36

Connor and Em had arrived, wanting to get Bethy to Babbit as soon as possible and Babbit was happily cuddling with her on the sofa.

Em kept looking at his hair, knowing it must have broken Ianto's heart to lose the curls, let alone wee Babbit's.

Ianto currently had a wee baby, crooning as he fed Ifan a bottle and gushed softly.

"He doesn't look like a pirate" Babbit declared, patting Em's hand sympathetically.

"Time to grow into it" Ianto said softly and Babbit hummed softly.

"Right" Ianto said suddenly, "If you fellas are all here to watch the kids, then me and Em need to take our lovelies shopping."

"Oh!" Em said "Do we?"

"Yes, Babs wants some new clothes and Bethy needs some to match" Ianto said as he handed the baby reluctantly to Connor, "Shopping spree."

Babbit ran to get ready and came back with his white coat on and a red handbag from the dress up box on his arm.

"I need a new one of these" he said as he held up the bag, "I want a big one Berty can fit in please."

"OK" Ianto said calmly pulling his coat own coat on and they prepared to leave.

"Is it really ok?" Babbit hesitated and looked back at his Daddy, "If I get something girly?"

"Honey, you get whatever makes you feel happy" Jack smiled, "You are special and should feel it."

Babbit grinned and clapped as he ran for the door, "Me and Bethy want shoes too!"

Ianto took them to the mall and stood back as the two children cooed over shoes, clothes and Barbie dolls, handing over the credit card like a good Taddy.

Then came the scream as Babbit saw a display of gowns, running to the window and sighing theatrically, "Lovely."

"Let's go look" Ianto said softly, "I might get me one."

Em looked at him with shock as Babbit shot into the store and then screamed as a rack of child sized gowns were found.

Ianto watched as Bethy chose a blue one and a purple one called to Babbit. His little hands shook as he held the dress up and make gurgling noises.

"Go try them on then" Ianto said as he turned to find an adult sized one in a dark burgundy.

"You aren't really getting one too" Em hissed.

"Yep" Ianto said without turning around, "I've not got a new frock in ages!"

Em giggled as she watched Ianto flounce and preen theatrically like a Babbit, then gasped as Babbit walked out with a look of glee.

"Oh Babs" Ianto sighed.

Babbit had managed to find a head band to match and had his hair slicked back behind his ears, the purple gown flowing out as he stood with his fingers wriggling. He walked to a mirror and stared at himself, then burst into tears.

Ianto dropped the gown on the floor without a second thought, rushing to hold his baby.

"What is it love?" he asked as he held him from behind.

"Look Taddy" Babbit said as he pointed at the mirror. "Do you see?"

"I see my Babs" Ianto whispered.

Yeah" Babbit said with wonder.

"It's really me!"