1

Ianto opened the front door and smiled as he stepped aside to let Idris in, then hesitated as he went to close the door only to open it wide once more to let his Grandfather enter behind Idris. He was accepting their coats silently when a voice rang out from the other room.

"Grandy!" Enzo yelled, alerting the other two and Dylan yodelled as he and Carley also raced for the old man who was gracefully lowering himself to his knees for the arms full of children that were incoming.

"I'm gonna have a party" Dylan said with glee, "It's Carley's birthday and I need help! Do you know how to do a girly cake? Taddy does awesome boy ones but I need a girly one for Sissy."

"Well, good thing I am here then" John smiled softly as he rose and followed the children to the day room where they were making invitations. Idris considered, and then followed as well.

Ianto watched them go and returned to the kitchen, his nervous habit of cutting carrots beginning to show as Jack settled to watch. "You OK?"

Ianto grunted, the tense feeling still there even though he was trying to accept this man back into his world, even if only for the children. Well, that's what he said, would tell anyone. For the children. Jack was seeing the raw need there, hoped soon Ianto could forgive enough to allow the old man some comfort as he clearly itched to hug Ianto and beg forgiveness.

"So, did Dylan ring him then?" Jack finally asked.

"Enzo did" Ianto sighed, "He is fascinated by him and his wide lapels. Seems he feels it's a bit gangster to have a Grandy. He sees the old man, not the strong enforcer he once was."

"Where as you see the one he was, not the old man?"

"I am trying Cariad" Ianto grimaced as he looked up at him through his lashes, "I am trying, I swear."

"I know love" Jack nodded, "I know you are. A lot of things to consider, forgive and file away. I know how your mind works, all those memoires and past hurts still there in a big pile in the corner. You have to filter, sort and assign. I know."

"The children are excited, they do not have the luxury of memories. Maybe if I try to see things as they do. This is a different man to what he was, this is a new relationship?"Ianto surmised.

"Thank you Yani" John said from the doorway, "Would you really?"

"For you … I will try but its Ianto" Ianto grimaced as he glanced over, "I cannot promise there will not be pouting and muttering at times but… for the babans I can try."

"I know I have making up to do, I was a fool to my pride. If you can give me a chance, I will try to be more down to earth. More accessible" John promised and then looked down with delight as a little hand patted his hip and he lifted the little girl to his hip for a kiss careful not to crush the fluffy skirts.

Ianto smiled as he watched her preen happily, showing John her little bracelet Dylan had made for her at school with some beads "She likes pretty bling, don't you Queenie."

"Yeash"

"Well I shall remember that for your birthday coming up, something little and shiny eh?" he crooned as she looked up at him and considered.

"Grandy?"

Yes darling?"

"You?"

"Me?"

"She means to say that she wants you, not some bling" Ianto said as he busied himself with some peas that needed shelling urgently apparently, "She wants to see you more. She likes men, is interested in their affection. Feels safe with them."

"Like your mother"

Ianto's hands stalled, then Ianto looked up and John realised a moment too late that he had been misunderstood. Damn, he had told himself not to mention her.

"I mean to say, as a little bit she wanted cuddles and attention. Was never one for dancing about with the other little girls with ribbons. Wanted to know the real conversation." He said quickly. "She was so forward and clever."

"Well, I can see that" Ianto relaxed, "She was a clever one, I have her quick mind after all."

"And her eyes" John sighed as he cuddled the little girl, "So piercing, seeing my soul."

"Ah" Ianto glanced up, "finally willing to admit you have one?"

John blinked and then laughed as he realised Ianto was playing with him. Still a steel trap then. He looked at the pretty little girl with her gem-like eyes and smiled as he saw how easily it was to love a little one like this.

He glanced at Ianto who was turned away; his back bowed and remembered the little boy who once held his arms out as well.

Damn, he had dropped the ball.