he frantically worked his hand over his cock. He wanted to move, help him find his pleasure, but there was something in Jack's eyes that stopped him. Intensity he'd only seen a few times before. Ianto swallowed hard, knew there was at least one thing he could do to help. Talk.

 

"Fuck, Jack. Yes. Do you know how unbelievably hot you look like that? Doing that. Come for me. Come on me. Now!"

 

Jack threw his head back and cried out, his come shooting across Ianto's stomach. It looked like Jack's body seized for a moment, before he finally collapsed in a heap beside Ianto.

 

Neither man spoke. It wasn't until Jack shifted and placed a single kiss on Ianto's belly that the younger man finally understood. Knew just how important this baby was.

 

Jack looked up at him and smiled. "Let me get you cleaned up."

 

 

 

Ianto walked slowly down the street, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.  Their days had fallen into a sort of routine lately.  Mornings were lazy, just enjoying their time together.  After lunch, Ianto would walk to the library while Jack wandered the bazaar looking for tech that they could use when they returned to Torchwood.  They would meet at the Villengard café for dinner, the Doctor often joining them.

 

Tonight would be just Jack and Ianto, as the Doctor was making a quick trip back to Earth to pick up some of Ianto's stockpiled blood.  Healer Nestad had said that a sample of his blood from before they started the hormone therapy could give them some answers on why the fetal development was accelerated.

 

Ianto was taking a shortcut through an alley when he heard someone come up behind him.  Before he could turn around, a cloth was clamped tightly against his nose and mouth.  His legs went weak and his vision blurred.  As darkness descended, he glimpsed a familiar face with grey skin, green hair and purple eyes.

 

"You," he whispered weakly and then unconsciousness claimed him.

 

 

Jack was starting to get worried.  He was sitting at their usual table in the café, but Ianto was over half an hour late meeting him.  Just as he was getting up to start searching for his pregnant partner one of the servers came up and offered him a sealed letter.

 

Opening it, Jack's heart sank at the words he read:

 

Time Agent –

You will make your atrocity against my family right.  If you do not do exactly what I want, you will never see your mate or your offspring again.  You have two days.

Jothan Akribos

 

"Shit," Jack swore, pulling his mobile phone out and dialing the Doctor.  "Doctor, you need to get back here right away.  Ianto has been kidnapped!"

***

Jack was pacing. Eight hours had passed since he'd called the Doctor. He couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, couldn't do anything except pace and worry. Jack wanted to be out searching for Ianto, but he knew he had a better chance if he waited for the Doctor. He'd tried to call Ianto's mobile phone, knowing his lover kept it with him at all times. Tried to scan for the signal with his wrist strap. Wherever Akribos was keeping Ianto, it was either well shielded or out of range.

Akribos. Just the name made Jack's head fill with thoughts of flames, blood and extreme amounts of pain. If the alien thought that Jack would just quietly give in to his demands, then he was very mistaken. Jack wasn't going to just let this go. If Ianto was hurt in anyway…

Ianto. Jack's mind filled with images of the young man that had become so important to him. Blue eyes laughing down at him in an abandoned warehouse. Long fingers wrapped around a coffee cup. Damp curls lying against his shoulder. Heated nights of passion. Days filled with teasing. Bravery. Loyalty. Love.

Jack collapsed onto the couch, face in his hands. Tears pressed against his eyelids, but he refused to let them fall. He needed to be strong and focused for Ianto and their baby.

He'd never expected to be a father again. Losing the baby he'd carried had almost destroyed him. Then, later, before he'd realized he couldn't die, there was Ellen. His sweet Ellen. She'd been heavily pregnant when they'd landed at Ellis Island. Jack had been shot and by the time he'd come back to life and found them again, Ellen had died in childbirth along with their baby. He couldn't bear going through that again.

Lost in his thoughts, Jack flinched when a knock sounded at the door. Rushing over, he opened the door to berate the Doctor for taking so long.

"It's about time you got here, Doctor! What took…" he stared at the figures following the Time Lord into the house. "Martha, Gwen, what the hell are you two doing here?"

"Martha is here to help the healers find out what is causing the acceleration of the baby's development and I'm here to help you find Ianto," Gwen replied calmly.

Jack looked at the Doctor, who shrugged and managed to look both sheepish and henpecked at the same time. Jack grinned tiredly. The Doctor hadn't stood a chance with both Martha and Gwen determined to help.

"Thank you," he said simply, enfolding both women in a tight hug.

"Ianto is one of my best friends, Jack. I have to help find him," Gwen stated.

Jack stepped back and rubbed his hands over his face. The Doctor put his hand on Jack's shoulder and guided him to sit on the couch.

"Tell us what happened," he said gently.

"Akribos," Jack replied. "I should've known we hadn't seen the last of him. Ianto went to the university library this afternoon and we were meeting for dinner at the café. He didn't show up. This was delivered to me instead." Jack handed the note to the Doctor. "I should never have let Ianto go off on his own like that."

"Jack, don't do this to yourself," Martha said. "Ianto is a grown man, fully capable of taking care of himself."

"He's also very independent with a stubborn streak a mile wide," Gwen reminded him. "If you tried to treat him like a child, he'd probably deck you."

Chuckling weakly, Jack admitted that they were right. If there was one thing he knew about Ianto, it was to never underestimate the young man.

The Doctor looked up from Jothan's note. "Jack, you know you can't do what he wants."

"I know," Jack replied. "We'll just have to find where he's keeping Ianto and rescue him, before the time limit is up. I'll do whatever it takes to get Ianto and our baby back safely." He paused. "And then Akribos is going to pay."

"Jack, revenge is what caused this whole situation to begin with," the Doctor warned. "Violence doesn't solve anything."

Shooting the Time Lord a dark look, Jack replied, "You're wrong, Doctor. In this case violence ensures the safety of my family. If Jothan Akribos is allowed to live, he will never let us alone. If you don't like it, you don't have to be there. But I am not having my family live in fear just because you think everything can be solved peacefully. Some things can't and you know it."

The Doctor blinked in shock. Jack had never told him he was wrong before. In fact, the captain had always gone along with everything the Time Lord said, even if it ended up getting Jack killed. Looking at his Companion, the Doctor saw the depth of his devotion towards Ianto and their baby, the determination to keep them safe, even at the risk of angering his oldest friend.

"You're right, Jack," the Doctor admitted. "Some things can't be solved peacefully. But that doesn't mean that we can't try."

Martha retreated to the small kitchen and started to make tea for everyone, not wanting to get in the middle of the argument.

Gwen jumped in with both feet. "Bollocks!"

"What?" Both Jack and the Doctor exclaimed.

"You heard me," Gwen answered. "All of this is bollocks if we don't find Ianto first. So I suggest we get busy and start looking for him."

Jack reached over and squeezed Gwen's hand, his eyes conveying his thanks for getting them back on track. Her gap-toothed grin flashed across her face.

"Honestly, Ianto would've slapped you upside the head by now," she teased, shaking her head.

"Or quietly solved the problem while you two sat around arguing," Martha agreed, handing out cups of tea to everyone.

"Right. Let's find our Mr. Jones. Jack, what have you tried already so we aren't duplicating your efforts?" the Doctor queried.

"Just the basics," Jack replied. "I tried calling his mobile and using my wrist strap to scan for him. No luck, though. Either Akribos is keeping him somewhere that's shielded, or they are out of range." Jack fought to control the panic rising in him at the thought of Ianto, pregnant and alone, at the mercy of that lunatic.

"Okay, then. Let's get back to the TARDIS and see if she can find Ianto."

***

Next part of - Never Say Never.