Fic: Weird Creatures - Part 4-5
Title: Weird Creatures - Part 4-5
Author: badly_knitted
Characters: Ianto, Jack, Tosh, Owen, Gwen, OFC, and Whooping Snakes.
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Nada.
Summary: Ianto seeks advice from a friend.
Word Count: 1721
Disclaimer: I don’t own Torchwood, or the characters. I don’t own Whooping Snakes either, sadly.
Previous Part
As everyone got back to work, Gwen snatching a pile of files from her desk and disappearing up to the Tourist Office, Ianto busied himself clearing away the remains of lunch, putting leftovers in the fridge, bagging up the empty cartons to be disposed of, and washing mugs so they’d be ready and waiting for the mid-afternoon coffee round. Before he took the rubbish bag downstairs, he counted snakes, just to be safe. One… Two… Three… All present and correct. Assured that no curious snake had accidentally got itself gathered up with the rubbish, he headed downstairs to throw the bag in the incinerator.
When he came back up to the main Hub a few minutes later, he counted snakes again, gratified to find there were still the right number. Noses tucked down among their coils, and their eyes closed, they seemed to be napping in the warmth provided by the lamp, well fed and, at least for the moment, content to stay where they were. Leaving them in peace, he made his way to Tosh’s workstation.
“Tosh? I hate to ask, I know how busy you are, but do you think you could keep an eye on the snakes for a bit? I’m not sure I trust anyone else, and I need to run a few errands.”
“No problem.” Tosh smiled up at her friend. “Are they all in the kitchen?”
“They were a couple of minutes ago; just don’t expect himself to stay there. Bit of an explorer, that one.”
“I noticed. You know, since we’re keeping them, you really ought to give them names.”
Ianto blushed slightly. “Already did: Winky, Blinky, and Rover. No prizes for guessing which is which.”
Tosh giggled. “This is why you’re the official namer of things; you always come up with the perfect name.”
“Not sure anyone else would agree with you.” Ianto smiled wryly. “I’ll try not to be gone too long.”
“Take as long as you need to. I don’t mind being on snake watch. They’re sweet.”
“Thanks, I’ll make it up to you.”
“There’s no need for that. Helping each other is what friends do.”
“Nevertheless, I’ll bring you back something nice. Any preference?”
“Surprise me.”
“Thought I already did that with the snakes.” Ianto raised an eyebrow.
“That was rather a surprise, but a good one.”
“Nice to know I’m not the only one who likes them. They don’t seem to be going down too well with the others.”
Tosh shrugged. “They just need to get used to having snakes about. I’m sure they’ll come around eventually.”
“I can only hope.” Leaving Tosh, Ianto headed for the underground garage, poking his head into Jack’s office on the way. “Just popping out for a bit; Tosh is keeping an eye on the snakes for me. Anything you need before I go?”
Jack glanced up from his paperwork. “No, I’m good.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far…” Ianto teased.
“Cheeky.” Jack flashed his famous smile. “I’ll show you how naughty I can be later.”
“As if you haven’t already done that, on numerous occasions.”
“You never know; I might surprise you.”
“I should be so lucky. Okay, I’d best be off. Sooner I leave, the sooner I’ll get back.” Ianto pushed away from the doorjamb.
“You’re picking up the drycleaning, right?”
“Top of my list,” Ianto assured his lover.
“Good. I miss the cute suit.”
Ianto snorted. “If you had your way, I’d be wearing it every day.”
“I wish. I’d buy you a dozen more just like it if I could. It fits you so perfectly.” There was a dreamy expression on Jack’s face.
“Flatterer. Wouldn’t it get a bit boring if I always wore the same thing?”
“Why? I do.”
“Yes, well, that doesn’t mean we both should. See you in a bit.”
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Anything goes then.” Ianto winked and continued on his way, leaving Jack laughing.
OoOoOoO
He took his personal car rather than the SUV, and made picking up the drycleaning his first priority, knowing his lover would only bitch about it if he didn’t. Anyone would think Jack was in danger of running out of clean clothes, as if Ianto would ever let that happen. Twenty minutes later, a selection of his own suits and Jack’s trousers safely stowed in the backseat, Ianto made his way to his next stop, parking the Audi in a convenient spot just down the street from the shop.
For several years now, Pet World had been his go to supplier for much of what the Hub’s various non-sentient residents required, whether that was food, bedding, accommodation, or entertainment. Today he was hoping to find something more comfortable as a temporary place of residence for the snakes than the cramped plastic containment box they currently called home.
Anne, the shop’s owner, looked up with a warm smile as he came in and headed towards him. “Ianto! Good to see you; it’s been a while. What can I help you with this time?”
“Afternoon, Anne. I’m in need of a dog basket, the biggest you’ve got.”
“Don’t tell me that partner of yours has brought home more strays,” Anne teased. “What is it this time, something large and furry?”
“Not sure you’d believe me if I told you.”
“Not something local then.” Anne had long since been made aware of the frequently non-terrestrial nature of the strays Ianto found himself caring for, and she’d proven tremendously helpful over the past couple of years in determining the best kinds of housing and habitat for some of the more bizarre species that had fallen through the Rift.
“No, I’m pretty sure they’re not from anywhere around here. Not even close.”
“Say no more. Well, let me show you the biggest dog beds I have in stock right now. If you need something bigger, I can order it, have it in for you tomorrow.” Anne led the way to the back of the shop where she showed Ianto several kinds, from traditional wickerwork, to moulded plastic, to large beanbag beds.
After some careful consideration he selected a large, oval blue plastic bed and a couple of cushioned, washable fleece liners to fit it. That would surely be much more comfortable than cold, hard plastic for the snakes to relax on. He paused at some glass tanks on his way to the checkout.
“Are these the biggest tanks you stock?” He hadn’t planned on buying anything other than the dog basket, but now he was here Ianto decided it might not be a bad idea to provide the snakes with a choice of accommodations. Reptiles were usually housed in a tank or some kind, a heated vivarium where the temperature could be more easily maintained at a suitable level for the inhabitants.
“I think I might have one larger one left; let me just check out the back.”
“Thank you.”
Anne paused. “Is it for fish or reptiles? Or shouldn’t I ask?”
“Reptiles. A trio of Whooping Snakes, to be exact.” Ianto kept his voice down so that the shop’s other customers wouldn’t overhear.
“Whooping Snakes?” Anne’s voice was similarly hushed.
Ianto nodded. “Snakes that go ‘Whoop’. Believe me, they are every bit as odd as they sound.”
“I can only imagine.”
“Maybe I’ll introduce you at some point.”
“I’d be fascinated to make their acquaintance.” Anne sounded thrilled at the prospect. “You’re aware that snakes, and other reptiles, need warmth?”
“Yes; I’m no reptile expert, but I do know that much. I’ve got them in a box by a radiator at present, under a heat lamp.” He decided not to mention that one of the snakes had a habit of wandering off to explore the cold, damp Hub.
“That’s a good start, but I’d suggest a heat pad to go under the tank. Each reptile species has its own individual environmental requirements; the pads are fitted with a thermostat, so you can set the temperature to suit whatever it is you’ve got. You’ll probably need to experiment a bit until you work out what your new residents are most comfortable with. If they seem sluggish, that usually means the temperature is too low.”
“I’ll bear that in mind, but they’ve been quite active so far, and they seem happy. If the whooping is anything to go by.”
“What about food for them?”
“Surprisingly enough, figuring out what they eat hasn’t been a problem; the only thing I’m not sure about is how often I should feed them.”
“Well, with younger, more active snakes, I’d recommend feeding twice a week. Larger snakes usually only need one meal a week. How big are yours?”
“I haven’t tried to measure them, but at a rough estimate, I’d say about three and a half feet. I have no idea how old they are though; they could be anything from newly hatched to fully grown, but they’re alert and quite active.” One of them was, anyway. The other two were proving less adventurous so far.
“Probably your best bet will be to offer them food when they seem hungry. And if they aren’t interested, try again later. It might take a bit of time and patience, but I’m sure you’ll work out a suitable feeding schedule for them.”
Ianto nodded. “I’m sure you’re right. Thanks, Anne. It’s good to know I can always count on you for expert advice, no matter what I find myself dealing with.”
“Anytime, Ianto, you know that. It’s all part of the service. If you have any problems, call me. Day or night, I don’t mind.” Animals were Anne’s life; she loved them all, furred, feathered, or scaled, and was dedicated to making sure owners had all the information they needed to care for their pets properly.
“Where would I be without you?”
“Perfectly fine, I’m sure. I know you, Ianto Jones.” Anne smiled fondly at him. “If I wasn’t here, you’d just go online or to the library, start researching, and figure things out by yourself. The creatures in your care don’t know how lucky they are. I wish all owners were as committed to their pets’ welfare as you are. Now, why don’t I find that tank for you? I’ll be right back.”
Ianto smiled back. “No rush. Let me know if you need an extra pair of hands.”
TBC in Part 5
Author: badly_knitted
Characters: Ianto, Jack, Tosh, Owen, Gwen, OFC, and Whooping Snakes.
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Nada.
Summary: Ianto seeks advice from a friend.
Word Count: 1721
Disclaimer: I don’t own Torchwood, or the characters. I don’t own Whooping Snakes either, sadly.
Previous Part
As everyone got back to work, Gwen snatching a pile of files from her desk and disappearing up to the Tourist Office, Ianto busied himself clearing away the remains of lunch, putting leftovers in the fridge, bagging up the empty cartons to be disposed of, and washing mugs so they’d be ready and waiting for the mid-afternoon coffee round. Before he took the rubbish bag downstairs, he counted snakes, just to be safe. One… Two… Three… All present and correct. Assured that no curious snake had accidentally got itself gathered up with the rubbish, he headed downstairs to throw the bag in the incinerator.
When he came back up to the main Hub a few minutes later, he counted snakes again, gratified to find there were still the right number. Noses tucked down among their coils, and their eyes closed, they seemed to be napping in the warmth provided by the lamp, well fed and, at least for the moment, content to stay where they were. Leaving them in peace, he made his way to Tosh’s workstation.
“Tosh? I hate to ask, I know how busy you are, but do you think you could keep an eye on the snakes for a bit? I’m not sure I trust anyone else, and I need to run a few errands.”
“No problem.” Tosh smiled up at her friend. “Are they all in the kitchen?”
“They were a couple of minutes ago; just don’t expect himself to stay there. Bit of an explorer, that one.”
“I noticed. You know, since we’re keeping them, you really ought to give them names.”
Ianto blushed slightly. “Already did: Winky, Blinky, and Rover. No prizes for guessing which is which.”
Tosh giggled. “This is why you’re the official namer of things; you always come up with the perfect name.”
“Not sure anyone else would agree with you.” Ianto smiled wryly. “I’ll try not to be gone too long.”
“Take as long as you need to. I don’t mind being on snake watch. They’re sweet.”
“Thanks, I’ll make it up to you.”
“There’s no need for that. Helping each other is what friends do.”
“Nevertheless, I’ll bring you back something nice. Any preference?”
“Surprise me.”
“Thought I already did that with the snakes.” Ianto raised an eyebrow.
“That was rather a surprise, but a good one.”
“Nice to know I’m not the only one who likes them. They don’t seem to be going down too well with the others.”
Tosh shrugged. “They just need to get used to having snakes about. I’m sure they’ll come around eventually.”
“I can only hope.” Leaving Tosh, Ianto headed for the underground garage, poking his head into Jack’s office on the way. “Just popping out for a bit; Tosh is keeping an eye on the snakes for me. Anything you need before I go?”
Jack glanced up from his paperwork. “No, I’m good.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far…” Ianto teased.
“Cheeky.” Jack flashed his famous smile. “I’ll show you how naughty I can be later.”
“As if you haven’t already done that, on numerous occasions.”
“You never know; I might surprise you.”
“I should be so lucky. Okay, I’d best be off. Sooner I leave, the sooner I’ll get back.” Ianto pushed away from the doorjamb.
“You’re picking up the drycleaning, right?”
“Top of my list,” Ianto assured his lover.
“Good. I miss the cute suit.”
Ianto snorted. “If you had your way, I’d be wearing it every day.”
“I wish. I’d buy you a dozen more just like it if I could. It fits you so perfectly.” There was a dreamy expression on Jack’s face.
“Flatterer. Wouldn’t it get a bit boring if I always wore the same thing?”
“Why? I do.”
“Yes, well, that doesn’t mean we both should. See you in a bit.”
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Anything goes then.” Ianto winked and continued on his way, leaving Jack laughing.
OoOoOoO
He took his personal car rather than the SUV, and made picking up the drycleaning his first priority, knowing his lover would only bitch about it if he didn’t. Anyone would think Jack was in danger of running out of clean clothes, as if Ianto would ever let that happen. Twenty minutes later, a selection of his own suits and Jack’s trousers safely stowed in the backseat, Ianto made his way to his next stop, parking the Audi in a convenient spot just down the street from the shop.
For several years now, Pet World had been his go to supplier for much of what the Hub’s various non-sentient residents required, whether that was food, bedding, accommodation, or entertainment. Today he was hoping to find something more comfortable as a temporary place of residence for the snakes than the cramped plastic containment box they currently called home.
Anne, the shop’s owner, looked up with a warm smile as he came in and headed towards him. “Ianto! Good to see you; it’s been a while. What can I help you with this time?”
“Afternoon, Anne. I’m in need of a dog basket, the biggest you’ve got.”
“Don’t tell me that partner of yours has brought home more strays,” Anne teased. “What is it this time, something large and furry?”
“Not sure you’d believe me if I told you.”
“Not something local then.” Anne had long since been made aware of the frequently non-terrestrial nature of the strays Ianto found himself caring for, and she’d proven tremendously helpful over the past couple of years in determining the best kinds of housing and habitat for some of the more bizarre species that had fallen through the Rift.
“No, I’m pretty sure they’re not from anywhere around here. Not even close.”
“Say no more. Well, let me show you the biggest dog beds I have in stock right now. If you need something bigger, I can order it, have it in for you tomorrow.” Anne led the way to the back of the shop where she showed Ianto several kinds, from traditional wickerwork, to moulded plastic, to large beanbag beds.
After some careful consideration he selected a large, oval blue plastic bed and a couple of cushioned, washable fleece liners to fit it. That would surely be much more comfortable than cold, hard plastic for the snakes to relax on. He paused at some glass tanks on his way to the checkout.
“Are these the biggest tanks you stock?” He hadn’t planned on buying anything other than the dog basket, but now he was here Ianto decided it might not be a bad idea to provide the snakes with a choice of accommodations. Reptiles were usually housed in a tank or some kind, a heated vivarium where the temperature could be more easily maintained at a suitable level for the inhabitants.
“I think I might have one larger one left; let me just check out the back.”
“Thank you.”
Anne paused. “Is it for fish or reptiles? Or shouldn’t I ask?”
“Reptiles. A trio of Whooping Snakes, to be exact.” Ianto kept his voice down so that the shop’s other customers wouldn’t overhear.
“Whooping Snakes?” Anne’s voice was similarly hushed.
Ianto nodded. “Snakes that go ‘Whoop’. Believe me, they are every bit as odd as they sound.”
“I can only imagine.”
“Maybe I’ll introduce you at some point.”
“I’d be fascinated to make their acquaintance.” Anne sounded thrilled at the prospect. “You’re aware that snakes, and other reptiles, need warmth?”
“Yes; I’m no reptile expert, but I do know that much. I’ve got them in a box by a radiator at present, under a heat lamp.” He decided not to mention that one of the snakes had a habit of wandering off to explore the cold, damp Hub.
“That’s a good start, but I’d suggest a heat pad to go under the tank. Each reptile species has its own individual environmental requirements; the pads are fitted with a thermostat, so you can set the temperature to suit whatever it is you’ve got. You’ll probably need to experiment a bit until you work out what your new residents are most comfortable with. If they seem sluggish, that usually means the temperature is too low.”
“I’ll bear that in mind, but they’ve been quite active so far, and they seem happy. If the whooping is anything to go by.”
“What about food for them?”
“Surprisingly enough, figuring out what they eat hasn’t been a problem; the only thing I’m not sure about is how often I should feed them.”
“Well, with younger, more active snakes, I’d recommend feeding twice a week. Larger snakes usually only need one meal a week. How big are yours?”
“I haven’t tried to measure them, but at a rough estimate, I’d say about three and a half feet. I have no idea how old they are though; they could be anything from newly hatched to fully grown, but they’re alert and quite active.” One of them was, anyway. The other two were proving less adventurous so far.
“Probably your best bet will be to offer them food when they seem hungry. And if they aren’t interested, try again later. It might take a bit of time and patience, but I’m sure you’ll work out a suitable feeding schedule for them.”
Ianto nodded. “I’m sure you’re right. Thanks, Anne. It’s good to know I can always count on you for expert advice, no matter what I find myself dealing with.”
“Anytime, Ianto, you know that. It’s all part of the service. If you have any problems, call me. Day or night, I don’t mind.” Animals were Anne’s life; she loved them all, furred, feathered, or scaled, and was dedicated to making sure owners had all the information they needed to care for their pets properly.
“Where would I be without you?”
“Perfectly fine, I’m sure. I know you, Ianto Jones.” Anne smiled fondly at him. “If I wasn’t here, you’d just go online or to the library, start researching, and figure things out by yourself. The creatures in your care don’t know how lucky they are. I wish all owners were as committed to their pets’ welfare as you are. Now, why don’t I find that tank for you? I’ll be right back.”
Ianto smiled back. “No rush. Let me know if you need an extra pair of hands.”
TBC in Part 5