The Trick Is To Keep Breathing 12/?

[missthingsplace]

AU: When it all changes: Life, Love and Family in Torchwood. 
Title: The Trick Is To Keep Breathing
Author: missthingsplace
Parings/characters: Jack/Ianto, Gwen/Rhys, Andy, My OC's: Caden, Eloise, Dylan, Jenni, Claire, Chloe, Damien, Ianto's family.
Disclaimer: I don't own Torchwood or any of the characters ... unfortunately, just borrowing them for a while.
Summary: The Twins, Caden and Eloise are now 19 and working for Torchwood, a case comes up that would be perfect for them but their parents are reluctant to let them work on the field, especially Jack ... will his fear be founded?
Spoilers: Probably not, but you never know ...
Warnings: Mentions of abuse but no details.
Rating: NC17 for the series

“He looks like he's settled in already,” Rhys stated, spotting Scraps on his duvet bed in the living room, watching the newcomers warily.

“Despite him having been abandoned he seems to have been very well trained,” Ianto replied. “he went and stood by the back door when he needed to relieve himself and he can give his paw when asked. He is a little scared of strangers at first but once he realises you're not going to hurt him he relaxes.”

“He's got a gorgeous coat,” Gwen said, handing her coat to Ianto. “but so thin,”

“Not for long,” Jack interjected, appearing from the kitchen doorway.

“No, not for long,” Ianto agreed. “here Scraps, come on, say hello.”

Scraps moved from laying down to sitting up but stayed where he was. Ianto patted his hand on his leg and called him again encouragingly. This time the dog tilted his head to one side.

“We won't hurt you,” Gwen said softly, waking a couple of steps slowly towards him and crouching down with her hand reaching out palm up in front of her. “come on boy, good boy Scraps.”

Scraps got to his feet and moved slowly towards the woman, sniffing the tips of her fingers before going any closer and finally letting her stroke his head.

“Oh you poor dog,” Gwen said sadly, stroking her hand over his very prominent ribs. “who did this to you hey? Whoever it is should never be able to have another pet.”

Rhys joined her and offered his hand as his wife and and minutes later Scraps had got his ball from his bed and presented it to them. They took it in turns to roll it across the floor so the dog could chase it and each time he dropped it at their feet, happily wagging his tail.

“We should order the food,” Jack said to Ianto. “or they will be playing all night.”

“Good idea, I'm starving,” Ianto agreed, walking over to the other couple, this time picking the ball up himself when Scraps dropped it at their feet. “come on boy, playtime is over for now, on your bed.”

Scraps gave them a sad look but trotted off to his duvet and lay down, curling into a ball with his nose tucked under his tail. Ianto placed the ball next to him for later.

“We should all wash our hands before we eat,” Ianto stated. “but lets order first and get the ball rolling.”

They decided on several starters and main meals they could share and while Jack made the call to place the order for delivery the others headed off to wash their hands and sort out what they wanted to drink. Deciding on white wine Ianto pulled a bottle from the fridge, uncorked it and poured four glasses which they carried back through to the living room to sit and wait for their food.

“So, Torchwood the same as ever?” Gwen asked when they were seated.

“Never changes,” Ianto laughed.

“It's very quiet, where are the kids?” Rhys asked.

“Lizzie and Dylan are staying with Claire for a few days, Caden and Eloise are … working undercover,” Jack explained.

“Undercover? Well, I never thought I'd see they day you let them out in the field,” Gwen gasped.

“They made a good case as to why they were perfect for it,” Ianto said. “it involves the young adults and teenagers that have been found traumatised and abused around Cardiff.”

“You think aliens are involved?” Rhys asked.

“Andy heard a rumour and thought we should look into it,” Jack replied. “it would be bad enough if humans were involved but aliens? That's another matter, they could inflict all kinds of horrors on them depending on the species.”

“Jack was more than a little reluctant to let them into the field but they are the perfect age, Jack and I would never pass for young adults, let alone teenagers,” Ianto added.

“It wasn't an easy decision but obviously they have their telepathic link so they can always be in touch with one another and they both have comms to they can check in with us regularly.” Jack said. “they both posed as homeless teenagers and Eloise was picked up a couple of days ago, Caden this even which was how we came to have Scraps, Caden befriended him not long before the hostel found him.”

“I did wonder how you suddenly acquired a dog.” Gwen said. “But Jack, they are intelligent, good kids, they can take care of themselves.”

“I know, but as a parent who has worked for Torchwood would you let them work for us, out in the field without any worries?” Jack asked.

“No, I do understand completely,” she assured him, Rhys nodding in agreement.

“Has Eloise seen anything strange?” Gwen asked.

“Only that the hostel provides very well for the homeless, it's funds are from charity donations and she thought it very strange that the meals and the choice of them was very varied and plentiful” Ianto told her. “but of course it could just be an exception to the norm.”

“True, but I agree, it's worth investigating, even if only to rule an alien element out,” Gwen stated just as the front door bell rang.

“Food!” Jack grinned, grabbing his wallet and hurrying off to the front door.

“Shall we move to the dining room?” Ianto suggested. “it'll be easier to lay out the food of the dining table.”

“Sounds good to me,” Rhys agreed and they moved room, Jack following them in with two carrier bags full of food moments later.

“Two free bags of prawn crackers and a bottle of cola.” Jack grinned. “now, food time, I'm starving!

“Aren't we all.” Rhys laughed, helping to pull the lids off the food and place them on the table. Once all the tubs were ready they helped themselves to the dishes and enjoyed the rest of the evening with Jack and Ianto feeling like it was the first normal evening with friends they had had in a long time and at the end of it Scraps happily accepted the leftovers.

tbc